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‘Your cover is blown’: ASIO boss reveals politician betrayed Australia to foreign spies
The nation’s spy boss has exposed a sophisticated foreign interference operation that involved a former politician targeting a prime minister’s family.
Shrinking inflation gives RBA chance to cut rates mid-year
The leap year might deliver enough extra activity to prevent the economy from contracting through this year’s March quarter, says KPMG’s chief economist.
Solar tariffs slashed as Victoria ‘awash’ with rooftop energy
Victorians with rooftop solar will take a 32 per cent hit to the minimum rate they collect from feeding power to the grid.
Opinion
Architecture
In 1948 the Exhibition Building barely survived a demolition vote. It’s being destroyed anyway
The government has axed funding to conservation of heritage buildings after spending $89 million on the recent restoration of its own house on Spring Street.
Joe Rollo
Writer
Cocaine, ketamine, magic mushrooms: Wealthiest Australians drive surge in illicit drug taking
Marijuana remained Australia’s most popular drug, with about 2.5 million users, while about one million people took the stimulant drug cocaine.
Opinion
Supermarkets
Why our supermarkets are basket cases, according to a former chief lettuce officer
The supermarket wars are not my usual wheelhouse, but I consider myself something of a battle-hardened veteran with combat experience from foreign fields.
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
Analysis
Paris Olympics 2024
Matildas a genuine medal contender in Paris after thrashing Uzbekistan 10-0
Michelle Heyman top-scored with four goals as Australia sent the Uzbeks packing in Melbourne to book a place at the Olympics.
Sam who? Heyman’s name on everyone’s lips as Matildas eye Olympic medal
Michelle Heyman returned to the Matildas for the first time since 2016 and after five goals in two games, she is poised to fill Sam Kerr’s vacant striker role in Paris.
The night the Dees needed after hellish summer; Carlton fail to impress without Weitering
Clayton Oliver is no certainty to play in Melbourne’s season-opener, as the Blues did little to convince doubters they can cover the chasm left by Jacob Weitering.
Frogs, cruises and an honour society: The exclusive club you must be born into
About five million people worldwide are celebrating a rare occasion this week with quirky – and extravagant – celebrations.
Strap yourself in: 12 of the world’s most thrilling new ways to travel
You don’t need to be in a theme park to have a thrilling ride. Here are some new modes of transport that will propel you into discovery, fresh scenery and more adventure.
A Pyne old time as Christopher sets up shop in Melbourne
Former defence minister Christopher Pyne’s lobbying firm, Pyne and Partners, continues its push towards world domination, with a launch of its new Melbourne office.
Tim Tam v Teddy: The definitive ranking of Arnott’s chocolate-covered biscuits
Which choc-dipped bikkie was a slam dunk and which ones sunk? Callan Boys puts 16 favourites to the taste test.
The suburbs where investment properties are selling at a loss
Most property investors make a profit, but pick the wrong neighbourhood and there’s a two in five chance of losing money.
Mitch McConnell announces plans to step down as Senate Republican leader in November
McConnell’s hardball approach to governing helped define the Republican Party - but he clashed repeatedly with Donald Trump. His resignation adds fresh uncertainty to the 2024 election.
‘I think you need to see this’: Celebrities are not the only victims of deepfake porn
As AI technology improves and fact melts into fiction, this documentary looks at the very real issue of deepfake pornography – and how the law is not keeping up.
Opinion
Sunday Life
Women have imagined a different life for themselves. Eventually, so will men
Women have discovered both their potential and their authentic selves over the past 65 years. I expect the next 65 will be about men doing the same.
Jane Caro
Novelist, author and commentator
How to use dry shampoo properly without sacrificing your scalp
Is there still a place for dry shampoo in our hair routines? Experts say there is, as long as you’re using it properly.
Victoria
Her portrait has won hearts for generations, but there’s more to Chloe than meets the eye
The woman who has brought solace to drinkers at Young and Jacksons was a feisty French woman who met a tragic end, according to a new novel.
Updated
Horse racing
The moment a billionaire lost his bid to topple Racing Victoria’s board
Racehorse owner Jonathan Munz’s push for a spill fell short at a dramatic special general meeting on Wednesday.
Islamic Council of Victoria walks back president’s ‘legitimate resistance’ comments
Adel Salman said on Wednesday morning the October 7 attacks were “legitimate acts of resistance”, but his organisation later condemned the killing of civilians.
Teen charged with mowing down Beach Road cyclists was on 10-day crime spree
A 16-year-old accused of deliberately hitting two cyclists has also been charged with breaking into homes to steal cars and threatening a motorist with an axe.
Key ‘insiders’ arrested over $15m tobacco import linked to underworld war
Six members of an alleged tobacco importation syndicate have been charged after early morning raids and the seizure of 10 million illicit cigarettes.
Politics
Australia should have ‘Murphy’s law’ gambling ad ban by now: Costello
Anthony Albanese this week declined to commit to the full, phased-in ban on sports betting ads recommended in Peta Murphy’s landmark report.
Business
ASX set to retreat as Wall Street drifts; Bitcoin hits $US60,000
US stocks are drifting and edging a bit lower from their all-time highs while Bitcoin hit its highest point since 2021.
Opinion
Global economy
Trump wants to kill this fading giant. It might die anyway
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
Opinion
Earnings season
When a 565 per cent profit growth just isn’t enough
Elizabeth Knight
Business columnist
World
Thousands of artists ask Venice Biennale to exclude Israel
The online letter was signed by more than 17,000 people through Wednesday, which included current and past Biennale participants as well as winners of the Turner Prize.
Opinion
Tears and tantrums: Surviving daycare drop-off
Thomas Mitchell
Culture reporter
Trump wants to kill this fading giant. It might die anyway
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
A bunch of bunchers – how people tweak their income to sneak below the tax rates
Shane Wright
Senior economics correspondent
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Property
The Block’s auction pass-in finally sells - and it was worth the wait
Contestants Leah and Ash will belatedly take out third place in last year’s season of the renovation TV show for their colourful art deco project.
Exclusive
Victoria residential property
Cate Blanchett sells her stylish Melbourne house for a tidy profit
The happy buyer paid more than half a million dollars above expectations before auction to snap up the keys in the sought-after location.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Opinion
Family holidays
I’ve made these road-trip mistakes so you don’t have to
Anyone who tells you that having kids won’t change your lifestyle is either A) a bad parent, or B) not a parent.
Ben Groundwater
Travel writer
Culture
How one of Australia’s best festivals keeps reinventing itself
From a performance on a boat to a gig by an iconic punk band, it’s a reminder that art can be joyful, pensive, and much more than a distraction.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
The night the Dees needed after hellish summer; Carlton fail to impress without Weitering
Clayton Oliver is no certainty to play in Melbourne’s season-opener, as the Blues did little to convince doubters they can cover the chasm left by Jacob Weitering.
Analysis
Paris Olympics 2024
Matildas a genuine medal contender in Paris after thrashing Uzbekistan 10-0
Michelle Heyman top-scored with four goals as Australia sent the Uzbeks packing in Melbourne to book a place at the Olympics.
‘It doesn’t faze me’: Dons skipper brushes aside Lloyd’s finals blowtorch
Essendon are preparing for another season of external expectation, with captain Zach Merrett cautiously optimistic – but also realistic – about finals.
Updated
Horse racing
The moment a billionaire lost his bid to topple Racing Victoria’s board
Racehorse owner Jonathan Munz’s push for a spill fell short at a dramatic special general meeting on Wednesday.
Wikiti! Why you’ll see Maori words on your TV during Australia’s Test series
New Zealand cricket’s move to incorporate Maori language in its broadcasts - including the Test series against Australia - has been unaffected by a change of government.
Opinion
Drugs in sport
AFL players take cocaine just like a million other Australians. Get over it
AFLM players take cocaine. Local footy players take cocaine. So do teachers, lawyers, doctors. Why do we so enjoy the stupidity of a young man in the public eye being caught out consuming a drug a vast number of Australians also indulge in?
Brandon Jack
Commentator and author
‘A mental refresh’: The break that had Pat Cummins pondering life after captaincy
Pat Cummins’ Australian Test leadership tandem with coach Andrew McDonald may have entered its final 24 months.
Have Your Say
The burning question that no one dares to ask when it comes to concussion
What toll would be considered acceptable? In a contact sport, the answer cannot be zero, but beyond that, no one knows where to draw the line.