Morning everyone.
The Coalition is facing pushback over its pledge to scrap construction rules aimed at improving energy efficiency for homes.
Also, police are looking at allegations that a car was deliberately driven towards an anti-racism protester, there are more questions about former professor Jason Arday’s origin story, and Europe has enjoyed a full solar eclipse.
Australia
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Energy ‘timebomb’ | A Coalition plan to abolish compulsory energy standards for new homes that help reduce people’s exposure to heat and cold has been criticised by advocates as a “cost-of-living timebomb” that would deepen inequality. The Liberal senator Andrew Bragg outlined the plan in a wide-ranging speech yesterday.
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‘Gayest’ party | Barnaby Joyce has defended One Nation as “one of the gayest parties in Australia” after comments surfaced from one of its failed candidates describing same-sex attraction as a mental illness.
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ABC ‘overreach’ | The ABC managing director, Hugh Marks, has promised to change editorial guidelines on satire and violence after the broadcaster aired a program featuring offensive comments about Gina Rinehart, sparking concerns about overreach.
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Smelter pledge | Anthony Albanese and the New South Wales premier, Chris Minns, will announce a major bailout of Australia’s largest aluminium smelter in a deal worth $2.5bn.
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Exclusive | Victorian police are investigating allegations that a car was deliberately driven at speed towards a protester taking part in an anti-racism rally in Melbourne last month.
World
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In the shade | Millions of people in western Europe have enjoyed the rare experience of a total or partial eclipse of the sun with the most complete blackout seen over Spain. Iceland went dark and there was a “magical eeriness” in Cornwall.
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Crew crisis | Military families and Congress members are sounding the alarm about an intensifying mental health crisis onboard the USS Abraham Lincoln as its 5,000 sailors and marines endure a record-breaking deployment at sea tied to the war with Iran. Some reports say sailors have tried to jump overboard. Meanwhile, the White House press secretary has announced she’s leaving the job.
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‘Always joking’ | Some school friends of disgraced Cambridge professor Jason Arday have challenged the academic’s story that he was non-verbal as a child, saying he was “always cracking jokes”. However, some former pupils backed his story as Cambridge University’s leadership has bowed to internal pressure for an independent investigation into his appointment.
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Hilton fears | The mother of the celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is seeking temporary custody of his three children after he was hospitalised during a mental health crisis at his south Florida home last week.
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Burning issue | The UK government is considering a ban on disposable barbecues as wildfires continue to rage across the country amid another heatwave.
Full Story
Will Albanese deliver on gambling reform?
Rafqa Touma speaks to the political editor, Tom McIlroy, about whether the main parties will reach a deal to limit the reach of gambling ads and promotions, and what is needed to help those struggling with addiction.
In-depth
A comment by the air traffic controllers’ union boss that “if you’re doing the work of two people, you can only take half as many planes” sums up the rostering and staffing issues that have bedevilled Sydney airport. Catie McLeod and Jonathan Barrett investigate.
Not the news
A fun day at the Royal Queensland Show on a budget of $200 seemed a tall order. But away from the hyper-commercial modernity, the Ekka’s roots came through for Joe Hinchliffe and family.
Sport
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Football | The Socceroos’ good showing at the World Cup has launched Australia’s top footballers into Europe’s transfer vortex with Nestory Irankunda and Lucas Herrington expected to sign for major clubs in what Jack Snape says can only be good news for the national side.
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Basketball | Josh Kushner and Bob Iger are buying the Los Angeles Lakers for more than US$12bn in a record-breaking deal, according to reports.
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Football | Barcelona have made an improved bid to Manchester City of about £51m for Rodri as the Etihad club make a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández, who is valued at about £120m. It’s the European Super Cup this morning with PSG taking on Aston Villa.
Media roundup
Two leading bank bosses have told The Australian about their fears for productivity and interest rates in the coming years. A developer’s $4m mansion is facing partial demolition after a long feud with Strathfield council, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. The Canberra Times hails the life of architect Roger Pegrum, who has died aged 87 but whose work has left a significant legacy in the capital’s suburbs.
What’s happening today
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Politics | Students protest against Pauline Hanson and One Nation in Sydney and Melbourne.
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Jones | The trial of Alan Jones continues in Sydney.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
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