Good morning. A new report has found the biggest increase in two decades for home insurance premiums in high-risk parts of Australia, as global heating increases the frequency and cost of climate disasters. The Actuaries Institute’s research found median home insurance premiums rose by 28% in the year to March – with costs in high-risk and flood-prone areas shooting up by as much as 50%. There are concerns among peak bodies that some people may abandon insurance altogether.
Meanwhile, the Australian government settles with the family of refugee Reza Barati, the Hawaii fires death toll is still rising, and we look back at the Matildas’ thrilling victory and ahead to the England semi-final on Wednesday.
Australia
Exclusive | The Australian government reached a confidential settlement with the family of the refugee Reza Barati, nine years after he was murdered by guards inside the Manus Island detention centre, and two years after his parents sued over his death.
Climate crisis | Experts called for a string of urgent policy recommendations to ease the insurance burden on communities facing threats from floods, cyclones and bushfires amid the cost-of-living crisis.
Matildas | Having banished the ghosts of the past, Australia’s women’s football team is mentally stronger and more resilient than ever, Kieran Pender writes. Will it be enough to send them past England and into the World Cup final? Here’s a plane full of fans (minus one Tolkien fiend) erupting as the Matildas beat France.
New Zealand | More than 15,000 New Zealanders have applied to become Australians since the government opened a new route to citizenship last month, a rate of about 375 a day.
Housing | Virtually no part of Australia’s housing market is affordable for low-income workers including aged care workers, early childhood educators, cleaners and nurses, the nonprofit Anglicare says.
World
Hawaii fires | At least 93 people died in the fire that consumed the historic town of Lahaina on the Hawaiian island of Maui, and officials warned that the blaze had left a “highly toxic” aftermath as well as a potentially contaminated water supply. Here’s our live coverage.
Exclusive | Ukraine is now the most heavily mined country on Earth and its army is suffering from a critical shortage of men and equipment able to clear the frontlines, the country’s defence minister said, as soldiers spoke of heavy casualties in the engineering brigades.
Saudi Arabia | A prominent scholar and Snapchat influencer was arrested by Saudi authorities in what commentators said was evidence of the kingdom’s extreme crackdown on social media users.
Ecuador | The killing of the Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio – a former reporter who had collaborated with the Guardian and had pledged to tackle the cartels – came as the country struggled with a surge in drug-related violence ahead of an election.
Taylor Swift | A Belgian university literature course will use the work of Taylor Swift as a springboard to explore everything from 14th-century texts to Margaret Atwood’s take on The Tempest.
Full Story
The mushroom mystery that has left an Australian town reeling
Three people died and a man remains in hospital after attending a lunch in Leongatha, Victoria, more than two weeks ago, with police investigating mushrooms as the suspected cause of death. Jane Lee speaks to Guardian Australia science reporter Donna Lu about the case.
In-depth
Though 2016’s Brexit vote had fundamental real-world consequences for Britain’s economy and politics, it is arguably best understood as a psychological moment rather a political one, Tim Adams writes. Seven years after the vote, Adams speaks to behavioural psychologists about why – if leaving the EU failed to deliver – Britain is still so divided over Brexit.
“Even raising the issue seems provocative,” says Nick Chater, a behavioural scientist. “We can’t talk about [Brexit] any more.”
Not the news
Privacy, boundaries and falling into old habits – young Australians are increasingly staying at home longer and more often moving back with parents as adults. Guardian Australia explores what it’s like in the homes where the kids never left.
The world of sport
Women’s World Cup | How are the Lionesses looking ahead of their semi-final clash with Australia, another twist in a classic sporting rivalry? The Matildas are up in the Guardian’s power rankings. England are mentally preparing for their semi-final against Australia. AFL fans went wild over the Matildas’ shoot-out.
Premier League | Chelsea drew 1-1 with Liverpool; Spurs drew 2-2 with Brentford.
AFL | For Sportsblog, Jonathan Horn recaps Carlton’s blue streak in a controversial win against the Demons.
NRL | The National Rugby League selected the four clubs that will take part in an historic season-opening double header in Las Vegas next year.
Media roundup
ABC radio host Virginia Trioli pays tribute to epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws, a regular and insightful media presence during the first couple of years of the pandemic. SBS tells the story of the Australian women educating Afghan girls in secret schools that defy the Taliban. And the Sydney Morning Herald says US ambassador Caroline Kennedy has flagged a possible Julian Assange plea deal.
What’s happening today
Coronial inquest | A coronial inquest begins into the death of a woman known for cultural reasons as Miss Yunupingu, who was stabbed by her partner in 2018.
Politics | The Australia Institute will host MP Bridget Archer in a conversation about integrity and accountability in politics.
Protest | Climate activist Emil Davey is due to appear in court over a Woodside protest.
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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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