Morning everyone. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has received a warmer welcome in Washington overnight compared with last February, and there were encouraging noises from Donald Trump about possible security guarantees for Ukraine, but a ceasefire did not seem to be on the table.
Meanwhile, Jim Chalmers’ much-hyped economic summit is the big setpiece political event of the day, though it risks being overshadowed by a diplomatic stoush with Israel which has cancelled some diplomatic visas. Plus: we explain why scientists are excited about a “really fun space rock”.
Australia
Summit summary | Road charges for EV drivers, cutting red tape to speed up the construction of houses and AI guardrails are expected to be discussed as Jim Chalmers’ long-awaited productivity summit begins today. Is it going to change the political weather or is it just a “Canberra Coachella”?
Tit-for-tat | Israel’s foreign minister has revoked the visas of Australian representatives to the Palestinian Authority in a tit-for-tat move following the Albanese government’s refusal to grant a visa for Simcha Rothman, a far-right Israeli politician who called for Israel’s total control of the West Bank.
Chevron challenge | The boss of Chevron, one of the world’s biggest oil and gas companies, has given some frank advice to Australia – be more like the US and Middle East petrostates to attract investment for fossil fuel industries.
‘Really fun rock’ | Scientists are excited about comet 3I/Atlas, a “really fun space rock” that is only the third interstellar object to be observed. So where is it heading and can stargazers see it?
Baby death | The body of a dead infant has been found in a stormwater drain in Perth, Western Australia police said last night.
World
Hamas accepts deal | Hamas says it has accepted an outline Gaza ceasefire deal that would include the release of half of the approximately 20 remaining Israeli hostages. Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised massive street protests against his handling of the war.
Washington welcome | Donald Trump has welcomed Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy to the White House but appeared to rule out arranging a ceasefire as part of plans to try to end the country’s war with Russia. We have the latest on our live blog of the proceedings. There was no repeat of February’s dressing down for the Ukrainian president who was supported by a team of European “bodyguards”. Also, read our explainer on why Donbas has become critical to the talks
Europe ablaze | Relentless heat and raging wildfires continue to ravage southern Europe, with a quarter of weather stations in Spain recording 40C heat.
Going postal | Donald Trump said he will sign an executive order to eliminate mail-in voting and voting machines before the 2026 midterms, days after Vladimir Putin told him US elections were rigged because of postal ballots.
Norway charges | Marius Borg Høiby, the son of the Norwegian crown princess, has been charged with 32 offences including four counts of rape, a prosecutor has said.
Full Story
Labor go looking for an economic legacy
Reged Ahmad speaks to our chief political correspondent, Tom McIlroy, about how Labor’s economic round table will shape the future of Australia.
In-depth
After an AFL season that has never quite come to life, a dramatic final round is suddenly on the cards with crunch matches coming up between contenders for final places. Martin Pegan is your guide to what’s set to be a great weekend.
Not the news
The early films of Melbourne director Philip Brophy – Salt, Saliva, Sperm and Sweat (pictured) and No Dance – have been restored after almost four decades and are returning to Melbourne international film festival. Charles Carrall assesses the impact of the films.
Sport
Tennis | The world’s best players are ready to star in the standalone US Open mixed doubles tournament, with partnerships including Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu, and Novak Djokovic and his compatriot Olga Danilovic.
Women’s rugby | England captain Zoe Aldcroft says that the World Cup starting on her home turf this week can change the game forever.
Football | Leeds have been playing Everton at Elland Road on their return to the Premier league this morning. It was nil-all at half time and you can follow the action here. Tottenham are closing in on the signing of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
Media roundup
The Financial Review says tension between unions and business is casting a shadow over the start of the treasurer’s big summit today. The Sydney Morning Herald has re-ranked school HSC results and finds only one has an average of more than 90. The president of Victoria’s Liberals has called for unity amid ongoing inflighting that he says is a “gift to Labor”, the Age reports.
What’s happening today
Business | BHP full year results and Woodside half-year results are set for release.
Defence | The defence industry minister, Pat Conroy, will speak at the Queensland media club.
Politics | NSW budget estimates on transport and care will be held.
Sign up
If you would like to receive this Morning Mail update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here, or finish your day with our Afternoon Update newsletter. You can follow the latest in US politics by signing up for This Week in Trumpland.
Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
