The World Cup controversies, explained

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially kicked off! It marks the biggest football tournament in history, with 48 teams playing across three countries. But before a single ball has been kicked, this might already be the most controversial World Cup ever. One of the teams competing is at war with the…

Headlines: NSW Police force review finds widespread harassment

Today's headlines include:  A wide-ranging review has found a culture of sexual harassment in the NSW police force. The U.S. has launched further strikes on Iran, with an Islamic Republic Guard Corps (IRGC) chief vowing to “turn the region into hell” for the U.S. Anti-immigration riots in Northern …

Why 'Ditch the Witch' is back in politics

Listen to The Mirror on Spotify - episode 1, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4 Listen to The Mirror on Apple Podcasts - episode 1, episode 2, episode 3, episode 4 A billboard truck has been spotted driving around Melbourne with the slogan "Ditch the Witch" next to an image of Victorian Premier Jacin…

Headlines: Accused Bondi terrorist charged with more offences

Today's headlines include:  The accused Bondi terrorist has been charged with 19 further offences, adding to his 15 existing murder charges and 40 counts of attempted murder. Thousands of people have turned out to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) to farewell AFL legend and MND advocate Neale Dani…

Australia's illegal tobacco boom

Australia is one of the most expensive countries in the world to buy cigarettes. A standard pack now costs around $60, and it's a price most smokers aren’t willing to pay. But that doesn’t mean they’ve stopped buying them altogether. New data estimates around 80% of cigarettes and nicotine products…

Headlines: Intl. Criminal Court suspends chief prosecutor

Today's headlines include:  The Coalition has left the door open to working with Pauline Hanson to oust Labor from power, as One Nation rises in the polls. NSW Police have charged two people over a shooting at the wrong funeral site for a murdered gangland figure. The ‌International Criminal Court’…

The accusations of political interference against Trump

Is U.S. President Donald Trump interfering with journalism in the U.S.? That is the question at the core of the controversy surrounding the U.S. version of 60 Minutes - the most watched television news program in the country.  It’s a show that for decades has demonstrated journalism at its best -…

Headlines: One Nation the most popular party in latest poll

Today's headlines include: Fresh polling has once again suggested that Pauline Hanson's One Nation is the most popular party in Australia.  Former Australian of the Year and pioneering melanoma researcher Professor Richard Scolyer has died, aged 59. Israel has struck military targets in western ‌an…

The young Aussies being blackmailed online

Australia’s online safety regulator received more than 3,300 reports of sexual extortion last year, with young men the most targeted group. ‘Sextortion’ is a form of online blackmail and sexual abuse, which experts warn is growing rapidly in scale and sophistication, partly due to generative AI. e…

Headlines: Vic teen to face trial on terror charges

Today's headlines include: A Melbourne teenager who allegedly attempted to hijack a plane may become the first child in Victoria to face trial on terror charges. Australians lost almost a quarter of a billion dollars to scams in the first three months of 2026, according to new data released by the …