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Coronavirus newsletter
An update on the most crucial developments related to the pandemic.
Exclusive
Coronavirus pandemic
NSW reveals locations of first 11 COVID-19 vaccination sites
The state’s first COVID-19 vaccination sites have been revealed, showing health authorities will run 11 vaccine hubs concentrated at the largest hospitals across NSW.
‘Another day we can’t practise’: Player anger at quarantine delays
The first groups of tennis players to exit hotel quarantine will begin leaving their accommodation on Thursday evening, but some will be staying longer than 14 days.
Updated
Melbourne
Which borders are open and which states require self-quarantine?
Each state and territory has its own system for determining which travellers can enter. This is the state of play.
Fears of Australian of the Year betting scandal referred to investigators
A possible betting scandal involving the Australian of the Year Award has been referred to the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission.
Analysis
Factional politics
Labor disunity on display, but there’s logic to the reshuffle
Every reshuffle breeds ill-will. What made this one worse was the general funk in the Labor caucus.
‘Stunned’: GameStop trading frenzy causes local company shares to soar
A local mining company has been caught up in the investing craze surrounding GameStop thanks to its ASX code matching that of the US video game retailer.
CBA boosts tech spending to fend off fintech rivals
The Commonwealth Bank has flagged a lift in the banking giant’s technology spending, as it faces a wave of competition from fintech rivals.
Zuckerberg takes aim at Apple as Facebook results soar
Facebook capped a tumultuous 2020 with soaring earnings in the final quarter, its user base boosted by people staying home and its revenue buoyed.
Biden’s top diplomatic duo ready to lead the world, take on China
The Biden administration has unveiled what it describes as a new era of American diplomacy that will reverse many of former president Donald Trump’s actions.
Winner of Wallabies jersey poll to have ‘major bearing’ on selection: RA
More than 13,000 readers voted in the Herald’s poll on which coloured Wallabies jersey they would like to see used from 2021.
Wanted: Vice-chancellors for state’s two top unis as UNSW boss resigns
The top jobs at NSW’s two most prestigious tertiary institutions are up for grabs, as the sector faces its biggest challenge in decades.
Breaking
Crime
Pedestrians run for cover as car races through Melbourne
A car has caused chaos while racing along Melbourne’s Bourke Street Mall, causing pedestrians to jump out of the way, according to witnesses.
Ratings are in: The worst Test pitch in Australia this summer
No pitch was safe this summer, with all receiving downgraded ratings from David Boon. But the SCG fared the worst.
Fired for not being ‘seductive’ enough, Singleton reflects on her career
January is generally a big month for the ex-ABC journalist Jane Singleton – 35 Januaries ago, she helmed 7.30.
Sydney
Missing Central Coast boy found on houseboat after almost 24-hour search
Leif Courtney, 13, who has autism and is non-verbal was last seen at his home in Mooney Mooney about 7.30pm on Wednesday, sparking a major search.
Queensland to reopen border to all of NSW on Monday
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the border will reopen to all of NSW on Monday after it closed because of mystery cases emerging in Greater Sydney.
Exclusive
Roads
Thousands of vehicles flooding Sydney roads to avoid toll
Thousands of extra cars and trucks are flooding onto arterial roads in Sydney’s south since a new toll was imposed on the M5 East Motorway, internal government documents reveal.
‘Bad theology kills’: Senior cleric returns honour over Margaret Court decision
The Reverend Alistair Macrae, a former president of the Uniting Church in Australia, has joined a growing list of Australia Day honours recipients to reject their awards.
Australian men extradited to US over $65m mobile phone scam
Two Sydney men have been extradited to the US while a BRW Rich Lister who parties with Snoop Dogg awaits his fate in a Perth jail.
Politics
News
Nationals
Farewell to a Nationals leader who could stare down a prime minister
Doug Anthony, who led the National Party for 13 years, is farewelled as a political giant at a state memorial in Tweed Heads.
Business
Fortescue boss optimistic of thawing in China-Australia relationship
FMG chief executive Elizabeth Gaines is optimistic a new US president and new Australian trade minister will help thaw frosty relations between Australia and China.
World
Vaccine supply fight escalates as EU demands millions of doses from UK
“We reject the logic of first come, first served,” the EU’s Health Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides said.
Opinion
The foundations of this bull market are wobbling
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
A plea for the kids returning to our hottest schools
Anneliese Alexander
Sun, salt and breeze: a defence of the Freshwater ferry fleet
Francesca Johanson and Oskar Johanson
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Property bydomain
![Behind the facade, a $1 tree sparked a stunning renovation](http://web.archive.org./web/20210128084503im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_fill,w_1024/c_fill,w_640,h_360/v1611125059/From_the_streetfront_Strawberry_House_still_appears_to_be_two_heritage_properties._Photo_Michael_Lassman_pxlyye.jpg)
Behind the facade, a $1 tree sparked a stunning renovation
Because of a council quirk that considers this tree a protected species instead of a weed, the architects had to get creative. Take a look inside.
![Sydney house prices reach record high, outstrip pre-pandemic levels](http://web.archive.org./web/20210128084503im_/https://res.akamaized.net/domain/image/upload/t_web/c_crop,h_330,w_584,x_317,y_117/c_fill,w_640,h_360/v1611631204/DSC_6284_mtsyxr.jpg)
Sydney house prices reach record high, outstrip pre-pandemic levels
Sydney's housing market has done more than bounce back from COVID-19 – it's surpassed the previous record price, reaching $1.21m.
Life & Culture
King of Hollywood silliness the main event in Seven’s new reality show
American comic Rob Riggle ensures that Holey Moley, Seven’s supersized mini-golf reality show, never strays from its ridiculous course.
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Sport
Opinion
NRL 2021
Why the Roosters believe Joseph Suaalii is ready for the NRL
The Roosters are finalising their submission for an exemption so that the 17-year-old can play in the NRL this year. But is it too early?
Andrew Webster
Chief Sports Writer
Rugby Australia request World Rugby crackdown on ‘caterpillar’ ruck
The decision to ask for a hardline stance on the time-wasting tactic came after a summit led by RA director of rugby Scott Johnson.
Player anger at delayed quarantine release
The first groups of players will begin leaving hotel quarantine on Thursday evening, but some will be staying longer than 14 days – and have taken to social media to vent their frustration.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck set to quit NRL for All Blacks dream: report
There were reports on Thursday evening Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will quit the New Zealand Warriors and NRL at the end of 2021 to join rugby.
‘He likes attention’: Tsitsipas offers insights into world of Kyrgios
From 1am FaceTime calls to a hidden thirst for success, Stefanos Tsitsipas has shared what he has learned about Australia’s ‘hyperactive’ tennis star.
‘What’s he supposed to do?’: Fifita defends Norman after street fight
Andrew Fifita believes Corey Norman should avoid missing any game time for defending James Segeyaro while revealing how he has lost 15kg in the off-season.
Ratings are in: SCG the worst Test pitch in Australia this summer
No pitch was safe this Australian summer, with all receiving downgraded ratings from ICC match referee David Boon. But the SCG fared the worst.
Have Your Say
Winner of Herald’s Wallabies jersey poll to have ‘major bearing’ on selection: RA
More than 13,000 readers voted in the Herald’s poll on which coloured Wallabies jersey they would like to see used from 2021. Here are the results.