VIC News

Stars respondPink lashes out at ‘privileged’ online trolls

Pink has hit out at internet haters who slammed her for sledging the “All Lives Matter” movement, as a “deeply saddened” Michael Jordan calls for change and Aussie stars condemn death of George Floyd.

Staff writers, Reuters

important adviceWhy you should be wary about claiming membership on tax

Some AFL clubs are alerting footy fans they can claim tax deductions on their club membership payments in a sneaky workaround, but tax experts have issued strong advice to anyone considering this “rort”.

MICHAEL WARNER

Fuel costsWhere to find cheap fuel before long weekend price hike

Motorists are being urged to fill up their fuel tanks now amid warnings prices could spike just as drivers hit the road for the long weekend. Here’s where you can still snag a deal.

Karen Collier

HOMEBUYERS GRANTWho will be eligible for home renovation scheme

Victorians had their tongues wagging at the prospect of receiving money to renovate or build new homes — but there’s a major catch on which projects will actually be eligible for the $20,000 grants.

Tamsin Rose and Josh Fagan

labor aideAndrews staffer’s links to China sparks concerns

A Labor staffer who has links to the Chinese Communist Party and posted her controversial views on the coronavirus crisis to social media is now working in Daniel Andrews’ electorate office.

Shannon Deery and Tom Minear

bikie returnsEx-Comanchero boss returns to Australia

After miraculously surviving a targeted car-bomb attack in Greece former Comanchero MC boss Jay Malkoun has quietly returned to Australia.

Mark Buttler

Online anticsShock truth behind toxic Instagram comments revealed

Social media’s near-constant commentary has long been one of its standout — and at times destructive — components. But now, new research has shown the surprising full extent of its impact.

Susie O'Brien and Christina Karras

InvestigationCancer-causing chemicals found at Melbourne childcare

Toxic soil will be stripped from a Melbourne childcare centre after testing found a cancer-causing chemical in its playground. Three other childcare centres are now being reviewed amid fears they could also be contaminated.

Alex White

Photo specialIs this the most shocking George Floyd race riot photo?

Police have shown their full force against violent protesters in some US states, others have shown solidarity. But one photo has stunned onlookers.

Staff writers

At largeCode of silence helps Maghnie’s killer evade capture

The shooter who gunned down gangland figure Nabil Maghnie remains at large four months after the murder. And those who were injured in the same attack are refusing to help find the killer.

Mark Buttler

Wesley CollegeElite school reopens country campus after lockdown

The annual return of city teens to country Clune may signal a return to some normality, but locals are taking no chances when it comes to keeping them away from the town’s large elderly population. Here’s how.

Claire Heaney

TravelTop doc’s surprise cruise verdict

The doctor sent to contain the coronavirus outbreaks on the Ruby Princess, the Diamond Princess and the Grand Princess has revealed why he’d have no issues taking a holiday on a cruise.

Sue Dunlevy

Traffic alertCracked drain causes huge sinkhole on Collins St

Robot cameras have been used to determine what caused a 3m-deep sinkhole to open up on Collins St overnight. The ritzy shopping strip will remain shut while repair works get underway. See the pictures.

Jack Paynter

Sad newsMelbourne fashion world mourns designer

A beloved quiet achiever of the Melbourne fashion scene has tragically died at the age of 49, following a private three-year battle against a rare illness.

Kim Wilson

Band togetherHeartfelt plea to save Victoria’s music scene

Much-loved live music venues like the Northcote Social Club and Howler are pleading for the industry to be thrown a lifeline to save it from the brink of collapse. Here’s how you can help.

Alanah Frost

CourtJudge-only criminal trial to cope with virus fallout

Victoria will hold its first judge-only criminal trial to help cope with the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic, after hundreds of accused were left in limbo.

Genevieve Alison

ExclusiveThe window that holds key to camper mystery

The search for missing campers Carol Clay and Russell Hill continues as police narrow down the time frame in which the pair disappeared, with one detective revealing what he thinks happened in that 18-hour window.

MARK BUTTLER

HealthBreast screenings keep cancer costs in check

Women who have regular breast cancer screenings have been found to have less out of pocket expenses if diagnosed with the disease, new research has found.

Alannah Frost

US riotsFloyd’s brother begs looters: ‘What are y’all doing?’

George Floyd’s brother has made a desperate plea for rioters to stop, after NBA great Dennis Rodman lashed their actions saying they are not “f**king animals”.

Sarah Blake, Merryn Johns, AP

Home grownThe man to blame for Australia’s rabbit infestation

Englishman Thomas Austin hoped to make his block of Australian wilderness more like his homeland when he released 12 breeding pairs of rabbits onto his sprawling estate near Geelong. What he’d really unleashed was an ecological disaster.

Mitchell Toy

WATER PARKNew $5 million park for Yarra River’s north bank

A neglected part of the Yarra River’s north bank is to get a new park as part of a $500 million redevelopment with a maritime theme. Here’s how it will look once complete.

John Masanauskas

CBD deathTradie’s accused killer dragged screaming out of court

An accused murderer has wept and been dragged screaming from a courtroom by security guards as he was charged with the stabbing death of young tradie Liam Cahill in a CBD high-rise on the weekend.

Genevieve Alison

Crush hourThe giant flaw in Melbourne’s train timetable

As Melburnians slowly stagger back to their city offices, serious concerns have been raised about how users will be able to social distance during peak-hour periods. But experts say there is a way to keep commuters safe.

Kieran Rooney

Latest updatesFloyd family’s anger leads to second autopsy

The US police chief who fired four officers over George Floyd’s death has made a stunning admission about their conduct, as the dead black man’s family is getting their own independent autopsy. WARNING: Graphic

Sarah Blake in New York, staff reporters