When it comes to drugs like cannabis and psilocybin, as the USA moves steadily towards decriminalisation, regulation and therapeutic reform, Australia's laws remain largely stuck in the past.

In humans, delusional thinking is a mental health issue. In politics, believing in things despite clear evidence to the contrary now seems to be a prerequisite, along with the accompanying feelings of persecution and grandiosity.

A review of research into the fossil fuel industry has led an interdisciplinary group of scientists to warn that the environment, future liveability and people’s health are at risk if urgent action is not taken to stop carbon emissions.

Cryptocurrency interests played a significant role in the recent election of Donald Trump in the United States, outspending oil companies, banks and Elon Musk, and they have already been rewarded, with Bitcoin now hovering around $100,000USD, a historic high. Now the crypto bros are pushing for 'sensible' regulation in Australia, and are hard at work lobbying both sides of politics.

I am flying back to the small town of Woodbine, Iowa. In one week from now I will be joining the class of ‘73 for their 50-year graduation celebration. This will be my seventh trip back to a small farming community that stole a piece of my heart.

In a matter of weeks, everything has changed in the endless struggle for political control of the United States. After cruising towards victory for months, despite all the crazy things he's said and done, Donald Trump is now flailing, and Kamala Harris has transformed from being an underwhelming VP to the most exciting candidate for president since Barack Obama.

With the presumptive Republican nominee for President of the United States now a convicted felon, what does it mean for Australia if Donald Trump returns to the White House, and what are the ramifications of our major military ally drifting into authoritarianism?

The euphemisms were flying when Australia's Defence Minister Richard Marles announced last week that an extra $50 billion would be spent on our military over the next decade, and that $72.8 billion of already announced spending would be redirected.

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

Anthony Albanese missed out on the B-52s, but he did talk to lots of people about nuclear submarines on his latest trip to the USA. He also made announcements about cybersecurity, minerals and technology sharing.