Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Features, explainers and long-form stories from across Australia.
Billy Kennedy was a household name for anyone who grew up watching Australian soaps in the 1990s. But Jesse Spencer, the actor who played him, didn’t stop there — he crossed the Pacific and became Dr. Robert Chase, one of the central figures on the medical drama House, a role he played for eight seasons. … Read more
When Bashar al-Assad, a dictator who ruled with an iron fist for 24 years, vanished in a matter of days, the world took notice. Within ten days, rebel forces swept from Idlib to Damascus, ending the Assad family’s 54-year grip on Syria. Born: 11 September 1965, Damascus, Syria · Presidency: 17 July 2000 – 8 … Read more
Most of us can name a doctor who changed a life, but how many can name one who changed the way an entire field sees the world? Fred Hollows was that kind of doctor — an ophthalmologist from New Zealand and Australia who treated avoidable blindness as an injustice, not just a medical condition. Fred … Read more
Every K-pop fan knows the feeling of discovering an idol’s pre-debut past — and Lee Know’s backstory is one of the most surprising. Before he became the sharp dancer and vocalist of Stray Kids, he spent 2017 as a backup dancer for BTS. Birth Name: Lee Min-ho · Stage Name: Lee Know · Date of … Read more
When Laura Tingle was named the ABC’s global affairs editor in May 2025, it marked another milestone in a career spanning four decades. Yet for many readers, the questions that follow her public appearances—a walking stick, a relationship with actor Sam Neill, a past marriage—are just as pressing as her professional coverage. This article sorts … Read more
You’ve probably seen her name pop up alongside buzzy headlines—Ozempic rumors, DWTS routines, and a reality show about Mormon wives. Whitney Leavitt’s public life is a mix of scripted drama and very real internet curiosity. This article separates the verified facts from the swirling speculation about her net worth, appearance, relationships, and what’s really going … Read more
Few MotoGP champions have walked away at the peak of their powers the way Casey Stoner did at just 27, with two world titles and 45 race wins. Stoner later revealed a chronic health condition that had quietly drained his energy and motivation, reshaping how we view his legacy and his life after racing. Born: … Read more
Few TV personalities are as instantly recognisable as Noel Fielding. With his surreal humour, distinctive fashion sense, and a career that spans cult comedy and prime‑time baking, he’s been a fixture on British screens for two decades. Recently, though, fans have been asking more personal questions about his health, family, and the behind‑the‑scenes dynamics on … Read more
Eden Sher brought the relentlessly optimistic Sue Heck to life for nine seasons on The Middle, earning a Critics’ Choice Award along the way. Offscreen, she’s built a family and a comedy career that keeps fans curious. Here are the verified facts and the gaps in what’s publicly known about her life, finances, and health. … Read more
Jarome Luai has become one of the NRL’s most talked-about figures following his contract moves from Penrith Panthers to Wests Tigers and now to the Papua New Guinea Chiefs. Here’s what we actually know about his contract, family, and career timeline, based on verified reporting. Full name: Jarome Luai · Date of birth: 16 January … Read more