Pandemic causes grim future for Sydney businesses | Win amazing experiences on the Sydney Science Trail | Tomato and cheese dumpling soup

Businesses across Sydney managed to reinvent themselves following the pandemic, but new research warns that many will not survive for much longer.

Sydney Science Trail is a free online quest jam-packed with interactive games, live-streamed talks, explosive science shows and virtual tours from world-class scientists. We were so excited to launch the Trail today on Breakfast with Kim McKay, director and CEO of the Australian Museum and Denise Ora, Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens Greater Sydney - you can listen back here.
Don't forget to join Wendy and Robbie on ABC Radio Sydney Breakfast every day from 17 - 21 August when we interview experts from the Trail to hear about all the exciting activities on offer and for a chance to win “money-can’t-buy” experiences.
Tune in to guess the daily secret sound and win the following prizes:

Following the devastating blast at the port in Beirut, Afternoon's James Valentine looks at how the Sydney Lebanese community is rallying support.
For those who would like to assist with cash donations there are several Australian and international organisations who are working to provide relief to the many people affected in Beirut. You can find the full list here.

The trucking of oversize loads along the Great Western Highway is expected to take several months but planners aim to keep traffic disruptions to a minimum.

There have been calls for government to fully fund private schools so that they're more equitable. Former NSW Education Minister Professor Adrian Piccoli tells Breakfast's Wendy and Robbie why, and explains that Australia has one of the most segregated education systems in the world.

There are few creatures more elusive than the platypus but a team of citizen scientists and researchers have recently uncovered evidence of their existence in surprising places on Sydney's northern fringe. Have you spotted any?

From knowing roughly how much your heater costs to run, to cheap ways to stop draughts, here are some options for staying warm in winter.

Do you adore music? What memories are conjured up listening to a favourite artist or song? Indira Naidoo on Nightlife explores how some pieces of music can last several lifetimes and even see us through difficult times.

Tomato soup is a great winter dinner and these irresistible cheese dumplings transform this recipe into a one-pot-meal, bringing the extra heartiness and warmth we all crave at this time of the year.