The Booklist
A weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger.
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Tragedy
Family pay tribute to ‘loving, devoted father’ after crash
Two people died and 15 were injured in the horror crash attended by more than 80 emergency personnel.
‘What a bloody flight!’ Passenger pinned down by staff onboard Qantas flight
A witness said the man had “gone crazy” on board the flight to Melbourne and had to be restrained for several hours.
Revealed: NSW’s most complained about councils
The NSW Ombudsman received the most complaints about Central Coast Council in 2022-23, but Lane Cove had the highest rate of grievances.
Harbour vantage points almost full as Sydney braces for biggest New Years in years
Early risers have already begun to stake their claim at vantage points as the city returns to a ticket-free system for the first time in years.
Paula Abdul accuses Nigel Lythgoe of sexual assault during American Idol
Paula Abdul has filed a lawsuit against the former longtime producer of American Idol, accusing him of sexually assaulting her when she was a judge.
The stories behind Sydney’s quirkiest street names
In the small Sydney suburb of Bonnet Bay you will find streets named for Washington, Jefferson and Kennedy, among dozens of other US presidents. Why?
Explainer
Real life
There are many ways to make a decision. Richard used them all when his plane’s engine failed
Marriage, career, children – the big decisions in life can often be the hardest. Is there an optimal method for making a choice? And how do you factor in loss and regret?
Why Asher Keddie is the queen of barely contained chaos
Drawing from Mia Freedman’s book Work Strife Balance, Keddie’s character in the series Strife, Eve, is imbued with humanity and humour.
An Israeli hostage describes her time in captivity in harrowing detail
Schem, a 21-year-old Israeli French citizen, was kidnapped by Hamas after fleeing the Nova music festival during the October 7 terrorist attack.
Exclusive
Title Deeds
The Millennials of Sydney’s prestige property market living lavishly in 2023
Forget the cashed-up downsizers, tech billionaires, and international buyers who usually dominate the high-end property market. This year it was all about the 20 and 30-somethings.
British actor Tom Wilkinson, known for ‘The Full Monty’ and ‘Michael Clayton’, dies at 75
Tom Wilkinson, the Oscar-nominated British actor known for his roles in The Full Monty, Michael Clayton and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, has died, his family said.
Deadly snake holds up play during Thiem’s match
Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem was taking on Australian youngster James McCabe when an eastern brown snake slithered onto the court.
Sutherland stars in nail-biting win over India as Australia seals ODI series
Annabel Sutherland’s death bowling helped the tourists keep up their record of having never lost an ODI series to India
Breaking
Australian cricket
Marauding Aussie quicks soldier on for Sydney Test
Fitness concerns around Australia’s star fast bowling trio have been allayed with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood named for the New Year’s Test.
Ukraine launches deadliest attack on a Russian city since war began
The attack seemed to be Ukraine’s response to a deadly air assault a day earlier, and another sign of Kyiv’s determination to bring the war to Moscow’s doorstep.
Israel seeks full control of Gaza-Egypt border, reversal of 2005 withdrawal
If successful, it would place Gaza under exclusive Israeli control after years being run by the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Campaign to remove Trump from state ballots kicks into gear
Challenges are under way in several US states, based on an obscure clause of a constitutional amendment enacted after the Civil War that disqualifies officials who “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” from holding office.
NEW YEAR’S EVE
Here’s the ticket: What these Australians are excited for in 2024
We asked some familiar faces and voices to share their culture hit lists for the new year.
‘It’s endless’: Jazz superstar Harry Connick Jnr’s favourite Sydney digs
The New Orleans native will be performing at the Sydney Opera House during the New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Sydney
Road crash data remains ‘secret’ after one of the worst years for fatalities on the nation’s roads
Australia’s two most populous states have recorded a more than 20 per cent spike in roads deaths for 2023.
Do you own Sydney’s oldest Opal card?
Eighty-six of the original Opal cards issued in December 2012 are still in use today.
Exclusive
Crime
‘My wife has no idea’: Byron celebrant’s secret life as a paedophile
The marriage celebrant groomed a mother to get to her 11-year-old girl, but he was unaware his messages were sent to detectives.
1000 trains, ticket changes and 8.5 tonnes of fireworks: Your Sydney New Year’s Eve
Transport officials and police are bracing for Sydney’s biggest New Year’s Eve celebration in years.
Gambling tax concessions for clubs to crack $1 billion
The Productivity Commission warned more than a decade ago the community was not getting value for money from concessions for clubs, but the money keeps flowing.
SEE AND DO
In a rough year for podcasts, these 10 were the most earbud-worthy
The year’s best listens took original approaches and told engrossing stories.
Weary Aquaman sequel proves it’s just as well DC is starting over
Despite Jason Momoa’s laid-back charm, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom raises more questions than it answers.
Politics
Medical industry braces for vape addiction as first stage of ban begins
From New Year’s Day, all imported disposable vapes – with or without nicotine – will be banned as the first stage of the government’s crackdown to eventually limit vaping to people with a prescription.
Business
Topless massages to private flights: CEO mishaps around the world in 2023
While some chief executives seemed to relish the spotlight, Elon Musk chief among them, others were inadvertently thrust into social media’s harsh glare.
World
Graphic content
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
How Hamas weaponised sexual violence
A New York Times investigation shows a pattern of rape, mutilation and extreme brutality against women in the October 7 attacks in Israel. Warning: Extremely graphic descriptions.
Opinion
I’m done with outrage, but in 2024 I plan to chat … hard
Parnell Palme McGuinness
Columnist and communications adviser
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Property
‘We love it here’: Coastal property price gains leave Sydney in the shade
As the property market slows, price growth in coastal markets has been strengthening. But can it last?
The Sydney suburbs where property prices fell most in 2023
Most neighbourhoods become more expensive over the past year, but some areas are a little cheaper than 12 months ago.
Good Food
Recipe collection
Recipes
70+ canapes guaranteed to get the party started
Lifestyle
The healthy habits these experts are taking into 2024
Each year we ask three high-profile Australians to share a habit they want to cultivate in the coming year and how they plan to do it.
Culture
Why Alan Carr and his dad are the ‘Kardashians of Northampton’
Alan Carr’s new sitcom is based on the chat show host’s childhood, growing up with an alpha-male dad who coached the local soccer team.
Traveller
Drivedrive
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Sport
Opinion
Australian cricket
Why Warner the destroyer deserves a fond farewell in Sydney
I know how hard it is to do what he has done through 111 Tests, so I hope that David’s harshest critics acknowledge his talent and contribution and forgive his human frailties.
Greg Chappell
Former Australian Test batsman
‘Really dangerous’: Deadly snake holds up play during Thiem’s match in Brisbane
Former US Open champion Dominic Thiem was taking on Australian youngster James McCabe when an eastern brown snake slithered onto the court.
Breaking
Australian cricket
Marauding Aussie quicks soldier on for Sydney Test
Fitness concerns around Australia’s star fast bowling trio have been allayed with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood named for the New Year’s Test.
Sutherland stars in nail-biting win over India as Australia seals ODI series
Annabel Sutherland’s death bowling helped the tourists keep up their record of having never lost an ODI series to India
Green credentials: Why all-rounder is being seriously considered for open position
There’s a strong push for Cameron Green to open the batting for Australia once David Warner retires after the Sydney Test against Pakistan.
Analysis
Australian cricket
Australia’s all-conquering skipper, and the player of her generation: The stars of our top XIs for 2023
The importance of skipper Pat Cummins and Usman Khawaja to Australia’s Test side has been reflected by the pair being the only players to retain their places in our team of the year.
Is a country with the population of Sydney the world’s top sporting nation?
With champions such as Erling Haaland, Casper Ruud and Ada Hegerberg, Norway is a small but mighty country when it comes to sport.
Have Your Say
Money is an unstoppable force in cricket, and the game needs to evolve or perish
Producing cricketers takes years of fertiliser and water from mums, dads, coaches, ground staff, councils and a myriad of volunteers, so cashed-up privateers should be making a serious contribution to the bottom line.
Geoff Lawson
Cricket columnist
