Morning everyone. Police in Victoria are continuing their search for a “heavily armed” man suspected of shooting dead two police officers in the small alpine town of Porepunkah.
Iranian Australians fear their families could be victims of reprisals back home after the expulsion of the country’s ambassador over Iran’s alleged orchestration of antisemitic attacks in Australia.
Plus, our latest Essential poll points to public support for Palestinian statehood – and Taylor Swift is engaged to Travis Kelce.
Australia
‘Scary situation’ | Australia’s Iranian community has welcomed the government’s strong action against Tehran but they worry loved ones back home could face reprisals from the regime’s feared security apparatus. Our political correspondent writes that Anthony Albanese tough stance against Iran over the intelligence it directed antisemitic attacks in Australia will be applauded by Israel but it won’t go all the way to repair relations between the countries. And our international security correspondent examines Iran’s track record in sponsoring terrorism around the world.
Porepunkah shootings | A search is continuing for a man suspected of shooting two Victorian police officers “in cold blood” and wounding another after they tried to exercise a warrant at a rural property in the high country town of Porepunkah. He fled the scene into remote bushland and is “heavily armed”, police said. The suspect’s partner and children reported to a police station on Tuesday night, police said. Here’s what we know so far.
Essential poll | More Australians back recognising a Palestinian state than oppose the move, but nearly half of voters think it will be purely a symbolic move. A majority of Australians also support a four-day work week and want more regulation of AI.
Higgins verdict | Almost a year after the five-week defamation trial between Linda Reynolds and her former staffer Brittany Higgins wrapped up, a Western Australian supreme court judge is due to hand down his verdict today.
Lamington launch | The lamington is being honoured as a great Australian food with Marks & Spencer launching its own (quite significantly tweaked) version in Britain.
World
Love evermore? | Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have sent shock waves through social media overnight with a joint post announcing their engagement after a two-year courtship.
Gaza demand | The UN has demanded that Israel’s investigations into unlawful killings in Gaza, including its “double tap” bombing of Nasser hospital which killed 20 people, among them five journalists, yield results and ensure accountability.
Troops row | Donald Trump has said he would “like to be asked” by Democratic governors to deploy the National Guard in their cities, after Chicago’s mayor strongly pushed back at the proposal.
Long hot summer | The current British summer is set to be the warmest on record, forecasters say, after the country experienced four heatwaves.
Nazi loot | More than 80 years after it was looted by the Nazis from a Jewish art dealer in Amsterdam, a portrait by an Italian master has been spotted on the website of a real estate agent advertising a house for sale in Argentina.
Full Story
Iran blamed for antisemitic attacks in Australia
Nour Haydar speaks to political correspondent Tom McIlroy and senior reporter Ben Doherty about the alleged Iran-led terror attacks and the government’s response.
In-depth
A condo above the Four Seasons hotel in Atlanta is at the centre of Donald Trump’s attempt to seize control of the Federal Reserve, a traditionally independent branch of the government overseeing the US economy. That’s because it was bought by the Fed governor, Lisa Cook – who Trump wants to fire – with what the administration claims is a fraudulent mortgage application. She now says she’ll sue the government over its claims.
Not the news
Jennifer Lawrence defined cinema in the 2010s until Mother! ended her run of screen successes when it was released in 2017. But as it returns to streaming services in Australia, Andrew Fraser reappraises the film and hails what he says is a movie star turn of the “highest calibre”.
Sport
Tennis | It’s day three at Flushing Meadows where Maya Joint has won her first-round match in straight sets. Follow all the action live.
Athletics | Australia’s athletics squad has suffered a double blow weeks out from the world championships in Tokyo, with rising sprinter Lachie Kennedy and genuine medal prospect Jemima Montag both ruled out with injuries.
AFL| Adelaide Crows star Izak Rankine has been named in the 44-player All-Australian squad despite his current ban for making a homophobic slur. The final lineup will be unveiled at Thursday night’s awards in Melbourne.
Women’s rugby | World Cup organisers have insisted that the high number of mismatches so far, such as Australia’s thrashing of Samoa, will not dampen the tournament’s momentum after hailing an “electric” first week.
Media roundup
Universities face large fines if they fail to prevent students from being assaulted at parties, according to the Australian. An opinion piece in the Age asks whether the rise of autism diagnoses is linked to the rollout and expansion of the NDIS. Broncos talisman Adam Reynolds is set for a shock early return from injury to ignite their top four push, the Courier Mail reports.
What’s happening today
Business | Full-year results from Nine Entertainment, Woolworths, Flight Centre and Dominos, plus inflation figures for July.
Education | Prof Carolyn Evans, chair of Universities Australia and vice-chancellor of Griffith University, at the National Press Club.
Perth | Judgment in Linda Reynolds’ defamation case against Brittany Higgins is expected at the federal court.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
