By the CCP's own figures China's GDP shows the largest economy in the world is barely growing after a year of "dynamic zero covid" policy. JTI believes this is the reason for opening up despite an estimated 800 million people in China being infected with Covid with 60,000 deaths in 2023 thus far.

The Two Jacks discuss the efficacy of lockdowns both in Australia and around the world. A Royal Commission is needed to examine what happened in Australia, to find out what worked and what didn't and map out a plan for future pandemic management.

Meanwhile in the US, polling puts Biden ahead of Trump by eight points while De Santis, without widespread name recognition, leads Biden by three.

Industrial strife reaches a peak in the UK, and in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Islamic State is on the rise and causing carnage in a country described as the "sorrow of Africa." 

In sport, the Australian Open begins and we discuss Cricket Australia's decision to cancel a tour in the UAE against Afghanistan.