Morning everyone. Political tensions have boiled over into alleged violence and acts of intimidation related to the election, prompting the New South Wales police to launch multiple investigations.
We have a fascinating read on the dramatic confrontation between a police officer and the Bondi Junction killer. Plus, the US is poised to resume the sale of military equipment to Ukraine and Trump’s national security adviser is facing a surprise job switch.
Australia
Exclusive | The Liberal candidate for Bennelong, Scott Yung, appears to be distancing himself from the party as a paid ad tells the Chinese-Australian diaspora that he does not “blindly follow” instructions, highlighting his previous criticism of Scott Morrison.
Election battle | New South Wales police have launched multiple investigations in the past week into alleged violence, intimidation, harassment and antisocial behaviour related to the election, including the smearing of poo across a truck carrying an ad for the Liberal party.
Greens targeted | A Liberal-aligned thinktank running last-minute anti-Greens advertisements targeting young voters received more than $600,000 from the coal industry during last year’s Queensland election, disclosures show. Labor and the Coalition have been accused of going to the election on a “unity ticket” to protect fossil fuels as coal exports hit a record high.
Health check | Labor has made Medicare urgent care clinics the key to its election strategy but critics say there is no long-term evidence they are reducing pressure on emergency departments.
Creative cut | A Coalition government would divert more than 10% of annual government funding for Creative Australia to a Melbourne Jewish cultural project and unspecified broadcasting programs if elected. On a lighter election note, however, our brilliant sports cartoonist David Squires casts the election as the playoff final between the Reds and the Blues, and we ask: “Was the campaign fun?”
World
Last Waltz | Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz (pictured), and his deputy, Alex Wong, will be leaving their posts after they lost the confidence of other administration officials and found themselves without allies at the White House.
Art of the deal | The Trump administration will approve its first sale of military equipment to Ukraine since Donald Trump took office, in an indication that the minerals deal signed by the two countries this week may open a path to renewed weapons shipments.
Tariff talks? | The US has approached China seeking talks over Trump’s 145% tariffs, a social media account affiliated with Chinese state media has said, potentially signalling Beijing’s openness to negotiations. Trump acknowledged that his tariffs could result in costlier products, saying American children might “have two dolls instead of 30 dolls”. If he wants a new Xbox, he will definitely have to pay more.
Wildfire warnings | Israel declared a national emergency as wildfires continued to threaten swathes of forest and fields and there are also fire warnings in the UK after the sunniest April on record.
Words of wisdom | Ethel Caterham, a 115-year-old British woman who lives in a care home in Surrey, has become the world’s oldest woman, crediting her longevity with “never arguing with anyone” and doing “what I like”.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: have Labor or the Coalition done enough to earn your vote?
Bridie Jabour talks to editor Lenore Taylor and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about the choices progressive voters face as they head to the polls.
In-depth
“I’ve got eyes on him … and I’m in foot pursuit.” Backed up by a carpenter and construction worker wielding bollards, that was the dramatic last radio message sent by NSW police inspector Amy Scott just before before she came face to face with the Bondi Junction killer, Joel Cauchi. Moments later she shot him dead, the inquest into the mass stabbing heard this week. But, asks Daisy Dumas, could more have been done to stop him?
Not the news
Despite regular fears about his health, Ozzy Osbourne (pictured with his wife, Sharon) has insisted he will perform in July at what is being billed as his final concert, fronting the original lineup of the heavy metal band Black Sabbath. Speaking exclusively to the Guardian about the concert in the band’s hometown of Birmingham, he said: “I’ll be there, and I’ll do the best I can. So all I can do is turn up.”
Sport
Rugby league | New South Wales overpowered a mistake-prone Queensland side 32-12 in a one-sided Women’s State of Origin opener in front of a record crowd at Suncorp Stadium last night.
Basketball | The LA Lakers’ bold pairing of Luka Dončić and LeBron James has fallen flat after they were outclassed by the Timberwolves in the NBA playoffs.
Football | This morning sees the biggest game of Ange Postecoglou’s tenure at Tottenham Hotspur as they host Bodø/Glimt in the Europa League semi-final first leg. Manchester United travel to Athletic Bilbao in the other semi.
Media roundup
One of the Australian’s conservative commentators slams the Coalition’s costings as a “joke” and asks “Am I being pranked?”. RecipeTin Eats founder Nagi Maehashi reveals to the Sydney Morning Herald trolls are combing her books for possible plagiarising after she accused another cook of taking her recipes. A group of 16 people including a young baby stranded without food or water on a remote Torres Strait islet have been saved by a ship’s crew, the Cairns Post reports. The Courier Mail finds Bob Katter in a combative mood as he prepares for his 12th federal election.
What’s happening today
Hobart | Launch of world’s largest battery-electric ship.
Melbourne | Committal mention for a man who posed as a woman online and is charged with incitement to rape and stalking.
Sydney | First case management hearing in Taylor Auerbach v Seven.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
