The Morning Edition

Jordan Baker, a chief reporter who provided on-scene coverage at Bondi Beach, shares his firsthand accounts of a devastating mass shooting during a Hanukkah celebration. He vividly describes the shock and chaos as two attackers opened fire, leaving multiple casualties. Eyewitnesses struggled to comprehend the horror, while emergency responders rushed to help the wounded. Baker highlights the scale of the incident and its profound impact on Sydney, emphasizing that this tragedy will resonate deeply within the community.

Today, we're delving into the expenses scandal, if indeed we are calling it a scandal, that has engulfed the Communications Minister Anika Wells. A $100,000 taxpayer funded flight to New York snow-balled into a drip-feed of information about flights to the Formula 1 grand prix, the Boxing Day tests and even a family reunion at Thredbo. All of this dropping at precisely the moment the minister wanted to be talking about the social media ban that was instituted this week.So, what are the rules around taxpayer-funded travel for MPs? And do the pass the 'pub test'? Joining host Jacqueline Maley is chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal, and chief political commentator James Massola.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The video is, according to those who have seen it, horrific to watch. Two sailors cling to the debris of a blown-up boat in the Caribbean, when they’re killed by a US military strike.  This occurred after the first strike on their boat failed to kill everybody on board. It has sparked outrage, and led to accusations – by Democrat and Republican lawmakers alike – that the US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has presided over a military mission that may have been marked by war crimes. Today, Andrew Bell, an expert on law and ethics in military operations, and a senior research scholar at the Center for International Security and Conflict at Stanford University, on why Donald Trump has ordered multiple boat strikes in the Caribbean, which have killed at least 80 people. And whether this could splinter the MAGA movement.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fascinating discussion, senior reporter Chris Vedelago delves into the hidden risks of post-sentence supervision orders in Victoria. He reveals alarming cases of monitored sex offenders who have reoffended, including a gripping account of Theo Briggs' violent spree. Chris examines the legal barriers preventing public awareness and challenges the veil of secrecy protecting offenders. He raises critical questions about transparency and whether anonymity should be sacrificed to enhance community safety. The conversation highlights the urgent need for reform in the justice system.

Bronte Gosling, a tech and policy reporter for The Age/SMH, dives into the implications of Australia's social media ban for teens. She reveals how platforms will be handling account suspensions and the challenges of enforcing compliance. Gosling discusses the various methods kids might use to bypass restrictions and the responsibility of tech companies versus parents. With a focus on age verification methods, she highlights the potential legal challenges ahead and what success might look like.

Anne Applebaum, a staff writer at The Atlantic and noted historian on authoritarianism, shares her harrowing experiences from the frontlines of Sudan’s civil war. She discusses the grim realities of a country dominated by warring militias, emphasizing the shocking impact of the U.S. withdrawal of aid. Applebaum highlights poignant encounters with a dedicated doctor and mutual-aid volunteers, illustrating the resilience amidst chaos. She warns of the regional risks posed by Sudan's instability and underlines the importance of diplomatic engagement and support for local initiatives.

Paul Sakkal, a chief political correspondent, and Natassia Chrysanthos, a federal political correspondent, delve into the eyebrow-raising $100,000 spent by Communications Minister Anika Wells on flights to New York. They discuss the implications of such extravagant expenses amid a cost-of-living crisis and scrutinize the opaque booking processes. The duo also addresses the upcoming social media ban and its challenges, emphasizing the need for transparency in government spending. Plus, they touch on Prime Minister Albanese's recent honeymoon.

Kate McClymont, a chief investigative reporter renowned for uncovering corruption and fraud, exposes the shocking case of George Dimitriou, a conman posing as an accountant. She recounts the tragic experiences of victims like Mark and Kathy Leishman, who lost their home and $4 million due to Dimitriou's deceitful schemes. Kate details his fraudulent tactics, including forged documents and alleged collusion with solicitors. The chilling story raises questions about the failures of banks and regulators to protect vulnerable individuals.

Shane Wright, Senior Economics Correspondent, dives into Australia’s housing crisis, highlighting astonishing median house values in major cities. He introduces the concept of gentle density, which could deliver one million new homes through property subdivision. Shane shares insights from New Zealand’s success and discusses potential downsides, like local resistance and infrastructure strain. He also examines the role of interest rates and government policies, pondering whether state initiatives can pave the way for this innovative housing solution.

It really was the stuff of nightmares. A Swiss tourist, who was swimming with dolphins off the NSW coast, was suddenly mauled by a three-metre bull shark.  The 25-year-old died from her injuries, despite her heroic boyfriend, an exchange student also from Switzerland, fighting off the shark and carrying her to shore. Today, environment and climate reporter Caitlin Fitzsimmons, on why the number of people killed by sharks in Australia is rising.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.