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Informer 3838
Law firm’s database bungle left crucial Lawyer X documents lying hidden
A search blunder meant hundreds of documents about Victoria Police’s conduct in the Lawyer X scandal weren’t discovered until last year.
Exclusive
Trade unions
Christopher died at work, his employer never paid up – that didn’t stop CFMEU promotion
A company was fined $2 million after a deadly disaster but went under instead of paying. It still enjoyed the support of the building union at the highest levels.
Setka alleges betrayal and secret deal with federal government
The former union boss also said he had left Prime Minister Anthony Albanese “trembling” after an incident in a lift.
Thousands without power after wild storm batters state
The SES was inundated with calls for help when a powerful storm smashed the state with lightning and heavy rain, damaging buildings and downing trees.
Cash refunds for passengers stranded by cancelled, delayed flights
Airline passengers whose flights are cancelled or unreasonably delayed would get cash refunds and have alternative travel arrangements organised under a new plan.
Setka’s ‘trembling’ claim is nonsense, Albanese says
Anthony Albanese has dismissed as “nonsense” John Setka’s claim that the PM had been left “trembling” in a lift with the former union boss.
Analysis
AFL 2024
Finals fixture revealed, Dogs and Hawks play Friday night
After one of the most dramatic conclusions to a home-and-away season in football history, the finals are upon us. With times and venues locked in, let’s look at how the combatants match-up.
Four Points
For subscribers
Power shock proves Blues’ heart-starter, but it should never have come to that
Carlton should not have left their finals hopes in the hands of others. Meanwhile, the Hawks have developed some embarrassing habits - embarrassing for all the teams left in their wake.
Updated
Carlton Blues
Fan facing life ban after leaving goal umpire bloodied
Police are searching for a footy fan after a goal umpire was hit in the head by a water bottle during the Carlton-St Kilda match.
The unexpected factor that could double the risk of a heart attack
It affects more than 20 per cent of the population, but few of us would think that this increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
From Scandi food to the ‘French paradox’: Top tips from the world’s healthiest cuisines
What can we learn from other cultures and their eating habits? Dietitian Susie Burrell breaks it down.
The return of Smell-O-Vision: How cinemas are stimulating the five senses
It might be low-tech, but there is an audience for watching a movie with accompanying smells. It’s one of many ways cinemas are enhancing the viewing experience.
Pelosi rejects claims that Biden pushed, focuses on Democrats beating Trump
The powerful California congresswoman rejected suggestions Joe Biden was forced to withdraw, saying he made a selfless decision to “pass the torch to another generation”.
Israel, Hezbollah attack with drones, launch rockets, pause
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said his organisation could launch more attacks. But Sunday’s exchange of fire did not set off a long-feared war.
‘Longer, colder and more difficult to endure’: China’s harsh winter spells economic turbulence for Australia
Xi Jinping’s push to end reliance on property-led growth has profound implications for the steel industry and is sending out shockwaves.
How Chris and Jo built a home faster, cheaper, and with less risk of defects
Chris and Jo Patterson’s home was built quickly and cheaply, and had a low risk of defects. These Ikea-like homes have broken the mould for housing in Australia.
The anti-renewables groups pushing the nuclear option to rural Australia
Travelling roadshows of climate sceptics and nuclear enthusiasts are hitting regional towns nominated by Peter Dutton for nuclear. But are people listening?
Exclusive
Energy
Big emitters chase new climate fix: turning their pollution into products
Rio Tinto and Woodside have signed up to a $60m scientific initiative as they search for ways to cut emissions and convert their waste into cleaner commodities.
Schools that Excel 2024
Search our interactive to find out your school’s VCE results
The Age’s Schools that Excel series celebrates schools that achieve outstanding improvement in their VCE results over a decade. Find out who won and use our dashboard to track your school’s results.
How a school with farm animals achieved some of Victoria’s highest VCE scores
An Islamic school built on the site of a former farm and a government school that fosters a strong sense of community have been named as The Age’s 2024 Schools that Excel winners in Melbourne’s north.
Victoria
Lord mayor candidate says he will axe ‘flawed’ green walking trail
Arron Wood has vowed to scrap former lord mayor Sally Capp’s passion project, a green walking track through the city, and fund new parks and gardens instead.
A rare disease changed Archie’s life. Fruit flies are now his best hope
Archie Melling was a happy, giggling toddler until a bout of gastro triggered a degenerative disease shared by only 65 people worldwide.
Melbourne’s beloved parklets too big to fail as restaurants pay up for on-street dining
The outdoor trend that grew out of pandemic restrictions is here to stay.
Exclusive
Victorian Parliament
Years ago, Victoria was warned of cost threat to road and rail mega projects
Treasurer Tim Pallas was told the state’s ability to deliver a pipeline of major projects could be cruelled by soaring wages and materials costs.
Exclusive
City life
They fought off a backlash to build new social housing. The deal collapsed anyway
A council plan to build social housing units close to trains, shops and parks in Chadstone has fallen over after the provider backed out on financial grounds, blaming a lack of government support.
AFL 2024
As it happened: Carlton scrape into the top eight after Freo were denied finals spot
Port Adelaide have beaten Fremantle in the final home-and-away game of the season. It means Carlton are through to finals and Fremantle miss out.
Liam Jones faces nervous MRO wait to play first final as Bulldogs qualify
After a stirring end to the season, the Western Bulldogs enter September in formidable form, but there are doubts hanging over whether they’ll have key defender Liam Jones for their elimination final.
Politics
Tax cuts being put away for rainy day as inflation starts to fall
The stage 3 tax cuts prompted fears they could unleash spending and inflation pressures. But new research suggests Australians are sitting on their windfall.
Business
Inflation woes fail to dent business confidence – for some
As a large number of businesses struggle, 60 per cent of companies say they plan to expand in the next year, a survey shows.
World
‘Free Pavel!’ Telegram CEO arrested at a Paris airport, Russia cries foul
The warrant for Pavel Durov was issued at the request of the special unit at the country’s interior ministry in charge of investigating crimes against minors.
Opinion
Here’s what I learnt after attending my school reunion
Jane Caro
Novelist, author and commentator
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Property
Joal moved out of her home, but her landlord’s next step left her confused
Thousands of homes are empty across Victoria, prompting concerns that unused properties are contributing to the housing crisis in Victoria.
The parent who helped their child buy this $1.93m Fitzroy terrace
A parent bidding on behalf of a first home buyer couple outbid three other buyers, including an investor, during a competitive auction.
Good Food
Lifestyle
‘I help people depart this world with love’: The women taking the fear out of death
Would you like to attend your own funeral or be transformed into a sapphire ring? These three women are changing the dialogue around dying.
Culture
Belle and Sebastian prove why they’re indie legends at electric Palais gig
Bringing together the best of old and new, the Scottish band takes the crowd on a lively tour through three decades of music.
Traveller
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Sport
Analysis
AFL 2024
Finals fixture revealed: Dogs and Hawks get Friday night timeslot
After one of the most dramatic conclusions to a home-and-away season in VFL-AFL history, the finals are upon us. With the times and venues locked in, let’s look at how the combatants match-up.
Four Points
AFL 2024
Power shock proves Carlton’s heart-starter, but it should never have come to that
Carlton should not have left their finals hopes in the hands of others. Meanwhile, the Hawks have developed some embarrassing habits - embarrassing for all the teams left in their wake.
Cards, golf and coffee critiques: How Australia’s top tennis players are helping each other take on the world
There are 12 Australians in the men’s draw at this week’s US Open, 10 of them in the world’s top 100. It’s more than 40 years since we’ve dominated the rankings like this, and the players say there’s a special bond forming between them.
Liam Jones faces nervous MRO wait to play first final as Bulldogs qualify
After a stirring end to the season, the Western Bulldogs enter September in formidable form, but there are doubts hanging over whether they’ll have key defender Liam Jones for their elimination final.
A Higgins heartbreaker gives Carlton the blues for two long hours
It was a heartbreaking loss for the Blues, but the coach found solace in the performance of his gritty youngsters, and then, a couple of hours later, the Carlton faithful had their hopes for 2024 resurrected.
Olympics or Paralympics? Rather than choose, this star does both
As the Games wrapped up in Paris, Australian table tennis star Melissa Tapper, fresh from her Olympic stint, was already looking ahead to the Paralympics.
Norris wins Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri fourth as speedy McLarens dominate
Lando Norris has won the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix, effortlessly cruising to victory in a race that saw McLaren outpace the field.
Have Your Say
Why Bailey Smith is bound for Geelong
Unless there is an unexpected twist, or the trade founders on the rocks of recalcitrance, Western Bulldog Bailey Smith will be moving down the Geelong Road to play for the Cats in 2025.