Message sticks: small items with big cultural power
The humble message stick may be one of the most significant, but underrated, cultural artefacts of Australian First Nations people. Guests: Piers Kelly, linguist at the University of New England. Founder of the Australian Message Stick database. Alwyn Doolan, Gooreng Gooreng and Wakka Wakka man, from Queensland. Producer: Ann Arnold
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23:32
Meta’s mega data centres are creating a water crisis in Spain, while Europe faces similar challenges
Regions of Spain could face ecological collapse by the end of the decade if water scarcity issues aren't urgently addressed. But a mega data centre being planned by Meta in the small town of Talavera de la Reina is set to exacerbate the crisis being caused by climate change, agricultural demands and aging, leaking pipes. The giant data centres being built by big tech companies are causing similar issues all over Europe, where regulators are failing to keep up and defence spending is taking priority over infrastructure. GUEST: John Boyce is an Irish freelance journalist. He’s written about water security for World Politics Review.PRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer
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20:05
Ian Dunt's UK: Starmer vows to 'take back control' of borders
Britain's PM Keir Starmer has announced his government's new plan to drive down migration, including tougher visa and English language requirements, and a doubling of wait-times for UK residency. Guest: Ian Dunt, columnist with i-news, co-host of Origin Story podcast
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13:29
The sketchy future of the courtroom artist
Erin Patterson's mushroom murder trial in regional Victoria is being followed by millions around the world. With no photography allowed in the courtroom, the only image the public has seen of Patterson on trial is a hand-drawn illustration produced by a courtroom sketch artist. What is it like to work as a courtroom sketch artist in 2025? How has the role changed, and will it survive into the future? Guest: Rocco Fazzari, Sydney-based illustrator and courtroom artist (not working on the Patterson trial)
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16:11
China and US trade breakthrough
The United States and China's unexpected agreement to roll back tariffs on each other’s goods for an initial 90-day period has buoyed global markets. Guest: Zongyuan Zoe Liu, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations Producer: Ann Arnold
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