Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Few cartoon roosters have commanded a barnyard with as much bluster as Foghorn Leghorn. Since his first squawk in 1946, the towering white rooster has become a Looney Tunes mainstay—known as much for his booming voice as for his endlessly quotable lines. This article unpacks the character’s origins, his most famous sayings, and the supporting … Read more
There’s a reason climbers rank Mount Cook among the world’s most technically demanding peaks — and it’s not just the height. At 3,724 meters (12,218 ft), it’s New Zealand’s tallest mountain, but the steep ice and mixed climbing routes make it a different beast from Everest. Height: 3,724 m (12,218 ft) · Location: Aoraki Mount … Read more
You’ve probably typed a question into a chat window and gotten a surprisingly human-sounding answer back. That’s AI chat — software that uses large language models to generate text, answer questions, and assist with tasks. With the global AI chatbot market valued at $6.8 billion in 2023 (IBM Think), this guide breaks down how these … Read more
Few figures in Christian teaching are as frequently mentioned yet as misunderstood as the Holy Spirit. Is it an impersonal force, or a divine person? The Bible and historic creeds give a clear answer: the Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity, fully God, with distinct roles in creation, redemption, and the believer’s … Read more
Mount Kilimanjaro’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, rises 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above the Tanzanian savanna — yet every year, thousands of people with no prior climbing experience attempt to reach it. The real challenge isn’t ropes or ice axes; it’s altitude, and this guide uses verified data to help first-time trekkers separate myths from practical … Read more
If you’ve ever walked through Sydney’s entertainment districts, chances are you’ve stepped inside a venue owned by Justin Hemmes. The Australian businessman inherited the family hospitality group Merivale from his parents and turned it into a sprawling empire of pubs, restaurants and bars. Born: 27 August 1972 · Age: 52 (as of 2025) · Industry: … Read more
Few Australian media figures move between a university lecture hall, a prime‑time television desk, and a rehearsal room with a rock band as naturally as Waleed Aly. Over two decades he has built a career that blends journalism, academia, and law — all while being one of the most recognisable Muslim voices in the country. … Read more
Fans of Grey’s Anatomy and Euphoria were hit with sad news in early 2026 when Eric Dane passed away at 53 after a brief battle with ALS. The actor, known for playing Dr. Mark Sloan and Cal Jacobs, had been privately battling the disease for less than a year before his death. Born: November 9, 1972 · Died: February 19, 2026 … Read more
When you watch Harry McKay leap for a mark at the MCG, it’s easy to forget that the 200 cm key forward once doubted whether he’d make it onto an AFL list at all. Drafted by Carlton with pick 10 in 2015, McKay has since kicked nearly 300 goals and won a Coleman Medal — … Read more
Few people can say they spotted a fortune from the window of a small plane. Lang Hancock could. In 1952, while flying over Western Australia’s Pilbara region, he glimpsed iron‑ore formations that would become the country’s biggest export. This article details how that sighting built a billion‑dollar dynasty, made his daughter Australia’s richest person, and … Read more