ABC News Daily

ABC News
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Oct 16, 2025 • 16min

The trouble with Elon Musk’s trillion dollar pay deal

Elon Musk's ascent to over $500 billion raises questions about extreme wealth and its societal impact. Professor Carl Rhodes discusses the ethical dilemmas of billionaire concentration and the role of technology in driving this phenomenon. He critiques billionaire philanthropy, warning of its influence over democracy and accountability. Rhodes also explores potential solutions like wealth taxes to address rising inequality, emphasizing the risks of leaving wealth disparity unchecked on social stability.
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Oct 15, 2025 • 15min

How Hamas 'outfoxed' Netanyahu to keep power

Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib, a Palestinian-American senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, dives into the intricacies of Hamas's grip on power. He discusses how Hamas is navigating hostage returns and using public executions to instill fear in Gaza. Alkhatib critiques Trump's aggressive stance on disarming Hamas, pondering the implications of such military actions. He warns that the U.S. focus might diminish, creating risks for Palestinian statehood, while assessing the precarious security landscape for both Israelis and Palestinians.
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Oct 14, 2025 • 16min

Why Chalmers caved on his super tax for the rich

Why did the government cave to pressure over its superannuation tax changes for the richest Australians? The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed two major changes in response to critics, introducing indexing on the $3 million threshold and dropping a plan to tax unrealised gains. He says the government’s new plan achieves the same objective in making the system more equitable, but how will it work? Today, political correspondent Melissa Clarke on what the backdown means for the future of tax reform under Labor. Featured: Melissa Clarke, ABC political correspondent
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6 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 16min

Can Trump’s peace hold now the hostages are free?

Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, dives into the complexities of recent peace efforts. He discusses Trump’s declaration that the war is over and how the recent hostage deal influences this claim. Panikoff analyzes the mixed reactions in Israel and the diplomatic maneuvers that enabled the hostage release. He also explores the sustainability of the ceasefire and outlines what international leaders must prioritize moving forward, including humanitarian aid and security in Gaza.
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18 snips
Oct 12, 2025 • 16min

How much is Trump profiting from the presidency?

John Lyons, ABC's Americas Editor and investigative journalist, dives deep into Donald Trump’s financial gains since his return to the White House. He recounts a tense exchange with Trump over his wealth and explores how the lack of formal conflict rules affects presidential finances. Lyons reveals Trump’s pivot to cryptocurrency through the Trump family platform and discusses the implications of meme coins and investor dissatisfaction. The conversation raises crucial questions about how Trump's business interests might influence US foreign policy.
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Oct 9, 2025 • 17min

Will Trump’s hostage deal end the war in Gaza?

Rajan Menon, an expert in international relations and professor emeritus at the City College of New York, dives into the recent breakthrough in Gaza. He explores the intricate negotiations involving various stakeholders like the US, Israel, and Hamas. Menon discusses the controversial terms, including how 48 Israeli hostages will be exchanged for 1,950 Palestinians and the emotional impact of these releases. He questions whether this deal can truly end the hostilities and what it means for the future governance of Gaza, highlighting Trump's complex role in the mediation.
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Oct 8, 2025 • 14min

How Dezi Freeman sparked a sovereign citizen gun ban

Kaz Ross, an independent researcher specializing in far-right extremism, delves into the complexities of the sovereign citizen movement following the shocking events involving Dezi Freeman. He discusses the ongoing manhunt and examines Freeman’s radical background and anti-authority beliefs. Ross highlights Western Australia's proactive police measures, including gun seizures and the new 'fit and proper' laws. The conversation navigates the delicate balance between civil liberties and public safety, questioning whether other states should adopt similar actions.
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Oct 7, 2025 • 14min

Why Trump keeps blowing up Venezuelan boats

Rachel Van Landingham, a former active-duty judge advocate and current law professor, dives into the controversial U.S. military strikes against alleged Venezuelan drug boats. She highlights the troubling implications of defining drug cartels as 'narco-terrorists' and explains why lethal military action is legally questionable. Rachel argues that interdiction and prosecution should be the norm instead. She links U.S. drug demand to systemic healthcare issues and warns that this policy could lead to dangerous precedents and extrajudicial actions on U.S. soil.
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17 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 15min

Could Andrew Hastie be Australia’s Nigel Farage?

Tony Barry, a former Liberal Party strategist and director at RedBridge Group, dives deep into Andrew Hastie's political future and right-wing dynamics in Australia. They discuss Hastie's rich military background and rapid ascent in politics, questioning whether his controversial, Farage-like views can resonate with Australian voters. Barry highlights the challenges of appealing to the electorate in a landscape dominated by cost of living issues over cultural distractions. The conversation also explores the implications of Hastie's resignation from the Coalition front bench.
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8 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 16min

The betting firms profiting from crime

Steve Cannane, an investigative reporter from Four Corners, dives deep into the alarming world of online betting firms. He unveils shocking statistics about Australia's $31 billion gambling losses and the exploitative practices of bookmakers. Cannane highlights a case where a financial advisor gambled away clients' funds and critiques how bookmakers keep profits from criminal activities. Despite recommendations for reform, he explores the government's slow response and questions the industry's ethical responsibilities.

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