Good morning. We lead today with reports that Bashar al-Assad has fled Syria with his family and was granted asylum in Moscow, after rebel factions seized control of the capital, Damascus. Many are rejoicing at the stunning downfall of the Assad regime – but questions remain as to how the country’s next chapter will be shaped.
Back in Australia, the CSIRO has refuted Peter Dutton’s claims that the long operating life of nuclear power plants makes them a cheaper option than renewables.
And there are concerns over children being exposed to gambling advertising through filters on the Snapchat messaging app.
Australia
Nuclear energy | The CSIRO has rejected Coalition arguments that nuclear power plants could be developed in Australia in less than 15 years – and that their long operating life makes them a cheaper option. Firmed solar and wind remain the cheapest option for new electricity, Australia’s national science agency says.
Exclusive | Gambling ads from Sportsbet can reach children on Snapchat through special promotional filters despite the platform attempting to restrict access.
Homelessness | Ten thousand extra Australians are becoming homeless each month – a 22% increase in the past three years – according to a new report from UNSW and Homelessness Australia.
Analysis | Labor made a mess of Queensland youth justice – now the LNP seems hellbent on making it worse with its proposed “adult time” laws for children, writes Ben Smee.
Avoiding a bumpy ride | Catching the bus can be a jarring experience – the engine shudders, the driver accelerates and brakes – but Sydney researchers say there are solutions for a smoother ride.
World
Assad overthrown | Ousted Syrian president Bashar al-Assad is reportedly in Moscow as rebel commander Abu Mohammed al-Jolani tells Syrians “the future is ours”. Syrians around the world celebrated Assad’s fall. Hezbollah’s war with Israel left the Assad regime fatally exposed, writes Bethan McKernan.
Russia-Ukraine war | Donald Trump has called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and claims Kyiv “would like to make a deal” – just a day after meeting with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
US politics | In his first sit-down news interview since winning a second US presidency, Trump has said he will “act quickly” to pardon January 6 rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021.
Out of the ashes | Parisians, the French and the world have rediscovered the breathtaking beauty of the Notre Dame de Paris cathedral – celebrating its first mass after its devastating fire.
Brian Thompson shooting | New York’s mayor says the “net is tightening” in the hunt for the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s killer, as police released two additional photos of the suspected shooter.
Full Story
What really helps with hangovers?
What if you could take a pill or a shot that reduced your blood alcohol level and made you feel better in the morning? That’s the promise of a range of wellness products aiming to be the next big hangover antidote. But what exactly are hangovers, and which methods of preventing them are backed by science? Madeleine Finlay speaks with Dr Sally Adams from the University of Birmingham to find out more.
In-depth
Every three years the Australian Council of Trade Unions meets for its congress, a big decision-making gathering to set policies and strategies for the movement. That is not what is happening in Canberra on Monday. Instead, union leaders extremely cheesed off about the construction union being placed into administration will plot their own way forward. And, as Paul Karp writes, it appears that everything is on the table.
Not the news
In the latest instalment in our weekly Three Things series about the importance of objects, standup comedian and TikTok sensation Tom Cashman shares the tale of a devastating theft, a piece of art conveying a quiet sense of stoicism, and the PlayStation game that’s essential to his creative process (hear him out).
Sport
Football | Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham were beaten 3-4 by Chelsea, while Arsenal stumbled in the title race with a 1-1 draw with Fulham in the Premier League.
Cricket | Mohammed Siraj has accused Travis Head of lying after Australia averted crisis with a thumping win that levels the series with India. Ellyse Perry and Georgia Voll tons powered Australia to an ODI series win over India.
Athletics | Gout Gout, 16, has broken Australia’s longstanding men’s 200m record.
Motorsport | Lando Norris won the Abu Dhabi F1 GP as McLaren took their first title since 1998.
Media roundup
More than 500 of the 600 sites across NSW flagged as being potentially contaminated with Pfas chemicals are yet to be investigated, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. Inaction by Victoria’s premier, Jacinta Allan, on a pledge to consider overhauling electoral laws is likely to trigger a high court challenge by independents, the Age says. Melbourne’s life-modelling community is split over allegations of abuse and a model-led push for change, ABC News reports.
What’s happening today
NSW | A coronial inquest into the death of Corowa baby Kevin Patten is due to be held in Albury.
RBA | The Reserve Bank of Australia’s board is meeting ahead of Tuesday’s scheduled rates announcement.
ABS | The latest employee earnings, building approvals and union membership figures are due for release by the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
