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Krishani Dhanji, a political reporter who analyzes Australian politics, outlines why politicians are pushing for higher birth rates. She discusses Matt Canavan’s pronatalism, historical baby bonus policies, economic arguments for more young workers, links to anti-immigrant rhetoric, gendered family norms and real-life barriers like housing and costs.

A personal account of how war erodes everyday life and community ties. Stories of ruined villages, disrupted family rituals and the balakhana’s role in local justice. A look at how supposed neutrality becomes impossible or criminalized for civilians. Connections drawn between Afghanistan’s experience and wider Middle East spillover.

A sharp postmortem on the South Australian results and what they reveal about preference flows. A tense look at whether a fuel supply crunch could damage the federal government. A debate over appetite for tax reform and the political math around capital gains changes. A profile of Andrew Hastie and why he complicates the opposition landscape.

Andrew Roth, a Washington-based global affairs correspondent, breaks down the murky claims of peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. He discusses why negotiation details are unclear. He explains market-timing behind peace statements. He outlines likely Iranian intermediaries and contrasting U.S. and Iranian proposals. He assesses U.S. troop moves, mission creep, and how long the conflict might persist.

Andrew Hastie, a Liberal MP focused on national security and industry, talks geopolitics, Iran conflict dynamics and why he calls Trump overconfident. He argues for reindustrialisation and energy sovereignty, debates renewables versus diesel for Australia’s vast distances, and outlines a centre-right plan to counter One Nation while addressing migration and economic resilience.

William Christou, The Guardian reporter based in Lebanon, gives front-line dispatches from Beirut and southern towns. He describes daily strikes, mass displacement and the targeting of bridges and health facilities. He recounts intense clashes with Hezbollah, local fears of Gaza-style tactics and the humanitarian consequences of a possible occupation.

Tom McIlroy, political editor at Guardian Australia, explains policy choices and government levers. Jonathan Barrett, business editor at Guardian Australia, breaks down market and economic impacts. They discuss Australia’s thin fuel buffer, real versus panic-driven shortages, inflationary ripple effects, political and diplomatic responses, and whether the shock could speed up EVs and renewable transition.

Tory Shepherd, Adelaide-based political reporter, and Dan Jervis Barty, chief political correspondent, unpack One Nation’s shock surge in South Australia. They describe the orange wave on election night, explain how preferences translated votes into seats, and consider the party’s potential to reshape culture wars, media scrutiny, and broader political strategy.

Lucia Osborne-Crowley, author and legal journalist who reports on sexual abuse and grooming, joins to unpack the Epstein case. She describes how predators identify and isolate vulnerable young people. She explains tactics that normalize sex and use acceptable touch as a gateway. She warns Epstein was not unique and highlights the networks and redactions that shielded abuse.

Ariel Bogle, investigations reporter who covers extremism and national security, and Imam Alaa El-Zukum, a community imam and advocate for Muslim–non‑Muslim cohesion, discuss Australia’s ties to the Christchurch massacre. They explore community resilience in New Zealand, ongoing Islamophobia and threats in Australia, calls for legal protections and public reckoning, and the challenges of stopping radicalisation.