Good afternoon. It’s been another big day in news – and I promise it’s not all just about the Matildas (though a lot of it is).
Border force agents wearing hazmat suits have raided a Sydney property amid reports nuclear isotopes have been found. Meanwhile, Hillsong founder Brian Houston has been acquitted of covering up his father’s abuse of a young boy.
And, of course, tributes are flowing for the Matildas after their semi-final loss. But the journey is not over yet – they have history to make this coming Saturday as they vie for a third place finish, and Football Australia is looking at how it will keep the energy up long after the World Cup is over.
Top news
Hillsong founder acquitted of covering up his father’s abuse of a young boy | Brian Houston, 69, previously told the court he was left “speechless” when he first heard of his father Frank Houston’s abuse of a seven-year-old boy.
The game that stopped a nation | The Matildas’ defeat to England reached 11.15 million Australians nationally – becoming the most-watched program since the current rating system started. The broadcast’s average audience was 7.13 million.
Police in hazmat suits raid Sydney house | Nuclear materials were reportedly discovered by the Australian Border Force at a home in the suburb of Arncliffe.
Unemployment rises above expectations in July | Jobless rate hit 3.7%, with the number of employed Australians dropping by 15,000 and the number of Australians classified as being unemployed rising by 42,000.
Albanese outlines economic vision at ALP conference | Labor’s national conference is under way and the PM has spruiked plans for “new jobs, greater productivity, and better wages”. You can read our live blog here.
World’s longest train tunnel to close for months | The 16 cars that jumped the tracks on the Gotthard rail tunnel last Thursday’s remain stuck inside the 57km (35-mile) long tunnel.
Australians caught World Cup fever, but will they embrace football? | After the Matildas’ semi-final exit, Football Australia has turned its attention to making sure it can capitalise on the national team’s successful campaign.
Telstra profits jump 13% | The telco announced on Thursday that profit for the year rose to almost $2.1bn, leaving its chief executive to defend a hike in mobile fees.
Two charged over alleged vandalism that caused train delays for Matildas’ fans | The men, aged 47 and 33, have been charged with offences including aggravated break and enter, endangering the safety of a person on a railway and destroying or damaging property.
German foreign minister’s visit cancelled | On Tuesday, Annalena Baerbock called off her week-long trip to the Indo-Pacific region after repeated mechanical issues with her government plane. The situation has been labelled a “disgrace” by the German press.
Full Story
The voice AMA: does voting no ‘maintain the status quo?’ – Full Story podcast
In this episode of the special Full Story series The voice ask me anything, the team discusses the recycling of a Howard-era scare campaign, the misrepresentation of First Nations views on the voice, and why the no vote is on the rise.
What they said …
***
‘The dream is not over. It’s only just begun.’
These were the sage words from former soccer player Craig Foster who joined many in thanking the Matildas for their incredible performance so far. He was joined by the PM, Rebel Wilson and others – you can read about the reactions here.
In numbers
Before bed read
From being eaten alive by ants to camping naked with hungry lions, survival TV makes for addictive television. But what kind of people are willing to risk their lives for our entertainment?
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: KIR. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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