Morning everyone. Less than two weeks after leaving Syrian camps, three women returning home to Australia with their families are in detention again today after being arrested by police when they landed last night. One will face court today for allegedly joining Islamic State, while charges are imminent for the other two.
An Australian drink named Methanol Moonshine has been labelled “deeply insulting” to the memories of the Laos mass poisoning victims, while a global race is under way to trace passengers who left the hantavirus-hit cruise ship. Plus, Donald Trump had to shelve Project Freedom after the Saudis refused to help, and is Britain ready for Chemist Warehouse?
Australia
Vigils for Kumanjayi Little Baby | The national body representing First Nations children has called for an end to the politicisation of the death of Kumanjayi Little Baby as hundreds of people gathered at vigils around the country to mourn her death.
Terror charge | A woman who arrived back in Australia after spending more than seven years in Syrian detention camps has been charged in Sydney with allegedly entering a declared conflict zone and joining Islamic State. She faces court today, while two other women returning on a flight to Melbourne were arrested and are expected to be charged with commonwealth offences today.
Loop boost | Anthony Albanese and Jacinta Allan will announce today that Tuesday’s federal budget will include another $3.8bn for the Suburban Rail Loop, Melbourne’s controversial and costly 90km public transport project.
‘Died unseen’ | As well as the vigils for Kumanjayi Little Baby, there was also a gathering in Sydney to remember the young Nepali man, Bikram Lama, who died while sleeping rough in Hyde Park and whose body lay unseen for a week.
Victims ‘insulted’ | The branding of an Australian drink named Methanol Moonshine has been labelled “deeply insulting” after the 2024 deaths of two backpackers from methanol poisoning in Laos.
World
Freedom postponed | A refusal by Saudi Arabia to allow the US to use its bases and airspace to provide a military escort for oil tankers passing through the strait of Hormuz lay behind Trump’s decision to shelve Project Freedom days after it had been launched. Marco Rubio has stoked speculation about a potential run to succeed Trump in 2028 by releasing a campaign-style video that articulates a hopeful vision of America.
Track and trace | Authorities around the world are racing to trace dozens of passengers who disembarked from the cruise ship at the centre of a deadly hantavirus outbreak before isolation measures were implemented.
India tensions | Tensions are running high in the Indian state of West Bengal after a top political aide from Narendra Modi’s party was shot dead in the street and hundreds were arrested as violence broke out after elections this week.
Poll confusion | European election monitors have recorded instances of voters being turned away from polling stations owing to confusion over photo ID requirements as voting in local elections got under way in Britain overnight. Here’s what’s at stake in the polls for Keir Starmer.
Kos pay | A German holidaymaker has won a payout of almost €1,000 after being unable to find a sunlounger for himself and his family on holiday in Kos because other guests had got there first.
Full Story
Michelle Milthorpe on fighting One Nation in Farrer
The Farrer byelection independent candidate, Michelle Milthorpe, talks to the political editor, Tom McIlroy, about her second bid for the seat, why she resists being labelled a “teal” and her position on climate and environmental policies in her electorate.
We also have an essay by Monash politics professor Paul Strangio about how two decades of growing inequality and public policy stasis mean Australia’s robust democratic framework is facing serious challenges.
In-depth
We begin a series of pieces today about how cars came to dominate our cities. But despite being the most tolled city in the world, Penry Buckley finds that Sydney can claim to have made giant steps towards redressing the balance between cars and public transport.
Not the news
As Chemist Warehouse prepares to expand to the UK, Brigid Delaney has this hilarious take on the onslaught of garish signs, narrow aisles and long queues that awaits British shoppers.
Sport
Tennis | Jannik Sinner has refused to rule out taking part in a player boycott of the grand slam tournaments and accused the majors of disrespect for the top players due to their lack of response in the ongoing prize money dispute.
Cycling | Jonas Vingegaard’s bid to complete a rare Grand Tour grand slam by winning the 2026 Giro d’Italia begins in Bulgaria later today when the double Tour de France winner makes his debut in the Italian race.
Football | It’s the Battle of Britain, second leg this morning as Villa take on Forest in the Europa League semi-final. Follow it live.
Media roundup
Fund managers tell the Financial Review that stocks will go on a tear if a Middle East peace is secured soon. WAtoday reckons drivers and house hunters are the winners from yesterday’s budget while investors and tourism are the losers. And the ABC has reported Queenslanders shivering through their coldest morning of the year so far.
What’s happening today
Courts | Closing submissions are due in the Rebel Wilson v Charlotte MacInnes defamation case at federal court in Sydney.
Art | The Archibald, Wynne and Sulman prize winners are announced at 12pm.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
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