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Explainers

'First time in 167 years': Hospital chain flags shock split from major health insurer

St Vincent's is planning to end its contract with private health insurer nib after negotiations for renewal broke down.  
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A graphic showing a St Vincent's hospital and nib logos side by side, separated by ripped paper

Voting is open in the UK election. This is why we can't really tell you about it

Voting in the UK's general election began on Thursday as a media blackout descended across the country and silenced its political hopefuls. 
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A woman holds a document as walks on pavement past signs saying "polling station".

The voices of Judy Garland and James Dean are being used in a new AI app. The move could end up hurting other actors

The voices of the dead Hollywood stars are being unveiled in a new AI app to be used as text readers. Here's what we know.
A collage of Judy Garland in Wizard of Oz and James Dean in Rebel with a Cause

A coal mine fire has been burning for five days in central Queensland. There is only one way to put it out

A Queensland underground coal mine is on fire up to half a kilometre below ground. Remote control technology is helping in an around-the-clock race to seal the mine and avoid further explosions.
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Remote control dozers are helping seal the burning Grosvenor Coal Mine.

Yes, you can claim a tax deduction for a bag — as long as you follow these rules

Handbags, backpacks and other work bags may be tax deductible providing they comply with some rather strict rules.
A stylish woman in a beige coat and jeans holds a large black handbag.

We asked MCoBeauty to explain how they dupe cosmetics. They gave us a step-by-step guide

Australian cosmetics giant MCoBeauty has attracted global attention for its strikingly similar beauty dupes, but the company has kept the details of its product development process out of the spotlight — until now.
A number of beauty products placed on a vibrant pink display stand.

There's an uneasy quiet looming over Pride in the US. More than 500 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills could be to blame

One LGBTQIA+ Missourian says living in the US state — where 39 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills are currently in progress — means having "your humanity litigated day-after-day".
A pride flag before Capitol HIll

For the first time in its history, the UK's biggest music festival has two female headliners

Glastonbury is the biggest festival in the UK, attracting the equivalent of more than two MCGs' worth of people. Here's what's made headlines so far.
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A woman in a black and white top holds a microphone with her arms out.

K-pop group Seventeen is rivalling with Taylor Swift and making history in the UK. Here's why they're so popular

A confusingly named Korean pop band you might never even have heard of had the biggest-selling album in the world last year and is about to play at Glastonbury.
The members of Seventeen pose for a photo wearing preppy outfits.

What is nuclear energy and how does it work?

Nuclear power is in the headlines a lot right now. So we ask energy experts to break down exactly what it is.
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Four nuclear power station chimneys emit steam

Here are five quick facts about why US record companies are suing AI song-generators

The use of artificial intelligence is on the rise but some of the biggest record companies in the world believe AI is marching to the beat of its own drum.
An AI-generated image of a robot wearing headphones and playing a keyboard in a music studio, with speakers behind it

Who is Julian Assange and what exactly did he do?

Julian Assange has been convicted under the US Espionage Act, with his guilty plea enabling him to come home to Australia. Here's a recap of the situation to get you up to speed.
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A close-up photo of Julian Assange's face as he walks into court in a suit.

No notes, no props and microphones that can be muted: What to know ahead of today's debate

Joe Biden and Donald Trump are preparing to share a stage for the first time in four years — and some longstanding traditions have been upended for the first debate of the 2024 election race.
A composite image of Donald Trump and Joe Biden standing at microphones at podiums and gesturing with their hands.

Assange was convicted of only one charge. Here's the exact wording of it

The WikiLeaks founder was originally facing 18 charges, but he's only been convicted of one. Here's what we know about it. 
An imposing modern courthouse in a picturesque setting, with the ocean in the background.

What was Julian Assange actually charged with?

The news of the WikiLeaks founder's freedom appears to be the end of a saga that goes back to 2010. Here's a recap of the last 14 years to get you up to speed.
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Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks (Reuters: Valentin Flauraud)

Why are some politicians abandoning their career and six-figure salary in favour of the private sector?

WA politicians have recently been promised a pay rise to bring them in line with other states and territories, but some say it's not enough for an "unstable, unforgiving job".
WA Parliament question time wide

Here's what we know about Australia's move to restrict sale of vapes from next week

The Commonwealth government's "world-leading" vape ban is expected to come into effect next week, but sudden changes mean they will be easier to buy in October.
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a woman holds a vape as she blows smoke out of her mouth while walking outdoors

When can I lodge my tax return? Here's the cut-off date to avoid a fine from the ATO

About 14 million Australians will be prepping their tax returns over the coming weeks and months come July 1. Here's what you need to know. 
A person at a desk with a calculator and lots of receipts in their hand

The grocery code of conduct overhaul could mean good things for suppliers. What about Aussies at the check-out?

Consumers might not feel the effects of a mandatory grocery conduct overhaul, a peak consumer policy body says. 
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Close up of shopping trolley in supermarket aisle

Australia has some of the strictest gun laws in the world, but how do they differ from state to state?

Australia is known for strict gun laws implemented after the Port Arthur massacre in 1996, but states and territories still have different ways of treating gun ownership. Here's a guide.
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Firearms displayed, gun amnesty, weapons generic image.

How do I fight a rental increase from my landlord?

If you're renting, you'll know that rental increases are a fact of life. But you do have options if you think your landlord (or their agent) is asking for too much.
A woman with a green top sits at a desk with paperwork and phone, her hair is over her face and hand on the side of head.

Why Hezbollah is threatening this tiny European country

The island nation of Cyprus has been drawn into simmering tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah after it was warned not to provide assistance to the Israeli military. 
A soldier dressed in camoflague gear holding a gun marches next to an orange sign showing a map of Cyprus

Renters welcome proposed Tasmanian pet-friendly legislation, but landlord group warns it's a 'mistake'

Sarah says most tenants understand the responsibilities of keeping a pet in a rental property — but a new push to give tenants greater rights in Tasmania will meet pushback by landlords, one real estate industry insider says. Here is what is being proposed.
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Woman playing with a black dog.

What you need to know about the NSW bird flu outbreak

A strain of high pathogenicity avian influenza was detected on a poultry farm in the Hawkesbury this week, as other subtypes of bird flu have made its way across the country.
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A chicken stares into the camera with more chickens and their movable shed in the background.

Curious about menstrual cups? Here's what you need to know

Some people who menstruate are interested in making the switch to menstrual cups or discs, but say they don't know enough about reusable period products to confidently do so.
close up of hand holding a menstrual cup