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Western Sydney council reverses controversial library same-sex book ban
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the Merrylands council chambers on Wednesday night, along with dozens of police officers and council security, as councillors gathered to debate a motion to reverse the ban.
Solar panel owners slugged by Ausgrid for generating too much power
Hundreds of thousands of Sydney households with solar panels but no home batteries will be penalised for exporting electricity to the network during the day.
Labor senator’s pro-Palestine comments inappropriate: PM
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he had not spoken to Labor senator Fatima Payman after she accused Israel of conducting a genocide in Gaza.
Updated
World politics
Slovak PM undergoes hours of surgery after assassination attempt
The central European country has been rocked after Robert Fico was shot five times in the stomach, arm and leg. A suspect is in custody.
Opinion
Federal budget
NSW has been dudded, even more so than we originally thought
The federal ALP’s treatment of the Minns Labor government could be costly in critical NSW seats.
Alexandra Smith
State Political Editor
Morrison meets with Trump in New York, says former president faces a ‘pile on’
As Donald Trump fights charges of falsifying business records to cover up an affair with a porn star, Scott Morrison came to the former president’s defence.
Multiple frock changes seal Julie Bishop’s role as style ambassador
While her former political colleagues were trudging into freezing Canberra for a gruelling budget week, Julie Bishop was stepping out in style.
Rail line’s 12-month closure raises fears of ‘traffic tsunami’
A large Sydney council warns the shutdown will disrupt more than just the thousands of daily commuters.
Updated
NRL off-field behaviour
Police charge former Tigers and Bulldogs halfback after drugs sting
Former Canterbury and Wests Tigers playmaker Brandon Wakeham has been charged after he was arrested at Brookvale Oval on Wednesday.
NRL aware of assault allegation against Queensland-based player
The allegations come leading into Magic Round and the first women’s State of Origin match.
Exclusive
Education
Despite $28,000 in bonuses, teachers are fleeing to private schools
A new survey of 6800 educators across NSW shows an increase in teachers leaving public education for a position in a private school.
Opinion
Sunday Life
I gave an Airbnb home just four stars. Apparently that’s a fail
It’s bad enough that every app, restaurant, plumber or grocer demands praise like a toddler, but it has to be five stars or death.
Jo Stanley
Columnist
Photos reveal the reality of the housing crisis
Rents have skyrocketed, and rent assistance is set to go up in response. Even so, it’s slim pickings.
George Miller’s latest Mad Max instalment sends crowds wild at Cannes
During the six-minute standing ovation, star Anya Taylor-Joy directed cameras to Miller, standing next to her. Chris Hemsworth slapped his shoulder. All three were wreathed in relieved smiles.
‘For all the other non-grandparents out there: you are not alone’
The pain of childlessness is well documented. But it can hit all over again when friends gush about their grandchildren.
Federal Budget 2024
Growing numbers of students with disability to cost $1.1b more in funding
As more students need help, budget figures raise the stakes in tense government negotiations over spending on schools and the NDIS.
Opinion
This budget will make us better off now, worse off later
It seems the top priority of Anthony Albanese’s government is not to have any priorities.
Ross Gittins
Economics Editor
Sydney
Updated
Courts
‘I’ve got my guns, I’m going to kill you’: Justin Stein’s alleged threat to Charlise’s mother
A jury has heard voicemail messages left by the accused killer to his fiancee, Kallista Mutten, after he allegedly murdered her nine-year-old daughter.
Chris Dawson’s alleged ‘odd behaviour’ over children’s portraits
A top prosecutor has told Chris Dawson’s murder appeal the convicted wife killer appeared to show a “complete lack of sentiment towards his own children”.
Updated
Domestic violence
NSW Coalition tries to push through DV bail laws without reading them
The shadow attorney-general wanted to suspend standing orders to allow new domestic violence laws to pass without consultation.
Four people died when their car ran off the road. Now police believe they were being chased
Four victims, aged 24 to 50, were killed when a Mazda Ute hit a tree. Newly released footage shows the car being followed over a bridge.
Vulgar bumper sticker on car allegedly involved in fatal crash
A 17-year-old boy is in police custody after a pedestrian was killed in a crash in Sydney’s south. The car was found parked in a nearby street, sporting an offensive sticker.
NRL 2024
Opinion
The NSW women’s Origin team wants to travel down Caxton Street – and get pelted with XXXX
Andrew Webster
Chief Sports Writer
NRL admits Harry Grant sin-bin ‘may be considered harsh’
Graham Annesley has urged his match officials to use discretion when making contentious calls after finally giving his verdict on the most scrutinised refereeing decision of the year.
Wayne Bennett agrees to $3 million, three-year deal with South Sydney
South Sydney officials held a meeting with Bennett in Brisbane days out from Magic Round as they prepare to announce his return to the Rabbitohs.
Politics
Analysis
Federal budget
Australia’s $22.7 billion bet on the $US1.4 trillion fight with China
A Future Made in Australia is really about a global battle, led by the United States, against a rising China and a destabilising Russia.
Business
Opinion
Mergers & acquisitions
Diamonds for sale: Inside the plan to crash BHP’s $64 billion party
Anglo American chief Duncan Wanblad has shown his hand as the company tries to fight off BHP. His Plan B looks a lot like BHP’s Plan A.
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
World
Updated
World politics
A rare changing of the guard in Singapore as the ‘miracle’ hits turbulence
Lawrence Wong inherits an overachieving middle power famed for its prosperity; a beacon of stability and open trade. But the nation has problems too.
Opinion
I’ve seen what a Facebook news ban looks like – more Palmer and Credlin
Elise Thomas
Disinformation and conspiracy analyst
If the US election were held today, Trump would win
Bruce Wolpe
Senior fellow at the US Studies Centre and former political staffer
Coalition slams the billionaires’ budget as miners cheer
Elizabeth Knight
Business columnist
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Property
Six of our favourite luxury homes for sale right now
From an idyllic rural retreat to a modern home with in-ground trampoline, we’ve rounded up our pick of the bunch.
What it costs to live in the Sydney suburbs with the highest wellbeing
A suburb’s wellbeing was measured on several indicators such as health, environment, jobs and income – but it comes at a price.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Should you delete photos of your ex on social media?
Is keeping photos of your ex an indicator you haven’t moved on or a sign of maturity?
Culture
Exclusive
Stage shows
A cult-hit Celine Dion themed parody of Titanic is coming
The off-Broadway smash Titanique is coming to Redfern in an attempt to broaden the city’s nightlife.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Matildas to chase Asian Cup glory on home soil in 2026
Australia was the only AFC member nation to submit a bid to host the tournament with matches to be played in NSW, Queensland and Western Australia.
Opinion
NRL 2024
300,000 kicks over 12 years: Cleary’s will to win is breaking his body
His greatest asset is now turning into one of his biggest weaknesses. Rugby league’s No.1 star should consider changing the way he trains.
Andrew Johns
League columnist
Updated
NRL off-field behaviour
Police charge former Tigers and Bulldogs halfback after drugs sting
Former Canterbury and Wests Tigers playmaker Brandon Wakeham has been charged after he was arrested at Brookvale Oval on Wednesday.
Opinion
State of Origin
The NSW women’s Origin team wants to travel down Caxton Street – and get pelted with XXXX
The women’s Origin series starts a new chapter on Thursday night with three matches being contested for the first time.
Andrew Webster
Chief Sports Writer
Opinion
Broadcast rights
Sport off free TV? Tell ’em they’re streaming
The free-to-air TV broadcasters stations are in a battle with pay television companies for sporting rights.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
Rugby Australia refuse early release request from Waratahs skipper
In the midst of another disappointing Waratahs season, captain Jake Gordon has been linked with an early move to France.
NRL admits Harry Grant sin-bin ‘may be considered harsh’
Graham Annesley has urged his match officials to use discretion when making contentious calls after finally giving his verdict on the most scrutinised refereeing decision of the year.
Have Your Say
The Premier League has exposed Postecoglou as a purist in an impure world
The Australian is running Tottenham with principle. But English football is not always good and nourishing, and Postecoglou is not always patient with deviation.