The June 1 Edition
When it comes to multiple child deaths, we humans find it difficult not to suspect mal-intent. We saw it in Tim Elliott’s recent story about Kathleen Folbigg, who served 20 years in jail for the death of her four infant children before her convictions were quashed last year. And we see it again in today’s cover story by Michael Bachelard, Nick McKenzie and Ruby Schwartz, which revisits the case of Robert Farquharson, who drove his car into a Victorian dam on Father’s Day, 2005, with his three boys inside. Farquharson is currently serving a 33-year sentence for their murders. As trauma psychologist Rob Gordon notes, with this kind of case, the accused “have no alternative but to prove their innocence” – because thinking such deaths are the result of sheer bad luck is beyond pretty much all of us. Should it be beyond a court of law, though? That’s one of the concerns raised by a growing band of scientists, who question the soundness of the Farquharson convictions. The investigation continues tomorrow night on Nine’s 60 Minutes, and on a new The Age/The Sydney Morning Herald podcast, Trial By Water. – Editor, Katrina Strickland.
Investigation
Trial by Water
‘I’ve just killed me kids’: His story never changed. But the science has
He was jailed for an unthinkable crime. Now there are questions about Robert Farquharson’s guilt.
- by Michael Bachelard, Nick McKenzie, Ruby Schwartz and The Visual Stories Team
Private jets, Ibiza villas and $9000 wines: An epic art fraudster tells all
Inigo Philbrick went to jail for the largest art swindle in US history. But he isn’t losing too much sleep over what he did.
- by Laura Pullman
Trump’s appetite for upheaval is as American as apple pie
Another Trump presidency might feature scenes of disunity and political violence. But that’s always been the American way.
- by Nick Bryant
Two of Us
Two of Us
‘Who’s going to be my mummy now?’: Enter aunt Winnie
Bank manager Winnie Dunn and her namesake author niece are as close as any mother and daughter could be – and just as disputatious.
- by Nicole Abadee
Dicey Topics
For subscribers
‘Patty’s not allowed to remarry’: Harriet Dyer’s imaginary from-the-grave command
The 35-year-old actor and screenwriter on unusual sex ed, how she’d like to die – and Taylor Swift.
- by Benjamin Law
Modern Guru
Modern Guru
Can I stop my friend’s husband from making snide comments?
Love is mysterious, writes our Modern Guru, with the finest people often attracted to … others.
- by Danny Katz
In-joke
On a night out, Noah and Eleanor ran into Ivy, Noah’s ex. After some initial awkwardness, the two women got on famously. Noah barely got a word in. A week later, Eleanor said she was meeting Ivy for a drink. “My Ivy?” he said. Though he could watch whatever he wanted, Noah watched the door all that evening. Eleanor returned in high spirits. As she brushed her teeth, he caught her eyeing him sideways in the bathroom mirror, and giggling. “What’s so funny?” he asked. “Oh, just something Ivy said,” she answered, as if that would put his mind at ease.
The Test: a case study on the pros and cons of authorised sporting docos
Plus: get ready for the weekend with these fresh diversions.
- by Louise Rugendyke, Melanie Kembrey, Barry Divola, Jonathan Seidler and Frances Mocnik
Morning Glory breakfast loaf
The hefty, healthy apple, pecan, carrot and raisin muffins never go out of style, says Helen Goh. Here she adapts her recipe into a loaf cake.
- by Helen Goh
Carne cruda (Italian beef tartare) with fennel, rocket and parmigiano reggiano
The Italian answer to French beef tartare, dressed in freshly pressed olive oil.
- by Danielle Alvarez
Review
Good Weekend
Fish and chips get fancy at this new neighbourhood wine bar by the beach
It’s not the easiest time to open a restaurant, but is this corner bistro a good Omen?
- by Dani Valent
Review
Good Weekend
This relaxed shack’s fish sandwich is worth the eight-hour drive from Sydney
The Northern Rivers has plenty of great restaurants, but delicious lunch spots where you can wear thongs are harder to find.
- by Callan Boys
A bunch of grapes: Why some single-region wines now use fruit from different places
With a finite supply of fruit in historic regions, winemakers may need to look elsewhere for complementary grapes.
- by Huon Hooke