Good morning. We lead today with revelations that a US private prisons operator will be paid $790m to hold just over 100 people on Nauru after the government expanded its contract in a decision called “absurd” by critics.
In South Australia, a proposal to upgrade a golf course for the Saudi-backed LIV tournament threatens to disturb a significant Indigenous ceremonial and burial site.
There has been a shooting at a Mormon church in the US, and Anthony Albanese has used his trip to Britain to rally behind his embattled UK counterpart.
Australia
‘Quite distressing’ | Indigenous elders and native title holders say they feel “sick” as the SA government considers disturbing a burial site to upgrade a golf course for the Saudi-backed LIV tournament.
Offshore detention | A controversial US private prisons operator will receive $157m a year to run Australia’s offshore processing regime in Nauru – currently holding just over 100 people – after the Labor government expanded its contract without public scrutiny.
Albanese on tour | Anthony Albanese has defended UK prime minister Keir Starmer’s struggling leadership, insisting Labour can resist the rise of populist far-right forces in Britain.
Floating nests and decoys | As part of our Bird of the year coverage, Petra Stock considers the plight of fairy terns, which are not faring well along Australia’s coasts. But, there is hope for their resurgence.
Shark nets | After a mother and baby humpback were discovered trapped in shark netting, Queensland’s premier has said he won’t consider removing nets to protect migrating whales “at the expense of one single human”.
World
Gaza crisis | Israel has pressed on with its offensive in Gaza as Donald Trump claimed again to be on the brink of a breakthrough in negotiations for a ceasefire in the devastated territory.
Russia-Ukraine war | Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russia’s “vile and brutal” 12-hour bombardment of Ukraine, in which 600 drones and more than 40 missiles targeted Kyiv and other cities.
‘Authoritarian’ | The indictment of former FBI director James Comey is part of a concerted effort by Donald Trump to “rewrite history” in his favour, a former senior White House lawyer has said.
Drone sightings | Denmark has said drones were seen at several military sites and announced that all civilian use of unmanned aircraft will be banned this week ahead of two European summits.
Michigan shooting | At least two victims are dead and eight others are injured after a shooting and a fire at a Mormon church in Michigan, authorities said, with fears more victims may be found at the site.
Full Story
Paracetamol and Donald Trump’s medical myths
When the US president announced a link between autism and paracetamol, he sent alarm through the medical community and the public. Guardian science correspondent Hannah Devlin speaks to Reged Ahmad about what the science actually says about the painkiller – and why experts fear Donald Trump is deliberately fostering a narrative of distrust.
In-depth
As Melbourne’s public housing towers await demolition ahead of massive redevelopment, residents are preparing to leave while others hold out in fear of being given inadequate alternatives. Adeshola Ore and Benita Kolovos look at a process where some residents have felt pressured to leave their homes with little or no support.
Not the news
Australian author Drusilla Modjeska’s books have examined female writers and artists, her family and herself, in hybrids of biography, memoir and fiction, with an authoritative but intimate tone. In her new book, A Woman’s Eye, Her Art, she returns to examine how female artists have fought for creative freedom – at times through the tenderness, as well as the domination and betrayal, of their complicated relationships.
Sport
AFL | The Lions stepped up when it mattered most, like they always do. Now a dynasty beckons, Jonathan Horn writes.
Rugby league | Penrith’s long NRL reign is over. Even as a Panthers fan, I feel a little relieved, Barnaby Smith writes.
Football | Gabriel Magalhães stunned Newcastle with a last-gasp comeback winner for Arsenal; Ollie Watkins sparked an Aston Villa comeback win over Fulham.
Cycling | Unstoppable Tadej Pogacar defended his men’s road race world title in Rwanda, cementing his legacy among cycling’s all-time greats.
Golf | A Ryder Cup MC has apologised and stepped down over a foul-mouthed McIlroy chant; follow all the action in the singles matches.
Media roundup
NSW authorities are set to use AI in a bid to uncover companies colluding over prices in bids for public projects, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Hopes for a landmark Australia-EU trade deal have received a boost with Europe’s trade chief soon heading to Canberra for talks, the Age reports. Advocates claim councils are dismantling homeless camps every few days across Adelaide’s parklands, with rough sleepers losing irreplaceable personal items, the Advertiser reports.
What’s happening today
NSW | A public hearing is scheduled in Sydney in the parliamentary committee looking into “climate army” volunteer incentive scheme.
Culture | The recipients of the Prime Minister’s Literary awards 2025 are set to be revealed tonight.
Beaming in | Julia Gillard is due to speak via hologram across this year’s Women Unlimited conference venues.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
