ABC News Daily

ABC News
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Jan 18, 2026 • 16min

Was the doomed hate speech law really that bad?

In this engaging discussion, Professor Kath Gelber, a leading expert in hate speech regulation and Deputy Executive Dean at the University of Queensland, delves into the complexities surrounding the recently criticized hate speech laws. She explores the tough balance between free speech and harmful rhetoric, critiques links between protests and the Bondi attack, and highlights issues with vague definitions in the federal proposal. Gelber advocates for nuanced discourse and warns against overreach in restricting speech while emphasizing the need for ethical debate standards.
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6 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 16min

How Stephen Miller is shaping Trump’s agenda

Join Ashley Parker, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her in-depth investigative reporting, as she unravels the complex role of Stephen Miller in shaping Trump's agenda. They discuss Miller's hardline tactics, expanding influence over immigration, foreign policy, and military actions. Parker highlights Miller's strategic operations and the blurred lines between personal beliefs and political strategy, linking his radical approach to current events. Discover how Miller's vision of U.S. power could redefine the future under this administration.
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Jan 14, 2026 • 15min

Is Trump about to strike Iran to 'help' protesters?

Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, dives into the escalating situation in Iran. He analyzes the factors igniting widespread protests, from economic collapse to water shortages, and discusses the diverse social groups leading the unrest. Ibish draws parallels between current events and the 1979 revolution, warning of opportunistic groups. He decodes Trump's ambiguous promise of 'help' and predicts possible U.S. military actions. The podcast also highlights the regime's weakening grip and the crucial role of information flow via Starlink.
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8 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 15min

The boycott that killed Adelaide Writers’ Week

Denis Muller, a Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Advancing Journalism and co-host of the Truth, Lies and Media podcast, dives deep into the cancellation of Adelaide Writers’ Week. He discusses the controversy surrounding author Randa Abdel-Fattah’s removal due to cultural sensitivities and highlights the irony of silencing important voices. The conversation touches on free speech, government pressure, and the complexities of defining cultural safety. Muller warns against restricting speech in response to violence, advocating for more robust boards to handle sensitive topics.
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Jan 13, 2026 • 12min

Why Kevin Rudd quit as our man in Trump’s America

Mark Kenny, Director of the ANU Australian Studies Institute, and Arthur Sinodinos, former Australian ambassador to the US, dive into Kevin Rudd's abrupt early exit as ambassador. They dissect Rudd's past criticisms of Trump and how those may have impacted diplomatic relations. Sinodinos highlights Rudd’s achievements like AUKUS and navigating complex ambassadorial relationships, while Kenny argues that Rudd's tenure was successful despite tensions. Both guests share insights on adapting to different US administrations and Rudd's future role in US–China relations.
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21 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 14min

Inside Iran’s crackdown as protests escalate

Negin Shiraghaei, a British-Iranian activist and founder of the Azadi Network, dives into the violent protests in Iran, revealing the chilling impact of internet shutdowns and alarming casualty figures. She discusses the protesters' resolve and the regime's desperate measures, including sniper use. Greg Karlstrom, a Middle East correspondent for The Economist, analyzes Iran's leadership response to potential military threats from the US and the economic turmoil fueling the unrest. Together, they paint a vivid picture of a country on the brink.
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Jan 9, 2026 • 14min

Why the PM finally called an antisemitism inquiry

The podcast dives into the unfolding political decision to establish a royal commission into antisemitism following a devastating terror attack. It explores Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's delayed response and the mounting pressure that led to this inquiry. Political editor Jacob Greber discusses the government's reaction, while Michelle Goldman from the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies shares insights on community sentiments regarding this significant move. The dialogue captures the intersection of politics, public safety, and community cohesion.
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Jan 8, 2026 • 10min

How a Minneapolis ICE raid turned deadly

Madeline Lohman, the Advocacy and Outreach Director at The Advocates for Human Rights, shares her insights on the chilling Minneapolis ICE raid that resulted in the shooting of a US citizen. She discusses the community's fierce backlash, the solidarity displayed during protests, and the discrepancies between official accounts and eyewitness testimonies. Lohman highlights the tragic consequences of ICE tactics and the targeting of vulnerable individuals like asylum seekers. She also emphasizes the importance of community organizing in striving for a more compassionate immigration approach.
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Jan 7, 2026 • 13min

Why Trump wants to take over Greenland

Stephen Lammy, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at USC and Arctic politics expert, dives into Trump's renewed interest in annexing Greenland. He questions the security rationale behind this desire and highlights economic motives, particularly rare earth mining and countering China. Lammy explains the practical challenges of large-scale mining in Greenland and warns of the absence of legal justification for such actions. He also discusses how Trump's unpredictability risks eroding trust with U.S. allies, impacting NATO relationships.
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Jan 6, 2026 • 15min

Where is next for Trump after Venezuela?

Join John Lyons, ABC's Americas Editor and a savvy commentator on US foreign policy, as he dives into the fallout from Nicolás Maduro's recent court appearances and the US's controversial operations in Venezuela. They explore the backlash at the UN and Trump's military threats in Latin America. Former DEA Chief Ray Donovan highlights the long effort to arrest Maduro and discusses his ties to drug trafficking. Lyons also reveals how this situation sends strong signals about future military actions and appeals to Trump's political base.

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