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‘Haven’t spent one red cent’: US ranchers demand action over imbalance
A powerful group of American beef producers wants the US to punish Australian farmers in the next round of the tariff war, calling on Trump to fix a 20-year deficit it says amounts to $45 billion.
‘Hardened young offenders’ drive highest crime rate since 2016
The latest Crime Statistics Agency data shows crimes committed by children aged 10 to 17 rose to their highest levels last year since electronic records began in 1993.
Opinion
Gender equality
Kick in the guts: The legal profession’s re-embrace of a disgraced judge
What message does it send when former High Court judge Dyson Heydon is lionised after he sexually harassed a number of associates?
Gabrielle Appleby
Professor at UNSW Law
The birthday party ‘tipping point’ for Lilie James’ killer
Days before he killed her, Paul Thijssen dropped the St Andrew’s sports coach off at a party and went for pizza with friends. He was stressed, the inquest heard.
Sin taxes prop up the budget, but the most important one is fading
From fuel to fancy cars and a cold one at the pub, there are some vices – and necessities – that are carrying an extra cost.
Updated
Melbourne Airport
‘A done deal’: Airport rail to go ahead after three-way feud ends
The three-way feud delaying a rail link to Melbourne airport is officially over with work now turning to finally getting a construction timeline under way.
Dua Lipa designs fan’s next tattoo at Melbourne concert
Performing at Rod Laver Arena, the singer got up close and personal with fans – and performed a new cover of Torn.
A slice of the action for a fraction of the price: 12 bargain Melbourne pizza nights
Discover dining deals at all points of the compass, from $15 margheritas to all-you-can-eat slices.
Exclusive
Victoria residential property
‘I love Melbourne’: Todd McKenney moves to Melbourne, buys $2m home
The stage and screen performer has sold his Sydney home to shake up his life, and he couldn’t be more excited.
Bullet holes, fires and Molotov cocktails: Elon Musk’s Tesla is under attack
In Trump’s first term, his properties in New York, Washington were targeted by protesters. In the early days of his second term, Tesla is filling that role.
What’s new in the JFK files? Five things to know about the assassination records
It’s mostly information experts already knew, but there are some gems including unveiled American assets who spied on Castro and the inner workings of CIA spycraft.
Australians’ medicines are about to become cheaper. Why would Trump target them?
Australians pay some of the lowest medicine prices in the world for a reason: our Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Here’s how it works and why it’s being threatened.
Famous heritage boat fleet booted to make way for 900 apartments
Volunteers who care for a 120-year-old ship and a replica of the Enterprize say they have nowhere to go after being told to move out.
Opinion
AFL 2025
The selfless act that tells me which footy team will win the close one
For so many sports – Australian rules in particular – so many things relating to the performance of a player or team are subjective. Right at the top of the list? On-field communication, body language and connection.
Bob Murphy
Former Western Bulldogs captain
Watch: Anti-nuclear protesters interrupt Dutton speech
Only a few minutes into the opposition leader’s speech, two anti-nuclear protesters were kicked out for heckling.
How young is too young for a face lift?
When a young Australian woman shared her facelift surgery on TikTok recently, it pointed to a growing interest in plastic surgery among Millennials. But is there any advantage to “preventative ageing” procedures?
Ten iconic dishes every visitor to Italy must try
There are certain destinations where the purpose of a visit is to sample as much of the local cuisine as possible. Italy is certainly one of those.
Building Bad
Exclusive
Premier’s answer to bikies on the Big Build derided as ‘deeply ineffective’
Operation Hawk has failed to pursue key investigative leads as victims of underworld intimidation complain it is deeply ineffective.
Exclusive
Labor governments pay CFMEU almost $3m in three years despite mounting scandals
The Victorian government accounted for the lion’s share of payments to the scandal-plagued union, while a smaller federal transfer was ordered by a court.
Victoria
‘Blown our family apart’: Financial planner gambled away $4.5m in 52 betting accounts
Anthony Del Vecchio was sent free tickets and push alerts to keep gambling, sometimes up to $20,000 a day, as he fed a voracious addiction with stolen money from family and friends.
Teen who murdered mother planned to form anti-communist army, court told
A prosecutor told the Supreme Court the then-15-year-old and his 14-year-old school friend texted each other over their desire to kill their parents and take over the country.
School refers incident to police after student approached by stranger
Caulfield Grammar said one of its students was approached by a driver in a black vehicle as they were travelling to school.
Leaked report blasts former Daylesford CEO for bungled redevelopment
The council watchdog’s refusal to release its report on Hepburn Shire has prompted calls for more transparency.
Exclusive
Early learning
Childcare millionaire’s $94,000 grocery bill and $10 million tax debt
The embattled Genius Childcare boss and the companies he controls have racked up debts that might top $38 million, including with supermarket giant Coles and Nova radio station.
See & Do
Will & Grace star’s new murder mystery series is no laughing matter
Eric McCormack spent 11 years chasing punchlines. Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue might be the unfunniest thing he’s ever done.
Sharp and savage: This iconic story is still shockingly relevant
This restaging of The Removalists by Melbourne Theatre Company shows that the play is just as unsettling and important now as it was in 1971.
Politics
Experts’ warning on Dutton’s ministerial power grab
The opposition leader dismissed criticism of his deportation referendum idea from politicians and legal experts, saying he wanted to keep children safe.
Business
Updated
Global economy
Fed keeps interest rates on hold, warns of Trump ‘uncertainty’
The Fed said it still anticipates two rate cuts by the end of the year but chair Jerome Powell said uncertainty about the economy is “unusually elevated” as it waits to see the impact of Trump’s policies.
World
Updated
Russia-Ukraine war
From critical minerals to nuclear plants: Trump’s new power play
With a deal to access Ukraine’s critical minerals now on the backburner, the US president said American ownership of the country’s power plants would offer “the best protection”.
Opinion
Trump has hurt one of America’s most lucrative industries
Ambrose Evans-Pritchard
In spruiking Operation Hawk, the premier made a goose of the government
Chip Le Grand
State political editor
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Property
‘Very tightly held’: The best-performing prestige suburb in Melbourne
Nestled between the bay and a lake, this locale has taken the title of Melbourne’s best-performing suburb with a median house price above $2 million for 2024.
Eight of the best luxury homes for sale right now
Find stunning outlooks and suburban bliss in this week’s round-up of our top picks of the most luxurious properties on the market.
Good Food
Lifestyle
Why sleep is different for men and women – and who gets more
Scientists are just beginning to understand the differences between men and women’s sleep patterns and what they mean for our health.
Culture
The ‘chef’s kiss’ comedy pairing you should watch – but there are only 10 opportunities
If you enjoy these superstar comedians, pair them with these hilarious up-and-comers without breaking the bank.
Traveller
Drivedrive
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Sport
Opinion
AFL 2025
The selfless act that tells me which footy team will win the close one
For so many sports – Australian rules in particular – so many things relating to the performance of a player or team are subjective. Right at the top of the list? On-field communication, body language and connection.
Bob Murphy
Former Western Bulldogs captain
The Bulldogs saved themselves in 1989. They also saved North, Richmond and the Saints
The Western Bulldogs will be full of joy on Friday night when they celebrate their centenary, but it wasn’t that long ago their financial woes meant the AFL wanted their doors closed.
Australian player’s blood test raised in explosive tennis legal action
John-Patrick Smith was forced to give “a copious amount of his blood” on the eve of an Australian Open match, reveals a lawsuit in which Nick Kyrgios is a plaintiff.
Teen becomes youngest ever to break four-minute mile
A 15-year-old schoolboy from New Zealand has become the youngest person ever to break the four-minute mile – and he’s on his way to compete against Australia’s teenage prodigy.
Arzani should’ve been a star. This might be his last chance to prove he still can be
It’s been a long time since Daniel Arzani was billed as the Socceroos’ next big thing. If Tony Popovic’s public bake can’t bring out his best, maybe nothing will.
AFL Briefing
AFL 2025
Lost connections and a robust player review: The Blues will keep it simple against the Hawks
A week into the 2025 campaign, the faith of Blues fans is already being tested. The Carlton community is frazzled. Michael Voss’ media conference on Wednesday had a “state of the nation” feel.
Khawaja upset by Queensland Cricket claims, in doubt for Shield final
Usman Khawaja has been left upset by suggestions from Queensland Cricket’s boss that the state had no idea of his injury issues and that he didn’t want to play in the state’s last Sheffield Shield game.
Have Your Say
Too late to the intersection: Why Jackson Archer had to be banned
The notion that Luke Cleary caused the collision because he was low, or that Jackson Archer deserved a free for below the knees contact, is utter nonsense.
Jake Niall
Chief football writer, The Age
