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Jackie O lawyers up, declares she didn’t quit
The KIIS FM host has declared her lawyers are already addressing the situation and said she was deeply saddened by the “possibility” of the show ending.
- by Calum Jaspan
AFL Briefing
AFL 2026
Former skipper unloads on Blues in expletive-laden spray
Carlton has copped some truth bombs from one of its own - Sam Docherty, a revered figure at the club who was in its club’s inner-sanctum just months ago.
- by Danny Russell, Greg Dundas and Peter Ryan
Opinion
WordPlay
Do you live in one of Australia’s most oddly named towns?
Show me the way to Peter the Swede.
- by David Astle
Where to buy jeans in this season’s barrel cut for $100
New colours and sculpted shapes for this season’s denim looks.
- by Kim Wilson
Fowler and Kerr back among the goals as Matildas look to Korean battle
In the Matildas’ 4-0 thumping of Iran, Mary Fowler joined Sam Kerr in scoring her first goal since a lengthy stint on the sidelines following a torn ACL.
- by Emma Kemp
Analysis
Sydney Swans
The third quarter that changed the game – and maybe the Swans’ season
Trailing by 10 points at half-time, the Swans’ remarkable 75-point third quarter kick-started their season. We break down how they did it.
- by Jonathan Drennan
Opinion
Antisemitism
The AFL usually loves pushing a social cause. So why is it ignoring this one?
The AFL would never admit it, but some around football say it has turned its back when Australia most needs it because it’s nervous about a public backlash.
- by Neil Mitchell
Breaking
Social media
Pornhub’s owner to block Australians over age check laws
The Canadian pornography giant is preparing to block millions of Australians from its websites ahead of new age verification laws taking effect on Monday.
- by David Swan and Emily Kowal
Analysis
World politics
How the royal ‘Trump whisperers’ will be key to winning back Washington
With British PM Keir Starmer’s reputation state-side at a low, the King and Queen will have to work their magic on their latest visit.
- by Hannah Furness, Connor Stringer and Tony Diver
Jack Doohan lost his childhood dream of an F1 seat. He opens about the ‘brutal’ axing
Doohan said on Friday that discussions about his Alpine seat and future were happening before last year’s Australian Grand Prix. Now a reserve driver with Haas, his goal is to get back on the grid.
- by Hannah Kennelly
Police shot this footage. It put a woman in jail. Now it could win an Oscar
The Perfect Neighbour is composed almost entirely of footage shot on body-worn cameras – and now it’s up for cinema’s biggest prize.
- by Karl Quinn
Melbourne students reveal how they won places at world’s top unis
A star literature student who barely spoke English when she arrived in Australia is aiming to study at one of the world’s top universities, and she’s not alone.
- by Caroline Schelle
★★★★½
Sydney live reviews
Basement Jaxx take fans on an explosively creative journey through joyful sonic textures
The pioneering British duo, and friends, paid proper homage to the original purveyors of their genre.
- by Kate Prendergast and Joyce Morgan
Here’s to being taken on an ‘emotional rollercoaster’ at a St Kilda car park
Performed outdoors on Thursday night, this gig by The Streets is anything but a nostalgic wink.
- by Michael Dwyer, Sonia Nair, Tony Way and Cameron Woodhead
US-Iran war live updates: US temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil; Three Australians on US submarine that sank Iranian ship, PM confirms; People ordered to evacuate southern Beirut
The conflict in the Middle East is intensifying, as reports of drone strikes spread across the region, and Iran vows revenge after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship. Follow our rolling coverage.
- by Emily Kaine, Ellen Connolly, Josefine Ganko, Nick Newling and Alexander Darling
Updated
Bondi shooting
Australia bans Islamist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir under new hate group laws
The Albanese government has enacted its first listing of a prohibited hate group, following reforms lodged after the Bondi massacre.
- by Nick Newling and Max Maddison
The floor is sticky, it smells bad, and a pint is $10. It’s perfect
Rain Dogs performed at The Tote in a gig that dripped with atmosphere and sweat.
- by Will Cox, Martin Boulton, Tony Way and Sonia Nair
Updated
World markets
Miners dive as ASX slumps; Tech shares jump
The Australian sharemarket has added to its opening losses to be sharply lower at lunchtime with mining stocks bearing the brunt of the pain after another volatile night on global markets.
- by Staff writers
Contraceptive pill will become available without a script in Victoria
Women will be able to see a pharmacist instead of a doctor to access the pill, but the move has doctors worried.
- by Kieran Rooney and Henrietta Cook
Armed teens detained at Moomba as police thwart ‘serious violence’
Machetes, a meat cleaver and a carving knife were among weapons seized from a gang of teenage boys in the CBD on the first night of the annual Moomba Festival.
- by Isabel McMillan
Billionaire Lowy family buys into fund manager Magellan
The Lowy family has taken a significant stake in the funds management business Magellan, days after the financial group announced a major merger.
- by Clancy Yeates
‘MAGA warrior’, ex-MMA fighter: This is Trump’s pick to run homeland security
Oklahoma senator Markwayne Mullin has been a staunch defender of the Trump administration’s mass deportation campaign.
- by Madeleine Ngo
Analysis
Sydney Swans
Buddy 2.0: Sydney falls in love with its latest forward superstar at the SCG
As he slotted his maiden goal for his new club against his old one, Charlie Curnow staked his claim as the successor to Lance Franklin, Barry Hall and Tony Lockett.
- by Tom Decent
Analysis
NRL 2026
Lazy defence, panic calls, pushed passes: Ugly Eels opener had it all
The only thing more surprising that Parramatta’s opening-round capitulation to the Storm last year was that the Eels would allow it to happen again.
- by Adrian Proszenko
Opinion
Radio
Kyle and Jackie O’s demise is proof that Melbourne is culturally superior to Sydney
Melburnians’ discerning taste has brought down a Sydney rating juggernaut, and the rest of the country should be grateful.
- by Kate Halfpenny
‘Wish I had done it a couple of years ago’: Oliver on Dees years, trade and the diagnosis that changed his life
Clayton Oliver says he is ready to resurrect his career at the Giants.
- by Peter Ryan
He got a $13m bonus and is about to take on Ohtani. Remember this Australian’s name
Australia’s first-ever Major League Baseball No.1 draft pick and his countrymen are plotting a titanic upset against Shohei Ohtani - the biggest name in the sport - in his home country, Japan.
- by Marc McGowan
Analysis
Naked City
‘Norm’s a bit short’: The history lessons Victoria failed to learn
In 1981, it was $20,000 cash and a beach house. Today, it’s organised crime infiltrating the CFMEU – and a toothless watchdog. It’s time to fix it. John Silvester outlines how.
- by John Silvester
Exclusive
Disability
Disability homes scrap bus services, tell residents to take taxis, trains
One of the state’s largest disability service providers is withdrawing its transport services due to financial pressures and trying to sell off the buses they were given for free.
- by Grant McArthur
‘I’m holding it steady’: In the third act of her career, Nicole Kidman is digging into her grief and loss
Adapted from Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling crime series, Scarpetta lands in the deeply personal wake of Kidman’s divorce from Keith Urban and the death of her mother.
- by Michael Idato
Opinion
Tripologist
Gulf flights are back, but don’t book or cancel before reading this
From rerouted flight paths to refund policies and rising fares, here is what you need to know about the current air travel disruptions.
- by Michael Gebicki
‘Wartime traitors’: Iran state TV condemns women’s soccer team for anthem silence
Iranian commentators have warned the lives of Iran’s national team “are in imminent danger”.
- by Emma Kemp
Exclusive
AI
Afterpay billionaire rejects ‘AI-washing’ claim as thousands are fired
Half of the “buy now, pay later” company’s jobs in Australia have been cut, but co-founder Nick Molnar insists the business has never been stronger.
- by David Swan
‘We are bringing hell on you’: Panic in Beirut suburbs as Israel launches airstrikes
In another escalation of the wider war against Iran, thousands of Lebanese families fled their homes after Israeli forces warned them of a wave of bombing to target Hezbollah groups.
- by David Crowe
Analysis
AFL 2026
They looked shocked: The moment Carlton’s bad habits returned on opening night
Carlton started on a new path in October, while the Swans returned to their old ways. In opening round, both clubs showed they can still walk away winners.
- by Peter Ryan
‘Clock is ticking:’ Rival league could woo Aussie stars before BBL makes it to market
Australian cricket may face the prospect of losing players from the Big Bash League to play across the Tasman in a Twenty20 league to launch as soon as next season.
- by Daniel Brettig
On his new album, Harry Styles finally shatters the teen idol fishbowl
Kiss All the Time. Disco, Occasionally is weird, brave and singular.
- by Tom W. Clarke
Updated
Trump's White House
Trump sacks Kristi Noem, the face of his immigration crackdown
The US president announced the home security secretary – the first person to be dumped from his cabinet in his second term – would be replaced at the end of the month.
- by Michael Koziol
Opinion
Health and nutrition
I traded my knee for a lifetime of telling people how brave I am
How to yelp with just enough stoicism to secure a sympathy snack.
- by Richard Glover
How a $10 fine (with interest) could drive the Cats to a flag
Young Geelong spearhead Shannon Neale opens up on his grand final heartbreak, a junior football injury that shaped his future, his carb-heavy pre-game routine and, of course, Bailey Smith.
- by Jon Pierik
Opinion
Hiring
‘Clear and legible’: Does your resume pass the 30-second check?
Eighty per cent of resumes don’t make it past the first screening stage. Here’s how you can get an edge.
- by Roxanne Calder
Opinion
Work therapy
Should I bother applying for a role already earmarked for a colleague?
Just because this open role has a whiff of fait accompli about it, I wouldn’t necessarily say that you should pull out of the interview.
- by Jonathan Rivett
‘It’s like having a luxury handbag’: Private school enrolments rising despite costs
Parents are choosing private education in increasing numbers, but the latest school snapshot also had much-needed good news for government schools.
- by Noel Towell and Bridie Smith
Britney Spears arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence
A representative for Spears said it was “an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable” and that change in the former pop star’s life was long overdue.
- by Michaela Towfighi and Ben Sisario
Grand Prix boss Martin Pakula and his impossible F1 task
To add to Pakula’s workload for the week he was asked as the chair of Crown to find a last-minute room for a “late breaking visitor”.
- by Cara Waters, Fiona Byrne and John Buckley
Why this Bondi building is likely to get potential buyers salivating
A building once owned by the Hemmes family is on the market with a price tag of more than $25 million.
- by Carolyn Cummins
Exclusive
Immigration
Taylor, Littleproud say migration must be cut to free up housing
The opposition is discussing changes that would make it harder for people to gain permanent residence and citizenship by proving they were law-abiding and contributing to the economy.
- by Paul Sakkal
The economy might look better, but it’s still coughing
If the Reserve Bank was a doctor, it would probably say the Australian economy is still a bit sick with sluggish movement and a bit of a fever.
- by Millie Muroi
Give peace a chance and buy a non-conforming church for $20m
Melbourne’s Unitarian Church is selling its Peace Memorial Church in East Melbourne and looking at a windfall.
- by Nicole Lindsay
Exclusive
Social media
Adults required to prove age to watch porn, video games in major crackdown
Australians will be unable to access porn, R-rated video games and explicit AI chatbots unless they prove their age, under a landmark crackdown by the eSafety Commissioner.
- by Emily Kowal
The dream beach town where home values fell $290,000 from their peak
A typical home cost nearly $1.8 million in 2022, but the same dwelling is worth a little over $1.5 million today.
- by Dan F Stapleton
Analysis
NRL 2026
The season-defining moments that have haunted Penrith all summer
For the first time in five years, Penrith blinked when a tight contest was there to be won in last year’s preliminary final against Brisbane.
- by Dan Walsh
Opinion
Middle East at war
An oppressed people are, once again, lured onto the street only to have their hopes dashed
Celebrating is the natural response of those living under authoritarianism to news their tyrant is gone. So much is loaded into the moment. Like releasing a breath that has been held for decades.
- by Waleed Aly
‘I’d love to do a Cronk’: DCE knows exactly what’s expected of him at Roosters
Cooper Cronk came to the Roosters at the end of his career and won two premierships in two years. Daly Cherry-Evans knows fans want the same from him.
- by Adrian Proszenko
What was Brunton Avenue renamed? Test yourself with The Age quiz
Test your knowledge of Melbourne and Victoria with Stephen Brook’s quiz.
- by Stephen Brook and Eliza Sum
‘They’re getting sent a message’: Tobacco war reignites as Kaz Hamad’s ‘Commission’ fights to retain control
There have been more than a dozen arson attacks and two shootings related to illicit tobacco markets since Hamad was arrested in Iraq in mid-January.
- by Chris Vedelago and Marta Pascual Juanola
Record-breaking new $2.5 billion Disney ship launches in our region
Disney may have exited Australia waters, but the cruise line’s newest, biggest ship yet is ready to set sail in Asia.
- by Craig Platt
Squeeze on office space to last beyond 2030 as more workers show up
Workers are turning up at the office more than required just as there’s a prolonged squeeze on construction of new towers.
- by Simon Johanson
How an oil lifeline became a clogged artery: the Strait of Hormuz
Millions of barrels of oil moved through the Strait of Hormuz every day – until the war in Iran started. Now its role in global inflation is under the microscope.
- by Shane Wright
★★★★
Review
If you miss The Office, Steve Carell’s new show is a must-watch
The Office star’s new comedy sits between the wholesome comedy of Ted Lasso and the slightly darker-but-still-kind tone of Shrinking.
- by Kylie Northover
Curnow admits Blues gave him the silent treatment, but star forward has the last laugh
Two-time Coleman medallist Charlie Curnow went head-to-head with his former side for the first time in the 2026 season opener, which at times produced some eyebrow-raising moments.
- by Danny Russell, Peter Ryan and Jonathan Drennan
Hiker sent final message to mum before dying with friend from exposure
Two university students found dead near Mount Bogong likely became disorientated in severe weather after taking on a hike they were inexperienced for, according to a coroner.
- by Katie Bice
Matildas LIVE updates: Australia stroll to 4-0 win over Iran in Asian Cup
The goals flowed for the Matildas in their second Women’s Asian Cup clash, setting up a winner-tops-group showdown with South Korea on Sunday in Sydney.
- by Vince Rugari
US-Iran war news updates: Iranian warship sunk by torpedo off Sri Lanka; Hegseth says US ‘just getting started’; First repatriation flight lands in Sydney
Hundreds of people have been killed across the Middle East as strikes on Iran continue, and retaliatory strikes impact the entire region. Follow our rolling coverage.
- by Emily Kaine, Ellen Connolly, Josefine Ganko and Alexander Darling
AFL opening round teams and expert tips: Cats superstars ruled out for blockbuster
All the teams for the AFL’s opening round – plus the experts give their tips for the first weekend of footy for the 2026 season.
Letters
Letters
Leaders behaving badly or if not, woefully
Readers evaluate the actions of Trump, Netanyahu and the words of Albanese and the Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, and only one of them gets a positive result.
Officer of Gatto-linked company obtained labour hire licence despite strip club scandal
The state opposition has continued to question the premier over companies linked to the gangland figure.
- by Kieran Rooney
Australians on sub that sank Iranian warship in Indian Ocean
Two Australian sailors were aboard the US nuclear-powered sub that sank an Iranian frigate, amid reports US-backed Kurdish rebels are ready for a ground assault against Iranian troops.
- by Michael Koziol and Andrew Probyn
Analysis
Foreign relations
A political rock star comes to Canberra. Did he match the hype?
The Canadian prime minister set the foreign policy world alight with a speech early this year. He arrived in Australia on a mission to show that middle powers matter.
- by Matthew Knott
Storm 52 Eels 4
NRL 2026
As it happened: Storm steamroll Eels to extend remarkable round-one record
Parra had already had one big win over Melbourne this week, but the ruthless Storm crushed their hopes of scoring another.
- by Phil Mitchell
An All Blacks rival thinks Suaalii’s best is yet to come in rugby. And that excites him
Kiwi star Jordie Barrett is a big fan of Aussie foe Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, and he believes chopping and changing positions in the backline will accelerate his progression in rugby.
- by Iain Payten
Girls lead exodus from state’s public schools
Private school enrolments have hit a record high after public schools enrolment numbers dropped by almost 7000 pupils last year.
- by Christopher Harris and Nigel Gladstone
‘I prayed for this’: The Syrian refugee helping Aussies chase Paralympic glory
A decade ago, Samer Zakhour was making prosthetics for wounded civilians during the wars in Iraq and Syria. Now, he makes prosthetics for the Australian winter Paralympic team.
- by Frances Howe
Attorney-general considers overhaul of secrecy laws used by high-profile defendants
With almost one in three suppression orders last year granted on safety grounds, the man who introduced the Open Courts Act has said this was never the intention.
- by Chip Le Grand, Erin Pearson and Daniella White
★★★★½
Review
Consider Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall’s sizzling academic satire your next binge
A professor sexually hungering for a younger colleague is the starting point for this contradictory and always watchable show.
- by Craig Mathieson
Analysis
Middle East at war
The Iran energy nightmare is becoming a reality
Energy analysts modelling a war involving Iran have long feared two developments. Now both are unfolding at once.
- by The Economist
Opinion
Supermarkets
My supermarket made me ‘shopper of the week’. I don’t believe a word it says any more
Who can take Colesworth seriously any more? With the cramped self-checkout areas, items that aren’t “half price” at all and meat trays marked “while stocks last”, it is like an old toxic boyfriend.
- by Michelle Cazzulino
How to end the ever-constant fight against pantry moths
You could reframe it as possibly offering a harmless side of protein – but if you can’t, killing the eggs and larvae is the name of the game.
- by Katrina Strickland
Man charged over Prahran fire that killed arsonist
A man who allegedly deliberately set fire to a Chapel Street store, injuring another arsonist who later died, has been charged with causing his death.
- by Jackson Graham
Judge damns Star’s ‘dysfunctional and unethical’ culture under former CEO
A landmark Federal Court case found executives breached their duties as criminals used Star to launder money, but not the high-profile board that relied on them.
- by Colin Kruger
‘Kyle will definitely sue’: Sandilands and ARN face ugly legal stoush
Sources said Sandilands is preparing to sue his employer if the company sacks the controversial broadcaster.
- by Michael Lallo
Updated
Australian Grand Prix
Drivers risk ‘permanent nerve damage’ from new Formula 1 cars, team boss warns
The alarming comments from new Aston Martin team principal Adrian Newey came after Australian Grand Prix chair Martin Pakula admitted he feared not all the teams would make it to Melbourne in time for the event.
- by Hannah Kennelly and Cara Waters
ASX higher as tech stocks jump; oil continues to climb
The Australian sharemarket finished back in the green on Thursday, rebounding from its mid-week plunge, led by a rally in technology shares.
- by Staff writers
China’s latest blueprint aims to close US technology gap and break old habits
President Xi Jinping has put his country on track for its lowest growth target in three decades as he gets ready to welcome Donald Trump later this month.
- by Lisa Visentin
Luke Sayers accused of ‘shamelessly’ blaming wife for lewd picture
In a defamation action against her estranged husband, Cate Sayers claims the businessman shared false medical information and details of her sexual history.
- by Annika Smethurst