Joe Biden used the final public address of his presidency to warn that the growing power of America’s ultra-wealthy threatens the foundations of US democracy. The speech did not mention Donald Trump, but Washington bureau chief David Smith writes that it will be remembered for “highlighting something wider and deeper of which Trump is a symptom”.
Developments elsewhere in DC underscored Biden’s message. Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg will reportedly sit with members of Trump’s cabinet at his inauguration. Meanwhile “deeply alarmed” staff at the Bezos-owned Washington Post have demanded a meeting with the billionaire over the newspaper’s future.
Top news
Anthony Albanese promotes four female frontbenchers in cabinet reshuffle as Bill Shorten retires
Wet, late and frustrated, Sydney commuters say they are ‘turning against’ the unions
Accused Queensland torturer allegedly poisoned one-year-old and posted videos seeking donations
Mistaken identity probe as house sitter, 27, killed in Melbourne fire
‘Their human resources are unlimited’: Russia’s advances signal bleak spring for Ukrainians
Quiksilver co-founder and surfwear pioneer Alan Green dies aged 77
In pictures
Did Dr Seuss pass through Cottonwood Heights? This gallery of Guardian readers’ best photos makes for a delightful scroll.
What they said …
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“It must mark the beginning of a new chapter for the Israeli and Palestinian people.”
Anthony Albanese has hailed the Gaza ceasefire deal reached by negotiators in Qatar – though ahead of the Sunday ceasefire, Israel has reportedly intensified attacks on the Palestinian territory. Here’s what we know so far about the deal, which comes after 15 devastating months of conflict.
In numbers
The unemployment rate rose in December, ABS data revealed today, increasing from 3.9% in November. Uncertainty still lingers, however, over an expected interest rate cut next month.
Before bed read
Steph Harmon had a fear of flying – until a flight from turbulence hell, where she sat next to a woman also suffering, helped cure her.
Daily word game
Today’s starter word is: FUR. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.
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