Afternoon Update: Adelaide writers’ week cancelled; Rudd calls time as US ambassador a year early; and DiCaprio’s viral moment

Crowds gather at Adelaide writers’ week in 2023. This year’s event has been cancelled after more than 180 participants dropped out after Randa Abdel-Fattah was disinvited. Photograph: Andrew Beveridge/The Guardian

Good afternoon.

Adelaide writers’ week 2026 has been cancelled after more than 180 authors and speakers dropped out in protest of the decision to disinvite Randa Abdel-Fattah. The Adelaide festival board apologised to the Palestinian Australian author for “how the decision was represented”. The entire board has resigned, with the exception of the Adelaide city council representative whose term expires in February.