Saturday Extra - Separate stories podcast

When Myanmar was hit by an earthquake in late March it added further devastation to an already dire humanitarian situation. Getting aid to to people who are struggling to rebuild their lives has been hampered by the impacts of a four-year conflict between Myanmar's Military junta and democratic opposition groups.

During the COVID-19 pandemic when Australians finally had access to a vaccine, the vast majority took it up. But skepticism quickly took hold in some circles,  and COVID it’s now emerged  saw the start of a trend that’s troubling health authorities.  Australia’s childhood vaccination rates have now dropped below herd immunity levels.

The Dalai Lama is turning 90. It's a moment for his millions of followers around the world to celebrate his longevity, but the milestone has also been a source of high anxiety.The Buddhist spiritual leader has announced that he will have a successor after his death, continuing a centuries-old tradition that has become a flashpoint in the struggle with China's Communist Party over Tibet's future.

President Donald Trump has signed the Republicans’ sweeping domestic policy bill into law at a White House ceremony. The bill includes cuts to Medicaid, tax cuts and funding for his immigration agenda.John Lyons, the ABC Americas editor joins Barbara Miller from Washington.

Almost two weeks after the US unleashed its bunker busting bombs on Iranian nuclear sites the ceasefire announced in the aftermath by Donald Trump appears to be holding.But why did Russia largely stand on the sidelines during the brief Iran-Israel war?

Writer Winnie Dunn has been fascinated with language since she was in nappies, and now she is shortlisted for the Miles Franklin literary award.Her debut novel Dirt Poor Islanders draws on her experience growing up as a queer Tongan-Australian in Western Sydney.

There's now more US pressure on Australia other Asia-Pacific allies to raise defence spending after European allies agreed to an increase at this week's NATO summit.Plus, a closer look at Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto visit to St Petersburg to deepen ties with Vladimir Putin.

This weekend, whale watchers will converge all along the East coast of Australia for one of the country's largest citizen science projects. 

It's the case that has captured the world's attention. Daily podcasts have poured over Erin Patterson's triple murder trial in painstaking detail.The jury is currently deliberating on the verdict, but millions of armchair investigators have already made up their minds after spending hours listening to the forensic details of the case.It's not the first time a true crime podcast has changed the course of the courts. So what are the ethics and pitfalls of this addictive genre?

The Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed ‘a great victory’ over Iran, and he drew plaudits from Donald Trump, "Great War Time Prime Minister!" said the US president on social media. "WARRIOR, like perhaps no other Warrior in the History of Israel." So does a weakening of Iran mean for Benjamin Netanyahu’s standing within Israel and within the region, and what does it mean for the ongoing war in Gaza?