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Rising taxes on tobacco over several years created a black market that became so lucrative that transnational crime gangs battled for control of it. One is led by Kazem “Kaz” Hamad.

‘We handed over billions to organised crime’: How official neglect and incompetence fuelled the tobacco war

Despite repeated warnings that rising tobacco taxes would hand a fortune to organised crime, governments watched a multibillion-dollar black market explode.

  • Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola

Latest

‘We will hunt you down’: Is Pete Hegseth for real?

It’s been a busy year for Donald Trump’s unconventional pick for secretary of war. Now, with the war in Iran, he’s firmly in the spotlight. Where did he come from? How is he performing so far?

  • Angus Holland and Madeleine Heffernan
French bulldogs are cute but prone to health risks.

These popular dogs can’t breathe or give birth properly. Why do we breed them?

The difficulties that blight pugs and French bulldogs are common in other breeds. However, flat-faced canines trigger strong emotional feelings because they resemble human babies.

  • Angus Dalton
Protesters and police clash near Town Hall.

Anger, division, violence: Why is Sydney being torn apart?

New protest laws – designed to foster unity – failed miserably this week as the city was gripped by violent clashes between police and protesters.

  • Jordan Baker
ABC Radio National index

ABC’s Radio National report card: Have the big changes worked?

New shows, new hosts, a new name of sorts and a new tagline are just some of the changes the ABC’s new guard has made to its flagship radio station in the past two years.

  • Calum Jaspan
Index image for Antarctica story

In the Trump era of America first, scientists fear for the future of Antarctica

There are growing concerns the treaty that has protected the last great wilderness for nearly 70 years may not hold as the old rules-based world order disintegrates along with the sea ice.

  • Caitlin Fitzsimmons
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Holly Harris and Jason Chan, Australia’s Olympic ice dance team.

From Torvill and Dean to the Olympics: Meet Australia’s ice dance team

Holly Harris once trained under the legendary Christopher Dean. Now, alongside Jason Chan, she’s carrying Australia back onto the Olympic ice dance stage.

  • Vince Rugari
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, is popular with younger voters, in part due to her willingness to break the mould like drumming KPOP songs with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

‘Not from central casting’: Japan’s unconventional leader puts it all on the line

Sanae Takaichi is banking on a snap election to give her the mandate to run the country the way she wants to.

  • Lisa Visentin

Trump 2.0 is all about power. His biggest move may be just days away

Under Trump 2.0, the so-called norms of the rules-based order are being tossed aside in favour of raw power and brute strength. But it won’t necessarily pay off.

  • Michael Koziol

‘This is not a joke’: Could the US take control of Greenland?

Donald Trump has upped the ante in his efforts to ‘get’ the Danish territory. Could he do it?

  • Angus Holland