Make sense of the Victorian election with the state’s No. 1 editorial team, delivering the sharpest analysis and agenda-setting exclusives you won’t find anywhere else. Backed by the unmatched political reporting of national and state politics editors James Campbell and Shannon Deery, alongside heavyweight commentary from Andrew Bolt and Peta Credlin, get the best inside track on Victorian politics with the Herald Sun. Follow the latest here > bit.ly/3TIrFu8

The odds suggest Ben Carroll’s government is in line for heavy losses across key suburban battlegrounds, with One Nation tipped to claim several growth-corridor seats, as punters back the Coalition as the party most likely to take power. > bit.ly/4BngkRc

Mini brains grown from the cells of motor neurone disease patients and a promising eye drug that could be repurposed — these are just two of a record number of trials that could change Aussie patients’ lives as Fight MND announces its largest round of grants in history. > bit.ly/4zJLvom

Labor will today unveil its first major hospital pledge of the election, with Premier Ben Carroll promising $1.5bn to boost 12 existing emergency departments and cut wait times in a bid to claw back support from voters. > bit.ly/4spGAGE

Having the MotoGP ripped away is emotionally and financially devastating, Phillip Island locals say, as they pledge to “go out with a nice big bang”. Meanwhile, a racing legend reveals what made the island a great host – and why Adelaide “won’t” live up to its legacy > bit.ly/3TUY6WC

A home race hero, wild weather, big name celebrities and fans navigating nostalgia and sadness are set to pack Phillip Island one last time on Sunday to farewell the Australian MotoGP. > bit.ly/47BTTuc

A brave 12-year-old boy has made a “miracle” recovery after being dragged under a train, returning to school following 16 gruelling operations. Five months ago, Chris Saliba was on his way home from St Aloysius College when an ordinary afternoon turned into every parent’s worst nightmare. Standing on the platform at North Melbourne station, the year 7 student’s school bag caught on a moving train and pulled him down on to the track. He was dragged underneath the carriage for several terrifying metres, with his leg crushed by the impact. The quick-thinking actions of his friends, who hit the platform emergency button and called triple-0, helped save Chris’ life. > bit.ly/4yJNfx4

Former members of Little River Band have responded to claims of a row with John Farnham in a new documentary that alleges You’re The Voice singer thought he had to “carry” the chart-topping group himself. > bit.ly/47A0HbJ

Five months after his bag pulled him beneath a moving train at North Melbourne station, this year 7 student has made a “miracle” recovery and returned to school. > bit.ly/4yJNfx4

Former homicide detective Ron Iddles has lodged a lawsuit alleging his phones were tapped during an investigation into an alleged conspiracy to provide a false alibi for convicted double cop killer Jason Roberts. > bit.ly/4i5d8lS

Multiple people have been shot in a drive-by shooting at a boxing event near Brisbane, with witnesses describing a scene of chaos with “blood everywhere” > bit.ly/48cPRIN

Melbourne’s auction numbers have plunged 56 per cent, but interstate investors are already eyeing homes ahead of the state election > bit.ly/3UKuwmT

A Good Samaritan motorcyclist has shared wild helmet cam footage helping cops arrest a “crazy strong” motorist after an alleged rampage. VIDEO > bit.ly/4BpyotW

Huge crowds have crammed into the Phillip Island circuit as Victoria gets set to farewell the Australian MotoGP, with thousands of fans braving heavy traffic to experience a day of thrills and spills on the track > bit.ly/47BTTuc

Sacked Dees boss Paul Guerra has landed a new government gig as chair of the Melbourne Market Authority and while it’s understood the pay’s not in the same league as his AFL role, as Con the fruiterer would say, it maybe “doesn’t madda” > bit.ly/4if7KLL

Footy greats, sporting champions and fashion figures have led the VIP guest list at the Cox Plate as crowds braved threatening rain for a day of fun at Flemington Racecourse > bit.ly/4ilzn61

We hit the St Kilda foreshore to hear what people really think about the news stories of the week. From Premier Ben Carroll accidentally driving off without paying for petrol to the ideal age for kids to get smartphones. Plus, they share their favourite Victorian beach spots, the single word that sums up the state, and their biggest concerns for the local community. #melbourne #victoria #soapbox #opinion

Pakenham’s beloved Christmas carols has been given a lifeline by a popular theme park after a penny-pinching council axed the festive tradition > bit.ly/47ATDLW

Jon Bon Jovi reveals just how close he came to having to hang up the mic forever – plus, the joys of being a grandfather and landmark album Slippery When Wet turning 40 – as his band announces its first Australian shows in almost a decade > bit.ly/4z4IhMh

A charity the AFL hailed as a three-year partner has collapsed – and now the league wants its $300,000 donation back through the Federal Court > bit.ly/3Ud3JQ2