Good morning. It was nail-biting stuff as the Matildas’ run at the Fifa Women’s World Cup came to an end with a defeat to England in front of another capacity crowd at Sydney’s Stadium Australia. A stunning goal from Sam Kerr in the second half wasn’t enough to turn the tide as the Lionesses ran away as 1-3 winners to make the final on Sunday. It’s been quite a World Cup journey.
Meanwhile, the Armidale diocese is being sued over alleged abuse by a priest but claims it cannot get a fair trial because he is now dead and cannot give evidence. It is a legal tactic that has drawn widespread criticism.
Plus: a lack of snow means Australia’s ski fields face early closure after a stop-start season that may be a sign of what is to come.
Australia
Armidale diocese | The Catholic church is seeking to use using the death of a “prolific paedophile” priest to prevent a dying Indigenous man from seeking justice for alleged historical abuse.
‘Troubling’ | The University of Sydney has been criticised for accepting funding from betting companies and casinos to bankroll a new gambling research centre.
Thredbo threadbare | A lack of snow this season is forcing early closures of ski fields at Australia’s alpine resorts, with the data showing a long-term decline in average and peak snow depths.
Social infrastructure | The head of NSW’s largest council is calling for a new tax on developers to pay for facilities such as swimming pools and libraries as a way to avoid significant rates increases.
Extinction alarm | There’s warnings that five species, including Tasmania’s Maugean skate, face immediate concern of extinction – with another 41 species set to be declared critically endangered.
World
Russia-Ukraine war | A senior Nato official has apologised after saying that Ukraine could give up territory to Russia in exchange for Nato membership and an end to the war.
Donald Trump | Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis has faced a flurry of threats and racist abuse after Trump made a thinly veiled reference to the N-word following his latest indictment.
‘There’s a lot to get through’ | At least 106 people have died in the Maui wildfires – a figure set to rise significantly as workers carry out the painstaking work of identifying remains.
‘Extremely concerned’ | The British Museum has sacked a member of staff and launched a review of its security after items in its collection went missing – including gold jewellery and gems.
Social media | The CEO of a company contracted to moderate Facebook posts in east Africa regrets taking on the work, amid legal action by staff who say they are traumatised by graphic content.
Full Story
The voice AMA: does voting no ‘maintain the status quo?’
With the referendum fast approaching, the polls show the no vote leading in most states. Laura Murphy-Oates is joined by Paul Karp, Celeste Liddle, and Larissa Baldwin-Roberts to discuss the recycling of a Howard-era scare campaign, the misrepresentation of First Nations views on the voice and why the no vote is on the rise.
In-depth
All those worried about a wage breakout and wage-price spiral can put away their sirens and fireworks: the latest wage price index figures show that the struggle for workers’ incomes to rise faster than prices continues. The good news is that real wages are no longer falling. But the bad news, says Greg Jericho, is that the fall has already been deep.
Not the news
With its wild, undulating coastline, freewheeling cyclists and lovable, pint-sized marsupials, the quokka, Rottnest Island – known to Perth locals as Rotto – has become synonymous with idyllic summer holidays. Lesser known to outsiders is that Wadjemup, as it’s known to Noongar people, has a 30,000-year history and a painful colonial past. A group of First Nations artists is now using drone technology to bring Rottnest Island’s complex stories to light.
The world of sport
Women’s World Cup | The Matildas have been left to rue what might have been after England won their semi-final 1-3 in Sydney; Sam Kerr’s goal gives Australia a moment to remember, even in defeat.
Basketball | Last year Bul Kuol faced a choice: play for the fledgling South Sudanese national team or try for a place in the Boomers. He has no regrets.
Football | Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber faces a prolonged spell on the sidelines; Fulham’s Aleksandar Mitrovic set for move to Al Hilal.
Cricket | England are dominating the over-70s Silver Ashes series against Australia with a bit of Bazball working wonders.
Media roundup
Investigations are under way after suspected vandalism caused significant delays for Sydney’s rail network as tens of thousands of Matildas fans struggled to make their way back home after the Australia’s semi-final loss to England, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. On the theme of public transport, the Age looks at how an “unsexy” overhaul of Melbourne’s unloved bus network could save 100m car trips a year and solve congestion woes. Defence officials have torn up a $1.8m contract with a senior Deloitte adviser to Australia’s nuclear submarine program, reports the Australian.
What’s happening today
New South Wales | A verdict is due in a case against Brian Houston, the founding pastor of the Hillsong church.
Queensland | The Labor national party conference is taking place in Brisbane.
ABS | The Australian Bureau of Statistics will release figures on the labour force, average weekly earnings and overseas arrivals and departures.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
