Morning everyone. Our latest snapshot of public opinion shows that more than three-quarters of voters think tenants should be helped out in the cost-of-living crisis with a freeze or cap on rents – a policy the government has so far strongly resisted. We also have a special report on how publicly funded Catholic hospitals are refusing birth control and abortions to some patients, and follow the latest as California faces “catastrophic” flooding.
Australia
‘Tone deaf’ | The University of Sydney’s reputation has been tarnished by its partnership with Australia’s biggest sports gambling companies, according to MPs who want hundreds of thousands of dollars to be returned to bookmakers.
Housing help | Three in four Australians believe rents should either be capped to inflation or frozen until economic conditions improve, according to our new Essential poll. But the housing tussle between Labor and the Greens does not appear to have impacted Anthony Albanese’s popularity.
Hospitals questioned | Publicly funded Catholic hospitals are refusing to provide birth control or perform abortions, leading to claims the practice is creating a “postcode lottery” for access to services.
Early bloomers | The early flowering of magnolias, jacarandas and jasmine have been spotted across much of south-east Australia, with scientists saying the warming climate is changing the way plants develop.
Johns backlash | Anthony Albanese has criticised the no campaign’s decision to give Gary Johns a prominent position in its campaign amid a backlash against the former Labor MP for showing “complete disrespect” to Indigenous people.
World
Hilary hits | Tropical Storm Hilary has made landfall in California and is expected to cause “catastrophic” flooding, forecasters have warned, with thousands experiencing power outages in Los Angeles County, and Palm Springs declaring a state of emergency.
Life for Letby | The former nurse Lucy Letby found guilty of murdering seven babies will never be released from jail after she was given a whole-life sentence at Manchester crown court. Mr Justice Goss said she had behaved in a “cruel, calculated” way with a “deep malevolence bordering on sadism”. One parent told the court of the pain of their loss, while others have called for a statutory inquiry.
Zero-degree record | A Swiss weather balloon had to climb to an unprecedented 5,300m before the temperature fell to 0C, meteorologists have said, as a late summer heatwave and wildfires continue to hit continental Europe.
X-rated | Elon Musk, the owner of X, the app formerly known as Twitter, has said the social media site “may fail”, after a glitch caused pictures posted before December 2014 to be deleted.
Racketeering case | Donald Trump has been set a US$200,000 bond in the Georgia racketeering case, and has been ordered not to intimidate witnesses or make a “direct or indirect threat of any nature” against co-defendants.
Full Story
Why does Australia have 2.8bn bottles of surplus wine?
Australia has a wine glut thanks to China’s import ban and a bumper vine crop. Our rural and regional editor Gabrielle Chan explains how it is affecting winemakers, grape growers and consumers.
In-depth
The biggest ever survey of First Nations Australian art has opened in Auckland with more than 150 artworks featuring renowned artists such as Vernon Ah Kee, Emily Kame Kngwarreye, Archie Moore and Albert Namatjira. It has been curated by Tina Baum of the National Gallery of Australia and she tells Sarah Collard that art “is a form of resistance. When you see these works, you can see that artists are really using it in such beautiful, poignant ways”.
Not the news
There was wailing from fans when it was announced that Neighbours was being scrapped. But despite it all, the long-running soap is now coming back for yet another season in September, with new episodes streaming daily on Channel 10 in Australia. Dan Barrett asks the crucial question: will it be any good?
The world of sport
World Cup | As the nation goes cold turkey without its daily fix of World Cup drama, south-east Asian nations could hold the key to a successful attempt for Australia to host the men’s competition.
Premier League | Mason Greenwood, the Manchester United striker accused of attempted rape, is leaving the club after a six-month internal inquiry.
‘Somewhat tarnished’ | Luis Rubiales, the president of the Spanish football federation, has admitted that his decision to kiss one of the country’s triumphant Women’s World Cup winners “somewhat tarnished” Sunday’s victory.
Media roundup
The $368bn Aukus submarine deal could worsen submarine shortages and fail to deter China, according to a Australian Financial Review exclusive. The argument for Victoria to hold the 2026 Commonwealth Games “never stacked up”, according to the business case, the Age claims. Harry Smith, who led a battalion at the battle of Long Tan in Vietnam, has died aged 90, the Courier Mail reports.
What’s happening today
Business | BHP and Coles have full-year results, and Woodside has half-yearlies.
Melbourne | The inquest into the death of Elly Warren, a 20-year-old allegedly raped and murdered in Tofo, Mozambique in 2016.
Brisbane | A federal parliamentary committee hearing into Australia’s preparedness to host Commonwealth, Olympic and Paralympic Games.
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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.
