Hawking. Keating. And maybe Natalie Portman: New books this month

August 31, 2026 · The Age

Messara and Bullock primed to dominate with big showing at Scone
The successful trainer-jockey combination will attempt to win half the card at Tuesday’s meeting in the Upper Hunter.
‘The homes we build twice’: Repair bill for climate disasters climbing faster than inflation
In 2025 alone, declared catastrophes damaged 145,392 homes nationwide - almost as many as the 172,657 new homes complete
Pacific summit in chaos over 'suspicious' last-minute boycotts
A wave of last-minute leader walkouts is overshadowing Anthony Albanese’s arrival in Palau.
Nord Stream bombings put Ukraine’s ties with Germany under pressure
The blasts strain ties with Ukraine and have exposed the risks of relying on Russian gas, analysts say.
Democrats Have a Trump Card for Attacks On Wokeness
The party that capitulated to Trump has the most to answer for