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To say that American president Donald Trump’s global tariffs have sparked chaos around the world is an understatement. One analyst called the result, “a self-induced economic nuclear winter”.                                                

And that was before the tit-for-tat trade war between the United States and China escalated today with Trump imposing an additional tariff on China, taking the total to 104 per cent.

Today, international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, on where this trade war with China could lead. And the mini-rebellion among Republicans to Trump’s tariffs.

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Extraordinary scenes unfolded outside an Australian court last week when one of the last remaining figures from Melbourne's gangland war, Tony Mokbel, was released on bail.

And there watching it all unfold was crime writer Chris Vedelago, who has been following the Mokbel story for years. 

Today, we delve into a legal scandal like no other, and one that could ultimately see the likes of Mokbel have their convictions overturned.

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When Anthony Albanese couldn't name the cash rate, or the unemployment rate on day one of his last campaign, it was a moment that could have lost him the election.

But, as associate editor Tony Wright says, he was up against Scott Morrison who was "on the nose" across the nation. And that was before Morrison spear-tackled a child at a soccer match.

Campaigns can win, and lose, an election and Wright has seen a few since his first campaign covering Bob Hawke in 1983.

Wright speaks to Jacqueline Maley in the latest episode of our election podcast, Inside Politics.

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Well, an election date has finally been called and we are staring down the barrel of a five week campaign before voting day on May 3.

Here -  from the newsrooms of The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald - we’ll bring you our humble podcast twice a week for the duration of the campaign.

There’s going to be a lot of news around so we’re here to help you navigate your way through the barrage of information with the most trusted voices in Australian journalism.

Among them are national affairs editor James Massola, and federal political reporter Natassia Chrysanthos, who join Jacqueline from the Canberra studio.

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It could happen to anyone. Your pet - let’s face it, the best person in the house - goes missing. So you take to social media, to help track him or her down. So, how does it go from this, to getting sued, and becoming embroiled in a million dollar legal battle, that drags on for years? Today, investigative reporter Harriet Alexander, on the dodgy vet, the pet detective and the fate of one beloved King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Teddy.

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In this early episode of Inside Politics, we come to you soon after Opposition Leader Peter Dutton gave his budget reply speech on Thursday night, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese all but certain to call an election on Friday morning.

Did Dutton's speech, which moved to intensify the contest over household budgets, one-up the government's budget earlier in the week?

Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley dissects all the news with chief political correspondent David Crowe and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.

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Does Donald Trump have an overarching plan? 

Lots of commentators have rejected this idea – Trump just does what he wants, when he wants, as the thought strikes him.

But, says international and political editor, Peter Hartcher, many of his initiatives, or desires, share a common narrative.

Today, Hartcher discuss how the United States, under Donald Trump, is becoming more like China. 

For more:
Day by day, Trump’s America becomes more like Xi’s China, Peter Hartcher, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald

China Heritage, Geremie R. Barmé

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With a federal election just around the corner, has Treasurer Jim Chalmers managed to help ease our financial pain without going on a spending spree, which would inevitably lead to being blamed for fuelling inflation?

Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright, speaks to Samantha from within the budget lock-up in Parliament House, on the surprise new tax cut for every Australian, whether those who are millennials or Gen Z (who together will make up the largest percentage of the voting population this year) are being helped disproportionately and who, if anyone, has been left behind. 

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Cosmetic injectables, like Botox and dermal fillers, are a boom industry in Australia and running alongside this is easy access to telehealth appointments, which have led some people to getting injectables after a consultation with a doctor that lasts only 52 seconds.

Today, senior reporter Henrietta Cook and investigative reporter Clay Lucas, on how often unintended and tragic consequences, like permanent blindness, can arise from these procedures. And whether this is an industry that is slipping through the cracks, in terms of adequate regulatory oversight.

Read the series on The Age and Sydney Morning Herald here. 

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For months now, American president Donald Trump has been saying that Canada should become part of the United States. 

At first, many treated it as a joke.

But now, as Canadians might say, the gloves are off. Its leaders have hit back, forcefully. And Canadian comedian Mike Myers sparked a viral social movement that has swept the country, after he appeared on Saturday Night Live, motioned to his arms, and mouthed the words: “Elbows up!”

Today, former Higher Commissioner to Canada, Scott Ryan, on just how much damage Trump can do to Canadian sovereignty. And whether his threats might help determine who becomes the next Canadian prime minister.

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Just as Treasurer Jim Chalmers puts the final touches on his pre-election budget, the local threat emanating from Donald Trump's global trade war is becoming clearer.

Labor is boosting Australia's subsidised medicine scheme, but US big pharma companies want to boost their profits down under.

Meanwhile Peter Dutton is under pressure to set out a clear platform before the May election, and next week will be one of his last big chances.

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From the relative comfort of our distant homes, it’s easy to look at the United States, and the grotesque inequality its people suffer and wonder: how did that happen?

But, it’s no accident. It’s by choice.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on the historical decisions made by American leaders that have led to this moment. And the perfect storm that president Donald Trump has created, to super-charge the inequality.

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US President Donald Trump has officially unleashed chaos on the world's financial markets. It's a strange time to be campaigning for election, but Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton must adjust and carry on. 

So how is the incredible international volatility impacting the election campaign? Will all this disruption be favourable for the incumbent PM? And do Australian voters really want a candidate promising change at this moment in history? 

Regular columnist for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, and former adviser to Kevin Rudd and Julia Gillard, Sean Kelly, joins Jacqueline Maley to discuss.

You can read Sean Kelly's column here: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australians-want-change-but-not-if-it-looks-like-donald-trump-20250406-p5lpii.html

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A tax on tobacco has long seemed like a great idea, at least to the politicians who put them in place. It would deter smokers. And raise revenue at the same time. What could possibly go wrong?

Lately, a lot. Because gangland warfare over illegal tobacco has been ramping up in Victoria. In February, an innocent young woman was killed, after becoming trapped inside a townhouse targeted in a firebombing attack.

Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright, on whether these unintended consequences will pressure the government to reduce its tobacco tax. And whether it can crack down on the illegal market, and the violence.

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These are the submarines that have launched a thousand ships, or rather, reams of news stories and hours of debate in parliament. 

Because they don’t just come with an eight billion dollar price tag. Each. They also come with some serious political baggage. 

They are the infamous nuclear-powered boats that we have signed on the dotted line to purchase through the AUKUS agreement with the United States and the United Kingdom. 

Our foreign affairs and security correspondent recently stepped inside one, in order to find out: are these submarines really that special? 

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In July last year, an investigation from investigative journalist Nick McKenzie revealed that underworld figures and bikies had infiltrated one of the country’s most powerful unions, and major building projects in Victoria and NSW. 

The investigation led to an immediate response, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese saying his government wanted to “make sure that we stamp out corruption” within the CFMEU, and Victorian premier Jacinta Allen declaring that the rotten culture within the union was one “that must be pulled out by its roots”.

Now, Nick McKenzie, through a new joint investigation by The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and 60 Minutes, has revealed what’s come of those declarations. And why the rot and wrongdoing hasn’t stopped.

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The verdict is in: Australia will not be granted an exemption from US tariffs on steel and aluminium, despite hopes President Trump would look favourably on one of its most loyal allies and grant us one. 

The news was greeted with dismay in Canberra, with the Prime Minister saying the decision the government giving a somewhat muted response, and the Opposition blaming it on the government. 

So what does this mean for our relationship with our closest ally? Will the US impose more tariffs on us in the future? Did the government cock up the handling of this delicate diplomatic issue? 

Plus we will delve into the strange case of the caravan-full of explosives and the fake terror plot. With both sides of politics accusing the other of weaponising this incident, who is in the right?

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So, it’s happened. Donald Trump has slapped a massive tariff on our aluminium and steel exports to the United States. This, after our government has spent weeks trying to forestall this event.

So, how will it impact our economy?

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on what message the American president is sending to Australia. And whether this decision, added to Trump’s other erratic moves made in his first 53 days in office, might just will lead our country, and others, down the road to a “nervous breakdown”.

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As I record this introduction, I am, like so many Australians now, working from home. It’s a luxury I’ve enjoyed, for some days, since the pandemic forced most of us out of our offices.

But could these sweet days be coming to an end? Because Opposition leader Peter Dutton has announced that if he’s elected, he’ll force public servants back into their offices five days a week. And some businesses like Woolworths, Amazon and Tabcorp have announced return to work mandates for their staff, too, over the last 12 months. 

Today, senior columnist Jacqueline Maley, on whether we’re still productive, when we work from home. And if the Coalition would actually force public servants back to the office.

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Tropical Cyclone Alfred may have been downgraded, but homes across NSW and Queensland still remain at risk of major flooding.

Now thoughts are turning to what the cost will be. Just how many people were insured against the destruction? And how many will be able to claim back money in what’s now being called an 'insurance catastrophe'? 

Today, business journalist Sumeyya Ilanbey, on what it will take for insurance premiums to come down, after steady rises over the last couple of years. Especially as global warming increases the frequency, and cost, of climate disasters.

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Nearly every poll has been suggesting that this election is going to end up in a hung parliament, with neither Labor nor the Coalition able to achieve a majority. Which means that just one or two percentage points can mean the difference between forming government. Or not. 

So, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton will be deploying all the strategies to win each vote, including the podcast interview.

This was a unique feature of the American election, with Donald Trump targeting young men, including on gaming and conservative podcasts, to help him return to the White House.

So, are our leaders coming to a bro-cast, or a girl-cast, for that matter, near you?

Today, deputy federal editor Nick Bonyhady, on whether podcast interviews might help sway the federal election, as they did in the United States. And what risks our politicians may face, when they enlist, say, sex-positive influencers or tech bros to relay political messages. 

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Well, the world order is rocky and looking to get rockier. 

US President Donald Trump has had a spectacular falling-out with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, and waging a damaging trade war, while China is cruising war ships off the Australian coast. And the conflict in Gaza is unresolved. 

Not to mention closer to home, South East Queensland and northern NSW now have Cyclone Alfred bearing down on them.

So, how will all this uncertainty affect the election campaign?

And how can the leaders keep the focus on ordinary people, when there is so much going on around us?

Today on Inside Politics, chief political correspondent David Crowe, and national security correspondent Matthew Knott, join host Jacqueline Maley.

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It’s only been six days since what has become known as “the wildest dust-up ever televised from the Oval Office”. But of course, six days within the Donald Trump administration, isn’t your average person’s six days. 

In this time, Trump has made the extraordinary move to pull all military funding from Ukraine. Vladimir Putin’s press secretary has responded by saying that American policy now “largely aligns” with Russia’s interests. And Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has announced a new peace plan on social media. 

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on how long Ukraine can survive without American support. And the signs we might have missed that show that Trump is incontrovertibly an agent of Putin.

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Like you, I’ve seen the reports about the hemorrhaging of the American stock market, and wondered where this is going to lead. I can’t get my head around what it all means that trillions of dollars have been wiped from the American stock exchange. And as we record this, we’re being warned that the Australian share market is in for a bloodbath.

Today, deputy business editor Clancy Yeates, on where Trump’s trade war will leave Australia’s economy, both in the short term, and the longer term. And whether this foreshadows a global financial crisis.

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Communities in Queensland and NSW have been spotted panic buying, and stripping supermarket shelves bare, as they brace themselves for the arrival of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

Because while the cyclone has already whipped up waves more than eight metres tall, in one area off the coast of Queensland, it’s expected to hit land tomorrow, or Friday. But just how bad might the damage be, this time around?

Today, senior meteorologist Angus Hines, from the Bureau of Meteorology, on why Tropical Cyclone Alfred is so unusual, and where it’s expected to hit. And on the increasing numbers of Australians who are looking to social media, and storm-chasing websites, rather than government trackers, for information about this cyclone.

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A meeting of world leaders is an ordinarily staid affair. With much hand-shaking, head-nodding and talk of ‘friendship’. But not this one between American president Donald Trump browbeat and Ukrainian president Vlodomir Zelensky.

So what happens now?

Zelensky flew to London and attended a critical summit with European leaders, who have sworn to support him and Ukraine, and draft a new peace plan.

Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, on the so-called 'coalition of the willing' and whether it might be enough to protect Ukraine from Russia, without U.S support.

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The world is full of doom and gloom, so today we're bringing you something a little bit different for your Monday.

It's a conversation with David Wenham, the Australian actor who has starred in blockbusters like Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the Spartan epic, 300.

More than 20 years ago, though, he played a character by the name of John Frances Spiteri, a two-bit criminal and ex-addict in the Aussie indie classic Gettin' Square.

Wenham now stars in a spin-off about Spiteri, called Spit, which debuts this week.

Today, David Wenham on why, here in Australia, and unlike North America or the United Kingdom, we celebrate the downtrodden, the criminal and the devastated, rather than classic success stories.

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Remember Anthony Albanese’s Copacabana house drama? The PM was dragged in the media for buying a 4.3 million dollar home on the NSW central coast in the middle of a cost of living crisis. 

Well now the opposition leader is facing a few questions of his own. This week, our national affairs editor James Massola has done a bit of digging, and has revealed Peter Dutton’s extensive, and rich, history of property dealings. 

At the same time, News Corp has published allegations about Dutton’s share trading in the middle of the global financial crisis. Aside from denying he’s done anything dodgy, he’s also argued  that the  information is the work of Labor’s “dirt unit”.

Today, our intrepid reporter James Massola joins us to talk through these stories, and delves into this mysterious “dirt unit”. 

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When three Chinese warships sailed within 150 nautical miles of Sydney, last week, it was enough to make global headlines. Indeed, our defence force chief admitted just yesterday hat the Australian military didn’t know that these ships were conducting a live-firing exercise, while off the coast of Sydney, until 40 minutes after it began.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on what it means that China’s stepping up its aggression towards us, at the same as Donald Trump is treating his allies like a mob boss running a protection racket.

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Pope Francis is in critical condition. Which means that cardinals from around the world will, more likely than not, soon congregate in the Vatican, to choose his successor. This event, called a conclave, isn’t just the subject of a new political thriller starring Ralph Fiennes; it’s a private ceremony that has long fascinated the religious. Cardinals are sworn to a lifetime of secrecy, after they cast their vote.

But what impact does the pope have on any of our lives, whether we’re Catholic or not?

Today, Barney Zwartz, a senior fellow of the Centre for Public Christianity, and a former religion editor of The Age, on the history of popes who have wrangled with world leaders. And the mixed legacy of Pope Francis.

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For many Australians, waking up to news - week after week - about yet another antisemitic attack has been confronting. 

Is hatred against Jewish people, in our very own country, more prevalent than we thought? Or are these attacks the work of puppet masters, offshore, who might be pulling the strings behind the scenes, for their own nefarious - and mysterious - reasons?

Today, investigative reporter Nick McKenzie, on how our spy agency, ASIO, is now investigating bikie gangs as it combats antisemitic attacks and plots by hostile nations to harm our national security.

For more:

• ASIO warns bikies, organised crime linked to antisemitism, hostile nations,The Age, Sydney Morning Herald
• Facing our threats, targeting Australia, where there's a will, 60 Minutes

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We know that our political climate has been particularly febrile lately in the climate of the Gaza conflict.

So was it political pressure that led an Australian federal arts body to pull an accomplished artist from appearing at the so-called Oscars of the art world? 

Today, senior culture writer Kerrie O’Brien, on Khaled Sabsabi. And whether it was his art, or stance on the Middle East, which has led to his shock dismissal.

For more:

• Major gallery says Venice row endangers Australia’s global reputation, Linda Morris and Kerrie O'Brien, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

Audio credit:

• Khaled Sabsabi & Tim Gregory - Interview excerpts from Resilient Landscape Documentary, Michael Pansini.
• Khaled Sabsabi: Creative Australia Award for Visual Arts | Arts Week,ABC Arts
• Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi pulled from global exhibit, ABC 7.30, Sarah Ferguson
• Who Was Hassan Nasrallah, Leader of Hezbollah? New York Times
• Changing Australia: Ben Quilty on fighting for the future of Australia's artists, Radio National, ABC

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Well, the Reserve Bank finally answered our fiscal prayers this week, and announced an interest rate cut of 0.25 percent, providing relief to stretched mortgagees across the land.

But arguably no one was sweating on the rate cut more than the Albanese government, which desperately needed a strong sign that the cost of living crisis has turned a corner, and things are going to get easier for working Australians.

But is the rate cut enough, and will they reward the government for it by voting Labor at the next election? And what about the curious anomaly in the figures that has stumped even the experts.

Senior economics correspondent Shane Wright unpacks this with Jacqueline Maley, while national security correspondent Matthew Knott discusses the landmark national security speech given by ASIO boss Mike Burgess.

Audio credit:

• 'Everything everywhere all at once': ASIO details multiple security threats to Australia. SBS News.

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There is one political taboo in Germany that is so strong, it’s stood since the end of World War II. Never to allow a far-right party to rule. But as Germans head to the polls this weekend, to choose a new national leader, many do so with great anger over immigration and rising prices.

Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, on who is likely to win this weekend’s election. And whether the rising power of the AfD, which has used rhetoric tinged with Nazi overtones, marks the country’s return to its dark past.

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It’s one of the greatest joys of being pregnant: getting an ultrasound, to see a picture of your unborn child’s face. But now many medical experts are sounding the alarm about the increasingly popular trend of so-called “reassurance” ultrasounds.

These are scans that pregnant women frequently opt for, not only to get a chance to see their child, but also to allay anxieties over their baby’s health, or just nab a souvenir image. 

But in some cases, these scans have led to stillbirths, late-term abortions and incorrect diagnoses.

Today, senior health reporter Henrietta Cook, on why these scans have sometimes led to heartbreaking outcomes, and the push to regulate sonographers.

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We already knew that many Australians are often eager consumers of illicit drugs, with Sydney sometimes referred to as a Cocaine Capital. The only place where it’s more expensive to buy cocaine, in the world, other than Australia, is Saudi Arabia. That’s how sought after it is. 

But our police now have a new frontier in cocaine trafficking that’s keeping them on their toes. 

Today, crime reporter Sally Rawsthorne on the most fearsome drug cartels that are using submarines and other methods, to bring massive amounts of cocaine into Australia. 

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Did the nation’s biggest taxi company fail to stem the rampant rorting of passengers?

Leaked documents to investigative journalist Nick McKenzie allege Australians are being ripped off by drivers at a massive scale, from everyday passengers going to and from work, to vulnerable people travelling from disability services and aged care homes. 

In one of the most shocking cases, a cabcharge account belonging to an elderly person who had died was charged dozens and dozens of times over just a few days. 

Today, McKenzie on his joint investigation with The Age, Sydney Morning Herald and 60 Minutes, and what happened when they sent someone undercover to expose the scam. 

For more

Read McKenzie's stories here.

Watch the 60 Minutes here.

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"I call it the madman theory, Bob”

These words, supposedly uttered by Richard Nixon, and recounted by his chief-of-staff Bob Haldeman, have perhaps never been as relevant as they are today. 

And they go to the question: Can a powerful leader who we think is a bit crazy, actually make the world a better place? As Nixon thought he might be able to achieve?

Enter Donald Trump. 

The current president of the United States is set to put to the test what’s dubbed the ‘madman theory’ like never before.

Today, foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott on whether Trump’s volatile approach to geopolitics will produce vital victories, or whether his perceived crazy is just a little too…mad.

For more:

• 'Trump’s happy to play the ‘madman’ to restore global order. But will it work?'

Audio credit:

• 'The truth about the "madman theory'', Richard Nixon Foundation

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We bring you this episode of Inside Politics on Valentines Day, but right now the trade relationship between Australia and our closest ally is at a delicate juncture.

This week President Donald Trump declared his intention to impose tariffs on aluminium and steel imports from all countries, no exceptions. And the pressure was on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to negotiate a way out.

Albanese had a long, and reportedly warm conversation with Trump about the tariff issue, with Trump saying he would consider an exemption for Australian steel and aluminium.

But no promises were made, and in the volatile landscape of Trump 2.0, nothing is certain except we will have more uncertainty.

This week, Inside Politics host Jacqueline Maley is joined by chief political correspondent David Crowe, and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.

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Gone are the days of the simple sunscreen where the choices were between, say, SPF 15, or 30 or 50. Now, at least according to the marketing, you protect your skin from the sun, and also moisturise it, hydrate it, illuminate it and anti-age-it.

The Australian Tax Office now has all these fancy sunscreens in its sights, looking at whether the companies that are pumping out these products need to pay more tax.

Today, consumer affairs reporter Madeleine Heffernan on what happened to the humble sunscreen and whether luxury creams protect your skin just as well.

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Camping, fishing, hunting and four-wheel driving are just some of the ways Aussies experience the bush everyday - but they’re activities that are now, according to some, under threat. 

New land management proposals by state governments to protect the environment have been met with fierce backlash from bush-users, who claim the government is ‘locking up the bush’.

Today, environment and climate reporter Bianca Hall on whether a balance of both environmental protection and our recreation is achievable. 

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Over the weekend, Labor took a thumping in a Victorian by-election.

This, in a state that has for so long leaned to the centre-left, that former prime minister John Howard dubbed it “the Massachusetts of Australia”.

Today state political editor, Chip Le Grand, on why so many voters are abandoning Labor in Victoria. And if this signals doom for the party at the federal election.

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There’s been a bit going on in the world of media in Australia.

Just last week, a court case began over the ABC’s sacking of high-profile presenter Antoinette Lattouf, while in another case, cricket commentator Peter Lalor was told to back his bags by a commercial radio station.

And the drama is all over what they had posted on social media about the war in Gaza.

But what do these cases mean for everyone else? Can your employer sack you if you post something about the war? 

Today, employment lawyer Cilla Robinson answers this vexed question, but first, media writer Calum Jaspan brings us up to speed with ABC versus  Antoinette Latouff.

Audio credit/For more:

• Inside Antoinette Lattouf’s case against the ABC, ABC In-depth : https://youtu.be/f9knkGDXE3w?si=KTXTmfRLSTnzVnhs

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This year promises to be a big one: we have a federal election coming up, we have a continuing cost of living crisis, and we have the urgent challenge of responding to the increasing volatility of our closest ally, the United States. These are all all big themes. 

Why, then, has parliament spent the week talking about long lunches for small business? Is the debate over lunches just a bit of sparring before more substantive issues are discussed? How have both parties used the summer break to sharpen up their attacks on each other?

Plus, we will look at the hate speech legislation before parliament, likely to pass soon with bipartisan support. And we will probe the PM’s response to President Trump’s plans to have the US annex Gaza.  

Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss is chief political correspondent David Crowe and national security correspondent and foreign affairs correspondent Matthew Knott.

Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter.

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The other day, the world suddenly saw Matildas Captain Sam Kerr in a new light. In police body-cam footage that has made global headlines, Kerr could be seen swearing at a police constable, and calling him names, while seemingly seething with disdain.

But how is the footage, which was aired in a London courtroom - where Kerr is on trial for racial harassment - being viewed here, where she’s long been seen as a hero?

Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, and sports reporter Vince Rugari, on whether Sam Kerr might serve jail time. And how her behaviour is dividing opinions in our sporting community.

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Week one of the election campaign is done. Albanese has been hammering his Medicare message. Dutton has sought to broaden his image but is still playing to type, telling Sky News that he is ready to “fight” Donald Trump on Australia’s behalf, if necessary. So who won the week? And what is it like to be on the campaign trail with the leaders as a journalist, catching mystery flights to places unknown and travelling with your colleagues on an actual bus?

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It’s hard to keep your kids off screens, right? Especially when you’ve got so many demands on your time. But what impact does screentime have on really young kids? Especially those who are five and under?

Today, technology editor David Swan, on where to draw the line, so we can keep our kids safe. And why the impact on young kids has been, perhaps, left out of the national conversation.

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It’s official. American president Donald Trump has launched a new era of trade wars, with the sweeping tariffs he has imposed on Canada, Mexico and China primed to come into effect today.

There is serious tit-for-tat energy, here. With Canada vowing to retaliate by imposing tax on Florida Orange Juice, Tennessee whiskey, and Kentucky peanut butter. 

But how do tariffs actually work? Who pays for them? And just how much can they raise consumers’ bills, and damage - or help - any of these countries’ economies?   

Today, Senior Economics correspondent Shane Wright, and North American correspondent Michael Koziol, on whether this is, as one newspaper has dubbed it, “the dumbest trade war in history.”

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Belle Gibson was revered, worldwide, for an astonishing feat. She had healed herself from terminal cancer through the power of healthy eating. And launched a global business on the back of it. There was just one problem. She never had cancer. And were it not for the relentless digging done by a pair of junior journalists from Melbourne, her deceit might never have been uncovered.

Belle Gibson’s story will soon be the subject of a new Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar, which premieres on Thursday.

Today, the two journalists who wrote the book upon which the series is based  - Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, on what happens when hope, fear and manipulation are supercharged by the world of social media.

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Has the NSW police force just thwarted a domestic terrorism plot?

This is what people across the nation are asking themselves, since Sydneysiders woke to news that a caravan full of explosives had been seized in the north-west of the city.

Just as worrying, to many, was what is alleged to have also been contained in the caravan: the address of a Sydney synagogue.

Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on why police chose to wait 10 days after making their discovery, to tell the public. And the shock waves this incident has sent through the Jewish community.

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