Morning everyone. In an unintentional masterpiece of understatement, Britain’s Thames Valley police confirmed overnight that they had arrested “a man in his 60s from Norfolk”. That man, of course, is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, AKA the former Prince Andrew, who has since been “released under investigation” from police custody as questions over his links to Jeffrey Epstein continue to unravel his once gilded life. We have full reports, analysis and live coverage.
We also have two exclusive stories – one an interview with the nephew of a Digger whose grave has been bulldozed by the Israel Defense Forces, and the other an insight into the “outrageous” tool deciding aged care packages. Plus, why Rose Byrne must win the best actress Oscar.
Australia
Exclusive | Daniel Cotterill’s uncle Patrick had lain in peace in a grave at the Gaza War Cemetery for 84 years. But his and many other graves were destroyed when the Israeli military bulldozed part of the site, prompting his family to demand that it must be restored to the “way it was”.
Iraq transfer | A group of Australian men suspected of being former Islamic State fighters are among more than 5,000 detainees transferred from Syria to Iraq, where they potentially face charges that could carry the death penalty.
‘Segregated’ unis | New university enrolments from students with low socioeconomic backgrounds dropped by 10% between 2020 and 2024, as independent senator David Pocock warns the Morrison-era Job-Ready Graduates scheme is creating a “segregated” higher education system.
Exclusive | When Jean Mathew, who has cerebral palsy, was reassessed recently for her aged care funding, her family assumed it would be increased. Instead it was reduced, raising questions about how the 78-year-old and many like her can manage.
Funding fear | Creative Victoria funding has dropped by more than $20m since 2022 and organisations including Writers Victoria now face closure, with arts workers warning Melbourne’s cultural future is at risk.
World
Royal arrest | King Charles has insisted “the law must take its course” after detectives took the unprecedented step of arresting his brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with police seeking to question him about confidential material he allegedly shared with the convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Andrew was seen leaving a police station in a car after almost 12 hours of questioning by police in Norfolk, as no fewer than nine police forces investigate his links to Epstein. Here’s what we know so far about the first arrest of a member of the royal family in modern history.
Exclusive | The Trump administration is planning to build a 5,000-person military base in Gaza, sprawling across more than 350 acres, according to Board of Peace contracting records reviewed by the Guardian.
Passport hope | British dual nationals may be able to use expired UK passports to prove to airlines they are British when controversial new immigration rules come into force, the UK Home Office has said.
President jailed | South Korea’s former president Yoon Suk Yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment with labour over his failed martial law declaration in December 2024, finding him guilty of leading an insurrection.
Out of Africa | More than 1,000 Kenyans have been lured to fight for Russia in its war with Ukraine, according to Kenyan intelligence, highlighting the scale of a Russian operation taking African men to the frontline.
Full Story
No inheritance, no home: the unjust wealth transfer
Deputy features editor Celina Ribeiro joins Reged Ahmad to discuss how the age of inheritance is threatening economic equality, faith in the “fair go”, and even in democracy itself.
In-depth
Around the world, global heating is already giving us more frequent heatwaves, and when we get them they are lasting longer and bringing more heat. So what does extreme heat do to the body? What does it feel like to take a walk in the kind of heat that will become all too frequent in the very near future?
Our environment and climate correspondent, Graham Readfearn, entered an extreme heat simulation to investigate.
Not the news
It’s film awards season and Rebecca Shaw is getting her vote in early with a plea for Rose Byrne to score an Australian win as best actress for If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, in which she delivers dark humour “perfectly”.
Sport
Cricket | Australia’s women bounced back from a disappointing loss in the first match to win the second T20 international against India by 19 runs in Canberra last night. Georgia Voll was player of the match for her sparkling knock of 88.
Winter Olympics | Italy, the Winter Olympics host, has called for a reversal of the decision to let 10 Russian and Belarusian athletes compete with national flags and anthems at next month’s Paralympic Games. More medals are up for grabs this morning. Follow the action live.
Formula One | Toto Wolff, the Mercedes principal, has snapped back at “utter bullshit” about a potential fuel problem a day after the FIA proposed a mid-season rule change over the team’s controversial engine.
Media roundup
The CBUS super fund is in turmoil, according to the Age, after the resignation of a director over reports of her relationship with a union boss. Not content with the MotoGP, the Adelaide Advertiser says South Australia’s premier wants to regain the F1 GP as well. A teenager is in a critical condition after a stabbing in Geelong city centre, the Advertiser reports.
What’s happening today
Sydney | NSW public hearing on the illegal tobacco trade at Parliament House.
Melbourne | Lunar new year celebrations at Queen Victoria Market from 10am.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
