The Briefing

Afternoon Headlines: Two Sydney childcare workers charged with alleged assault, 10 million vapes seized as new data finds fewer young Aussies vaping and a global Matcha shortage. 

Deep Dive: Bradley John Murdoch, the man convicted of murdering British backpacker Peter Falconio, has died at 67, without ever revealing where Falconio’s body is.

His death comes just weeks after police increased the reward for information relating to the murder to $500,000, reigniting hope Peter’s remains may finally be found. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling speaks with criminologist and associate professor Xanthé Mallett, who explains why Murdoch always maintained his innocence and refused to reveal what happened to Peter’s body.  

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Wednesday Headlines: Anthony Albanese signs six new deals with China, police warn list of childcare centres accused child abuser Joshua Brown worked at will likely grow, State schools reporting violent incidents in classrooms every four minutes, First nations peoples and climate activists share their disappointment in a Federal Court ruling over the Torres Strait islands, and the Emmy nominations are out!

Deep Dive: A handful of decisions made by a young German backpacker were the difference between life and death, after she went missing in the remote WA wilderness for 11 days 
 
Authorities and experts have dubbed Carolina Wilga's survival a miracle, with the 26-year-old being found alive and well after braving subzero temperatures, rain, wind and rocky terrain with limited food and water. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy is joined by survival expert and bushcraft teacher Jake Cassar on what likely saved the backpackers' life, and his non-negotiables for braving the bush, whether you're a tourist, seasoned camper or find yourself lost too.

Further listening from the headlines: 
Red flags of a child predator
Why Netflix is so not chill

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Bitcoin is booming, reaching an all-time high this week with some experts saying it could be the next liquid gold. 

The United States is now debating rules and regulations around crypto currencies with a push to shakeup the framework. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by Investment Analyst Justin Lin to unpack why Bitcoin is surging and is it the new way to make a fortune? 

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Tuesday Headlines: Trump threatens Russia with ‘very severe tariffs’ as he unveils new weapons plan for Ukraine, former Greens candidate Hannah Thomas to front court today as police investigate threat video to Melbourne tech business, German backpacker shares a heartfelt message to Aussies from her hospital bed, more than a third of young Aussies are exploited by their employers, and a Sydney man has been charged after trying to pinch the Stone of Scone in Scotland!

Deep Dive: Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp and Chris Brown have all faced allegations of abuse - yet remain in “pass baskets,” where fans overlook their problematic track record and continue supporting their work.  
 
In this episode of The Briefing, Helen Smith speaks with sex and relationship expert Georgia Grace to unpack why we keep putting celebrities in “pass baskets” and what it says about fame, accountability, and cultural change. 

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Afternoon headlines: Government accidentally released Treasury advice to ABC, Country Road closes stores as operating profits drop more than 71% and Trump will be hosted by King Charles III at Windsor Castle

Deep Dive: The Jeffrey Epstein files are threatening to destroy the Trump Administration with its powerful MAGA base demanding answers over broken promises.

President Trump had promised to release the top-secret documents but now the FBI says they don’t exist.

In this episode of the Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by US politics and foreign policy expert, Associate Professor David Smith, to unpack if there is a list and what these turn of events could mean for Trump.

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Monday Headlines: Anthony Albanese continues his week-long visit to China, NSW Police defends actions of cop who shot dead machete-wielding man at a Westfield, disturbing findings in the Air India crash report, QLD Premier David Crisafulli announces CFMEU Inquiry, and we have a Wimbledon winner!

Deep Dive: More than half of young Aussies are putting their lives at risk by taking part in choking during sex. That’s according to various experts who say it not only plays a significant role in domestic and family violence cases, but causes long term physical harm. 

Those findings led the UK Government to announce it will ban the depiction of strangulation in porn, with advocates now calling for Australia to do the same. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Tara Cassidy speaks with the CEO of the Red Rose Foundation, Lucy Lord, on the hidden dangers of strangulation in sex.   

Further listening from the headlines: 
Fire, fear and politics at the CFMEU

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BONUS: This is a story that you've never heard before - what really happened in the lead up to Australia’s worst terrorist Brenton Tarrant opening fire on worshippers at a mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand.

For years, we’ve been told he was a “lone actor”.  But a new LiSTNR investigation Secrets We Keep: Lone Actor reveals this narrative is far from the truth.  

In this podcast, our colleague Joey Watson traces the terrorist’s footsteps around the world, uncovering shocking new evidence of his interactions with a shadowy global network of far-right extremists.  

In this episode of The Briefing’s we're giving you episode 1 as a bonus but if you’re hooked and want more, you can keep listening here: https://linktr.ee/secretswekeeppodcast 

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Krissy Marsh admits she 'likes to show off' - and it’s exactly that unapologetic flair that’s made her one of the most entertaining stars of The Real Housewives of Sydney.

The proud mum, former model, real estate boss and Mandarin-speaking Brisbane girl is so much more than a ‘housewife’ making a name for herself far beyond the screen.

In this chat with Antoinette Lattouf, Krissy reveals why she live with no regrets, the personal philosophy that keeps her grounded and how she became an ambassador for Ronald McDonald House.

Weekend list with Helen Smith and Chris Spyrou: 

• TO READ: What Plastic Surgery Couldn’t Fix in The Cut by Nick Dothée
• TO EAT: Pretty butter board for dinner parties
• TO DO AND EAT: Learn passed down recipes from your family
• TO LISTEN: Kellyoke singalong 

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Afternoon Headlines: Donald Trump nominates Sydney-born Nick Adams as US ambassador to Malaysia, missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga likely to have abandoned broken-down van in WA outback and Jane Birkin’s original Hermès handbag becomes most expensive fashion accessory ever sold. 

Deep Dive: Formula One Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has been sacked after 20 years in the top job, rocking the F1 world.

The racing powerhouse was plagued by recent scandals including allegations of inappropriate behaviour and tensions with star driver Max Verstappen and his father. 

In this episode of The Briefing Natarsha Belling is joined by Sports Broadcaster Greg Rust, host of LiSNTR’s Rusty's Garage to unpack what will become of the Red Bull F1 team. 

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Friday Headlines: Special Envoy's antisemitism recommendations labelled draconian, Sydney cops face court for violent attack on mentally ill woman, new data reveals hanging point deaths are rising in Australian prisons, eSafety Commissioner releases data showing YouTube's harm and Big W pulls MAGA hats from online store.

Deep Dive: Inside the cult of HYROX
HYROX is the global fitness phenomenon turning everyday athletes into endurance competitors - and it’s gaining serious traction in Australia. 

With 21,000 racers taking part in its biggest event yet in Sydney over the weekend, the sport’s blend of functional training and competition is drawing a loyal following. 

In this episode of The Briefing, Chris Spyrou speaks with former journalist and HYROX racer Joseph Ogilvie about the rise of the sport and what sets it apart in an already crowded fitness space. 

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