Morning everyone. It has been pretty cold in many parts of Australia recently but scientists say early data shows Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded on the planet, with an average surface temperature of 17.09C.
Plus, we report on how Queensland’s government failed to act on a report detailing the mistreatment of youngsters in custody, Kamala Harris makes her first campaign speech, and the US Secret Service chief has quit after heavy criticism over the Trump assassination attempt.
And don’t miss Australia’s top chefs sharing their secret sauces.
Australia
Cattle smash | A truck carrying cattle crashed into a bridge in Melbourne last night, trapping many of the animals but also freeing at least one of them to escape into the streets amid traffic chaos and rail disruption.
Exclusive | The Queensland government has failed to act on the findings of a report that lays bare the “devastating” experiences of people with disabilities in the criminal justice system, including allegations of brutality, mistreatment and other failures.
Lesson change | The NSW school syllabus is getting a major shake-up with a return to “explicit instruction” instead of “inquiry-led learning”.
Exclusive Brethren | The Greens will request the auditor general conduct an inquiry into the flow of public funds to the private school network set up by the secretive Exclusive Brethren sect after a Guardian Australia investigation.
Nuclear jitters | Renewable energy investors have revealed growing worries the Coalition’s plans to build nuclear reactors in Australia is breeding uncertainty and is already delaying decisions to back major solar and wind projects.
World
Campaign Kamala | Kamala Harris has given her first presidential campaign speech as it looks all but certain that she will be the Democratic nominee to run against Donald Trump in November. The US vice-president told exuberant supporters in the swing state of Wisconsin that her career as a prosecutor of “fraudsters and cheaters” qualified her to take on the Republican. “I know Trump’s type,” she said to wild applause. Her likely candidacy has fired up support from Black voters and also inspired a huge boost in donations and she also received a boost when Beyoncé said she could use the song Freedom as her campaign song.
Hottest day | World temperature records were shattered on Sunday after preliminary data showed that the average surface air temperature hit 17.09C. It came as wildfires have forced thousands to flee one of Canada’s largest national parks as multiple blazes and thick smoke descended on the Rocky Mountains.
Service ends | The director of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, has resigned in the wake of the assassination attempt against Donald Trump at a Pennsylvania rally.
Paris attack | Olympic team officials have been briefed on the alleged sexual assault of an Australian woman by five men in Paris.
Beauty blast | The newly crowned Miss Kansas is emerging as an advocate for domestic violence survivors after she shocked judges and her audience in the final interview of her competition victory by calling out her abuser in the crowd.
Full Story
US election: the prosecutor v the convicted felon
Our Washington bureau chief David Smith and senior political correspondent Hugo Lowell tell Nour Haydar if Kamala Harris has what it takes to beat Donald Trump.
In-depth
An analysis of 330 packaged infant food products carried out by the Cancer Council Victoria and Food for Health Alliance found none complied with WHO labelling requirements and has heightened concern that the so-called “health halo effect” on infant food labelling risks leaving babies under-nourished. Sharlotte Thou speaks to parents who found that the convenience offered by some products may not help babies.
Not the news
From the blended Japanese sauce kombu tsuyu to Valentina salsa picante, and from Indonesia chilli paste sambal oelek to the freshly grated coconut, maldive fish, chilli, paprika mix that is pol sambol, 10 Australian chefs and cooks share their secret sauces.
The world of sport
Olympics | Australia’s swimming team is aiming high in Paris and hope to knock the US off top spot and become the top nation at the Paris Games.
Brisbane bid | 2032 Olympic chief Andrew Liveris has denied suggestion by reporters at a press conference in Paris that Brisbane was a “hillbilly town”.
Cycling | Australian track star Matthew Glaetzer has said the 2024 Olympics will be his last, as the sprinter and his teammates aim for a historic team sprint gold medal in Paris.
Cricket | Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, who is spending the winter playing for the Oval Invincibles in England, talks about gap-year energy, Curb Your Enthusiasm and summer in London.
Media roundup
Newly released court documents show that Brittany Higgins will claim she was the victim of a political cover-up, the Australian claims, as she fights a defamation case by Linda Reynolds. There is an unlikely suburb earmarked to house 1,200 new apartments in Sydney’s inner west, according to the Herald. WAtoday says Perth’s birthrate is the lowest since 2006 and has not been falling so fast since the 1970s.
What’s happening today
Olympics | The Australian team flag-bearer is announced this evening.
Politics | Public hearing into rightwing extremist movements in Australia.
Canberra | Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists address the National Press Club.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
