We at Crikey spend a lot of time thinking about power — who has it, who should have it, and what’s done with it.

This week, we’ve continued to grapple with the horrific allegations of war crimes in Afghanistan and the implications of the Brereton report. We’ve seen NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian struggle to hold on to her authority as she stumbled through the week. And we’ve considered the federal government’s ongoing inaction on climate change.

We’re also keeping an eye on how our leaders are handling the COVID-19 pandemic, with the long-awaited opening of more state borders inspiring this week’s Yesterday’s Papers, which is themed around travelling songs. We hope you enjoy the playlist, and the great work of our team.

STEPHEN MAYNE 4 minute read

'Village idiot' Stephen Mayne flew under the radar at Harvey Norman's online AGM, until Gerry Harvey picked up the scent...

AMBER SCHULTZ 4 minute read

Australian academic Kylie Moore-Gilbert has been released from prison in Iran. But it's not the end of her ordeal.

GEORGIA WILKINS 3 minute read

'I’m competing against a corporation that gets $10 million dollars which, any way you slice it, isn’t fair.'

KISHOR NAPIER-RAMAN 3 minute read

In recent decades, Hindu nationalist group RSS has become a dominant force in Indian politics. Which might explain why Barry O'Farrell has been singing its praises.

GUY RUNDLE 4 minute read

The 'proof' of no US involvement in the Dismissal offered in a new Palace Letters book is a sham and Australians are still in the dark.

CHARLIE LEWIS 3 minute read

In this week's Yesterday's Papers playlist: a soundtrack for road trippers, in honour of the easing of border restrictions.

CHRISTOPHER WARREN 3 minute read

The 'serious' news media always turned up their noses at tabloid misbehaviour. But were they really much better?

KISHOR NAPIER-RAMAN 5 minute read

Who is Joe Aston... and why is he in court?

JANINE PERRETT 3 minute read

The US president-elect appoints a team 'ready to lead the world, not retreat from it'.