Morning everyone. The furore between the US and China over spy balloons may turn out to be so much hot air, But it comes at a delicate time for superpower relations. We report today on how the appearance of a spy balloon over Australia might be dealt with, and how China has hit back in the war of words.
We also look at dealing with supermarket plastic, money laundering, and – on Valentine’s Day – how to work on relationships.
Australia
Landfill warning | Environment groups are urging federal and state governments to ensure thousands of tonnes of soft plastic that could end up in landfill are safely warehoused by supermarket chains until recycling facilities become available.
Nauru ‘lapse’ | A top public servant has apologised for a “regrettable” lapse that meant Nauru was not approved for offshore immigration processing for four months, denting the Coalition’s claim that Labor was to blame for the delay.
Bushfires spread | Communities in south-west Queensland have been evacuated and homes hit by fast-moving bushfires as residents of Myall Park and Hookswood, near the town of Miles, were urged to leave immediately.
Teo hearing | A woman was given “false hope” about the chances of successful brain surgery by the high-profile Sydney surgeon Charlie Teo, her daughter told the first day of a disciplinary hearing yesterday.
A place to hide. | Recent raids by the federal police have exposed the shadowy world of money laundering. Australia has become a convenient place for such alleged criminal groups to hide assets and that they can only succeed with the help of professionals such as lawyers, estate agents and accountants.
World
‘Approval issues’ | A Syrian rebel leader has appealed for urgent international aid to help Idlib province after the earthquakes that have killed thousands and left millions homeless.
Balloon standoff | China has been using balloons to spy on the US and allies for years, the White House says – though the Trump administration was oblivious to it. President Biden has now ordered a study into the ‘“detection, analysis and disposition” of UFOs. The claim comes as China’s foreign ministry has accused the US of flying high-altitude balloons over its airspace more than 10 times since the beginning of last year. In Australia, a leading thinktank says the Jindaleee radar network would be able to spot any spy balloon in its airspace, while the UK’s prime minister, Rishi Sunak, said fighter jets were always on standby to intercept any unknown objects.
Recession dodged | The EU is predicted to narrowly avoid recession as a result of a milder-than-expected energy shock, the European Commission says, while a Bank of England expert says Brexit cost the economy investment worth A$50bn.
Israel protests | Israel’s new hard-right government has begun introducing sweeping legislation aimed at overhauling the judicial system, prompting massive public protests.
Tutu poo-poo | An award-winning German ballet director allegedly smeared dog faeces on the face of a prominent critic at the weekend premiere of a new show, prompting a police investigation.
Full Story
Could western tanks be decisive in Ukraine?
After months of debate and diplomacy, western tanks are finally heading to Ukraine for what promises to be a spring escalation in the fighting. But will they define the outcome? Dan Sabbagh and Daniel Boffey report.
In-depth
The Reserve Bank governor, Philip Lowe, will make two key public appearances this week, starting tomorrow in front of Senate estimates and the House economics committee on Friday. Our economic editor, Peter Hannam, looks at what questions he might face amid rising concern about higher interest rates. And at the sharp end of things, Antoun Issa laments the fact that he saved for 15 years to be able to afford a home of his own only to see interest rates spike just as he took possession of the keys.
Not the news
We all want to find the “one” – that person with whom we can spend the rest of our lives in happiness. But on Valentine’s Day, psychologist Chris Cheers proposes we redefine love – “not as something we find, but something we do ... It’s something we need to learn to do better with all the important relationships in our lives, not just “the one”’
The world of sport
Cricket | Supporters and journalists were left scrambling to re-book flights and hotels after the venue for the second test between India and Australia was changed from Dharamsala to Indore.
Football | Jakub Jankto, the Czech Republic international midfielder, has come out as gay. The 27-year-old said on Twitter: “I am homosexual, and I no longer want to hide myself.”
Uefa mea culpa | Uefa bears “primary responsibility” for the organisational failures that turned last season’s Champions League final into a horrific, traumatic experience for thousands of supporters, Uefa’s own review has concluded.
Media roundup
The Australian reports on a letter sent by church leaders to the attorney general, Mark Dreyfus, warning that faith schools are in danger of losing crucial rights under anti-discrimination legislation. The Sydney Morning Herald and Age say that research shows interest rate rises could punch a “$20bn-sized hole” in the economy. The Daily Telegraph reports that police have issued a Valentine’s Day warning over online romance scams. The Courier Mail celebrates news that Lucky, a critically ill baby stuck in Bali, is being flown back home to Brisbane after $190,000 was raised for her transfer.
What’s happening today
Mental health | McKell Institute report will issue a report on the state of mental health titled called Under Pressure: Australia’s Mental Health Emergency.
Business | Seven West Media is set to announce its half-year results.
Economy | The ABS will release stats on household spending for December.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords and free Wordiply game to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
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