The Briefing

In the dark depths, four kilometres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, scientists have found small clumps of rocks producing oxygen.

Previously scientists believed oxygen was created by living things using energy from the sun, so the idea of 'black oxygen' has thrown a curveball into our theory of how life on Earth may have began. It also begs the question - could life dependent on oxygen be more common outside of Earth?

Joining The Briefing to talk through what we know about the discovery, is science communicator and author of How to Save the Whole Blinkin' Planet, Lee Constable.

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Politicians and jobs in the mining sector seem to go hand in hand - with former New South Wales premier Dominic Perrottet and former Western Australian premier Mark McGowan both making the jump.

But mining is a huge part of the Australian job landscape, with over 1.2m people employed in the industry and the top jobs pay extremely well - so what’s wrong with a former pollie jumping out of government and into a role in the sector?

In this episode of The Briefing, Executive Director of the Australia Institute Richard Denniss joins Bension Siebert to unpack how pollies are jumping ship so easily, and if that’s for better or worse for all of us.

Headlines:

Kamala Harris gives first campaign speech 

New charges against Beau Lamarre-Condon

It was the world’s hottest day ever on Sunday 

Snoop Dogg to carry the Olympic torch

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Young Australians are living in a world more connected than ever before, thanks to social media. But an increasing number of 15- to 24-year-olds are experiencing loneliness and feelings of social isolation. 

There’s been a steady rise over the years particularly since 2008, and a further spike in loneliness rates in 2020 – due to the effects of the COVID pandemic. 

So, what are the experts suggesting we should do to help? Social prescribing has been flagged as a possible solution, which involves the referral of patients to non-medical activities, like health and fitness clubs to art classes. 

The Briefing’s Simon Beaton is joined by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth to unpack the details. 

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Female made and focused pop music is having a revolution.

Why is the happy and light 2000’s pop sound from the likes of Katy Perry out, and the complex and heavy pop of Chappel Roan and Charlie XCX in, and what does it say about where society is at the moment?

In this episode of the Briefing Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Nic Kelly, host of The Hot Hits on the Hit Network and LiSTNR, to unpack what is happening in pop right now.

Headlines:

Kamala Harris firms up as favourite to take over presidential nomination for the Democrats 

Dozens killed in Gaza after IDF orders evacuation

Stegosaurus fossil sells for $68 million

 

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Joe Biden has announced that he’s dropping out of the race for the 2024 US presidential election.

In making the announcement he also endorsed his Vice President, Kamala Harris, to take his spot for the top role. She's since confirmed that she’s up for the challenge and wants to ‘earn and win’ the right to stand against Donald Trump in November.

But who is Kamala Harris? What does she stand for? And will she gain enough support to win the next US election just a few months away?

Sacha Barbour Gatt is joined by Christian Paz, Senior Political Reporter from Vox, to catch you up to speed on Kamala Harris and what we can expect next from the US Democratic Party.

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Joe Biden has announced he won't run at this year's 2024 presidential election.

It will set off a race for the Democratic nomination - with Biden formally endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris in his message posted on X overnight.

Also in this episode of The Briefing:

During the long, cold winter months in Australia, a quick scroll of your social media feed can feel like you’ve stumbled into an ad for the Amalfi coast or London.

Aussies love a European getaway in the middle of the year, and the popularity of these trips has surged in the wake of Covid travel restrictions.

But is our love affair with Europe on the decline? And what are the next “it” destinations for Aussie travellers?

In today’s episode of The Briefing, we chat to Australian Traveller’s Quentin Long to find out.

Headlines:

Joe Biden stands down

Father and baby killed at Sydney train station

Oscar Piastri wins maiden GP victory 

Damages from tech outage to hit the billions

 

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For Frances Rings dance is her first language.

Since childhood Frances has always know dance would be part of her identity and in 2023 she was appointed the Artistic director of Bangarra Dance Theatre - making her childhood dreams a reality.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Frances unpacks her journey from a working class family that couldn't afford dance lessons to her first production as leader of Bangarra.

Weekend List

• TO EAT - Meatless Mondays and alliteration
• TO WATCH - Abbott Elementary on Disney+
• TO TRY - Going off social media and a dump phone
• TO TRY - Good running shoes

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It’s been an absolutely batshit crazy week in American politics.

Donald Trump has accepted the Republican nomination to be president, days after surviving an attempted assassination.

Then, at the Republican National Convention which has been dominating headlines this week, Trump has named J.D. Vance, a man who once described Trump as “America’s Hitler”, as his nominee for Vice President.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with COVID, just as former President Barack Obama weighs in on whether he should withdraw from the race.

To make sense of the wild week that was, and consider what happens next, Bension Siebert is joined by Editor-in-Chief of Raw Story Dave Levinthal, live from the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.

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Meet Jack Schlossberg, a self-described silly goose, John F. Kennedy’s only grandson, social media sensation and Vogues’ newly appointed political correspondent.

So what does this nepo baby from one of the world's most famous political families have to say about politics.

In this episode of the Briefing Helen Smith is joined by Entertainment guru and host of LiSTNR’s The Streaming Service to unpack the logic behind his viral internet persona.

Headlines:

Biden reportedly more receptive to stepping down

12.9 million Aussies had data stolen in MediSecure hack

Peggy and Molly to get their own cartoon 

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There are growing calls for Australian women to receive paid menstrual, menopausal and reproductive leave – separate from sick leave.

Queensland public servants will receive an extra 10 days of paid leave per year, while public and community sector workers in Victoria could also soon benefit.

Now unions are campaigning for a universal paid 10 days leave, so all workers can take time off to manage fertility treatments, menstruation and breast screening.

So, is Australia ready for the change? And could the policy eventually be introduced into the Fair Work Act?

To find out more, Bension Siebert is joined in the studio by LiSTNR journalist Loren Howarth.

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