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ABC News
ABC News
National
Tom Williams and Mick Doyle

Thor actor Ray Stevenson dies, Real Madrid calls racist incident against Vinícius Júnior a hate crime, and astronauts arrive at the ISS — as it happened

This is The Loop, your quick catch-up for this morning's news as it happened. 

Key events

Live updates

That's all for The Loop this morning

By Tom Williams

Thanks for joining us today. If you're catching up, here's a bit of what was covered (click the link to jump straight to the post):

You can keep up-to-date with other news on the ABC's website, by subscribing to our mobile alerts, and by watching News Channel or listening to local radio here.

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California court refuses to get involved with foie gras dispute

By Michael Doyle

(AP: M. Spencer Green, File)

The Supreme Court of California says it won't be involved in a dispute over a law which bars foie gras from being sold in the US state.

Foie gras is made from the enlarged livers of force-fed ducks and geese.

Currently, the law doesn't completely bar Californians from eating foie gras in the state, but bars it from being sold.

Courts have ruled that residents can still order foie gras from out-of-state producers and have it sent to them. Restaurants and retailers are still forbidden from selling it or giving it away, however.

The foie gras case had been on hold at the high court while the justices considered a different case involving another California animal cruelty law, that one governing the sale of pork in the state.

In that case, the justices earlier this month backed that law, which requires more space for breeding pigs. The pork industry says the ruling will lead to higher costs nationwide for pork chops and bacon.

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Pelé daughter says Spain 'should be ashamed' after racial attack

By Michael Doyle

(Instagram: @iamkelynascimento)

Kely Nascimento, daughter of Brazilian soccer legend Pelé, says "Spain should be ashamed" after Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr received racial slurs during a match.

In a video posted on her Instagram account, Pele's daughter says Spain, La Liga and Real Madrid "should be ashamed" of the events that took place during Sunday's match against Valencia.

Nascimiento calls on soccer's governing bodies to unite and take effective and tough measures against racist attacks on players.

"What Vini went through is, is insane that people still do this and get away with it today," she says.

"It's insane, you know? Spain should be ashamed, La Liga should be ashamed, Real Madrid should be ashamed that they are not standing up for him and putting their foot down."

Vinicius Jr pointed out the fans who were insulting him, leading to the match being stopped for 10 minutes, and then got into an altercation with Valencia's players which led to his sending off in the second half.

Real Madrid say they have lodged a hate crime complaint following the incident in Valencia.

It is the 10th episode of alleged racism against Vinicius that has been reported to prosecutors this season, according to La Liga.

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Deputy PM calls comments left on media sites about Stan Grant 'revolting'

By Jessica Riga

Key Event
(Stephen Blake / ABC News: Keane Bourke)

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles spoke to RN Breakfast host Patricia Karvelas this morning and called the comments left on some news sites about Stan Grant "revolting".

Here's their exchange:

PK: Stan Grant is stepping away from journalism, hopefully temporarily, due to the relentless racist attacks he’s faced. Yesterday the ABC News Director Justin Stevens said these attacks were fuelled by what he described as a "relentless campaign" from News Corporation. Have you seen the relentless campaign from News Corporation?

RM: Well, without commenting on that specifically, what I would say in relation to Stan Grant's decision is firstly, Stan Grant is a wonderful Australian who has made a huge contribution to our public debate but also to our broadcasting landscape.

I think it is of enormous heartache to me and almost every Australian that Stan Grant finds that this is the place that he's at. We all wish Stan well. I hope it's a temporary decision on his part.

To see someone of his calibre, to see someone taking the steps he has, has got to give us all pause for thought about the public debate and the environment in which we live today in Australia.

PK: Have you ever read the comments on those stories from The Australian?

RM: To be honest I try not to read those comments, partly that's because when you read some you can see how loathsome they are.

PK: Should those newspapers be dealing with the consequences and the commentary? I've read some of them I've read some of them about myself, too. They're revolting.

RM: Look, I mean, they are revolting. It's an area in an age of social media where there are comments that are posted, well – anyone who engages in social media, I think we all need to do much better.

The answer to the question about why I haven't read all them is precisely because of the impact which one has when you do read them all.

You know, I do find it very troubling, is the short answer to the question. And I think this is a moment in Stan Grant's decision for us all to have a long think about it.

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Anyone watch Succession last night?

By Tom Williams

Because this tweet is going viral.

No spoilers — I promise.

Ready to recap yesterday's episode?

Here's my colleague Jess's rundown and latest power rankings:

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Children have died following a school dormitory fire in Guyana

By Tom Williams

Some sad news out of the South American nation of Guyana.

At least 19 children have died after a fire broke out at a school dormitory overnight.

The building is said to have been completely engulfed in flames by the time the firefighters arrived.

Authorities say 14 children died at the scene and another five in hospital.

Police say they're investigating the cause, while the country's president has declared three days of mourning.

You can read more on this story below:

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NBA star Carmelo Anthony announces retirement

By Michael Doyle

NBA star Carmelo Anthony is retiring after 19 seasons in the league.

Anthony, who is ninth on the NBA's all-time scoring list, said on social media: "The time has come for me to say goodbye".

A 10-time All-Star with 28,289 career points, Anthony played for six different teams and was not under contract during the just-completed season.

He last played with the Lakers in 2021-22.

Anthony was a three-time Gold medal winner for Team USA and led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA national championship in his lone college basketball season.

He was drafted third overall by the Nuggets in 2003.

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Trump accuser E Jean Carroll seeks $15m in damages over post-verdict statements

By Tom Williams

Key Event
(AP: Seth Wenig)

Writer E Jean Carroll is seeking to amend the first of two defamation lawsuits she filed against former US president Donald Trump, arguing that his statements after a jury found him liable in the second suit warrant "very substantial" damages.

Earlier this month a jury in New York found Trump sexually abused Carroll and then defamed her by calling her a liar, but did not rape her.

The jury awarded Carroll about $US5 million ($7.4 million) in compensatory and punitive damages.

Carroll's lawyers have pointed to Trump's posts on Truth Social calling the verdict a "disgrace", and his criticism of Carroll on CNN on May 10 in arguing that she should be allowed to amend her earlier lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Trump defamed her by denying the incident in 2019, while he was president.

"Trump's defamatory statements post-verdict show the depth of his malice toward Carroll since it is hard to imagine defamatory conduct that could possibly be more motivated by hatred, ill will or spite," Carroll's lawyers say.

"This conduct supports a very substantial punitive damages award."

Carroll's proposed amended complaint seeks at least $US10 million ($15 million) in compensatory damages against Trump, plus punitive damages.

Trump has already launched an appeal to the jury's findings.

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Eddie Jones discusses Wallabies ambitions with News Breakfast

By Michael Doyle

(ABC News Breakfast)

Wallabies coach Eddie Jones says a "good discussion" may be had in the future over the eligibility of players competing overseas being selected for Australia.

Jones, who is in London to coach the Barbarians this weekend, tells ABC News Breakfast if the coaching staff felt they needed more players from overseas, they would ask.

Currently, three players who do not play for an Australian franchise in the Super Rugby Pacific can be picked for the Wallabies.

"We want to win back the Bledisloe Cup, beat South Africa in Pretoria and win the World Cup. To do that we have to have the best players," Jones says.

"There's always exceptions to it and certainly if we need to, we'll ask for exceptions. I'm sure we're going to have a good discussion."

Jones says he has not spoken to Rugby Australia about changing or adjusting that rule.

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Indian PM Narendra Modi is rallying supporters in Sydney today

By Tom Williams

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Sydney overnight, and many of his local fans are preparing for a community event later today.

Modi is expected to retrace steps taken in his last Australian visit eight years ago by rallying 16,000 supporters at a Sydney arena tonight.

The crowd will include people bussed from Brisbane, Canberra and Melbourne, as well as a New Zealand contingent.

Here are some that ABC News Breakfast spotted at a Melbourne airport this morning:

(ABC News Breakfast)

The Indian Australia Diaspora Foundation says Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will also attend in "a momentous occasion to strengthen bilateral relations".

Talks between the two leaders are expected to focus on strengthening the countries' defence and trade relationships, and on the transition to clean energy sources.

Albanese is also under pressure to raise human rights concerns with Modi, who has been accused of cracking down on freedom of speech in India to shield his government from domestic criticism over the treatment of minorities.

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Damien Hardwick reportedly stepping down as Richmond AFL coach

By Michael Doyle

Key Event
(AAP: Julian Smith)

Richmond players have been called to a meeting at the AFL club this morning where they'll reportedly be told Damien Hardwick is quitting as coach.

Hardwick is the current longest-serving coach in the league, having won three premierships since taking over at the Tigers in 2010.

Collingwood coach Craig McRae worked as an assistant to Hardwick for several seasons.

He's told Fox Sports the timing has taken him by surprise.

"A bit of shock to be honest, particularly this time of year, round 10," McRae said.

"But having worked with [Damien ], he's an incredible coach and he's his own person and I think the Richmond Footy Club will hopefully — if it's true, it hasn't been announced yet has it — I'm sure the Richmond Footy Club will salute him well if it is the case."

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TikTok sues the US state of Montana for banning the Chinese-owned app

By Tom Williams

Key Event
(AP: Matt Slocum)

TikTok has filed a lawsuit challenging the US state of Montana's new ban on the Chinese-owned video app.

Montana is the first US state to ban the app.

TikTok argues the ban, which would take effect on January 1, violates First Amendment rights (that's the right to free speech) of the company and its users.

The lawsuit also argues the ban is pre-empted by federal law because it intrudes upon matters of federal concern.

TikTok also argues Montana is trying to "banish" the app "based on speculative concerns about TikTok's data security and content moderation practices".

Former US president Donald Trump tried to bar new downloads of TikTok and Chinese-owned WeChat and other transactions in 2020, which the companies said would have effectively barred use of the apps, but a series of court decisions blocked the bans from taking effect.

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Judge enters not guilty pleas for suspect in stabbing deaths of four students

By Michael Doyle

Key Event
(The Moscow-Pullman Daily News via AP: Zach Wilkinson)

A US judge has entered a not guilty plea for the man charged with stabbing four students to death in Idaho.

Bryan Kohberger, 28, was arrested late last year and charged with burglary and four counts of first-degree murder in connection with the killings of Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin at a rental home near the University of Idaho campus.

Kohberger declined to enter pleas with his attorney telling the judge they would "stand silent" at this time. The judge entered not guilty pleas on Kohberger's behalf.

The trial, expected the last six weeks, has been scheduled to start on October 2.

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Spain's Real Madrid calls racist abuse against Vinícius Júnior a hate crime

By Tom Williams

Key Event
(AP: Alberto Saiz)

Spanish soccer is again embroiled in discussions about racism after yet another case of abuse against Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.

Officials, players and former players showed solidarity with Vinícius, who on Sunday considered leaving the field after facing racist taunts from fans during Real Madrid's 1-0 loss at Valencia in the Spanish league.

Valencia says it banned one of its fans for life and is looking to identify others who may have insulted Vinícius.

Real Madrid says it has asked authorities to investigate the abusive behavior, saying the club believed the incident to be a hate crime.

"Real Madrid strongly condemns the events that took place yesterday (Sunday) against our player," the club says.

"These events represent a direct attack on the social and democratic model of coexistence of our State based on the rule of law."

The president of Spain's soccer federation acknowledges that the country has a racism problem.

"We have a problem of behavior, of education, of racism," Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales says.

"And as long as there is one fan or one group of fans making insults based on someone's sexual orientation or skin color or belief, then we have a serious problem. A serious problem that stains an entire team, an entire fan base and an entire country."

The Brazilian government has summoned the Spanish ambassador to explain the incident, and its foreign ministry says that after "yet another inadmissible episode" it believes effective measures have not been taken by the Spanish authorities to prevent such acts of racism.

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Irish actor Ray Stevenson, of Thor and Rome, dies aged 58

By Michael Doyle

Key Event
(AP: Matt Sayles)

Irish actor Ray Stevenson, who appeared in Thor and RRR, has died aged 58.

Stevenson played the villainous British governor in RRR, an Asgardian warrior in the Thor films, and a member of the 13th Legion in HBO's Rome.

Representatives for Stevenson told The Associated Press that he died on Sunday.

Stevenson was born in Lisburn in 1964. After attending the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and years of working in British television, he made his film debut in Paul Greengrass's 1998 film, The Theory of Flight.

(AP: Bebeto Matthews)

In 2004, he appeared in Antoine Fuqua's King Arthur, as a knight of the round table, and several years later played the lead in the pre-Disney Marvel adaptation Punisher: War Zone.

Though Punisher was not the best-reviewed film, he'd get another taste of Marvel in the first three Thor films, in which he played Volstagg.

Other prominent film roles included the Divergent trilogy, G.I. Joe: Retaliation and The Transporter: Refueled.

Stevenson has three sons with Italian anthropologist Elisabetta Caraccia, who he met while working on Rome.

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News Australia is searching for: Stan Grant

By Tom Williams

Key Event

In case you missed it last night, ABC journalist Stan Grant gave an emotional speech during his final episode of Q+A before stepping away from the show for a while.

Grant says he has been the target of racist abuse, which has escalated since his appearance on the ABC's coverage of King Charles's coronation.

"To those who have abused me and my family, I would just say — if your aim was to hurt me, well, you've succeeded," he told the Q+A audience.

Grant also addressed the people who had sent him hate.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I must have given you so much cause to hate me," he said.

"I will get back up. And you can come at me again, and I will meet you with the love of my people. My people can teach the world to love."

If you or anyone you know needs help:
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One more thing: Astronauts from yesterday's SpaceX launch have arrived at the International Space Station

By Tom Williams

Key Event

The International Space Station has welcomed four news guests, including two Saudi visitors — one being the kingdom's first female astronaut.

Yesterday's SpaceX chartered flight arrived at the orbiting lab less than 16 hours after blasting off from the US state of Florida.

The four guests, which also include an American businessman and a retired NASA astronaut, will spend just over a week on the space station, before returning to Earth in their capsule.

Here's the moment they were welcomed on board:

"This shows how space brings everyone together," says Saudi Arabia's first female astronaut, Rayyanah Barnawi, a stem cell researcher.

"I'm going to live this experience to the max."

Saudi fighter pilot Ali al-Qarni dedicated the visit to everyone back home.

"This mission is not just for me and Rayyanah. This mission is also for the people with ambition and dreams."

The Saudi government is picking up the multimillion-dollar tab for both of them.

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