The Booklist
A weekly newsletter for book lovers from books editor Jason Steger.
Explainers
Expert background and analysis on key issues and news events.
The Traveller Quiz
Are you an expert traveller? Test your knowledge with our weekly travel quiz.
It’s one of the worst years for road fatalities. Governments are yet to release data on why
Australia’s two most populous states have recorded a more than 20 per cent spike in roads deaths for 2023.
‘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.
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.
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.
Special series
City life
Kerryn survived a head-on collision. She wants you to slow down this holidays
Four months after surviving a major car crash, Kerryn Grafton still has nightmares. Her SUV was crushed like an accordion.
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.
Campaign to remove Trump from 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.
Opinion
World politics
The world seems to be spinning in reverse. Have we reached the end of progress?
It’s been another regressive year for the planet. Pessimism abounds – yet there are occasional shards of light.
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
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.
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.
Magazine
Sunday Life
Sunday Life’s most popular cover stories of 2023
From “The Fishers” who became Australia’s favourite couple this year to Moana Hope on navigating single parenthood – all of Sunday Life’s profiles in one place.
‘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.
Analysis
New Year
The stories that shone some light in the darkness of 2023
This was, in so many ways, a horrific year. Thank God for the Tillies.
Opinion
Australian cricket
Money is an unstoppable force in cricket, 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
Recipe collection
Party season
Five easy but impressive RecipeTin canapes to make this weekend
These recipes have been carefully chosen to look trickier to make than they actually are. Pair them with my properly spicy marg.
★★★★★
Review
The joy and pain of Spike Milligan, the man who made modern comedy
A new documentary goes through the comedian’s personal archives with a gallery of friends, fans and those whose own careers owe much to Milligan’s influence.
Western Australia
WA’s population grew faster than any other state in 2023
Population growth has rebounded since the COVID-19 pandemic closed the country’s borders for most of 2020 and 2021.
The biggest WA crime stories of 2023
A horrific year of domestic violence and a spate of shootings made headlines in Perth over 2023.
WA school leavers are off to university. So, what do they want to study?
New data has revealed what degrees were the most popular in WA, with some receiving over a thousand applications.
The most expensive WA homes sold in 2023
From the leafy green streets of Perth’s western suburbs to the crystal clear waters of Eagle Bay in the state’s South West, here are the most expensive homes sold in 2023.
Family of volunteer firefighter who died battling Esperance blaze speak out
“We are immensely proud of Harry and all that he achieved and at 20 we thought it was just the beginning.”
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
Cometh the hour, Cummins the man
Greg Baum
Sports columnist
Why Australia is less ready to face a more dangerous world in 2024
Mick Ryan
Military leader and strategist
I’m no longer a COVID virgin, but I’m trying to stay positive
Jo Stubbings
Writer and reviewer
Explore
Property
From sprawling mansions to riverside penthouses: The most expensive WA homes sold in 2023
From the leafy green streets of Perth’s western suburbs to the crystal clear waters of Eagle Bay in the state’s South West, here are the most expensive homes sold in 2023.
The luxurious holiday home rentals that cost up to $150,000 a night
Rich summer visitors to Sydney are paying up to stay in the lap of absolute luxury, but there is better value around.
Good Food
Recipe collection
Recipes
70+ canapes guaranteed to get the party started
Lifestyle
Opinion
New Year
I’m no longer a COVID virgin, but I’m trying to stay positive
After four years of dodging the bloody thing, I’ve succumbed. And it’s given me a great excuse to ditch the party hat.
Jo Stubbings
Writer and reviewer
Culture
Why The Tourist’s Danielle Macdonald believes in trusting your gut
She left Australia at 18 fearing she’d never be cast here. Now, Danielle Macdonald is back with a new season of The Tourist and a project with Nicole Kidman.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
Sunday sport quiz: The question about swimming great Michael Phelps that might surprise you
Challenge yourself with our sports quiz, a mix of questions about the latest in world and local sport, and the big events in sporting history.
Pakistan anger over ‘inconsistent’ calls and technology ‘curse’
In a fiery postscript to Australia’s series-sealing 79-run victory at the MCG, Pakistan coach Mohammad Hafeez said the tourists had been the better side and would have won if not for several line-ball calls that had fallen in Australia’s favour.
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
