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Germanwings plane crash
It’s been revealed that, after locking the captain out of the cockpit, the co-pilot of Germanwings flight 4U9525 deliberately flew the plane into a mountain at 435mph.
The revelation has prompted airlines to introduce a cockpit ‘rule of two’
Andreas Lubitz: the ‘perfectly normal’ young co-pilot who killed 150 people. We profile Lubitz here.
Updates as they happened in the live blog.
Full coverage of the crash of Germanwings flight 4U9525
NSW election
With one day to go before the NSW election, the latest poll gives Mike Baird’s Coalition a comfortable lead over Luke Foley’s Labor.
Follow the final frantic day of campaigning in our NSW election live blog, as both leaders try to win over voters before they go to the polls tomorrow.
As it happened in yesterday’s NSW election live blog - minister attacks ALP’s ‘yellow peril’ campaign
What effect have the lockout laws had? In this election video, we look at a night out in Kings Cross.
In vast swaths of rural New South Wales, there’s only one election issue: coal seam gas
Mike Baird refuses to rule a Chinese power firm out of privatisation bidding
Follow our full coverage of the NSW election here.
Australian news and politics
Last night, despite attempts to amend the bill by independents and minor parties, Australia’s mandatory data retention scheme became law as the Coalition and Labor combined to pass it through the Senate.
This is the new data world order, writes Paul Farrell. Where you went, who you spoke with, how long you were there for - now the government can read every Australian like an open book.
Crossbench senators have been enraged as Abbott ministers test the water for changes to Senate elections that are aimed at reducing the influence of minor parties.
Australia have set up a Cricket World Cup final showdown with New Zealand after a crushing win over India.
Around the world
Yemen conflict poised to escalate as Egypt says it is ready to send troops
Supreme court clears way for release of secret Prince Charles letters
New York fire crews rush to battle fire at East Village building collapse
Argentina president has Iran cover-up charges dismissed by appeals court
UK to send 75 military trainers to help moderate Syrian rebels
One last thing
Britain mourns a monster – because he was a king. Richard III’s burial was absurd, writes Polly Toynbee.
Have an excellent day – and if you spot something I’ve missed, let me know in the comments here or on Twitter @earleyedition.
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