Orange

Space

Christmas comet coming to town

If you look up at the night sky in the week before Christmas you might see a mysterious green light – but it’s not Santa and his reindeers ahead of schedule. So what is it and why is it there?

Animals

‘Drop crocs’ roamed Australia

Ancient crocodiles that may have ambushed prey by dropping from trees have been identified through fossilised eggshells found in Queensland, suggesting a prehistoric predator ready to pounce

Science and Technology

‘Architects of AI’ pave future path

Time Magazine has just named its 2025 Person of the Year as ‘the architects of AI’ – but with a critical skills gap in Australia, who will become the STEM pioneers of our nation’s AI future?

History

Fire-starters change human history

New evidence of humans deliberately making fire up to 350,000 years earlier than previously thought has lit up a team of British scientists – find out why fire was such a species game-changer

Science and Technology

Aussie kids’ first taste of freedom

Australian kids under 16 trying to log into Snapchat are greeted by lockout screens, with other apps to follow suit as the nation’s historic new laws for accessing social media come into effect

Environment

New plan for Aussie beach safety

The first phase of a plan to make Australian waters safer and reduce shark risk at our beaches is being rolled out in one state. Learn how sharks can be spotted early and how lives can be saved

Health

Tiny device keeping siblings alive

This brother and sister look like most other Australian children – happy, healthy and full of fun – but inside their chests are tiny devices keeping them alive, after a new test found a hidden harm

VIDEOExplainers

Science behind EV fire big bucket

A big roadside bath could be the future emergency response for burning EVs on our roads as a good soaking could be key to safely suppressing vehicle fires that may otherwise last for days

History

Mystery of ancient tomb solved

For almost a century, archaeologists scratched their heads over an unmarked royal sarcophagus in the tomb of Pharaoh Osorkon II until this stunning discovery amid relics revealed the noble’s name

Science and Technology

Snap’s AI has teens in the dark

Teens turning to their AI chatbot on Snapchat aren’t getting accurate information about Australia’s upcoming social media reforms, an experiment has shown. Here’s what you need to know

Health

How CPR saved this boy’s life

When 10-year-old Tala Teofilo suffered an unexpected cardiac arrest, the quick actions of his aunt and others who knew CPR saved his life. Here’s how you can learn this lifesaving skill too

VIDEOExplainers

How playing helps in times of strife

When an emergency, war or natural disaster threatens a child’s right to play, these special safe havens in crisis zones help restore and protect dreams of the future and everyday fun – find out how

Space

Is Saturn’s condition ripe for life?

Saturn’s moon Enceladus has excited an international team of researchers, as understanding grows of what lies beneath the surface of this ‘key target’ in the search for extraterrestrial life

Explainers

Could federal fiasco flow to states

Fifty years since Australia’s most dramatic government crisis, Mark Knight’s Dismissal cartoon captures the cast of Whitlam’s sacking but also ponders if history could repeat in state politics

EXPLAINERAnimals

Why there is a bear crisis in Japan

There’s so many bears about in parts of Japan that soldiers have been sent to help residents of the northern region hit by a record number of attacks – but why are all these bears coming to town?

Explainers

How U16s can save social data

Under 16s will be locked out of their social media accounts from December 10, but there is a way to save all those photos, videos and other memories. Find out how to save your data

Explainers

Trump cast as angry ape of NYC

Here’s how the chest-beating King Kong swinging from the Empire State Building inspired cartoonist Mark Knight to draw President Trump as a peeved primate as NYC elects new mayor

UPDATEDExplainers

U16 social media ban explained

From December 10, Australians under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to hold accounts on TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, YouTube and other socials. Find out how the new laws affect you and your peers

VIDEOFirst Nations News

Historic Treaty passed into law

Supporters erupted in cheers – and shed plenty of tears – as landmark legislation establishing the country’s first Treaty with Indigenous Australians was passed – here’s what happens next

Explainers

How Hurricane Melissa intensified

Hurricane Melissa has become the most powerful hurricane to hit land in the Atlantic, wreaking havoc across four island nations. But just how did it become so strong?

Science and Technology

Aussie teens learning AI bot tricks

As nearly half of Aussie kids struggle to spot fake news, students at one school are tackling AI head-on this Media Literacy Week, with an AI bot battlefield based on George Orwell’s Animal Farm

Environment

Aussies worry for Reef’s future

A new report on the Great Barrier Reef has revealed what most Australians think about losing our largest natural wonder as experts warn not enough is being done. So what needs to change?

Animals

Crocodile safety as teen survives

A 14-year-old boy has been attacked by a crocodile while fishing with two other teenagers in Far North Queensland – please stay safe when visiting ‘croc country’ by following this expert advice

Explainers

Teen reveals toll of Everest climb

A 17-year-old Australian girl has shared her experience trying to climb Mt Everest, revealing the shocking effect high altitudes and extreme cold had on her body. Find out what happened and why

Explainers

How to mind ‘muck up’ manners

Whether it’s primary or secondary, leaving school is a momentous rite of passage in every student’s life. But muck-up day madness suggests end-of-year etiquette could help keep the farewell fun

Explainers

Albo meets Trump at White House

The historic leaders’ meeting saw an important minerals deal struck between the US and Australia as well as the AUKUS pact solidified. So why did our ambassador leave with a red face?

VIDEOExplainers

Trump declares end of Gaza war

US President Donald Trump has proclaimed the Gaza war over during his brief but triumphant Middle East visit after Hamas released Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners were freed

VIDEOSpace

The mesmerising surface of Mars

Space enthusiasts can journey across Mars’ mysterious landscape as spectacular new footage reveals the planet’s possible past, with evidence of ancient beaches and flowing rivers – watch it here

News

End of the war in Gaza in sight

Israel and Hamas have agreed to the US ceasefire and hostage release deal to end the war in Gaza, as ordinary Palestinian and Israeli civilians celebrate with hope in emotional, jubilant scenes