The Briefing LiSTNR

This spring, up to 16 states across the US will see a natural phenomenon of spectacular proportions not seen in over 200 years, as an estimated trillion periodical cicadas emerge in the same season.

While there are over 1,500 different species of cicada, only seven emerge as a brood every 7 years, 13 years or 17 years. Because these cycles are all prime numbers, it is incredibly rare that the different broods emerge during the same year. But 2024 is one of those years.

The Briefing's Simon Beaton spoke with one of Australia's leading cicada experts, Lindsay Popple, to find out more about these strange insects, and what a trillion cicadas will mean for the US.
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This week lawyers in New York are trying to pick the jury for Donald Trump’s trial.

On the first day more than 50 potential jurors were dismissed, with many saying they couldn’t be impartial.

In this episode of The Briefing we ask Chief Justice Lucy McCallum about the future of juries. Justice McCallum presided over the trial between Bruce Lehrmann and Brittany Higgins— that case ultimately had to be abandoned due to juror misconduct.

Headlines:

16-year-old charged with terrorist act 

Seven CEO James Warburton departs network

Vape shops could be forced to close

Cocaine mystery solved

 

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Australia was shocked as a mass stabbing event unfolded at Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre at the weekend. The centre reopened today for quiet reflection. Retail outlets did not open, trade will recommence tomorrow.

The 40-year-old Queensland man Joel Cauchi, who was responsible for the attacks was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager, and spent more than 20 years trying to navigate life while suffering from schizophrenia.

In this episode of The Briefing, we’re joined by Professor Patrick McGorry, former Australian of the Year, and career advocate for the mentally ill, to try to learn exactly what schizophrenia is, and how families and loved ones of those who suffer from the condition live with the challenge of managing their loved ones’ lives.
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The health issues associated with long-term lead poisoning are not secret and governments around the world have been making moves since the 1970s to limit our exposure to the element.

But there’s a theory floating around that the damage has already been done and its impacts are being seen clearly on an entire generation – the Baby Boomers.

The ‘Boomer stare’ is a trend that’s taken off on TikTok and today we’re going to find out if we really can blame lead for changing the personalities of a generation.

Assistant Professor at Michigan State University Ted Schwaba is our guest on this episode of The Briefing to explain if the ‘Boomer stare’ is for real.

Headlines:

Bondi Junction to reopen for “community reflection”

Father of alleged teenage attacker says he’s seen signs of “disobedience” 

Communications minister pledges to fine X and Meta over hosting misinformation and disinformation

Kaylee McKeown breaks record in the pool

 

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Malware, spyware and stalkerware programs give unauthorised and undetected insight into another person’s device. All too often, they are used as an insidious tool for domestic violence offenders.

Installed without consent or knowledge of the victim, the software gives the perpetrator control to track the user, read their messages, or even discreetly activate the phone's microphone or camera.

In this episode, Bension Siebert speaks with cyber forensic expert, Rose MacDonald, to find out how victims can determine if their phones are bugged, and what needs to happen to better protect domestic violence survivors against technology-facilitated abuse.

If you'd like to hear more about Rose's story and her work in digital forensics, check out her recent episode on Crime Insiders: FORENSICS.

This episode contains references to intimate partner violence and coercive control. For support, dial 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
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Iran dropped 300 missiles and drones on Israeli territory over the weekend after an air strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria last week.

Most were intercepted – as many as 99% according to Israel – but it is being deemed a watershed moment in the conflict.

Professor Michael Humphrey from the University of Sydney joins the Briefing to explain the significance of the strike globally.

Headlines:

An update on Sydney’s stabbings

A blow to Julian Assange’s bid to avoid extradition to the US

Linda Reynolds to proceed with case against Brittany Higgins

Supermarket bosses grilled at Senate inquiry 

 

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