Good morning. Our top story focuses on thousands of housing projects across Australia being halted as developers grapple with soaring costs of construction materials and supply chain disruption. The NSW government is looking at how converting vacant offices might solve its social housing problems. In New York, Prince Harry and Meghan have been involved in a “near catastrophic” paparazzi pursuit.
Australia
Exclusive | A federal government document has revealed that the Middle Arm “sustainable development precinct” proposal at Darwin harbour is seen as a key for unlocking huge fossil fuel projects.
Ground to a halt | Despite developers already gaining planning approval, the construction of tens of thousands of homes across Australia is on hold due to surging costs of materials.
A win-win? | The NSW government is eyeing an opportunity to convert empty offices into much-needed social housing as commercial building owners struggle with a surge in vacancies.
‘I hope I never see that again’ | Witnesses have shared harrowing details of a “horrific” school bus crash on the outskirts of Melbourne that left students with life-changing injuries.
‘Do the right thing’ | Abuse survivors are maintaining their push for Peter Hollingworth to be defrocked despite the former archbishop’s decision to cease practising as a priest.
World
‘Relentless pursuit’ | Prince Harry and Meghan were involved in a near catastrophic two-hour-long car chase after being pursued by paparazzi in New York, the duke’s spokesman has said.
Cannes controversy | Johnny Depp is being feted at the Cannes film festival and some have charged the event with “supporting abusers”.
Online safety | A new report has revealed that YouTube’s algorithm is directing young gamers down paths of violent and dangerous content by recommending videos relating to weapons and murderers.
‘Uncharted territory’ | The world is likely to breach the 1.5C climate threshold by 2027 with new record temperatures almost certain in the next five years, scientists have warned.
‘Avoid inciting disputes’ | Embassies in Beijing have been told to remove “politicised propaganda”, an apparent reference to Ukrainian flags that many missions have displayed since the Russian invasion.
Full Story
Sudanese Australians call for help as war breaks out
More than 150,000 people have fled Sudan in the month since war broke out between rival military groups. Jane Lee speaks with Plan International’s Sara Sinada about the conflict, and how it affects her family there and in Australia.
In-depth
Kerry O’Brien and Thomas Mayo have joined forces to create a “truth-telling and myth-busting” voice guide designed to explain in simple terms what the Indigenous voice to parliament is all about. It comes as a new poll shows a slip in support for the voice, which they say could be a sign that more attention has been paid to the “noise” and “confusion” being sown by its opponents.
Not the news
Unlikely opponents have faced off in a speed chess tournament in an unassuming church hall in Fitzroy North, Melbourne. The event was hosted by US hip-hop artist GZA, in town for the Australian leg of Wu-Tang Clan and Nas’s NY State of Mind tour. It might seem an unusual pairing but attendees say the fundamental elements of chess – understanding the game, making your best move, planning, strategy – are also important facets of hip-hop culture.
The world of sport
Tennis | For the first time since 2004 neither Novak Djokovic nor the injured Rafael Nadal will be in the Italian Open final.
Football | Man City take on Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final; Premier League striker banned for eight months over betting.
‘Safety comes first’ | Formula One drivers and teams are backing the decision to scrap the flood-hit Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Media roundup
The Age reports that an advocate for the Indigenous voice to parliament is seeking compromise to save the referendum amid signs of sliding support. Efforts to strengthen the credentials of the Quad grouping are in disarray after Joe Biden’s last-minute cancellation, says the Sydney Morning Herald. The wellbeing of Australians is at an all-time low as mental health challenges, climate anxiety and cost-of-living pressures take a toll, reports the Canberra Times.
What’s happening today
NSW | The Commission of Inquiry into LGBTQI hate crimes is scheduled to hear evidence.
Labour figures | The Australian Bureau of Statistics is to release its latest labour force data.
South Australia | The high court appeal for an Indigenous man who maintains his innocence after spending nearly 40 years in jail continues.
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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.
