US midterm elections: Trump faces his toughest test yet

Americans head to the polls tomorrow to vote in the pivotal mid-term elections, which many view largely as a referendum on President Donald Trump. Polls suggest voters are shifting away from Republicans amid high fuel prices and a perception the president is not focused on their needs.  But are t…

Is the PM at risk of "Albo derangement syndrome"?

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…

Is the tide turning on strongman politics?

Strong man populism has grownso much over the years that analysts have expressed despair about whether democracy could have a future. Even former USpresident Barack Obama, a famously hopeful politician, recently resorted to trolling Donald Trump in a bid to call out the currentpresident’s alleged c…

‘Cracking the facade’: The unravelling of the Sam Wood empire

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. …

Inside Politics bonus: ‘I should make more time for my colleagues’: Chalmers on party tensions

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 C…

Israel votes: Is Netanyahu's leadership over?

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 minist…

A 'moon landing moment': The new cancer drug therapy that could change medical thinking

It's being hailed as a cancer breakthrough so monumental, the lead scientist is describing it as a “moon landing moment”. And it's not just any scientist, but Professor Georgina Long - the Australian oncologist already credited with boosting the survival rate of advanced melanoma from 5 to 50 per …

Morality first, politics second – Waleed Aly on political violence

After the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, it's been a real horror week in Australian politics. Last week SMH and The Age columnist Waleed Aly wrote a column titled, "More Australians believe in political violence than go to church each week. This won't end well". Given the chilling prescien…

Donald Trump is becoming Vladimir Putin: Hartcher

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 i…

The attack on Helen Haines and what we know

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 h…