Explainers
Explainer
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
‘From the inside’: How an Israel ground offensive in Gaza could unfold
An Israeli general is urging troops to be ready for a ground assault into Gaza. What would an incursion involve for both sides?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham
Latest
Explainer
Drugs in sport
How does the AFL’s illicit drug policy work?
Under the AFL’s illicit drugs policy, Melbourne’s Joel Smith would record a first strike, receive a suspended fine and counselling. But here’s what happens under the league’s anti-doping code.
- by Peter Ryan and Jon Pierik
It’s one of the most densely populated strips on Earth. These maps show the crisis facing Gaza
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza as Israel prepares for the next stage of the conflict with Hamas. This is how things stand.
- by Explainer reporter Jackson Graham and the Visual Stories Team
Explainer
Illness
‘Like an electric shock’: Why shingles is the ultimate nerve pain
It hides in the body then suddenly erupts. It can return; symptoms can linger. Who gets shingles? And what’s the new vaccine?
- by Liam Mannix
Explainer
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
The Gaza Strip explained: A brief history
Once a trading hub, Gaza has been controlled by various powers in the past century. Who lives there now? And what is the history of the Gaza Strip?
- by Jackson Graham, Angus Holland and Matt Wade
Explainer
Israeli-Palestinian conflict
What is the Iron Dome? And why didn’t Israeli intelligence see these attacks coming?
Israel has sophisticated defence networks that include one of the world’s strongest militaries and a renowned intelligence service. How did Hamas breach them?
- by Angus Holland, Matt Wade and Jackson Graham
Explainer
Nuclear energy
Is nuclear energy feasible in Australia (and how much would it cost)?
Debate has erupted over nuclear energy’s role in Australia’s shift from fossil fuels. Could it work? And why is it so controversial?
- by Mike Foley
Explainer
Death
Georgie was haunted by her husband’s death. But his autopsy will help their family
Thousands of autopsies are performed every year in Australia. Who has one, and what can they reveal?
- by Jackson Graham
Explainer
Draft
Free agents, pick swaps, salary dumps: What does AFL trade jargon mean?
What do you call a free agent who isn’t actually free? What is a salary dump? And will pick purchasing become a feature in the AFL?
- by Daniel Cherny and Peter Ryan
Explainer
Daylight saving
It’s nearly time to put clocks forward an hour. Where did daylight saving come from?
An insect expert first suggested daylight saving in 1895. Since then, it has caught on across the world but remains contentious. What effect does it have on us?
- by Rachael Houlihan and Anthony Segaert
Explainer
Petrol prices
What makes the price of petrol go up and down?
Most of the prehistoric gloop known as crude oil makes a long journey to Australian pumps. What affects how much we pay for it?
- by Angus Holland and Jackson Graham