Morning, everyone. We begin overseas this morning with a dramatic claim by the Russian government that Ukraine has tried to assassinate Vladimir Putin with a drone attack on the Kremlin. Kyiv denies any involvement but we’ve got a full report and video of what appears to be an explosion over the Moscow fortress. At home the government has revealed that one of the measures in next week’s budget will be billions of dollars to fund a 15% pay rise for aged care workers. We’re also looking at the top 10 weirdest TV ads.
Australia
Hanson to be sued | Mehreen Faruqi is suing Pauline Hanson under the Racial Discrimination Act after the One Nation founder told the Greens senator to “piss off back to Pakistan” in a social media clash after the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
‘Incredible contribution’ | The aged care minister, Anika Wells, will today announce a record $11.3bn in next week’s budget for higher pay for aged care workers in line with the Fair Work Commission’s order last year. The government hopes it will help the sector retain staff. Consultancy firms are being paid lucrative contracts to audit residential aged care homes, while also charging providers for advice on audits and accreditation.
Rental review | The number of properties listed as short-term rentals across NSW has surged by 42% since 2021 to exceed 45,000, with annual caps being considered. The Greens are under new pressure to support the government’s $10bn social housing bill after Labor made a deal with the Jacqui Lambie Network.
Mining race | New research warns of the risk of “over-mining” Australia’s resources in the race to capitalise on surging demand for the rare earths and minerals used in electric vehicle batteries, wind turbines and smartphones.
TV tribute | MasterChef Australia will air on Sunday, six days after it was delayed after the sudden death of one of the judges, Jock Zonfrillo. A special tribute episode of The Sunday Project will be aired before the new season starts at 7.30pm.
World
Kremlin attack | Russia has accused Ukraine of trying to kill President Vladimir Putin with a double drone strike on the Kremlin. It appears the attack happened overnight on Tuesday local time, with footage on social media showing an explosion above the building. Russia said the attack had been thwarted by air defences. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his country “does not attack Russian territory” and pointed to “local resistance”. In Kherson eight people have been killed after a Russian missile struck a supermarket.
Alzheimer’s hope | A new drug slowed cognitive decline by 35%, according to late-stage trial results, raising the prospect of a second effective treatment for Alzheimer’s.
Serbia shooting | A 14-year-old boy has opened fire in a Belgrade classroom, killing eight children and a school security guard and injuring a further six pupils as well as his teacher, the Serbian interior ministry has said.
Tucker text | A racist text message allegedly sent by the former Fox News host Tucker Carlson set off alarm bells at the top of the network and ultimately led to his firing, reports claim. There was also concern about a coarse remark about a lawyer.
Bridge to the past | A small town in Tuscany has been suggested as the location of the bridge painted in the backdrop of the most famous portrait in the world – Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, causing a wave of excitement.
Full Story
The end of recreational vaping in Australia
The Albanese government has announced the biggest smoking reforms in a decade – banning non-prescription vapes and hiking the tax on tobacco. Our medical editor, Melissa Davey, explains the thinking behind the policy.
In-depth
People with asthma such as Kerry-Ann Weirick are “the canary in the coalmine” for the growing problem of air pollution in Australia’s cities, which disproportionately affects people in less affluent areas. Researchers are especially concerned about tiny particulate matter, or PM2.5, that can bury deep into the body and increase the risk of lung diseases such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia. Use our interactive map to find out how good or bad the air is in your suburb.
Not the news
David M Green has spent years watching VHS tapes in search of the most ridiculous moments from old Australian commercials for his comedy web series VHS Revue. He picks the top 10 most extraordinary moments , including cannibal KFC chickens, Gough Whitlam selling fax machines, nude blokes advertising Cleo magazine and 1989’s peak-weird Sale of the Century variety show-style ad.
The world of sport
Athletics | The former Olympic and world champion sprinter Tori Bowie has been found dead at her home in Florida. She was 32.
NBA | Anthony Davis scored 30 points and made 23 rebounds for the Lakers in a 117-112 victory over the Warriors in their first playoff leg.
Football | Real Madrid are close to securing a deal to sign England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, a target for Premier League clubs.
Media roundup
An Indigenous artist at the centre of “white hands on black art” row has been has been named a finalist for the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Awards, the Australian reports. The planned revamp of Melbourne’s troubled myki system could depend on the cost of replacing more than 25,000 myki ticketing devices, the Age says. Two pilots who survived Australia’s first Boeing 737 crash in February were forced to scramble out of a window on the converted water bomber after the cabin door buckled, the West Australian reports. The stabbing of two police officers in Crystal Brook in South Australia is the lead for the Advertiser.
What’s happening today
Melbourne | There will be a public hearing into the administration of the Indigenous voice referendum.
Courts | There will be directions hearing for Di Sanh Duong, a former Liberal candidate, charged with preparing an act of foreign interference.
Business | NAB kicks off the bank reporting season and Rio Tinto will hold its AGM in Perth.
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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.
