Afleveringen
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Donald Trump is back and after his inauguration it was down to business.
One of his first acts was to pardon more than 1,500 defendants from the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021.
He also withdrew the US from the Paris climate accord and the World Health Organisation.
Today, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the centre-right think-tank the Niskanen Centre on Trump’s busy first day back in the White House.
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Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre
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Donald Trump has brought the social media app TikTok back to life in the United States after an outage lasting less than 24 hours.
The platform run by Chinese-owned ByteDance went offline for US users, with the firm saying it acted to comply with a law that banned it unless it sold its US operations to local owners.
The law was passed with US politicians citing national security concerns.
But it only took a promise from the incoming president to sign an executive order delaying the ban to get content creators and scrollers back online.
Today, Vittoria Elliott from WIRED on why the TikTok ban failed and what happens next.
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Vittoria Elliot, WIRED reporter covering platforms and power
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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2024 was a huge year for artificial intelligence, with AI powered features integrated into everything from search engines to phones.
So, what can we expect from the technology this year?
Today, Toby Walsh, the chief scientist at the AI institute at the University of New South Wales on whether this is the year that AI tools really start to make life easier.
He explains what AI developments mean for job losses and why you should start using AI tools at work.
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Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist at UNSW.ai, the AI Institute of University of New South Wales Sydney
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After months of talks a deal has been done for a ceasefire in Gaza, with it set to start on the weekend with the first phase to include the release of some Israeli hostages.
Incoming US president Donald Trump has taken credit for it and his impending inauguration did give the negotiations a boost.
Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute on whether peace will hold.
He says there's enormous relief felt on both sides, with Israelis overjoyed at the prospect of getting hostages back and Palestinians desperate for a break from the violence.
He highlights the significant pressure placed on Prime Minister Netanyahu by Trump to finalise the deal before his inauguration.
Dr. Ibish also discusses the complexities of the agreement, including the phased approach and the challenges of ensuring a lasting peace.
He notes the potential for renewed conflict if key actors are not fully committed to the ceasefire.
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Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute
Key Topics:
Gaza ceasefireIsraeli hostagesDonald TrumpBenjamin NetanyahuJoe BidenHumanitarian aidHamasPalestinian AuthorityRebuilding GazaMiddle East peace processUS foreign policy -
The Australian dollar is at its lowest level against the US dollar in five years.
That hurts travellers going to the United States for a holiday, but some economic commentators think it also means Australia’s Reserve Bank should hold off longer on cutting interest rates.
Our chief business correspondent Ian Verrender doesn’t agree.
Today, he explains why China and Trump are largely behind the fall in the Australian dollar and why interest rate cuts should still be on the table.
Ian says the strength of the US dollar, driven by Trump's tariffs and economic policies, is a major factor in the Australian dollar's decline.
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Ian Verrender, ABC chief business correspondent
Key Topics:
Australian dollar declineUS dollar strengthTrump's tariffsReserve Bank interest ratesLocal exportersImport pricesChina's economic slowdownEconomic policiesCurrency speculation -
Is there a risk that bushfires as intense and destructive as those that have ravaged Los Angeles could bear down on an Australian city?
The head of Australia’s largest firefighting service says yes, Sydney, with its national parks so close to homes, could see similar devastation.
Today, the New South Wales Rural Fire Service Commissioner Rob Rogers, who will leave the service at the end of this fire season, on how firefighters have responded to the threat in LA and how we need to prepare.
Commissioner Rogers discusses the challenges faced by firefighters in LA, including the impact of strong winds and drought conditions.
He highlights the importance of timely warnings and the role of AI in improving fire response.
As he prepares to retire, Rogers reflects on the evolving nature of fire seasons and the critical role of volunteers in firefighting efforts.
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Rob Rogers, Commissioner of the New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Key Topics:
Bushfire risk in Australian citiesFirefighting strategies in Los AngelesImpact of drought and strong winds on firesRole of AI in fire managementGlobal sharing of firefighting resourcesFire seasonsVolunteer firefightersFuture of firefighting -
For almost two decades Australian artist Mark Whalen has called LA home.
But last week as wildfires tore through communities, he and thousands of others saw their homes burn to the ground.
Today, Mark describes the apocalyptic scenes he witnessed and the emotional toll of losing his home.
We also speak with Vivien Thomson who has been a rural firefighter for decades and was a fire captain during the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
Vivien speaks about the lessons learned over the years and whether we’re better prepared now.
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Mark Whalen, Australian artist in LA
Vivien Thomson, rural firefighter and farmer
Key Topics:
LA wildfiresMark WhalenVivien ThomsonRural firefighting2003 Canberra bushfiresFire preparednessClimate change and wildfiresCommunity resilienceFirefighting resourcesBuilding codes and fire safety -
In 2024, voters in more than 60 countries went to the polls in what’s believed to be the biggest year for elections in history.
This year it’s Australia’s turn and if we follow the voting trends of other nations, we’ll either kick Anthony Albanese’s Labor party out of office or come close to it.
That’s because there’s a big movement, particularly in western democracies against incumbent governments.
Today, Mark Kenny from the Australian Studies Institute at the Australian National University explains the major shift in voting patterns.
He highlights how the post-pandemic economic struggles and rising distrust in democratic institutions are driving voters to seek change.
Mark Kenny warns of the potential long-term implications for democratic stability if current trends continue.
He says a lot of voters feel betrayed by their governments and there is a factual basis to the sense of umbrage felt by citizens towards their governments.
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Mark Kenny, director of the Australian Studies Institute at the Australian National University and host of ‘Democracy Sausage’ podcast
Key Topics:
2024 global electionsAustralian federal election 2025Anthony AlbaneseLabor partyPeter DuttonLiberal partyNational partyVoting trendsIncumbent governmentsPopulist movementsCost of living crisisPublic trust in government -
Seven people have been killed and hundreds of thousands have evacuated their homes as wildfires raging across Los Angeles continue to spread, fueled by dry vegetation and howling winds.
These conditions have highlighted the dangers of climate change and how it’s making life harder for firefighters around the world, something that’s been felt deeply by Australians.
Today, Former Fire and Rescue New South Wales commissioner Greg Mullins on the threat posed by increasing overlap in fire seasons between Australia and the United States.
We’ll also hear from Maddie Power, a resident of Altadena in LA who has lost everything in the blaze.
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Greg Mullins, Former Fire and Rescue New South Wales commissioner
Maddie Power, Los Angeles resident
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Five people have been killed in wildfires that have been ripping through the mountains and foothills around Los Angeles.
Hurricane-force winds have sent fireballs from house to house, torching entire streets and destroying more than 1,000 buildings.
Celebrities including actor Billy Crystal and heiress Paris Hilton are among the residents whose homes have burnt down across several affluent suburbs, where tens of thousands more people have been forced to evacuate.
Today, LA-based meteorologist Jonathon Porter explains what’s making the fires so destructive, and reality TV estate agent Jason Oppenheim explains the neighbourhoods most affected.
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Jason Oppenheim, LA-based real estate agent
Jonathon Porter, AccuWeather Chief meteorologist Jonathon Porter
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Two weeks before his second presidency begins, Donald Trump has laid down his hopes to take control of Greenland, the Panama Canal, and even Canada.
He told reporters the United States needs to acquire the Danish territory for national security reasons, and has threatened heavy tariffs on Denmark if they don’t agree.
Today, ANU professor of International Law Don Rothwell on what Donald Trump wants with these territories, and how far might go to take them.
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Don Rothwell, professor of international law at the Australian National University
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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has resigned from office after nine years in power.
Despite his immense popularity when he was elected, in recent years he’s faced increased criticism from the public, with polls showing he was on track to lose badly when Canadians vote later this year. Now he’s bowed to pressure from his own party to step down.
But what's behind the downfall of the former darling of Canadian politics?
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Lori Turnbull, Political analyst and Professor of Political Science at Dalhousie University in Canada
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It’s been four years since Donald Trump’s supporters stormed the US Capitol, trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election.
Now, his win in last year’s election is about to be ratified in that very building, giving him the power to pardon convicted rioters. Will Donald Trump deliver on his promise?
Today, Elie Honig, a former US federal and state prosecutor and senior legal analyst for CNN on how the incoming president will use his executive powers, and what it could mean for the US justice system.
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Elie Honig, CNN senior legal analyst
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Both men involved in the violent incidents in New Orleans and Las Vegas on New Year's Day were US military veterans.
It's unclear how much of a role their service played in their violence but data out of the US shows there has been an increase in veterans being involved in violent acts or being recruited by extremist groups.
Today, Todd Helmus, an expert on military extremism with the US think tank RAND on what could be behind the rise in violent behaviour in ex-military personnel.
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Todd Helmus, military extremism expert, RAND
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At least 15 people are dead and dozens more are wounded after a US army veteran ploughed his pick-up truck into crowds celebrating the new year.
Revellers were ringing in 2025 in the New Orleans' French quarter, the city's busiest party district in the early hours of New Year's Day.
Federal authorities are describing it as an act of terror.
Today, former FBI and department of homeland security official, Dr. Javed Ali on how the New Orleans investigation is unfolding and the planning required to pull off such a deadly attack.
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Dr. Javed Ali, former FBI and department of homeland security official
Update: Authorities have clarified that 14 people were killed in the truck attack. The earlier reported death toll of 15 included Jabbar, who was killed by police during a shootout at the scene. At least 30 others were injured.
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Australians are guaranteed to head to the polls in the first five months of 2025.
And while high interest rates and cost of living pressures are expected to be the top concerns for both major parties and voters, the battleground itself will also look different, with new changes to electoral seats and boundaries.
Today, the ABC's Chief Elections Analyst Antony Green speaks with ABC News Radio’s Tom Melville about why the next parliament is set to change.
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Antony Green, ABC Chief Elections Analyst
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At least 300 prisoners of war have returned to their homeland in a highly anticipated New Years swap between Ukraine and Russia.
It comes just days after Oscar Jenkins became the first known Australian citizen to be captured by Russian forces, after enlisting in Ukraine's foreign legion earlier this year.
Today, international law expert Professor Don Rothwell speaks to ABC News Radio about whether Australia could make exchange negotiations similar to those used for the New Year’s prisoner swaps, to bring Oscar Jenkins home.
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Professor Don Rothwell, ANU College of Law
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South Korea is now in seven days of mourning after 179 people were killed in the deadliest aviation disaster the country has ever seen.
The plane, which was flying from Thailand to Muan International Airport in South Korea, was attempting an emergency landing when it crashed.
There were only two survivors.
Today, US aviation industry consultant Scott Hamilton speaks with ABC News Radio's Sarah Mourice about what could have happened in the cockpit moments before the tragedy.
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Scott Hamilton, US aviation industry consultant Leeham Company
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Don’t you get sick of the constant text messages warning that you haven’t paid a toll, or that you’ve missed a package delivery or have a refund owing?
In many cases they’re clearly fake but there are scams that aren’t so obvious, and Australians have lost billions of dollars to them.
Today, consumer affairs reporter Michael Atkin on why more of us are falling for the traps set by criminals and what the big banks should be doing to protect us.
First published 10 May 2024.
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Michael Atkin, ABC consumer affairs reporter
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You would have thought with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, China wouldn’t be too worried about the number of people living there declining a bit.
But as it faces the challenges of an economic slowdown and an ageing society, Beijing is urging families to have more babies to stop a population decline that’s been recorded for a second year in a row.
But is a falling birth rate necessarily a bad thing?
First published 26 February 2024.
Featured:
Stuart Gietel-Basten, Professor of Social Science and Public Policy at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
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