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If it wasn’t for the images of devastation emerging from Gaza in the Israel-Hamas war, this conflict would have the world on edge.

It is happening just a few hundred kilometres to the north of Gaza, on the border between Lebanon and Israel – Hezbollah, the most powerful non-state military force in the world, is getting involved.

Today, world editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman, on what happens if Israel and Hezbollah go to war.

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Guest: World editor of The Saturday Paper Jonathan Pearlman

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The murder of a young woman at an elite private school – and the reaction from a former principal – has led to nationwide outrage.

It’s also highlighted a broader culture of privilege in which young boys are protected from consequence or culpability.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the murder of Lilie James, and what it tells us about our most elite institutions.

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Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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The parole system exists to help people in prison who are no longer deemed a risk to the community begin to re-enter society.

But the death in custody of an Indigenous woman who had been eligible for release for a year has raised questions about whether the laws are too strict.

Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Denham Sadler on the consequences of Victoria’s parole laws, and the case for further reform.

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Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Denham Sadler

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Australia is not out of the woods on the cost-of-living crisis – prices are still rising too fast.

Last week, the RBA were so concerned that they hiked interest rates again, saying it’s the only way to slow down the spending that’s pushing prices higher.

But who is doing the spending? And how do they have money to throw around?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on the Australians still spending big and why it means more economic pain for the rest of us.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe

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Rupert wields enormous influence over Australia’s political landscape, but it wasn’t always this way. In the 1960s and ’70s, Rupert's struggle to step out of his father’s shadow drives him to launch the first national broadsheet. His gamble pays off when the paper helps elect our most ambitious and progressive leader, Gough Whitlam. 

But as Rupert gets closer to power, he’ll learn just how far his papers can push the needle.

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Humanitarians say the crisis in Gaza is like nothing they’ve ever seen before. 

There are especially grave concerns about the lives of children, after the deaths of at least 4000 children in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began.

It’s why 18 international aid agencies – including Doctors Without Borders and Save the Children – have now called for a ceasefire. 

Israel, however, says it can’t enter a ceasefire until hostages taken by Hamas are freed and the group is removed from power.

Today, Save the Children’s Jason Lee on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman, on why a ceasefire isn’t happening in the Middle East. 

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Guest: Save the Children’s country director for the Palestinian Occupied Territories, Jason Lee and world editor for The Saturday Paper, Jonathan Pearlman.

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It’s been a long time coming, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese finally met Chinese President Xi Jinping this week.

The friendly meeting is in stark contrast to our diplomatic relationship in recent years, when China wasn’t picking up the phone to Australia. 

So how did it go? Why are both leaders so keen to restore ties? And can the relationship be repaired without compromise?

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton, on Albanese’s four days in China. 

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton

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Renters across Australia are facing a worsening housing crisis. With hikes in rents and growing complaints about the quality of living in rental homes, many are at breaking point. 

But now, as national cabinet considers options for strengthening the hand of those who rent, a High Court judgement has redrawn the relationship between tenants and landlords.

Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton, on how one community’s fight will change the rights of renters nationwide. 

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Guest: Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton

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Over the years, countless efforts have been made to release Julian Assange.

As of now, he’s still likely to be extradited to the United States to face charges that amount to over 100 years in jail.

The latest attempt to free him has united an unlikely band of politicians: members of the Greens, Labor, the Coalition and Independents recently travelled to the US to call for Assange’s release.

Today, Independent member for Kooyong and member of the delegation to Washington, DC, Monique Ryan, on whether Australia’s pleas to free Julian Assange are being heard in the US. 

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Guest: Independent member for Kooyong, Monique Ryan.

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While they’re far from a household name, almost all Australians have now heard the political messages they craft.

 Advance, a right-wing campaigning group, has gained enormous ground in the past few years, and played a crucial role in defeating the Voice referendum.

So who are they? And what are they after next? 

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on how a mysterious, once ridiculed group has become a powerful political force. 

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

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