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Opinion

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President Joe Biden.

Biden must step aside

That the most powerful person on the planet continues to be in place despite the history, signs and symptoms pointing to the presence of brain disease, impaired cognition, capacity and the syndrome of dementia should be of concern.

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Thursday night at the Wentworth Park greyhound racetrack.

Urine samples, soft-serves and an empty grandstand: A night out at the greyhound track

A horror week of headlines for the greyhound racing industry didn’t deter regular punters from watching the dogs on Thursday. We thought we’d go along.

  • by Anthony Segaert
Housing development

Exposing councils with slow DA approval histories will spur reform

The publication of a name and shame list of NSW councils dragging their heels on processing development applications should spur reform.

  • The Herald's View
Cody Walker sets up Bradman Best for a debut Origin try last year.

The Blues game plan produced Origin carnage. Here’s how Queensland combat it

NSW nailed 40 perfect minutes of Origin football in Melbourne. Can they reproduce it for an entire 80 minutes in Brisbane?

  • by Dan Walsh

Double, double toil and trouble: Can England, Blues and Rory shake off their curses?

The fascination is gruesome, morally dubious but endlessly fascinating. You keep watching, but are you cheering for the competitors or for the curse?

  • by Malcolm Knox
Property baron

Why the cookie-cutter can’t solve Sydney’s housing crisis

Creating templated homes will degrade the suburbs further and leave councils and communities furious.

  • by Tone Wheeler
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Prince Charles attempts to breakdance in 1985.

Breakdancing Charles was cooler than Prince William will ever be

Sure, William dances to Shake It Off and rides an electric scooter around Windsor Castle, but nothing will rival his father’s valiant attempt to breakdance in 1985.

  • by Kate Halfpenny
Opinion
Renewables

Renewables v nuclear: the facts point to one clear winner

Australia’s huge natural advantage of best-in-world solar and wind make renewables the clearly superior option. So why the debate?

  • by Rod Sims
 Alphonse Mucha
Opinion
Review

When was the last time a soap ad gave you spiritual pleasure?

Alphonse Mucha made the bold claim that his posters turned the street in “open-air art exhibitions”.

  • by John McDonald
If the ultimate decision to let you go came as a surprise or simply wasn’t explained well, it’s not surprising that it would still occupy your thoughts - conscious and unconscious - years later.

Did getting fired give me work-related PTSD?

If the ultimate decision to let you go came as a surprise, it’s not surprising that it would still occupy your thoughts years later.

  • by Jonathan Rivett
Where does all that tax money go?

Forget smaller government, let’s shoot for better government

Randomised controlled trials aren’t just for medicine and pharmaceuticals – they can also help put our taxes to better use in properly evaluated government programs.

  • by Ross Gittins

Brace for impact Australia, we’re about to be Trumped again

Given Joe Biden’s plight, it seems increasingly likely that Donald Trump will again become US President in November – and Australian leaders will have to scramble to adjust.

  • by David Crowe
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Opinion
Column 8

Positively glowing policy

And a champion take on genealogy.

Carly Sophia recently went on Hinge and had no matches, and then got a flood once she’d paid for a subscription.
Opinion
Dating

Dating apps are sheer hell. But I’m not ready to go ‘boy sober’, either

It takes every ounce of mental strength to not believe I am destined to end up with a man who thinks “doing” countries is a personality trait.

  • by Carly Sophia
Dutton’s Brexit

Nuclear versus renewables row is all about winning power

Although it is crucial that Australia demonstrates to the world that it will achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, the nuclear versus renewables debate is largely about winning elections.

Manuel Graeber was sacked in November.

The asylum backdoor system for international students should be closed

The rise in the number of international students who enter Australia under the guise of studying but then apply for asylum suggests redemption for some, a rort for others.

  • The Herald's View
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Sam Walker and the Roosters celebrate a try.
Opinion
NRL 2024

Why Sam Walker is the new Alfie Langer, and the next Maroons No.7

His dad played with Alfie Langer and, until now, there hasn’t been a player so similar to the little genius.

  • by Andrew Johns
Artwork: Monique Westermann

Identity politics has the power to be meaningful. If only we stopped making it an incoherent mess

Since the resignation of Senator Fatima Payman, fretting about identity politics has become a renewed national sport. Now it’s the frame through which all political actions must pass.

  • by Waleed Aly
Growing divide:

How can Australians be so wealthy yet still be poor?

The average Australian’s wealth grew by about 10 per cent last year but the gap between the “haves” and the “have-nots” is growing.

  • by Elizabeth Knight
A series of stable measures of the job market are all pointing in the same direction.

The crude piece of career advice I think about all the time

Next time you find yourself in a difficult situation at work, this admittedly crude advice might just help.

  • by Tim Duggan
The list of challenges facing Xi Jinping and China is growing.

The US is losing patience with China

A senior US official has taken aim at China, saying “more creative approaches may be necessary” to protect the global economy.

  • by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Kane Cornes says Adem Yze is being too soft on his players.
Opinion
AFL 2024

Cheerleader or coach? Adem Yze has a decision to make

The Richmond coach needs to stop being Mr Nice Guy if he is to get the best out of his players.

  • by Kane Cornes
Emmanuel Macron’s standing among the French public is at a new low.

Respect for Macron falls to new low among French public

Emmanuel Macron was once France’s young and charismatic president who embodied hope. He is now widely despised, considered narcissistic and disconnected.

  • by Rob Harris
George Clooney, Joe Biden, Julia Roberts and Barack Obama at the June fundraiser.

I love Joe Biden. But we need a new nominee

I saw Biden three weeks ago at my fundraiser for him. It’s devastating to say it, but he’s not the same man he was and he won’t win the election.

  • by George Clooney
Jessica Hull and Faith Kipyegon
Opinion
Paris 2024

‘She said I was marvellous’: Why world record breaker congratulated Aussie rival

Jessica Hull set an Australian record in the 1500m final of Sunday’s Diamond League meeting – but was still beaten by track legend Faith Kipyegon.

  • by Peter FitzSimons
Illustration: Dionne Gain
Opinion
Energy

Energy policy is becoming Australia’s own Brexit, and proving just as intractable

If the Coalition isn’t making up the policy as it’s going along, then it’s doing a Vegas-level impression of a political outfit that is.

  • by Shaun Carney
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I’m attending my 50-year school reunion. This is what I’m expecting it to teach me

Yes, we get fatter, thinner, greyer, wrinklier and either balder or hairier or both, but I bet my old classmates remain essentially the individuals I remember.

  • by Jane Caro
Alex de Minaur’s reaction was muted after advancing to the quarter-finals because of a hip injury.
Analysis
Wimbledon

He’s no Lleyton-lite: Why a sore hip won’t halt the Demon’s rise

A hip injury robbed Alex de Minaur of his chance to play Novak Djokovic on Wimbledon’s centre court in the biggest match of his life, but his legitimacy as a player cannot be taken away.

  • by Marc McGowan
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Opinion
Column 8

A high calibre town

Better than living in oblivion.

I even get angry at people like me, people who are grumpy all the time.

The world is a bin fire, so why am I angry at a sink?

There is a lot to be furious about in the world right now, in the face of it all we are frustratingly impotent. We need targets for our anger, and we find them, everywhere.

  • by Kerri Sackville
Greyhound

State-sanctioned cruelty to greyhounds needs to stop

The fate of dogs in the racing industry reminds us yet again that this routine cruelty is morally unsustainable.

Mike Baird in 2016.

Why NSW Labor will not take the same road on greyhounds as Baird

Former premier Mike Baird stunned the industry when he banned greyhound racing. Labor watched on and will not follow his lead despite more damning revelations.

  • by Alexandra Smith
Greyhounds
SMH editorial
Greyhound racing

The greyhound racing industry has run its course

The NSW greyhound industry was unable to reform itself when it was given a second chance eight years ago. It has now been exposed for further failing to meet community expectations of how to treat animals.

  • by The Herald's View
Anjali Sharma with Senator David Pocock.

In 2022, I left court in tears. Standing in parliament felt like deja vu

Protecting current and future young Australians from the impacts of climate change is all we ask from our politicians. But still, they refuse to safeguard us.

  • by Anjali Sharma
g

Sliding Doors moment: Will Demon limp out or step up against Djokovic?

Alex de Minaur has spoken about sliding being a key strategy for him on grass rather than something to avoid. But the rewards of such a tactic come with risks.

  • by Craig O'Shannessy
US President Joe Biden’s poor showing during the debate created uncertainty.
Opinion
Investing

Why markets are fretting less about this US election

Elections make for nervous sharemarkets. But this time it’s different for one reason.

  • by Elizabeth Knight
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Anthony Albanese and Jim Chalmers.
Opinion
Bills

Stop fishing for red herrings and start fixing the problems

There’s an urgent need to lessen the cost-of-living crisis, provide more homes and drive investment. Playing the blame game is not helping anyone.

  • by Bran Black
Jeff Bezos is not happy about companies being targeted for not paying their fair share of tax.
Opinion
Retail

Amazon’s radical plan to fight off Shein and Temu

Amazon looks worried that it can’t beat the two Chinese juggernauts of low-priced online retailing. So it’s decided to join them.

  • by Stephen Bartholomeusz
Tim Beresford, the chief executive of the Australian Financial Security Authority, there is a lot of misunderstanding by the public of how bankruptcy works
Analysis
Insolvency

New reforms welcomed after significant jump in bankruptcies

A likely reason for the spike, apart from higher interest rates, is the ATO’s resumption of collection of outstanding taxes after a pause during COVID.

  • by John Collett
Financial perfectionism often inhibits people from taking the actions and risks that would lead them to financial success more efficiently.

How do I avoid my kids being taxed at 66%?

Children are taxed at a much higher rate than adults, but this won’t apply to their own earnings.

  • by Noel Whittaker
It’s becoming harder and harder for first homebuyers to get a loan.

Why first-time buyers are finding it harder to get a mortgage

More first home buyers are struggling to get their mortgage applications over the line with lenders.

  • by John Collett
Teal MPs Allegra Spender (left) and Monique Ryan.

There are no ‘safe’ seats any more, and here’s why that’s good news

More power for crossbenchers at the federal level could be a good way to break the big-party logjam. It couldn’t could be worse than what we’ve got.

  • by Ross Gittins
To get loan help over the line explain how you intend to turn your circumstances around and understand that nothing – ever – is free

Sydney mayor’s brazen attempt to annex half an LGA

Despite the severe housing crisis, Sydney councils are spending an inordinate amount of time and energy plotting mergers and demergers they can’t afford.

  • by Michael Koziol
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Opinion
Column 8

The beer-ocratic movement is brewing

Where there are votes on tap.

Telstra CEO Vicki Brady: “As we propose specific changes, we will talk them through with our teams”.

Telstra must get pricing pain right to prevent a customer revolt

Realistically, Telstra was always going to re-price this year, so customers should have been waiting for that shoe to drop.

  • by Elizabeth Knight
Dane Gagai and Selwyn Cobbo
Analysis
NRL 2024

‘Point to prove’: Why returning stars’ traits may signal Maroons’ game plan

A Maroons champion feared his Origin days were over, but his selection could speak to how Queensland intend to counter their rivals in the decider.

  • by Nick Wright
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Alex de Minaur has lost just one set on his way to the quarters.
Analysis
Wimbledon

‘I’m a different player’: How de Minaur can take down Djokovic

The biggest match of Alex de Minaur’s career has arrived as he prepares to face the great Novak Djokovic in a last-eight clash at Wimbledon. Both players are dealing with physical issues, but the numbers from this year’s Wimbledon suggest the Serb will be tough to beat.

  • by Marc McGowan
Zoya Patel and her son.
Opinion
Parenting

As the child of immigrants, I feel a loss for experiences my son will never have

I knew my partner and I were on the same page about raising children, but I didn’t anticipate the impossibility of giving my son full access to my culture and the opportunity to embrace his heritage.

  • by Zoya Patel
There is very strong competition for selective school places.

Local high schools should be supported as well as selective ones

While some parents will always want to send their children to an independent school the possibilities if all other students attended their local high school are amazing. The local school’s NAPLAN results would be better. All students would live locally, rather than having to travel to a school out of their area.

Alex de Minaur beat Arthur Fils in the fourth round at Wimbledon but had to survive a small injury scare towards the end of the match.
Analysis
Wimbledon

‘A few painkillers will help’: Hip injury could dent one of de Minaur’s biggest weapons

Australia’s Alex de Minaur pulled off a stunning victory against Arthur Fils, and now faces grand slam great Novak Djokovic in a quarter-final that will be the biggest match of his life.

  • by Marc McGowan and Marnie Vinall