Morning everyone. Our top story this morning is an exclusive on Lake Cargelligo suspect Julian Ingram, who is currently on the run after allegedly killing three people. Court documents reveal a history of domestic violence-related offences including threats and stalking.
Plus we dig into supermarkets’ potentially misleading “per unit” grocery pricing, a report shows shark attacks increased significantly last year, and we ask if smart homes are actually dumb.
Australia
Free hit | At least six federal Labor and Liberal politicians, including an assistant minister and shadow ministers, have accepted free tickets to sporting events from major gambling companies in the past six months, as the government faces calls to restrict wagering ads.
Exclusive | Julian Ingram told a former partner he had a “gun and a hole” for a man he assumed to be her new partner and made threats towards her, their child and her mother a decade before he allegedly murdered three people and went on the run, according to court documents.
Health costs | Australian private health insurance premiums are about to rise by 4.41%. Our medical editor digs into the vexed question of whether the whole system is broken.
Weighty matter | The consumer regulator says she is concerned by the growing practice of supermarkets charging customers for fresh produce by item, rather than by weight, leaving some shoppers confused and shortchanged.
Emissions penalty | Major auto brands including Mazda, Nissan and Subaru face the possibility of millions of dollars in penalties after failing to meet climate targets for new vehicles in Australia.
World
Shark attack | The number of people killed or bitten by sharks in unprovoked attacks globally increased significantly in 2025, a report has found, while a Florida county remains the unofficial shark bite capital of the world.
Dirty fight | A month after one of the largest sewage spills in US history began soiling the Potomac River, Donald Trump and the Maryland governor, Wes Moore, are fighting over who bears responsibility for a disaster involving a federally regulated pipeline that Moore does not control.
Talks stalemate | The latest round of US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended overnight without a major breakthrough, as Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Moscow of “trying to drag out” the process.
UK | British dual nationals may be able to board Ryanair flights in Europe to the UK even if they do not have a current British passport when new immigration rules come into force next week, the airline has said.
Exclusive | Large numbers of paper restorers and bookbinders were recruited by the Nazis and “contributed directly to genocide” during the second world war, according to research.
Full Story
The political furore over Islamic State families
Reged Ahmad speaks to senior reporter and former foreign correspondent Ben Doherty about the fierce debate over the repatriation of the women and children stuck in Syria and what it means to be an Australian citizen.
In-depth
Children with complex needs are being turned away from childcare centres due to funding gaps and staff burnout amid concerns that the federal government’s inclusion support program – intended to improve provision – is having the reverse effect. One expert says between 25 and 30% of children are starting school behind: “It’s seriously the biggest economic crisis that the country could imagine, and it’s building,” she said.
Not the news
Smart doorbells, smart locks and smart heating systems promised a futuristic lifestyle taking the stress out of every day life. But, as Katie Strick discovers, when the tech in smart homes fails it creates more problems than it solves and is leading to buyer’s remorse.
Sport
Asian Cup | The Matildas have backed Mary Fowler to return to fitness and to the Women’s Asian Cup squad despite the star attacker playing just 15 minutes since returning from a serious knee injury.
Winter Olympics | America’s Mikaela Shiffrin won a stunning slalom contest to make history with a third Olympic gold, while Johannes Høsflot Klæbo led Norway to victory in the men’s cross-country team sprint to claim his fifth win at the Milano Cortina Olympics and a record 10th Winter Olympic gold medal. Follow the action live.
Football | This morning’s Champions League playoffs include Newcastle’s trip to Qarabag. Meanwhile some big names are caught up in a row over racism.
Media roundup
Victoria has lost the Moto GP to Adelaide in a blow for the Allan government, the Age reports, but the Advertiser is of course cockahoop at revenge for losing the FI GP all those years ago. Santos is cutting 10% of its workforce amid a downturn in commodity prices, WAtoday reports.
What’s happening today
Courts | Trial to begin for state Liberal MP Rory Amon, charged with child sexual offences at NSW supreme court.
Business | Financial results from Telstra, Rio Tinto, Wesfarmers and Medibank Private.
Sydney | Hearing at NSW supreme court into legal spat over ownership of the Australian Turf Club.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
