ABC News Daily

Last time she released a new album, more than two million copies were sold or downloaded in the first week. But can Taylor Swift beat that number again with the much anticipated release of her 12th album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’?  And what is it that has made her one of the most successful artists of all time?  Today, Harvard University professor Stephanie Burt, on why studying Swiftmania is a ver...

Melatonin supplements have gained huge traction in the last few years because they can help bring on a good night’s sleep.  But is it really safe, particularly for kids?  Now, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has warned consumers to stop using imported melatonin products, after testing showed many do not meet local standards. Today, paediatric sleep researcher Sarah Blunden on why the advice i...

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed to a new plan for peace in Gaza. The leaders were in furious agreement that the proposal, which will see the US president initially lead Gaza’s redevelopment, is the best way forward. Today, Guy Ziv, associate professor at American University’s School of International Service, on whether Hamas will really agree to the terms it wasn’t involved in nego...

Donald Trump wants TikTok to be American owned and now a group of billionaire Trump supporters is buying it.  But how will an American version of the popular Chinese app work, and what kind of influence could its new owners have on the videos its algorithm serves up?  Today, tech expert and Crikey’s Associate Editor Cam Wilson on the deal and what it might mean for TikTok’s eight million Australia...

There’s been a worrying trend in recent weeks with Russia violating the airspace of a growing number of European countries.  Donald Trump thinks NATO powers should just shoot down the Russian aircraft, but what’s the better option?  Today Max Bergmann, director of the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies on what Vladimir Putin is up to and what...

This week Donald Trump told pregnant women to 'fight like hell' to not take Tylenol, or what we call paracetamol. The US President linked the drug to autism, even though the science doesn't back that up.  Today, Corinne Purtill, science and health reporter at the LA Times, on the ripple effect Trump's misinformation is having around the world.  Featured:  Corinne Purtill,  LA Times science and hea...

It's been a week since an Optus outage left hundreds of customers unable to call triple 0 in an emergency. But while there’s been widespread outrage in the days since, is anyone really holding the telco to account for the deadly error?  Today, technology expert from Melbourne University Suelette Dreyfus on Optus's astonishing failure. Featured:  Dr Suelette Dreyfus, Senior Lecturer at the Universi...

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has addressed the UN General assembly in New York, confirming Australia’s recognition of a Palestinian state. But a face-to-face meeting with Donald Trump, which was expected on the sidelines, remains elusive. Should we care if the Prime Minister never sits down with the US President? Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle joins us from the assembly in New Yo...

Since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there’s been raging debate in the US about free speech.  At a memorial for him in Arizona, President Trump described Mr Kirk as a ‘martyr for American freedom’ while simultaneously attacking the likes of talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, whose show was suspended last week over comments he made about Kirk’s death.  Today, Zack Beauchamp, a senior correspondent at...

Once praised for its simplicity and speed, Google search is now facing criticism for excessive advertising and frustrating search results.  Today, 404 Media co-founder Emmanuel Maiberg, on what’s gone wrong with Google search, how it impacts everyday users, and what this means for the future of one of the internet’s most essential tools. Featured:  Emanuel Maiberg, 404 Media co-founder

Donald Trump was in his element at a state dinner hosted by King Charles at Windsor Castle.  But outside the grounds, protesters served as a reminder that controversy continues to follow the President, including lingering questions over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein. As the UK weighs the diplomatic value of his visit, attention is also turning to Anthony Albanese, who will face his own delicate...

Tyler Robinson, the 22 year-old suspect in the assassination of right-wing US political activist Charlie Kirk has been charged, including with aggravated murder.  But while America is accustomed to political assassinations, the response since the shooting has been out of the ordinary.  Today, long time US historian, Dan Carter on what’s unfolded since Charlie Kirk’s death and why the uptick in pol...

The government is set to release a new carbon emissions target, dumping the 2030 ambition for a new 2035 goal. But how much of the process is about the climate and how much is pure politics?  Today, ABC finance expert Alan Kohler on this week’s dire climate risk assessment, and what our new target will really achieve. Featured: Alan Kohler, ABC Finance presenter

A massive military parade in Beijing recently revealed just how advanced China’s weaponry has become. It even includes an intercontinental ballistic missile that could hit key military bases in Guam.  So, what does this mean for Australia's military purchases and strategy?  Today, ABC Global Affairs Editor Laura Tingle on why we might need a total rethink. Featured:  Laura Tingle, ABC's Global Aff...

One of the great things about owning an electric vehicle is that you’re not taxed for using the roads - those behind the wheel of other cars pay the fuel excise when they refill. But the government is looking to change that. Today, Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy and The Driven websites, on why a road user charge for electric vehicles is a "clunky" idea. Featured: Giles Parkin...

It was another act of political violence in a nation too accustomed to assassinations. Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old right-wing political activist and staunch Trump supporter, was shot and killed while he addressed a crowd at Utah Valley University. Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think tank the Niskanen Center on what unfolded, and whether political figures are safe in America. Featu...

Donald Trump says he’s “not thrilled” following an Israeli attack on Doha, the capital of key US ally Qatar. The strike targeted Hamas "senior leadership", with five of its members killed alongside a Qatari internal security forces member. It’s clear the US was given very little notice before the attack unfolded - so will the US President do anything about it? Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gu...

At 94, Rupert Murdoch has finally achieved his succession plan. The media mogul has secured a deal to have his son Lachlan take complete control of his empire once he dies, following a financial deal with his three older children, Prudence, Elisabeth and James. Today, journalist Paddy Manning, author of The Successor, the first unauthorised biography of Lachlan Murdoch, on the deal and what it mea...

Erin Patterson, the so-called mushroom murderer, will spend at least the next 33 years in jail with parole a possibility but not a certainty when she’s 81 years old.  As she sat in the courtroom the convicted triple murderer and mother of two showed no emotion, often with her eyes closed as Justice Christopher Beale handed down the life sentences.   Today, criminologist Dr Xanthe Mallett explains...

America’s next mining venture could be deep below the sea’s surface, removing nodules on the seabed full of the metals vital for the green energy transition.  Polymetallic nodules are like golf balls which sit more than four kilometres deep and haven’t been touched for millions of years.  An Australian-born businessman is leading the push to extract potentially trillions of dollars-worth of the ma...

Donald Trump’s been so busy upending the norms of democracy, igniting trade disputes and failing to end wars, it’s hard to see how he’s had time for renovations.  But the US president’s real estate development roots are on full show, from splashing gold around the Oval Office, to ripping up the grass in the White House Rose Garden, he’s on a mission to Trumpify the symbol of American democracy and...

Every year tens of thousands of Australians turn to IVF to start or grow a family. But is it an industry that can be fully trusted given recent revelations of embryo and sperm mix-ups and women giving birth to strangers’ babies? Today, ABC journalist Grace Tobin on her latest investigation into one couple’s fraught experience and why the rules need to change. Featured: Grace Tobin, ABC Investigati...

Since the fanfare surrounding Donald Trump’s face to face peace talks with the Russian President, perhaps unsurprisingly, the war continues in Ukraine.  That’s partly because as part of any deal, Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to hand over the entire eastern region of Donbas. It’s a demand that Ukraine rejects.   So, what is so important to Putin about that region?   Today, John Haltiwanger from For...

It’s one man against the might of the Victorian police force as accused police killer Dezi Freeman remains on the run.   On Monday, Victoria Police suggested someone might be helping the fugitive and they should contact police.  So, how are police approaching the search and how long are they willing to keep it going?  Today, Vince Hurley, a criminologist and former police officer and hostage negot...

Could artificial intelligence be key to improving Australia’s living standards? A Productivity Commission report suggests the roll out of the technology could inject more than a hundred billion dollars into the economy over the next decade.  But there’s a catch. If AI can take over from workers on some tasks, are swathes of humans set to lose their jobs?  Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at...