This is The Loop, your quick catch-up for this morning's news as it happens.
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Live updates
By Tom Williams
That's all for The Loop this morning
You can keep up-to-date on the ABC News website, by watching News Channel or listening to local radio here, and by subscribing to our mobile alerts.
We'll be back with another live blog tomorrow morning.
By Tom Williams
Three killed, 39 houses damaged after home explodes in the US
Three people have been killed and 39 houses damaged after a home in the southern Indiana city of Evansville exploded, authorities said.
The Evansville Fire Department said it was yet to confirm how many of the houses were occupied when the explosion happened, because "some were too unstable to enter".
The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, but the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said it was investigating.
By Tom Williams
Michael Jordan 'The Last Dance' jersey expected to sell for millions
A jersey worn by basketball icon Michael Jordan during Game 1 of the 1998 NBA Finals, his last title victory, is set to be auctioned off in September, Sotheby's has announced.
The iconic red Chicago Bulls jersey, with Jordan's number 23 on the back, is only the second worn by the star during his six championships to be sold at auction.
It's expected to fetch between $US3 million ($4.2 million) and $US5 million ($7 million).
Jordan's final season with the Bulls was detailed in the 2020 ESPN/Netflix documentary The Last Dance.
Here's what Brahm Wachter from Sotheby's had to say about the basketballer's last hurrah:
"The 1997-1998 season is perhaps one of the most popular among Jordan fans, as Michael was reaching the height of his abilities while simultaneously pursuing what he understood would be his last chance at an NBA Championship with the Chicago Bulls."
By Tom Williams
Suspect in killings of Muslims in New Mexico denies involvement
A 51-year-old man arrested over the fatal shootings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has denied any involvement.
The arrested man Muhammad Syed, who is also a Muslim, told police that he was so unnerved by the slayings that he was driving to Houston to find a new home for his family, according to court documents.
But investigators say they have ample evidence to prove his guilt, though they have yet to uncover a motive.
According to a criminal complaint, police determined that bullet casings found in Mr Syed's vehicle matched the caliber of the weapons believed to have been used in two of the killings and that casings found at the crime scenes were linked to guns found at his home and in his vehicle.
By Tom Williams
Sesame Street theme park to train workers on diversity, after viral video and lawsuit
A Sesame Street-themed theme park in the US called Sesame Place has announced its employees will get diversity and inclusion training, after outcry from a video of a costumed character appearing to snub two six-year-old Black girls at a meet-and-greet.
The park's parent company is facing a $US25 million ($35 million) class-action lawsuit alleging multiple incidents of discrimination.
The park, operated by SeaWorld Parks, said all employees would be required to participate in training to address bias, promote inclusion and prevent discrimination.
Here's the video that started it all:
By Tom Williams
Disney streaming services surpass Netflix in total subscribers
Disney says it added 14.4 million subscribers to its Disney+ streaming service in the April-June quarter, putting it just ahead of Netflix in the streaming wars with about 221 million total streaming subscriptions (including its ESPN+ and Hulu services).
Netflix ended June with 220.7 million subscribers after losing nearly 1 million subscribers in the past quarter.
Disney's growing streaming sales combined with a recovering theme park business meant the entertainment giant has beaten Wall Street expectations.
The company reported its revenue was up 26 per cent from the same time last year.
By Tom Williams
Let's set you up for the day!
From Donald Trump pleading the Fifth to chemicals in rainwater and Australia's egg shortage — here's what you need to know at 7am AEST.
By Tom Williams
One thing to know: A study has found rainwater everywhere is now unsafe to drink
Yup.
A study by scientists at Stockholm University has found that rainwater everywhere on the planet is unsafe to drink due to levels of toxic chemicals known as PFAS, which have exceeded the latest guidelines.
Here's what you need to know:
- Commonly known as "forever chemicals" because they disintegrate extremely slowly, PFAS were initially found in packaging, shampoo or make-up but have spread to our entire environment, including water and air
- A compilation of data since 2010 showed that "even in Antarctica or the Tibetan plateau, the levels in the rainwater are above the drinking water guidelines that the US EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) proposed"
Here's what the study's lead author Ian Cousins said:
"There is nowhere on Earth where the rain would be safe to drink, according to the measurements that we have taken."
So yeah, stay safe out there.
By Tom Williams
News while you snoozed
- Former US president Donald Trump says he invoked the Fifth Amendment and declined to answer questions during an appearance before the New York Attorney-General in a civil investigation into his family's business practices
- Tesla boss Elon Musk has sold $US6.9 billion ($9.8 billion) worth of shares in the electric vehicle maker, saying the funds could be used to finance a potential Twitter deal if he loses a legal battle with the social media platform
- A beluga whale which took a wrong turn took up the Seine River in France has been euthanased after experiencing health complications during an urgent rescue operation, authorities say. It had been moved from a river lock into a refrigerated truck to be transported, but suffered breathing difficulties during the drive
By Tom Williams
Here's the news Australia is searching for
- Langya virus. Scientists are monitoring a new virus in China, saying it was likely transmitted from animals to humans. No deaths have been recorded, but a few dozen cases have been reported. Here's what we know about the virus so far:
- Starburst. Confectionery giant Mars Wrigley has confirmed it has discontinued the Starburst brand in Australia, after a TikTok user suggested a conspiracy might have been afoot after struggling to find the lollies on any shelves
By Tom Williams
One more thing: What's causing Australia's egg shortage?
Have you noticed a shortage of eggs at the shops lately?
Well, you're not alone.
It turns out there are a few factors at play, including:
- There's a long-term trend showing a shift towards free-range eggs, whose production is more affected by the colder, shorter days of winter
-
Some producers say pandemic restrictions mean there has been lower demand from restaurants and cafes
- Food delivery, food boxes and home cooking exploded for a while, which for a time decreased retail demand
You can read more about the situation below, or scroll up for the latest blog posts.
