Morning everyone. As politicians debate whether they should be allowed back to Australia, we hear from the children detained at al-Roj camp who tell us their hopes and dreams – from watching Bluey to the chance to be a doctor.
We’re also reporting how Tim Wilson has retained an investment that would benefit the new shadow treasurer if the Australian share market crashed, Greg Jericho decries any suggestion that the wealthy should be compensated for capital gains reform, and more prominent Americans pay the price for links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Australia
Biennale redemption | The artist Khaled Sabsabi will present two works at the Venice Biennale this year after a turbulent 12 months in which he was barred from representing Australia at the prestigious event.
Exclusive | For Mohamed it’s about freedom and the yearning to be a “normal person”. For Baidaa it’s about escaping life in “disgusting” tents. And for Layla going back to Australia means the chance to swim in her grandma’s pool. William Christou travelled to al-Roj camp in north-east Syria to interview the Australian children held in detention camps for years.
‘Terrible investment’ | Tim Wilson has retained an investment where he stands to gain if the Australian share market slumps, even after his appointment as shadow treasurer. One analyst called it a “terrible” bet.
Emissions gap | Another 10 cars have failed to live up to fuel efficiency promises when tested in the real world. The AAA tested 141 petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles and found that the GWM’s Tank 300, for example, used 25% more fuel per 100km than in the laboratory.
Murder charges | Two men have been charged with the kidnapping and murder of 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian, whose body was found on the outskirts of Sydney this week. They will appear at Bankstown local court today.
World
Summers over | Two high-profile Americans have quit their posts over links to Jeffrey Epstein. Larry Summers, former president of Harvard University and US treasury secretary, will resign from teaching at the end of the academic year, while Dr Richard Axel, a Nobel laureate, is stepping down as the leader of a neuroscience institute at Columbia University. Bill Gates apologised to staff for his ties to Epstein but denied any crimes.
Murder plot | Two influential Brazilian politician brothers have been convicted by Brazil’s supreme court of ordering the murder of Marielle Franco, the gay, black Rio de Janeiro city councillor, nearly eight years ago.
Green failure | Germany’s coalition government has been accused of abandoning its climate targets after agreeing to scrap parts of a contentious heating law mandating the use of renewables in favour of a draft law allowing homeowners to rely on fossil fuels.
Gaza stall | Progress in the Gaza peace plan has stalled over disagreements on how Hamas should be disarmed, with Israel threatening to go back to full-scale war if the condition is not carried out quickly. Israel was responsible for two-thirds of the 129 journalists killed doing their job last year, figures show.
Speaking out | The House of Commons speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, has said he passed information to police that Peter Mandelson planned to flee the country before his arrest over alleged misconduct in public office.
Full Story
Exclusive: the Australian children of IS families speak to the Guardian
Guardian journalist William Christou has travelled to al-Roj camp in Syria to speak to the Australian children stuck in detention. He speaks to Nour Haydar about how he met them, the conditions they live in and why they want to come home.
In-depth
Greg Jericho rejoices that the political mood is pointing to some sort of cross-party agreement to fix the capital gains tax, but is cross that the payoff may mean wealthy people being compensated for a potential hit. Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank governor has denied inflation is “taking off” after new data showed price rises had persisted into 2026 and boosted bets on two more interest rate hikes this year.
Not the news
Luke Buckmaster gives the seal of approval to Floodland, an “elegantly crafted and emotionally layered documentary” about Lismore and the devastating floods that hit the town in 2022. As well as unpacking the traumas and surprising triumphs of local people, it also tackles the town’s history, treatment of Indigenous people, and disaster capitalism.
Sport
Women’s football | Starting on Sunday when Australia play the Philippines in Perth, the best women footballers in Asia Pacific will be fighting it out across the country for the Asian Cup. Here’s your complete guide.
T20 World Cup | As Zimbabwe take on India tonight, their run to the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup has caused rejoicing in the African nation with the team at last featuring black as well as white players.
Football | The remaining four Champions League playoffs take place this morning with the Real Madrid-Benfica second leg sure to be highly charged after last week’s racism allegations. Follow it live.
Media roundup
Jim Chalmers has been warned by economists to cut spending or face rate hikes, the Courier Mail reports. As Craig Tiley stands down as head of the Australian Open, the Age pays tribute to how he has transformed the tournament into a global leader. An AFL audit has revealed breaches of gambling rules by players and officials, according to the Adelaide Advertiser.
What’s happening today
Housing | Domain first home buyers report.
Sydney | Directions as solicitor Zali Burrows sues fellow lawyer Adam Houda.
Emergency services | Triple-zero hearing with Apple, Google, Optus, Kerry Schott and NSW Ambulance.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
