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Restrictions for Greater Sydney after NSW records one more local case
Household gatherings will be restricted to 20 people and masks compulsory in indoor areas across Greater Sydney from 5pm today.
Updated
Brisbane
Five Australians treated for blood clots after AstraZeneca vaccination
The five patients range in age from 50 to 74-years-old, and all had received AstraZeneca in the past week.
Breaking
China relations
China suspends China-Australia Strategic Economic Dialogue indefinitely
Beijing has cut off all diplomatic contact with the Australian government under the communication channel.
Dozens of Sydney bus services cut in eastern suburbs transport overhaul
More than 20 bus routes will be cut from Sydney’s eastern suburbs and another 23 “modified” as part of a major overhaul of the region’s transport system.
Opinion
Political leadership
Faithful Morrison says one thing but does another
The Prime Minister has made a couple of speeches in the past month in which he has focused on his faith and beliefs. But his declarations sit at odds with his own behaviour.
John Hewson
Columnist and former Liberal opposition leader
After Bill and Melinda’s divorce, who gets Xanadu 2.0, the family mansion?
The details of the waterfront compound have been kept incredibly private by the Gates family — so much so that a tour of the property went for $45,000 at a charity auction.
‘Stuart is safe’: family member still fearful following alleged kidnapping
On Wednesday, news broke that the 50-year-old spin bowler had been allegedly kidnapped from outside his home on Sydney’s lower north shore by four men including the brother of his partner.
‘You don’t owe someone your body’: Hayne sexual assault victim gives statement to court
The woman, who was assaulted by the former NRL star in 2018, said in a victim impact statement that she is destroyed and damaged but she’s still standing.
Opinion
Trade deals
China’s stumble helps Biden rebuild the Western Front
China’s response to European sanctions for its human rights violations has blown up a trade deal seven years in the making and pushed Europe closer to the US.
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
Live
Markets Live
Sydney COVID jitters weigh on ASX; Tech stocks bloodied
The ASX200 started brightly but soon faded and slipped deeper into the red upon the announcement of new COVID restrictions in Sydney. The market was last 0.5 per cent down.
What is ‘cheugy’? Only the latest Gen Z v Millennial tiff
The term is being used to describe people who are still following a trend long after it was cool. But we all have a little bit of cheug in us.
Macron steps into culture war over Napoleon
The French President says Napoleon Bonaparte “could be the soul of the world and the demon of Europe”.
Get a room: the best private dining rooms for all budgets
Hire a private space in a favourite restaurant, gather loved ones and tell them this is how you’re all rolling.
Sydney
Police say MacGill did not owe alleged kidnappers a debt
How the former cricketer became a kidnapping victim, taken from outside his Sydney home, has left those who know him stunned.
Gas cookers in homes have ‘same impact on children as passive smoking’
A Climate Council report warns that for kids with asthma, gas cooking at home is akin to passive smoking.
Hunter coal miners don’t have enough funds for land rehabilitation
A report by the Australia Institute has found filling in the region’s 23 mine voids would cost between $11.5 billion and $25.3 billion.
‘We’re unravelling’: family of Sydney businessman detained in Iraq losing hope
The businessman, who’s been based in the Middle East for the past 10 years, was arrested almost a month ago.
Alleged gunman charged with attempted murder of Sydney gang member Samer Marcus
A 40-year-old man was arrested in Surry Hills on Wednesday and charged over the shooting in November.
Politics
Government faces logistical nightmare getting citizens home from India
At least two repatriation flights will be dispatched to India every week once the controversial travel ban ends on May 15.
Business
Updated
Aviation
Qantas to keep head office in Sydney after winning handouts
Qantas will keep its head office in Sydney and its budget arm Jetstar based in Melbourne after extracting tax waivers and other subsidies from governments to keep jobs in their states.
World
‘Monumental moment’: US supports waiving patents for COVID-19 vaccines
The US, home to some of the world’s largest and most profitable pharmaceutical companies, has previously been a fierce defender of intellectual property rights.
Opinion
The real budget reforms that could make women’s lives better in retirement
Christina Hobbs
Co-founder of Verve Super
Revealing and uneasy peek at Morrison’s altar ego
Julie Szego
Author and freelance journalist
Explore
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Property bydomain
What's the best way to take advantage of ultra-low interest rates?
A booming market makes upgrading challenging, but buying a bigger and better home isn't the only thing owners can do to take advantage of the conditions.
Why are some sellers copping losses of up to 40 per cent?
Even though we're in a hot market, these are the properties experiencing price drops, with vendors struggling to recoup what they paid.
Life & Culture
It’s never been an easy watch. Is it finally time to give up on Handmaid’s Tale?
Two TV critics argue whether the fourth season of the dystopian drama has lost its way or is as gripping as ever.
Sport
Breaking
NRL 2021
NRL’s biosecurity expert confident Magic Round will go ahead despite COVID cases
It may require the players to return to life in a bubble, but the NRL’s biosecurity expert is confident Magic Round in Brisbane will proceed as planned.
Analysis
NRL 2021
Why Souths can’t stop Melbourne’s Batman and Robin
The Storm’s dynamic duo of Harry Grant and Brandon Smith are Melbourne’s version of Batman and Robin, and the undermanned Rabbitohs will need a miracle to keep them in check.
Updated
Coronavirus pandemic
Swans coaches cleared of COVID after visiting cafe hotspot
Swans coach John Longmire and three of his assistants visited the same Moore Park cafe on Monday as a man who was infectious with the virus, but have all returned negative test results.
Barty blinder as Aussie wins again to reach Madrid semis
Ash Barty’s win streak has continued in Madrid, with the Australian world No.1 getting past Petra Kvitova in three sets to win through to the semi-finals, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
League mourns the passing of Roosters legend ‘Bunny’ Reilly
He was long considered one of Jack Gibson’s favourite players and carved a reputation as a fearsome tackler despite his small stature.
‘I am OK’: COVID-positive Hussey to remain in India as exit confirmed for other Australians
Though the cricket great’s symptoms were mild on Wednesday, there is anxiety among cricket figures that his condition could deteriorate in a country where the medical system has been swamped.
Welcome Matt: Parish welcomes SBW, Johns brothers to Samoa fold
The mooted dream team of Sonny Bill Williams, Andrew Johns and Matthew Johns has been welcomed into the Samoa fold by the incumbent coach.
Have Your Say
Players still playing catch up on how to hold each other accountable
Corey Norman posting a photo of himself with Jarryd Hayne is a strong show of public support for his mate. Some will find it touching, even inspiring. I find it troubling.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
