Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Few figures from early Christianity have traveled as strange a cultural journey as Saint Sebastian — a Roman soldier turned martyr, whose image has been reclaimed as a symbol of queer resilience. Shot with arrows on the orders of Emperor Diocletian, he survived his first execution, only to be clubbed to death. Birth year: c. … Read more
Figuring out what you’re entitled to as a single parent in Ireland can feel like a maze of forms and acronyms, but the support available – from the One-Parent Family Payment to Parent’s Benefit – is designed to help you balance work and family. Here’s a clear breakdown of the 2026 rates, eligibility rules, and … Read more
Miranda Richardson has spent over four decades disappearing into characters so completely that audiences forget they are watching the same performer. From the venomous Rita Skeeter in Harry Potter to Queen Elizabeth I in Blackadder and the wonderfully eccentric Madame Tracy in Good Omens, she has built a career that prizes the work over the … Read more
For many music fans, the tragedy that struck Lynyrd Skynyrd on a Mississippi night in 1977 is as famous as the band’s anthems. The plane crash that killed three members, including lead singer Ronnie Van Zant, didn’t just end a tour — it reshaped the band’s identity for decades. Fatalities in plane crash: 3 (Ronnie … Read more
Few phrases carry as much weight as “waking up”—whether you’re groggily opening your eyes at 3 a.m. or tapping a meditation app to quiet your mind. Around 1 in 3 adults report early waking, according to NHLBI estimates, and the English language holds over 300 synonyms for the act. Adults reporting early waking: 1 in 3 … Read more
Few Australian comedy duos have left a mark quite like Gina Riley and Jane Turner. This article cuts through the rumours with verified facts about Riley’s quiet life after fame, the enduring bond with her creative partner, and the numbers that define her decades-long career. Age (as of 2025): 63 years (born 6 May 1961) … Read more
Few rock stars have maintained a personal life as compelling as their public persona, but Mick Jagger has done exactly that for six decades. The Rolling Stones frontman, who underwent heart valve replacement surgery in 2019 and returned to the stage within two months, has also built a sprawling family of eight children and a … Read more
Matthew Broderick’s 1987 car crash in Northern Ireland, which killed two women, remains a defining chapter in his life despite his legal acquittal and continued fame. This article traces the accident, his ties to Ireland, and the personal aftermath. Born: March 21, 1962, New York City · Spouse: Sarah Jessica Parker (m. 1997) · Children: … Read more
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, has seen his public role shrink to zero since 2019. But even now, as King Charles III reshapes the monarchy, the question of what happens to Andrew next remains oddly unsettled. This article pieces together the legal settlements, financial arrangements, and family dynamics that define his current status and … Read more
If you’ve heard the name Maya Jama and wondered who she is or why she seems to be everywhere right now, you’re in good company. She’s the British broadcaster who went from bedroom YouTube videos to hosting one of the UK’s biggest reality shows, Love Island, with a career built on genuine charisma and hard … Read more