Karen Tong
Karen Tong is a journalist for ABC News based in Sydney. Follow her on Twitter @karenhtong.
Latest by Karen Tong
The rise and fall of Hillsong – and what it means for the Pentecostal church movement in Australia
The downfall of Hillsong – one of Australia's biggest exports after iron ore and the Hemsworth brothers – has led to serious soul-searching.
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NASA has declared the US is in a new space race with China. How close is it?
China Tonight / By Karen Tong
China has made giant leaps in space exploration and technology over the past year – and NASA is worried.
What's it like inside the Canberra bubble? Six first-time politicians spill the tea on the ABC's new social-first show
By Karen Tong
From forging unexpected friendships to spending their first parliamentary pay cheque, six federal parliament newbies share their experiences with the ABC's new social-first show that uncovers the realities of life inside the Canberra bubble.
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Should I ditch my private health insurance?
Thinking about taking up private health insurance — or giving it up? Here are some things to consider.
'We deserve a seat at the table': But is that what the Voice is? Three young, Aboriginal women share their views
Three young, Aboriginal women share their views on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament – but don't expect them to fall neatly into Yes or No camps.
As Succession draws to a close, let's look at who is in prime position to take over from patriarch Logan Roy
Kendall, Shiv, Roman – or Tom? Here's a look at the key players vying for the top spot at Waystar Royco as the final season of Succession begins.
How men with muscle dysmorphia are turning to extreme dieting, exercise and steroids for the 'ideal male physique'
James planned to do one cycle of steroids. But people started complimenting his muscles and physique – so he kept going.
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Are chatbots good or evil? ChatGPT users broke the program and created a monster named DAN
What do you get when you jailbreak ChatGPT? DAN, a chatbot who is willing to answer all your questions — even unethical ones.
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Key figures from the Voice 'Yes' and 'No' campaigns explain the state of play
Former minister for Indigenous Australians and 'Yes' campaigner Ken Wyatt and senior 'No' campaign leader Warren Mundine discuss key issues on the Voice referendum.
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'I was considering my options after a break-up': Why Chantel decided to freeze her eggs
"They're well educated, professional jobs, earning good incomes – and single." Meet the Australian women who are freezing their eggs.
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What do Aboriginal Australians think about the Voice to Parliament?
The Drum / By Karen Tong
First Nations people hold a wide range of views when it comes to the Voice to Parliament – but dissent doesn't necessarily mean division.
Selling something online? Beware fake buyers and their 'overpayment' scam
The Drum / By Karen Tong
Links to fake Australia Post websites and requests for overpayment refunds are just some of the scams to look out for when selling things on the internet.
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How Dr Google can help you navigate healthcare – but be aware of the risks
The Drum / By Karen Tong
Martin Ingle used the internet to self-diagnose his obsessive-compulsive disorder – he found the right therapist online too. But there are risks when it comes to using Dr Google.
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An aged care resident, worker and CEO respond to the 15pc pay rise for the sector
The Drum / By Karen Tong
Aged care workers are set for a 15 per cent wage rise, but who gets it, and will it be enough to keep people in the industry?
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Midnights: Taylor Swift has dropped her new album, here's what you need to know
By Karen Tong
Here's everything you didn't know you needed to know about Taylor Swift's new album, Midnights.
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'Power and control': What 'Xi Jinping Thought' is all about
China Tonight / By Karen Tong
Chinese President Xi Jinping is likely to start a historic third term — and further elevate his ideology in Chinese law and society.
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President Xi has his eye on China's faithful
China Tonight / By Karen Tong
China is a communist and atheist state but religious belief and practice continue under the watchful eye of President Xi Jinping and the Party.
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Optus isn't the only company that needs to revisit its data security system
The Drum / By Karen Tong
The Optus data breach "should strike fear in the hearts of all directors and senior managers" in Australia, says Governance Institute of Australia chief Megan Motto.
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Eddie Betts planned to step away from footy – but his love of the game reeled him back
One Plus One / By Karen Tong
Retired AFL legend Eddie Betts has played 350 AFL games and kicked 640 goals – but he's not done yet. He may even win his first premiership after returning to the game as assistant coach for the Geelong Cats.
Haven't heard of the Emmy winners? These are the ones to watch
By Karen Tong
It's time to renew your subscriptions to all the streaming services and binge-watch these Emmy winners and nominees.
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The one number that might spell doom for Anthony Albanese's polling
The Drum / By Karen Tong
The honeymoon period for Australian prime ministers is 94 days, according to a leading political science expert — which means that Anthony Albanese's popularity bubble is set to burst.
Is a major global food shortage inevitable?
The Drum / By Karen Tong
Ukraine feeds 400 million people, science writer and the author Julian Cribb says, and the war with Russia is exacerbating an already alarming global food crisis.
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Forgotten what day it is again? You're not alone
The Drum / By Karen Tong
Navigating life in a COVID-normal world is stressful — which may be why we're still experiencing memory problems and lockdown brain fog.
What impact will interest rate rises have on renters?
The Drum / By David Taylor and Karen Tong
Cameron's lease expires at the end of August. If he can't secure a rental in time, he'll have to move his wife and four children into his parents' home.
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How relevant is Twitter to most people?
The Drum / By Karen Tong
There are more than 1.3 billion Twitter accounts, but only 192 million of them are daily active users – so who is Elon Musk buying Twitter for?