Sign up for the day’s news headlinesStart your day informed with a rundown of essential news.Melbourne AssemblyA three-day forum to help shape Melbourne’s future.The Morning Edition podcastStart your day with expert insight into the stories that drive the nation.MelbourneWeather forecastExclusivePrivate schoolsThe $60m deal set to give Scotch College massive new footprint in the inner eastThe prestigious school for boys is in the final stage of an exclusive process to spend $60 million to expand its Melbourne footprint to include the nearby site in Kooyong.ExclusiveMental healthKids’ mental health unit shut as staff probed for use of forceAn investigation is now under way into the claims which have been described as “disturbing and completely unacceptable” by the state government.2 hours agoPrisonsWhy a gangland kingpin’s court win could strip daily fresh air from Victorian inmatesThe government has conceded legislation to curtail access to fresh air breaches Victoria’s human rights charter, but plans to push it through the upper house this week.2 hours agoUpdatedAFL 2026Josh Fraser enters Carlton coaching race after stunning on-field turnaroundThe Blues have won 10 of their 12 games under Fraser since he took over as interim coach when Michael Voss departed back in May.AnalysisInterest ratesRBA’s threat of a rate rise rings a bit hollowThere’s nothing wrong with RBA governor Michele Bullock using her central bank pulpit to talk up the threat of a rate rise. But the bank’s own forecasts say otherwise.Shane WrightAnalysisVictorian electionWhy it feels like the grown-ups are back in charge of the Victorian governmentThe point of legislating a right to work from home was to draw a feckless Liberal Party and the business lobby into a Duttonesque stoush.Chip Le GrandPetsScientists scanned 14 canine brains. They found another reason to love dogsThe research shows why you must smile at every dog you see on the street.AFL 2026AFL Commission hires independent lawyer to decide Cats’ sanctionAn independent lawyer will form a position on what AFL rules, if any, were broken by the Cats.AnimalsEducators on the line in proposed Zoos Victoria job cutsJob cuts at Zoos Victoria will be determined within weeks as unions urge the organisation not to cut staff who teach students about wildlife and conservation.2 hours agoOpinionMotherhoodNo seat required, but my breastfed baby still needs a ticket for Olivia DeanI hadn’t thought to ask if my son would be allowed in because – he’s a baby. And strapped to my body the whole time.Bethany WilliamsFreelance writerStageStrangers share their secrets in a show that lifts the curtain on a hidden MelbourneA snapshot of the inhabitants of Melbourne’s invisible world at night comes alive in this show.Victoria residential propertyHouse from The Block finally sells after $400,000 price cutContestants pocket any cash above the property’s reserve if it sells at auction, but the latest price guide was far less.ExclusiveGraduatesAI is cutting graduate jobs. These are the skills young people will needA cooling labour market, employers looking to AI, and growing scepticism about the value of a degree as education costs rise, make graduate outlook “more competitive and uncertain”.ExclusiveCrime‘Training objects for violence’: Cops, experts fear perverse motive behind ‘sex doll murder scene’The costume and make-up worn by a doll found in a suitcase on the side of a road in regional NSW has sparked concern about what was behind the bizarre scene.2 hours agoUpdatedCourts‘Devil will be in the detail’: Labor under pressure to unmask accused criminalsOpen justice advocates say Victoria’s suppression order scheme needs a major overhaul, after Premier Ben Carroll vowed to block convicted rapists from hiding their identities.OpinionABCA billionaire targeted a young comedian, and the ABC should have had her backIt’s always OK to try to prick hugely inflated egos and status bubbles. We should always be about decapitating tall poppies.Jenna PriceColumnistAnalysisVideo gamesWhy Grand Theft Auto’s Netflix deal is creating controversyEager players will get their first look at the blockbuster game early on August 28. There’s just one catch.Tim BiggsTrump's White HouseTrump’s vaccine order adds more fuel to the anti-vaccine fireThe US president’s executive order calling for scaling back the number of vaccinations American children receive may not have any legal power, but it normalises misinformation about vaccines.AFL 2026How this Chinese footballer fended off racism in the days of the White Australia policyExclusiveMental health‘Takeover by bureaucrats’: Senior clinicians flee Victoria’s flagship youth mental health providerOpinionPolitical leadershipI’m hyper-alert to misogyny and sexism, but even this from the PM had me cacklingKate HalfpennyRegular columnistAdvertisement2 hours agoVictoria - you’ve let yourself go2 hours agoEducators on the line in proposed Zoos Victoria job cuts2 hours agoExclusiveKids’ mental health unit shut as staff investigated for use of force2 hours agoLabor blasted for restricting prisoner rights after gangland boss’s court victoryFrom our partnersLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentPremiumSubscribeToday’s PaperGood Food GuideDaily PuzzlesshortsLoadingAdvertisementVote on 20 ways we could improve Melbourne‘We need to densify’: Why the 15-minute city could be the key to Melbourne’s housing crisisCarlos Moreno, the 15-minute city pioneer, believes the idea will make Melbourne more liveable.What is Melbourne’s ‘secret sauce’? Former New York mayor’s challenge to our growing cityBill de Blasio and the creator of the 15-minute city concept, Carlos Moreno, will headline a group of world leaders and local experts discussing Melbourne’s future.Victorian ParliamentBen Carroll pauses contentious WFH laws until after electionVictoria’s new premier says the decision to push back the legislation is part of Labor’s “reset with the business community”. But the new timing casts doubt over its implementation.UpdatedCourts‘Devil will be in the detail’: Labor under pressure to unmask accused criminalsOpen justice advocates say Victoria’s suppression order scheme needs a major overhaul, after Premier Ben Carroll vowed to block convicted rapists from hiding their identities.ExclusiveCity life‘A king’s ransom’: Victoria is paying up to 11 times more than other cities for NFLIt’s the newest, sparkliest gem in Victoria’s major events crown, but the state paid substantially higher figures than what was paid for matches to be held in Germany and Brazil.EducationTeachers offered $2000 sign-on bonus as Labor fights to stop third strikeThe latest pay offer is the first from the new education minister who has been tasked with striking a deal before more stop work action.UpdatedWeatherTyres completely shredded: Motorists stranded for hours after falling victim to massive potholesA man has died and a woman is in hospital after a tree crushed their car in Victoria’s High Country after a deluge of rain and wild weather hit the state. domain'That’s a great price': The Block 2026 price guides revealedLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentdomainMelbourne emerges as Australia's strongest auction marketdrive‘Thought this was a parody’: Mum’s Kia Carnival makeover goes viralGeelong concedes concussion ‘waiver’ flaw but says it consulted with AFLThe two teams with a sneaky chance to snatch a wildcardThe countdown is on ahead of the AFL finals. We explore the best and worst-case scenarios for all the contenders.AnalysisWhy the AFL has booted men’s footy from its most lucrative timeslotThursday night AFL has become one of the most valuable pieces of sporting content on Australian television, regularly attracting audiences of around one million across Seven’s platforms this season.Sam McClureUpdatedProperty pricesRBA keeps rates on hold as big bank warns of 15% property price slumpThe RBA decision came after ANZ warned that property prices could slump by almost 15 per cent over this year and next.AnalysisPolitical leadershipAlbanese’s attempts to talk to everyone bear bitter fruit when he goes off scriptJames MassolaBird fluAustralia to give bird flu vaccines to native species most at riskOnline gamblingAlbanese, Taylor hammer out deals on gambling and tech, but ignore Howard’s last-ditch pleaAIMeta releases new AI model as Zuckerberg writes 6500-word essay on the futureFacebook’s owner introduced a new, downloadable AI model that can run on a personal computer, along with a lengthy manifesto by its chief executive.Strategy consultingExecutive exodus continues at KPMG as partners decide chairman’s fateOpinionSharemarketElon Musk’s SpaceX dream has failed to deliver for thousands of puntersElizabeth KnightBusiness columnistOpinionFederal ReserveObsessed: Trump is up to his old tricks againStephen BartholomeuszSenior business columnistUpdatedTrump diplomacyTrump left Turkey on secret third plane after Iran assassination threat: reportThe White House said the president was aboard Air Force One as he left the NATO summit. Instead, his departure included an elaborate ruse and a “decoy” plane that concealed his travel.CrimeShock footage shows Australian bashed in Fijian jailHeatwaveGermany’s Rhine may ‘split in two’ as new heatwave roasts EuropeUpdatedEarthquakesDozens dead, more trapped after powerful quake shakes ColombiaAdvertisementHughesy made my suburb famous and it hasn’t felt the same sincePhil NobleContributorTehran is enjoying Trump’s humiliation too much to offer him an easy way outPeter HartcherPolitical and international editorThe $242b construction boom threatening Australia’s housing targetEhsan NoroozinejadSenior researcherRight-wing populism thrives on political hypocrisy — Australia’s middle is supplying plentySean KellyColumnistGot a news tip?Share information with our journalists securely and confidentially. Learn moreAdvertisementVictoria residential propertyHouse from The Block finally sells after $400,000 price cutContestants pocket any cash above the property’s reserve if it sells at auction, but the latest price guide was far less.AuctionsHome sellers’ stylish reno leads to $1.8m payday despite weak marketThe vendors had renovated the four-bedroom house, which attracted three active bidders at auction and sold above its reserve.AuctionsHistoric Melbourne home fails to sell at auction, snapped up after for $3.3mAuctionsFirst home buyers nab $917,500 inner-north semi at auctionVictoria residential propertyThe Melbourne suburbs where home buyers can find the biggest discountsReviewThornburyIt’s a miracle to find this kind of home-style Mexican cooking on High StreetMasterChefMasterChef winner Vinnie is a proud Melburnian. Here’s where he loves to eat and drinkRecipe collectionBest ofOur 26 top recipes of 2026 so far ... for stats nerds on census nightHealthy eatingThe dirt cheap vegetable that could help save your lifeExclusiveParentingApril wanted a ‘cheat code’ to stop mental illness that ran in her family from being passed on to her kids. This is what she was told to doAnxiety and depression in children and teens can start during their mother’s pregnancy, but new research now suggests they can also be prevented during that time.Mental health‘Not snowflakes’: Severe mental disorders surge among young peopleDementiaSix dementia symptoms that can show up years before a diagnosisSunday LifeSalt water at 5.40am: What does a dietitian make of this busy mum’s morning routine?Sunday LifeCOVID drove some relationships apart. For Budjerah, it brought him and his partner togetherCinemaWhat happened to all the sex in The Odyssey?This classics expert says the hit movie is missing critical elements.LiteratureFifty years of friendship: How I saw the world beside a poetry greatCourtsAfter 30 years, the man accused of orchestrating Tupac’s murder is on trial. Here’s what to knowTake 7Thomas Keneally told Matt Nable to keep writing, so he quit his jobExit InterviewAustralian TV‘I found it really hard’: Race Around the World winner on backlash to Kate McGuinness’ film★★★★Airline reviewsThis is the best business class seat across the Pacific (shame about the food)OpinionTravel tipsOf all the hotels I’ve stayed in around the world, this type is my favouriteOpinionSavvy travellerI ate my way across Spain and learned why messy floors are best★★★★Ship reviewsIf space is the true measure of cruising luxury, this is a winnerZeekr 7X breaks into Top 10 models as brand sets sales recordAFL star defender reveals ‘soft spot’ for huge US utesHow long does it take for a hybrid to pay its way?Loading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentLoading 3rd party ad contentstanFrom the makers of Bump, stream the new series The F-Ward now, only on Stan.stanStream the Stan Original documentary Revealed: Poster Boy - Becoming Zyzz now, only on Stan.AdvertisementAFL 2026AFL Commission hires independent lawyer to decide Cats’ sanctionAn independent lawyer will form a position on what AFL rules, if any, were broken by the Cats.Australian cricketAustralia confront Cameron Green question ahead of Darwin TestAfter six summers in a baggy green cap, Cameron Green is yet to fully capitalise on his outrageous talent.AFL 2026How a director’s love of the speccy turned into a film about a Chinese football teamSections of Melbourne’s Chinese community embraced Australian rules football long before names such as Barassi, Jesaulenko and Silvagni became synonymous with the code.UpdatedAFL 2026Josh Fraser enters Carlton coaching race after stunning on-field turnaroundThe Blues have won 10 of their 12 games under Fraser since he took over as interim coach when Michael Voss departed back in May.SwimmingShe’s the world’s best female swimmer. And she wants Ariarne Titmus’ world recordSummer McIntosh already holds four individual world records. Now the Canadian superstar is targeting Titmus’ 200m freestyle mark at the Pan Pacs – and a place alongside Shane Gould in swimming history.ExclusiveCity lifeThe art of the deal: Victoria to pay millions more than host cities overseas to bring NFL to MelbourneIt’s the newest, sparkliest gem in Victoria’s major events crown. But is the state’s NFL deal a good get? Or have we been rolled?Matildas‘Not saying goodbye’: Matildas icon makes stunning reveal on her futureA legend of Australian soccer announces her next career move, at a time when history beckons for the club where she made her name.Why the AFL has booted men’s footy from its most lucrative timeslotThursday night AFL has become one of the most valuable pieces of sporting content on Australian television, regularly attracting audiences of around one million across Seven’s platforms this season.Sam McClureNRLTwo new cities join the race to host the 2028 NRL grand finalSoccer‘Not saying goodbye’: Matildas icon makes stunning reveal on her futureExclusiveNFLThe art of the deal: Victoria to pay millions more than host cities overseas to bring NFL to MelbourneBasketballThe secret Ben Simmons training session that has tongues waggingAFLKolodjashnij told me about his ‘tough conversations’. His case reveals much bigger issuesAFLEmails between Cats, AFL at the centre of club’s Kolodjashnij defenceCricketBowled out for 54 in their warm-up game, can Bangladesh avoid Test match humiliation?AFL‘Incompetent or deceitful’: Geelong Hall-of-Famer questions club’s concussion waiver1:37AFLLloyd weighs in on Cats' concussion sagaAdvertisementLoading