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Good Weekend Talks
In-depth conversations with the people fascinating Australians right now, from sport to politics to the arts.
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Sydney Metro
Hemmes family seeks $19 million from Sydney Metro in court fight
The family company of hospitality mogul Justin Hemmes argues a new CBD station development will reduce the value of its Ivy entertainment precinct.
Russia to probe ABC journalists’ ‘illegal’ border crossing
The broadcaster’s Europe correspondent and a camera operator are the subject of a criminal investigation by Russia’s Federal Security Service.
Opinion
US Votes 2024
Ever wondered why Trump likes dictators? This three-star general can tell you
In his only interview with the Australian media, the former national security adviser talks about Donald Trump’s attempts at self-worth.
Peter Hartcher
Political and international editor
‘Every cent counts’: How people keep up in Sydney’s most mortgage-stressed suburb
Home owners are dipping into their superannuation, taking up second jobs and cutting out takeaway entirely to make ends meet.
How a baboon breakout became a game-changer
A push to end animal research has found a foothold in NSW as “sci-fi” new technologies hit labs.
Updated
Vale
Tributes flow for beloved Downton Abbey star
British actor Maggie Smith, who won an Oscar for The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie in 1969 and won new fans in Downton Abbey, has died, her sons said on Friday. She was 89.
Israeli airstrikes rock Beirut, target Hezbollah leader
Israel carried out multiple airstrikes on Hezbollah’s central headquarters on Friday in an attack that was intended to kill Hassan Nasrallah, the head of the Iran-backed militia.
At least 17 dead as Hurricane Helene makes Florida landfall
The National Hurricane Centre in Miami said Helene roared ashore near the mouth of the Aucilla River in the Big Bend area of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Is Buddy Franklin the greatest exemplar of the Ewing Theory?
Lance Franklin is an all-time great of the AFL, but it looks like the Sydney Swans are better without him.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
AFL Grand Final
AFL grand final
Highest-stakes: The winners will take it all in this grand final
There will be 33 players at the MCG on Saturday who have played in grand final losses – a scenario that is almost without parallel in a heavily equalised competition.
The Sydney publican who is expanding his property portfolio
He has been busy taking on new ventures, expanding his hospitality business, but he has also been trading in residential property on the side.
How the big supermarkets try to get inside your head
The consumer watchdog’s allegation of “illusory” discounts is just one example of the tactics used to entice shoppers to spend.
Mormon Wives: A TikTok scandal turned record-breaking reality show
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives isn’t just TikTok drama on a slightly bigger screen. It’s an exploration of a religion evolving in real time.
Mormon Wives: How a TikTok scandal became a record-breaking reality show
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives isn’t just TikTok drama on a slightly bigger screen. It’s an exploration of a religion evolving in real time.
‘Everyone’s watching’: Our last man standing on the Paris runway
Weeks into fashion month, designer Christopher Esber finally showcases Australia’s creative spirit.
AFL GRAND FINAL
‘No one cares about your story’: Dane Rampe on the harshness of grand final day
The AFL’s official slogan for this grand final is: “2 stories. 1 ending.” Try selling that to players who didn’t get the ending they wanted.
‘They come in waves’: The tactical moves that will decide Swans’ final fate
This former AFL coach knows how to beat the Brisbane Lions. He talks us through the key battles that need to be won.
Sydney
Mother’s heartbreaking final farewell to her ‘soulmate’ Charlotte
Hundreds of mourners packed into the Mary Immaculate Catholic Church in Bossley Park, many wearing touches of pink, to say goodbye to the 12-year-old girl.
Would you swim in this reservoir? The bold pitch for 22 new river beaches
The state government has been urged to build on the example of Penrith Beach, or “Pondi”, by installing new swimming spots across western Sydney’s underutilised waterways.
Ken was nauseous and vomiting hours after surgery. Days later, he was dead
Kenneth Toll was one of three patients to die after receiving bilateral knee replacement surgery from a NSW orthopaedic surgeon, a five-day inquest heard.
Former CBA manager jailed after pocketing $US2 million in bribes
Jon Waldron has shown no remorse for his offending and made no progress in his rehabilitation, NSW District Court Judge Phillip Mahony said.
Sydney men charged with bestiality, child abuse offences
The arrests came after detectives discovered an online group chat allegedly discussing bestiality material.
WEEKEND READS
‘Life-seeing’: Could this travel trend be the antidote to overtourism?
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
Modern Guru
She’s wearing her dog’s ashes in what looks like a sex toy. Should we tell her?
Best not, writes our Modern Guru, although ...
Politics
‘Not unusual’ for a treasurer to model negative gearing, says Chalmers
The treasurer has defended the use of federal officials to explore changes to negative gearing after days of dispute over the housing crisis.
Business
Who’s buying our dirty, polluting coal mines?
Acquisitive billionaires are sniffing big profits in Australia’s coal sector, and they’re willing to go where other investors fear to tread.
World
Explainer
Middle East tensions
‘It’s mayhem’: Can all-out war in Lebanon be prevented?
Why has the war in the Middle East suddenly escalated? How bad is it looking? And what do Iran and the US want to happen?
Opinion
I’m a zoologist who cycles in Sydney, and I’ve had a stroke of genus
Antone Martinho-Truswell
Zoologist and evolutionary biologist
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Property
Exclusive
Title Deeds
Entrepreneur’s Point Piper trophy home hits market for $100 million
Sydney’s most expensive housing market isn’t generally swayed by higher interest rates and recessionary fears. Alexandra Jakob is banking on that.
The homeowners most likely to fall behind on their mortgage
Interest rates are putting pressure on home borrowers, but some are feeling the pinch more deeply and have fewer options to manage.
Good Food
Recipe collection
Footy food
40 of the best snacks to eat in front of the big match
Lifestyle
Mona’s ‘Ladies Lounge’ wins court battle to exclude men from art-filled space
An appeals court judge has ruled that the art gallery’s controversial Ladies Lounge is not discriminatory in refusing entry to men.
Culture
Picasso in Paddington? Where to see great art beyond major galleries
From Damien Hirst to Andy Warhol, there are major artists on display where you might not expect them.
Opinion
WordPlay
Pretty, pretty good: How Larry David changed the English language
David Astle
Crossword compiler and ABC Radio Melbourne presenter
Traveller
Drivedrive
From Our Partners
Sport
Storm march to another grand final, but sweat on Nelson Asofa-Solomona
The Storm are through to another grand final following a 48-18 win over the Roosters – but they risk losing Nelson Asofa-Solomona to suspension for a high shot.
Is Isaac Heeney too good to be true?
Ahead of the grand final Isaac Heeney has the opportunity to write a new chapter, not only as a superstar on the field, but one who can command even bigger paydays.
‘We’re the next generation’: Why James Fisher-Harris is putting his culture before footy
The New Zealand prop will leave Penrith with the primary purpose of learning more about his lineage and becoming a family leader in his Northland village of Kohukohu.
Opinion
The Fitz Files
Is Buddy Franklin the greatest exemplar of the Ewing Theory?
Lance Franklin is an all-time great of the AFL, but it looks like the Sydney Swans are better without him.
Peter FitzSimons
Columnist and author
Opinion
Bledisloe Cup
Why it might already be too late for Wallabies hopeful Tane Edmed
The British and Irish Lions tour is closer than you think, and that may spell bad news for those hoping to break into the Wallabies squad.
Paul Cully
Rugby columnist
Ponga backflip: Star makes himself available for Kangaroos selection
The Kalyn Ponga eligibility scandal has taken a fresh twist, with the Knights star now making himself available for Kangaroos selection.
Broncos approach NSW coach Maguire as Walters replacement
The players responsible for winning Brisbane’s last premiership need to get out of the way as the club identifies New South Welshman Maguire as Walters’ replacement.
Have Your Say
‘They come at you in waves’: The tactical moves that will decide the grand final
This former AFL coach knows how to beat the Brisbane Lions. He talks us through the key battles.