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Test cricket
First Test day three LIVE: New Zealand chasing 369 to win after cleaning up Aussie tail
Australia secured a 204-run first innings lead in Wellington but a handful of late wickets on day two has kept New Zealand in the contest. Follow all the action live.
- by Tom Decent
Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
“I’ll never be pretty, but it doesn’t matter,” said Iris Apfel. “I have something much better. I have style.” The textile expert, interior designer and late-in-life fashion celebrity known for her eccentric style has died, aged 102.
- by Beth J. Harpaz
Is Europe ready for war with Putin?
There are fears of further Russian aggression on its eastern flank, but NATO’s preparedness remains in question.
- by Rob Harris
Updated
Paris Olympics 2024
Nicola’s notebook to the rescue as Olyslagers flies to first world title
Nicola Olyslagers has soared to global glory with a last-gasp leap, claiming the high jump gold at the world indoor athletics championships in Glasgow.
- by Ian Chadband
Birthday gift: Albanese asks for election victory in Dunkley
The prime minister spent his 61st birthday morning meeting voters in Dunkley in a last-minute bid to keep the seat in Labor’s hands.
- by Annika Smethurst
Perth fans tickled Pink during acrobatic, musical extravaganza at Optus Stadium
Born performer Alecia Moore, otherwise known as Pink, returned to Perth on Friday night to a rapturous welcome from her dedicated fans.
- by Rebecca Peppiatt
Don’t miss this powerful show on growing up Black in 1980s Australia
This wrap of shows around Melbourne includes the stage adaptation of The Hate Race, Sampha at Margaret Court Arena, Shonen Knife, and a fiery triple bill at the Melbourne Recital Centre.
- by Sonia Nair, Cher Tan, Jessica Nicholas and Michael Dwyer
The inside story of Apple’s $15 billion ‘Titanic’ disaster
For the past decade, many Apple employees working on the company’s secretive car project knew it was likely to fail.
- by Brian X. Chen and Tripp Mickle
Anti-NATO firebrand George Galloway wins UK byelection, campaigning on Gaza
His victory was described as “beyond alarming” by PM Rishi Sunak, who warned British democracy was being targeted by extremists.
- by Pan Pylas
Exclusive
Courts
Perth university student avoids jail after hacking into UWA’s system
Ming Han Ong, 24, is an aspiring software engineer. During his sentencing in Perth Magistrate’s Court on Friday, the court heard he hacked the system for the challenge.
- by Jamie Freestone
‘Outpouring of love’: Part of felled Sycamore Gap tree to go on display
The site of the felled tree will remain untouched to give the remains a chance to regrow and be protected by a low fence.
- by Emma Gatten
Wests Tigers want Shane Richardson for long haul
He was brought in on a short-term deal after the biggest upheaval in the club’s history. But chairman Barry O’Farrell has started his pitch to keep Richardson long term.
- by Adam Pengilly
Joe Biden says US military to airdrop food and supplies into Gaza
An Israeli official did not reply to a question on whether the US had sought Israeli agreement in advance on the air drops or was coordinating the effort with it.
- by Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali and Nandita Bose
Exclusive
City life
Double standards: Confusion as The StandardX hotel opens down the street from The Standard Hotel
Historic Fitzroy pub The Standard is digging in after an international luxury hotel, set to open on the same street, tried to take its name.
- by Cara Waters
Opinion
NRL 2024
Why there’s no need for the NRL to go all John Ribot
The Las Vegas venture already seems to be a broad success but what grates is the ludicrous hyperbole that goes with it.
- by Peter FitzSimons
‘Bling FC’ is dead. But what came next is far more dazzling
If you haven’t been paying attention, you might have missed Sydney FC’s steady evolution from a marquee-hunting “franchise” into a well-rounded, multifaceted “proper club”.
- by Vince Rugari
Booming crowds and broadcast numbers on the up: Are these the NBL’s ‘glory days’?
The NBL boss has had enough of hearing about the glory days – the boom times of the 1990s when the league was a TV staple and Andrew Gaze led the household names. The NBL might be at its zenith right now, he says.
- by Roy Ward
Coleman flattered by Penney’s support but won’t begrudge NSW Rugby for tough call
Earlier this week, former Waratahs coach Rob Penney went into bat for his successor Darren Coleman as a decision looms about the latter’s future at the franchise.
- by Tom Decent
20 things we love about Sydney right now
From our fabulous banh mi and gelato, through to street art and swimming spots and fancy public loos, there’s a lot to love about Sydney - now and always.
- by Lenny Ann Low and Louise Rugendyke
19 reasons we love Melbourne right now (even Liam Neeson agrees)
From city markets to city laneways, to tram routes, street protests, libraries and the MCG – what’s not to love?
- by Kerrie O'Brien, Karl Quinn, Dani Valent, Craig Mathieson and Debbie Cuthbertson
Yolgnu people ‘killing it’ on the world stage get another chance to shine
For a special two-part episode of Back Roads showcasing East Arnhem Land, Rae Johnston talks to a musician, actor and model who are making their marks.
- by Bridget McManus
Cruise ship drama and dating nightmares: How TikTok replaced reality TV
A TikTok series about one woman’s marriage is the internet’s latest obsession. Could social media be the new reality TV?
- by Nell Geraets
Opinion
Political leadership
‘Nobody quite understood’: What role did religion play in Scott Morrison’s ‘bulldozer’ moves?
The media has largely abided by the convention that religion is personal, but the former member for Cook was not a conventional politician.
- by David Hardaker
‘I just feel so sad, scared for the people’
Heading up the Geneva-based organisation that aims to abolish nuclear weapons, former federal MP Melissa Parke has much to say about diplomacy, AUKUS and the Gaza war.
- by Latika Bourke
The rival stars AFL club bosses most want on their team
A new generation has emerged, led by a brilliant forward and a precocious midfielder, with one key forward and midfielder no longer rated at the top.
- by Peter Ryan
Opinion
Retirement living
How much do people really spend at each stage of retirement?
Traditional thinking says our retirement spending tapers as we get older. But a new study has shed new light onto the topic.
- by Bec Wilson
Sin Bin in Sin City
NRL 2024
Manly recruit risks missing birth of child to be in Las Vegas
Nathan Brown is so keen to repay the faith the Sea Eagles have shown in him that he has gone to the US knowing his wife could give birth while he’s away.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Opinion
Superannuation
How to add $200,000 to your super in 10 years
Picking the right fund for your final working years is part of the key formulas for supercharging your super.
- by Nicole Pedersen-McKinnon
Will Dunkley give Albanese a birthday gift, or back Dutton’s suburb strategy?
Political strategists expect the Dunkley byelection to go to the wire. And the cost of living will be front and centre of voters’ minds.
- by James Massola and Josh Gordon
Fears Chinese-made cranes, cars vulnerable to exploitation
The government is being urged to reduce Australia’s reliance on Chinese-made cranes and electric vehicles because of fears they could be used for spying.
- by Matthew Knott
Opinion
Work therapy
My colleagues dobbed me in for taking personal calls. Should I confront them?
Perhaps in some impossible corporate utopia, employees would work 10 hours a day. But there’s nothing wrong with taking personal calls at work.
- by Jonathan Rivett
Analysis
US Votes 2024
Those who wish to see Donald Trump jailed soon will be disappointed
The flimsiest of the cases is set to go first, and all face delays. Time will tell whether Trump can manoeuvre his way past the charges long enough to win in November.
Sure things, early losers, potential upsets: The state of the Oscars race
The 2024 Academy Awards are almost here. Will Oppenheimer sweep the main categories? Does Barbie have a chance?
- by Thomas Mitchell
‘Not like a Bali holiday’: Crippling HECS debts spark calls for home loan overhaul
Universities Accord panel chair Dr Mary O’Kane has urged authorities to look at the impact of HECS-HELP on home loan assessments as young people struggle to enter the housing market.
- by Angus Thompson
Opinion
Cash
How I found myself agreeing with cash king Bob Katter
Too many businesses are going cashless and it’s costing consumers. The banks and other payment providers, meanwhile, make a fortune from fees on card payments.
- by Caitlin Fitzsimmons
The Australian ‘banks’ of sovereign citizens – and the havoc they wreak
Creditnet Bank Internationale has no office and does not take deposits from consumers. Yet the group has found itself at the centre of controversial moments in Australian corporate history and an attempted $25 billion fraud on the nation of Palau.
- by Sarah Danckert
Exclusive
Arts
The giant art installation taking over White Bay Power Station
For the first time in 100 years, the industrial relic will be open to the public as the stunning new showcase for the Biennale of Sydney – if the crowds can get there.
- by Linda Morris
The big dilemma facing your super funds
Engage or divest? How can big super work towards a more sustainable world?
- by Sumeyya Ilanbey
Updated
Putin's Russia
Crowds turn out in Moscow for the funeral of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny
Supporters gathered to bid farewell to Alexei Navalny at a funeral in Moscow following his still-unexplained death in an Arctic penal colony.
- by Dasha Litvinova and Katie Marie Davies
Shadow bank lending on the rise as big four pull back
Shadow bank lenders are seeing a rise in demand as the traditional banks tighten their loan books to ward against major defaults in commercial property.
- by Carolyn Cummins
Why the false water rat needs a new name
Research shows endangered species are more likely to get help if their names sound positive, but could renaming open a (tou)can of worms?
- by David Astle
Expect hissing: this play will animate an audience
As the manipulative husband and his fragile victim, Toby Schmitz and Geraldine Hakewill provoke strong responses.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
AFL Briefing
AFL 2024
Demon Oliver on track for AFL’s SCG season-opener
Gun Melbourne midfielder Clayton Oliver is on track to play in the AFL season opener against the Swans at the SCG, subject to confirming his fitness levels.
- by Jake Niall
Body blow for Bombers with Ridley injured in defeat to Geelong
Essendon have suffered an untimely blow on season eve, with important defender Jordan Ridley going down with another quad injury in their practice-match defeat to Geelong.
- by Marc McGowan
This NRL season is meant to be wide open. A dozen clubs think otherwise
So much for a wide-open competition – in what could be a rugby league first, every player nominated one club when asked at this season’s Sydney launch to nominate the toughest rival.
- by Christian Nicolussi and Adam Pengilly
Gold jersey or gold medal? Waratahs try machine among Super star targets for Olympics
Looking to bolster their Paris Olympics squad, Aussie sevens coaches have approached several Super Rugby stars. But Joe Schmidt may get in first.
- by Iain Payten
Just weeks after the Super Bowl, the NRL is on the NFL’s turf … literally
Rugby League has moved into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, with the pitch and goalposts installed for Sunday’s historic season-opening double-header.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Gillespie left waiting for ‘Happy Gilmore’ reprise as record broken
Jason Gillespie was more than happy to see the Australian 10th-wicket partnership record against New Zealand broken by Cameron Green and Josh Hazlewood - but the wait for a reprise of his memorable “Happy Gilmore” celebration goes on.
- by Daniel Brettig
Ultra Tune fined $1.5 million following competition watchdog probe
Car servicing giant Ultra Tune, owned by controversial businessman Sean Buckley, has been fined a record $1.5 million for contempt of court.
- by Cameron Houston
Comic craze captures Superman’s latest battle - what to have for lunch
From Superman’s diet to blockbuster wine sales, Japanese food comics are influencing how we eat and drink.
- by Lee Tran Lam
O-week brings back a buzz, but where are all the university bars?
Just three Melbourne unis still have a dedicated campus bar. But will 2024 finally bring campuses back to life after COVID?
- by Sherryn Groch
Updated
World markets
ASX hits fresh high for the third time this year
The Australian sharemarket hit a record high on Friday on the back of strong mining company advances, following more record highs on Wall Street.
- by Millie Muroi and Jessica Yun
Analysis
Inside China
Xi’s one-man rule over China’s economy is sparking trouble
Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power has cleared the path for him to put the economy on a more sustainable footing. But there’s a big problem.
- by Rebecca Choong Wilkins and Josh Xiao
Lawn disorder: Collingwood locals lash council on pocket park backflip
A plan to build more play equipment for a children’s playground in Melbourne’s inner-city has caused fury among residents who say the issue has spiralled out of control.
- by Najma Sambul
Updated
Media bargaining code
Albanese government furious over Meta’s plan to pull out of Facebook news deal
Senior ministers have accused Meta of “a dereliction of its commitment to the sustainability of Australian news media”.
- by Calum Jaspan, James Massola and David Swan
First Test day two as it happened: Smith and Labuschagne out cheaply, Lyon dropped late
Green and Hazlewood return to the crease on Friday morning with the visitors nine wickets down for 279 at stumps on Thursday. Follow all the action live
- by Malcolm Conn
As it happened: ASIO boss refuses to name ex-MP who ‘sold out’ country; States’ debt soars putting pressure on inflation
Australia’s spy chief refuses to name former politician who ‘sold out’ Australia to spies, state debt in NSW and Victoria puts pressure on inflation and police drop sex assault charges against former detainee.
- by Caroline Schelle and Hannah Kennelly
Exclusive
Crime
Bullet holes, body bags and blood: Inside the house where Jesse and Luke were killed
A chilling admission by Beau Lamarre-Condon is included in police documents spelling out the most complete evidence to date against the alleged killer.
- by Perry Duffin, Sally Rawsthorne and Clare Sibthorpe
Opinion
Democracy
We’re welcoming a ‘reformer’ PM, but it’s his despot dad who calls the shots
Targeted sanctions should be used to put pressure on Cambodia’s human rights violators, especially those powerful figures who hold assets in Australia.
- by Gareth Evans and Gordon Conochie
Shambolic first Test run out exposes hole in New Zealand psyche
Kane Williamson’s run out in Wellington recalled one of those contemporary photographs that resemble chaotic Renaissance paintings.
- by Daniel Brettig
Updated
Earnings season
More post offices in Sydney, Melbourne to shut amid $182m cost of snail mail
Our online shopping habit is keeping Australia Post alive, but more post offices are set to close, CEO Paul Graham said.
- by Jessica Yun
Summer’s over – but new warning shows WA fires have only just begun
There is no end in sight for an already “long and challenging in fire season” which a new outlook shows will double in length as hot dry weather continues.
- by Emma Young
Exclusive
Trade unions
Peak WA doctors’ body splinters from national group in ugly spat over membership money
The state’s doctors have been left without federal representation following a public split between the national and WA Australian Medical Association branches.
- by Hamish Hastie
Alien abductions and relentless beats: The Chemical Brothers throw a wild party
The British electronic duo stage a classic show in Sydney.
- by Michael Ruffles and John Shand
‘Disclosure issues’: Magistrate unhappy as Marlion Pickett’s court case stalls again
The AFL star is facing 12 charges related to an alleged crime spree that occurred last Christmas but police prosecutors have so far failed to progress the matter through the courts.
- by Rebecca Peppiatt
500km away but worlds apart, Biden and Trump confront their biggest barrier to victory
With polls suggesting immigration is the top concern for voters, the US president and his predecessor flew to Texas to attack each other over the border crisis.
- by Farrah Tomazin
Clementine Ford event at Malthouse Theatre moved over safety fears
An event featuring the writer and activist, set to coincide with a performance of Yentl in Melbourne, has been relocated after law enforcement officials raised concerns.
- by Kerrie O'Brien
The moving story of two lives brushing against each other
In her latest novel Gail Jones weaves together the lives of her protagonist, Helen, and the great seafaring novelist Joseph Conrad.
- by Carmel Bird
Wiggles or wriggles? The debates from readers that have hit my mailbag
These word dilemmas are real hot potatoes.
- by David Astle
Who wants to decide everyone’s interest rates? Job ads for RBA open
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has opened applications for people to sit on the committee that will set official interest rates and run the Reserve Bank itself.
- by Shane Wright
NZ tour operators told to pay $12m in fines and reparations over White Island eruption
In handing down his sentence, the judge was particularly scathing of the island’s owners who he said had “appeared to have profited handsomely” from tourists.
‘There haven’t been many Lance Franklins’: Post-Buddy Swans primed to kick on
Despite starting the season without a marquee name, CEO Tom Harley is confident an outstanding list of academy graduates and astute signings can lift the Swans closer to a premiership.
- by Jonathan Drennan
‘Disturbing’: Politicisation of wrongful charge of ex-detainee condemned
The prime minister said the criminal justice system should be able to operate without fear that potential arrests and charges will be seized upon by political leaders.
- by David Estcourt and Cameron Houston
Breaking
Brumby cull
‘Zero tolerance’: Plibersek to consider extending brumby cull
The federal government has threatened to call for the removal of all feral horses from alpine regions rather than preserving 3000 brumbies on heritage grounds.
- by Nick O'Malley
No. 10 criticises plans for ‘black only’ audience play in London
A West End production that plans to host some shows for black audiences only criticised by Downing Street as “wrong and divisive”.
- by Rob Harris
‘No one beats me 11 times in a row’: De Minaur’s latest breakthrough win
Alex de Minaur’s career-best campaign rolls on after he defeated Greek nemesis Stefanos Tsitsipas for the first time in 11 clashes to reach the semi-finals in Acapulco, where he is the defending champion.
- by Marc McGowan
Lehrmann lawyers allege Higgins showed ‘preparedness to tell lies’
Lawyers for the former political staffer have analysed Brittany Higgins’ account of events when she signed a $2.4 million settlement with the Commonwealth.
- by Michaela Whitbourn
Sussan Ley stands by ‘foreign criminals’ post on eve of Dunkley byelection
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said it was extraordinary that the deputy opposition leader had refused to delete her social media post.
- by Olivia Ireland