Good morning. Australians, particularly in social housing, are sweating through temperatures of more than 30C in their homes for long stretches of summer, according to advocates who are calling for insulation to be regulated in all rental properties. That would curb heat traveling down from the roof – where temperatures can reach 70C, our story says.
Meanwhile, an Australian is among at least 68 people who died in Nepal’s most deadly plane crash in decades. But rescue efforts have been hampered by the treacherous terrain in Pokhara.
Australia
Nepal crash | At least one Australian was among the 68 people confirmed dead, with hope faded for any survivors, after a plane with 72 onboard crashed in Pokhara, Nepal. It was the Himalayan country’s deadliest aviation disaster in three decades.
Insulation | Advocates are calling for insulation to be regulated in all Australian rental properties as research shows some people swelter through temperatures above 30C in their homes for extended periods in summer.
Record run | Erchana Murray-Bartlett is due to reach the end of her epic journey from the “tip to toe” of Australia today, smashing the women’s record for consecutive daily marathons.
Jobs | Federal Labor has boasted it has overseen the best jobs growth of any new government in 50 years but chief executives are worried about finding enough workers in 2023, with 90% expecting staffing shortages according to one survey.
Animal welfare | Vets want an invasive and painful greyhound breeding technique, which involves removing the uterus, banned across Australia.
World
Joe Biden | Republicans pounced on the discovery of more classified documents at Joe Biden’s residence, accusing the president of hypocrisy and questioning why the records were not brought to light earlier.
Terror charge | A man in his 60s has been arrested on suspicion of a terror offence after traces of uranium were found at Heathrow airport at the end of December.
Afghan death | A former Afghan MP and her bodyguard have been shot dead by unknown assailants at her home in Kabul, police say. Mursal Nabizada was among the few female parliamentarians who stayed in the city after the Taliban seized power.
Social media | A prominent pro-reform law professor in Saudi Arabia is facing the death penalty for alleged crimes including having a Twitter account and using WhatsApp to share news considered “hostile” to the kingdom.
Paris scooters | Parisians will be invited to vote on whether to allow electric scooter rental services to continue operating in the French capital, an issue that has become “extremely divisive”, the city’s mayor says.
Full Story
David Marr on the life and legacy of Cardinal George Pell
For many Australians, George Pell – who died last week in Rome, aged 81 – epitomised the church’s inability to effectively and compassionately deal with victims and survivors of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy. Jane Lee talks to David Marr about how Pell gained and wielded power and influence over his lifetime and how he should be remembered.
In-depth
More and more young people are choosing not to drink alcohol. Between 2002 and 2019, the proportion of 16- to 24-year-olds in England who reported monthly consumption fell from 67% to 41%, with many simply deciding they’re better off without, Michael Segalov reports. He investigates why young people are falling out of love with booze when their parents aren’t – and what drinking less could change about our society.
Not the news
With female-dominated jobs such as nursing and teaching seeing fewer benefits from the pandemic’s remote-working boom, Amy Bach argues that the next frontier for gender equality in the workplace should entail moving beyond the Zoom revolution to embrace job-sharing.
The world of sport
Premier League | Arsenal beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Premier League. Chelsea and Newcastle also had wins.
Australian Open | After Nick Kyrgios’ most successful year on tour, there’s a feeling the Canberra wild child has finally matured enough to win an Australian Open, writes Simon Cambers.
India cricket | An unbeaten 166 from Virat Kohli against Sri Lanka and four wickets for Mohammed Siraj powered India to the greatest margin of victory by runs in one-day international cricket.
Media roundup
Anthony Albanese is directly lobbying members of US congress to hold the line in supporting the Aukus nuclear submarine deal as it comes under criticism in America, the Australian reports. The Age profiles the Australian Open staff “lifers” who have served on the court for 50 years. And new research predicts that banknotes will represent less than 4% of the total value of retail purchases by 2025, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What’s happening today
Aus Open | First round of the Australian Open begins at Melbourne Park.
Helicopter crash | A funeral will be held in Sydney for Vanessa Tadros, who died in the Gold Coast helicopter crash earlier this month.
Camper case | Jetstar pilot Greg Lynn, who is charged with the murder of missing Melbourne campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay, will appear at a committal hearing.
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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.
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