The Morning Edition

This week, we take a look at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's incorrect claim about a $6 million grant to his local golf club – which has become another instance of the government fumbling potentially trivial political issues.
Plus, tensions between the Liberal and National parties, and mounting pressure on treasurer Jim Chalmers to tackle Australia's economic challenges – notably persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and a looming mid-year budget update.

Further reading:
The stink, the septic system and the $6m question: Inside Albanese’s Marrickville mess
Cracks emerge in reunited Coalition over trade deal and AI
Who would want to be Jim Chalmers right now?

Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods.
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Strong man populism has grown so much over the years that analysts have expressed despair about whether democracy could have a future. Even former US president Barack Obama, a famously hopeful politician, recently resorted to trolling Donald Trump in a bid to call out the current president’s alleged corruption.
And yet, events of this week suggest we may be witnessing a new political trend.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the burst of democratic support around the globe, and advice from the world’s most famous political scientist on how politicians can counter rising populist anger.

Further reading:
Australia is approaching American levels of anger. Here’s how we defuse the bomb

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For more than a decade, Sam Wood was one of the greatest success stories to come out of the reality TV series, The Bachelor.

He met the love of his life, Snezana, on the show. And he built a hugely popular, multi-million dollar fitness franchise, geared at women, off the back of their joint fame.

But now the 46-year-old faces charges of domestic violence against Snezana, including an allegation that he strangled her, after police were called to their luxury beachfront apartment during a recent holiday.

Today, senior reporters Angelica Snowden and Christine Lacy reflect on the unravelling of Sam Wood’s empire, and what led up to these allegations.
...
And just a note, the domestic violence allegations against Sam Wood are now before the court. Wood's lawyer has said his client would defend the charges.
The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The treasurer's position is known to be one of, if not the, most difficult spots in any Australian cabinet in modern history, and the current climate is no exception. On the domestic front, interest rates are at a 15-year high, which could become an 18-year high if the RBA jacks them up again on Cup Day. Overseas, Donald Trump's war is keeping prices elevated.

All this is happening as Labor comes under considerable political pressure from a grumpy electorate demanding more and more spending, and a persistent populist insurgence.

Jim Chalmers is in the middle of all of it, as signs of tension emerge in the cabinet over Labor's economic stewardship. Chalmers' at times testy relationship with Anthony Albanese has also been in the spotlight.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After the October 7 attacks, Benjamin Netanyahu’s prime ministership seemed in ruins. His government repeatedly looked on the verge of collapse. Today, Israelis head to the polls for Israel’s first national election since that harrowing day three years ago. So, how are they viewing the prime minister now?

Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott reports from Israel on the key issues tearing Israelis apart, and the surprising bloc of voters who may be the kingmakers in this election.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
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