ABC News Daily

Stephen Stockwell, co-host of the Mushroom Case Daily podcast, delves into the gripping details of Erin Patterson's trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with deadly mushrooms. He dissects her courtroom testimony and the emotional dynamics at play, revealing the impact of her family grievances. Stockwell also highlights significant evidence presented over the trial's five weeks, including inconsistencies in Patterson's statements and the chilling implications of her culinary passion, all set against a backdrop of public fascination.

Ashley Parker, a staff writer at The Atlantic, dives into the tumultuous exit of Elon Musk from the Trump administration. She discusses Musk's ambitious yet unfulfilled claims about cutting government spending and the friction he faced with Treasury Secretary Scott Besson. The conversation also explores Musk's chaotic influence on government dynamics and the implications for his businesses like SpaceX and Tesla. Will this really be the last we see of Musk's political ventures? Tune in for intriguing insights!

Avani Dias, a Four Corners reporter investigating mental health care in New South Wales, unpacks the alarming exodus of psychiatrists. She reveals how pay disputes and a broken system are driving dedicated professionals away. The discussion highlights the current crisis, including alarming shortages and public safety concerns. Personal stories and statistics paint a grim picture of overwhelmed emergency departments, while the urgent need for reform is underscored. Avani emphasizes the dire impact of under-resourcing on patient care and the mental health community.

Rajan Menon, an expert in international relations and a senior research fellow at Columbia University, discusses Donald Trump's evolving views on Vladimir Putin amid the ongoing Ukraine war. He highlights Trump's initial admiration turning into criticism as peace talks falter. Menon explains why Putin is unlikely to heed Trump's calls for negotiations and examines the grim realities for Ukraine. The podcast also explores the impact of international military support and the broader implications for European defense strategies.

Join Taree farmer Josh Hack, who has endured devastating floods in the NSW Mid North Coast, as he shares his firsthand experiences battling extreme weather. He discusses moving cattle to safer ground and the exhausting cleanup process. The conversation highlights the emotional toll on farmers and questions the viability of agriculture in such a volatile climate. With insights into the increasing severity of floods and droughts, Josh emphasizes the resilience required from farmers to adapt to these ongoing challenges.

Nancy Jacobs, a history professor at Brown University, lends her expertise to dissect Donald Trump's provocative claims about white farmers in South Africa. The conversation unveils the interplay between Trump's confrontational style and the misinformation surrounding supposed persecution. They discuss the rising number of white South Africans seeking asylum in the U.S. and how varied immigration policies reflect racial discrimination. Jacobs challenges the narrative of genocide and emphasizes the need for accurate understanding of South African socio-economic issues.

World leaders are ramping up their criticisms of Israel amidst the escalating crisis in Gaza. A British surgeon sheds light on the dire conditions facing civilians, especially children, as they suffer from trauma and malnutrition. The international community is grappling with the ethical dilemmas of military actions amidst rising civilian casualties. Amidst limited opposition, the discussion highlights the complexities and implications of global pressure on Israel, exploring how international cooperation could influence the ongoing conflict.

Dan Mercer, an ABC energy reporter, dives into the intriguing world of virtual power plants and solar batteries. He discusses the compelling story of Sydney resident Peter Anderson, who aimed to sever ties with power companies through solar energy. Mercer highlights Anderson's struggles with battery management and fairness in compensation, as well as the implications of increasing home battery installations amid new subsidies. This conversation sheds light on the challenges and potential of household solar solutions in today's energy landscape.

Giles Parkinson, founder and editor of Renew Economy and The Driven, dives into the shifting dynamics of the electric vehicle market. He discusses how Jeff Bezos’s Slate, an affordable electric ute, could shake up the competition amid Tesla's declining sales. With 150,000 pre-orders, the innovative design and customizable features of Slate are revolutionary. Parkinson also explores the growing demand for electric utes in Australia, shaped by cultural preferences and government policies, hinting at a major shift in consumer attitudes toward EVs.

Ian Verrender, ABC's chief business correspondent, dives into the economic landscape with fascinating insights. He discusses the recent drop in interest rates and whether we've truly achieved a 'soft landing' after the pandemic. Verrender highlights how Donald Trump's global influence could disrupt these positive trends. The conversation also tackles the implications of interest rate cuts on households and employment, as well as the ongoing challenges posed by tariffs and inflation in the wake of Trump's policies.