Morning everyone. Our top story this morning is an investigation unravelling a link between some of the biggest waste disposal companies in New South Wales and the contamination of landscaping products used across the state.
Global leaders have expressed shock at the Israel bombing on a Rafah tent camp that has killed 45 people, the UK Tories’ election campaign continues to spiral into chaos, and how to hear the world’s rarest album.
Australia
Flaking out | One in 10 fillets of shark meat bought by Australians at fish and chip shops and markets – often labelled as flake – is from a threatened species, according to a new study.
Exclusive | Some of the best-known waste companies in NSW are among those that broke safety rules that led to potentially contaminated soil fill being supplied to back yard landscapers, schools, childcare centres and parks across the state.
Paper trail | Opposition senator Jane Hume has been accused of wasting officials’ time by submitting nearly 13,000 formal written questions in two years – including more than 300 about the use of paper. But she hit back at the criticism, and accused Labor of hypocrisy.
Support gap| Patients weaning themselves off antidepressants are turning to online support groups due to a lack of information and support, with a new study finding Facebook and other platforms are filling a gap left by clinicians.
Immigration tie | A rule change that meant a non-citizen’s ties to Australia would be considered before their visa was cancelled was intended to target people without “serious offending or family violence”, the immigration minister was told early last year.
World
Rafah shock | An Israeli airstrike that caused a huge blaze at a tented area for displaced people in Rafah has killed 45 people, medics have said, with images of charred and dismembered children prompting an outcry from global leaders and putting ceasefire talks in jeopardy. Benjamin Netanyahu described it as a “tragic mishap”. Donald Trump has told a group of wealthy donors that he will crush pro-Palestinian protests if he is returned to the White House.
Tories chaos | Rishi Sunak is struggling to keep control of his fractured party on a chaotic fifth day of the Tory election campaign, as one MP defected to Reform and a minister criticised the prime minister’s pledge to bring back national service. Labour leader Keir Starmer meanwhile says he’s a socialist and progressive who will put country first.
Right turn | The French far-right leader Marine Le Pen has suggested to Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, that they should join forces with her in a new alliance as the EU’s divided nationalist parties gear up for European parliamentary elections next month.
‘Fly high, Bette’ | Bette Nash, the world’s longest-serving flight attendant, has died aged 88 after nearly 67 years of working in the skies.
Real-life detectorists | Burial mounds, Roman roads and deserted medieval villages are among almost 13,000 unknown ancient sites and monuments that have been discovered by members of the public in recent months.
Full Story
Inside a women’s shelter at the height of a national crisis
Women’s shelters cannot keep up with the demand for crisis housing amid a rise in domestic violence, raising the question of whether the government is providing enough funding. Full Story host Nour Haydar reports from Parramatta Women’s Shelter – one of the newest in the country – and for today’s episode she speaks to the chief executive of Women’s Community Shelters, Annabelle Daniel, about the crisis.
In-depth
As the federal parliament returns for two weeks, our environment editor Adam Morton bemoans the lack of clear policies to tackle the climate crisis and issues an impassioned plea for a change. On the one hand the government appears confused and wedged by the gas industry – especially in Western Australia where Labor is in power and can’t turn against such a powerful lobby. And on the other hand, the Coalition hasn’t even got a policy.
Not the news
An album by rappers Wu-Tang Clan that exists in a single physical copy once owned by a disgraced billionaire will finally be available to hear – if you can get to Tasmania for Mona’s upcoming exhibition on status, celebrity and notoriety. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin, sometimes referred to as the most valuable album ever made, is housed in an ornate silver box (pictured). It was recorded in secret between 2006 and 2013.
The world of sport
Tennis | Multiple champion Rafael Nadal (pictured) has crashed out of the French Open on the first day to Alexander Zverev.
Premier League | Roberto De Zerbi has been sounded out as a potential replacement for Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager, while Chelsea have asked Leicester if they can speak to their manager Enzo Maresca.
Formula One | The Monaco Grand Prix is under pressure to find ways to adapt after a strikingly uneventful procession on the streets of Monte Carlo was won by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
Media roundup
The father of Australia’s defence policy tells the Australian that the country is not prepared for war if one breaks out. A group under the banner of “yes in my backyard” are deploying members across Sydney to get more pro-housing councillors, the Herald reports. The report into the Gold Coast Christmas tornado says it caused $1.8bn worth of damage and exposed the lack of shelters in the region, the Bulletin says.
What’s happening today
Darwin | Kumanjayi Walker inquest continues.
Canberra | MSF international president to address National Press Club on Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan.
Economy | Australian Bureau of Statistics retail trade data for April.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
