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Ever since a rain-soaked UK prime minister Rishi Sunak unexpectedly announced an early general election, the prevailing consensus has been that he will lead the Tories to a loss on 4 July. Jane Lee speaks to Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland about how 14 years of Conservative rule have shaped the country and what’s at stake for Britons in this campaign

Reports surfaced a few weeks ago that a supreme court justice, Samuel Alito, had flown an upside-down US flag outside his home days after insurrectionists flew similar flags when they stormed the Capitol on 6 January 2021. Alito has blamed his wife, saying he wanted her to take down the flag after a dispute with neighbours. Democrats want Alito to recuse himself from any supreme court case involving 6 January, but he has refused to do so. Jonathan Freedland speaks to Amanda Marcotte of Salon about whether this latest scandal is proof that the supreme court is incapable of being unbiased

Despite a bipartisan committee unanimously agreeing to a nationwide ban, gambling ads are still everywhere. Extensive lobbying efforts from broadcasters and other corporate interests have slowed reform while these harmful ads continue to air. But its not just gambling – lobbying has halted progress on the climate crisis and some of the most crucial issues in our society.Bridie Jabour talks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor and head of news Mike Ticher about how lobbying can get in the way of good governance

The international criminal court’s pursuit of senior Israeli and Hamas leaders over war crimes has ignited a fiery political debate in Canberra. Foreign affairs and defence correspondent Daniel Hurst tells Nour Haydar why the government’s response has been cautious, and criticised by the Coalition and Greens You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

The Danish company behind the weight-loss drug has made millions, but without health insurance it is unaffordable for many. George Chidi reports

It’s been four months since 51-year-old Samantha Murphy disappeared after leaving for her morning run in the Victorian town of Ballarat. Victoria state reporter Adeshola Ore tells Nour Haydar about the latest in the police investigation

The Albanese government is once again under pressure over immigration detention. This time because an independent tribunal gave visas back to non-citizens with serious criminal convictions. Chief political correspondent Paul Karp tells Jane Lee why the coalition has demanded the immigration minister’s resignation You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

Donald Trump has made history again, becoming the first US president, sitting or former, to be a convicted criminal. Late on Thursday a New York jury found him guilty on all 34 counts of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal. Within minutes of leaving the courtroom, Trump said he would appeal. On an historic night for US politics, Politics Weekly America host Jonathan Freedland speaks to Guardian US reporter Sam Levine about what the hush-money trial verdict will mean – both for Trump and for the election in November

While the Australian economy has not dipped into recession, consumers are still struggling to afford the essentials. This widening gap between a slightly improving economy and households continuing to feel the pinch of the cost-of-living crisis has been called a ‘vibecession’.Bridie Jabour speaks with deputy editor Patrick Keneally and head of news Mike Ticher about how the economy is making Australians feel and why that may say more than the numbers

After two years of high inflation and interest rates, even well-paid Australians are being forced to cut back and sell their homes. But not everyone is sharing the pain. Senior business reporter Jonathan Barrett tells Jane Lee about the drastic measures many are taking to make ends meet and why having a ‘good job’ no longer means home ownership is within reach You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport