Good morning. Muslim Votes Matter, an organisation aiming to invigorate the Islamic community’s participation in Australian politics, is taking Labor to task over what it called “almost farcical” attempts to discredit the movement. It follows fierce debate sparked by Senator Fatima Payman’s departure from the Labor party.
Meanwhile, as the Republican national convention rolls on in the US, a senior Democrat has reportedly told donors that the party will lose with Joe Biden as its nominee. And Jack Black has put his Tenacious D rock duo “on hold” after his bandmate’s onstage comment about Donald Trump. Plus: we dive into the best (and the worst) hot chocolates on offer in Australian supermarkets.
Australia
‘We cannot ignore the truth’ | The New South Wales government says the state’s biodiversity is in crisis and must be put on a path to recovery to reverse the decline of beloved species and ecosystems.
Muslim Votes Matter | An organisation seeking to mobilise Australian Muslims at the next federal election claims that Labor is “clearly afraid” of a backlash and has taken the Islamic community for granted.
Aged care | Care homes have been accused of “short-changing” Australians as a study shows that two-thirds of providers making profits off government funding are failing to meet care targets.
Amber Haigh trial | Robert Geeves, accused of murdering the 19-year-old new mother, was “resigned” to losing custody of her baby after she vanished without a trace in 2002, a court has heard.
Urban food bowls | Sustainable food advocates are calling for Brisbane to consume 30% more locally grown food by the 2032 Olympics in order to strengthen the city’s “fragile” supply chains.
World
US politics | The Republican national convention is entering its second day, with a Donald Trump-JD Vance ticket confirmed; California Democrat Adam Schiff has reportedly told donors “I think we lose” if Joe Biden is nominated; police have fatally shot a man near the Republican national convention.
Gaza crisis | At least 60 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, health officials have said, including in an attack on an Israeli-designated “humanitarian zone”; the US and Israel have allowed tax-deductible donations to groups blocking Gaza aid.
Thailand | Six people have been found dead inside a locked suite at the luxury Grand Hyatt Erawan hotel in central Bangkok, in what authorities are investigating as a case of poisoning.
Russia-Ukraine war | Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán, claims Donald Trump has “detailed and well-founded” plans to end the conflict – and says the EU should reopen diplomatic talks with Moscow.
Tenacious D | Jack Black has put his band “on hold” after his bandmate Kyle Gass made a comment about the attempted assassination of Trump while onstage in Sydney.
Full Story
Inside the renewable energy resistance in regional Australia
Hosting renewable projects, such as wind and solar farms, is an opportunity for many farmers to earn a stable income during the ongoing climate crisis. But in community meetings across regional Australia, there’s a “noisy minority” who are mobilising a growing resistance to the renewables transition. Aston Brown speaks with Matilda Boseley about why there is a growing mistrust in some communities over the renewable energy rollout.
In-depth
Between the climate crisis, natural disasters, the rising cost of living and the never-ending housing crises, it can feel like there’s nothing but bad news out there. But on many measures things are actually getting better for Australians. Take our quiz to see how well can you pick the trend for 10 measures ranging from youth crime to daily commute times.
Not the news
Nicholas Jordan recently embarked on a blind taste test involving 13 supermarket hot chocolates and seven of his friends, making each hot chocolate based on the packet’s suggested recipe and scoring them based on aroma, texture, taste and chocolatey-ness. With one smelling “like pencils” and another “almost devoid of aroma”, they found little to froth about. Were there any diamonds in the rough?
The world of sport
Rugby league | Queensland go back to the future with a double act to spark the State of Origin decider, writes Jack Snape.
Football | Kylian Mbappé has been unveiled by Real Madrid in front of 80,000 fans at the Bernabéu; Gareth Southgate has resigned as England manager after defeat in the final of Euro 2024 – who might replace him?
Cycling | Jasper Philipsen has prevailed in the sprint finish on stage 16 of the Tour de France after Biniam Girmay’s crash.
Media roundup
With just 2,000 sheep shearers left in Australia to keep a $3.5bn export industry alive, the race is on to entice new blood into the shed, reports ABC News. One in 10 cafes, coffee shops and restaurants could go broke over the coming year due to impacts of inflation and high interest rates, reports the Age. A new mental health facility is planned for a site in Hobart, but there’s a potential hiccup – hundreds of orphans were buried there in the 1800s, reports the Mercury.
What’s happening today
ACT | A memorial service will be held at Parliament House to mark the 10-year anniversary of the downing of flight MH17 in Ukraine.
NSW | The Australian Clean Energy Summit continues in Sydney.
ACT | Chris Bowen, the minister for climate change and energy, is set to address the National Press Club in Canberra.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
