Morning everyone. Reddit has been added to the list of sites barred to under-16s from December as the Albanese government seeks to stop children seeing “harmful content”.
In other news, we have this year’s Shonky awards for companies and products that don’t serve consumers well.
Overseas, Zohran Mamdani may be about to become the new mayor of New York, Dick Cheney dies aged 84, and why the new Kim Kardashian divorce drama is “existentially terrible” TV.
Australia
‘Pretty dour’ | Michele Bullock’s post-RBA meeting comments did not offer much hope for mortgage holders or those struggling with the rising cost of living. Our economics editor looks ahead to what could be a “pretty dour 18 months” for the economy.
‘Harmful content’ | Reddit and video streaming platform Kick will join Facebook, Snapchat and TikTok in being required by the Australian government to ban users under the age of 16, as it seeks to outlaw “predatory algorithms” and harmful content.
Exclusive | The Australian National University bought $138,000 worth of shares in Israel’s largest weapons manufacturer in March, despite an earlier pledge to not invest in controversial arms companies. Separately, 12 people were charged after protesters clashed with police outside the weapons expo in Sydney yesterday.
Doctors’ concern | The peak body for general practitioners says many doctors are concerned that a federal government decision to have a bulk-billing practice in every electorate will make the system too reliant on central funding.
Assassination threat | Foreign agents from at least three countries are “willing and capable” of assassinating perceived political dissidents on Australian soil, Australia’s spy chief Mike Burgess claimed in a speech last night.
World
‘Towering figure’ | Dick Cheney, the former White House chief of staff, member of Congress, defence secretary, US vice-president and leading neo-conservative, has died aged 84. Tributes (and condemnations) have flowed for one of the country’s most powerful vice-presidents, who was closely linked to the decision to invade Iraq in 2003 under George W Bush. You can find our obituary here.
US elections | New Yorkers have been voting in one of the most closely watched mayoral elections in the city’s history as young leftwinger Mamdani aims to win it for the Democrats. There are also important contests in New Jersey, Virginia, and California. Here’s what to look out for and you can also keep up with what’s happening as results come in later.
Uber Europe | The European Union could admit new members by 2030 as officials praised reform efforts by frontrunners Montenegro and Albania, while criticising backsliding in Serbia and Georgia. Syrians no longer have reason to be granted asylum in Germany after the end of their country’s civil war, according to chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said they will instead be encouraged to return home.
Taxing matter | The UK’s embattled Labour chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has refused to rule out tax increases as she prepares to deliver what promises to be a difficult budget later this month.
First lady style | In a new book about how Michelle Obama used fashion as a tool for visibility and representation the former first lady describes how the media and public’s “fascination” with her bare arms was used as a tool to “otherise” her.
Full Story
Trump builds his palace while Americans face going hungry
Washington bureau chief David Smith speaks to Reged Ahmad about how the US president’s construction project is revealing a stark wealth divide and whether the Democrats can seize the moment.
In-depth
The consumer advocacy group Choice has singled out Commonwealth Bank for a special prize in its annual Shonky awards, saying the country’s biggest bank failed its low income-customers by charging them a collective $270m in unfair fees. Other “winners” were health insurer HCF for “sneakily” closing a policy and Temu for selling button-battery products.
Not the news
There is a certain enjoyment to be had from bad TV. But All’s Fair, the new Disney+ drama starring Kim Kardashian and Naomi Watts about LA divorce lawyers, is so bad it is “nowhere near” qualifying, according to our reviewer. Not only is it “fascinatingly, incomprehensibly, existentially terrible”, it also boasts a couple of the “worst kissing scenes ever seen on screen” and a concept of female empowerment that would have shamed the Spice Girls 30 years ago.
Sport
Tennis | Aryna Sabalenka dug deep to beat Jessica Pegula while Coco Gauff cleaned up her service game to beat Jasmine Paolini at the WTA finals in Saudi Arabia.
Football | It’s 25 years since Mark Viduka scored all four goals as Leeds beat Liverpool 4-3. He talks about his heady days in the Premier League, his new life in Croatia, and why he still loves Australia. In the Champions League this morning the big ones are Liverpool v Real Madrid, and PSG v Bayern.
Cricket | England captain Ben Stokes has signalled his desire to play in the 2027 Ashes at home after signing a new two-year contract.
Media roundup
Queensland had its hottest October ever as wild storms triggered 23,000 insurance claims, the Courier Mail reports. It’s all gloom in the Australian with one columnist saying Sussan Ley is not up to the job and has to go, while another is predicting a recession. Residents in Whittlesea are pushing to change the name of their street – Prince Andrew Avenue – the Age reports.
What’s happening today
Schools | Australian Education Union press conference to launch reform report at Parliament House.
Canberra | Joe Longo, Asic chair, will address the National Press Club.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
