Good morning. An Aboriginal teenager with an intellectual disability was likely locked in solitary confinement for more than 500 days at Queensland’s troubled Cleveland youth detention centre, in a situation described to a court as a “major failure in our system”, Guardian Australia can report. The teenager’s predicament was largely due to staffing issues at the centre, which were covered earlier this year by a Guardian Australia investigation that found cell-block lockdowns of young people were common and widespread.
Meanwhile, Yevgeny Prigozhin makes a rockstar’s exit from Rostov-on-Don after a bizarre weekend of revolt in Russia, and tributes have rolled in for Labor leader Simon Crean, who died suddenly after his morning exercise on a trade mission to Berlin.
Australia
Exclusive | Staff shortages at Cleveland youth detention centre in Queensland led to a teenager being confined to his cell for more than 20 hours a day, for almost three-quarters of his two years in detention, according to official records.
Simon Crean | Australian political figures have paid tribute to Simon Crean, the former Labor leader and cabinet minister. Crean, who was 74, died suddenly in Germany on Sunday.
Indigenous voice | The yes campaign for the referendum will offer grants of up to $15,000 for a blitz of community functions supporting the Indigenous voice. Campaigners said they hope to counter “fear and misinformation” circulating about the vote.
Melbourne runway | Residents of Melbourne’s west are facing stress and financial uncertainty about the development of a third runway at the city’s airport, detractors said, with a decision expected to take up to another six months.
Freedom of information | In the federal court today, former senator Rex Patrick will challenge the refusal of FoI requests based on ministerial portfolio changes – a practice he says is undermining transparency and accountability.
World
Russian mutiny | The Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin left the southern Russian city of Rostov-on-Don after his revolt was curbed – to a rapturous reception that resembled the departure of a rockstar, with crowds gathering around his car. Following the weekend’s bizarre episode in Russia, here’s an explainer of what the future holds for Prigozhin and Vladimir Putin. A sense of normality has returned to Moscow, but Ukraine appears to have taken the opportunity to accelerate its counteroffensive.
Shipwreck fallout | Relatives of the hundreds of migrants who died in a boat that sank off the Greek coast expressed disbelief and anger at the millions of dollars spent on the Titan submersible rescue effort.
Greek election | Greece’s conservative New Democracy party won a landslide victory in the country’s second election in five weeks, early results showed, granting its leader, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, a second four-year term as prime minister.
Honest research | In an ironic twist from the world of behavioural science, a Harvard professor who studies honesty was accused of data fraud.
Glastonbury | Lana Del Rey’s set was cut dramatically short, while the crowd raised its voice for Lewis Capaldi: we bring you the standout moments from Glasto. The Guardian has live coverage of Elton John this morning at our blog.
Full Story
What would a second Trump term mean for Australia?
Donald Trump remains a strong contender for the Republican nomination in the 2024 US presidential election, despite being indicted on criminal charges. Bruce Wolpe – author of Trump’s Australia – speaks to Jane Lee about how Trump could influence security in the Asia-Pacific region if he’s returned to power.
In-depth
Plans for the world’s first commercial octopus farm are well advanced – just as science discovers more about this curious, intelligent and affectionate animal. Ashifa Kassam explores whether farming the creatures, including at a site in Spain that could eventually slaughter up to a million octopuses a year, could be undertaken ethically.
“Do we need to do this? It’s really a luxury good. It’s not for survival,” says Jennifer Jacquet, an environmental science and policy professor. “This is a symbol of what humans should not be doing in the 21st century.”
Not the news
Scooter, a Chinese crested with sparse hair, a ratlike tail and a tongue that just won’t stay in his mouth, has certainly overcome challenges in his seven years. When he was just a pup, a breeder brought Scooter to animal control in Tucson to have him euthanised; he’d been born with hind legs that faced backwards, a condition that seemed to make it certain that he would never walk.
But now, Scooter has had the last laugh (sort of?): he’s been crowned the world’s ugliest dog.
The world of sport
Women’s Ashes | England’s chances of a first Test win since January 2014, and a first win against Australia in any format since July 2019, hang in the balance after they sank to 116 for five in pursuit of a fourth-innings target of 268 on the fourth day at Trent Bridge.
AFL | Misery mounts for West Coast after a horror 20-goal defeat by Sydney. And Dusty’s dollars go public in AFL and NRL the Rich 100 list.
Rugby union | The test centurions Michael Hooper and James Slipper will co-captain the Wallabies in 2023. It’s the first time co-captains have been appointed.
Concussion in sport | The Observer examines the life of Stormin’ Norman Hadley, the Wasps and Canada rugby player whose death prompted questions for those who loved him.
Media roundup
Tributes to Simon Crean lead most news outlets this morning. Documents show Defence took steps to protect its workers from toxic chemicals while tens of thousands of Australians were exposed, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The Australian covers a poll that shows the referendum to enshrine an Indigenous voice to parliament would fail if a vote were held next weekend. NSW children are filming each other in vicious schoolyard bashings and posting them online, according to the Daily Telegraph.
What’s happening today
Embassy challenge | The High Court is due to hear a challenge from the Russian government to Australia’s laws in its attempt to seize a block of land in Canberra for a new embassy.
Fresh ink | Australians with tattoos who want to donate blood can now do so with a much shorter waiting period of one week from receiving the art, following a rule change that takes effect today.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day – with plenty more on the Guardian’s Puzzles app for iOS and Android. Until tomorrow.
