Monday Headlines: Thousands of Australians have protested across the country against the war on Gaza, Erin Patterson is back in court today, Queensland urged to use TikTok and ‘trusted influencers’ to combat misinformation during natural disasters, Trump preparing to send National Guard into Chicago, and Venus Williams is returning to the US Open aged 45.

Deep Dive: A first of its kind inquiry is looking into cults and fringe religious groups in Australia, and whether our laws are strong enough to protect members.  

It's looking into recruitment and retention tactics, particularly any deemed coercive, dominating, and harmful.  

While the inquiry isn’t focusing on the cults or groups beliefs, just behaviours, other mainstream religions are concerned some of their practices could get caught in the crosshairs.  

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with investigative journalist Richard Baker, about his evidence at the inquiry, and his message to any religions sounding the alarm. 

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