The Morning Edition

An increasing number of commentators and American politicians - including Republicans - are becoming vocal in their opposition to Donald Trump’s assistance of Russia, and the country’s dictator, Vladimir Putin.
They say, variously, that Ronald Reagan would be rolling in his grave, and that Trump is “just plain evil”.
Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher, on how Donald Trump is not only coddling Vladimir Putin. He is becoming Vladimir Putin.

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.

It was only last week that independent MP Helen Haines spoke about why Australians were so angry – citing the cost of living, insurance premiums, the price of groceries, and fuel.
And, for people living in regional areas like hers, access to healthcare was a massive issue.Now many are wondering how such a popular, uncontentious MP could have become the target of what appears to be an act of political violence.
Today, national correspondent Rob Harris, reporting from Wangaratta in Victoria, on the attack on Haines.

Further reading:
'He seemed normal': Tracking the path of the accused Haines attacker

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.

Riots broke out across France on the weekend, said to be the worst in decades.
The violence began on Saturday after more than half a million people attended rallies to protest about the cost of living and school standards, with masked rioters setting fire to cars and buildings.
Today, Europe correspondent David Crowe reports from Paris on what makes these protests and riots so different than the revolutionary 1968 student protests.
Further reading:
Nothing left to loot: Parisians ponder the real cost of another night of riots

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.

On Friday, Exclusive Brethren world leader Bruce Hales gave evidence before a federal parliamentary inquiry. This was a significant moment in a story with many twists and turns about power and influence in Australian politics.Today, senior writer Michael Bachelard on the Exclusive Brethren, now called the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and its "Man of God", Bruce Hales.

Further reading
‘Tail, film, heckle’: Inside the Brethren’s secret election influence plot with the far-right

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.

This week – again – is all about the economy, which includes a visit from a ghost of the past in the form of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
But the big topic for today is current treasurer Jim Chalmers and a speech he gave this week, in which he warned progressives not to mock One Nation voters.
The far-right strategy to divide people was working, he said, and although facts could push back on sensationalism and misinformation, “facts don’t beat feelings”.
Chalmers also acknowledged that voters’ dissatisfaction with the government was primarily linked to the economy and cost-of-living pressures. He asked people to give him more time and, in a year, things would get better. But are voters done? Will people give him another 12 months without further damaging support for Labor?
Senior columnist Jacqueline Maley is back in the hosting chair and today’s guest is senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.

Further reading
Frydenberg: A grateful son or a relentless self-promoter?
So many people are angry. It’s becoming clear where this comes from

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.
Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.