Full Story

Lenore Taylor, Editor of Guardian Australia, joins Mike Ticher, the head of their newsroom, and Josephine Tovey, the national news editor, to unravel Pauline Hanson’s controversial burqa stunt in parliament. They explore the dynamics of political attention-seeking and its influence on media coverage. The discussion highlights the impact of such stunts on community sentiment, particularly regarding Muslim Australians. The panel also examines the ethical complexities of reporting and the dangers of normalizing fringe views in political discourse.

Nino Bucci, a Justice and courts reporter for The Guardian, dives into the chilling case of fugitive Dezi Freeman, who remains on the run after a violent incident in Porepunkah. He paints a vivid picture of the town's tense atmosphere, where residents are gripped by fear. Bucci explores police theories about Freeman's possible whereabouts and the challenges faced during the manhunt, including the use of drones. He also touches on bizarre conspiracy theories surrounding Freeman, leaving listeners questioning the complex layers of this ongoing mystery.

Piotr Sauer, a Russian affairs reporter for The Guardian, shares insights into the dramatic shifts in peace negotiations over Ukraine. He details the evolution from a 28-point plan to a 19-point proposal, emphasizing contentious terms like territory concessions and military limits. Sauer highlights the differing moods in Kyiv and Moscow, the role of US diplomacy, and Ukraine's goals for reconstruction and security guarantees. He also reflects on the complexities of these negotiations and the ongoing war fatigue affecting public sentiment in both nations.

Israel’s latest strike in Beirut on Sunday, which killed at least five people and wounded 28, has dramatically escalated existing tensions in the region and left many in Lebanon anxious about what may follow. Beirut-based journalist William Christou speaks to Nour Haydar about the Lebanese government and Hezbollah’s responses to the strike and Israel’s ongoing presence in south Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement.

Technology reporter Josh Taylor unpacks the staggering rise of the Bureau of Meteorology's website redesign costs from $4 million to a whopping $96.5 million. He discusses user complaints, the confusing redesign features, and the lack of effective beta testing for key stakeholders like farmers. Taylor highlights contract blowouts with Accenture and Deloitte, compares the spending to other high-traffic sites, and shares insights on political backlash and the push for accountability. Join him as he delves into the chaotic world of public sector IT spending.

Geoff Lemon, a Guardian Australia writer, shares on-the-ground insights, while Ali Martin provides tactical analysis as a cricket correspondent, contributing valuable post-match context. Jim Wallace focuses on player behavior and media reactions. The discussion dives into England's shocking batting collapse, revealing errors from senior players and analyzing root causes. The panel also debates tactical changes for England, Australia's pink-ball advantage, and praises Mitchell Starc's match-winning performance, leaving the future of the series intriguingly uncertain.

Andrew Messinger, a Queensland state reporter for The Guardian, offers a deep dive into the Wieambilla shootings. He reveals the coroner's findings that the Train family acted out of shared delusions rather than terrorism. Messinger discusses the police's unpreparedness and the tactical advantages of the shooters. He highlights Keely Brough's survival story and calls for mental health checks linked to firearm licenses. The conversation raises pressing questions about online extremism and the importance of monitoring such minds to prevent future tragedies.

In this discussion, Sean Kelly, an author and former Labor adviser, explores the pragmatic shift of the Labor party under Anthony Albanese. He highlights the potential dangers of Albanese's cautious approach, which, while politically successful, may hinder bold reforms needed to tackle inequality. Kelly delves into the quieter dynamics within the backbench and the impact of conflict aversion on meaningful political debate. He raises the question of whether the government can pivot away from caution to embrace necessary changes.

Nikki McCann-Ramirez, a political reporter at Rolling Stone specializing in right-wing movements, delves into Donald Trump’s surprising decision to sign a bill for releasing Epstein files and his public fallout with Marjorie Taylor Greene. They explore how Greene’s shift from conspiracy influencer to demanding transparency reflects broader political shifts. The discussion covers the implications for Trump with a focus on elite impunity, and Greene's evolving role within the MAGA framework. Tune in for insights on a potential rift that could reshape their alliance!

In this discussion, Patrick Keneally, Deputy Editor at Guardian Australia, and Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom, dive into the turmoil within the Liberal Party. They explore the challenges faced by leaders like Sussan Ley and Mark Speakman, while examining the party's struggle for relevance. The duo analyzes Victoria's leadership choices and internal factional fights, highlighting the party's trouble connecting with younger voters and women. Is the Liberal Party experiencing an existential crisis? Tune in for insight into whether they can thrive amid mounting pressures.