Morning everyone. Vladimir Putin has appeared in a TV address overnight, saying organisers of a rebellion had “betrayed their country” though he didn’t refer to Wagner group leader, Yevgeny Prigozhin, by name. Back in Australia the federal parliament is on a five-week break and senior government ministers are expected to hit the road to spruik the Indigenous voice to parliament amid more evidence of flagging public support. It comes as one of the leading yes campaigners pleaded with voters to “keep the faith” in what promises to be a tough referendum campaign. And Australia’s women have a firm grip on the Ashes series after winning the one-off Test.
Australia
PM’s slump | Anthony Albanese’s approval has fallen to its lowest level since the 2022 election (36%) and almost half of voters think Australia is heading in the wrong direction, according to the latest Guardian Essential poll. Concerns around rental affordability and the cost of living were the chief negative factors.
‘Keep the faith’ | Marcus Stewart, a key Indigenous voice campaigner, has urged supporters to “keep the faith”, saying the yes campaign isn’t panicking about yesterday’s Newspoll showing falling support for the plan. It follows the prime minister saying the government had to make it clearer what is at stake.
Swifties scalped | The soaring resale cost of tickets for Taylor Swift’s concerts in Australia next year have prompted calls for national anti-scalping laws after tickets appeared online with huge mark-ups on the face value.
“Political lynching’ | Former New South Wales treasurer, Matt Kean, is calling for reform of the state’s corruption watchdog just days before it hands down its report on former premier Gladys Berejiklian, after what he described as a “public political lynching”.
‘Most egregious case’ | The treatment of a disabled Aboriginal teenager at a detention centre in Queensland is “the most egregious” case on record in Australia, according to a longstanding rights campaigner.
World
‘The people demanded it’ | Vladimir Putin made a speech on TV a short time ago in which he said the organisers of the weekend’s rebellion had “betrayed their country”. However, he didn’t name the Wagner boss behind the mutiny, Yevgeny Prigozhin (pictured), who was reportedly allowed to leave Russia for Belarus. Prigozhin claimed in a social media post overnight that he did not want to overthrow Putin, his longtime patron, but that the people had “demanded” action because of failures by the military leadership. Earlier, the Kremlin said the country must remain united behind Putin. More analysis coming up.
US heatwave | About six million Americans are at risk from extreme weather events, according to CNN, with early summer marked by severe storms and high temperatures.
Sub swap | The mother of Suleman Dawood, the teenager who died on the Titan submersible, says she gave up her place to her son “because he really wanted to go”. He perished along with his father, Shahzada, and three others.
Plane shamed | The New Zealand military plane taking the country’s prime minister to China this week has been deemed so unreliable that a backup flew in reserve, prompting criticism of Chris Hipkins’ green credentials.
Governor duped | Greg Abbott, the Republican governor of Texas, has been ridiculed online after sharing a fake article about country singer Garth Brooks being booed off the stage in a purported display of patriotism.
Full Story
A deep sea explorer on the Oceangate disaster and the rise of submersibles
After the loss of five lives in the Titanic sub disaster, deep sea engineer and explorer Ron Allum explains the risks and joys of reaching the Earth’s deepest depths.
In-depth
As we wait to see what the future consequences will be of Yevgeny Prigozhin’s stunning surprise rebellion, our chief culture writer looks back to Roman history and for parallels with Caesar’s famous crossing of the Rubicon for clues as to what will happen next. And after the Kremlin said Wagner forces won’t be withdrawn from their operations in Africa, our Russia correspondent assesses what the future holds for its ranks of mercenaries. And there are reports that Ukraine has made advances towards Crimea in Kherson.
Not the news
Rabbit stew, finger limes and lemon myrtle tea are among the items on the menu in a new podcast, First Eat, about First Nation food by the writer and playwright Nakkiah Lui (pictured). The Gomeroi and Torres Strait Islander woman travels around Australia, New Zealand and the US to speak with First Nations communities and elders, academics, chefs, cooks and historians. Rushani Epa caught up with her.
The world of sport
Women’s Ashes | Ash Gardner (pictured) spun Australia to victory in the Trent Bridge Test with 8-66, leaving England a mountain to climb if they are to regain the urn.
Men’s Ashes | Moeen Ali is expected to be declared fit for the second Ashes Test at Lord’s starting tomorrow after bowling without pain in the nets, while columnist Mark Ramprakash says Bazball is entertaining but winning is key for the hosts.
Tenpin bowling | US-based Australian tenpin bowler, Jason Belmonte, has further cemented his place in the record books after becoming the first PBA Tour player to roll three perfect 300 games on live TV.
Media roundup
Families expecting help from increased childcare subsidies are instead facing higher fees, leading some to accuse providers of opportunistic hikes, the Age says. The Gold Coast Bulletin says the outlook for the region’s would-be renters and homebuyers is “devastating” as a housing supply fails to keep pace with population growth, pushing prices ever higher.
What’s happening today
Health | The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare releases its annual report on the health of men and women.
Society | ABS figures on homelesness among Indigenous community.
Sydney | Committal mention for SAS soldier Oliver Schulz charged with war crimes over Afghan killing.
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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.
