Morning everyone. First it was the turn of Volodymyr Zelenskyy and today it was the turn of the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, to be ambushed in the White House as Donald Trump confronted him with baseless claims about white people being massacred in his country.
At home, the floods in New South Wales are forecast to continue as more rain arrives today. Plus, why the clock could already be “ticking” for David Littleproud, and a 17-year-old takes time off school to fire her team into the Asian Champions League final with a last-minute winner. Plus – it was good news for Ange Postecoglou at the Europa League final in Bilbao, where Tottenham Hotspur beat Manchester United 1-0.
Australia
Flood fears | Rain is predicted to hammer the mid-north coast of NSW and further north to Coffs Harbour until tomorrow morning as the BoM warned of “heavy, localised intense rainfall” that could also bring “life-threatening” flash flooding. Some areas could catch 300m of rain in 24 hours, bringing more difficulty and anguish for almost 50,000 people isolated by rising flood waters. Check out our maps of the flooded areas.
‘Clock ticking’ | The “clock is ticking” already for the Nationals leader, David Littleproud, after his decision to pull the party out of the Coalition, according to a former senior NSW Nationals MP. Ted O’Brien is tipped to assume the Treasury spokesperson role when Sussan Ley makes her frontbench announcement – possibly today.
Low battery | The number of battery electric vehicles sold in Australia has fallen to its lowest level in two years as drivers continue buying traditional cars or hybrids, according to the nation’s peak motoring body.
Bolt battle | Sky News Australia and Andrew Bolt will defend a defamation claim filed in the federal court by Adam Houda by arguing the imputation that the Sydney lawyer is a “Jew hater” is true.
‘Complex emotions’ | Damir Dokic, the estranged father and coach of former tennis star Jelena Dokic, has died. The 41-year-old former world No 4 has detailed how she suffered abuse from her father and described “complex emotions” at the news.
World
Israel ‘warning shots’ | Israeli troops have fired “warning shots” at a group of 25 diplomats who were visiting the Israel-occupied West Bank on a mission organised by the Palestinian Authority to observe the humanitarian situation. Britain is to begin talks tomorrow about the possibility of the recognition of the state of Palestine.
Trump clash | A meeting between Donald Trump and the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, descended into farce after the US president confronted his guest with a video and photographs that purported to show evidence of a genocide against white farmers in South Africa.
Madrid killing | Andriy Portnov, an ex-aide to the pro-Russian former president of Ukraine, has been shot dead while dropping off his children at a school in Madrid. And Russia tried to hack into border security cameras to spy on and disrupt the flow of western aid entering Ukraine, the UK has claimed.
Warm gesture | Keir Starmer, the UK prime minister, has reversed his decision to end winter fuel payments for pensioners after a backlash against one of his government’s most unpopular policies.
Turing point | Papers belonging to the computing pioneer Alan Turning that were saved from the shredder could fetch £150,000 at auction.
Full Story
What will it take to stop Israel’s attacks on Gaza?
Australian human rights lawyer Chris Sidoti speaks to Nour Haydar about why he thinks Australia needs to act now to help stop the killing in Gaza.
In-depth
The NDIS regulator is investigating a Queensland-based disability housing and support provider – which collapsed in March with more than half a million dollars in tax debt – after residents made complaints alleging that their support needs were not being fully met. Former residents and staff also allege the company operated audio-recording cameras that could have eavesdropped on conversations. Read our special report by Stephanie Convery and Adeshola Ore.
Not the news
This week’s consumer column focuses on an issue that surely annoys everyone who ever buys tickets for anything online: dynamic pricing. Our reader was frustrated to find the price of airline tickets changing constantly as they tried to book. Is there a way to beat the system?
Sport
Football | Ange Postecoglou led his Tottenham Hotspur team to victory in the Europa Cup final against Manchester United this morning in a match that could decide his future. Follow live.
Women’s football | Shelby McMahon, a 17-year-old schoolgirl, fired in an added time winner for Melbourne City against Incheon Red Angels in Wuhan last night to put her team into the final of the women’s Asian Champions League.
Cricket | England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, has set his sights on displacing Australia at the top of the Test rankings as he begins the home summer against Zimbabwe later today.
Media roundup
The NSW Hunter Valley and mid-north coast will receive rapid state and federal assistance after being inundated by record flooding, the Port Macquarie News reports. Bad blood has been building between Sussan Ley and David Littleproud for 25 years, the Sydney Morning Herald claims, and this week it boiled over. In the Australian, Mike Cannon-Brookes calls for more renewable power projects.
What’s happening today
Sydney | NSW parliamentary committee public hearing related to the Dural caravan plot.
Brisbane | Media conference of the 2032 Olympic Coordination Commission at 12pm.
Economy | Speech by the Reserve Bank deputy governor, Andrew Hauser, at the Lowy institute at 6.30pm.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
