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The Confession podcast
Murder was just the beginning in this astonishing new podcast.
Updated
Gas
Morrison’s decision to stop NSW gas field to be overturned
A gas field off the NSW coastline, which runs past the state’s pristine beaches, popular tourist destinations, and some of the country’s most expensive residential real estate, is back on the agenda ahead of the NSW state election.
Barilaro seeks assault charges dismissed on mental health grounds
John Barilaro was “significantly suffering” when he allegedly lashed out at a cameraman last year, a Sydney court heard.
Explain bushfire grants or I’ll refer it to ICAC: Minns
NSW Labor leader Chris Minns says he will give John Barilaro 24 hours to answer questions about why his office intervened in a $100m bushfire recovery program.
Medicare report recommends more after-hours consultations
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says the first lesson from the strengthening Medicare report is that Australia needs to improve access to GPs after traditional work hours.
Latest live posts
LoadingFortunes of Atlassian founders take a hit on share dive
The company’s earnings disappointed Wall Street, pushing its stock down 13 per cent in after-hours trade and hitting the wealth of its billionaire founders.
Market euphoria to face reality check this earnings season
Professional investors are cautious about reading too much into the powerful rally in markets so far this year.
Analysis
Poker machines
The four charts that show pokies are the most destructive form of gambling
Poker machines account for almost two thirds of gambling losses in NSW, dwarfing other forms of betting.
Opinion
City life
First Paddy’s, now Glebe Markets - Sydney is losing its soul, and for what?
It’s all part of the sameification of Sydney; every new venue seems to be owned by Merivale.
Lucy Jones
Contributor
Snow in Thredbo, heatwave in Sydney as weather extremes hit
Thredbo experienced fresh snowfall overnight while Sydney is set to swelter in a 30-plus degree day ahead of a scorching weekend.
The inside story of how WA’s missing radioactive capsule was found
Just hours into their first shift, about 74 kilometres south of the Pilbara mining town of Newman, a team of specialist scientists searching for a minuscule target heard a beep.
Analysis
Foreign relations
How Wong’s message got lost in a clumsy, ill-explained swipe
Penny Wong’s shoe-leather diplomacy since Labor came to power last May had rarely come unstuck. That changed this week.
Chinese spy balloon spotted over western US: Pentagon
The US is tracking a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that has been spotted over US airspace.
He was driving taxis in an Australian town. Now Hollywood’s hailing ‘Mr Inbetween’
A few years ago, reclusive Australian writer Scott Ryan was struggling to make ends meet. Now, the world can’t get enough of his cult suburban crime series.
Why Vanessa sent a drone to collect a whale’s blowhole spray
Growing up, Vanessa Pirotta wanted to be a dolphin trainer. These days, she is just as comfortable in front of a TV camera as she is elbow-deep in hot whale guts.
Easy as one, two, three: Are throuples normal now?
Australians are more open to polyamory and unconventional relationships than they were 10 years ago. What’s changed?
Meet the cream of the NRL’s 2023 crop before they become household names
They may be no-names now, but by the end of the season these 10 players could transform into stars of the NRL.
Opinion
Drugs in sport
Bol’s troubles could be far from over regardless of B-sample
People get too hung up on this B-sample stuff; a “use” charge could be established just on analysis of one of the samples.
Darren Kane
Sports Columnist
‘Not happening’: Clarke hits out at proposal to move SCG Test
Former Test captain Michael Clarke has criticised the idea of taking the traditional New Year’s Test away from Sydney.
Sydney
Updated
Tragedy
Three-year-old dies in locked car at Sydney shopping strip
Police were told the child had been in the car in south-west Sydney throughout the day as the temperature exceeded 30 degrees.
As Pell the man is laid to rest, Pell the martyr rises
Tony Abbott said the faithful should pray to the late George Pell – a victim of “modern-day crucifixion” – as they do other saints.
Barilaro’s office in bushfire funding storm
John Barilaro’s office intervened in a $100 million bushfire recovery program and altered the guidelines, resulting in Labor electorates missing out on emergency funding.
Sydney law firm hit with $185,000 penalty over breaches
A former manager at Atanaskovic Hartnell took her employer to court over unpaid entitlements and a failure to provide a safe workplace.
‘Not vindicated, shattered’: Bushfire audit confirms communities’ fears
After working closely with public servants on grant applications, Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill was stunned to discover the rules had later been changed.
SEE AND DO
★★★½
Shania Twain’s comeback album proves she’s still the one
Queen of Me, the new album from the queen of pop-country, does impress us much.
★★★
Plenty of waterworks, but Netflix’s Jessica Watson biopic isn’t all smooth sailing
Wholesome and tailored for the American market, True Spirit recounts the then 16-year-old’s record-breaking attempt to sail around the world solo, unassisted and non-stop.
Politics
Indigenous Australians to be formally recognised in Voice proposal
A meeting between Peter Dutton and the government’s senior Indigenous referendum advisory group failed to address the opposition leader’s concerns.
Business
Insurance giant IAG cuts guidance after hit from inflation, floods
Insurance Australia Group has cut its guidance to investors after it raised its forecast for natural disaster claims due to devastating floods in Auckland
World
‘It’s just a herb’: Cannabis re-ignites passions in Asian Amsterdam
Thailand has become a new wonderland for weed enthusiasts but the decriminalisation of cannabis has found new opposition ahead of an election.
Opinion
Can Peter Dutton pass the Sydney Harbour test?
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
Shrill critics of Chalmers’ essay are missing the point
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
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Property
‘Pretty bleak for tenants’: Rental vacancy rate at record low
The rental market is becoming even more difficult for tenants to navigate, prompting calls for better protections.
Tanay slept on a couch for months. Some of his peers faced even worse
It’s the hidden side of the housing crisis: skipping meals, staying in garages, sharing rooms, or even sharing a bed on a roster basis.
Lifestyle
The edible flower that also looks stunning in bouquets
You won’t regret planting some nasturtiums and picking them for your kitchen or your vase.
Culture
★★★
Review
Surrender to TV tearjerker Dear Edward and it will wring you out
The creator of Friday Night Lights and Parenthood turns his skills to the fallout from an air crash disaster that leaves one survivor – a 12-year-old boy.
Sport
Meet the cream of the NRL’s 2023 crop before they become household names
They may be no-names now, but by the end of the season these 10 players could transform into stars of the NRL.
Opinion
Drugs in sport
Why Peter Bol’s troubles could be far from over regardless of B-sample result
People get too hung up on this B-sample stuff; a “use” charge could be established just on analysis of one of the samples.
Darren Kane
Sports Columnist
Time for a reality check: What if we’ve seen the best of Tom Trbojevic?
Anthony Seibold scorched Peter Peters for raising a relevant question about the Manly fullback.
‘Not happening’: Clarke hits out at proposal to move SCG Test
Former Test captain Michael Clarke, a born and bred New South Welshman, has criticised the idea of taking the traditional New Year’s Test away from Sydney.
Addo-Carr pulls out of All Stars clash
The All Stars clash has lost one of its biggest drawcards after last year’s Indigenous skipper pulled out of the pre-season event.
The Eddie Effect: Wallabies hopefuls must ‘play out of their skin’ to get Jones’ attention
The arrival of Eddie Jones back in Australian rugby has created a “clean slate” for players pushing for Wallabies honours later this year at the World Cup.
Heat upset Sixers to make Big Bash final
The Brisbane Heat will meet the Perth Scorchers in Saturday night’s Big Bash final after upsetting the Sydney Sixers in a low-scoring match at the SCG.
Have Your Say
For Tom Brady, the cost of greatness finally became too great
Mental fatigue finally wore down the greatest winner the NFL has seen.
