20 m. ago Merrett’s midfield time sparks debate; Fremantle snare ‘eight points in five days’ in mid

Luke Jackson produced a rucking masterclass to lift Fremantle to a 41-point win over injury-hit Essendon at Optus Stadium. The Dockers have recorded five straight wins in a stunning mid-season purple patch.

Politics

5 h. ago AFL teams and expert tips: Curnow named, Papley and Greene return but Swans leader dropped

After a week in the spotlight, Charlie Curnow has been named to take his place in the Blues’ side against North Melbourne.

Politics

6 h. ago ‘Ignore the letter’: Schools boss intervened over contractor friend’s pay, inquiry told

The ICAC has heard that after questions were raised about a cycling buddy’s $2800-a-day pay, Anthony Manning asked for the document to be withdrawn.

Culture

8 h. ago Northland bollards insufficient to protect centre: security expert

A day after an allegedly stolen car smashed through the shopping centre, staff have also raised security concerns.

Politics

9 h. ago Erin Patterson murder trial day 35 as it happened: Accused mushroom cook’s defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, finishes closing statement, reminds jury the ‘standard is proof beyond reasonable doubt’

Defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, has concluded his closing address in Morwell’s courtroom four. The jury will return next week.

Events

9 h. ago British police ‘failed family’ of teen killed in crash caused by US envoy’s wife

Independent investigators have accused police of mishandling the investigation into a crash in which Harry Dunn died, and the American fled the UK, claiming diplomatic immunity.

Events

9 h. ago Erin Patterson murder trial LIVE updates: Accused mushroom cook’s defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, finishes closing statement, reminds jury the ‘standard is proof beyond reasonable doubt’

Defence barrister Colin Mandy, SC, has just concluded his closing address in Morwell’s courtroom four. The jury will return next week.

Events

13 h. ago Fire triggers second evacuation of Northland Shopping Centre in 24 hours

Smoke was seen billowing from the Myer store, less than a day after an allegedly stolen car was driven through the Preston shopping centre.

Events

14 h. ago 208 arrests a day: Youth crime soars again as police apprehend record number of offenders

Police say they are arresting more people – and seizing more edged weapons – than at any point in their history.

Events

15 h. ago AFL in talks to bring back the Big V as battle with NRL heats up

A WA team with the likes of Chad Warner, Shai Bolton, Jesse Hogan, Patrick Cripps and Kozzy Pickett could come up against a Victorian team stacked with Matt Rowell, Nick Daicos, Jeremy Cameron and Marcus Bontempelli.

Sport

17 h. ago Brisbane news live: Brisbane city streets shut due to protests | How much your rates will change

For today’s news updates as they happen in Brisbane and beyond, follow us here.

Politics

20 h. ago After three days with my family, I feel my childhood self returning. Why does this happen?

I found myself going quiet, retreating into my chair. The crushingly shy, passive version of myself I’d long thrown off was threatening to reappear.

Society

20 h. ago ‘I am genuinely on my own’: The TV chef living the wild life in Tasmania

Analiese Gregory is as adventurous as ever as she returns for the second season of A Girl’s Guide to Hunting, Fishing and Cooking.

Politics

29 h. ago State of Origin to make an AFL return? Out west, they’re keen

A WA team with the likes of Chad Warner, Shai Bolton, Jesse Hogan, Patrick Cripps and Kozzie Pickett could come up against a Victorian team stacked with Matt Rowell, Nick Daicos, Jeremy Cameron and Marcus Bontempelli under the concept being floated. And the match could happen before the start of next season.

Politics

31 h. ago Sunnier weather to give talented Like Lukey a chance to shine

An overdue run of clear weather can pave the way for a talented albeit wayward mare to return to her very best at Thursday’s Gosford meeting.

Politics

31 h. ago ASX slides amid concerns over Middle East escalation while miners decline

The Australian sharemarket closed lower on Wednesday as investors track developments in the escalating conflict in the Middle East.

Politics

31 h. ago Erin Patterson murder trial day 34 as it happened: Defence barrister Colin Mandy tells jury accused mushroom cook wanted to be close to in

Patterson’s barrister will continue his closing address in Morwell’s courtroom four on Thursday, after the judge warned jurors to expect a long direction from the bench next week.

Events

33 h. ago My friend was assassinated. In a world of shrinking political ideals, she was a beacon

Melissa Hortman, a great American reformer, accepted my invitation to come to Australia. Now, that will never happen.

Politics

34 h. ago It’s been six days since Israel first struck Iran. Here’s what we know

The rapidly escalating conflict may see a new player officially take the field: US President Donald Trump. But what happens then, and how did we get here?

Politics

37 h. ago Why commentary legend Fatty Vautin won’t return to the microphone

For the first time in 33 years, Paul “Fatty” Vautin watched State of Origin from his couch, casting aside a tenure as one of rugby league’s most engaging media figures.

Politics