Sometimes opportunities for deep thought emerge from the unlikeliest of places.

Like reality television — or even a children's cartoon.

Commercial reality TV show Married at First Sight was the jumping off point for this article exploring difficult ethical questions around allegations of abuse on social media.

It asks, is there an "ethical" way to process and respond to allegations when we read them?

ABC Kids cartoon Bluey has become a national institution. 

Beverley Wang has written a love letter to Bluey, detailing the times it has moved her to tears and made her consider that "parenthood is equal parts joy and heartbreak (plus exhaustion)".

It's because of this depth and range, Beverley says, that she can't help but ask if the show could be an even better version of itself.  

Also this week, we have Background Briefing's report detailing how an aged care home that was the site of Australia's deadliest COVID-19 outbreak funnelled millions in rent and fees to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese while receiving federal government funding.

For Science Friction, Natasha Mitchell looks at how one of the world's poorer nations has become a remarkable COVID success story.

And if you’re looking for a thought-provoking book, then take a look at our guide to the 2021 Stella Prize shortlist put together by RN books specialists Kate Evans, Claire Nichols and Sarah L'Estrange.

Simon Leo Brown
Digital Producer, ABC Radio National
 

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A group of taxpayer-funded aged care homes funnelled $31 million back into the coffers of one of Australia's largest churches, an ABC investigation has found.

As a parent I've learnt a lot from Chilli and Bandit. As a parent of colour, it is OK to ask a little more?

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The world has watched on aghast as one of the world's richest nations, the US, has failed to protect its citizens from COVID-19. In contrast, one of the world's poorer nations has become a shining star in containing it. How?

Our social media feeds are filled with allegations of abuse against high-profile figures in politics, arts and even reality TV. If we believe victims, can we see the alleged abusers as anything but guilty? And is there ever room for redemption?

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A feminist gothic novel, an expose into sexual assault trials, and strangely prescient pandemic fiction — your quick guide to the Stella Prize shortlist.

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