Explainers

UPDATEDNews

US and Iran ceasefire under threat

A two-week ceasefire struck between Iran and the US has already come under threat after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following continued conflict in Lebanon

Explainers

World’s biggest census begins

The world’s most populous country is embarking on an epic project to count its estimated 1.4 billion inhabitants – a feat that hasn’t been achieved in 15 years. But just how will they do it?

Explainers

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

Explainers

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

Explainers

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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Explainers

What caused big highway closure?

Imagine your main road link closing overnight, which is what has just happened to one major highway connecting an Australian capital to an entire region – how did it happen and what’s next?

Society and Culture

Nationals’ leadership rodeo ride

The National Party has chosen Matt Canavan but cartoonist Mark Knight imagines the new leader as next to saddle up against One Nation’s bucking bronco and its threat to Coalition support

Money

Why petrol prices are soaring

In Part One, we look at how a war more than 10,000kms away has Aussie parents peaking at the pump thanks to a vital passage of water called The Strait of Hormuz and whether other costs will rise too

Explainers

Trump tees off to topple Tehran

The US and Israel-led war in the Middle East gets a golf course treatment as cartoonist Mark Knight transforms Trump’s military strikes on Iran into a memorable Mar-a-Lago resort metaphor

Health

Have you been chewing plastic?

Your parents probably already say it’s disgusting but chewing gum might also send microplastic particles into your body. Find out which have the highest levels of plastic and why to steer clear

Society and Culture

Homework advice drops cramming

With NAPLAN about to kick off, here are some new evidence-base, expert study tips for preparing in advance or taking a new approach to tackling homework tasks and revision this year

Space

Where to see rare ‘blood moon’

Tonight’s rare ‘blood moon’ to be visible across every state in Australia for last time in three years. Here’s the best times across the country to watch Tuesday night’s spectacular show

Explainers

Middle East: What is happening?

The Middle East descended into chaos as Iran retaliated against US and Israeli strikes by targeting neighbours with American bases. Here’s what the fight means for the region and the world

News

PM’s plan for multistate fast train

Successive Australian prime ministers have seen their high speed train hopes derailed but as Albo dusts off the dream, cartoonist Mark Knight is left wondering if the PM can jump-start his plan

OPINIONSociety and Culture

Let’s make a start to stop bullying

Bullying is extremely harmful but being the meanie can’t be much fun either. Experts suggest that empathy and understanding what makes bullies tick is key to changing their behaviour – here’s how

Animals

Giraffes’ clever solution to rain

What does a giraffe do when a rainstorm strikes? The answer may surprise you. It turns out not every animal is hardwired to seek shelter when the weather turns nasty – find out why

EXPLAINERHealth

Are your eyes sun-safe right now?

Most Australians know the signs of sunburn but did you know there’s one vital part of our bodies that people of all ages often overlook? Here’s how to mind your eyes and why we all should

Space

NASA move for medium asteroids

NASA announces new mission to help build better defences for Earth against asteroids of a certain size, with experts revealing a surprising estimate of undetected asteroids within striking distance

Explainers

MotoGP banished instead of bikies

Record attendance last year and a $60 million boost to the region’s economy wasn’t enough to save Phillip Island’s MotoGP in Mark Knight’s spin on the Allan government’s biker bungle

Explainers

Giddy up for the Year of the Horse

Join Asian-Australians celebrating Lunar New Year from February 17 as the rare Year of the Fire Horse brings special significance to family traditions and cultural unity – discover what it’s all about