Explainers

Explainers
Mark Knight cartoon on the long tentacles of Iranian terrorism

Slippery tentacles of terror snipped

Australia’s security agency ASIO prefers operating under the radar but this week’s big reveal that Iran’s reach extends to our shores put Mark Knight in mind of one many-tentacled creature

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Mark Knight toon August 17

Putin rides away from Alaska talks

Cartoonist Mark Knight had a lot more fun than Trump with the much-hyped Alaska summit with President Putin – but days later it was the sharp suit on Ukraine’s President Zelensky for the win

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Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias, close up, at Guadalupe Island, Mexico, East Pacific Ocean...Großer Weißer Hai, Carcharodon carcharias, in Nahdistanz, Guadalupe Island, Mexiko, Ost Pazifischer Ozean.

Stay safe from sharks this season

It’s scary when there’s a shark attack on the news – but these are very rare. The best way to stay safe is arming yourself with the facts. Here are some top tips to reduce risk when ocean swimming

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Mark Knight cartoon for Herald Sun, August 11, 2025

From Colliwobbles to Crows woes

Saturday’s battle of the birds dealt a further blow to the ‘Pies and their supporters as Mark Knight’s cartoon foreshadowed, as the Adelaide Crows broke the back of their own Collingwood hoodoo

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SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 03: A protester in support of Palestinians in Gaza holds a flag while marching towards the Sydney Harbour Bridge on August 3, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. Protesters in Sydney and Melbourne joined marches and actions globally, as pressure mounts on the Israeli government over a devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding as its war against Hamas continues. (Photo by Izhar Khan/Getty Images)

Australia to recognise Palestine

Australia has announced it will formally recognise a Palestinian state, joining several longtime European allies in doing so. But what does recognition mean and who will take charge of Gaza?

Kids news HP promo
Space
a a a a a a

Legendary NASA astronaut dies

Space veteran and Apollo 13 legend Jim Lovell has passed away peacefully at the age of 97 – discover why his name will forever be written in the stars as a true hero of early space exploration

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Mark Knight's parody of the coveted Gold Logie sees a number of dubious contenders vying for the leadership award. Picture: Mark Knight

Gold leadership Logie goes to …

Award-winning cartoonist Mark Knight delivers a classic slow clap to world leaders in his satirical spin on the coveted Gold Logie, with nominees noteworthy for woes created in their wake

Animals
Monster rat found in home, locals disgusted

Rodent size goes rogue in the UK

French charm in the animated film Ratatouille helped lift the rat’s reputation but the heebies have hit hard after one giant creature was caught in the UK – but is widespread rat revulsion deserved?

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Mark Knight cartoon for Herald Sun, July 29, 2025

Blue Lib leader’s St Kilda lament

Cartoonist Mark Knight imagines St Kilda’s recent 46-point comeback inspiring Liberal Party leader Sussan Ley to find a way out of the political wilderness after their crushing election defeat

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Bluey episode Season 2 Episode 2, Hammerbarn, Bunnings

Bluey favourite pulled from iview

An iconic Bluey episode has vanished from Aussie screens in response to a commercial deal between the popular show and a well-known hardware chain. Find out why it was pulled from air

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The sheer intensity and energy exploding from this quake. 😳
8.7 mag earthquake in #Russia. Tsunami warnings and watches. Picture  X @GEZUPA

What’s a tsunami warning system?

The world’s worst earthquake in 14 years off the coast of Russia set off tsunami alerts in multiple countries and waves hit the coast of Russia and Japan – so how does Australia stay alert and safe?

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Mark Knight cartoon Ozzy Osbourne leaving us -  Herald Sun July 24th 2025

Ozzy knocking on Heaven’s door?

Devotion to family defined heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne perhaps even more than rock ‘n’ roll, as cartoonist Mark Knight asks what awaits flawed but loving souls when the music stops

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Gold Coast Bulletin schools guide - Vintage alarm clock on cute asian child girl sleeping in the bed background

How to give growing brains a rest

Australians are a bunch of bad sleepers. New research shows 91 per cent of us have trouble falling or staying asleep most nights – and experts say it could be because of these common habits

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Mosquito stock image. Picture: WHO

Aussie bloodsucker series: mozzies

Part 5: Mosquitoes. These pesky little flies can cause serious health problems if they bite you, but did you know not all mozzies are bloodsuckers? So what do ‘vegetarian’ mosquitoes eat?

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24/04/2001 PIRATE: 24/04/2001. Jim Paltidis had his ear bitten off by a dog, then sewn back on. Leeches were used to help his recovery.

Aussie bloodsucker series: leeches

Part 4: Leeches. They may have a bad reputation as being slimy and gross but these wriggly worms are vital for human health and the survival of other animals. Find out why they are so important

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head lice

Aussie bloodsucker series: lice

Part 3: Nits and head lice. These sneaky creatures are hard to spot but boy, do they itch! Luckily you can prevent them from making a feast of your scalp by following these simple steps

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Flea2. LOCALS are being reminded about the importance of guarding against parasitic insects that can spread from pets to people this summer. To avoid fleas, treat pets with a product that kills both juvenile and adult fleas and stops them from biting. It's also important to treat areas where your pet moves about, like its bedding.

Aussie bloodsucker series: fleas

Part 2: Fleas. These tiny critters pack an itchy bite that can drive you and your pets crazy. But why are they so hard to get rid of? And how can you keep them away once and for all?

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KIDS NEWS: Paralysis Tick, Ixodes holocyclus, is found in Eastern Australia and is a parasite to native mammals, livestock, pets and people. Picture: iStock

Aussie bloodsucker series: ticks

Part 1: Ticks. They’re small, thirsty and sometimes hard to spot, but if you do find a tick on yourself or your pet, don’t ever rip it out. Here’s how to safely remove one to start our explainer series

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Residents across Sydney and parts of NSW are battering down the hatches as a bomb cyclone hits the region, bringing lashings of rain, blistering winds and dangerous conditions. Picture: Windy

What is the NSW ‘bomb cyclone’?

Storm terms have ripped a page from the battleground playbook, with torrential rain, flooding and 124km/hr wind gusts in parts of Australia now dubbed a ‘bomb cyclone’ – here’s how to stay safe