What we learned today, Saturday 16 July
That’s all from us today, folks. You may have noticed Natasha May did all the hard yards and I just swanned in and gave you a couple of animal stories. She’s a rock star and will be back next week, but you can tune in tomorrow for more live blog action. Here are today’s highlights:
- Prime minister Anthony Albanese has extended the pandemic leave payments, after a snap national cabinet meeting this morning.
- Covid hospitalisations reached record levels in several states. You can see all the latest data here.
- Catch up with Katharine Murphy’s take on Albanese’s pivot, and more.
- Kate Lyons has wrapped up the Pacific Islands Forum here.
- Australian renters feel powerless against evictions without cause.
- And please do enjoy this story about the “beautiful chaos” of these rock and roll preschoolers.
Have a delightful Saturday evening!
Rare orcas spotted for first time in Victorian waters
A rare type of orca has been spotted for the first time in Victorian waters, according to the ABC.
About 15 Type C orcas cavorted around a whale-watching boat off the Gippsland coast. Apparently they usually hang out closer to Antarctica, are smaller than other types, and they “have a very distinctive and dramatically slanted eye patch”.
And these killer whales eat fish, not mammals.
Updated
