Happy Friday! The cause of yesterday’s massive fire in Sydney that destroyed a heritage-listed building still remains unknown, but two teenagers are assisting police with enquiries. No charges had been laid at the time of writing.
In other news, the ABC chair, Ita Buttrose, has spoken out about the “abusive and toxic culture” pervading Australian discourse in light of Stan Grant’s resignation as Q&A host after receiving a torrent of racist abuse.
Top news
Perceptions of police collusion in Lehrmann case | A senior ACT police officer has told the inquiry into the prosecution of Bruce Lehrmann for rape that she held serious concerns that there were perceptions her officers were colluding with lawyers for Lehrmann’s defence.
Racist trolls on Facebook | Victoria’s First Peoples’ Assembly has called on Facebook to act against the “tidal wave” of racist online trolls that it says have targeted its work. In the past week alone, the assembly said it has blocked about 300 people who have left racist slurs on its Facebook posts.
Push for tougher anti-hate laws | Victorian mental health and LGBTQ+ groups are calling on the state to expand anti-vilification laws in the wake of repeated threats against LGBTQ+ events. “Victoria’s laws do not do enough to protect many marginalised communities from the hate we have seen on Melbourne’s streets,” the groups wrote.
Sporting codes back voice | More than 20 Australian sporting codes have come together to publish an open letter to all Australian sport fans, saying: “We, as a collective, support recognition through a voice.”
Peter V’landys loses ABC defamation case appeal | The Racing NSW boss lost the appeal over an ABC 7.30 report showing graphic footage of retired racehorses being slaughtered at a Queensland abattoir. The court said, however, that the report treated him “shabbily”.
Typhoon Mawar tears through Guam | Much of Guam was without power and running water after a typhoon packing ferocious winds and torrential rains battered the western Pacific island but caused no reported fatalities or serious injuries.
US debt ceiling deal within sight | Joe Biden and Republican lawmakers appeared to be nearing a deal to cut spending and raise the debt ceiling, with just one week left before the potential default deadline of 1 June. A US government default could wreak havoc on the US economy and global markets.
New marine life discovered | Scientists have discovered more than 5,000 new species living on the seabed in an untouched area of the Pacific Ocean that has been identified as a future hotspot for deep-sea mining.
Elon Musk’s brain implant company | … has been approved for an in-human study. Neuralink said it had received a green light from the US Food and Drug Administration to begin human trials for a brain implant to treat severe conditions such as paralysis and blindness.
In pictures
Yemen: beauty on the edge of war – an incredible photo essay.
What they said …
***
“I think [the Stan Grant episode is] telling me that people are sick of the abusive and toxic culture that pervades our public discourse, whether it’s sport, social issues, politics … We can’t have a proper discussion in Australia anymore.” – Ita Buttrose
The ABC chair says there is “a lesson for the entire community by Stan Grant stepping back”, calling for a return to civility in public life.
In numbers
Rod Sims, the former ACCC chair, has called on the federal government to do more to increase supermarket competition, after a Guardian analysis found Coles and Woolworths increased prices more than necessary, boosting their profit margins.
Before bed read
Rounding off the week with this reader question to our advice columnist, Eleanor Gordon-Smith: “My ex rang me and now I feel the love for my new wife fading fast. What can I do?”
Gordon-Smith’s reply: “So the question about what you should do isn’t just a question about which relationship or woman you should prioritise. It’s a question about whether you can deliver the mind-made-up-ness that constitutes a marriage.
“Don’t stay in a way where you’re waiting to see whether your choice was a good one. Don’t stand back like a scientist watching an experiment to see if your wife can regain the standing you feel she’s lost. People can feel when you’re withdrawing approval from them. They can tell when you’re looking at them through evaluative eyes instead of loving ones. It’s not a good feeling.”
Read the full response.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: DOWN. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
Sign up
If you would like to receive this Afternoon Update to your email inbox every weekday, sign up here. And start your day with a curated breakdown of the key stories you need to know. Sign up for our Morning Mail newsletter here.
