Morning everyone. Donald Trump has chaired his first cabinet meeting as we gradually get more information about a rare earth deal he plans to sign with Ukraine – which apparently won’t include security guarantees. He also shared a bizarre AI-generated video of a Gaza transformed into a Dubai-style city featuring bearded belly-dancers.
At home, the artist blocked from the Venice Biennale says he will exhibit his work anyway, and we dig into the contested timeline of how Australia’s defence forces learned that Chinese ships were doing a live-fire drill off the coast.
Australia
Nuclear future | Australia is being given a glimpse of its defence future after reporters were taken on a tour of an American Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine of the type the country is buying under the $368bn Aukus deal when it docked in Perth. And after Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton clashed over the Chinese navy drills, we try to get to the bottom of who knew what and when.
Show must go on | The artistic team who were suddenly withdrawn as Australia’s representatives at next year’s Venice Biennale say they will proceed with their exhibition without the Australian government’s endorsement.
Bad influence | Influencers are appealing to emotional narratives around health and often “fearmongering” to promote controversial medical tests on social media, a new study has found, in ways that are overwhelmingly misleading and fail to mention potential harms.
Anywhere but Canberra | In the first of a new series in the lead-up to the federal election, our reporters are speaking to voters about what they think. First up, Mostafa Rachwani visits Ali El Kheir, a father and cafe owner in western Sydney for a revealing conversation.
‘It wasn’t nice’ | An Australian couple have criticised Qatar Airways after a blanket-draped corpse was seated next to them during a long-haul flight.
World
Gaza fantasy | Donald Trump has been criticised by users of his Truth Social platform after sharing an AI-created video of him sipping cocktails with a topless Benjamin Netanyahu in Gaza, in a future imagining of the Palestinian territory devastated by Israel’s war. At his government’s first cabinet meeting today, pictured, the US president praised Elon Musk’s cost-cutting Doge department, citing huge savings but without giving any evidence. Follow developments live. Trump threatened to sue media outlets for unfavourable coverage and excluded others from certain access. Before a visit by the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, to Washington tomorrow, Trump appeared to rule out US security guarantees. Meanwhile, Canada’s ruling party is enjoying a resurgence in the polls amid a rise in anti-Trump sentiment.
Green retreat | BP is almost doubling its target for oil and gas production by the end of the decade and slashing its spending on low-carbon energy.
Measles death | The spread of measles in some parts of the US has claimed its first fatality after a person who was hospitalised with the disease died in Texas.
On the brink | Colombia risks sliding back into its violent past as armed groups exploit the stumbling peace strategy of the president, Gustavo Petro, the architect of its landmark 2016 peace deal has told the Guardian.
‘Self-delusional’ | A new book announced on Wednesday aims to tell a behind-the-scenes story about Joe Biden’s bid for a second term, promising to reveal a top-level cover-up about his decline in health, its publisher said.
Full Story
Taiwan holds its breath as Trump turns on Ukraine
With geopolitics in turmoil, our correspondent in Taipei, Helen Davidson, tells Nour Haydar what we know so far about Donald Trump’s stance on Taiwan – and what’s at stake.
In-depth
Last year, homicide cases involving religious cults came to neighbouring courts in Queensland. One concerned the Wieambilla shootings in which six people died. The other was the tragic case of Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old diabetic left to die by cult members – including her parents – who prayed God would save her. Andrew Messenger examines the parallels between the two cases, and what could be done to prevent a repeat.
Not the news
After doing his best to ruin a trip to Rome by overplanning food stops and things to see, Tomas Telegramma is now a recovering Type A traveller who realises it’s best to do less. “Live in the moment and don’t let a subpar sandwich ruin your day,” he advises.
Sport
Rugby league | NRL is booming but the one concern is that Penrith have become too dominant. Can anyone beat them?
Cricket | England have crashed out of the Champions Trophy after a nail-biting defeat to Afghanistan.
Football | It’s third versus second in the Premier League this morning as Forest take on Arsenal, while Liverpool entertain Newcastle. Follow them live.
Media roundup
The Australian reports that people have been slugged with the highest hike in health insurance premiums for seven years. Victorian public school students are being short-changed by the federal funding system, the Age says. Fans of Drake have been left disappointed after the Canadian rapper cancelled his shows in Brisbane and Sydney, the Courier Mail reports. The NT News begins a run down of the top 120 “most powerful” Territorians.
What’s happening today
Canberra | Senate estimates on education and social services.
Media | Closing arguments in the Antoinette Lattouf v ABC case.
Sydney | Ramadan Nights begins in Lakemba.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
