Evening Edition
The day's breaking news, entertainment ideas and a long read to enjoy.
The Booklist
A weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger.
Daily Crosswords
Challenge yourself with today's quick and cryptic puzzles.
Brittany Higgins demands apology over ‘lying cow’ comment
Brittany Higgins’ lawyer has sent a letter to Defence Minister Linda Reynolds demanding a public apology for a ‘distasteful character assassination’.
Believing victims or presuming innocence? Q+A grapples with a hard question
‘I think they can,’ Labor MP Anne Aly said, when asked if the two concepts could co-exist. ‘I don’t think they do now.’
Updated
Earthquake
Tsunami warning after earthquake strikes New Zealand
An earthquake of magnitude 7.3 hit New Zealand early on Friday morning, triggering warnings of a possible tsunami.
‘Huge impost’: Parents struggle to secure EpiPens with long shelf lives
Katherine Sanchez, whose son Caspian is allergic to eggs, said the situation was creating additional expenses for families.
Updated
Coronavirus pandemic
Europe blocks 250,000 vaccine doses that were bound for Australia
The decision is the first time the European Commission has used its powers to block a shipment.
How one aged care group kept the virus out of its Melbourne homes
While coronavirus cut a deadly swath through scores of Melbourne aged care homes, Hope Aged Care’s metropolitan centres stayed COVID-free. How did they do it?
First non-binary writer up for women’s writing prize since entry changes
Novelist S.L. Lim has become the first non-binary writer to be in contention for $50,000 Stella Prize, but Lim said this development should not be lauded as it’s getting over a low bar.
Opinion
Censorship
Dr Seuss not cancelled. Old stereotypes are being made redundant
Cancel culture is a meaningless, slippery term that means whatever people want it to mean; just so long as their points of view are immune from question.
Duncan Fine
Exclusive
Australians abroad
‘I have been put through hell’: Australian activist detained in Tanzania flies home
Zara Kay, who arrived in Brisbane on Thursday morning, said it had “not only been a terrifying time for me, but also my family”.
Prince Philip undergoes successful heart procedure: palace
A statement from Buckingham Palace said the Prince would remain in hospital for several days.
Exclusive
Caddick disappearance
Four expensive artworks missing from Melissa Caddick’s home, says liquidator
Investigators have also identified $100,000 in Canturi jewellery paid for but not picked up by the time the fraudster went missing.
COVID vaccine not set to be mandatory for AFL players
The AFL is unlikely to make vaccinations for COVID-19 mandatory for players in 2021 as the vaccine is rolled out.
Updated
Match report
Anxious wait for star Blues as Saints win freewheeling affair
Never mind a return to 2019, the footy on show at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night resembled something out of the early 1990s.
The boys are back: fans rejoice as men’s AFL returns to Melbourne
It’s been almost a year since an AFL men’s game was played in front of Victorian fans.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Exclusive
Foreign sailor threat sparks COVID testing demand
The waterside union and a major stevedore have made an unusual joint call for action to prevent another COVID outbreak.
Victoria records no new coronavirus cases for sixth consecutive day
Victoria has processed more than 5 million COVID-19 tests since the pandemic began early last year.
Local
‘Like a big flame-thrower’: hit-run driver overtook eight cars before fiery crash
Police are hunting for a hit-run driver who caused a near-fatal crash in Victoria’s high country. involving an elderly couple whose car and caravan exploded into flames.
News
Defence
‘This place saves lives’: Wayside country pub becomes perch for veteran sanctuary
A bluestone pub in western Victoria built in 1869 is becoming a sanctuary for war veterans.
‘Inhuman’: Mandatory quarantine for prisoners to be extended into next year
Human rights lawyers raise alarm about legislation to place all new prisoners into mandatory isolation, regardless of the COVID-19 risk in the community.
La Trobe Uni hits out at ‘unsympathetic’ government as 300 more jobs are cut
Staff at La Trobe University have been told it will shed hundreds more full-time equivalent jobs, taking the tally past 500.
Health
Mental health
Triple 0 mental health calls in Victoria to be answered by paramedics not police
Paramedics will respond to triple zero calls for mental health support rather than police, and emergency services workers will have access to a unique support service under a new state government plan.
Politics
Sex industry ‘not my concern’: eSafety Commissioner defends proposed new powers
The sex industry is concerned a new Online Safety Bill will have unintended consequences for workers, but Julie Inman Grant says her goal is not to restrict the industry.
Business
Exclusive
Insolvency
APRA aware of IAG’s potential Greensill risk since November
The prudential regulator had been monitoring Insurance Australia Group’s potential multi-billion dollar exposure to troubled finance house Greensill since last year.
World
Myanmar army ‘surprised’ at opposition to coup
The revelation comes as the death toll from a military crackdown climbs to at least 50 and protesters say “there is no meaning to staying alive under the junta”.
Opinion
How racism in Seuss books can teach young readers about history and context
Kate Cantrell and Sharon Bickle
Explore
Got a news tip?
Share information with our journalists securely and confidentially. Learn more
Property bydomain
Former MasterChef judge Gary Mehigan sells Malvern East home
Mehigan's Malvern East property has been sold, more than three months after it was first listed with a price guide of $5.9 million to $6.49 million.
'Dire' outcome for renters as end of eviction moratorium looms
The state government’s ban on evictions and rental increases, introduced at the beginning of the pandemic, is set to expire at the end of the month.
Life & Culture
‘I am the novice here’: Avatar’s Sam Worthington returns to the stage
He’s made it big in Hollywood but Australian actor Sam Worthington is feeling nervous as he returns to the Sydney stage for the first time in over 22 years.
Sport
Updated
Match report
Anxious wait for star Blues as Saints win freewheeling affair
Never mind a return to 2019, the footy on show at Marvel Stadium on Thursday night resembled something out of the early 1990s.
Opinion
AFL 2021
Why Essendon need to level with fans
Essendon fans have been awaiting a genuine renaissance since 2007, but barring a miracle, the Bombers will not play finals this year. The club should be honest about its position with its supporters.
Jake Niall
Chief football writer, The Age
Hips or hormones? New study to tackle ACL toll in AFLW
Researchers have partnered with the AFL to find out why female footballers are nine times more likely than men to suffer serious knee injuries.
Finch’s return to form buys selectors time, but tough calls beckon
Trevor Hohns was ruthless with ageing Australian legends in his last tenure as selector – and his panel faces similarly tough calls with three World Cups in the next two years.
Rioli to get backdated two-year doping ban
West Coast premiership player Willie Rioli will be able to return to play on August 20 after receiving a two-year ban for a doping infraction.
Gawn in new Demon deal as players commit to selfless drive to top
Melbourne’s captain has recommitted to the club for four years and the Demons players have committed to each other to selflessly drive for finals.
Bombers boss: 2021 a development year, not a rebuild
Essendon’s new president says the club isn’t in a rebuild, but developing youngsters and consistent effort are the focus this year.
Have Your Say
Where your club sits with injuries ahead of pre-season
Men’s football is back on Thursday with the first of the pre-season matches, and there will be plenty of big names sitting out.
