Good afternoon. Donald Trump’s grip on the US government now appears all but absolute, after the Republican party secured a majority in the House of Representatives to complement its control of the Senate and right-leaning supreme court.
The Associated Press determined Republicans had won at least 218 seats in the 435-member House after a victory in Arizona, a number which ends Democrats’ hopes that the lower chamber could serve as a blockade against Trump’s agenda.
Meanwhile, Trump’s decision to nominate far-right loyalist Matt Gaetz as attorney general has sent shockwaves through Washington. The Florida congressman has been investigated at various times over alleged sex trafficking, sexual misconduct, illicit drug use and other ethical breaches, all of which he has denied. Trump also announced former Democratic presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard as his director of national intelligence. Other loyalist picks such as hardliner Stephen Miller have fuelled fears of an extremist agenda.
On the other side of US politics, progressive senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have called on Democrats to show the party stands ready to “unrig this economy” as Trump works with billionaires to overhaul it.
Top news
Samantha Murphy murder trial fast-tracked | Patrick Stephenson, 23, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Ballarat woman Samantha Murphy, who went missing more than nine months ago, agreeing to waive a committal hearing and proceed directly to trial in the Victorian supreme court.
NSW detective could face lesser charge over NorthConnex crash | A high-ranking detective who had allegedly consumed more than 20 drinks at a work function before crashing a police car could be acquitted of high-range drink-driving after “fruitful” negotiations between the prosecution and defence.
Victorian year 12 exam ‘cheat sheets’ published online | Thousands of VCE students were given access to questions and answers almost identical to those used in final exams for subjects including specialist maths and legal studies, after the material was “inadvertently included” in sample cover sheets published online.
Bali flights resume after volcanic eruptions | Qantas and Jetstar have resumed some flights between Bali and Australia, and Virgin was flying all scheduled flights, but many travellers remain stranded in Bali or have had their holidays cancelled after safety concerns from the 9km high ash cloud.
Australia urged to match UK climate goal | Experts have urged the Albanese government to set an ambitious climate target that will quickly drive investment and create clean industries, after the UK pledged to cut emissions to 81% below 1990 levels by 2035 at the Cop29 summit.
Palau president defeats brother-in-law in election | Surangel Whipps Jr has been returned for a second term leading the tiny Pacific nation, which is strategically important to the US military and one of the few remaining countries to diplomatically recognise Taiwan over China.
UK court declares will written on food boxes valid | Malcolm Chenery, who died in 2021, left his estate, worth around £180,000 (A$352,000), to Diabetes UK. However, the charity faced a legal wrangle to inherit the donations, as Chenery’s final wishes were written on two food packaging boxes that had contained frozen fish and mince pies.
Jail term sought for Marine Le Pen | The Paris prosecutor has requested a five-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office for the far-right National Rally leader at a trial in which she and 24 others are accused of embezzling European Union funds. Addressing the trial last month, Le Pen said she was innocent.
Charles Manson admits to additional murders | In newly unearthed audio, the cult leader behind a string of killings during the late 1960s admitted his involvement in additional murders in Mexico prior to his assembly of the notorious Manson Family.
In pictures
Aid to Gaza: is there a line Netanyahu won’t cross?
With Israel facing no consequences for ignoring the US’s deadline to increase aid to Gaza, the answer, according to cartoonist Fiona Katauskas, appears to be no.
What they said …
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“Banning YouTube would be the modern equivalent of banning children from libraries because there’s a few books not suitable for children” – Matt Canavan
The Queensland senator has joined others from the left and right in expressing concern at the prospect of the social media ban for under-16s being rushed through parliament without a Senate inquiry.
The communications minister, Michelle Rowland, said “low-risk services” such as YouTube Kids could be excluded from the ban, as well as Snapchat, which she suggested may be classified as a “messaging service”.
In numbers
The number of people with diabetes has doubled over the past 30 years, according to a groundbreaking international study. Global analysis published in the Lancet found that rates of diabetes in adults doubled from about 7% to about 14% between 1990 to 2022, with the largest increase in low- and middle-income countries.
Before bed read
‘Defend the product!’ How the French keep their artisan food culture alive
In 2021, Rouen was declared a City of Gastronomy by Unesco in recognition of its commitment to sustainable development, organic agriculture and high-quality food. It’s a badge the city wears with pride, especially when the Fête du Ventre – the festival of the tummy – is in full swing. The event is one of many showcases for how deeply the French treasure their traditional gastronomie, despite the ever-encroaching power of global agribusiness and multinational food companies.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: OPE. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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