Puzzled with David Astle newsletter
For subscribers: Tips and tricks from our puzzles guru, plus try our quizzes, crosswords and puzzles.
The Morning Edition podcast
Get behind the headlines of the most important stories, with Peter Hartcher every Thursday.
Considering post-grad study?
Find the right course to advance your career with Campus, your essential higher education guide
Exclusive
Indigenous art
Gold medallist led campaign to remove Rinehart portrait
Kyle Chalmers and one of the top officials in Australian swimming co-ordinated a group of 20 elite Australian swimmers to campaign against the National Gallery.
Minns sacks pro-Palestine MP for labelling Karen Webb a ‘liar’
Anthony D’Adam used a late-night speech to accuse NSW Police of using “fear and intimidation as a means of obtaining compliance” against pro-Palestinian protesters.
Universities face bans for breaching caps on foreign students
The dramatic intervention, introduced by the education minister in parliament, aims to force down migration.
Virus soup: The five things making Sydney sick
Influenza and COVID-19 are spreading rapidly in NSW, but they are not our only problem.
Updated
Courts
‘That kid really does mean the world to me’: The tearful claims of Charlise’s alleged killer
Justin Stein broke down in a police interview after his fiancee’s nine-year-old daughter Charlise Mutten was reported missing, denying any involvement.
Unemployment increase reduces chance of higher interest rates
Economists say the job market is cracking under the pressure of the Reserve Bank’s aggressive interest rate hikes.
‘Fair-dinkum balls-up’: Big stink over town’s giant fish ends in repaint job
It was 10 days before Christmas. The tiny town of Adaminaby had gathered to celebrate the 50th birthday of a giant fibreglass trout. But what they saw that day left them horrified.
How do I get the $300 energy bill rebate? Your top budget questions answered
From cost-of-living relief to inflation, our experts unpack your most pressing concerns from the federal budget.
Expulsion threats, defiant students as tensions rise on uni campuses
Tensions continue to escalate as students across Melbourne universities remain defiant over their pro-Palestine campus sit-ins in the face of expulsion threats.
Opinion
Scott Morrison
God help us! Morrison cozying up to Trump is weird, but it could soon get weirder
Forgiveness has always been an article of Christian faith, but is our former PM stretching the friendship?
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
Opinion
Federal budget
Peter Dutton is more than happy to help billionaires, except one
The Coalition, when in power, spent taxpayers money propping up billionaires’ operations, but now it’s Labor’s idea … and nuclear-power critic Forrest stands to benefit.
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
Australians trapped after France declares state of emergency in New Caledonia
Armed forces are protecting New Caledonia’s two airports and port after a third night of violent riots that have killed four people.
Ten magic moments from Magic Round
Hat-tricks, game-winning tackles and miraculous passes that defy the laws of physics – here are the most magical moments to come out of the annual Suncorp Stadium festival of footy.
Exclusive
Latrell Mitchell
Mitchell confronts Anasta over Fox Sports’ ‘personal attacks’
The pair were seen engaging in a conversation inside a Surry Hills restaurant before Mitchell asked Anasta to join him outside to continue their words.
Analysis
Women’s Asian Cup
Matildas’ encore on home soil cause for excitement for fans and FA alike
The buzz of the Women’s World Cup has been and gone, but another dose is coming, with official confirmation that the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup will be played in Australia.
The $15 wok this top chef (and former MasterChef contestant) uses
Avoid the expensive brands, she says, while dishing up advice on how to “season” it correctly and the type of burner you should use.
Cheap drinks, free food: 12 of Sydney’s best happy hour specials (with snacks)
From cocktails and hot dogs, to roast beef chip butties, here are 12 hunger-busting happy hours to try, right now.
Medicines and first-aid items every traveller should pack
Few things ruin a tropical holiday as quickly as an ear infection. I’ve been burned before, but a two-week cruise finally saw me pack my first medical kit.
Editor's Picks
Just in
Federal Budget 2024
Chemists to lose dollar-discount option as government bows to pressure
Chemist Warehouse will be stripped of its ability to give its customers $1 off their medicines under a change the Pharmacy Guild has been pushing for years.
We asked Australians what they thought of the budget. This is what they told us
We spoke to people about their thoughts and concerns ahead of, and immediately after, the budget. Here’s what they had to say.
Sydney
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.
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
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.
NRL 2024
Updated
Police swoop ahead of training at Sea Eagle’s home, player charged with drug supply
Former Canterbury and Wests Tigers playmaker Brandon Wakeham has been charged after he was arrested at Brookvale Oval on Wednesday.
Dolphins extend ‘try-scoring machine’ Nicholls’ contract for 2025
Dolphins prop Mark Nicholls, the man known as “Goat”, has been rewarded for his career-best form with a contract extension until the end of 2025.
Politics
Labor senators condemn ‘river to the sea’ chant in Fatima Payman rebuke
Senior Labor figures, including the prime minister, also distanced themselves from Senator Fatima Payman who accused Israel of conducting a genocide in Gaza.
Business
Opinion
Property development
Why house prices will stay stronger for longer
The government alone cannot solve the imbalance in supply and demand in the housing market.
Elizabeth Knight
Business columnist
Opinion
Inflation
Wall Street just got very excited about this data. But there’s a but
Stephen Bartholomeusz
Senior business columnist
World
Total control: The night I was locked out of history in the making
The swearing-in of a new prime minister in Singapore is a truly rare and significant event, but it pays if your name’s on the door list.
Opinion
NSW has been dudded, even more so than we originally thought
Alexandra Smith
State Political Editor
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
Explore
Got a news tip?
Share information with our journalists securely and confidentially. Learn more
Property
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.
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.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Exclusive
Paris Paralympics 2024
Our new Paralympic team uniforms bring the right trends to the runway
Diversity, inclusion and plenty of khaki are key ingredients of the 2024 Paralympic team uniform to be unveiled at Australian Fashion Week.
Culture
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. Hemsworth slapped his shoulder. All three were wreathed in relieved smiles.
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Moses set to be overlooked for Blues as Koroisau battles ‘strange’ injury
The Eels halfback will run out of time to prove his fitness before the Origin series opener, while Tigers hooker Koroisau is hoping a rare hip injury doesn’t cruel his Blues’ aspirations.
Live
State of Origin
Women’s Origin LIVE: Queensland host NSW in Suncorp Stadium opener
The women’s representative showpiece expands to a full three-match series for the first time this year with a crowd of 25,000 expected in Brisbane.
Exclusive
NRL 2024
Mitchell confronts Anasta over Fox Sports’ ‘personal attacks’
The pair were seen engaging in a conversation inside a Surry Hills restaurant before Mitchell asked Anasta to join him outside to continue their words.
The selection dilemma that proves just how well the Swans are going
Luke Parker has barely missed a game since making his debut for Sydney in mid-2011 – but he will spend a third consecutive week in the VFL due to the Swans’ incredible depth.
Finals swansong? Rebels could make history in last home game
Uncertain whether they will exist in 2025, the Melbourne Rebels may be running out at AAMI Park for the last time on Friday. But they have much to play for.
Analysis
Women’s Asian Cup
Matildas’ encore on home soil cause for excitement for fans and FA alike
The buzz of the Women’s World Cup has been and gone, but another dose is coming, with official confirmation that the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup will be played in 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
Have Your Say
Sport off free TV? Tell ’em they’re streaming
The free-to-air TV broadcast stations are in a battle with pay television companies for sporting rights.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author