Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Catherine Roy If you grew up watching Australian television in the 80s and 90s, Jana Wendt was a fixture — the journalist who could hold a world leader’s gaze without flinching. But in 2006, she quietly stepped away from the screen. Now, nearly two decades later, she’s back in the conversation with a debut fiction collection and … Read more
Katie Piper survived a horrific acid attack in 2008 and built a career as an activist, author, and television presenter, earning an OBE for her work with burn survivors. This article traces her journey from that March day in London to the charity foundation she built, her family life with husband Richard Sutton, and the … Read more
You’ve probably seen his videos pop up on your feed: quick, catchy cooking clips that end with a cheerful “Hey Babe!” But behind the username Andy Cooks is a real person with a surprising story. Andy Hearnden, a trained chef from New Zealand, went from running restaurant kitchens to building one of the biggest online … Read more
There’s something about slipping into a fresh pair of denim shorts that feels like summer officially starting, and in Ireland the hunt for the perfect pair often starts at Penneys. This guide breaks down the best denim shorts for women available in Ireland right now, from affordable Penneys finds to premium picks at Marks & … Read more
Few NRL players have balanced club loyalty with career wanderings quite like Dane Gagai. The 300-plus-game veteran has worn four different club jerseys, yet his Indigenous and Māori heritage has kept him grounded through every move, including a surprise 2027 Broncos deal. Full name: Dane Gagai · Date of birth: 3 January 1991 · Position: … Read more
Few British actors have managed to juggle writing, comedy, and music quite like Mathew Baynton — though he’d hate to make a fuss about it. Over the past decade, he’s co-created beloved series like Ghosts (Wikipedia) and The Wrong Mans, and appeared in the 2023 film Wonka (Wikipedia). Here’s a look at the man behind … Read more
Kane Cornes swapped 300 AFL games for a fire hose before becoming one of Australia’s most forthright footy commentators. How did he build this dual career? Born: 5 January 1983 · Height: 183 cm · Weight: 78 kg · AFL Games Played: 300 · All-Australian Selections: 4 · Current Role: Sports Journalist and Commentator at … Read more
When James Van Der Beek first shared his colorectal cancer diagnosis in late 2024, it was a moment that resonated with millions who grew up watching him on Dawson’s Creek. Just over a year later, the actor died at age 48, leaving behind a wife and six children, and a body of confirmed facts about … Read more
It took Rio Ngumoha just one dramatic appearance to write his name into Liverpool’s history books. At 16 years and 361 days, the academy forward scored a 100th-minute winner against Newcastle United, becoming the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer. His sudden rise has sparked curiosity about his family background, his playing style, and what his international future … Read more
There’s something about Wilmer Valderrama that keeps audiences curious. From his early days as the lovable foreign exchange student Fez on That ’70s Show to his current role as Special Agent Nick Torres on NCIS, he has built a career spanning over two decades. But it’s not just his acting that draws attention — his … Read more