The Front

‘A factoid dude, but it ain’t art’ says guest Jack Marx on Dan Brown and his latest novel The Secret of Secrets. Brown’s books sell by the boatload, but can he really write? Literary Editor Caroline Overington joins Marx to dissect Brown’s appeal: from his love of puzzles to his ‘romantic nincompoop’ hero, Robert Langdon. 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. The weekend edition of The Front is co-produced by Claire Harvey and Jasper Leak. The host is Claire Harvey. Audio production and editing by Jasper Leak who also composed our theme.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel’s government has approved the first phase of a peace deal brokered by US President Donald Trump, as well as Qatari and Egyptian negotiators. Plus, Bowen big concession on renewables figures and a look at Australia’s top innovators.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There was jubilation across the Middle East on Thursday as Donald Trump announced Hamas had agreed to his peace plan. Now, they have to follow though. You can 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 Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump announced Israel and Hamas have agreed to a historic peace deal, while a NSW court blocked a pro-Palestinian protest planned for Sunday.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen has accused a group of environmentalists of spreading misinformation. But he can’t – or won’t – explain his own department’s figures. You can 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 Kristen Amiet and edited by Lia Tsamoglou. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Tiffany Dimmack, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hackers who stole troves of Qantas customer data are threatening to release the data unless the airline pays up. Plus, an Opera House protest bid returns to court and Optus outage bungle is revealed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Jewish people commemorated October 7, Pro-Palestinian extremists celebrated Hamas’ atrocities at rallies and in pro-terror graffiti.  You can 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 Kristen Amiet and edited by Joshua Burton. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Tiffany Dimmack, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hamas reportedly demanded the release of prominent terrorists held in Israeli prisons to secure its commitment to a peace plan for Gaza. Plus, Western Sydney University is once again the target of a cyber attack.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Middle East is closer than ever to a peace deal – but infighting among members of Hamas risks blowing the whole thing up. You can 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 Kristen Amiet and edited by Tiffany Dimmack. Our regular host is Claire Harvey and our team includes Lia Tsamoglou, Joshua Burton, Stephanie Coombes and Jasper Leak, who also composed our music. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nathalie Matthews was granted bail on Monday following her arrest on revenge porn charges. Plus, Albanese and Marape ink defence treaty and Trump talks up Middle East negotiations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.