Morning everyone. Kamala Harris says Joe Biden’s achievements as US president are “unmatched in modern history” as she made her first comments since he pulled out of the presidential race and made her the frontrunner to take on Donald Trump in November.
At home, the children’s commissioner has lashed out at the treatment of disabled youngsters in police watch houses, while today’s podcast asks the question on everyone’s mind this winter:why are Australian homes so cold?
Australia
Road toll | Australia has recorded its deadliest 12 months on the roads for more than a decade, with 1,310 deaths to 30 June according to the Australian Automobile Association.
In the box | Australia is criminalising disabled children and allegedly keeping them “in cages” in police watch houses, according to the national children’s commissioner. Anne Hollonds says the situation is “absolutely abominable”.
Editor quits | The editor-in-chief of the Australian Financial Review, Michael Stutchbury, will step down after 13 years amid turmoil at Nine Entertainment as staff prepare for industrial action this week over plans to axe 200 jobs.
Lost clues | Any CCTV footage that might have captured Amber Haigh’s last movements was lost because it was a fortnight before she was reported missing, and days later before any vision was requested by police, the NSW supreme court has heard.
Food fail | Major food companies in Australia are failing to set adequate targets to reduce their impact on nature and most are not assessing how their supply chains are hitting the environment, according to a report by conservationists.
World
Harris on track | Kamala Harris is closing in on the Democratic presidential nomination after the former House speaker Nancy Pelosi joined a slew of party heavyweights endorsing her run for the White House. However, some high-profile figures such as Mike Bloomberg are warning the party not to rush into a coronation. Here are 19 things to know about the woman who might be president. Plus: Trump – not Joe Biden – now faces questions about age and acuity. And lawmakers have grilled the director of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, during a House hearing over failures at Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania where he was shot in the ear.
Gaza attack | The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of two neighbourhoods in southern Gaza that it had previously labelled humanitarian zones, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee as attacks began. Benjamin Netanyahu is due to arrive in Washington today to meet Joe Biden and address Congress.
Professor fired | A top Chinese university has fired a professor after a graduate student accused him of sexual harassment on social media in a rare public allegation.
Canada fires | Wildfires have forced hundreds from their homes in Canada’s westernmost province and officials warn weeks more of scorching temperatures will add pressure to fire crews already in the parched region.
Aping behaviour | Scientists have discovered oxygen being produced in the ocean depths not by living organisms but by strange potato-shaped metallic lumps that give off almost as much electricity as AA batteries.
Full Story
Why are Australian homes so cold?
Matilda Boseley speaks to housing and energy expert Dr Nicola Willand about why Australia lags when it comes to indoor heating standards and what we can do to warm our homes.
In-depth
Regional Australia has provided a home and hope to many refugees seeking a better life free from repression and terror, such as Afghan refugee Sakineh and her sons Ehsan and Erfan in Bendigo (pictured), who are participants in the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot. But advocates say our “huge country” could still provide more pathways for migrants to start a new life. Dellaram Vreeland reports.
Not the news
The photographer Alex Frayne has assembled a collection of images taken around South Australia for a new book called Distance and Desire. We have been given a sneak preview with pictures from highways and byways, to fog-shrouded gums and wedgetail eagles.
The world of sport
Olympics | The Matildas have arrived in France for their Games opener against Germany on Thursday as they seek to win a first major global title. And this is why the tournament is worth watching.
Cricket | Another five-for from England’s young spinner Shoaib Bashir has prompted more talk that the tall left-armer will be a key part of their attack against Australia in the Ashes in 18 months’ time.
Cycling | Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates have been basking in the glory of winning the Tour de France but he will miss the Olympics with fatigue.
Media roundup
The Sydney Morning Herald boats an exclusive on previously unseen mammal species discovered during an ecological survey in the Royal National Park. Pension rules favour homeowners and discriminate against senior renters, the Courier Mail says in an opinion piece. The PNG prime minister, James Marape, tells the Telegraph that NRL can unite his country in the way rugby union united South Africa.
What’s happening today
Politics | Public hearing into the criminal code amendment (deepfake sexual material) bill.
Sydney | Hearing for one alleged teen terrorist after Wakeley church stabbing.
Technology | Inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G network.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
