‘Surrounded by loved ones’ | Michael Leunig, the cartoonist who drew for the Age for more than 50 years, has died aged 79, his studio announced, after spending his final days “surrounded by his children, loved ones, and sunflowers” and listening to Bach and Beethoven.

Bird flu threat | Most pregnant women who contract bird flu will die, according to an Australian review of infections that found most unborn babies with the virus also die. Human cases tend to be mild but it comes as researchers have warned about the threat from the virus to zoo animals across the world.

‘Silent epidemic’ | Nineteen readers have told us about their experience of taking and withdrawing from antidepressants. Their stories reveal evidence of a “silent epidemic”, bringing urgent calls for reform.

‘It would deflate our world’ | The impact of NDIS cuts are highlighted by the story of a Gold Coast teenager who communicates with friends and family through music but would lose her weekly sessions if a review finds her therapy is not suitable for funding.

Deadlock breaker | The Olympic breakdancerRachael “Raygun” Gunn has “come to an agreement” with a comedian who wanted to tour a show based on her performance at the Paris Olympic Games.

‘Shame can change sides’ | Dominique Pelicot has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his then wife, Gisèle, and his 50 accomplices were also found guilty of charges including rape, attempted rape and attempted assault. Pelicot’s conviction makes him one of the worst sex offenders in history, and he now faces further investigation over the rape and murder of a Paris estate agent. Speaking outside court, Gisèle Pelicot, who has become a hero for dropping her right to anonymity, was cheered by a crowd of supporters and said she was thinking of other victims who “share the same battle”. Her courage was also recognised by politicians across France.

‘President Musk’ | Bernie Sanders has criticised “President Elon Musk” over the billionaire’s efforts to derail a bipartisan spending deal that would keep the government running for three months.

Putin performs | Vladimir Putin says the war in Ukraine had made Russia “much stronger” as he held a year-end media conference and television call-in seeking to project confidence at home and abroad.

Pardon for asking | Joe Biden is reportedly considering issuing blanket pardons for leading critics of Donald Trump amid concern they could face legal retribution from the incoming president. But how could he do it?

Language barrier | A ticket inspector’s bilingual greeting to a Flemish train passenger has created a political war of words – and an official complaint – in language-divided Belgium.

Cricket | Australia and India can both take positives from the drawn third Test in Brisbane but the sudden retirement of Ravi Ashwin leaves a surprising gap in the tourists’ squad.

A-league Men | David Squires casts his cartoonist’s eye over the A-League’s comings and goings, and reimagines each as a classic Christmas film.

Football | Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side face Manchester United in the final Carabao Cup quarter-final this morning.

Sydney | The new Parramatta light rail service will open.

Politics | Victorian Liberals will hold a party room meeting at 9am.

Courts | There will be a post-trial mention for a couple charged with the murder of Amber Haigh.

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