Morning everyone. Poverty in single-parent households, declining disposable incomes and a longer working life are among the sobering trends identified in the annual Hilda survey of socioeconomic trends released today. We’re also analysing the practical and political implications of the new emissions target, we have extensive reports and insight on Jimmy Kimmel and the crackdown on free speech in the United States and a smiling Gout Gout takes the positives as he departs the world championships.
Australia
‘It’s coming’ | Gout Gout’s debut on the international stage has ended after he failed to make the 200m final at the world championships in Tokyo but he remained upbeat and proved he can handle the pressure in the media spotlight. Torrie Lewis also missed out on the women’s 200m final, but three Australian women progressed in the 800m.
Poverty trend | The long-running Hilda survey of Australian life has revealed that nearly one-in-three single parent households were living in poverty in 2023. Although the figure was down on the previous year, the co-director of the survey said the trend over 10 to 15 years was worsening. The survey also showed that inflation has eaten into disposable incomes and that Australians are having fewer children and working longer.
Emission control | The Albanese government has revealed its greenhouse gas target. But Graham Readfearn asks if it is achievable, while Tom McIlroy weighs up the safety-first political calculus behind the decision.
Jones allegations | Court documents have revealed the extent of Alan Jones’s alleged offences, including claims of kissing, stroking, undressing and rubbing the penis of victims in the broadcaster’s home, restaurants and at public events.
Sharaz order | David Sharaz, husband of Brittany Higgins, has been ordered to pay $92,000 for social media posts the Western Australian supreme court found were defamatory against former defence minister Linda Reynolds.
World
‘Great news’ | Donald Trump could not contain his glee at the news of Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension, describing it as “great news for America”. The decision by ABC shows how US media barons are bowing to pressure from the White House, bringing calls to boycott the network’s owner, Disney. Barack Obama weighed in as well, accusing the Trump administration of trying to “muzzle” dissenters. Follow developments live. The US president had been speaking at media conference on his state visit to Britain, where he also accused Vladimir Putin of letting him down and piled criticism on his Russian counterpart.
Walz ‘fumble’ | Kamala Harris has described in a new memoir how she watched mortified as her running mate, Tim Walz, fell into JD Vance’s “trap” in last year’s vice-presidential debate and “fumbled” a crucial answer.
Rooney barred | Irish author Sally Rooney could not travel to collect a literary prize this week over concerns that she may be arrested if she enters the UK because of her support of banned group Palestine Action.
Wildfire threat | Smoke billowing from wildfires will cause nearly 1.4 million deaths around the world by the end of the century as the planet continues to heat up, new research claims.
Macron suit | The French president, Emmanuel Macron, and his wife plan to present scientific evidence to a US court to prove that Brigitte Macron was not born a man, the lawyer representing them in a defamation suit has said.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: Albanese gears up for a tricky Trump test
After the prime minister’s Pacific visit, Bridie Jabour talks to deputy editor Gabrielle Jackson, head of newsroom Mike Ticher and political editor Tom Mcllroy about the tricky diplomatic tightrope the PM is walking.
In-depth
Our data experts have been crunching through the age estimation system that will underpin the government’s teen social media ban and have found a bias in how it works. Young people from Indigenous and Asian backgrounds, for example, are more likely to be miscategorised as over the age limit, while older people or older people are wrongly classed as underaged.
Not the news
The celebrated 1990 album Tabaran by Not Drowning, Waving frontman David Bridie and Papua New Guinean musician George Telek was “a remarkably successful act of artistic and cultural engagement”. They tell Andrew Stafford how they decided to make the record “over a few beers” and all about their surprise new album, Malira.
Sport
AFL | Geelong have not beaten Hawthorn in a knockout final for more than 50 years, so tonight’s blockbuster at the MCG gives them the chance to reignite the clubs’ smouldering feud.
Athletics | Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran the fastest women’s 400 metres in 40 years to claim world championship gold in 47.78 sec and complete her transition from the one-lap hurdles in emphatic style.
Football | There’s more Champions League action this morning where the big game is Newcastle United v Barcelona, while Manchester City play host to Napoli.
Media roundup
Santos could be forced to sell some assets after the collapse of the Abu Dhabi takeover bid, according to the Financial Review. The husband of a Melton councillor has been charged with breaching intervention orders and the municipality’s mayor is calling for action against his colleague, the Age claims. Plans by a Taiwanese billionaire to build two huge towers in Brisbane will revolutionise the CBD, the Courier Mail reports. Roosters star Victor Radley has escaped the sack but not a 10-match ban and $150,000 fine, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
What’s happening today
Brisbane | Inquest begins into the death of Thea Flaskett, who died hours after her birth at a Queensland hospital.
Hobart | Bruce Lehrmann will appear in the magistrates court, accused of stealing a car.
New South Wales | A Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research report will be released focusing on the state’s first year of coercive control laws.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
