The deal to free Stephen Hubbard, who was imprisoned after being captured in Ukraine during Russia’s 2022 invasion, comes as the Kremlin says Moscow is ready to resume talks on ending the war.

It’s the advertisement that shocked hardened politicos used to the no-holds-barred nature of US politics, and the latest example of the political toxicity seeping into Australia.

Polls suggest voters are shifting away from Republicans amid high fuel prices and a perception the president is not focused on them. But among the MAGA faithful, Trump worship is as strong as ever.