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Your weekly hit of the most interesting pop culture news, reviews and recommendations.
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Dutton pledges to slash permanent migration to 140,000 a year
In his budget reply speech, the opposition leader intensified a political fight over housing and congestion by vowing to drive permanent migration below Labor’s target.
Analysis
Jobs
Trending in one direction - the job market is slowing
The evidence is smacking observers in the face. The job market is responding to the Reserve Bank’s 4.25 percentage points worth of rate rises.
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.
Doing hard maths for the HSC isn’t paying off. Here’s how it plays out for your ATAR
A quirk of the ATAR system is effectively punishing ambitious students. Compare these questions to see the difficulty levels.
Virus soup: The five things making Sydney sick as emergency department visits spike
Influenza and COVID-19 are spreading rapidly in NSW, but they are not our only problem.
Universities face bans for breaching caps on foreign students
The dramatic intervention, introduced by Education Minister Jason Clare in parliament, aims to force down migration.
Exclusive
Indigenous art
Gold medallist led campaign to take down Gina 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.
Nearly a million NSW households face new charges for solar exports
Two regional electricity distributors joined Ausgrid in announcing charges for solar customers exporting too much energy in the middle of the day.
How do I get the 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.
State of emergency declared in New Caledonia after violent riots
Armed forces are protecting New Caledonia’s two airports and port as thousands of protesters take to the streets.
Analysis
US Votes 2024
Biden wanted to debate early. This is why Trump said yes
Joe Biden’s advisers have long believed that the dawning realisation of a Trump-Biden rematch will be a balm for the president’s droopy approval ratings.
Reid Epstein and Shane Goldmacher
Breaking
World politics
‘Lone wolf’ charged over attempted assassination of Slovak PM Robert Fico
The shooting shocked the nation, with leaders blaming the attack in part on extreme political polarisation that has divided the country.
Olympian denies sexual misconduct, steps down from coach role
Brendan Kerry has stood down from his coaching position in Sydney, after the US Centre for SafeSport imposed a lifetime ban for sexual misconduct involving a minor.
‘I love the club’: Lomax coy on reasons behind Dragons exit
He’s in career-best form and in contention for a Dally M Medal, but the departing St George Illawarra star said he had been unsettled as far back as the pre-season.
If Zendaya and Sabrina Carpenter can be sexy, why can’t other former child stars?
Making the transition from child star to adulthood is hard enough without the judgement placed on young women embracing their sexuality.
The Bridgerton creators know what they’re doing - and I just can’t switch off
It is said the heart is forever making the head a fool. Well, Bridgerton is forever making a fool of me.
John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds are all schmaltz in too-cute fairytale
It’s filled with big-name stars and started a bidding war, but fantasy film IF leaves too many questions unanswered.
Editor's Picks
Opinion
Scott Morrison
God help us! Morrison cosying up to Trump is weird, but it could soon get weirder
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
Opinion
Federal budget
Peter Dutton is more than happy to help billionaires, except one
David Crowe
Chief political correspondent
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
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.
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”.
NRL 2024
Exclusive
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.
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.
Politics
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.
Business
Gas giants dodge tougher tax hike in Labor-Greens deal
Oil and gas producers have expressed relief after the government cut a deal with the Greens to pass a relatively modest tax hike for offshore projects.
Opinion
Property development
Why house prices will stay stronger for longer
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
Australians trapped after state of emergency declared 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.
Opinion
Sport off free TV? Tell ’em they’re streaming
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
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
Explore
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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
Sky Blues win series opener with 22-12 victory at Suncorp Stadium
The Sky Blues secured victory at Suncorp Stadium in the first match of the series, in front of a record-breaking crowd of 25,000 people.
‘I love the club’: Lomax coy on reasons behind Dragons exit
He’s in career-best form and in contention for a Dally M Medal, but the departing St George Illawarra star said he had been unsettled as far back as the pre-season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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