Morning everyone. Donald Trump has claimed that the US has “total control” of the strait of Hormuz despite Tehran seizing two ships. Plus, how the Middle East conflict threatens even higher food prices.
We also ask some questions about the NDIS cuts, new research reveals the age of the Twelve Apostles, and the newly appointed head of Adelaide Writers’ Week reveals her views on freedom of speech and whether writers should be allowed to speak their mind on controversial topics.
Australia
‘A history of Earth’ | Microscopic fossils embedded in limestone have helped reveal the true age of Victoria’s Twelve Apostles as between 8.6m and 14m years old.
NDIS questions | As Mark Butler admitted that Australians will feel “uneasy” about cuts to the NDIS, we look at some of the many unanswered questions such as how eligibility will change, whether claimants can appeal decisions and when the changes will come into effect.
Valentine’s VAD | The death of James Valentine has highlighted a rise in the number of people choosing voluntary assisted dying. But there are still obstacles in the way for Australians choosing this path.
Fertiliser fear | The impact of the Middle East war is already being felt at the petrol pump. But it is also driving up the cost of fertiliser and causing shortages which will mean more expensive food as farmers ponder whether it makes economic sense to plant crops.
BRS booking | Ben Roberts-Smith was planning to leave Australia to live overseas and had booked a business-class flight out of the country when he was arrested at Sydney airport, court documents allege.
World
Second serve | A White House photo celebrating a champion women’s sports team has drawn a backlash due to the positioning of Donald Trump and a group of men, who overshadowed the female athletes by lining up in front of them.
Trump boast | Donald Trump has again said that the US has “total control over the strait of Hormuz”, claiming that Iran’s leadership is hobbled by infighting. The Lebanese journalist killed in an Israeli attack on Wednesday had previously complained of receiving a death threat via an Israeli phone number if she did not leave southern Lebanon. Follow developments live.
Train collision | Two trains have collided head-on near the Danish capital, Copenhagen, injuring at least 18 people, five of whom are in a critical condition.
Hospital arrest | A former boss at the hospital where Lucy Letby worked has been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. It is part of an investigation into allegations of gross negligence manslaughter at the hospital where Letby killed seven babies.
‘Exploitative’ | Russell Brand said he had “exploitative” consensual sex with a 16-year-old girl at the height of his fame. The actor faces trial in the UK over allegations of rape and sexual assault made against him by six women.
Full Story
Newsroom Edition: We are in a ‘fossil-fuel crisis’. Is Labor meeting the moment?
Josephine Tovey sits down with Gabrielle Jackson and Adam Morton to discuss whether the fuel crisis will energise or end the renewables revolution.
In-depth
Rosemarie Milsom has the unenviable job of getting Adelaide Writers’ Week back on track after it imploded in a storm of controversy over the disinviting of Palestinian-Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah. She maps out her vision of how it can be done, telling Sian Cain “everyone needs to take a step back … If you think it’s damaging for writers to be able to speak their mind, that is an alarming state of affairs.”
Not the news
After watching all 15 seasons of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Caitlin Cassidy comes clean about an addiction she shares with John Oliver, Jennifer Lawrence and even Michelle Obama. “It’s a sense of escapism in being able to laugh about a ridiculous argument,” she writes.
Sport
A-League | David Squires finds inspiration in how ebikes and seagulls have helped the Newcastle Jets team go from rock bottom to a potentially historic treble.
Rugby league | Brian McDermott, the new England head coach, has insisted the Leeds half-back Jake Connor is central to his plans for this year’s World Cup, before appearing to attack his treatment by his predecessor, Shaun Wane.
Football | The Italian sports minister, Andrea Abodi, has rejected a proposal for his country to replace Iran at the World Cup as “not appropriate”.
Media roundup
New data has shown that there are almost 160 buyers for every one home on the market in some Sydney suburbs, the Telegraph reports. Climate activists including state Greens MP Sophie McNeill repeatedly interrupted Woodside’s AGM in Perth, WAtoday reports. A fire that ripped through an ebike shop in Byron Bay has renewed calls for a crackdown on non-compliant imports, the Echo reports.
What’s happening today
Sydney | Joint case management hearing for Kyle Sandilands and Jackie Henderson’s lawsuit against ARN.
Perth | Public hearing on gas resources tax.
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