The May 3 Edition

Almost three months ago, Australia’s national security picture took a dark, symbolic turn. Three Chinese warships conducted live-fire drills deep in the Tasman Sea, forcing nearly 50 commercial flights to divert. There was nothing illegal about the drills, but the message was crystal clear: China’s navy, now the world’s largest, has formidable reach far beyond the South China Sea. In the wake of Donald Trump’s “America First” policy, his demonstrated disrespect for traditional allies, and his launching of a spectacularly stupid tariff war against China, the timing was no coincidence. Trump’s victory has not just emboldened China – it’s allowed it to win. One man who has borne witness to China’s growing might is freedom fighter Ted Hui, who was in the front row of protests in Hong Kong against the mainland’s ultimately successful campaign to crush democracy. Hui’s nail-biting escape from Hong Kong, and his arrival in Australia, is detailed in Eryk Bagshaw’s gripping cover story this week. – Greg Callaghan, acting editor.

14 stories

Ted Hui: “There’s value in staying in prison. It’s a moral call. But not everyone had to do it. People can be outside shouting, we have some value as well.”

For subscribers

He evaded Beijing’s clutches. But this Adelaide lawyer is still a wanted man

A fake climate conference, friends in far-flung places … a pro-democracy activist reveals the story of his dramatic escape from Hong Kong.

May 3, 2025
by Eryk Bagshaw

For subscribers

‘A massive adrenaline rush’: From Aussie rules to US college stardom

Prized for their long-range kicking skills, Australian footballers are taking a punt on sporting glory in America.

May 2, 2025
by Sarah Smiles Persinger

For subscribers

‘He feels as trapped as the chickens’: How an activist teamed up with the ‘enemy’

What happened when the activist and the chicken factory-farmer joined forces? They exposed the lies behind the ‘humane’ treatment of shed-reared chooks.

May 3, 2025
by Rutger Bregman

For subscribers

When it comes to grieving an old friend, there is no rule book

Familiar rituals can strike the wrong chord when saying goodbye to a significant other who’s not a spouse, a lover or a family member.

May 2, 2025
by Ian Cuthbertson

Two of Us

‘We’ll be tested’: Fran’s 110km-a-day sprint across Australia

Fran Hurndall is running from Perth to Sydney to raise money for victims of domestic violence, with her partner Natalie Gidas by her side.

May 1, 2025
by Tim Elliott

“There’s a therapeutic value I get from sitting back and listening to something that I’ve penned.”

Dicey Topics

For subscribers

Angus Stone: ‘I just wanted to have a beer and write music’

The award-winning singer-songwriter on his composing rule, his superpower and where he goes instead of church.

April 30, 2025
by Benjamin Law

Modern Guru

For subscribers

Schoolkids won’t give up their bus seats. I’m not standing for it

Yes, things have changed, writes our Modern Guru: blame spineless modern parenting.

May 3, 2025
by Danny Katz

Heart attack

Peggy popped in with her father’s shopping and found him in bed, cadaverously still. Her stomach dropped. “Dad?” she said, and god, the relief when he opened his eyes! “Sweetheart,” he croaked before reading her face. “Don’t worry. Not dead yet. Not until the Tigers win another premiership!” Chuckling, he tapped the bed. She kicked off her shoes and lay into his shoulder like she used to. “You gave me a heart attack,” she whispered. As he absently trailed his fingers on her arm, she lay her head against his withered chest and leaked silent tears over his threadbare T-shirt. – Words by Paul Connolly. Illustration by Jim Pavlidis.