The Briefing

Friday Headlines:
Trump says it’s up to Iran to make ceasefire deal
Fuel crisis continues with more than 650 stations running dry
Tropical Cyclone Narelle heads to north west WA
IOC bans trans athletes from women's Olympic events
Former Venezuelan president appears in court in New York
Deep Dive: The Magic Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton is one of those stories that’s been loved across generations and now, it’s getting a fresh life on the big screen.
The new film tackles our addiction to technology and follows a modern family who swap screens for the outdoors, only to discover a magical world that helps them reconnect with each other and themselves.
In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with Jessica Gunning, who plays Dame Washalot and who you might also recognise from Baby Reindeer. She joined us while in Australia ahead of the film’s premiere to unpack why nostalgia continues to resonate, and whether the Faraway Tree series reminds us of the wonder we lose when we’re always looking down at our devices.
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Deep Dive: Meta and YouTube have been found liable in a landmark social media addiction trial – that's being called the ‘Big Tobacco’ moment for Big Tech.
A Los Angeles jury has delivered the victory for a young woman who filed a lawsuit against the big tech giants, claiming their platforms contributed to her childhood social media addiction with negligence being a substantial factor .
In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Seven’s Sarah Greenhalgh, who’s reported extensively on social media, to talk about the decision expected to have wide-reaching implications, potentially shaping the outcome of hundreds of similar cases currently moving through US courts.
Headlines:
Qantas to swap larger planes with smaller one to save on fuel
National Cabinet to meet next week to discuss fuel crisis
Trump prepares to ‘unleash hell’ on 'uncooperative' Iran
Israel making further advances into Lebanon
NAB slashes almost 500 jobs

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Thursday Headlines:
Iran rejects US peace plan
Meta and YouTube found liable in social media addiction trial
National cabinet is set to convene next week to discuss Australia’s fuel supply
Super El Nino on the way later this year
Ahmed al Ahmed keys to the city
Deep Dive: The Installation of the 106th, and first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, took place at Canterbury Cathedral on Wednesday March 25 (UK time), the Feast of the Annunciation.
Historically known as an enthronement, the Installation marks the symbolic start of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s public ministry in the Church of England and across the Anglican Communion.
The Canterbury Cathedral released a statement saying: “Rooted in centuries of tradition, the service will look forward with the hope of Jesus Christ - and celebrate the diversity of the Church of England, the nation and the Anglican Communion today”.
In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling talks to cultural historian Associate Professor Cindy McCreery about this historic moment for the Church.
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Deep Dive: Australia could see its food production halved within months in a nightmare scenario, brought about by the continuing war in Iran. What will it mean for putting food on your table?
Farmers are warning they’re already unable to purchase enough fertiliser and diesel to plant their winter crops. It’s a perfect storm.
The federal government this week announced a new trade deal with the European Union, worth $10billion. Farmers say it was a dud deal.
With the war in Iran now showing no signs of easing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Hamish McIntyre, President of the National Farmers Federation to take us through what will it mean for Australians and their weekly grocery bills?
Headlines:
US sends 15-point plan to Iran to stop the war
Commonwealth not planning on fuel rationing
ABC staff walk off the job over pay dispute
Inflation slightly lower than expected
Narelle gearing up for record-breaking move
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Wednesday Headlines:
Fuel shortages ramp up as diesel standards lowered
Most Aussies want the Iran war to end and Pakistan tipped to lead peace talks
ABC programs pulled as staff walk off the job
Married at First Sight expert Mel Schilling has died at the age of 54
The Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special is out
Deep Dive: It’s been more than a thousand days since a landmark inquiry recommended a full ban on gambling advertising in Australia, yet despite the scale of harm and billions lost each year, the federal government has failed to act.
Evidence from the probe revealed an inescapable and predatory system, with aggressive tactics normalising gambling for young Australians and targeting those most at risk.
In this episode of The Briefing, Sacha Barbour Gatt speaks with Independent MP Kate Chaney about why reform has stalled, the influence of powerful lobbying groups, and her push to force change in Parliament.
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