Morning everyone. The parameters of the Middle East crisis have shifted again after Israel announced that it had killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the alleged mastermind of the 7 October attacks. We have full reports and analysis on what it means for the ongoing conflict.
At home, the Greens say research shows nearly 300,000 renters could become homeowners if negative gearing is tweaked, Labor’s rift with the unions is growing, and Australia are out of the Women’s T20 World Cup after losing to South Africa.
Australia
Wind change | Wholesale power prices across much of eastern Australia were sharply higher in the September quarter from a year earlier because volatile wind generation meant more reliance on gas, hydro and batteries. But many people will see lower power bills due to government rebates.
‘Biggest blocker’ | More than a quarter of a million renters could own their own homes if Labor reformed tax breaks for residential property investors, new analysis commissioned by the Greens shows, as the party dubbed Anthony Albanese the “biggest blocker” to change.
Psychologist barred | Melbourne psychologist Jonathon Walker, who coerced a young, vulnerable client and moved her into his home after they began an intimate relationship, has had his registration cancelled.
Rights move | Rights and protections for LGBTI people in New South Wales have been strengthened with the passing of a bill in the state parliament late on Thursday, after the legislation was watered down to gain Labor support.
Union rift | Union leaders have warned Labor that the days of their members “blindly” supporting candidates at federal elections are over as the rift with the party over placing the CFMEU construction union in administration widened.
World
‘Great achievement’ | Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader who masterminded the 7 October attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza, has been killed by Israeli troops, the country’s foreign minister announced overnight, calling it a “great achievement”. Sinwar was among three men killed in a surprise encounter in Gaza, the military said, but although his death is another major boost for Benjamin Netanyahu, our analysis argues it will not end the war. Here is our profile of Sinwar, and you can follow live developments in the story here.
Vance voice | The Republican vice-presidential candidate, JD Vance, has suggested that Donald Trump did not actually lose the 2020 election, and that it was rigged by “big tech”. Follow developments in the US live.
Euro clash | European leaders are expected to clash over the controversial idea of processing asylum seekers offshore at a summit dominated by plans to toughen up EU migration policy. Here’s why it’s back on the agenda.
Kids’ stuff | A veteran UK Tory has sparked outrage after saying he would not support Kemi Badenoch to be the party leader because she is “preoccupied with her own children”.
‘Major artist’ | Liam Payne died of multiple traumas and internal and external bleeding caused by a fall from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, authorities said, as his family led tributes to the former One Direction star. Check out our video obituary charting his rise to fame.
Full Story
Newsroom edition: why the PM’s beach house matters in politics
Bridie Jabour talks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor, deputy editor Patrick Keneally and national news editor Jo Tovey about what the anger around the PM’s beach house says about the state of the housing crisis.
In-depth
The royal visit beginning this weekend has revived discussion about constitutional reform in Australia. Graham Smith, a British-Australian anti-monarchist, writes today about the need to establish an alternative narrative to the one that says the monarchy is “harmless” and doesn’t need reform. “The monarchy isn’t good for anything or anyone, it is not dignified and deserves condemnation, not respect,” he argues. If you’re not persuaded, we also have a guide to where you can see the king and queen.
Not the news
Saint Etienne, Deee-lite, Underworld, Happy Mondays … there are many reference points for the new album released this week by Australian electro-pop outfit Confidence Man (pictured). In fact, writes Jenny Valentish in her five-star review, 3AM (La La La) has so many points where you can trace back to other artists that it is “practically a drinking game”.
The world of sport
Women’s T20 | South Africa stunned Australia to win the first semi-final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in Dubai, overhauling a target of 135 with eight wickets and almost three overs to spare.
AFL | GWS Giants player Josh Fahey has been banned for four matches and five others banned for two games after an investigation into “unacceptable” behaviour at the players’ end-of-season function last month.
Cricket | England need another 261 runs to win the second Test against Pakistan with eight wickets remaining, while India slumped to their lowest ever home score after being dismissed for 46 by New Zealand in the first Test in Bangalore.
Media roundup
The Daily Telegraph has “exclusive” dashcam footage of the moments before yesterday’s fatal Sydney Harbour Bridge crash. Union kingpin Bill Kelty has pleaded for Labor and union leaders to stave off a damaging and historic split, the Age reports. Bruce Lehrmann should be awarded upwards of $1m if he wins his appeal against his defamation suit loss to Channel Ten, his lawyer says, the Courier Mail reports. A bill to lower the age of criminal responsibility was passed by the NT parliament last night, NT News reports.
What’s happening today
Floods | Report due from inquiry into insurers’ responses to 2022 floods claims.
Melbourne | Sentencing for Greg Lynn, found guilty of murdering camper Carol Clay.
Media | Fran Kelly gives the Andrew Olle media lecture at 6.30pm.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
