ABC News Daily

Sarah Ferguson's interviews illuminate the biggest issues of our times and reveal insights from the most interesting people in public life.

How did she stop US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee from "flooding the zone" when grilling him on US support for Israel's war in Gaza? What did she learn about compassion in politics when speaking with New Zealand's former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern? 

This week, Sam Hawley...

Some stories are best told first-hand by those at the centre of the action. 

It's how the ABC's Australian Story has brought us so many compelling personal narratives and it's a format that's captivated the program's host Leigh Sales.

So which episodes stick in her mind? There's a dramatic rescue on the Franklin River, the widows who found love again, Jelena Dokic's family anguish and the adventures of missing sausa...

The US President Donald Trump has surrounded himself with colourful and controversial characters. 

From Steve Witkoff, who once bought Trump a sandwich and is now taking the lead on peace efforts in Gaza and Ukraine, to Howard Lutnick, the tariff tsar.

How did they secure their key roles and what effect are they having on the policies of the most powerful nation on Earth?

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presen...

ABC foreign correspondent Stephanie March has explored the tensions between elephant tourism in Botswana and the destruction the creatures bring to local communities. 

She's brought us a glimpse of Gaza, where children live in tents and she's walked the streets of Georgia, as fears grow about the influence of Russia and a slide towards autocracy. 

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to ...

The continuing rise of artificial intelligence was one of the big stories of 2025. But how long until humanoid robots, with an AI brain, step into the limelight and take our jobs?

This week, Sam Hawley is joined by ABC presenters and journalists to discuss their best stories and interviews from the past year. 

Today, ABC finance presenter and commentator, Alan Kohler, looks at Elon Musk's robot ambitions, how robots...

What actually works to prevent terrorist attacks and is Australia up to challenge in a complex threat environment?

The Prime Minister says new laws to tackle antisemitism will include powers to deport so-called hate preachers and a new criminal charge for those advocating "racial supremacy".

He’s also been pressured into adopting in-full the recommendations from the Special Envoy's Plan to Combat Antisemitism.

Today,...

Catastrophe has a way of shaping leaders. Winston Churchill during World War Two, George Bush during 9/11 and Scott Morrison during the Black Summer bushfires.

It may define Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s leadership too, as he comes under pressure to respond to the antisemitism crisis and the Bondi Beach terror attack, in which 15 people were killed.

Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, M...

Who could do such a thing? It’s the question Australians are asking after Sunday’s mass shooting at Bondi Beach.

How did they radicalise? Who did they associate with? And what drove them to plan and execute the worst terror attack in Australia’s history?

Today, investigative reporter Sean Rubinsztein-Dunlop on what we know about the shooters and the unresolved questions for our security services.

Featured: 

Sean Rubin...

Sydney’s Jewish community is in shock after Sunday's mass shooting at Bondi Beach.

It was an act of terrorism that Jewish leaders long feared. So, in the depths of their sorrow, how are they coping and what are they asking for?

Today, Rabbi Mendel Kastel from support group Jewish House, whose brother in law Rabbi Eli Schlanger was killed in the attack.

Also, Liberal MP Julian Leeser, who is Jewish himself, on where A...

The terrorist attack targeting Jewish people at Bondi is the worst mass shooting in Australia since the Port Arthur massacre.

Sixteen are dead and many more injured at a place special in Australia's heart, at an event special to the Jewish community, Hanukkah. 

Today, extremism expert Dr Josh Roose on whether authorities failed to heed the warnings. 

Also, Bondi local and Sydney cardiologist Dr James Otton who rushed...

Streaming giant Netflix is battling Paramount for control of the historic Warner Bros studio, which includes HBO and a treasure trove of film and TV content.

Warner Bros has backed the $72 billion US Netflix bid, despite Paramount offering billions more in a deal that would include the television assets, including news network CNN and the Discovery channel. 

Today, Chris Bumbray, editor-in-chief of entertainment new...

Imagine being able to claim thousands and thousands of dollars in expenses so your family can join you on work trips, or to fly business class to New York, or for private drivers to take you to the biggest sporting events. 

Well, Minister Anika Wells is under intense pressure to justify her use of taxpayer funds, even if it’s all within the rules.

Today, the chief political correspondent at The Conversation, Michell...

In the first week of summer, dozens of homes have been destroyed in bushfires; at Dolphin Sands in Tasmania, on the New South Wales Central Coast, and at Bulahdelah, north of Newcastle where a firefighter also died.  

A local builder at Koolewong in New South Wales noted that a recently constructed home, built to modern fire safety standards, was left standing while others around it burned to the ground. 

Today, the...

They’re a cheaper and convenient alternative to driving a car, but some e-bike riders are causing massive headaches for other road users and police. 

A string of serious injuries and deaths in e-bike crashes, particularly involving children, is fuelling calls for a crackdown. 

Today, Geoff Rose from the Monash Institute of Transport Studies on the influx of illegal e-bikes on the roads.

Featured: 

Geoff Rose, Adjunct ...

Parents and teens are preparing for life cut off from social media when Australia’s world first ban for under-16s officially starts on Wednesday. 

The government has admitted it will take time to remove everyone aged under 16 from the platforms and it’s becoming clear older users could get caught in the net. 

So, how can you prove that you’re old enough to use the 10 platforms being targeted and how will teens get a...

The United States has deployed 15,000 troops and sent warships to the Caribbean in the biggest military build-up there since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

It follows months of deadly US strikes on boats from Venezuela it says are smuggling drugs.

Today, Latin America expert Orlando Pérez from the University of North Texas on why Donald Trump is turning up the pressure on Venezuela’s president Nicolás Maduro and why topp...

Australia’s renewable energy transition is well underway with new poles, wires and transmission towers planned across the country.

But some farmers say they’re being pressured and harassed to hand over land for the infrastructure to get electricity from where it’s generated to where it’s used. 

Today, reporter Alysia Thomas-Sam from ABC’s 7.30 program on the farmers pushing back at the farm gate and climate reporter...

Australian property is now more expensive than ever and soaring mortgage debt has the financial regulator hitting the brakes on risky lending.

But could stopping banks for offering some loans do anything to stop rapid price growth for homes and units? 

Today, the ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender on what’s worrying APRA and the outlook for the housing market. 

Featured: 

Ian Verrender, ABC chief busines...

In a flurry of peace talks over the last week, Ukrainian officials have been desperately trying to avoid an unjust deal with Russia being imposed on it. 

They’ve been pushing back against a controversial 28-point proposal that would have required Ukraine to surrender significant territory, restrict the size of its defence force and give up on ambitions of joining NATO. 

The US is leading the talks with both sides, b...