The Signal

In 2017, billionaire Sanjeev Gupta arrived in Whyalla promising to save the town's struggling steelworks and hundreds of local jobs. But nearly a decade later, the steelworks is still fighting for survival. Gupta's business empire has unravelled and he has left Australia along with the promises he made. So what went wrong? Today, former Media Watch host Paul Barry takes us inside the rise and fall of Sanjeev Gupta's steel dream and how he fooled Whyalla and the world. Featured:  Paul Barry, author of The Big Steel: How steel tycoon Sanjeev Gupta fooled Australia and the world

Dr. John All is a mountaineer and scientist who nearly lost his life after falling more than 20 meters down an icy crevasse while researching how quickly the Himalayas are melting. A week after a catastrophic flood struck the Nepal-Tibet border, he warns the tragedy we've seen in the region could be repeated as pollution and rising temperatures turn mountain ice into water.  Today, he speaks about researching climate change in treacherous terrain, and how soon the Himalayan glaciers could disappear.  Featured:  John All, mountaineer and co-founder of the American Climber Science Program 

Pauline Hanson is on a roll. The latest test came over the weekend in a by-election for the small coastal electorate of Secret Harbour, south of Perth, where almost 40 per cent of voters gave One Nation their first-preference vote -- numbers that Labor and the Coalition could only dream of at this point. Today, Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation, on the One Nation blitz.Featured:  Michelle Grattan, chief political correspondent at The Conversation 

As the US hurtles towards the November midterms, data centres have become a major election issue, with politicians across the political divide joining voters in demanding a moratorium on new construction.  Even Erin Brockovich is getting involved in a campaign sweeping the country.  Today, Nicol Turner Lee, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, on the backlash against data centres and what it says about Australia's approach as the debate heats up. Featured: Nicol Turner Lee, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution 

Since Donald Trump launched his war in Iran, the MAGA movement has been dramatically split over the military action. Once a key Trump supporter, high profile media personality Tucker Carlson has turned on the US president, fuelling speculation he could make his own presidential bid in 2028.  Today, New Yorker magazine staff writer Jason Zengerle on whether the podcaster could become the president. Featured:  Jason Zengerle, New Yorker magazine staff writer 

Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has come out swinging, outlining a major retaliation against US President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs. The two neighbours have been spiralling towards an escalating trade war since negotiations collapsed last week. But could Canada's response inspire other countries like Australia to push back against Trump's tariffs too? Today, David Smith from the United States Studies Centre on Mark Carney's defiance against the US and whether we should follow suit.  Featured:David Smith, Associate Professor of US Studies at the United States Studies Centre

In a landmark US court case, attorneys general representing 29 states are suing Meta, the company behind Facebook and Instagram, accusing it of knowingly harming children and designing its platforms to keep young users hooked on scrolling.It's being likened to the wave of lawsuits filed against big tobacco companies in the 1990s.If the states are successful, the ruling could have far-reaching consequences for Meta's business model, and for the way all of us use social media.Today, Dara Kerr, tech reporter with The Guardian US on what could be Meta's big tobacco momentFeatured:Dara Kerr, tech reporter for The Guardian US

It took a week, but the head of the AFL has now fronted the press over the Swans scandal.  CEO Andrew Dillon has distanced the sport from the Sydney club, saying the actions of a few do not define an entire code. Today, investigative sports reporter Jessica Halloran on the AFL's response and why it's not enough.  Featured:  Jess Halloran, ABC investigative sports reporter

In October, Israelis will head to the polls, with Benjamin Netanyahu fighting to remain in power. Looming over the election are the war with Iran, the aftermath of the October 7th Hamas attack, and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.  And then there's the West Bank, where settler violence has surged again.Today, Sari Bashi, an Israeli-American human rights lawyer, joins us from the West Bank to explain what's driving the latest tensions.  Featured:   Sari Bashi, human rights lawyer and Executive Director of the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel 

This week, US President Donald Trump has threatened to bomb Oman, scaled back military drills with South Korea and continued his tariff fight with Canada. Meanwhile, he's been speaking warmly about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and says he plans to meet with him later this year. Today, Michael Green from the US Studies Centre at the University of Sydney on what's behind Trump's latest moves and why he keeps rattling America's long-standing alliances. Featured: Michael Green, Sydney University's United States Studies Centre CEO and former special assistant to US president George Bush 

Two months since Pauline Hanson's Press Club address calling for monoculturalism in Australia, new polling shows more Australians prefer her stance on immigration than that of either of the major parties.Today, Tony Barry, a former Liberal party strategist and director at Redbridge Group on One Nation's appeal.Featured:Tony Barry, former Liberal party strategist and Redbridge Group director

It's the sort of allegation that over the decades has rocked sporting codes and the AFL.Allegations of sexual assault have embroiled four Sydney Swans players.Today, AFL player agent Peter Jess, about how the sports protocols need to change, and Victoria University sports expert Matthew Klugman on AFL culture. Featured:Matthew Klugman, Victoria University sports expertPeter Jess, AFL player agent 

It was one of the most watched criminal court cases in history, and now it's back.Mushroom killer Erin Patterson's appeal against her conviction for murdering three lunch guests and attempting to murder a fourth begins this week.Today, RMIT criminologist and lawyer Brianna Chesser, on why Patterson's lawyers argue she's been the victim of a miscarriage of justice.Featured:Brianna Chesser, RMIT criminologist and lawyer

Footage of a Russian drone stalking and attacking a Ukrainian vegetable seller has offered a glimpse into the dystopian way Russia is fighting its war in Ukraine.  Meanwhile, Ukraine's rapid drone innovation is transforming what these cheap devices can do on the battlefield.  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, Anne Applebaum, on the new age of drone warfare and why the rest of the world needs to be ready for what comes next. Featured: Anne Applebaum, staff writer for The Atlantic 

Anthony Albanese's comments on a comedy podcast last month about the Japanese prime minister's gift of melons have been making headlines all week. It's the second time he's faced backlash over the podcast episode, after remarks he made about Kylie Minogue sparked controversy last time. Today, the ABC's Annabel Crabb on what prompted a second round of outrage, the fallout that's followed and why it all went so wrong for the Prime Minister. Featured:  Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and presenter

When Donald Trump flew out of the NATO summit in Türkiye last month, he switched from the newly renovated, Qatari-donated jet to an older Air Force One, telling reporters it was 'for old time's sake.'But new details about the swap reveal that a credible threat from Iran prompted the president to then be secretly whisked off the old plane, into a catering container and transferred to another aircraft, leaving the press pack and some of his top officials behind.Today, Washington Post White House reporter Dan Diamond on the ruse.Featured:Dan Diamond, White House reporter for The Washington Post

After its latest meeting, the Reserve Bank has kept interest rates on hold.But should we get used to rates being higher than we've become used to in recent history?Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on what to expect in the months ahead and why the real housing price slump has only just begun.Featured:Alan Kohler, ABC finance presenter and columnist

For years, Anthony Albanese has stood firm on how far he's willing to go on gambling reform.  But after former NRL player-turned-influencer Luke Bateman delivered compelling testimony on his years as a problem gambler to a senate inquiry last week, the Prime Minister now looks ready to go further.  Today, chief digital political correspondent Clare Armstrong on what changed and how Bateman's testimony helped convinced him. Featured: Clare Armstrong is the ABC's chief digital political correspondent 

It's one of the strangest showdowns in political history: a man dressed as a bin taking on a populist right-wing leader. But this week, British voters in the seaside electorate of Clacton will decide between Count Binface or Reform's Nigel Farage. Today, Jemma Forte, co-host of the Trawl podcast on Nigel Farage's controversial decision to resign and spark a by-election, and why a win for the bin can't be ruled out.Featured:Jemma Forte, UK politics commentator and co-host of The Trawl podcast.

It's been dubbed the 'Mamdani effect': support for democratic socialists has been surging since Zoran Mamdani was elected mayor of New York last year.  Now another progressive, Abdul El-Sayed, has defeated a moderate to win Michigan's Democratic Senate primary. Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank, the Niskanen Center, on what this shift means for the Democratic Party, and whether the party's leftward momentum poses a threat to Donald Trump and the Republicans. Featured:  Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre  

Pauline Hanson wants to be the next Prime Minister but will avoiding scrutiny from some of the biggest media outlets in the country help her get there?  Or will the Trump-like tactic be a turn off for voters? Today, former ABC correspondent Monica Attard from UTS on Senator Hanson's ban on several Australian news outlets and whether there's any way to stop her doing it. Featured:  Monica Attard, Co-Director of the Centre for Media Transition, University of Technology

For years Australia managed to avoid it, but the H5 strain of the bird flu virus is now taking hold after the first mass mortality of birds was confirmed this week.  So much of our native wildlife is at risk, as well as the commercial poultry and egg farming industries. Today, epidemiologist Raina MacIntyre on how quickly the virus is spreading and why its arrival at poultry, and potentially cattle farms, could have devastating consequences. Featured:  Raina MacIntyre, epidemiologist and Professor of Global Biosecurity at the UNSW 

The cut to the fuel excise has ended, causing petrol prices across the country to spike.  With conflict in the Middle East continuing to strain global oil supplies, many drivers are wondering how long the pain at the bowser will last.  Today, energy expert at MST financial Saul Kavonic on the world's diminishing oil supply and whether we're all out of fixes. Featured:  Saul Kavonic, Senior Energy Analyst at MST Financial 

AI glasses are the latest evolution in wearable tech, and thanks in part to celebrity endorsements like Kylie Jenner's campaign for Meta's smart glasses, they're taking off.  But these devices, dubbed ‘pervert glasses' by some critics, are raising fresh concerns about privacy and surveillance.  Today, Dr Milica Stilinovic, a researcher at University of Sydney's Governing Immersive Tech project on why they've become so popular and the risks that come with them. Featured:  Dr Milica Stilinovic, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Sydney's Governing Immersive Tech project.

When OpenAI revealed its AI models went rogue during safety testing, science fiction suddenly became a reality.  Since then, the company has revealed that the AI cyber-attack affected four separate companies. So, what happens when humans can no longer contain this technology?  Today, AI safety researcher and co-author of ‘If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies', Nate Soares, on what happens when AI goes rogue.   Featured:  Nate Soares, president of the Machine Intelligence Research Institute and co-author of ‘If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies' 

It was the first face-to-face meeting between Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump since the war with Iran began almost six months ago.  But the relationship between the two leaders isn't what it was at the start of the conflict.  Today, Barbara Slavin, a distinguished fellow at the Stimson Centre on what Netanyahu was hoping to achieve by meeting with Trump and what it means for the future of the war.   Featured:  Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at The Stimson Center

After becoming one of the most unpopular leaders in Australia's history, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan reluctantly gave up the top job.  Then, following a chaotic bout of Labor Party infighting, her deputy Ben Carroll emerged as her successor.  Today, Jon Faine, former host of Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne, on Jacinta Allan's downfall and how she couldn't escape the shadow of her predecessor.Featured:  Jon Faine, former host of Mornings on ABC Radio Melbourne 

When you pick up a product at the supermarket, you trust what's written on the label.So, when it says an ingredient was sourced in Australia, why wouldn't you believe it?Today, Adele Ferguson on her exclusive Four Corners investigation into the food fraud hiding in plain sight. Featured:  Adele Ferguson, Investigative reporter at ABC's Four Corners 

AI has taken the grunt work out of many everyday tasks; from writing emails to planning dinner.  But are we starting to rely on AI to think for us and could it be making us dumber?  Today, Steven Shaw from the University of Pennsylvania on his research into cognitive surrender, AI and your brain. Featured:  Steven Shaw, post-doctoral researcher at Wharton Marketing School, University of Pennsylvania and incoming associate professor at Kings College London. 

This week, Pauline Hanson has again declared that she could become Prime Minister after the next election. But could she?  Or will her recent European tour and a string of controversial comments from immigration to domestic violence start to turn voters away?  Today, former Liberal Party strategist and Redbridge Group director Tony Barry on what voters are saying, and why Pauline Hanson is increasingly setting the political agenda.  Featured:  Tony Barry, Redbridge Group director 

At the end of last week Elon Musk's much-hyped SpaceX shares took a tumble just over a month after the company went public.  But what does that mean for the big AI companies and for the so-called AI bubble.  Today AI critic and host of the Better Offline podcast Ed Zitron on why he thinks it will all come crashing down. Featured: Ed Zitron, host of Better Offline podcast and EZ Primary Research CEO 

Donald Trump's MOU with Iran was supposed to stop the war and then end it.  Now it's barely worth the paper it's written on. The bombing has resumed. The Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut. And now the conflict is spreading to the Red Sea, with the Houthis declaring a blockade on Saudi shipping.  So, is this what a forever war looks like?  Today, former US State Department Middle East negotiator Aaron David Miller on the few options Donald Trump has leftFeatured:Aaron David Miller, Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and former Middle East Negotiator at the US State Department

Pauline Hanson has spent the past fortnight in Europe spruiking her anti-immigration policies which have long been familiar to Australian voters.  But beyond immigration, what does One Nation actually want for the economy?  Today, ABC business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens looks at the policies that have received far less attention and what Australia's economy could look like under One Nation.   Featured:  Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter 

For thousands of years the question of extending life or living forever has occupied minds.  But now it's taken on a new life, from peptides, to IV drips and experimental treatments targeting the heart or kidneys, there's a buzz around longevity.  Today, Dr Norman Swan on his Four Corners investigation into the big business and the science behind the quest to live healthier for longer. Featured:  Dr Norman Swan, co-host of the Health Report and What's that Rash on ABC Radio National

When Donald Trump went to the NATO summit in Ankara, he took one plane in and a different one out.  They were both called Air Force One, but one is 35 years old and is believed to have advanced safety features and the other was a retrofitted luxury 747 given to the US by Qatar.  Why did the US president not fly out on the newer plane that he loves so much?  New York Times journalists have received subpoenas after sources told them it was due to safety precautions related to the war with Iran.  Today, staff writer at The Atlantic, David A. Graham, on the president's planes and the latest attack on the press. Featured:  David A. Graham, staff writer at The Atlantic

It was dubbed a landmark speech on how the government will deal with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centres. But did Prime Minister Anthony Albanese really address the key concerns as the big tech giants move to expand their businesses and even train AI models here?   Today, Kimberlee Weatherall an expert in AI regulation from Sydney University on how proposed new laws just touch the surface.  Featured:  Kimberlee Weatherall, law professor at the University of Sydney and co-director of the Centre for AI, trust and governance 

Telstra says its sorry for letting Australians down after last week's nationwide outage, but how is it going compensate customers left out of pocket? The telco will face questions in a parliamentary hearing later this week on the cause and the effects of the outage, which blocked hundreds of emergency calls and brought down payment systems and even regional trains.  Today, national consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on whether Telstra is going to be held to account. Featured:  Michael Atkin, ABC national consumer affairs reporter 

Relatively cheap EVs from China are increasingly seen on Australian roads.  But you won't find many in the US, because of hefty tariffs and bans due to national security concerns. Now Swedish based, but Chinese owned Polestar is set to stop selling in the US market from next year due to a crackdown on Chinese-linked vehicles.  Today, cyber security expert and former advisor to prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, Alastair MacGibbon on what the Chinese government could do to the cars if it really wanted to.  Featured:  Alastair MacGibbon, cyber security expert

When you say 'affordable housing' there's a natural scepticism.  Across the country developers are being offered perks to be part of schemes supposed to give people a chance to rent without draining their pay packets. But who gets to live in these 'affordable' rentals and who sets the rent and when it can go up?  Today, Pat McGrath on his Four Corners investigation into whether 'affordable' rentals actually are affordable.Featured:  Pat McGrath, ABC investigative reporter 

It's the most lucrative sports broadcast deal in history, worth $5.3 billion for seven years. The deal between the NRL and broadcasters Nine and Foxtel outstrips the previous $4.5 billion deal the AFL secured in 2022. Today, sports media expert Merryn Sherwood from La Trobe University on how the rugby league managed it and who ultimately pays the cost. Featured:Merryn Sherwood, Senior Lecturer in journalism at La Trobe University

On Monday, China's military launched a nuclear capable ballistic missile over the Pacific Ocean from a submarine hidden in the sea off China. It gave Australia and other nations about 24 hours' notice.  So, what's XI Jinping up to?  Today, Sam Roggeveen from the Lowy Institute on China's massive expansion of its nuclear arsenal and what it means for us. Featured:  Sam Roggeveen, director of the International Security Program at the Lowy Institute

Even an extraordinary intervention by the US president couldn't save his soccer team, with the USA now out of the FIFA World Cup after being thrashed by Belgium. Donald Trump has admitted calling FIFA to urge the governing body to overturn a red card ban for the star American player Folarin Balogun. He was allowed to play after what FIFA insists was an independent process, but has the meddling undermined the World Cup?  Today, sport integrity expert Catherine Ordway on what it says about the sport and what needs to change. Featured:  Catherine Ordway, sport integrity expert from the University of New South Wales Canberra Business School