The Briefing

Tuesday Headlines:  Sydney Swans footballers involved in 'alleged incident' in Melbourne hotel Pauline Hanson’s plan for $21 cigarette packets American actress Hayden Panettiere has died at the age of 36 Coles and Woolworths test facial recognition technology to combat crime Ten Aussie YouTubers added to the National Film and Sound Archive Deep Dive: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt is on her way out, marking the fifth high-profile woman gone from Donald Trump's second administration, though how they went varies.   Her announcement landed days after news broke that Trump had been secretly moved off Air Force One leaving a NATO summit, fuelling an online theory that Leavitt walked after being stranded on a decoy plane.   She wasn't even on the plane, or the trip - she was on maternity leave.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by David Smith, Associate Professor at the United States Studies Centre at USYD to unpack why the theory took off - what it says about how Trump really runs the place, and whether any of this churn at the top actually reaches the voters who'll decide the midterms. Follow The Briefing:   TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast   YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  NSW to begin Australia’s biggest gun buyback in decades Gov confirms it’s slowing the processing of backpacker visas Anthony Albanese deepfakes featured in celebrity scams to con Australians out of $7.4 million DRC Ebola outbreak set to become the deadliest ever Sam Pang takes out the Gold Logie Further reading from the headlines: Andrew Thorpe's Ebola piece in the ABC Deep Dive: The Victorian Opposition has announced a two-year trial of 70 PSOs across seven major hospitals, including emergency departments, high-risk areas and staff car parks. The proposal comes amid almost 24,000 violent incidents in Victorian hospitals in 2024–25, including 680 “code black” incidents. It’s a similar story across the country.  In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Maddy Harradence, Secretary of the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Federation. Rather than asking “Are guns in hospitals a good idea?” We focus on what actually makes nurses and midwives safer, whether PSOs address the problem, and what should happen instead.  Follow The Briefing:   TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast   YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s courts have long allowed judges to consider “good character” references during sentencing, even in child sexual abuse cases.  For many survivors, hearing offenders described in court as “good people” or “champions of young people” can be deeply retraumatising and after years of campaigning, the laws are being changed right around the country.   NSW changed its laws earlier this year, and this week Victoria announced it intends to do the same.   In this episode of The Briefing, we're revisiting Chris Spyrou's powerful conversation with survivor advocate and Your Reference Ain't Relevant co-founder Harrison James - on why these laws had to change, and why he won't stop until the reform goes national.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back with The Briefing: Our Take, our weekend hang-out where we loosen our ties and kick off our shoes to take you behind the scenes of the week that was, and what you (and we) made of it. This weekend Chris is joined by Dan Mullins - LiSTNR's Acting Head of Factual, and a voice you'll already know from The Briefing - to debrief the story we couldn't stop talking about: Bension Siebert turning to sex work to fund his investigative journalism.   From there Chris and Dan crack open the inbox and read your comments on Bension's story, the fuss over the PM and those Japanese melons, and whether anyone outside a newsroom actually cares about the Census. We’re also joined by Karli from marketing who takes on this weekend’s quiz and then we of course cap it all off with The Weekend List! The Weekend Quiz: One of Donald Trump's key allies resigned this week. Who was it? Did the RBA increase, decrease or leave unchanged the official interest rate this week? What occurred across Australia on Tuesday night? Two planes almost collided at an airport this week. Where was it? What were school students protesting when they walked out of school? The Weekend List: To Watch: Ted Lasso Season 3 (Listener Georgie)  To Watch: Dark Matter with Joel Edgerton (Listener Jane)  To Read: Realms of Gold by A.J. Mackinnon Follow The Briefing:   TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast   YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  Third near miss at Sydney airport Meta, TikTok, Youtube and Snapchat to face Social Media ban enquiry today Penny Wong to speak on the dangers of Monoculturalism  Popular weight loss drugs suspected links to more than 60 deaths in Australia  Deep Dive: It's been 30 years since rapper Tupac Shakur was shot dead in the streets of Las Vegas, his death sparking three decades of conspiracies, mysteries and an enduring question: who killed him?  Amid disappearing witnesses and a street code that made talking to police punishable by death, the case went cold.  But in 2023 former gang boss Duane 'Keffe D' Davis was charged with Tupac's murder ... only he's not believed to have been the one to pull the trigger.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by hip hop historian Michael Namikas to discuss the upcoming trial of Keffe D, but also Tupac's life, career and legacy.  Michael’s book: The Tupac Encyclopedia - Volume 1   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Students to stage school walkout over Pauline Hanson One dead and more than 200 rescued after Bali ferry fire News bargaining incentive hits parliament today Victorian authorities prepare for mass vaccine event of little penguins Tooth decay cases soar across Australia as people put off expensive dentist work Deep Dive: When Bension Siebert's role was made redundant, the award-winning journalist found himself staring down a shrinking media industry that no longer seemed willing to invest in the investigations he'd spent his career chasing.  A week later, he was walking out of a stranger's apartment with $600 in his pocket, having just taken his first paid in-person sex work booking.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Sacha Barbour Gatt welcome their former colleague and co-host back to the mic to unpack an unlikely career move - and the essay about it that's turned his life upside down in a matter of days.  Bension explains how five hours of sex work can out-earn a week of journalism, why he sees it less as a last resort than a kind of liberation, and how a media landscape squeezed by redundancies and legal risk pushed him toward telling the stories he says newsrooms won't.   Bension’s essay on Cheek Media: How sex work saved my investigative journalism career  Bension’s Instagram: bensionfindsout  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Coalition to back One Nation’s foreign fighters bill  PM refuses to apologise over melons comment Colombia quake death toll climbs above 200 RBA leaves door open to hikes after leaving rates on hold  Donald Trump signs executive order to reduce the number of childhood vaccines New canine study reveals they're skilled in responding to human emotion Deep Dive: Harry Potter fans this week had a major win. They managed to have critical infrastructure worth almost a billion dollars moved to protect a memorial for Dobby the house elf.  That critical infrastructure was a single undersea cable.   These cables rest in the ocean and are responsible for 95% of all internet and data traffic. Cat videos, financial transactions, email – all of it would disappear if these thin cables were cut.   In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Dean Veverka, the Chair of the International Cable Protection Committee, to learn who built this critical infrastructure, and who’s protecting the world’s undersea cables from threats and sabotage.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Hanson to introduce foreign fighters bill as PM and Taylor hammer out gambling, NDIS and widow tax deal More than 80 people dead after Colombia earthquake South Australia announce royal commission into AI Aussies being urged to challenge their car insurers over price hikes It's Census night Deep Dive: How do you escape from a cult? That was one of the questions a Victorian parliamentary inquiry has been trying to answer, ever since a LiSTNR podcast exposed an abusive cult in Geelong and sparked a firestorm of advocacy from cult survivors.  Last month, that inquiry handed down its report, “Coercion and harm in high control groups”. There are 39 recommendations in the report, with a focus on protecting children and better support for those exiting a coercive group.  One of the advocates behind that inquiry was Laura McConnell, a survivor of the Two By Twos fundamentalist cult who speaks to Sacha Barbour Gatt in this episode of The Briefing.  You can listen to Pray Harder – Episode 1 – Noel's War here. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  Parliament returns, support for Labor slumps to decade low  Two airport workers stood down after another near miss at Sydney airport Netanyahu rejects US peace proposal for Gaza Ukraine says 50,000 North Korean soldiers will be deployed to fight for Russia 90,000 take part in world’s biggest fun run in Sydney Deep Dive: Tomorrow is census night, and this year the form looks a little different.   For the first time, Australians are being asked directly about their sexual orientation and gender - and for the first time, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) says artificial intelligence is helping process the millions of responses that pour in.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou goes behind the questionnaire with someone who's helped shape it for the best part of thirty years. How does the ABS land on which categories make the cut? Where do your name and address actually end up? Can the online system survive the night after its infamous 2016 collapse? And in an era of shaky faith in government, does the ABS really expect all of us to tell the truth?  Chris is joined by Jenny Telford, General Manager of the Census and Population Division at the Australian Bureau of Statistics.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fresh data shows nearly 1,500 homes purchased under the federal government's 5% deposit scheme have been flipped into investment properties. It’s a bit of a plot twist for an initiative built on a very specific promise: helping everyday Aussies get onto the property ladder as owner-occupiers with just a fraction of the usual deposit and zero lenders mortgage insurance.  In this episode of The Briefing we revisit Helen Smith's chat with David Koch from last year about the scheme to get you across how it all works and what you need to know about it. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're back with The Briefing: Our Take, our weekend hang-out where we loosen our ties and kick off our shoes to take you behind the scenes of the week that was, and what you (and we) made of it.   This weekend Chris is joined by Justine Landis-Hanley and they unpack how Miles Phillips and his Eastern Rosellas went from a backyard novelty to the ARIA record books. Chris answers your questions about the Kyle Sandilands interview, before they dig into your thoughts on Kmart's knock-off Meta glasses (+ the bird flu conspiracy theory we didn't know existed).  We’re also joined in studio by LiSTNR entertainment executive producer Elise Cooper for The Weekend Quiz, who brings more live vocals to the show than actual recording artists. Plus we cap it all off with the Weekend List.   The Weekend Quiz (just questions, no answers):   Which airline announced it will start charging passengers to put carry-on luggage in the overhead lockers?  Which former NRL player and viral book-tokker alleged this week that gambling company promoters would supply him with drugs and alcohol to keep him betting?  Who said this and who was he talking about?  "What single answer does she have to any of the list of problems and challenges which I went through before? Zip is the answer to that.” What crashed into the moon this week?  Name one song Delta Goodrem performed in the Comm Games closing ceremony.   The Weekend List:   To Watch: Enola Holmes 3 (listener Georgie)  To listen to: Dungeon Crawler Carl (listener Narikka) To read: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke Follow The Briefing:  TikTok: @thebriefingpod Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast  YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: US Senate committee votes to hold Dr Fauci in contempt of Congress 15-year-old charged with manslaughter over death of Melbourne shopkeeper Alan Jones’ alleged victim denies making up sex abuse claims for money ABC Apologises to Gina Rinehart over ‘violent’ skit   Millions of Aussies told to brace for icy temps Brisbane’s Ekka kicks off tomorrow Deep Dive: Discussion around Ariana Grande’s weight reached a fever pitch this week.  Photos from her tour, press appearances, and her new music video for Petal, show her shrinking frame, prompting fans to worry over what is going on behind the scenes.  The public discourse hasn’t gone unnoticed. Also this week, Ariana announced that she will be taking a break from public life at the end of her album tour in September. Her representative told People Magazine that this decision came after “endless, ongoing public scrutiny”.   Do we have a responsibility to raise concerns over Ariana’s weight loss? Editor of Mediaweek Natasha Lee says yes.  In this episode of The Briefing, Natasha sits down with Justine Landis-Hanley to discuss her article in Mediaweek, in which she shares her experience dealing with an eating disorder while working on Australian television, and argues that we’ve been scared into silence.  Link to the article: https://www.mediaweek.com.au/silence-isnt-always-kindness-ariana-grande-debate  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Labor’s 5% first-home deposit scheme has been used to purchase 1500 properties converted to investments Federal government will force states to make AI data centres run on renewable energy Israel issues evacuation orders for first time since June ceasefire, starts striking Lebanon Omar Musa wins Miles Franklin literary award NASA warns about space debris after SpaceX junk slams into the moon Deep Dive: Every year in Australia, dozens of women and children are killed in violent circumstances - and in 2026 the toll is already climbing fast.    Behind those numbers is a support system that campaigners say is buckling: refuges at capacity, transitional housing waitlists stretching years, and women turned away from help at the very moment they need it most.  Sherele Moody is one of the country's foremost researchers on femicide and child deaths, and the founder of the Red Heart Movement where she records the names and stories of women killed across the country, and pushes for a system that takes their safety seriously.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sherele Moody sits down with Chris Spyrou to unpack why billions in spending isn't stopping the deaths, why she's calling for a Royal Commission into femicide, and what a properly funded response to violence against women would actually look like. Help is available:1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732 Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Albanese under pressure to do more on gambling ads reform Tony Burke delays migration cut announcement Competing drone videos in Russia, Ukraine war Alan Jones trial continues Jetstar to charge for carry-on baggage lockers Deep Dive: Five months into the United States' war on Iran, Donald Trump keeps insisting that a deal, or a decisive victory, is within reach. So why does neither ever arrive?  Trita Parsi's answer is blunt: the President is chasing a knockout blow that doesn't exist.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Parsi, who is an expert on US-Iranian relations and Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft - about who can really outlast whom and whether Trump has walked into a new forever war.  Trita’s last chat with Chris from March: Why the Iran war can’t end ‘soon’  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Sportsbet and TAB execs to be grilled at Senate inquiry into gambling reform today One Nation climbs in the polls as Hanson refuses ABC and Guardian entry to Victorian press conference Ralph Carr unmasked as rapist after suppression order lifted Kmart sells out of dupe Meta camera glasses amid global privacy concerns Ariana Grande steps back from public life amid scrutiny over her weight Deep Dive: For years, Australia watched from a distance as bird flu tore through wildlife on every other continent - before it finally reached our shores in June.  What began with a few lone migratory birds is now spreading through our native populations, and while conservationists welcome the more than $113 million already invested to get us prepared - they say now that it's here, more needs to be put on the table.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with Jack Gough, CEO of the Invasive Species Council, who's urging the Albanese Government to commit at least $200 million to help our wildlife survive what's coming. He explains what that money would go towards, what species are most at risk, and how the strain can move from low risk in humans to a higher one.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Five months after the Kyle and Jackie O Show was pulled off air, Kyle Sandilands will be back behind the microphone with a paid subscription show that launches next week.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with the veteran broadcaster for a wide-ranging chat about what really brought down the most expensive act in Australian radio.   Sandilands responds to the workplace bullying allegations at the heart of his former co-host's lawsuit against their old employer, explains why he chose to settle his own multi-million-dollar case rather than fight on, and reflects on the mistakes that have marked his 25 years on air - the moments, he says, that taught him where the line sits.  Then it's over to you: we put your questions to him, and he talks up a possible reunion with Jackie, floats getting Karl Stefanovic on the payroll, and names the controversial figure he's booked for the show's first week.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines: Motorists warned to expect fuel shock as excise ends  Donald Trump cancels Iran strikes subject to deal being made rapidly Authorities await results from South Australia mass bird death event Alan Jones indecent assault trial getting underway today Housing market downturn spreads across Australia Australia wins the Comm Games Chris' chat with Kyle Sandilands is out now. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Victoria has a new premier this week - and within hours of being sworn in, Ben Carroll did the one thing his predecessor spent months refusing to do: call a royal commission into the CFMEU.  Jacinta Allan's resignation was driven in large part by a corruption scandal engulfing the state's Big Build, where a landmark report earlier this year alleged the construction union had siphoned $15 billion from taxpayers while the government turned a blind eye.   Reporters at The Age have been documenting the organised crime, intimidation and misconduct across the union's Victorian operations since 2024.   In this episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou's conversation with award-winning investigative journalist Nick McKenzie from The Age, recorded back in February when that explosive report first landed.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome back to our new weekend format, The Briefing: Our Take.  Every Saturday we're loosening our ties and kicking off our shoes to take you behind the scenes of the week that was; stories we loved or debated, what you, the listener, thought of a topic or conversation, the Weekend Quiz and capping it off with a Weekend Briefing favourite: The List.  In this episode we talk about the feedback we got ahead of Chris' sit-down with Kyle Sandilands, comments on Hannah Ferguson’s run against the PM and Jacinta Allan’s resignation.   We also stop by the red carpet of the new Spider-Man movie and quiz friend of the show Justin Hill on everything that happened in the news this week – make sure you play along!  The Weekend Quiz (just questions, no answers):    What’s this sound? (listen to hear it!) Europe is threatening to boycott what ... and for a bonus point, why?  Victorian premier Jacinta Allan resigned this week. Who was named her successor? It was revealed this week that it cost $45,000 for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment to manage which loveable marine chaos agent?  Who announced this week they’d be running as an independent against Anthony Albanese in the seat of Grayndler at the next federal election?   The Weekend List:   To Watch: Spider-Man: Brand New Day (Justin Hill)  To Listen:  Wet Leg (listener Chris – you can watch the Coachella performance here)  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  US completes ‘heavy wave’ of strikes against Iran  Australian family beg for government help as son faces death penalty in Syria Labor housing plan already 100,000 homes behind schedule UEFA agrees to boycott FIFA competitions over controversial World Cup sell-off plans Revealed: Neil the Seal's damage and care bill Deep Dive: A new push is starting for access to Voluntary Assisted Dying to be expanded to telehealth services, in a move that advocates say would directly benefit people living in the regions or who are too sick to travel.  Labor this week endorsed a change in law that'd lift a ban on the practice, but the Prime Minister doesn't agree, saying allowing it would threaten the strict safeguards in place to ensure VAD is only accessed by people who genuinely want and need it.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Go Gentle spokesperson Andrew Denton to discuss why there's a debate on this issue and what's next in the fight to allow VAD via telehealth.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Pause in fighting between US and Iran over as Trump threatens to ‘beat the f****** shit out of Iran’ SA police call off search for missing 3-month-old boy Bird flu has first local transmission Rate hike unlikely after inflation numbers lower than expected OpenAI's rogue agent also hacked other companies Deep Dive: Australia's no stranger to famous faces trading their day jobs for politics. Midnight Oil frontman Peter Garrett, broadcaster Derryn Hinch, Olympians Nova Peris and Zali Steggall, as well as former journalists Zoe Daniel and Maxine McKew.  But only one of them has unseated a sitting Prime Minister.  Hannah Ferguson is looking to become the second.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ferguson to unpack her independent tilt at Anthony Albanese in his seat of Grayndler - why she won't be joining forces with the Greens or Teals, and some of the policy platforms and values at the heart of her campaign.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  One Nation support plateaus in new poll Search for missing baby boy in South Australia continues today Human casualties confirmed after magnitude 7.1 earthquake hits Japan Ben Carroll calls for Royal Commission as Opposition criticises his integrity 3.6 million people track Qantas flight to France Deep Dive: Jacinta Allan has stepped down from the Victorian Labor leadership after less than three years in the role.  With an election just four months away, how does her decision affect the party's chances of winning? And can Labor get back on top in Victoria?  In this episode of The Briefing, Channel 7's Political Editor, Mark Riley joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explain.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to run Australia’s most iconic airline, and oversee one of the biggest public backlashes in corporate history?  Alan Joyce has written a tell-all memoir, pulling back the curtain on his high-stakes leadership, political access, Chairman's Lounge secrets, and the personal cost of being one of Australia's first openly gay CEOs. In this episode of The Briefing, the former Qantas boss sits down for an unvarnished chat about his fifteen years at the helm, his new book Riding the Jet Stream, and whether he regrets any of the calls that have defined his legacy.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Vic Labor leadership spill could happen today Hanson considering High Court after losing Faruqi appeal Wildfires burn across France and Spain Australia eyes its first new refinery in 60 years AusAlert test hailed a 'success', but Queensland won't use it Deep Dive: For over a century, Qantas built a reputation as Australia’s most trusted airline ... until COVID forced a desperate survival strategy that triggered the biggest reputational crisis in its history.  Former CEO Alan Joyce was the man at the helm during those three years, overseeing brutal layoffs, emergency repatriations and a response that saved the company from impending bankruptcy.  But that also came with severe public backlash that defined his final years at the helm.  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt sits down with Joyce to discuss his new memoir Riding the Jet Stream and his own reflections on what it took to save the Flying Kangaroo, and whether he regrets any of it.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  Jacinta Allan expected to face leadership challenge US and Iran pause strikes as fears petrol could return to $2 a litre in Australia Berlin gay pride terror suspect shot dead More bird flu detections in South Australia  Australia's flag bearer wins gold at the Commonwealth Games Deep Dive: There’s a good chance your phone and millions of others will freak out this afternoon.  If things go to plan, all compatible mobile devices in Australia will sound a loud siren at 2pm AEST and display a "CRITICAL AUSALERT", as the federal government tests a new nationwide emergency warning system.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by QUT Associate Professor Paula Dootson to unpack how the system works and who it might leave behind. They also discuss the unsolved risk for domestic violence victim-survivors who keep a hidden phone, and what some of the backlash says about our trust in government.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OpenAI admitted this week that two of its most powerful models broke out of a sealed test environment and hacked another company - on their own initiative, to steal the answers to an exam they were sitting.  The AI lab says it’s unprecedented but it lands about a month after the Five Eyes spy alliance - the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand and Australia - warned that advanced AI is accelerating the speed, scale and sophistication of cyber threats, and that the shift would take months, not years. Australia's own signals directorate put its name to that warning. So how worried should we be? And what can any of us actually do about it?   In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Chris Spyrou’s conversation with cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon, the founding head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre, recorded in the days after the Five Eyes warning was issued. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Usually this is where you'd find The Weekend Briefing - a feature chat with a human behind the headline. This Saturday, we're launching something a little different: the week that was, and what we all made of it.  And by "we" we don't just mean us. You're in on this one too.  Each Saturday kicks off with a debrief on one story we couldn't stop talking about off air - this week it's the Divine Playhouse, the queer-led arts venue shut down inside a Sydney building that stopped being a church in 1932.   Then it's our first ever weekend quiz, which Chris has not shut up about for a fortnight (full questions below).  Then we open the inbox - your DMs, your comments, and where you landed on the big one this week: should men be working in early childcare?  And of course we cap it off with the weekend list:  Revenge – unsure if the TV series or the act (listener Claire)   The Boys on Amazon Prime (listener Chris)   Theo of Golden by Allen Levi – NYT bestselling novel (listener Suzanne)   Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey – in cinemas now, or 6.15am at IMAX if you’re producer Alex.   The Weekend Quiz (just questions, no answers):   Which controversial influencer faced court this week after being arrested in Miami?  After being in Europe and spotted at a luxury resort in Italy with Gina Rinehart, Pauline Hanson was back on home soil. Which state did she head to first? What is the name of the UK's new Prime Minister? An Australian woman made global headlines this week for an extremely rare "one in 15 million" event. What was it? Which member of parliament yelled “sit down” while on live television this week?  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines: Billions more invested in AUKUS as Labor looks to keep a lid on debate at national conference Pauline Hanson lashes DV payments, child support, in newly surfaced interview Global oil price back up above $100 for the first time in two months Warnings after Open AI model breaks out of cage and hacks another company  Aussies have already won gold as slimmed down Comm Games get underway Deep Dive: Why do Australia’s telcos fail so catastrophically? This month, Telstra’s network suffered a nationwide outage that shut down trains and blocked Triple Zero calls, following major outages for Optus customers in 2023 and 2025.  Do other countries have similar telco failures, or are Australia’s uniquely bad? What has to change to make sure Aussies are always connected to the phone network?  In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Carol Bennett, the CEO of the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.  Further listening from headlines: Gambling chat with Kate Chaney: What the govt buried on budget day The world’s spies are worried about AI Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Headlines: Pauline Hanson under fire after claiming domestic violence is a ‘two-way street’ Labor's national conference begins today Libs call for guarantee Australian ISIS doctor won't be able to return Victorian teachers strike Prince George turns 13 Deep Dive: Last week, Hamish Tait became the third man to be accused of carrying out widespread sexual abuse against children in Australian childcare centres in just two years.   It's the latest in a string of cases that have shocked the country and prompted a fierce debate around whether men should be banned from working with babies and toddlers.   In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by early childhood expert Dr. Martyn Mills-Bayne to explore whether a blanket ban would truly keep children safe, or if it misses the real core of the crisis.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines: Another interest rate hike now twice as likely as tensions flare in the middle east Pauline Hanson hits back at White Australia claims Interim report into Kumanjayi Little Baby's death finds child protection failings Victorian teachers to strike after rejected pay offer Aussie mum of 1 in 15 million quadruplets shares social media update Deep Dive: Victoria's Premier has spent the past few days taking on some of the biggest companies on the planet.  Jacinta Allan wants to force tech giants to reveal who's behind anonymous accounts spreading hate. She wants to clear the way for families to drag those same companies into court. And she wants to stop employers using artificial intelligence to monitor staff - right down to how often they visit the toilet.  But none of it’s been written yet, parliament is almost out of time, and some experts say the tools to fix this already exist.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou puts those questions to Jacinta Allan and asks whether one state government can actually take on Silicon Valley.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Israel criticises proposed Labor policy on even of national conference Melbourne ‘ISIS bride’ granted bail Andy Burnham sworn in as the new UK Prime Minister Australia's ski resorts set new winter heat record Aussie mum's 1 in 15 million birth sees her deliver identical quadruplets Barnaby Joyce with the top contender for TV blooper of the year Deep Dive: Now in its fifth year, it seems like there is no end in sight to the war between Russia and Ukraine, especially on the back of another round of deadly strikes on Kyiv over the weekend.   But conflict in the middle east is having an impact on how this war is being fought, and there is a sense that Putin's army is slowing down.   In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou and Dr Malcolm David discuss the latest in the Ukraine war and try to figure out what might happen next.  Further listening from the headlines: How Australia funds Israeli settlements Who is Andy Burnham, the man who could lead the UK next? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  One Nation rebounds in the polls and Pauline Hanson criticised by Albo Fighting continues in Iran as two US personnel killed Tate brothers arrested New rules for gov departments using AI   2026 FIFA World Cup final plays this morning Deep Dive: More than half a million Israeli settlers live in the occupied West Bank - in settlements the UN's top court considers illegal, and which have kept expanding while the world's focus has been on the wars in Iran, Lebanon and Gaza.  Australia’s noticed. Last month, the government sanctioned three Israeli settlers over escalating violence against Palestinians.   But our connections to the settlements may run deeper than sanctions suggest - from West Bank wines in local bottle shops to allegations Australian charities are helping finance settlement projects.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Rawan Arraf, Executive Director of the Australian Centre for International Justice, to unpack life under the settlements - and whether Australia's response goes far enough.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One and a half billion sets of eyes will be on New Jersey come Monday morning, when Spain and Argentina face off to decide who takes home football's biggest prize. In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Ed Kavalee - co-host of SBS's nightly show Santo & Ed's Cup Fever - to get you across everything you need to know before kick-off.   They unpack Ed's theory on how both finalists made it this far, whether the World Cup is rigged, plus: the Ronaldo-Messi era reaching its final chapter, Donald Trump's phone call to FIFA's president, and an honest post-mortem on the Socceroos' performance this year. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Georgie Tunny has spent more than a decade working her way through Australian newsrooms, from an ABC cadetship to Network 10's flagship desk.  In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Helen Smith asks Georgie what it took to carve out a place in sports journalism as a woman when the industry offered few seats at the table, the exhaustion of breakfast TV and the long road to trusting her own instincts.   She also reflects on turning 35, her time on The Project, taking on The Amazing Race Australia with her fiancé Rob Mills and her debut novel set inside the cutthroat world of television, inspired by the friendships and rivalries she's lived firsthand.  You can get your hands on Georgie’s debut novel ‘Over to You’ here.  THE WEEKEND LIST:   Listener Bec’s to-do: Phase 10 + guac for six hours with friends To read: Angel Down by Daniel Kraus To do: Delete Pinterest  To do: Start a Spotify account and only listen to Powderfinger  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  Bianca Jones’ father calls on Albanese to intervene over inadequate methanol poisoning charges Iran launches fresh attacks on Gulf states as US strikes ship attempting to breach blockade Second case of bird flu detected in NSW Smoking rates hit historic low across Australia Pauline Hanson and Gina Rinehart spotted at White Lotus hotel Deep Dive: Is Australia a world leader on AI? Anthony Albanese wants you to think so – he gave a speech last week in the Great Hall at The University of Sydney, where he implied that new Australian AI regulations could set a global benchmark – similar to superannuation and the social media ban.  Today we’re looking at Labor’s AI plan, and whether it really is a world-leading attempt to curb the harms of AI and harness its potential. What’s right with the plan, and what’s missing?  Joining The Briefing is AI expert Professor Toby Walsh, Chief Scientist of the Artificial Intelligence Institute at the University of New South Wales.  Further listening from the headlines: Why smoking is ‘cool’ again Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Albanese’s plan to protect water, energy, and content from AI Brisbane teen granted bail after alleged school stabbing Trump threatens to expand strikes on Iran  A network of Australian doctors’ clinics have been hit by a cyberattack Argentina v England World Cup semifinal is underway  Deep Dive: From the demolition of the White House East Wing to his push for a towering, 250-foot Triumphal Arch, Donald Trump is physically rebuilding Washington D.C. to match his personal brand.   But aside from an obsession with the grandiose, what is motivating the president to push for these ego-driven federal megaprojects?  In this episode of The Briefing, former Republican congressman Adam Kinzinger joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to explore why he believes this obsession with monarchical grandeur is a direct threat to democratic ideals.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Donald Trump walks back threat to charge toll on the Strait of Hormuz Albanese to announce world-first AI office Brisbane teen critical after school stabbing Angus Taylor rules out a coalition with One Nation First FIFA World Cup semi-final underway Deep Dive: Beetlejuice has cancelled its national tour; Waitress is no longer coming to Sydney. The big musicals said that production costs were too high and sales were too low. The show could not go on.   This week, the Media Entertainment & Arts Alliance held an emergency meeting to discuss the future of Australia’s musical theatre industry and how to save it.   In this episode of The Briefing, the Federal President of the MEAA, Michael Balk, joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to reveal the union's plan to save the industry, and how fans and the government can help.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  Trump says US will collect tolls in the Strait of Hormuz Sydney daycare worker accused of abusing 150 children Alleged DV murder victim’s family attend court vowing to fight for justice Albanese to unveil AI vision as Labor plots hands-on approach Tributes flow for actor Sam Neill, after his death at the age of 78 Deep Dive: Australia has been plagued by a chronic skills shortage in recent years, exacerbated by declining apprentice numbers, the pandemic and a cultural shift towards university as the preferred post-school pathway.  Labor has this week claimed a couple of big wins in this space, talking up 814,000 TAFE enrolments in the last three years and more than 30,000 new apprentices in the past 12 months, off the back of two key policy roll outs.  But do these numbers tell the full story? Is Australia’s tradie crisis really close to being solved? In this episode of The Briefing, Skills and Training Minister Andrew Giles joins Sacha Barbour Gatt to discuss.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  One Nation loses support to the Coalition Trump says strait of Hormuz open despite Iran closure Australian Universities forced to adopt new definitions on antisemitism and Islamophobia Aussie students flock to free TAFE courses, but apprentice figures dip Australia to wave goodbye to paper arrival cards for incoming travellers Deep Dive: Pattaya has long traded on two reputations: a tourist playground by day, and one of the world's busiest red-light hubs by night.   That darker side made global headlines last month when the body of 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla was discovered stuffed inside a suitcase beside a railway line on the edge of the city.  A 45-year-old Australian man has been accused of her murder, which he denies.   The case has reignited scrutiny of an industry that's technically against the law in Thailand, yet thrives in full view - raising questions about corruption, worker safety, and the surprising truth about who's actually driving demand.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with emeritus professor at George Washington University and author of Sex Tourism in Thailand: Inside Asia's Premier Erotic Playground, Ronald Weitzer to unpack it.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At this week's NATO summit in Turkey, Donald Trump was once again talking about wanting to take control of Greenland.So why does the US President keep talking about the country, could the US really try to take it, and what and what does it all mean for Australia?  In this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Tara Cassidy's chat with defence and security expert, Jennifer Parker, who explains why Greenland has become such a fixation for the US president, and why this isn’t as unprecedented as it might sound. Jen explains the strategic value of the Arctic, the role of NATO and Denmark, and why Trump’s rhetoric is alarming key allies.   Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl Stefanovic launched an independent podcast at the beginning of the year and one Sunshine Coast radio host has been paying VERY close attention.  Henry Bretz has posted dozens of videos parodying Nine's former breakfast king - earning a follow from Karl himself, then an unfollow, and now a full block.   In this episode of The Weekend Briefing, Chris Spyrou sits down with the comedian behind the impressions to discuss his viral posts, what Lisa Wilkinson said when she slid into his DMs, and what he really thinks is going on with Karl's "lurch to the right.”   Plus, Sportsbet has Henry at $34 to replace Karl on the Today Show… so is Channel Nine actually calling? The Weekend List:   Henry's recco: Olivia Rodrigo’s new album - you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love  Listener Brett’s recco: Madonna’s Confessions II album   To eat: It’s winter which means ... soup! Check out RecipeTin Eats soup recipes here, and the recipe for the Greek lamb lettuce soup here (dill optional, but it’s fine if you’re a dill person).  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  SA death possibly linked to Telstra outage Modi mania sweeps Melbourne US and Iran exchange fire as Supreme Leader buried Angus Taylor mounts strongest attack yet on Pauline Hanson Bonnie Tyler has died at the age of 75 Deep Dive: Ten years ago, in 2015, the world collectively launched 221 objects into space. Last year that number was 4,510, a record by a huge margin. There’s now a record number of satellites and other space objects zooming over our heads.   Why are we shooting so many objects into space? Most launches are coming from the United States, where a commercial space race is well and truly underway. But what are the consequences for the rest of the world?   As mysterious space debris washes up on our shores here in Australia, we speak with Dr Matt Agnew, the scientist (and former Bachelor star) to learn about why we’re launching thousands of satellites a year.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  Fresh Telstra outage hits customers Trump says Iran-US ceasefire is ‘over’ Australian rents hit record high Australians with cancer are living longer NSW wins 2026 State of Origin Deep Dive: The tragic death of 27-year-old Melbourne footy player Nathan Fitzgerald has sparked questions over the hidden hazards of shared suburban fields and whether enough is being done to protect local athletes.   This tragedy coincides with an alarming new report from the Australian Sports Brain Bank and Four Corners revealing high rates of the brain disease CTE in deceased players, ramping up the pressure on the AFL to establish formal CTE protocols.   In this episode of The Briefing, neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce joins us to break down the latest brain research and ask the difficult question: as the evidence stacks up, can footy ever truly be safe again?  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wednesday Headlines:  Aussies suffer sharpest decline in real wages in the developed world Reform UK leader Nigel Farage resigns and vows to fight to win by-election Prince Harry and Elton John lose privacy lawsuit against Daily Mail’s publisher NATO summit underway as Trump revives Greenland bid Male testosterone levels have halved in 50 years Pam the Bird prankster to remain behind bars Deep Dive: You might have heard that house prices are falling – at least in Sydney and Melbourne, which tend to set the direction for the other capital cities. Auction clearance rates were below 50% for the third weekend in a row, and experts say the slump could continue.  Is Australia on the brink of a Labor-created societal collapse? Or are we finally having the much-needed correction of an overstimulated property bubble? What direction do we want house prices to go, anyway?  Joining Chris Spyrou in this episode of The Briefing to look beyond the headlines is My Bui, an economist with AMP.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tuesday Headlines:  China’s pacific ballistic test labelled ‘destabilising’ by Australia Melbourne teacher dies after footy head knock Hamas to dissolve Gaza government  Trump admits he asked FIFA for red card review  Karl Stefanovic reportedly blocks comedian that keeps parodying him Deep DIve: Dodgy businesses, you’ve been warned. Last week Australia’s consumer watchdog launched a Federal Court case against Amazon for unfairly stuffing ads into its Amazon Prime streaming service; and, in the same week, the federal parliament passed laws that’ll protect consumers against unfair trading practices.  Those ‘dark patterns’ that make it super hard to unsubscribe from a service, or the countdown timer that pressures you into a purchase? They’ll be targets under the new laws, along with surprise fees. The laws were passed last Thursday, and will be implemented from 1 July 2027.  On The Briefing today is one of the people who campaigned loudest for the new Unfair Trading Prohibition laws, Chandni Gupta, the deputy CEO and Digital Policy Director of the Consumer Policy Research Centre.  Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Monday Headlines:  Albo slams Liberal party rebrand ahead of Pacific blitz  Cannibalism link being investigated in NSW child murder USA celebrates its 250th independence anniversary as Iran mourns supreme leader Warnings against panic buying after bird flu confirmed in third Australian state Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce tie the knot Deep Dive: If you believe the polls, One Nation is demolishing the political order and might become Australia’s biggest party.   At this moment of political flux, two of the ‘teal’ independents are bidding for a piece of the action by establishing their own alternative party: Community Strong Australia.  Joining us on The Briefing to discuss her new party, why she started it and whether it’ll have any electoral cut through is Waringah MP Zali Steggall.  Further listening from the headlines:Bird flu's hit Australia. What now? Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If the rumours are true, Taylor Swift has tied the knot this weekend in a stadium in New York City.  Since Swift's August 2025 engagement to footballer Travis Kelce, there has been speculation about the venue, the guest list, the setlist... everything. Swift is, after all, one of the world’s biggest pop stars, and her success has been built on turning the details of her life into stories. This wedding is one hell of a story.  On this bonus episode of The Briefing, we revisit Swift’s most recent batch of stories on her 2025 album ‘The Life of a Showgirl’. Chris Spyrou speaks with Kate Pattison, a PhD candidate on Swift’s fandom and our in-house TS expert.  Follow The Briefing:   TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast   YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few politicians in Australian history have quite the standing that John Howard does.  While his time in power as Australia’s 25th Prime Minister between 1996 and 2007 was characterised by both economic wins and policy fails (think industrial relations and immigration), he is looked to now as an elder statesman and a symbol of when things in Australia were ‘good’.  But that’s revisionist history, according to political journalist Amy Remeikis, whose new book Where It All Went Wrong: The Case Against John Howard, explores how Howard sold out the younger generations to benefit their parents, undermined the public health system and destroyed the housing market.  In this chat with Amy Remeikis, Sacha Barbour Gatt explores these ideas with Remeikis while discussing the Canberra bubble and how a child of a conservative Lithuanian dad who voted One Nation went on to become one of the leading progressive voices in this country.  Follow The Briefing:   TikTok: @thebriefingpod  Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast   YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:  Social media platforms are monetising gore content: eSafety Commissioner Man pulled from rubble in Venezuela eight days after twin quakes NSW to crack down on nangs Australia’s wealth going backwards but the rich get richer Eminem loses trademark battle with Aussie beach brand Deep Dive: We’re more than a decade into the Netflix era, and every year we’ve heard the prediction that streaming will kill in-person cinema.   In 2026, those predictions are wrong, again, with June and July set to mark, some of the biggest release months this year with films including Odyssey and Toy Story 5 expected to rake in billions.  But it’s not only the big films that are winning with smaller franchises and female-skewing films also outperforming expectations.  So, is the box office back, for good? In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Christian Kloukinas from Village Cinemas to find out.  Further listening from the headlines:  Venezuela's 'abysmal' earthquake response Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:  New analysis proves its harder to own a house now than when interest rates were 17% Pollies turn out for Midwinter Ball  Online fraud and scams have increased as we become less vigilant Karl Stefanovic to lose radio show  Details emerge about Taylor Swift’s wedding Deep Dive: Twin earthquakes tore through Venezuela's north last week, leaving more than seventeen hundred dead and tens of thousands missing.  The emergency response has been widely criticised, international aid has faced unexpected obstacles getting in, and the government is carefully controlling the narrative as the outside world watches.  In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by LiSTNR senior journalist Claudianna Blanco to examine what this disaster reveals about the state of the country and what life actually looks like for Venezuelans six months on from the US capture of President Nicolás Maduro.  Further listening from headlines: What a 'free' Karl Stefanovic really means Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.