6 h. ago A Soviet space probe will crash back to Earth. It could land in Australia

It’s the final countdown for a spacecraft that was en route to Venus in 1972 – until a rocket malfunction left it stranded in orbit and slowly spiralling back towards Earth.

Events

6 h. ago After four decades abroad, Italians hope the papacy is coming home

Though the church has gone global, many Italians haven’t stopped believing the pope belongs in – and to – Rome.

Politics

13 h. ago First conclave vote to elect new pope fails as black smoke emerges

More than 45,000 people gathered in St Peter’s Square to witness the time-honoured tradition which signified that no candidate had garnered the two-thirds majority needed to become the new pope.

Events

25 h. ago Why Andrew Forrest bankrolled David Attenborough’s last great project

The mining billionaire was a nature-loving teenager when he first fell in love with Attenborough’s films.

Politics

41 h. ago Merz wins on second ballot to become Germany’s 10th chancellor, hours after historic defeat

A candidate for chancellor has never failed to win on the first ballot since the end of World War II.

Politics

41 h. ago Merz becomes Germany’s 10th chancellor hours after historic initial defeat

A candidate for chancellor has never failed to win on the first ballot since the end of World War II.

Politics

47 h. ago In a historic first, Merz’s bid to become Germany’s 10th chancellor fails first ballot

A candidate for chancellor has never failed to win on the first ballot since the end of the war.

Politics

54 h. ago How George Pell could shape the outcome of the papal conclave – from beyond the grave

The divisive Australian cardinal privately labelled Francis’ papacy a “catastrophe” and plotted to install a more conservative successor.

Politics

54 h. ago As war again rages in Europe, VE Day reminds us all what’s at stake

Eighty years on, the story of Australia’s Stanley Bruce, Winston Churchill and Victory in Europe Day remains strikingly relevant.

Events

61 h. ago Downgrade me, please: I flew all the way to Europe on budget airline

You can fly to Europe for just over $1000 return, though I opted to upgrade – and the two legs were vastly different.

Politics

3 d. ago This luxury car can leap potholes and road spikes – but it’s not a Ferrari

Chinese manufacturers are trying to outdo each other and European rivals with features that range from the incredible to the absurd. But there is a risk for Australian buyers.

Politics

3 d. ago This luxury car can use ‘leap mode’ for potholes – but it’s not a Ferrari

Chinese manufacturers are trying to outdo each other and European rivals with features that range from the incredible to the absurd. But there is a risk for Australian buyers.

Politics

3 d. ago Tigers fly the flag, but Sicily and his Hawks have the last laugh on a milestone day

Richmond coach Adem Yze was happy his vice captain flew the flag, while the normally mild-mannered Jarman Impey said there was nothing untoward that made him fire-up on a big day for the Hawks.

Politics

4 d. ago Chimney up, Sistine Chapel primped as cardinals prepare to elect next pope

The complex and secretive election process is set to begin this week, following the death of Pope Francis.

Politics

5 d. ago German spy agency brands main opposition party as ‘extremist’. The US is not happy

A report found the far-right AfD to be racist and anti-Muslim, allowing security services step up monitoring. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was “tyranny in disguise”.

Politics

5 d. ago ‘We’ve had Labour for lunch’: Farage’s Reform UK party delivers political earthquake

Nigel Farage is no longer the clown lobbing bricks from outside the circus tent. He’s now got a foot inside — and he’s brought the cannon.

Politics

5 d. ago Prince Harry says he wants reconciliation with royals as he loses UK legal fight

The Duke of Sussex said that he wanted reconciliation with the British royal family but his father King Charles will not speak to him over a row over his security.

Politics

5 d. ago Prince Harry ‘devastated’ after losing UK legal fight over police protection

The Duke of Sussex has lost his legal challenge to Britain changing his security arrangements after he stepped down from royal duties.

Events

6 d. ago All aboard Gaza aid flotilla confirmed safe after NGO reports drone attack

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition uploaded video footage showing a fire on one of its ships but did not indicate who could have been responsible for the attack.

Events

6 d. ago Ship carrying activists, aid to Gaza attacked by drones, NGO says

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition uploaded video footage showing a fire on one of its ships but did not indicate who could have been responsible for the attack.

Events