We know that our political climate has been particularly febrile lately in the climate of the Gaza conflict.

So was it political pressure that led an Australian federal arts body to pull an accomplished artist from appearing at the so-called Oscars of the art world?

Today, senior culture writer Kerrie O’Brien, on Khaled Sabsabi. And whether it was his art, or stance on the Middle East, which has led to his shock dismissal.

For more:

• Major gallery says Venice row endangers Australia’s global reputation, Linda Morris and Kerrie O'Brien, The Age and Sydney Morning Herald.

Audio credit:

• Khaled Sabsabi & Tim Gregory - Interview excerpts from Resilient Landscape Documentary, Michael Pansini.
• Khaled Sabsabi: Creative Australia Award for Visual Arts | Arts Week,ABC Arts
• Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi pulled from global exhibit, ABC 7.30, Sarah Ferguson
• Who Was Hassan Nasrallah, Leader of Hezbollah? New York Times
• Changing Australia: Ben Quilty on fighting for the future of Australia's artists, Radio National, ABC

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Well, the Reserve Bank finally answered our fiscal prayers this week, and announced an interest rate cut of 0.25 percent, providing relief to stretched mortgagees across the land.

But arguably no one was sweating on the rate cut more than the Albanese government, which desperately needed a strong sign that the cost of living crisis has turned a corner, and things are going to get easier for working Australians.

But is the rate cut enough, and will they reward the government for it by voting Labor at the next election? And what about the curious anomaly in the figures that has stumped even the experts.

Senior economics correspondent Shane Wright unpacks this with Jacqueline Maley, while national security correspondent Matthew Knott discusses the landmark national security speech given by ASIO boss Mike Burgess.

Audio credit:

• 'Everything everywhere all at once': ASIO details multiple security threats to Australia. SBS News.

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There is one political taboo in Germany that is so strong, it’s stood since the end of World War II. Never to allow a far-right party to rule. But as Germans head to the polls this weekend, to choose a new national leader, many do so with great anger over immigration and rising prices.

Today, Europe correspondent Rob Harris, on who is likely to win this weekend’s election. And whether the rising power of the AfD, which has used rhetoric tinged with Nazi overtones, marks the country’s return to its dark past.

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