ABC News Daily

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Aug 14, 2025 • 16min

How RFK Jr is eroding global trust in vaccines

In this insightful discussion, Professor Julie Leask, a leading public health expert at the University of Sydney, delves into the alarming impact of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s anti-vaccine rhetoric. She highlights how his skepticism towards mRNA vaccines is eroding global trust and emphasizes the consequences of misinformation, particularly on public perception. Leask addresses the dangerous restructuring of vaccine oversight committees and the recent cancellation of significant research funding, arguing for the urgent need to bolster vaccine development and public confidence.
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Aug 13, 2025 • 16min

Peter Greste on Israel’s strike on journalists

In a gripping conversation, Peter Greste, a former Al Jazeera correspondent and now a journalism professor, addresses the tragic deaths of five Al Jazeera journalists in an Israeli airstrike. He unpacks the complexities faced by foreign reporters in war zones and highlights the alarming trend of targeting journalists. Greste challenges the military's narratives surrounding these incidents, while advocating for journalistic integrity and access in conflict zones, emphasizing the dire need for accurate reporting in the Israel-Palestine conflict.
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Aug 12, 2025 • 15min

Will Trump strike a 'land swap' deal with Putin?

In this discussion, Rajan Menon, Professor Emeritus of International Relations at the City College of New York, sheds light on the upcoming Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. He analyzes Trump’s desire for a Nobel Peace Prize and his controversial land swap proposal regarding Ukraine. Menon delves into the complexities of U.S. involvement in the conflict, the shifting dynamics involving Zelensky, and the potential implications of these negotiations. With skepticism about the summit's effectiveness, he highlights the challenges of achieving lasting peace amid mixed global reactions.
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Aug 11, 2025 • 15min

Why Netanyahu calls Australia ‘shameful’

Allyson Horn, ABC Middle East correspondent, sheds light on the escalating tensions between Australia and Israel over the recognition of a Palestinian state. She discusses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's controversial war plans and the surprising opposition he's facing from his own military. Horn also highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the treatment of hostages, and the implications of Australia's diplomatic shift, asserting that this recognition could be viewed as a concession to Hamas.
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14 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 15min

Why won’t Musk let Tesla EVs power homes?

Energy reporter Dan Mercer dives into the intriguing topic of why Tesla electric vehicles, despite their powerful batteries, aren’t utilized to power homes. He explores the innovative technologies enabling EVs to contribute energy to households and the grid. Mercer discusses Tesla's reluctance and contrasts it with other vehicle models that embrace this capability. As Australia shifts towards greener energy, he highlights the potential benefits and challenges of integrating EV batteries into home energy management systems.
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Aug 7, 2025 • 15min

Can Trump sack his way to better jobs data?

Tom Nichols, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for his insights on national security and political affairs, discusses the fallout from Trump's dismissal of the chief statistician over disappointing job numbers. He analyzes the risks of manipulating economic data and the potential erosion of trust in government statistics. Nichols also delves into Trump's Project 2025, aimed at replacing nonpartisan bureaucrats with loyalists, and the broader implications of this trend for democracy and governmental integrity.
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10 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 15min

The alleged Chinese spy found in Canberra

Stephen Dziedzic, ABC foreign affairs reporter, dives into the recent espionage charges against a Chinese woman in Canberra, linked to spying on Buddhists. He discusses how these allegations could strain the China-Australia relationship and highlights a broader trend of escalating foreign interference threats. Dziedzic also sheds light on the legal ramifications of the case, Australia’s national security challenges, and the financial costs associated with increasing espionage activities. A fascinating exploration of a complex geopolitical issue!
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Aug 5, 2025 • 15min

Will recognising Palestine achieve anything?

Guy Ziv, an associate professor at American University’s School of International Service, dives into the complexities of recognizing Palestinian statehood amid the Gaza crisis. He discusses the potential impacts of countries like France, Canada, and the UK announcing their intentions to recognize a Palestinian state. Ziv also highlights the rising domestic opposition in Israel, the implications of a potential full occupation of Gaza, and the historical challenges to achieving a two-state solution in the region.
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11 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 15min

Why police couldn’t stop the Harbour Bridge protest

Sarah Moulds, Associate Professor in Law at the University of South Australia, shares her insights on the recent massive protest on Sydney Harbour Bridge. She discusses the challenges organizers faced in securing their right to protest against the backdrop of legal barriers. Moulds elaborates on the delicate balance between public safety and the right to assembly. She also highlights the need for clearer protest rights in Australia, showcasing how such events can influence global humanitarian advocacy. Her expertise sheds light on the complexity of democratic expression.
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5 snips
Aug 3, 2025 • 15min

Do class actions really deliver justice?

Anne Connolly, an investigative reporter with the ABC known for her impactful work on Four Corners, delves into the world of class actions in Australia. She reveals the complexity of these lawsuits that often leave victims shortchanged while enriching lawyers. The discussion highlights a significant class action by taxi drivers against Uber, scrutinizing the fairness of settlements influenced by litigation funders. Connolly also examines the historical injustices faced by Indigenous workers and the skewed financial dynamics that challenge the pursuit of true justice.

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