The Morning Edition

We know that Donald Trump has long chased after Vladimir Putin’s approval. Remember the time Trump tweeted: “Do you think Putin will be going to the Miss Universe Pageant in November in Moscow – if so, will he become my new best friend”? That was 13 years ago.
But now the American president is Putin’s match. Just not in the way he’d like.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the humiliation of Trump and Putin by far smaller nations – and where their distinctly “dumb” power might lead us all.

Background reading
While Xi gets smart, Trump and Putin are showing the world what dumb power can do
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This weekend, there was supposed to be a special game played between the Sydney Swans and St Kilda. It was the teams' annual Pride match, in which the players would wear rainbow jerseys and celebrate diversity, the aim being to boost inclusivity for LGBTQ fans.
But for the first time in a decade, because of a far-reaching scandal involving Saints player Lance Collard, the Pride match was scrapped. Sydney opted to play the game against a different side, at a different time.
Today special correspondent Stephen Brook discusses the role that homophobic slurs play in footy and why the code’s attempts at cracking down on hate may be backfiring.And just a heads-up, this episode contains offensive language.

Background reading
The question that exposed a massive flaw in the AFL’s fight against homophobia.
Not much pride in the AFL’s LGBTQI+ efforts.
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Tony Abbott is one of our most divisive former prime ministers. Lauded in conservative political circles, and mocked outside of them.
And now, after he was knifed by his own party as a first-term prime minister, and then lost his political seat, Abbott is back.
Today chief political commentator James Massola discusses Abbott's selection as the new president of the Liberal Party and the risk, and reward, he poses to Opposition leader Angus Taylor.

Background listening:
Tony Abbott's interview on Inside Politics – On running for Senate, AUKUS and cultural ‘self-loathing’.
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Roughly 5,000 new electric vehicles are due to land this week from China. This is just the first part of a shipment expected from the Chinese car manufacturing behemoth, BYD. The company is due to ship another 25,000 EVs here this year.
Australians are embracing electric vehicles more than ever before, thanks to skyrocketing fuel prices. But it also comes with unanswered questions and potential complications.
Today, North Asia correspondent Lisa Visentin discusses China's dizzying technological advances in EVs, and whether Australians buying these cars risk being spied on.

Background reading
‘Made in China’ EVs are taking over the streets, but just how safe is your data?
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We are officially in week two of budget backlash, and both sides seem pretty dug in.
Today we’re talking about the disagreements about the capital gains tax - the most controversial part of the budget - and if, as some critics said, it will kill business aspirations.
The other news that sparked our interest was the tantalising prospect of the Teal independents forming a party to consolidate their power in the face of a rising One Nation.
Today’s episode is hosted by Jacqueline Maley, with chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal and senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.
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