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Daily Crosswords
Challenge yourself with today's quick and cryptic puzzles.
Government weighs lifting outdoor mask rule, regional travel ban
Senior Andrews government ministers were meeting late on Tuesday to discuss easing restrictions statewide.
COVID’s ‘lost generation’: Warning of long-term impact of remote learning
Researchers did note, however, that reading to children at home can improve literacy outcomes, which in turn boost ongoing skill levels as they became adults.
Analysis
Analysis
We probably should have been wearing masks the whole time
Before the pandemic, I thought wearing a face mask was a little strange. I now think those people were right, and I was both wrong and ignorant.
Free speech does not override transgender safety, university head says
The University of Melbourne is considering a gender affirmation policy that would prohibit public events or speech that could harm transgender people.
‘Let them stay’: Supporters rally as Tamil family reunites at Perth hospital
Nades Murugappan and his daughter Kopica were greeted by supporters as they arrived in Perth under the watchful eye of border officials on Tuesday evening.
Ministers back One Nation motion calling for ‘wait-and-see’ treatment for transgender kids
Attorney-General Michaelia Cash and National Disability Insurance Scheme Minister Linda Reynolds were among 21 Coalition senators who supported the motion after the government granted its members a conscience vote.
‘Crippled in one night’: Townships reeling a week after wild storms rip through properties
Trees crashed through John Carlyle’s loungeroom roof and destroyed much of his Kalorama house, yet he has chosen to remain among the devastation.
‘Spectacular’ silken spider webs blanket Gippsland town after floods
For some, it’s the stuff of nightmares. For entomologist Ken Walker, it’s a beautiful sight.
Beaming Queen receives PM in Windsor Castle
Scott Morrison made the trip to Windsor, near Heathrow, straight after leaving Downing Street where he and his British counterpart Boris Johnson announced a new free trade deal.
‘Great step forward’: Johnson offers Morrison support on climate change
Boris Johnson wants Australia to lift its ambition on climate change, while also acknowledging the nation’s economy is heavily reliant on fossil fuels.
‘A new dawn’: Australia and Britain agree on historic trade deal
New free trade deal will pave the way for more Australians to live and work in Britain once international borders reopen.
Rare moment of sublime beauty springs from most unlikely source
America’s Got Talent star Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski, offers music so original and authentic it makes your heart soar.
The home of Australia’s largest dinosaur is our own Jurassic Park
Guests can help dig (and scrape) for Australia’s largest dinosaurs and mega-fauna in outback Queensland.
Push to keep community TV station Channel 31 on free-to-air TV
Melbourne City Council is expected to ask the federal government to again extend the station’s licence, but this time for three years.
‘The greatest race in history’: King Kyle locked in for Tokyo rumble
Kyle Chalmers has locked in his spot for one of the biggest races of the Tokyo Olympics as he prepares to defend his 100m freestyle Olympic crown.
Analysis
Tokyo Olympics
Ledecky clocks slower time than Titmus but was the US star foxing?
Ariarne Titmus came as close as anyone has to breaking Katie Ledecky’s world record. The US superstar’s response in Olympic trials was understated – but she’s still Olympic favourite.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS
Exclusive
Vaccine concerns ease, but only slightly, as 26 per cent say unlikely to get jab
Data shows there is majority support for vaccination among Australians but highlights the obstacles in signing up the final quarter of adults.
Shi Zhengli, researcher at centre of Wuhan lab leak storm, denounces speculation
“How on earth can I offer up evidence for something where there is no evidence?” she said, her voice rising in anger during the brief, unscheduled conversation.
Local
Exclusive
Local council
Police preparing to lay charges over suspected Moreland Council vote fraud
Police gathered DNA and fingerprint tests on suspicious ballot papers.
Senior cop rumoured to be in ‘big trouble’ with sex taskforce, court hears
Prominent Victoria Police officer Stuart Bateson is contesting charges that he leaked details about an IBAC investigation to a junior officer.
Terror plotters drew inspiration from 2018 Bourke St attack, court told
The 2018 Bourke Street terror attack inspired three other men to plot their own terror attack on Melbourne, a court has heard.
CBD
City life
‘Devastated’: Corrie Perkin announces closure of Hawksburn bookshop
Lockdowns are partly to blame for the closure of the Malvern Road store, but the business will continue online as will the owner’s author interviews and podcasts.
Parents ‘distraught’ as police search for missing daughter at Melbourne landfill
Ju Zhang, also known as Kelly, was last seen at her home in Epping on the evening of February 1. Despite several significant searches, her body has never been found.
AFL 2021
Players must not ‘weaponise their body’: bump debate heats up as De Goey faces ban
Jordan De Goey has been handed a one-match suspension for his bump on Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver as Thursday’s tribunal decision on David Mackay’s bump on Hunter Clark looms as a game-changer.
Updated
McKay ‘flattered’ by rival offers but was never leaving Blues
The Blues key forward has agreed to terms, coming as administrator Geoff Walsh was cleared to complete his role in a major review.
Politics
Nuclear waste deal in sight after Labor agrees to negotiate
Federal Labor has agreed to negotiate on a long-delayed bill in Parliament to find a new location for medical waste currently stored in the southern suburbs of Sydney.
Business
Gas giants risk ‘going the way of coal’ as climate push heats up
Australian gas giants say demand isn’t going anywhere, but recognise the need to get on the ‘front foot’ as the world decarbonises.
World
Carrie Lam ‘highly concerned’ about reported leaks at nuclear plant
The French joint operator of the Taishan Nuclear Power Plant in Guangdong, China, said it was dealing with a “performance issue”.
Opinion
We need to ensure online safety before big tech profits
Julie Inman Grant
Dr Copper’s mixed signals suggest the global economy is at a delicate moment
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
Democracy on the defensive as G7 leaders dither over China
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
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Property bydomain
Lockdown's big deals: Melbourne buyers spend $10m+ remotely
Melbourne locals continued undeterred on their search to buy a bigger home in their own neighbourhood.
Before and after: 8 homes that will have you wanting to renovate
Whether you're looking for a renovated gem, or inspiration for your own project, here are some new and improved properties that are on the market.
Life & Culture
Stats and data? Andy Lee vows to make them fun with new TV show
The experiences of 100 Australian families will put statistics to the test in Andy Lee’s forthcoming comedy show.
Sport
Players musn’t ‘weaponise their body’: bump debate heats up as De Goey faces ban
Jordan De Goey has been handed a one-match suspension for his bump on Melbourne’s Clayton Oliver as Thursday’s tribunal decision on David Mackay’s bump on Hunter Clark looms as a game-changer.
United trade home court for home return as grand final will start in Perth
Melbourne United will face Perth Wildcats in the NBL Grand Final series after coming back from 17 points down to beat South East Melbourne Phoenix in their semi-final decider on Tuesday night.
Ten backs soccer to become ‘No.1 sport in Australia’ after $300m investment
Ten has increased its massive investment in football by adding Socceroos and Matildas fixtures to the A-League.
‘The greatest race in history’: King Kyle locked in for Tokyo rumble
Kyle Chalmers has locked in his spot for one of the biggest races of the Tokyo Olympics as he prepares to defend his 100m freestyle Olympic crown.
Senior Saints figures were upset about Ross’ early departure
Senior Age football columnist Caroline Wilson maintains key figures at St Kilda “are really disappointed” in the decision of Seb Ross to head back to Victoria and miss the Saints’ match against Adelaide in Cairns.
Exclusive
Tokyo Olympics
Groves set to meet with Swimming Australia to expand on ‘misogyny’ claim
Madeline Groves has made contact with Swimming Australia and is prepared to outline the issues she raised in social media posts on the eve of the Olympic trials.
Moore has potentially season-ending injury
Collingwood’s All-Australian Darcy Moore will be examined for a potential posterior cruciate ligament injury on Wednesday.
Have Your Say
The last time the Bombers went to Tassie, it was Sheedy v Shaw
Essendon in the Apple Isle; Collingwood coaching departures; Geelong’s teething problems. Snap Shot is a weekly column taking a look at the lighter side of football.