Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Few movie sequels arrive with as much baggage as Gladiator II. Ridley Scott returns after 24 years, and with a 75% Rotten Tomatoes critic score, this article breaks down what critics and audiences are saying, where the controversy lies, and whether this sequel holds up. Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75% (as of December 2024) · Release … Read more
There’s something about a Pakistan vs Sri Lanka T20 match that rarely goes according to script — rain delays, record chases, and heart-stopping finishes. The latest chapter in this rivalry, a Super Eight clash on 28 February 2026, delivered all three: Pakistan posted a mammoth 212/8, held Sri Lanka to 207/6, and still got eliminated … Read more
Imagine you’ve found the perfect new home in Ireland, but the deposit you’ve saved covers only 10% of the price — and the bank’s mortgage offer still leaves a gap worth tens of thousands of euros. That’s exactly the hole the First Home Scheme (FHS) was designed to plug: a government-backed shared equity programme that … Read more
There’s a spot on the Western Australian coast where the Indian Ocean meets the Capel River, creating a beach that’s equal parts calm swimming spot and emerging real estate opportunity. That’s Peppermint Grove Beach—known to locals as Peppy Beach—and it’s drawing more than just weekend swimmers these days. Beach Color: White sand · Water Clarity: … Read more
You’ve probably heard a running buddy rave about the Novablast. The fifth version arrived with a lighter build and softer foam, and it quickly became one of the most talked-about shoes of early 2025. But then Ironman banned it, which left a lot of runners wondering: is this the best daily trainer money can buy, … Read more
When Meta launched the Quest 3S at $299.99, it gave budget-minded VR fans a chance to experience next-gen mixed reality without the premium price of the Quest 3. But with a $200 gap between the two headsets, the trade-offs are real. Price (128GB): $299.99 · Resolution per eye: 1832 x 1920 pixels · Processor: Snapdragon … Read more
Few VR upgrades feel as straightforward as the choice between Meta’s Quest 3S and Quest 3. Both headsets share the same brain — the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chip — but diverge sharply on display technology and price. This guide unpacks the real differences so you can decide whether the 3S’s lower cost makes sense … Read more
If you’re planning your year around Western Australia’s long weekends, you’ve got 10 public holidays to work with in 2025 — the exact same number as last year, but with a quiet twist. Two brand-new WA public holidays have been legislated and will kick in from 2026, making 2025 a bridge year before the state … Read more
Anyone who’s ever spent twenty minutes coaxing volume into fine strands knows the struggle. For women over 60, the goal isn’t just a good hair day—it’s a cut that looks fantastic with minimal effort. This guide walks through the most effective low maintenance hairstyles, backed by stylist advice and dermatological insights. Women over 60 experiencing … Read more
If you’ve searched for Harvey Norman Midland, you’ve probably landed on a page that leaves more questions than answers. The truth is, there are two very different entities sharing that name — one is a fully stocked store in Australia, the other a near-empty placeholder on the Irish site. Store page URL: https://www.harveynorman.ie/midland/ · Headquarters: … Read more