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From Russian oligarchs to celebrity tell-alls, these are the books that won over the newsroom.

Your favourite journalists’ favourite books from the first half of 2026

You might know our journalists and editors through the stories they write, but what are they reading when they’re off the clock?

  • Melanie Kembrey

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Liberal MP Andrew Hastie has labelled One Nation leader Pauline Hanson “MAGA first”.

More Hastie, less need for Hanson

Andrew Hastie is the answer to redressing the Liberal Party’s possible extinction.

Western Sydney University campus, Parramatta.

‘Odd choices of words’: How an academic’s AI use was exposed by her peers

Western Sydney University has acknowledged that the opinion piece, published by this masthead, was AI-generated using the author’s previous work.

  • Harriet Alexander and Sally Rawsthorne
Emily Kowal, Riley Walter and Anthony Segaert have been nominated for the

Seven Herald reporters named finalists in Mid-Year Walkley Awards

Journalists covering crime, education, health, the arts and local government affairs were nominated, the highest number from any masthead in Australia.

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A tough way to make your point

You’ll need to give ’em some stick.

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A new breed of believers

Is Kristi Noem still looking for work?

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‘Queen of Australian investigative journalism’ has another crown

The Herald’s chief investigative reporter Kate McClymont has been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Sydney.

  • Bevan Shields
Best Young Novelists

Meet the trio crowned 2026’s Best Young Australian Novelists

As the prize for young writers marks a milestone anniversary, we introduce to this year’s winners.

  • Melanie Kembrey
GIF: Sydney gig guides.

Think there’s nothing on in Sydney? These Sydneysiders will change your mind

Community-led live lists are booming in popularity, so the Herald went to three shows with guide operators to see why they’re a growing new front.

  • Kayla Olaya and Audrey Richardson
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The vegan vermin road toll

While DJs discover the shoe’s on the other foot.