ArtsFancy running away to the circus?Chasing a life beneath the big top was an unusual career choice for these Australians but they’re back touring with Cirque du Soleil’s extravaganza. Here’s how they help bring the magic to life
Animals‘Smashing pumpkins’ feast at zooThree female hippos and nine Asian elephants have received the ultimate seasonal treat at one Australian zoo after staff grew giant pumpkins gulped by the animals’ giant jaws in just a few chomps
POLLSportDouble dare Deanne’s downhill bidFemale jockey Deanne Panya will swap racing silks for skateboard sneakers as she prepares to represent Australia at the World Skate Games and hurtle downhill on a longboard at 100km/hr
PICTURESMoneyHow to add value to Bluey coinsAustralia Post has released a new set of $2 Bluey coins, potentially inspiring a new generation of collectors who may one day make a ‘Dollarbuck’ if the hobby bounces back – find out what’s valuable
UPDATEDJust for FunWilly Wonka, eat your heart outRoald Dahl’s ‘pure imagination’ finds a spiritual home in Australia as Cadbury’s massive $150 million project to build the ultimate chocolate experience is unanimously approved by council
ExplainersFrom Colliwobbles to Crows woesSaturday’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
VIDEOAnimalsPanda sways to French serenadeA lone musician’s impromptu performance at ZooParc de Beauval drew an unexpected fan, as a panda watched spellbound – should more zoo animals be treated to the sound of music? Take the poll
Spelling BeeLiteracy gifts comics the last laughFrom classroom spelling to stand-up stardom, comedians explain why tomorrow’s funny bone needs more than artificial intelligence to flourish as nearly 60,000 students join the PM’s Spelling Bee
VIDEOSpelling BeeBee blasts NAPLAN woes awayTeachers across Australia have flocked to register more than 51,000 students for the annual Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee as NAPLAN results highlight ongoing foundation literacy challenges
VIDEOSportBest Aussie athlete of 21st centuryAustralia has a vast treasure-trove of exceptional sporting exports, but our best athlete of the past 25 years has been named – do you agree with the top pick and who else made the list? Take our poll
Society and CultureOne man’s crazy house rebellionIs this the world’s most stubborn neighbour? A homeowner in China refused to budge for developers and defied demolition – how did his eccentric resistance succeed?
VIDEOJust for FunLatte-loving sheep guzzles coffeeTable manners were missing in action as a flock of sheep crashed a casual coffee catch up in China – should someone have stopped this woolly wag from chugging the caffeine? TAKE OUR POLL
SportAussie 11yo’s world champ gambitFirst inspired by a fictional chess player, rising Australian whiz kid Reyaansh Chakrabarty has since beaten Grandmasters for real – here’s his plan for becoming Australia’s first world champ
UPDATEDAnimalsGorilla caught playing in the rainDiscreetly placed cameras have captured the wonderful moment a gorilla decided to let loose and play in the rain after his brother took shelter from the wet weather. Watch the funny footage here
AnimalsHappy Birthday! Valerie turns threeShe’s the mischievous pup who captured the world’s attention after spending 529 days missing on a Kangaroo Island – now Valerie is celebrating back home with her big 3rd birthday bash
Society and CultureDay of Play: let the games begin‘Let’s play – today and every day’ – that’s the message for Aussie kids from UNICEF on the second annual International Day of Play, because every child has the right to rest, relax and play
ArtsDisney scouting Australia for starsDisney’s open auditions in Australia for costumed heroes and princesses for some of its biggest theme parks offer a glimpse into working at ‘the happiest place on Earth’ and what’s involved
Science and TechnologyR2-D2 by the end of the decade?Could you be living your best Star Wars life by the end of the decade, with domestic robots doing all your boring household chores at home? One stargazing billionaire says yes
VIDEOJust for FunPeppa Pig gets new piglet siblingPeppa Pig fans are snorting with joy after heartwarming news about the beloved cartoon was announced on UK morning TV and the major plot twist in the British series has everyone smiling
VIDEOJust for FunAdorable dogs on clean up duty‘Many hands make light work’ but in the case of these two household helpers, it’s the paws taking care of all the chores – do you think these doggies deserve a tasty treat? TAKE OUR POLL