The Front

Joan Taufua, mother of NRL star Payne Haas, was living in a grief-induced fantasy world when she was involved in a car accident where three people died, according to her lawyers. Now, her defence team wants the case treated as a mental health episode. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump confirms he spoke on the phone with Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro as tensions between the two nations rise. Plus, Marles spruiks Defence Department reforms and Head is happy to open the batting in Brisbane.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As aircraft become more computerised - and even pilotless - they’re also more vulnerable to space events like the giant solar flare that put an Airbus into an ‘uncommanded’ dive and grounded thousands of flights. So should we praise Airbus for acting quickly, or rethink the risk of autopilot systems?   Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At two hours, 18 minutes, Wicked: For Good is a sequel for the superfans - but it’s also drawing huge box office. Nikki Gemmell is here to rave about a movie she says is the most significant for young women since Barbie - and a very unusual love scene.  Find out more about The Front podcast here. You can read about this story and more on The Australian's website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is produced by Claire Harvey with Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team also includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton and Jasper Leak, who created our theme. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

German military officials have been actively planning for a potential land war with Russia, detailing a massive, 1,200-page NATO response in "Operation Plan Germany." Plus, an American National Guard soldier is dead after being shot near the White House in an alleged ambush by an Afghan national who had previously worked with the CIA.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of Australia’s best-known and most colourful politicians, Barnaby Joyce, is quitting the National Party to sit as an independent—and he hasn't ruled out joining Pauline Hanson’s One Nation in the future. Sarah Ison joins Claire Harvey to unpack the shock defection, what Pauline Hanson sees in the firebrand former leader, and why Joyce isn't resigning his New England seat to trigger a by-election. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s a huge move for the longtime Nat, who says the party simply doesn’t allow him to properly represent his constituents in the NSW seat of New England any more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Australian has released a collection of our reporting and commentary on Australia’s antisemitism crisis. Commentary Editor Nicholas Jensen reflects on the seismic shift in Australian society – and the landmark journalism that captured it. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented and produced by Claire Harvey and Kristen Amiet. It’s edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House says Ukraine is close to signing a peace deal that will end its almost-four-year war with Russia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For one president to call another is a big deal. When it’s China’s Xi Jinping ringing Donald J Trump - both men who like to be the most powerful person in any environment - it sends the analysis into overdrive. So what did the presidents discuss in their call - and what does it all mean? Greg Sheridan is here. Read more about this story, plus see photos, videos and additional reporting, on the website or on The Australian’s app. This episode of The Front is presented by Claire Harvey, produced by Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our team includes Kristen Amiet, Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.