This episode explores Australia’s emerging economic recovery from a per capita recession under both the Morrison and Albanese governments, spotlighting improved interest rates, lower inflation, and rising employment and wages that bolster Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ positive narrative ahead of a potential federal election. The show then shifts to international affairs, examining Donald Trump’s Oval Office encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President JD Vance’s controversial remarks, and Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, before highlighting Australia’s muted stance on an evolving US alliance—including the AUKUS deal and Pine Gap. We wrap up with a discussion with Dr Victoria Fielding about the University of Adelaide research on News Corporation’s coverage of the 2023 Voice to Parliament campaign which uncovers seven tactics of conservative media manipulation, emphasising the urgent need for a more transparent and diverse media landscape to safeguard Australian democracy from misinformation and disinformation.