Good morning. In a case that could see the release of hundreds more long-term immigration detainees, the government is going back to the high court in a sequel to the NZYQ decision. The attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, has asked the court to rule on whether the commonwealth can continue detaining those who refuse to cooperate with efforts to determine if they can be deported.
Elsewhere: a New York judge has refused to dismiss the hush money case against Donald Trump, with a trial date now set for late March. And Israeli special forces have raided the largest hospital still functioning in the Gaza Strip.
Australia
Housing crisis | The Greens say they would reduce house prices and make buying more affordable for renters through their plan to axe tax concessions for property investors.
Immigration and asylum | Hundreds more detainees could be released in a sequel to the NZYQ high court ruling, as the attorney general seeks to end legal uncertainty on detainees who refuse to cooperate on deportation.
Groovin the Moo | The sudden cancellation of one of Australia’s largest touring regional music festivals will have “a profound ripple effect” and has prompted calls for a support package for live music.
Sydney asbestos crisis | An investigation into the growing asbestos scandal has become the state environmental watchdog’s biggest-ever probe. Plus, a map and full list of locations where it has been found.
‘Beyond all expectations’ | The biologist who first tagged a one-year-old platypus back in 2000 was astonished when it was recaptured last year, making it the oldest platypus found in the wild.
World
Donald Trump | The former US president’s trial over the hush-money case involving Stormy Daniels is set for March after a judge refused to dismiss the case. And Trump has again threatened to sacrifice Nato allies to Russia.
Israel-Hamas war | Israeli troops have launched a raid inside Nasser hospital in southern Gaza as a UN aid chief warned the Rafah offensive could cause a refugee exodus into Egypt. And Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate over civilian deaths in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon.
‘Wonderful’ | In a trial involving patients from the UK, US, Australia, Italy and Taiwan, scientists have developed a drug to treat mesothelioma – a notoriously hard-to-treat cancer linked to asbestos.
Kansas City shooting | Footage has emerged showing bystanders tackling a suspected gunman in the Super Bowl victory parade shooting, in which one person was killed and 21 others injured.
Russia-Ukraine war | The scale of Russian arms production is worrying Europe’s defence planners. And Ukraine has called for frozen Russian assets to be used to rebuild their country’s war-ravaged economy.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: Barnaby Joyce and the politics of privacy
Barnaby Joyce was filmed lying on a Canberra footpath, swearing into his phone, and blamed the incident on the interaction between alcohol and prescription medication. Some critics called for his resignation, others called for his privacy to be respected. Gabrielle Jackson talks to Lenore Taylor and Mike Ticher about the line between a public’s right to know and a politician’s right to privacy.
In-depth
In a social media post on Thursday morning, Anthony Albanese shared a photo of himself and his partner, Jodie Haydon, with the latter showing off a new diamond ring. “She said yes,” the caption read. As anticipation builds over how Australia’s wedding of the year may play out, here’s the where, when and how of their big day (all hypothetical, of course).
Not the news
Sydney-born, Los Angeles-based Molly Lewis has carved out an enviable career as a professional whistler, living a life most surreal. Her lips her preferred instrument, she has become an in-demand collaborator since entering competitive whistling in 2012. She appeared on the Barbie soundtrack and has worked with the likes of Dr Dre, Karen O and Mac DeMarco. Now she has a debut album of her own, dedicated to classic cinema and jazz clubs.
The world of sport
Basketball | Record attendance figures and rising interest in the NBL, Australia’s premier hoops competition, are in stark contrast with some rival sports.
Cricket | Australia are well and truly in control of their Test against South Africa in Perth, after a stand of 99 from Alyssa Healy; India take charge as England fail to build on early flurry of wickets.
Football | Kylian Mbappé tells PSG he will leave in summer; Cortnee Vine ruled out of Matildas’ crucial Olympic qualifier; blue cards in football would be a backward step, claims Karen Carney.
Media roundup
From a fish shop to the Lodge. The Sydney Morning Herald asks who is Anthony Albanese’s fiancee, Jodie Haydon? The Telegraph says there are fears asbestos contamination could have spread to private homes with soil fill supplied in back yards. Australia’s nickel industry is in danger of collapse without government intervention because of cheap Indonesian imports, the West Australian warns. The Hobart AFL stadium plan is “dead” according to the Australian after the premier’s cost cap.
What’s happening today
New South Wales | Public hearing into the feasibility of undergrounding the transmission infrastructure for renewable energy projects.
Perth | Meta (Facebook) versus Andrew Forrest at the district court of Western Australia.
Melbourne | Taylor Swift begins her concert tour at the MCG.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
