The Briefing

Monday Headlines:
Labor recovers in the polls, One Nation takes a hit
Australian man denies murder charges after 17-year-old's body found in suitcase
Thousands still missing from Venezuela earthquakes
US and Iran recommence strikes
NSW announces major shark mitigation strategy after Coogee attack
World Cup moves to the knockouts
Deep Dive: Your cybersecurity is at risk, according to the world’s spies. Five Eyes is the alliance of spies from the US, UK, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia – and last week, they published a warning that cutting-edge AI “accelerates the speed, scale, and sophistication of cyber threats”.
They also wrote that the timeline of the transformation is “not years, it is months.”
How worried should we all be about these cyber threats? And what can we, individually and collectively, do about them?
In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by cybersecurity expert Alastair MacGibbon, the founding head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre.
Further listening from headlines:
The truth about shark culls
Your guide to Aus v Paraguay
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Michael Theo first captured Australia's attention as one of the stars of Love on the Spectrum.

Since then, he's gone on to lead the ABC comedy-drama Austin - a performance that has now earned him a Silver Logie nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Comedy.
To mark the nomination, we're revisiting one of our conversations with him from the archives.
This bonus Sunday episode of The Briefing is Antoinette Lattouf's 2024 conversation with Michael Theo about finding fame through Love on the Spectrum, making the leap into acting, and the very specific checklist he has for his ideal partner.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He went from busking in Pitt Street Mall to winning Australia's Got Talent with Justice Crew, signing a record deal despite none of them being trained singers, and touring the world with the likes of Pitbull, Janet Jackson and One Direction.

Now John Pearce - Big Strong John, the internet's "hot Wiggle" - sits down with Chris Spyrou in this episode of The Weekend Briefing to look back on the wild ride from western Sydney dancer to ARIA chart-topper, including what he actually did with his AGT prize money, whether twin telepathy with his brother Lenny is real, and the moment Justice Crew quietly wound down.

They also get into how he came to join the Wiggle-verse, how his life has changed since becoming a dad and his honest feelings about being labelled a heartthrob while dressed as a children's entertainer.

WEEKEND LIST:
To watch: Widow's Bay on Apple TV (Listener Nial)
To eat: GYG Breakfast Burrito
To gift: Gourmet Basket
To explore: Bunnings on Uber Eats?!
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Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Friday Headlines:
World leaders commit aid after Venezuela hit by two earthquakes
Albo to target social media companies and algorithms in strengthening of under-16 ban
Sydney shark attack victim awake, reunited with daughter
Nearly 1 in 20 fuel pumps short-changing Australians
SBS braces for record viewing audience as Socceroos take on Paraguay
Deep Dive: The Socceroos are back in action today, taking on Paraguay in their final World Cup group match.
Australia heads into the clash knowing a win or draw would put it in a strong position to reach the knockout stage - but even a loss may not be enough to end our campaign.
In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by SBS's Santo & Ed's Cup Fever host Ed Kavalee to unpack Australia's chances, the big names to watch, and the World Cup facts that'll help you sound like you've been following the tournament all along.
Further listening from headlines:
Your anger is being sold, Ed Coper knows what to do about it
Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Thursday Headlines:
Bird flu found in second Aussie state
Hanson says Socceroos are an example of monoculturalism
ASIO defends resourcing ahead of Bondi attack, warns of ‘unprecedented’ number of threats
Karl Stefanovic to leave after podcast interview with far-right activist
Neil the seal is back 🦭
Deep Dive: The world is in El Niño again – the weather pattern caused by warmer sea surface temperature in the Pacific Ocean. For Australia, an El Niño usually means less rain and hotter days, but also more extreme temperatures, including a higher frost risk.
The big question, though, is whether hotter and drier conditions are likely to lead to a dramatic bushfire season. Could we be in for another Black Summer?
In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou is joined by Dr Kimberley Reid, a Research Fellow with the Centre of Excellence for Weather of the 21st Century at the University of Melbourne to unpack it all.
Follow The Briefing:
TikTok: @thebriefingpod
Instagram: @thebriefingpodcast
YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.