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Our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world.
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Updated
Crime
Police probe organised crime links after alleged carjacking ends with shots fired on Perth freeway
A 28-year-old man was taken into custody on the freeway about 7am after the incident near Lord Street and the Graham Farmer Freeway in Perth at 5.20am.
Why Australia’s two largest states are behind in the vaccination race
Both Queensland and Western Australia account for more than half Australia’s landmass, but only 30 per cent of the population.
Adventure World faces backlash after scales installed at rides
Adventure World faced criticism in the first two days of its new season for installing scales at rides that flash red if the patron is deemed too heavy.
Qantas pushes back WA flight reboot, reroutes London direct flight due to state’s hard border
Qantas has cancelled most of its scheduled WA flights to New South Wales and Victoria over summer and has ruled out international flights for WA until at least April.
Unvaccinated shopper ban will be ‘awkward’ but inevitable, says Hungry Jack’s founder
The founder of burger giant Hungry Jack’s expects unvaccinated people will not be permitted into fast-food stores as Melbourne and Sydney reopen.
Exclusive
Franchising
‘They walk out broken people’: Jamaica Blue and Muffin Break franchisor pushes failed stores
Foodco is signing up franchisees to dud sites despite a decline in both businesses in a bid to bolster profits.
Morrison’s visit to Glasgow climate talks likely to hinge on net zero deal
The Prime Minister is caught on climate policy between the competing interests of the Nationals and Liberal parties, as Australia prepares for a key summit.
Cryptos gain currency with older local investors
The stereotypical view of crypto investors being young, tech-savvy day traders is wrong.
Analysis
China relations
Meng’s release marks a shift in China-US relations that could leave Australia behind
As Joe Biden was negotiating a new submarine partnership with Scott Morrison, the US was secretly working on another deal.
‘We are not safe’: Warning on Melbourne buildings as more quakes predicted
Melbourne is unprepared for serious earthquakes, experts say, which could force a citywide shutdown while ageing brick parapets put lives at risk.
Trump administration floated kidnapping, killing Julian Assange: report
Eight former US officials offered details about the potential plot to assassinate the WikiLeaks founder, journalists say.
Opinion
Real Footy Podcast
‘Drought-breaker with a team of destiny’: The Dees’ grand final win
Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan review the Demons’ drought-breaking grand final win and how they shook off history to get the victory.
‘We’ll have a look at it’: AFL open to MCG night grand final
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan says the start time of next year’s grand final is up for debate should it return to the MCG.
To make your mind a nicer place to live, think of it as a houseboat
Campbell Walker’s new illustrated guide to the brain is unlike any you’ve seen before, and he’s one of many young Australians changing the way we approach our minds and our mental health.
Updated
Formula 1
The Aussie young guns primed to follow Ricciardo into F1
The next generation of Australian racers has put the motorsport world on notice with impressive victories on the same weekend that Lewis Hamilton claimed his 100th F1 win.
The flawed logic of saving all your boozing for the weekend
In the quest to achieve balance, it’s common for people to avoid alcohol on weekdays so that they can drink guilt-free on weekends. But the evidence doesn’t back this line of thinking.
AFL grand final
Bulldogs lick their wounds but have brighter days ahead
As the Western Bulldogs licked their wounds from their grand final capitulation, they were at least comforted by the news that captain Marcus Bontempelli is free to play in round one next year.
Analysis
We want a dynasty: The Demons’ story of 2021, and what’s next
Freed from desire, the confident Demons are eyeing a dynasty. What are their prospects of achieving just that, and how did they get to this position?
Western Australia
Abbe May’s rooftop performance at AFL grand final redefines stadium rock
It was an all-WA line-up for the AFL grand final in Perth. So how did they do?
Perth Ashes Test getting shakier despite AFL grand finale
Perth’s hold on a men’s Ashes Test is getting shakier by the day despite the city hosting a glittering grand finale to the AFL season
WA records no new virus cases after AFL grand final
The Premier’s decision to proceed with the grand final despite recording a positive virus case on Friday has so far paid off.
Danny Hodgson’s parents reveal details of frantic dash to be at son’s side
In an interview after their release from quarantine, the parents of soccer prodigy Danny Hogdson described their gruelling ordeal to get to Australia from the UK and the emotional reunion with their son in hospital.
WA Liberal MP Steve Irons announces retirement from politics
His departure from politics to spend more time with family opens the door to Sky News commentator Kirsty McSweeney to secure a nomination.
Politics
Nationals warn they won’t be a pushover on net zero
Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce says his partyroom is vexed over the prospect of a net zero emissions target by 2050, but his MPs don’t want to hurt regional communities.
Business
‘Fortress Australia’: Closed borders aggravate tech talent shortage
Atlassian co-founder Mike Cannon-Brookes says Australia’s closed borders are creating a major headache for tech firms trying to attract talent.
World
Biden gets COVID-19 booster shot as additional doses roll out
In getting the booster, the President dismissed criticism that the United States should distribute more vaccines worldwide before allowing boosters at home.
Opinion
Crackdown on vaping will drive smokers back to their habit
Alex Wodak and Colin Mendelsohn
‘No grey area’: China leaves no doubt with its cryptocurrency ban
Joanna Ossinger and Zheping Huang
Meng’s release marks shift in China-US relations that could leave us behind
Eryk Bagshaw
North Asia correspondent
Explore
Property bydomain
Inside the Aussie homes nominated for a top international architecture prize
Here's an entertaining way to pack in a whole lot of vicarious international travel: have a squiz at the recently announced shortlist of the 2021 Dezeen Awards, and vote for your favourite.
Why other people have so much money to spend buying property
Aside from low interest rates, help from the Bank of Mum and Dad, pandemic-era savings or a high-powered job, there's another factor helping homebuyers bid up prices.
Life & Culture
To make your mind a nicer place to live, think of it as a houseboat
Campbell Walker’s new illustrated guide to the brain is unlike any you’ve seen before, and he’s one of many young Australians changing the way we approach our minds and our mental health.
Sport
Perth Ashes Test getting shakier despite AFL grand finale
Perth’s hold on a men’s Ashes Test is getting shakier by the day despite the city hosting a glittering grand finale to the AFL season
Opinion
Real Footy Podcast
‘Drought-breaker with a team of destiny’: The Demons’ grand final win
Michael Gleeson, Jake Niall and Peter Ryan review the Demons’ drought-breaking grand final win and how they shook off history to get the victory.
Match with trial rules gives glimpse of future without headers
A charity match in Britain shows there are options for the game in response to growing evidence of the devastating effects of heading on players’ brains.
Opinion
Rugby Championship
Why Cooper can lead Wallabies to World Cup final
Even after his last-gasp penalty goal to defeat the Springboks, the expectation was he was a seat warmer. But this is very much a changed Quade Cooper.
Wayne Smith
WA records no new virus cases after AFL grand final
The Premier’s decision to proceed with the grand final despite recording a positive virus case on Friday has so far paid off.
Analysis
AFL grand final
A premiership blueprint: The numbers behind the Demons’ rise
What was the Melbourne way? Put simply, it was a game built on pressure across the ground, winning the contest no matter how difficult, and adding a touch of brilliance when required.
‘It’s coming home’, but when? MCC keen to welcome Dees for fans celebration
The MCG will host a triumphant return for Melbourne’s premiership heroes and the Demons’ feted new cup. The only question is when it will take place.
Have Your Say
Why Cooper can lead Wallabies to World Cup final
Even after his last-gasp penalty goal to defeat the Springboks, the expectation was he was a seat warmer. But this is very much a changed Quade Cooper.
