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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.
The perfect family portrait. Then the unspeakable horror
It was Christmas 2021, and Trish Smith hugged her boys as they were photographed on a beach. This week, she was charged with their murders.
Developer to launch bid for old Sydney Fish Market site
The move will create more drama for the government as it prepares to open new state-of-the-art premises next door.
Opinion
US Votes 2024
Harris played every Trump card, but one was risky
By emphasising race – something she has so far downplayed, as Obama did in 2008 – Harris runs the risk of playing into her opponent’s hands.
Nick Bryant
Journalist and author
What do the council candidates really think? We asked all of them
We surveyed candidates across 34 LGAs before today’s elections, and one topic dominated. See what your candidates say in our interactive map.
After two decades as lord mayor, does Clover Moore deserve four more years?
Despite her achievements, many voters feel it is time for Sydney’s longest-serving leader to move on – but they’re not sure whether there is a better candidate.
In their own words: the Hunter Valley bus crash tragedy
For two days a dark cloud settled over a Newcastle court as survivors and families of the 10 dead met face-to-face with the man who cut their futures short.
‘Such a weird kid’: Gina Chick never did fit in – and that’s her strength
She talked to a lake and apologised to a wallaby before eating it. Like her famous grandmother, survival-show star Chick does things her way.
Plibersek intervenes in giant ‘climate bomb’ gas project
Tanya Plibersek has stepped into a fracking debate as she fights multiple political battles on the environment.
Analysis
NRL 2024
If there is a rugby league God, maybe he wears the Panthers No.7
Six days ago, the Panthers looked like they’d run out of puff. Turns out the joke was on us.
‘Not where we want to be’: AFL booming in Swans territory, but it’s a different story out west
The Giants may be flying high in the finals, but it still has significant work to do on attracting fans and participants in western Sydney.
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Only in America: Dallas Cowboys’ season theme lost in translation
Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up. The Dallas Cowboys have done us all a big favour.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
Exclusive
Title Deeds
Family of rich list waste king lists $11m Strathfield knock-down rebuild
The Tartak family were once Strathfield’s most predominant high-end homeowners, but they’re more sellers than buyers nowadays.
Laura Loomer: Who is the ‘great woman’ looming over Trump?
Far-right activist and “proud Islamophobe”, Loomer once described Kamala Harris as a “drug using prostitute”.
Qatar’s business class should come with a warning
Our high expectations were first quashed when we were quoted an extra $149 each for seat. Later, we found we didn’t have lounge access.
Move over, Bluey: meet Australia’s newest canine star
The search for a dog to play the title role in new film Runt, based on a bestselling children’s book, led to a foster home in Geelong.
Forget the stereotype. The Irish are drinking a lot less than before
The image of the drunken Irish is taking a hit, with booze consumption in Ireland is at its lowest level in more than 35 years.
Yes, running can make you need to go to the toilet. Here’s how to cope
Runners experience worse gastrointestinal symptoms than athletes in other endurance sports.
NSW COUNCIL ELECTIONS
They’re the progressive women running for election in Sydney. Just don’t mention the T-word
From Bayside to Parramatta, there’s a new wave of independent candidates who appear to be mirroring the success of the teals in Canberra. But there’s one big difference.
Would you vote for a 19-year-old? These Gen Zs hope you will
One has been elected unopposed already, while the rest are hoping to win you over at Saturday’s local council elections.
Sydney
Investigation
Pollution
The ‘disturbing’ rise of the world’s most-rampant forever chemical
A chemical that’s in everything from fridges to air-conditioning and is linked to birth defects is accumulating in our blood.
Updated
Liberal Party
Howard backs federal takeover of NSW Liberals in further blow to Speakman
The NSW Opposition Leader Mark Speakman has lost his battle in the Peter Dutton-led takeover of the Liberals.
‘Financially impossible’: White Bay Power Station falls foul of NSW law
A dance party collective has cancelled a headline show at the venue over a controversial law blamed for over the top policing and rising festival ticket prices.
‘It’s really serious for us’: Small restaurants targeted by digital voucher scammers
Family-run Soul Dining is one of a handful of Sydney restaurants left footing the bill for fraudulent diners.
Exclusive
IVF
‘IVF is changing’: Why more women are freezing their eggs
When Jaimie Gardner first froze her eggs in 2021, she joined a growing cohort of women taking their fertility into their own hands.
WEEKEND READS
Dicey Topics
Belinda Carlisle: ‘We’ve gone backwards – and the industry is still run by men’
The former Go-Go’s lead singer and solo artist on the rise of the tawdry in music, how to stave off career death – and where to find heaven on earth.
Celeste Barber’s beauty range – no anti-ageing propaganda in sight
New products and positive initiatives designed for looking – and feeling – better.
Politics
Exclusive
Defamation
‘Terrify them’: Text trove reveals Credlin’s secret advice to Deeming
A trove of text messages and emails has emerged highlighting the close relationship between maverick MP Moira Deeming and political commentator Peta Credlin.
Business
‘Clock is ticking’: Can Allaway convince investors BOQ has turned a corner?
In an environment where Australians are starved for competition, there are questions about where BOQ fits and how it will survive.
World
Justin Timberlake pleads guilty to impaired driving
The pop singer urged drivers not to get behind the wheel of a car after even a single alcoholic drink shortly after pleading guilty.
Opinion
When our King visits Oz, it’s the monarchy that should go ‘walkabout’
Malcolm Knox
Journalist, author and columnist
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Property
Our 13 favourite homes for sale in NSW right now
Looking for your next home? From an elegant entertainer’s home to pavilion-style beachfront luxury, we’ve got you covered.
The cheapest suburbs to buy a house within 10km of Sydney’s CBD
Home buying hopefuls will find the cheapest options close to the city centre in a string of southern and inner west suburbs.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Margot Robbie’s new role, taking over from Nicole Kidman and Brad Pitt
Success smells even sweeter for the Australian actor and producer with her latest commitment to the world of luxury.
Culture
Is Elon Musk the special one, or just a bully and hypocrite?
Why did Elon Musk buy Twitter, rename it as X, then destroy the company’s influence? Whatever the case, good riddance.
Opinion
WordPlay
It’s hard to convince Google you’re not dead - just ask Tom Faber
David Astle
Crossword compiler and ABC Radio Melbourne presenter
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Analysis
NRL 2024
If there is a rugby league God, maybe he wears the Panthers No.7
Six days ago, the Panthers finally looked like they’d run out of puff. Turns out the joke was on us.
‘Not where we want to be’: AFL booming in Swans territory, but it’s a different story out west
The Giants may be flying high in the finals, but the AFL admits that it still has significant work to do on attracting fans and participants in western Sydney.
Why leaked photo and disastrous first impression were just the start for Kikau
Canterbury’s prized $3.2 million recruit couldn’t have got his Bulldogs career off to a worse start. But they’ve been brighter days at Belmore since.
‘For Australia to thrive, we need the Waratahs to thrive. I think that I can help’
In his first interview since accepting the NSW job, coach Dan McKellar reveals how he intends to re-establish the Waratahs as a force in Australian rugby.
‘We’re disappointed’: Arnold’s Socceroos tenure could hinge on China qualifier
Football Australia CEO James Johnson has thrown his full support behind Graham Arnold after the national team’s horror September window, but a do-or-die moment looms on the horizon.
Bateman tells Tigers he’s coming back as CEO lashes laughing players
The Tigers had privately hoped John Bateman wouldn’t return from a stint in England. But his agent has told them the back-rower will return for the last two years of his contract.
Taniela Tupou is on the verge of wasting his God-given talent
The giant prop should be striking fear into the British and Irish Lions, rather than the Wallabies being ridiculed as happened this week after the Argentina debacle.
Have Your Say
Only in America: Dallas Cowboys’ season theme lost in translation
Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up. The Dallas Cowboys have done us all a big favour.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
