ABC News Daily

Russell Brand built his name on the shock factor, using his sexual exploits as punchlines and making offensive jokes on television and radio for years.

Now, the comedian, presenter and actor has been accused in an investigation by British media outlets of sexual assault and rape between 2006 and 2013. 

He denies the allegations, saying the relationships he had were always consensual.

Today, senior contributor at Forbes magazine Dani Di Placido discusses the accusations against Brand, his conspiracy theories and his massive social media fan base. 

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Dani Di Placido, senior contributor at Forbes magazine

Parts of Australia have been experiencing well above average temperatures for this time of year, with alerts for bushfires already being issued. 

At the same time, the Bureau of Meteorology has declared the El Nino weather pattern is underway, meaning a hotter and drier summer is likely.

Today, the founder of campaign group Sweltering Cities, Emma Bacon, on who the heat will hit the hardest and how best to prepare. 

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Emma Bacon, founder of Sweltering Cities

Can you imagine if the tax office went into your bank account and retrieved money it says you owe, without your permission? 

Well, it can do that and it does.  

It’s a practice that distressed ATO employee Richard Boyle so much that he tried to help some taxpayers get around it. 

He also became a whistleblower and is now facing charges that could land him in jail for up to 46 years. 

Today, investigative journalist Adele Ferguson on his case and how whistleblower laws in Australia are failing all of us.

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Adele Ferguson, ABC investigative reporter

Australia has a lucrative greyhound racing industry that’s enjoyed by some and loathed by others.

Now it’s been revealed there’s a largely unknown but sophisticated trade in dogs with China, where their welfare can’t be assured. 

Today, investigative journalist Paul Farrell on the big money changing hands and the loopholes in Australian laws allowing it to happen. 

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Paul Farrell, ABC investigative reporter

New York City is struggling to house more than one hundred thousand migrants who’ve arrived in the past year.

Authorities have even set up tent cities because shelters for the homeless have been overwhelmed. 

Today, New York City reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Erin Ailworth, on where these people are coming from and the political storm the issue has unleashed. 

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Erin Ailworth, New York City reporter for the Wall Street Journal

They dined on crab dumplings, fish and beef and washed it down with Russian wine. 

Vladimir Putin and the North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un toasted Russia’s “sacred struggle” with the West. 

So what deal did the leaders really strike during a rare meeting in Russia?

Today, defence strategist Samir Puri on the new era in the relationship between the two nations. 

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Dr Samir Puri, visiting lecturer in war studies at King’s College London and author of “Russia’s Road to War with Ukraine”.

As we head towards summer, it looks like the lights will go out for some of us. 

The energy market operator predicts blackouts in some parts of the country because governments have failed to replace ageing coal plants with renewable power fast enough. 

Today, energy expert at the Grattan Institute Alison Reeve on why we have to rely on coal power for longer than expected. 

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Alison Reeve, Climate Change and Energy Deputy Program Director at Grattan Institute

It looks like the Reserve Bank has achieved what it set out to do, force us to spend less and slow the economy by hiking up interest rates.

But the economy is now also in a per capita recession. So what is that and should we worry about it?  

Today, business and economics reporter Gareth Hutchens tells us what it means for our hip pockets and jobs.

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Gareth Hutchens, ABC business and economics reporter

After three years of above average national rainfall, the switch has been flicked.

We’re heading for a hotter and drier spring than average, which isn’t good news for summer. But does that mean we’ll be battling bushfires once again? 

Today, a former Fire and Rescue Commissioner and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action Greg Mullins on how to prepare for what’s ahead. 

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Greg Mullins, former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW and founder of Emergency Leaders for Climate Action

In just under five weeks’ time we will be asked to vote yes or no in a referendum on an Indigenous Voice to Parliament. 

As it draws nearer, how are First Nations communities in some of the most remote parts of the country feeling about the proposed constitutional change? 

Today, Voice Correspondent Dan Bourchier on his Four Corners’ investigation. 

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Dan Bourchier, ABC Voice Correspondent