Good morning. Today we survey the latest skirmishes in the Coalition’s climate wars, where the net zero issue threatens to permanently fracture the decades-old alliance between the Liberals and the Nationals.
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the “barbarity” of the war in Gaza after scores of Palestinians were reportedly killed while queueing for food.
And: a new study has revealed how superbugs could kill millions of people across the globe as the US and UK make cuts to projects that combat antibiotic resistance.
Australia
‘It felt irrelevant’ | A training organisation has been criticised for using chatbots to help teach a course to adult jobseekers, using “chat-style delivery” in classes on topics such as writing emails.
Set to go off | The Nationals’ opposition to net zero policies threatens to fracture the Liberals’ decades-old alliance – and leave Labor the ultimate victor.
Explainer | Labor’s election promise to cut 20% of all student debt will be among the first pieces of legislation the federal government introduces when parliament returns this week. Here’s what it means for you.
The Agenda | Amid reports of alleged abuse at childcare centres, Josh Butler outlines the challenge facing the education minister, Jason Clare, as he tries to safeguard a system where he doesn’t control all the levers.
Tasmania election | Tasmania’s premier and opposition leader have both reached out to independent MPs in the hope of forming government; minority government is the new normal in Tasmania, Kevin Bonham writes.
World
Gaza crisis | Pope Leo XIV has condemned the “barbarity” of the war in Gaza and the “indiscriminate use of force” as Gaza’s health ministry said at least 93 Palestinians had been killed queueing for food.
‘Threat is increasing’ | Superbugs and antimicrobial resistance could cause millions more people to die worldwide and cost the global economy trillions by 2050, new global modelling shows.
Immigration raids | US agents secretly deported a Pennsylvania grandfather who misplaced his green card, it has emerged, as the Ice chief says he will continue to allow agents to wear masks during arrest raids.
Syria violence | An uneasy calm has returned to southern Syria’s Sweida province, after Bedouin fighters withdrew following a week of violence estimated to have killed more than 1,000 people.
Japan votes | Japan’s PM accepts a “harsh” election result, as exit polls show the shaky ruling coalition is likely to lose control of the upper house – potentially heralding political turmoil.
Full Story
Why the Texas floods are fuelling far-right conspiracy theories
The floods in Texas earlier this month swept away entire homes and holiday camps, claiming more than 130 lives. As authorities try to piece together how it happened, conspiracy theories have flourished. Ben Makuch speaks to Reged Ahmad about why so many – including elected representatives – are turning to misinformation in an attempt to understand the tragedy.
In-depth
Sydney’s Rainbow Lodge is a home for men who are on bail or who have just been released from prison. It presents an alternative option, a chance for change – and sees cultural workers, psychologists and men with lived experience run programs for the residents such as art and music therapy. Jordyn Beazley visits the facility helping to break cycles of trauma, violence and jail.
Not the news
Sometimes, it feels as if you can’t turn on a TV without seeing news bulletins devoted to interest rate updates, fake-tanned celebrity realtors hawking white McMansions or middle-aged men stroking their chins at a tasteful mid-century reno. In his new one-hour special for Foxtel and Binge, satirist Mark Humphries talks with realtors and squatters – and puts Alan Kohler in a bathtub – to explore Australia’s toxic real estate obsession.
Sport
Rugby union | Sione Tuipulotu believes the “stars have aligned” for him as Lions arrive in Melbourne, Gerard Meagher writes; Lions face a challenge to deliver a display that can stand the test of time, Robert Kitson writes.
Golf | Scottie Scheffler claims the 2025 Open Championship title with a majestic four-shot win at Royal Portrush.
AFL | Fremantle keep their heads as Collingwood get the wobbles in close finishes, Jonathan Horn writes.
Cycling | Julian Alaphilippe celebrates on stage 15 of the Tour de France … but then discovers Tim Wellens won long before him.
Cricket | Two-division Test cricket is on the agenda in a potential radical shakeup, as the ICC considers a World Test Championship expansion.
Media roundup
Management of Healthscope’s failed private hospital business is mulling an alternative option even as bidders line up for its 37 hospitals, the Age reports. The federal government is facing pressure to add dental to Medicare amid “overwhelming” wait times, ABC News reports. Defence officials are remaining tight-lipped about the “hard landing” involving an Australian army helicopter last week, reports NT News. Researchers at the University of Sydney’s Fisher Library have unearthed a treasure trove of work by artist Norman Lindsay, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
What’s happening today
ACT | The prime minister is set to attend a Last Post ceremony at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra.
Defence force | The multinational military exercise Talisman Sabre continues off the Queensland coast.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
