Morning everyone. The Pentagon dropped a metaphorical bomb this morning, with the news it is launching a review of the Aukus pact, central to Australia’s defence policy for the next 50 years, to check whether it is “America first”.
Meanwhile the mayor of Los Angeles has accused the Trump administration of provoking six days of unrest as part of an “experiment”, as other American cities prepare for protests. And the world is mourning the death of Brian Wilson, the creative force behind the Beach Boys.
At home, Choice has exposed the shortcomings of some suncreen brands, and research shows we’re listening to less homegrown music. Plus: Australia’s men’s cricket team fought back strongly at Lord’s.
Australia
Tuned out | The international success of acts such as the Kid Laroi and Amyl and the Sniffers (pictured) is not translating into more listens for homegrown talent, new research shows, with only 8% of the top 10,000 artists streamed in Australia in 2024 from these shores.
AI push | Australia must “lean in hard” to the benefits of artificial intelligence or else risk ending up “on the end of somebody else’s supply chain”, according to the new industry and science minister, Tim Ayres.
Methanol hope | Australian researchers have developed a prototype methanol “breathalyser” capable of detecting small concentrations of the toxic substance in alcoholic drinks or on someone’s breath.
Zero sum | The financial cost to reach net zero by 2050 may shape the Coalition’s decision on whether to retain or abandon the target, says the new shadow minister, Dan Tehan.
Screen test | Some of Australia’s most popular sunscreens, including some made by Bondi Sands, Banana Boat and the Cancer Council, are falling short of the level of skin protection on the bottle, a Choice investigation has found.
World
Vale Brian Wilson | Brian Wilson, the Beach Boys musician, songwriter and producer who created some of the greatest pop music ever made, has died aged 82. Wilson was the creative force behind songs such as California Girls, Good Vibrations and God Only Knows.
Aukus review | The Pentagon has launched a review of the Aukus submarine and defence agreement to make sure it is aligned with Trump’s “America first” agenda, throwing the $240bn defence pact with Britain and Australia into doubt.
Trump ‘experiment’ | US immigration officials have increased “enforcement activity” in California’s agricultural heartland and the mayor of Los Angeles accused the White House of trying to test federal power as the conflict between the state and Donald Trump’s administration intensifies. Follow developments live as other US cities brace for protests. Trump’s show of force in LA was years in the making, experts have claimed, while the rightwing media has stepped behind the administration to attack the protesters as “invaders”.
China deal | Donald Trump has endorsed the US-China trade deal struck in London that will ramp up supplies of rare earth minerals and magnets needed for the automotive industry, saying it will take total tariffs on Beijing to 55%.
Gaza tragedy | A Palestinian doctor whose husband and nine of her 10 children were killed by an Israeli strike has been evacuated from Gaza, bound for Italy with her only surviving child.
Full Story
The shocking death toll from inaction in prisons
Ariel Bogle and Christopher Knaus speak to Reged Ahmad about why warnings about ligature points in prisons are still being ignored and what it will take to stop preventable deaths.
In-depth
In today’s Grogonomics column, Greg Jericho delivers an impassioned plea that Labor’s attempts to change superannuation tax concessions should be just the start of a concerted effort to reduce wealth inequality. With his illuminating graphs, Jericho argues that wealthy people oppose the changes because they’re worried the rest of us will realise the system is rigged.
Not the news
When he became involved in setting up an animal sanctuary in the Indonesian jungle, Warren Ellis was a bit concerned he might come across as a “Bono-like, grandstanding” figure. But the legendary musician need not have worried as a new film about the project reveals his life from Ballarat to sanctuary in Sumatra.
Sport
Cricket | Australia endured a topsy-turvy opening day of the World Test Championship at Lord’s after they were skittled for 212 in two-and-a-half sessions before Mitchell Starc helped reduce the Proteas to 43-4 in reply.
Football | The expansion of the World Cup means more teams from the Asian section in the US – and, as Australia’s dramatic run shows, it has made for a more exciting qualifying competition. Plus, how Jordan qualified for the first time.
Rugby union | The British & Irish Lions are confident the veteran tighthead prop Tadhg Furlong will be fit for their Australian tour despite some injury concerns.
Media roundup
Investors, lawyers and governance experts say three major issues at Monash IVF require answers from management, the Age reports. A pizza maker in western Sydney can claim to be the best in the world after wining an international competition, the Telegraph reports. The city of Adelaide claims there is more parking than ever, but traders tell the Advertiser they think the council is waging a “war on cars”.
What’s happening today
Business | Asic chair Joe Longo gives a speech and Q&A to the American Chamber of Commerce in Sydney at 12pm.
Prisons | ABS figures on adult prisoners and community based corrections.
Sydney | Speech on “Trump and the West” at the Lowy Institute by John Hamre of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
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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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