Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Catherine Roy Few movie images are as instantly recognized as Gene Kelly swinging around a lamppost in the rain. That iconic moment from Singin’ in the Rain cemented his place in Hollywood history, but behind the tap shoes and infectious grin was a complex man with layered relationships. Born: August 23, 1912, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania · Died: February … Read more
Few NBA careers have followed a path quite like Zach LaVine’s: from high-flying dunk contest champion to max-contract cornerstone to trade asset — all before his 30th birthday. On February 2, 2025, the Chicago Bulls sent LaVine to the Sacramento Kings in a three-team deal that also moved De’Aaron Fox to the San Antonio Spurs, … Read more
When a man who had spent nearly three decades quietly selling fruit in Sydney became the focal point of Australia’s worst terrorist attack in years, the question echoing from Bondi to Hyderabad was a simple one: how did this happen without anyone noticing? In May 2026, ABC’s Background Briefing revealed that Sajid Akram had maintained … Read more
You probably know her as the fearless street racer from Fast & Furious or the badass pilot in Avatar. But behind the on-screen action, Michelle Rodriguez has lived a personal life full of deliberate choices — and a fair share of rumors. Age: 46 (born July 12, 1978) · Net worth: $25 million (estimated) · … Read more
Few music stories carry the weight of both triumph and tragedy quite like Bobby Brown’s. The New Jack Swing pioneer soared in the late 1980s with Don’t Be Cruel, but his later years have been defined by heartbreak, legal battles, and health struggles. This article unpacks the key chapters after Whitney Houston’s death — from … Read more
Climbing Kilimanjaro is the world’s most accessible high-altitude trek, yet its extreme altitude makes it a serious physical challenge. With non-technical climbing routes but a summit at 5,895 meters, the mountain draws tens of thousands of beginners every year—and sends back about 65% to the top. It covers how tough it really is, what the … Read more
When the New York Knicks acquired OG Anunoby in December 2023, they didn’t just get a lockdown defender—they brought on a player whose personal story adds depth to every stop on the court. Born in London to Nigerian parents, Anunoby lost his mother in high school and his father in 2020, yet channeled that hardship … Read more
Alicia Keys has spent decades redefining what it means to be a pop star and a pianist. She moves from hushed ballads to defiant anthems while staying unmistakably herself, earning 15 Grammy Awards and millions of album sales along the way. Full Name: Alicia Augello Cook · Born: January 25, 1981 (age 43) · Genres: … Read more
The difference between a good shoe and a great one often comes down to what you put inside it. But the terminology—insoles, inserts, orthotics—can trip you up faster than a loose footbed. This guide cuts through the jargon to show you what works, what doesn’t, and how to match an insert to your actual foot—using … Read more
There’s a special kind of magic in a performance that says more with silence than most actors can with pages of dialogue. James Cromwell’s portrayal of Farmer Hoggett in Babe is exactly that—a role with only 36 spoken words that earned him an Academy Award nomination and launched a second career as one of Hollywood’s … Read more