World Politics
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 23 February 2026
Police will be given new powers to move on beggars and homeless people, but there is a catch: officers say they do not have the time or resources to enforce them, and it could mean they are unable to… Audio
What we know about Japan's new prime minister
Japan has a new Prime Minister and a new direction. Anna Fifield was until recently the Asia-Pacific editor at The Washington Post. She spoke to Guyon Espiner. Audio
Latest news from Australia
Canberra correspondent and Nine News political reporter Amanda Copp spoke to Guyon Espiner. Audio
Trump fires back with new taxes after Supreme Court ruling
The Trump tariffs were struck down by the Supreme Court but the administration is trying to resurrect its punishing taxes on global imports by other means - that will withstand legal scrutiny. Charles… Audio
Trump hikes new US global tariff rate to 15%
At the same time, he launched an extraordinary personal attack on the conservative justices who helped rule his original tariffs illegal, calling them "fools and lap dogs."
Trump signs order for new 10% percent tariffs 'effective almost immediately'
The US President moved swiftly to replace tariffs struck down by the Supreme Court with a temporary 10 percent global import duty for 150 days.
Gyles Beckford on Trump's tariffs
President Donald Trump has been left fuming over the U.S Supreme Court ruling that he didn't have the power to introduce his controversial global tariffs. Audio
US lawmakers plan Iran war powers vote as Trump weighs strikes
Members of Congress have tried - and failed - repeatedly to pass resolutions that would bar Trump from military action against foreign governments without lawmakers' approval.
Dr Neil Melvin: 4 years of war in Ukraine
The war between Russia and Ukraine is grinding towards its fourth anniversary. Audio
Giuffre's brother hopes arrest start of 'house of cards' collapsing
The brother of one of Jeffrey Epstein's most prominent accusers has welcomed the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in the UK.
British couple held in Iran sentenced to 10 years in jail
The couple, who were on an around-the-world motorcycle journey, have consistently denied Tehran's spying claims.
Who is Japan's new leader?
Japan's Sanae Takaichi has been reelected as Japan's leader with her ruling party consolidating power. Audio
American military buildup in Middle East - is war imminent?
Reports indicate President Donald Trump has deployed enough air and naval forces to the region to launch an attack in the coming days. Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Tuesday 17 February 2026
Christchurch weighs a state of emergency as flooding slams the city: suburban streets are knee deep in water, four people are rescued from a car stuck in floodwaters in Little River and huge downpours… Audio
Growing measles outbreak hits London
United Kingdom correspondent Lucy Thomson spoke to Lisa Owen about health officials in the UK dealing with a growing measles outbreak in north-east London, as well as new analysis into the gender pay… Audio
Strikes in Gaza threaten ceasefire deal
Middle East correspondent Perry Wilton spoke to Lisa Owen about strikes in Gaza threatening the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. It comes ahead of the first meeting of U.S. President Donald… Audio
Midday Report Essentials for Monday 16 February 2026
A storm has ravaged the lower North Island with states of emergency called in Manawatu, Otorohanga, Waipa, Tararua District and Rangitikei.Evacuations are happening now as flooding hits Lower Hutt… Audio
Trump adviser sought Epstein's help to 'take down' Pope Francis
Messages sent between Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein in 2019 revealed Bannon courted the late financier in his attempts to undermine the former pontiff.
Navalny's death was caused by dart frog poison, European allies say
Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said analyses of samples from Navalny's body "conclusively" confirmed the presence of epibatidine.
Australia's Liberal Party elects new leader
He replaces Sussan Ley, the first woman to hold the role, who was removed after just nine months.
