The Morning Edition

Peter Hartcher, international and political editor who analyzes global affairs, breaks down last‑24‑hour U.S.-Iran developments. He outlines Trump’s social media threat and the shock it caused. He explains the two-week ceasefire terms and Strait of Hormuz reopening. He discusses regional roles, U.S. political fallout, and how incendiary rhetoric reshapes international trust.

Michael Bachelard, investigative reporter who covered Australian conduct in Afghanistan. Nick McKenzie, long‑form investigative journalist central to reporting on Roberts‑Smith. They recount how the arrest unfolded, outline the five alleged war‑crime murder charges, and explain the investigative methods and legal hurdles ahead. The conversation also touches on the cultural and political fallout.

Wendy Tuohy, senior writer covering legal and medical issues, breaks down a landmark Victorian court ruling on consent in childbirth. She outlines what vaginal examinations involve and why some women refuse them. Listens on hospital admission policies, the Bendigo Health case facts, legal ramifications for obstetric practice, and how guidelines aim to prioritise women’s choices.

Angus Dalton, science reporter who covers health and research, unpacks a new Australian review linking vaping to lung and oral cancer. He explains how the review was done, the chemicals and mechanisms that worry researchers, why young never-smokers are a concern, and why the study has provoked strong scientific pushback.

Paul Sakkal, chief political correspondent, offers crisp political context on the Prime Minister's national address and party dynamics. Shane Wright, senior economics correspondent, breaks down the tight budget landscape, fuel excise moves and inflation risks. They also discuss energy security and a provocative interview that signals shifting conservative currents.

Peter Hartcher, international and political editor known for sharp geopolitical analysis. He discusses US ability to define victory in the Iran clash. He explains shifting American war aims and exit options. He contrasts Iran’s long-term preparedness with US short-term tactics. He outlines global energy shocks and how US credibility may be eroding.

Nick McKenzie, investigative reporter known for exposing wrongdoing, describes how North Korean operatives pose as remote IT hires to target Australian firms. He outlines how AI-crafted resumes, intermediaries and laptop farms enable scaled espionage. He also recounts a Zoom sting that exposed an operative and highlights why businesses must tighten hiring and monitoring practices.

Natassia Chrysanthos, federal political correspondent who explains government policy, breaks down the National Fuel Security Plan. She discusses petrol prices versus supply, the 26c excise cut and heavy vehicle relief, the government's plan to work with industry to secure supply, and the tradeoff between relief measures and inflation pressures.

Melissa Cunningham, a crime reporter who covered the manhunt, gives on-the-ground detail and analysis. She walks through the three-hour standoff that ended with Dezi Freeman being shot, outlines police accounts and investigations, and traces Freeman’s sovereign citizen ties and movements. Listeners hear about the remote property, local reactions, unanswered questions about assistance, and the coronial process to come.

Benjamin Preiss, regional editor who reports on disasters and communities, explores how floods coincided with cognitive decline in elders. He shares firsthand accounts from Rochester, discusses research linking floods to increased dementia risk, and highlights how stress and routine loss can unmask memory problems. He also outlines the need for dementia-aware disaster responses and practical warning signs to watch for.