Independent Australian news and analysis across politics, business, technology, world affairs and culture
Catherine Roy Anyone who’s followed British politics over the past decade has seen Angela Rayner move from the backbenches to the heart of government. This piece separates what’s officially documented about her parliamentary career and government roles from the gaps where official information simply doesn’t exist. Born: 28 March 1980 · UK Parliament Member since: 7 May … Read more
When a beloved voice suddenly goes silent, the questions start piling up. For millions of fans, Céline Dion’s withdrawal from the stage in 2022 sparked a mix of worry and hope, but now a 2026 comeback announcement offers clarity. Global record sales: Over 200 million · Grammy Awards: 5 · Diagnosis year: 2022 · Stiff-person … Read more
Mickey Rooney lived a life of extreme highs and lows: from childhood vaudeville to becoming America’s top box-office star, then through eight marriages, financial ruin, and a post-death burial dispute. Here is the fact-checked story of his career, marriages, money, and the fight over his final resting place. Birth name Ninnian Joseph Yule Jr. Born … Read more
There’s something exciting about discovering a new face in a major adaptation—someone you’ve never seen before, stepping into a beloved character. For viewers of Prime Video’s We Were Liars, that face is Shubham Maheshwari, who plays Gat Patil, an unknown who landed the role with no prior TV credits and rapidly rose to leading man. … Read more
Anyone who scrolls through Quinn Finite’s TikTok feed quickly notices the numbers: 1.1 million followers, 21.1 million likes, and a steady stream of comedy skits and conversational clips. The profile looks undeniably popular, but the person behind it remains surprisingly hard to pin down. Reported birth date: July 10, 1998 · Birthplace: Canada · Reported … Read more
Few Bollywood actors have a public persona as layered as Emraan Hashmi’s. Known for his on-screen kisses and a family name that connects him to Alia Bhatt, he’s also faced personal tragedy and religious scrutiny. This article explores how his family ties, his son’s cancer battle, and his career choices shape his identity beyond the … Read more
Few Australian entertainers have worn as many hats as Rhonda Burchmore – singer, stage star, film actress, and cabaret icon. But beyond the spotlight, fans often wonder about the personal details: her real name, her family, and what she’s up to now. Here’s a fact-checked look at the most-asked questions about her life and career. … Read more
Lisa Millar has spent three decades in Australian journalism, from rural Queensland newspapers to the anchor desk of ABC News Breakfast. Along the way she’s become one of the country’s most recognisable TV faces, hosting beloved series like Back Roads and Muster Dogs. But lately, it’s her personal life that’s been drawing the most curiosity, … Read more
A kid from Vietnam who stole scenes as Short Round and Data, then vanished from Hollywood for nearly three decades. Then, out of nowhere, he returns in a movie about multiverses and tax audits — and walks away with an Oscar. Ke Huy Quan’s story is equal parts Hollywood fable and real-world lesson in resilience, … Read more
Few bands from the 1990s ska-punk scene managed to cross over into global pop stardom quite like No Doubt. With their infectious blend of ska, punk, and pop, and fronted by the unmistakable Gwen Stefani, they became a household name. Now, after a long hiatus, the band is gearing up for a major return to … Read more