Good afternoon.
Donald Trump has announced Republicans will stage their first ever national convention ahead of the US midterm elections, a move aimed at energising voters as the party fights to hold its narrow congressional majorities in November.
The two-day gathering will take place in Dallas on 9 and 10 September, marking a break from the longstanding tradition of holding national conventions only during presidential election years.
“It has never been done before, and will be a truly Historic Event,” the president said via social media, promising the convention would feature “Great Entertainment”.
Top news
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What’s the catch? Menus across Australia to show seafood’s country of origin
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A 1,000kg mammal is wreaking havoc in Tasmania – and Neil the seal is loved for it
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Cameron Myers breaks the Australian 1500m record. Next up, world domination
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Unhappy families: Matthäus claims Germany travel plans caused World Cup rift
World Cup 2026
At the World Cup, Mexico have secured a place in the last 16 after a 2-0 win against Ecuador.
Off the pitch, the former Democratic Republic of the Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani has turned down an offer to commentate on the showdown between his home country and England in the last 32 of the World Cup.
The former player, who has commentated on early games in this year’s tournament, said: “There’s too much emotion in it. I won’t be able to do it … I don’t want to do any more Congolese games.”
In Socceroos-related news, midfielder Connor Metcalfe said spot kicks will be part of the team’s preparations ahead of their showdown against Egypt on Saturday.
The Australian team have never gone to a penalty shootout in a men’s World Cup.
In pictures
We know heatwaves have serious health consequences for humans, but what about other species? A study has shown they severely diminish bees’ fertility, with significant implications for the pollination of food crops in the following years.
What they said …
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“You can’t make everyone happy” – Ajdin Hrustic
Socceroos winger Ajdin Hrustic has dismissed Sky Sports’ description of the team’s 0-0 draw against Paraguay as a “largely forgettable game”.
“We got our job done and that’s what counts,” Hrustic said.
Today in Focus
Is the UK spending enough on defence? – The Latest
Keir Starmer has unveiled his long-delayed defence investment plan, promising an extra £15bn in defence spending over the next four years. The funding, which will be spent on drones, nuclear projects and RAF fighter jets, has been made available through cuts to energy, transport and housing projects.
The British PM urged his likely successor, the Labour MP Andy Burnham, not to borrow more money to pay for it. Lucy Hough speaks to Guardian policy editor Kiran Stacey.
Before bed read
Australia has only half the number of bookstores it had a decade ago. But as the industry calls for more public support, some optimistic booksellers are bucking the trend.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: POSE. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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