The Briefing

Are you one of the 30% of Aussies who have a tattoo? The majority of those who have one - 57% - are getting their first ink aged 18-24. There's a growing trend of people having their tattoos removed - could the early age we're starting getting tatted be behind that increase? Within Australia, the world’s leading tattoo removal company Removery has experienced a growth of 30% in removal treatments within the past year, with the current laser removal options safer, more effective and more accessible than ever before.  It’s National Tattoo Day, so for this episode of The Briefing Bension Siebert is joined by Jo Kelton, founder and COO of Removery to find out how and why people are getting their ink removed – and if they’re going clean skin or getting fresh art instead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's drama unfolding with one of the county's most powerful organisations - the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU).Dodgy contracts, bikie infiltration, compromised characters and Labor government headaches. It's one of Australia's largest and most influential unions and it could face the prospect of a Royal commission into its dealings privately and with the Government. It's a huge story - but what exactly is the CFMEU, and why is this such a big deal? To find out we're joined by Seven's Victorian State Political Reporter Sharnelle Vella. Headlines: What the Trump shooter did in his final days  Man who killed two Australians in the Philippines hands himself in  Tenacious D cancels rest of Australian tour Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Influencers behaving badly isn’t new, but are we seeing an increase in social media star being accused of, or charged, with serious crimes of late? In the past 24 hours, wellness influencer Kat Torres, who escaped a life of poverty in Brazil to become a successful model and social media star has reportedly been sentenced to eight years in prison for the human trafficking and enslavement. So how has Torres gone from partying with the likes of Leonardo Di Caprio to jail time? The Briefing’s Helen Smith joined Bension Siebert to take us through the stories of some of the most prominent stars falling foul of the law, and the series allegations being made about Kat Torres.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A catastrophe is unfolding in Sudan right now. Nearly 26 million people are facing crisis levels of hunger, cholera is rampant and many trying to find safety have experienced horrific sexual violence including rape and abduction on their journeys. To conflict stems from the dictatorship of Omar al-Bashir, a pro-democracy revolution against him led by young people five years ago and a power struggle between Sudanese military and a rival militia called the Rapid Support Forces, which kicked off in April. In this episode of The Briefing, Bension Siebert is joined by Sara Sinada, who has family in the region and works as a disaster risk manager for the humanitarian organisation Plan International to explain the situation, and what those watching from afar in Australia can do to help.  You can donate to Plan's appeal here https://www.plan.org.au/appeal/sudan-crisis/ Headlines: Trump documents case dismissed Israeli strike on Gaza school kills 22  WA introduce some of Australia’s toughest-ever liquor laws A Royal updates  Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Its a research result that has left tampon users across the globe stunned. A team of scientists from U.C. Berkeley, Columbia University and Michigan State University evaluated 30 tampons from 14 different brands and 18 product lines to measure the presence of 16 metals. The findings? All the tampons the researchers tested had all 16 metals in measurable traces, including lead and arsenic. How has this happened – how worried should tampon users be – and are people who use them all over the world being subtly poisoned when they use one? Dr Jenni Shearston, an environmental epidemiologist at the University of California Berkeley and co-author of this study, joined Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain the findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is reeling from the shocking attempted assassination of Donald Trump over the weekend.  In this episode of the Briefing, we bring you everything you need to know, including: The latest details on the attack The identity and background of the gunman What this means for the US election What happens next In the second half, we have our deep dive into the surging Australian dollar - which is good news for anyone planning to travel overseas. But it's also impacting the economy back home.  We’re joined by Angel Zhong, a senior lecturer in finance in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing, at Melbourne’s RMIT. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since leaving politics Malcolm Turnbull hasn't slowed down, or stopped sharing his opinions on politics in Australia and the world, the state of the environment, and his opinions on some of his former colleagues. The 29th Australian Prime Minister has launched the new season of his podcast, Defending Democracy, where he tackles the global democratic moment the world is watching - Donald Trump vs Joe Biden - as well as misinformation and international political relationships to Australia. In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Malcolm shares his views on current world leaders including Biden and Netanyahu, the incoming US election, and why we need to keep defending democracy. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Joe Biden has mistakenly introduced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as “President Putin” on stage at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) summit, at a ceremony marking the signing of a security agreement for Ukraine. The gaffe came after what was meant to be a rousing speech from Biden on NATO’s enduring support for Ukraine in it’s war with Russia. It was a bad start to a day that might make or break his political career, as he also followed the NATO summit by facing his first press conference with live questions from journalists in several months. Is this the final straw for Joe Biden's campaign, or will he continue to fight for the chance to beat Donald Trump at the election in November? Matt Bevan, Journalist and host of America, If You’re Listening, joined Bension Siebert on The Briefing to give us his verdict. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tibet’s highest religious leader, the Dalai Lama, has just celebrated his 89th birthday. And though he’s prophesied that he’ll live to 111, questions are being asked about what his succession plan will be. And considering Tibet’s struggle of control and independence against China, who replaces him will have large consequences for many people. But given the Buddhist belief that the Dalai Lama will be reincarnated, how will we know where his replacement will be found? Could they be here in Australia? Or is there a chance that the current Dalai Lama could be the last? In this episode, The Briefing’s Simon Beaton speaks with Tibetan Buddhism expert John Powers to find out. Headlines: Australian couple found dead in luxury hotel in the Philippines   NATO summit in Washington is wrapping up today Shelly Duvall dies Aussie CEOs made less in 2023/24   Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is getting its very first national prison newspaper – About Time.  It's aim is to be distributed to every prison cell in the country, and it's publishers will focus on issues that affect incarcerated people – including changes to criminal laws and the justice system, new cases that affect prisoner's rights, new policies and procedures inside prisons – alongside prisoners lives, hopes and dreams. In this episode of The Briefing, the paper’s managing director and publisher Joseph Friedman joins Bension Siebert to find out why he thinks prisoners should have a voice, and what he hopes the paper can achieve. Follow The Briefing:TikTok: @listnrnewsroomInstagram: @listnrnewsroom @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @LiSTNRnewsroomFacebook: @LiSTNR NewsroomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.