Good morning. We lead today with the extraordinary story of the man who posed as the chief executive of the collapsed crypto scheme HyperVerse. In our exclusive interview Stephen Harrison, a British freelance television presenter living in Thailand, says he was given about $7,500 and a free suit to play the role of HyperVerse’s CEO. He says he’s sorry for those who lost money in the scheme and had “certainly not pocketed” any of the money later lost by investors.
Meanwhile, a new global study led by Australian researchers looks at the dangers of adolescents using medically unapproved weight-loss products.
And there are fears that people have died in unrest in Papua New Guinea’s capital overnight, after violence erupted as police went on strike over pay problems.
Australia
Diplomacy | In the lead-up to the first hearing at The Hague, the Albanese government has refused to state its position over South Africa’s case against Israel that alleges it has committed genocide in Gaza.
‘I do feel bad’ | The man who posed as the CEO of the collapsed crypto scheme HyperVerse has confirmed he was paid to act the part – and says he feels sorry for investors who lost money.
‘Fading away’ | A global study led by Australian researchers has urged a ban on selling weight-loss products to under-18s, as young people vulnerable to body-image pressure face aggressive marketing.
Social media | Disclosures to the eSafety commissioner show the X social media platform has reinstated thousands of accounts in Australia – including nearly 200 banned for hateful conduct.
‘Disappointing’ | Advocates claim that a new national plan to improve working conditions for people with disability fails to do enough to address the issue of their subminimum wages.
World
Israel-Gaza war | The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has restated Washington’s commitment to the creation of a Palestinian state during his West Bank visit, while the WHO chief has called on Israel to provide access amid “insurmountable” struggles to deliver aid to Gaza.
Port Moresby | Officers from regional areas have been redeployed to Papua New Guinea’s capital after unrest “spiralled out of control”, with businesses set on fire when police went on strike over pay.
Donald Trump | The former US president says there will be “bedlam” if criminal cases block his bid to return to the White House. Trump has also been denounced for “birther” claims about his Republican rival Nikki Haley.
‘I was crying with panic’ | Workers at an Ecuador TV station have spoken of their alarm after they were held at gunpoint while horrified viewers watched. Ecuador is “at war” with drug gangs, its president says.
Almost lost forever | A trove of photos depicting pivotal scenes in modern New Zealand is now being sold to its cultural institutions after being rescued by a US gallery.
Full Story
Matilda Boseley on the health kick that landed her in a lake
Guardian Australia’s social media reporter and presenter Matilda Boseley was enjoying the view as she cycled home from work. An untimely distraction on her brand-new bike revealed a lot more than a lake filled with swan poo. Matilda’s story is part of The tale I dine out on, a summer series in which 10 of our favourite storytellers – actors, comedians, writers and Guardian staff – recount a story that never fails to entertain.
In-depth
With the University Admissions Centre set to issue about 15,000 applicants offers in its first January round, year 12 graduates are crossing their fingers to nab a place in their dream 2024 course. We spell out how are tertiary education offers are staggered, what’s popular this year – and what happens if you don’t get your first preference.
Not the news
The writer and photographer Simon Bajada did not know much about his Maltese heritage when he was growing up in Adelaide. He was raised by an Australian-Irish mother and a father whose Maltese roots went “so far back” that he didn’t know the family’s origin story. He set out to discover more about his family and their food – and the culinary puzzle pieces fell into place.
The world of sport
Football | The Socceroos return to scene of their World Cup heroics uncertain of their place among Asian Cup elite as they hunt a second continental title.
Tennis | Daria Saville gets boost after beating Sofia Kenin at the Hobart International. No longer a prisoner to injuries, Andy Murray is hoping to break the shackles at the Australian Open.
Golf | Bryan Armen Graham takes a deep dive into Tiger Woods, Nike and the end of the all-encompassing athlete-brand marriage.
Media roundup
Australia is being urged to change its stance over nuclear energy or risk being left behind as the US pushes its allies to embrace nuclear microreactors, the Australian reports. Days after a windfarm terminal project was blocked, Victoria’s energy minister has demanded the Albanese government do more to help develop the offshore wind industry, reports the Age. After more than four years of work on a $1.2bn repair, Queensland’s Paradise Dam will now need to be rebuilt after investigations found too many structural issues, the ABC reports.
What’s happening today
Sport | The Australian Open 2024 men’s and women’s singles draws will be revealed this afternoon at Melbourne Park.
Tertiary education | The University Admission Centre is set to release its January round one offers.
ABS | The latest international trade figures are due to be released 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 – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
