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Coronavirus pandemic
Top epidemiologist says virus outbreak is ‘absolutely inevitable’
The risk of a disastrous coronavirus outbreak in Australia is now at its highest level since the pandemic began, says epidemiologist and mathematical biologist James McCaw.
China’s Sinopharm becomes first non-Western vaccine to win WHO approval
The World Health Organisation has made its long-awaited decision on China’s Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, approving the jab for emergency use in all adults, meaning it can be rolled out globally.
Exclusive
Federal budget
Spending to be targeted as jobs boom delivers more to bottom line than iron ore
The surge in jobs will add more to the budget than soaring iron ore prices, but Josh Frydenberg hosed down talk of new stimulus, promising structural spending in aged care and mental health.
Opinion
Federal politics
Voters driven to distraction by Morrison’s short-term splurge
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
Cat-attack: Geelong thrash reigning premiers with second half demolition
Geelong kicked 14 goals to Richmond’s two after half time to completely destroy the defending premiers at the MCG.
‘The climb is steep’: Biden on defence after lacklustre jobs report
The US economy added just 266,000 jobs in April, well below economists’ expectations that around one million jobs would be created.
Four ex-police officers indicted for violating George Floyd’s civil rights
A federal grand jury has indicted the four former Minneapolis police officers involved in George Floyd’s arrest and death.
Updated
Crime
Boy, 15, released from custody after death of teen in Melbourne’s west
A 15-year-old boy has been released from police custody following the death of another teenager in Melbourne’s western suburbs on Friday night.
Struggling with pre-schoolers? Take Bluey’s lead, say experts
In a rare double act, the global phenomenon Bluey is almost as popular with adults as it is with kids. As creator Joe Brumm explains, that’s no accident.
McLachlan takes on court of public opinion with explosive video diaries
The actor was acquitted of indecent assault and assault charges in December and now appears determined to win over the court of public opinion.
Bake this simple apple cake today and it’ll taste even better on Mother’s Day
This recipe is child’s play – and that’s the point here. Bake it the day before and it will taste even better.
The secret clay court sessions that sparked Barty’s 16-match winning streak
The world No.1 will play in the Madrid Open final on Sunday as she continues a remarkable run on clay that not even the Australian saw coming.
WEEKEND READS
To my one-year-old daughter, born at the right time
You are the wisest person I’ve ever met precisely because you came when you did. You were filled with joy even as the adults around you stressed away your first year.
Bring your garden to life with a water feature
Make the most of rainfall when it happens by redirecting rainwater pipes to nearby beds, rills and ponds.
Local
Updated
Crime
Man charged over truck crash ‘unaware’ of five injured pedestrians
Police have charged the driver of a truck that hit five pedestrians after it mounted the footpath at a busy intersection in Melbourne’s inner south.
Single QR system to be rolled out as check-in compliance plummets
The proportion of people using QR codes to check in has dropped across Victoria, with one government survey showing fewer than half the visitors to hospitality venues reported scanning a code every time in April.
Exclusive
Animal cruelty
Luxury brand found selling fur from tortured raccoon dogs
A luxury Australian clothing brand sold in Melbourne boutiques is selling fur labelled as raccoon that has been found to be raccoon dog.
Lawyer found with ice, almost $6000 in cash, court told
Prominent Melbourne lawyer Pat Lennon was allegedly found with 11 grams of methamphetamine and almost $6000 when he was apprehended by police last year.
Ambulance response times worst since 2015, $750m boost announced
Ambulances are not reaching the most critically-ill patients within the target time of 15 minutes one-quarter of the time.
AFL 2021
‘He would never let us down’: the Frank Costa I knew
Gareth Andrews was vice-president throughout Frank Costa’s 12 years as president of the Cats. Here he writes of Costa’s charm, warmth and humanity.
AFL round eight teams and expert tips
How the experts tipped for 2021 round eight, and all the ins and outs as they drop across the weekend.
Politics
ABC claims there were ‘reasonable grounds’ for suspecting Porter of rape
The ABC says it did not defame the former attorney-general but it can prove there were reasonable grounds for suspecting him of raping a woman in the 1980s when he was a teenager.
Business
Bank boom: Big four profits snap back from COVID-19 threat
This time last year, NAB chief executive Ross McEwan was bracing for what many thought would be the worst economic crisis since the 1930s Great Depression.
World
Tears and singing as abducted Nigerian students return to parents
Nearly two months after their abduction by armed gunmen, more than two dozen students in northwest Nigeria’s Kaduna state were reunited with jubilant family members on Friday amid tears and celebratory singing.
Opinion
Biden’s risky spending poses a danger for the world
Liam Halligan
Huge problem: Immigrants are not taking our jobs
Jan Fran
Journalist and presenter
PM learning all the wrong lessons from travel ban backlash
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
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Property bydomain
The Melbourne neighbourhoods where it's easier – and harder – to upsize
Apartment owners hoping to sell and buy a house are facing a growing price gap, but in some parts of the city it's much easier to bridge than in others.
Fashion designer Alannah Hill to swap her St Kilda apartment for country life
The designer has been fantasising for years about living off the grid, and now her 19-year-old son has moved out of home, her apartment is up for sale.
Life & Culture
‘This headdress is telling me it needs to go home’: Ancient artefacts returned to Australia
The single largest collection of Indigenous items has been repatriated to Australia.
Sport
Cat-attack: Geelong thrash reigning premiers with second half demolition
Geelong kicked 14 goals to Richmond’s two after half time to completely destroy the defending premiers at the MCG.
Updated
2021 Tokyo Olympics
‘Wake up’: Cambage slams lack of diversity in Australia, threatens Olympic boycott
Basketball star Liz Cambage has doubled down in her criticism of the Australian Olympic Committee for not using a racially diverse selection of athletes in promotions.
Buddy, Rampe back but Jones dropped ahead of MCG clash
Lance Franklin and Dane Rampe return, Nathan Jones has been dropped while the Magpies and Bombers have swung the axe on a busy night of selection.
National cricketers in line for vaccinations as Hussey tests negative
On the back of Australia’s Olympians beginning their vaccination program ion Monday, National Cabinet ruled other sportsmen and women can now join the queue.
ASC says sorry to gymnasts, watchdog says watch out
The Australian Sports Commission apologises for abuses at the AIS in Canberra, and sports integrity’s head honcho says Australian sport will change forever.
As it happened AFL 2021: Shai flies but Geelong thrashes Tigers
Follow along for all the key moments as Richmond and Geelong take to the MCG for Friday night football.
Life after Usain Bolt: who can be the fastest of them all?
The great Jamaican dominated the 100 metres at the past three Olympics. Who will replace him on the dais as the quickest man in the world at this year’s Games?
Have Your Say
The Buckley call: How do you judge a coach 10 years in?
Clubs rarely reappoint coaches who have not won a premiership in their first 10 years at a club, but then, how many coaches have won a final in each of their past three seasons?
