Morning everyone. Two crossbench MPs want the government to act immediately to curb the impact of AI and deepfakes on the upcoming Australian federal election, although they acknowledge it might already be too late.
It’s been a busy night in Trumpland with the new US president now threatening Russia with tariffs, and pushing forward with his hardline measures on immigration. Alex de Minaur suffered a crushing defeat at the tennis, and Nine have copped another spray about their coverage.
Australia
Nine ‘disrespectful’ | The Australian Open semi-finalist Ben Shelton has joined in the criticism of Channel Nine’s tennis coverage in a press conference rant that accused the broadcaster of being “disrespectful” and “negative”.
Deepfake warning | The independent MPs David Pocock and Kate Chaney have urged the government to act immediately on deepfakes and disinformation as the Australian Electoral Commission issues a warning about AI and foreign interference in the upcoming election.
Exclusive | The ABC’s chief content officer, Chris Oliver-Taylor, whose tenure was marred by the sacking of Sydney radio presenter Antoinette Lattouf, will leave the corporation after his role was downgraded.
K’gari wrecking risk | Queensland’s new environment minister risks wrecking the world heritage-listed K’gari by tearing up a plan to reduce dingo attacks on the island by capping visitors, according to the island’s traditional owners.
Antisemitic attacks | Are overseas actors paying local criminals to carry out antisemitic attacks in Australia? The AFP is investigating the possibility. Here’s what we know about the investigation.
World
‘Ridiculous’ war | Donald Trump has threatened Russia with tariffs, taxes and sanctions if it doesn’t stop the “ridiculous” war in Ukraine, and also said he would impose a 10% tariff on Chinese goods arriving in the US from as early as 1 February – less than he said during his election campaign – and said he was also considering levies on EU trade. The president also placed all federal employees working in diversity offices on paid leave; the justice department says it will prosecute officials who try to prevent mass deportations; and it emerged that Ku Klux Klan flyers telling immigrants to “leave now” were distributed across Kentucky on Trump’s inauguration day. Follow developments from Washington live.
Prince Harry | The Duke of Sussex has settled his high court legal action at the 11th hour against the publisher of the Sun, with Rupert Murdoch’s News Group Newspapers agreeing to a full apology and “substantial damages”. But, our analysis points out, it shows even princes must settle in this long-running fight.
Child marriage outrage | Iraqi MPs and women’s rights groups have reacted with horror to the Iraqi parliament passing a law permitting children as young as nine years old to marry, with activists saying it will “legalise child rape”.
West Bank switch | Israeli forces have besieged a Palestinian hospital in Jenin and a nearby refugee camp as the Israeli defence minister, Israel Katz, said the assault marked “a shift in … security strategy” in the West Bank.
Irish ‘subversion’ | Ireland’s incoming prime minister, Micheál Martin, has accused opponents of a “subversion of the Irish constitution” after formal election to the role was cancelled amid chaotic scenes in the Irish parliament.
Full Story
Are culture wars and crime an election-winning strategy?
Our Queensland correspondent, Ben Smee, and political reporter Sarah Basford Canales tell Nour Haydar the Coalition’s campaign centres on culture wars and crime.
In-depth
With Labor’s plan to increase tax on the biggest super balances facing stiff opposition in parliament, Greg Jericho takes up the fight with an impassioned defence of the policy, which he says is needed to reduce pensioner poverty. Superannuation concessions, he argues, “mostly allow the richest in society to avoid tax so they can have more money to give their already rich kids and grandkids”.
Not the news
In the latest our Kindness of Strangers series, Zeynab Gamieldien recounts how when she left her Kindle on a plane she was resigned to never retrieving her lovingly curated collection of books. But when she was contacted by the person who found it, she was delighted to hear how much he loved her taste in reading.
Sport
Tennis | Alex de Minaur’s Australian Open dream has ended for another year after a comprehensive 6-3, 6-2, 6-1 defeat to world No 1 and top seed Jannik Sinner but he still believes he can win a slam. The Italian will now play Ben Shelton in the semi-final while Novak Djokovic, whose show of steel against Carlos Alcaraz proves he still has more in the tank, plays Alexander Zverev. Iga Swiatek will play Madison Keys in the women’s semis after crushing Emma Navarro in 89 minutes.
AFL | Luke Sayers has stepped down as Carlton president despite being cleared by the AFL of posting a lewd image on social media.
Champions League | Manchester City are in Paris for a crunch tie this morning, while Real Madrid also need a result at home to Salzburg. Follow the action live.
Media roundup
A poll in the Age shows that Peter Dutton’s Coalition is ahead of Labor as voters expect to feel worse off in the election year. Almost 10 million school days were lost in New South Wales last year despite a post-pandemic bounce in attendance, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. The Adelaide Advertiser hears from drivers who think a new bike lane in the city centre takes up too much room. The annual swim day in Newcastle harbour has been cancelled because of poor water quality, the Newcastle Herald reports.
What’s happening today
Business | Myer hold a special board meeting in Melbourne at 9am to vote on buying Premier Investments’ Apparel Brands.
Queensland | Bruce Lehrmann at Toowoomba magistrates court.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
