7am

In France, thousands of arrests have been made and partial curfews imposed across the country, after a weekend of protests that spiralled into violence and looting.
The protest movement, which began four weeks ago with students demanding better conditions at high schools, culminated in half a million people protesting the rising cost of living on the weekend.
In some areas, shops were looted, and buildings torched.
Protests have also broken out in other parts of Europe – including Spain, Belgium and Italy.
The French President Emmanuel Macron, has now demanded a full security review and “new operational methods” to end the rioting.
Today, writer Sarah Wilson from Paris, on how the protests turned violent, and what it all means for the future of politics in France, and across Europe.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Writer Sarah Wilson
Photo: Oualid Abdellaoui / JNA PRESS
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Yesterday afternoon Independent MP Helen Haines was returning to her electorate office in the regional Victorian town of Wangaratta, when she was struck by a white Toyota LandCruiser.
Witnesses described seeing the car make a u-turn, and then ram Haines against a vehicle, before reversing and hitting her a second time.
A local barbershop owner ran to the driver’s side of the vehicle, removed a knife from the man’s pocket, and wrestled him to the ground.
The alleged attacker, who has now been identified as 43 year old Tarrawingee man Brendan Nugent, was then arrested by police at the scene.
Helen Haines was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and has lost her leg in the attack.
The AFP and Victorian police are investigating, and identifying potential charges, with the AFP saying it appears to be an “isolated incident”, with no known threats connected to the matter.
Meanwhile the head of ASIO is warning that elevated levels of grievance, intolerance and polarisation have continued to create a "permissive environment of violence"
Today in a special episode, columnist and broadcaster Waleed Aly on our changing attitudes to political violence, and why this moment should be a turning point for politics and for all Australians

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Columnist and broadcaster Waleed Aly
Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greens are in crisis mode after one of their senators was accused of inappropriate conduct towards women.
On Monday the party held an emergency meeting after an explosive statement from Jordon Steele-John, denying the allegations and accusing the new party leader of lying.
An internal Greens investigation is underway.
But what could be more politically damaging than the claims against Senator Steele-John, is the Greens alleged coverup of misconduct claims against him.
Today, journalist Rachel Withers on the investigation, the secret dossier to contain the crisis, and what the events of the last week tell us about the Greens.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Journalist Rachel Withers
Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On February 9, thousands of people gathered at Sydney Town Hall to protest the visit of Israeli president Isaac Herzog.

They wanted to march to state parliament, but police were blocking their way.
The scenes that followed were shocking: 10 officers and dozens of protesters – some in their 70s and 80s – were injured in the violent clashes that unfolded.

Now, after hundreds of complaints of police brutality, the law enforcement watchdog is today opening its investigation into what officers did, how the operation was planned and who gave the orders.

Today, Managing Partner at Marque Lawyers, Michael Bradley, on who should be held accountable for the violence at Town Hall – and why NSW Police fought to keep the investigation behind closed doors.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Managing partner at Marque Lawyers, Michael Bradley
Photo: AAP Image/Flavio Brancaleone
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For decades, thousands of South Korean children were adopted into families overseas, including here in Australia.
Many grew up believing they were orphans, only to discover years later that their identities had been falsified, their biological families were still alive and, in some cases, they were victims of human trafficking.
An investigation in South Korea last year exposed widespread fraud and abuse in the country's international adoption industry.
Now, an Australian government inquiry is underway, examining Australia's role, what authorities knew and how these children were allowed to be brought into the country.
Today, Martin McKenzie-Murray on the fake orphans trafficked to Australia, and the fight to uncover the truth about their adoptions.
This episode first aired in May 2025.

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram
Guest: Associate Editor of the Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray
Photo: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.