Sydney Morning Herald Digest
Daily News • Wednesday, 28 January 2026
Dokic’s passionate plea to cut Gauff some slack
Jelena Dokic has implored Australian tennis fans to cut Coco Gauff some slack for her racquet smashing display on Tuesday night.
‘Nobody is safe’: What Xi’s purges say about his control over China’s military
The purging of China’s top general Zhang Youxia has cranked up the rumour mill, but experts say his downfall may be the case of a military leader who became too powerful.
Book Reviews
What’s good, what’s bad, and what’s in between in literature this year? Here we review the latest titles.
Australia news LIVE: MP Colin Boyce to move spill motion for National Party leadership; Liberal senator says the West has ‘probably been too nice’ about Islam
Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates from Australia and beyond.
Melbourne school pays $7.1 million to buy house next door
The five-bedroom residence has a three-level tower and a swimming pool and once featured on TV crime drama Underbelly.
A young girl was abducted and police named a suspect fast. Too fast for some
The abduction of Karmein Chan in 1991 changed Melbourne forever. Veteran crime reporter John Silvester talks to the police officer who was first on the scene, and first to question the “Mr Cruel” theory.
The moment that showed the difference between de Minaur and the world No.1
Carlos Alcaraz plays with the freedom of someone who is already a champion, while Alex de Minaur has to play like someone who wants to become one. These were the moments that led to heartbreak for the Australian.
Nicole Kidman and Sunday Rose mean business at Paris Fashion Week
Nicole Kidman swaps Sydney curls for straight-talking style at the haute couture shows as Sunday Rose continues her modelling streak.
Littleproud to face leadership challenge from rogue MP
“The National party is committing political suicide by removing itself from the Coalition,” MP Colin Boyce said in issuing the challenge.
Aurum snags more high-grade gold in West Africa
Aurum Resources has delivered more high-grade gold hits at its Boundiali project in Côte d’Ivoire, extending mineralisation at depth ahead of a near-term resource update.
Australian Open 2026 LIVE updates: Swiatek, Anisimova, Djokovic, Sinner in star-studded quarters; Aussies in doubles quarters, semis action
Follow live as we bring you all the action from day 11 of the year’s first grand slam.
A Facebook comment caused a student to fail her subject. Now she’s in Supreme Court
A nursing student asked a Facebook group for a question about an exam she had already taken. Then she was accused of cheating.
Data centres are popping up all over Sydney. But what impact do they have on our suburbs?
At their peak, data centes would demand four times as much power as all of Sydney’s residential dwellings.
Israeli president visit confirmed, sparking expectations of mass protests
Israeli President Isaac Herzog will depart for Australia on February 8 for a five-day trip to meet with senior Australian politicians and survivors of the Bondi Beach massacre.
The new home care for older Australians and what families need to know
Early conversations and the right support make ageing at home easier.
Daylesford driver who killed five ordered to appear at inquest
The driver who crashed into diners outside a Daylesford pub during a medical episode will be compelled to testify at an inquest after trying to avoid it.
Gauff meltdown triggers calls for ‘panic rooms’
Tennis greats have called for the introduction of camera-free ‘panic rooms’ in the wake of Coco Gauff’s meltdown following her quarter-final loss.
Miners, energy giants boost ASX; $A breaks US70¢ as it hits three-year high
Australian shares opened ahead on the back of a positive lead from Wall Street as the Australian dollar adds to a recent surge.
WA news LIVE: Identity of Invasion Day rally ‘bombmaker’ to be kept secret
Follow our live coverage here.
Aryna Sabalenka’s dazzling Australian Open jewellery
Jelena Dokic dares to try on Aryna Sabalenka’s watch, part of her dazzling Australian Open jewellery