Morning everyone. Universities have warned students not to fall for the “manipulative” recruitment tactics of the Shincheonji church – a Korean religious sect that former members describe as a cult, and which is increasingly active on Australian campuses.
The federal government is stepping up its crackdown on consumer rorts with “dynamic ticket pricing” and other dodgy practices in the crosshairs; the US has delivered an ultimatum to Israel over Gaza aid; and the Socceroos win a priceless point in Japan. Plus: why did Donald Trump dance for 40 minutes at his latest campaign rally?
Australia
Ticket trap | The “dynamic pricing” of concert tickets will be banned as the federal government cracks down on “dodgy” trading practices and tackles hidden fees and subscription “traps” for online shopping, gym memberships and airline tickets. The government also plans to ban debit card fees and we look at when that will happen and how it fits with the overall review of bank payments.
ANU pay ‘delusion’ | The Australian National University is asking staff to forgo an agreed pay rise – a request the union says will do nothing to stave off a potential 638 job cuts and only reveals the chancellery’s “complete mismanagement and delusion”.
Flight of fancy? | Climate campaigners have asked the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to investigate whether “fly carbon neutral” and other sustainability claims by Qantas are misleading or deceptive.
Visa question | The government’s new temporary humanitarian visa pathway for Palestinians fleeing the conflict in Gaza is a welcome first step, advocates say, but they warn the three-year option to stay is not good enough for those who have no home to return to.
‘Supremely confident’ | A One Nation candidate running in the Queensland election has likened Covid-19 vaccination to the Holocaust in comments condemned by medical experts and a Jewish community leader.
World
Canada-India spat | An Air India plane bound for Chicago has made an abrupt landing in the Canadian Arctic city of Iqaluit after a false bomb threat. The emergency stop came less than a day after Canada and India expelled senior diplomats in a widening feud between the two countries.
Aid ultimatum | The US may stop giving Israel weapons unless it lets more humanitarian aid into Gaza, the Biden administration has warned in a letter to Israeli leaders. Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has said that Israel will decide alone on the form of any retaliation to Iran’s barrage of 180 missiles fired at the country earlier this month, although it would listen to advice from Washington. Follow developments live.
‘It’s a miracle’ | A Russian man survived more than two months drifting in icy seas on an inflatable boat in an ordeal that claimed the lives of his brother and teenage nephew, officials and reports said.
Energy easing | Global oil prices have tumbled by almost $3.50 a barrel amid more evidence China’s economy is slowing and as fears ease about the possibility of an attack by Israel on Iran’s energy facilities.
Folie de film | Joker: Folie à Deux is on course for a catastrophic financial loss of up to US$200m as its dismal box office run continues.
Dancing Donald | Opposition outrage over Donald Trump’s rabble-rousing demagoguery turned to bewilderment after the Republican nominee spent 40 minutes swaying to his favourite songs at a rally near Philadelphia.
Full Story
The Marles-Tarnawsky dispute
Political editor Karen Middleton speaks to Reged Ahmad about why Richard Marles’ chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, decided to share her story about allegedly being effectively sacked by phone and what it means for parliament’s already maligned workplace culture.
In-depth
Bree’s sister Anna has been involved for several years with Australian branches of the Shincheonji church – which former members describe as a “doomsday cult”. She says her sister, who was recruited by the group at university but has since dropped out, spends most of her waking hours on church activities, often not returning home until after midnight. “She’s so tired that she’s doing stuff like burning food,” Bree told Guardian Australia. “She’s been in a collision with other vehicles in two incidents.”
Several universities such as ACU have recently warned students to be wary of the “secretive” and “manipulative” recruitment tactics used by members of the church on campus. The Australian branch of Shincheonji did not respond to questions from Guardian Australia, but international chapters have previously denied the church is a cult.
Not the news
With Grammy wins, Coachella sets and sold-out tours, Australian dance artists such as Rüfüs Du Sol, Dom Dolla and Flume have won millions of fans all over the world. Jack Tregoning examines whether it’s just a question of right place, right time, or whether it is the flowering of something “uniquely Australian”.
The world of sport
Socceroos | Australia scrapped their way to a 1-1 draw with Japan in Saitama last night to keep their hopes of qualifying for World Cup 2026 on track.
Cricket | England made a shock exit from the T20 World Cup after the West Indies handed them a six-wicket defeat. Meanwhile in the men’s game, a debut century by Kamran Ghulam’s gave Pakistan a boost as they aim to bounce back in the second test in Multain, ending day one on 259-5.
Football | The English FA is in advanced talks with Thomas Tuchel over appointing him as the next England manager.
Media roundup
A “witches’ brew” of preferences will decide the Melbourne council elections, the Age reports. The Australian Financial Review asks if Anthony Albanese’s house purchase might be his “Hawaii moment” in reference to his predecessor Scott Morrison’s much-criticised holiday decision. Michael Ferguson’s resignation as state treasurer indicates another shift of power in Tasmania’s parliament, analysis in the Mercury claims.
What’s happening today
Economy | Reserve Bank assistant governor Sarah Hunter to deliver a speech at in Sydney at 9am.
Canberra | National Press Club address by Australian Border Force commissioner Michael Outram.
Queensland | State election leaders’ debate at 1pm.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
