The Loop: Daniel Andrews apologises after damning IBAC report, Elton John announces Australian tour, and a new high jump world champion

Hi there. It's Wednesday, July 20 and you're reading The Loop, a quick wrap-up of today's news.

Let's start here: Australia's growing wave of COVID cases

We heard from Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly this morning as Australia records thousands of COVID-19 cases daily and more than 5,000 Australians are being treated in hospital.

Mr Albanese outlined the 'four key differences' to getting through this current COVID wave, which is expected to peak next month.

He reiterated the medical advice of getting booster shots, accessing antivirals if eligible, staying at home if unwell, and wearing face masks in more situations — but stopped short of re-introducing a mask mandate.

Expect to see more of these when you're out and about in the next few weeks. (Unsplash)

Some states and territories reached new milestones today for cases and hospitalisations — here's a quick overview of all of today's statistics.

We heard a lot about Victoria's IBAC findings

• Back in 2020, Victoria's Ombudsman and Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) launched a joint probe known as Operation Watts into allegations of branch stacking within the Victorian Labor Party.
• The investigation came after the allegations were levelled at former state minister Adem Somyurek in an expose by The Age and 60 Minutes.
• The report into the investigation was released today, which uncovered "egregious" and "extensive misconduct" by Victorian Labor MPs, but recommended no criminal charges be laid.
• Premier Daniel Andrews has apologised for the "absolutely disgraceful behaviour" by Labor MPs, and says his government will accept all of the 21 recommendations that were made.

Daniel Andrews said he took "full responsibility" for the conduct detailed in the report. (AAP: James Ross)

News you might have missed

Let's get you caught up.

• The former chief of staff to John Barilaro has told a parliamentary inquiry that the former NSW deputy premier had lined up the controversial plum US trade commissioner role for when he left politics.
• West Australian police say the mother of three children who were killed in a house fire in Port Hedland in northern Western Australia yesterday is in custody and is being questioned over the blaze. 

Police say the investigation into the deadly fire will take time. (ABC News: Michelle Stanley)

• The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to protect same-sex and interracial marriage amid concerns the Supreme Court's ruling to overturn Roe v Wade could jeopardise other rights.

The bill still has to pass through the Senate, where its path is less certain. (AP: Jose Luis Magana)

What Australia has been searching for online

• Netflix: The US streaming giant had reported a drop of nearly one million subscribers between April and July. It's the second quarter in a row the company has shed subscribers, but lost fewer customers than analysts had predicted — with some experts putting it down to the new season of its hit show Stranger Things.
• Elton John: The music icon announced his return to Australia next year as part of his multi-year Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. He last performed in Australia in early 2020, but will be taking to the stage again in Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane in January 2023. Tickets go on sale to the general public on August 1.

One more thing

Australia's very own Eleanor Patterson is the new women's high jump world champion.

She took home the gold at the event in Eugene, Oregon after clearing 2.02 metres — chalking up a new personal best and matching an Australian record in the process.

Yaroslava Mahuchikh from Ukraine won the silver medal, and Italy's Elena Vallortigara took out bronze, while fellow Aussie Nicola Olyslagers finished fifth.

You can watch the moment she took out the gold below.

You're up to date

We'll be back to do it all again tomorrow.

ABC/wires