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Our guide to the most important stories, analysis and insights.
Good Weekend Talks
In-depth conversations with the people fascinating Australians right now, from sport to politics to the arts.
Superquiz
See how many of today's questions you can get right.
Byron Bay festival cuts days as industry fights for survival
Just days after the shock cancellation of Splendour in the Grass, Byron Bay’s Bluesfest opened its doors, but the festival’s boss pleaded for financial support.
‘I’ve been to Taiwan’: China can be a democracy too, says Scott Morrison
But Canberra’s relationship with China will always be transactional and never “values-based” like Australia’s ties with the US, the former PM said.
Inside the waiting list war: The battle to become a private school parent
Some schools’ waiting lists have doubled as more parents opt for private education for their children. Here’s how the schools choose who gets in.
‘It’s pretty special’: Life in Sydney’s best-value suburbs
At $1000 or less per square metre, it is some of the cheapest land money can buy in the city. But some think today’s prices won’t last long.
Youth crime: The town where a five-year-old broke into a house to steal a car
A youth crime crisis in some areas of regional Australia is fuelling community tensions.
Opinion
Private schools
‘Retro, wealthy, weird’: Old boys afraid of young girls
The Newington College old guard is resisting co-education, but you have to wonder when adults’ identity is so tied to their six years as teenagers.
Jacqueline Maley
Columnist and senior journalist
Opinion
Retirement living
How early can you retire? These are the key dates you need to know to find out
There’s a lot of confusion surrounding the retirement process, from the steps leading up to retirement to navigating life post-retirement.
Bec Wilson
Money contributor
More blue skies ahead for Sydney’s Easter long weekend
Blue skies, no breeze and 27 degrees - Sydneysiders waking up on Easter Sunday can expect another picture-perfect autumn day.
Updated
Drugs
Woman dead, two critical after mass drug overdose
A woman in her 40s has died and two others have been taken to hospital on the Gold Coast in a serious condition following a mass drug overdose involving six women.
Live
NRL 2024
Dragons level up the scores after magical Turbo moment
Manly will be looking to return to form after last week’s loss to the Eels, while St George Illawarra want to reignite the optimism sparked by their first-round win. Follow all the action.
Latest live posts
Loading‘There’s something not working’: Is Cheika the man to save the Waratahs?
The Waratahs fell to their fourth successive defeat against the Rebels on Friday, leaving the team scrambling for answers. Michael Cheika could be one of them.
Why Koroisau is the key to rebuilding Wests Tigers
While the hooker’s courage is well known, Api Koroisau has been playing a far more significant role behind the scenes to help kick-start Marshall’s revolution at the Tigers.
Exclusive
Title Deeds
Arts patron set to join Gretel Packer, Andrew Charlton in holiday hotspot
A quick settlement on the glamorous designer digs means the new owners will be in residence in time for Easter.
What his friend’s killer did in court set Peter on a new life mission
After losing a close friend in horrific circumstances – and witnessing his killer’s brazen insolence – Peter Rolfe knew what he had to do.
Top chef closing two high-profile venues this weekend
After several years of rapid expansion, chef-restaurateur Josh Niland has announced the sudden closure of two of his businesses.
‘More apparent every day’, a bigger war to come, says Poland’s PM
“I know it sounds devastating, especially to people of the younger generation, but we have to mentally get used to the arrival of a new era,” said the Polish leader.
From TV comic to wartime leader: The making of Zelensky
Simon Shuster’s biography of the Ukrainian president is informed by the time he spent covering his story long before the Russian invasion.
US signs off on more bombs and warplanes for Israel, sources say
The package comes as Israel faces strong international criticism over its continued bombing campaign and ground offensive in Gaza.
Editor's Picks
Just in
NRL 2024
The one position where your side’s second choice should be a first priority
When the game’s best are on the bench, coaches need a skilled back-up to slot into the side. Which teams go for experience, and which opt for youth?
Updated
Latrell booed again but Souths have the last laugh against Bulldogs
Rival fans incessantly booing Latrell Mitchell has become an issue again. It took the gloss off the Rabbitohs’ first win of the year.
Sydney
Restaurant ‘devastated’ after Shore student’s allergy death
The year 11 boy from the Sydney Church of England Grammar School died on Wednesday night after suffering an apparent allergic reaction to food.
Exclusive
Arts
Atlassian Central’s bold new art plugs into the Milky Way – and Sydney’s weather
Artist Brook Andrew has created an LED installation that will be visible from Parramatta Road and connected to the Bureau of Meteorology.
It’s been a quarry, a depot and a dump. Soon hundreds will call this inner-city site home
The Pyrmont development has reignited debate about what to do with the dog track across the road.
Margaret Beazley’s term as NSW governor extended until May 2026
Premier Chris Minns has given the eminent jurist another two years in the vice-regal role, but will still be able to appoint her successor before the next election.
Top chef closing two high-profile venues this weekend
After several years of rapid expansion, chef-restaurateur Josh Niland has announced the sudden closure of two of his businesses.
WEEKEND READS
Opinion
Calling Colesworth: Why we give names to our corporate overlords
Richard Glover
Broadcaster and columnist
How Dev Patel drew on Hindu mythology – and broke his hand – to make a new kind of action hero
In his directorial debut, the actor wasn’t interested in making a ‘tourist video’, he had bigger ideas in mind.
He knew too much about Russia, so he and his family came to hide in Australia
When a job with an oligarch in Russia turned dangerous, Nick Stride grabbed his family and fled as far as they could go: Australia.
Politics
Exclusive
Supermarkets
Coalition developing ‘big stick’ law to rein in Coles and Woolworths
Opposition backbenchers are putting pressure on Peter Dutton to live up to his repeated claim that the Coalition is now the party of the working classes.
Opinion
Political leadership
Just when Dutton is winning, he sounds like a sore loser
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
Business
Sydney has the view, Melbourne has the bigger office
Sydney may have the views of the Harbour, but Melburnians opt for bigger office space.
World
Vatican confirms Pope skipped Good Friday event due to health concerns
His last-minute decision to stay home this year recalled the Good Friday that St John Paul II famously watched from the Apostolic Palace just before he died in 2005.
Opinion
Australia invented the solar power cell, then waved it goodbye. Now we want it back
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
Well, wasn’t that all totally predictable?
Bevan Shields
Editor, The Sydney Morning Herald
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Property
Exclusive
Title Deeds
Glam beach house that starred in Luxe Listings sells for $12m
A quick settlement on the glamorous designer digs means the new owners will be in residence in time for Easter.
Our favourite homes for sale in NSW right now
From a Bondi Beach stunner to a mid-century gem, we’ve got you covered.
Good Food
Lifestyle
‘Birth is just a snapshot’: Why boutique post-natal services are on the rise
More attention is being paid to the “fourth trimester” with the rise of dedicated clinics, hotels and mother’s groups – often with a hefty price tag attached.
Culture
His music drives some of the world’s best films. In the latest, he is the star
Ryuichi Sakamoto scored - and starred in - groundbreaking films. A year after his death, he is the subject of a loving tribute from his son.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
‘There’s something not working’: Is Cheika the man to save the Waratahs?
The Waratahs fell to their fourth successive defeat against the Rebels on Friday, leaving the team scrambling for answers. Michael Cheika could be one of them.
Live
NRL 2024
NRL round 4 LIVE: Dragons level up the scores after magical Turbo moment
Manly will be looking to return to form straight away after last week’s loss to the Eels, while St George Illawarra want to reignite the optimism sparked by their first-round win. Follow all the action from WIN Stadium.
Why Koroisau is the key to rebuilding Wests Tigers
While the hooker’s courage is well known, Api Koroisau has been playing a far more significant role behind the scenes to help kick-start Marshall’s revolution at the Tigers.
Why seven seconds can win a team the NRL premiership
When the game’s best are on the bench, coaches need a skilled back-up to slot into the side. Which teams go for experience, and which opt for youth?
Golden Slipper: How a Wallabies veteran overcame adversity and outlasted everyone
James Slipper equals the record for most Super games by an Australian this weekend, and he’s on track to break the overall record next year.
Shot of a lifetime snatches win for the ages
In grassroots sport, it doesn’t get any better than what transpired at Riverside Oaks Golf Club last weekend.
‘Never let down his teammates’: Bulldogs forward lauded for playing on with broken jaw
Jacob Preston is likely to be sidelined for at least three weeks after scans on Saturday morning confirmed the damage.
Have Your Say
Why the most macabre doping scheme in Olympic history went unpunished
Righting the wrongs of the state-orchestrated East German doping of the 1970s and 1980s will be anything but straightforward.
