ABC News Daily

America’s big tech bosses are trying to get artificial intelligence deployed everywhere, taking over our homes, our hobbies and our work. By now, most of us are using AI for daily tasks, even if by accident. But it doesn’t mean we all agree with the path we’re on and increasingly people are voicing their concerns about the AI revolution. Today, the ABC’s national AI reporter Cam Wilson on the growing backlash. Featured: Cam Wilson, ABC’s national AI reporter

Should we be spending up to $368 billion on nuclear powered submarines over the next 30 years? Peter Garrett, the former Labor Minister and Midnight Oil star doesn’t think so. He’s set up a crowdfunded inquiry into the AUKUS submarine deal. It follows the government revealing the original agreement has changed a bit with the US to switch out one new sub for a second hand one. Today, Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, on the growing concerns about the deal and what we really need to defend Australia.Featured: Sam Roggeveen, director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program

Do you believe that Elon Musk can establish a colony on Mars of a million people or launch data centres into space? If you do, you might be thinking of investing in SpaceX which will go public on the Nasdaq stock market this month. Even if you have your doubts, you might just gamble on Musk anyway for fear of missing out.Today, Quinn Slobodian, co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed’ on Musk’s $1.8 trillion valuation.Featured: Quinn Slobodian, Professor of International History at Boston University and co-author of ‘Muskism: A Guide for the Perplexed’

The US military is striking Iran and Israel has ramped up its attacks in southern Lebanon. Is there really a chance of a peace deal? And does the Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu even want one as he faces an election within months. Today, Dov Waxman, professor of Israel studies at UCLA on Netanyahu’s political future. Featured: Dov Waxman, Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation Chair of Israel Studies at the University of California, Los Angeles

Peace talks in Qatar had barely begun when the US initiated a new wave of strikes against Iran. The US says targeting Iranian boats and missile sites was an act of self-defence, but what will it mean for a deal to end the war? Today, Hussein Ibish from the Arab Gulf States Institute explains what the US President actually needs to finally walk away from a conflict he no longer wants.Featured:Hussein Ibish, senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute

The cost of fuel across Australia has come off its highs, despite there being no resolution yet to the war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But don’t get comfortable because the real pain from the global oil crunch hasn’t really hit us yet. Today, Saul Kavonic, energy expert at MST financial, on how we’ve weathered the storm so far and what could happen in the months ahead. Featured: Saul Kavonic, energy analyst, MST Financial

There are questions about the future of Taiwan after Donald Trump declared he’s “not looking to have somebody go independent”.The US president met China’s leader in Beijing and says Xi Jinping asked him whether the US would defend Taiwan. What do Trump’s comments mean for US-China relations and how likely is a Chinese invasion of the self-governed island?Today, Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London on President Xi Jinping’s warning to Trump and whether the Chinese are ready for war. Featured: Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London

With so many tech bosses accompanying Donald Trump on his recent trip to China, expectations were high that AI and high tech business deals would be central to the talks. But in the end, there was no breakthrough on selling US firm Nvidia’s high tech AI chips to China.So where does that leave the race for AI dominance and how are China and the US approaching AI differently?Today, China tech expert Selina Xu on who’s ahead right now and what happens next.Featured: Selina Xu, China tech researcher, writer and analyst

Marco Rubio is hitting his stride, he’s Trump’s National Security Advisor and his Secretary of State, he’s taken over the White House press briefing, sat down with the Pope and is now in China for Trump’s showdown with President Xi.No wonder speculation is growing that he could be the next Republican presidential nominee, instead of Vice President JD Vance.Today, Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Center think tank on the new political battle in the US.Featured: Geoff Kabaservice, Niskanen Center Vice President for Political Studies

The Treasurer Jim Chalmers has delivered his 2026 budget, unveiling a new tax cut and some of the most significant tax changes in decades. Delivered as war impacts the economy, it’s being sold as a budget that addresses the growing inequality between generations, with the treasurer declaring Labor is on the hard road of reform. But will changes to taxes on property investors and family trusts really level the playing field?The ABC’s chief business correspondent Ian Verrender joins Sam Hawley in the budget lock-up in Sydney. Featured: Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent

Why is it up to the Reserve Bank to control inflation with interest rates? Imagine if there were other tools that spread the pain to more people, not just those repaying a home loan. Perhaps the government could force workers to put more money into their superannuation accounts or move the GST up and down depending on the inflation rate. Today, independent economist Chris Richardson assesses the options. Featured: Chris Richardson, independent economist