Israeli forces land at former air-defence base near Syrian capital

Israeli forces land at former air-defence base near Syrian capital

Operation at site south of Damascus is deepest in Syrian territory since ousting of Bashar al-Assad last year Israeli forces touched down at a former air-defence base in southern Syria on Wednesday during a series of airstrikes in the area – their farthermost such operation inside Syria since Bashar al-Assad was ousted last December. The airbase, located near the city of al-Kiswah, about 6 miles (10km) south of Damascus, was previously a strategic base for Iranian militias during Assad’s rule. Continue reading...

‘Golden ticket’ to guns: police want Australia’s laws tightened to stem abuse of firearms licences

‘Golden ticket’ to guns: police want Australia’s laws tightened to stem abuse of firearms licences

Recreational hunting is considered a genuine reason for holding a gun licence – but authorities say the system is too easy to exploit Australia was once the gold standard for gun safety. Is it losing control? Read more from our investigation into gun control in Australia In a small courtroom in Lismore in northern New South Wales in June, a senior firearms registry official gave evidence of a disturbing gap in Australia’s gun control laws. The court was exploring the circumstances of a murder-suicide, in which a father, Wayne Smith, shot dead his 15-year-old son, Noah, before turning the gun on himself. Smith was licensed to own a firearm because he had told authorities he was going to use it for recreational hunting, one of a handful of genuine reasons used to possess guns across most jurisdictions. Continue reading...

The Reynolds v Higgins defamation ruling concludes a protracted legal battle. But when will the saga end?

The Reynolds v Higgins defamation ruling concludes a protracted legal battle. But when will the saga end?

More than six years after one of the most contested events in Australian political history, the legal fallout continues Get our breaking news email , free app or daily news podcast Two Liberal staffers entered Linda Reynolds’ ministerial suite in Parliament House in the early hours of 23 March 2019. That night and how those around them responded in the years after have become one of the most contested events in Australia’s political history. Continue reading...

‘It breaks the ice’: Suns AFL milestone finally drags Gold Coast out of sporting graveyard | Jack Snape

‘It breaks the ice’: Suns AFL milestone finally drags Gold Coast out of sporting graveyard | Jack Snape

After the Suns made it to finals for the first time, there is a belief locally that the Queensland city can move on and make its sporting mark Twelve hours after the Gold Coast Suns secured their first AFL finals berth, an unusual sight played out on the grounds at Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, just down the M1 from People First Stadium. The student-footballers in a programme that has produced more than 20 men’s and women’s AFL draftees were preparing for their club grand finals this weekend, and the coming climax to the Queensland schools competition. Ahead of AFL finals sign up for our free weekly newsletter Continue reading...

Looming crisis for NSW’s regional galleries averted with $15.4m in state arts funding

Looming crisis for NSW’s regional galleries averted with $15.4m in state arts funding

Labor announced on Thursday Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program will provide financial assistance for 62 organisations statewide Arts organisations and galleries across New South Wales have voiced their relief after the state government announced $15.4m funding over two years, allaying worries of a looming crisis for NSW’s regional galleries. Sixty-two arts organisations across NSW will receive $15.4m funding for the next two years through Create NSW’s Arts and Cultural Funding Program (ACFP), the state government announced on Thursday, with $7.5m going to 31 regional arts organisations, including 10 regional galleries. Continue reading...

Hailstones Fell without Rain by Natalia Figueroa Barroso review – a funny and tender debut

Hailstones Fell without Rain by Natalia Figueroa Barroso review – a funny and tender debut

This exuberant novel, set in western Sydney and Uruguay, celebrates matrilineal connection over three generations of one family Get our weekend culture and lifestyle email Graciela María Ferreira – or “Grachu” to her loved ones – is late with the rent again, and she needs the money now. Unfortunately, she’s spent her last dollars on a plush couch, and her landlord is waiting on her doorstep. Grachu isn’t always a believer, but today “she needs God to find her a new job”. So begins Hailstones Fell Without Rain – Natalia Figueroa Barroso’s debut, and the second published novel by a Uruguayan-Australian writer. Sign up for our rundown of must-reads, pop culture and tips for the weekend, every Saturday morning Hailstones Fell without Rain by Natalia Figueroa Barroso is out through UQP ($34.99) Continue reading...