The Morning Edition

Jacqueline Maley, a senior columnist and commentator on British royalty, dives deep into the sordid saga of Prince Andrew and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. She unpacks the resurgence of scandal, driven by Virginia Giuffre's memoir and new allegations. The discussion reveals leaked emails contradicting Andrew's claims and highlights the public's increasing scrutiny of royal finances and privileges. Maley posits that the ongoing crisis might be an existential threat to the monarchy, exposing systemic issues of entitlement and abuse within the institution.

Calum Jaspan, a media writer, shares insights about Siobhan McKenna, the key player behind Lachlan Murdoch's control of their media empire. They dive into her humble origins in Canberra, her swift rise from McKinsey consultant to power broker, and her critical role in managing Lachlan's business conflicts. Interesting discussions include her strategic influence over major media investments and political appointments, hinting at her potential as the most powerful woman within the Murdoch dynasty.

You sure can tell a lot about a person by what they eat. Actor Marilyn Monroe once said that she was told her eating habits were “absolutely bizarre”, to which she replied, “I don’t think so.” (Her daily breakfast was a cup of hot milk with two raw eggs whisked in.) Well, today, you can now judge the tastes of those across the nation. Because the results from the 2025 Good Food Guide Awards are in. Today, Good Food head Sarah Norris, national restaurant editor Callan Boys and Melbourne restaurant editor Emma Breheny, on the restaurants you can’t miss. What this year’s dominant food trends say about what we value - and no longer care for. And the affordable must-order dish that our team says is the “undersell of the year”.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You couldn’t escape last week without hearing the ad for Kim Kardashian's latest rage-bait release: a so-called micro thong with faux pubic hair.Of course, Kardashian has called her thong - a pair of tiny underwear that comes in 12 shades - “the ultimate bush”. She’s capitalising on the latest trend.Today, lifestyle writer Lauren Ironmonger on the shame women are feeling now, as a result of being convinced to treat their bodies as trends. And whether anyone is actually buying their pubic hair back, after being told, since puberty, that they must get rid of it.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week in federal politics could not have been more fun. We had Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travel to Washington, finally, for his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The meeting was a total hit, and Albanese came home with a deal on critical mineral supply and reassurances on the AUKUS submarine pact.Jacqueline Maley is joined by chief political correspondent, Paul Sakkal and special guest Bill Shorten, former opposition leader and a cabinet minister. Bill Shorten is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Canberra.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Hartcher, a senior political commentator and journalist specializing in geopolitics, dives into the shifting dynamics of US-China relations. He discusses the long-predicted but elusive moment of China's supremacy and highlights recent political turmoil within China that hampers this ambition. Hartcher also examines the implications of Trump's failed tariff threats, Xi Jinping's internal power struggles, and Australia's newfound role through a critical minerals deal with the US, potentially elevating its status from middle power.

Michael Koziol, North America correspondent for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, shares his firsthand experience at the White House during the significant meeting between Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump. He recounts the tension as Trump criticized journalists and directed barbs at Ambassador Kevin Rudd. The discussion reveals whether Albanese made any gains, including insight into the rare earths framework and AUKUS, while addressing the challenges of US-China relations. Koziol also reflects on how Albanese's approach may be perceived back home.

Eryk Bagshaw, an investigative reporter known for uncovering critical stories, delves into the Westpac Rescue Service's troubling culture. He reveals allegations of sexual harassment and bullying that have plagued the organization, particularly affecting female staff like Stacey Price, the first female training coordinator. Safety concerns are also highlighted, including lapses in training certification that may jeopardize both staff and patients. Eryk discusses the treatment of whistleblowers and the ongoing investigation into these issues, raising questions about transparency and accountability.

Aunty Jill Gallagher AO, a Gunditjmara elder and CEO of the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, delves into the groundbreaking treaty legislation in Victoria. She explains that this agreement recognizes Indigenous sovereignty and establishes an elected body to engage with Parliament. Aunty Jill compares Victoria's treaty to those in New Zealand and Canada, highlighting its unique aspects while discussing the importance of ongoing truth-telling and curriculum reform. Ultimately, she emphasizes the treaty's potential to empower First Nations people and foster understanding among non-Indigenous communities.

Join Paul Sakkal, a chief political correspondent dissecting the Albanese government, and Shane Wright, a chief economics correspondent focusing on budget implications. They dive into Albanese's impending meeting with Trump, unraveling objectives like critical minerals and trade negotiations. The duo discusses political fallout from superannuation policy backtracks, revealing tensions between Albanese and Treasurer Jim Chalmers. With insights into economic ramifications of tariffs and the road ahead for Australian reforms, it's a riveting analysis of current politics and economics.