Morning Mail: Biden quits US election race, luxury ute tax loophole exposed, Piastri takes first F1 win
Good morning. Joe Biden has abandoned his bid for re-election as US president after weeks of mounting pressure following his disastrous debate against Donald Trump. Biden has endorsed vice-president Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination, but his decision to bow out has plunged Democrats into uncertainty with just four months until the election.
New research has exposed how luxury utes – such as the Chevrolet Silverado – are being imported as “commercial vehicles” under a tax loophole costing Australia more than $250m a year in forgone revenue.
And Australian driver Oscar Piastri has taken his maiden Formula One win at the Hungarian Grand Prix after a tense showdown involving his McLaren teammate.
Australia
Transport | Analysis has found that a loophole in Australia’s tax law is effectively subsidising the price of luxury utes such as Ram and Chevrolet SUVs, costing taxpayers more than $250m a year in forgone revenue.
Renewable energy | Rural councils want to become more “deeply engaged” with the planning of renewable energy projects in their back yards, to help keep communities onside and streamline the energy transition.
Industrial action | Sydney commuters are expected to face major peak-hour disruption for an entire week with light rail workers shutting down tram services over pay and conditions.
Crowdstrike update | An “automatic fix” should be able to resolve the IT outage that affected millions of computers worldwide, but business groups say Australian companies may need days to recover.
‘Brave and heroic’ | A father has been hailed a hero after he died alongside his two-year-old daughter when a twin stroller rolled off a railway platform in Sydney’s south on Sunday.
World
US politics | Joe Biden was quick to endorse Kamala Harris for the Democratic nomination after ending his re-election bid. It is the final act in a long political career of tragedy and resilience. Our live blog has all the latest on this breaking story.
Middle East crisis | Israeli forces have said they intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthi militants in Yemen targeting the southern city of Eilat; a draft Israeli law to limit academic speech has been labelled “McCarthyite”.
Bangladesh protests | Bangladesh’s top court has scaled back quotas on government jobs that led to widespread student-led protests and violent clashes that killed more than 100 people.
Paris Olympics | Organisers say security has been top priority in the planning of the Paris Games, as they face a challenge to balance “perfect security” with celebrations.
Trump shooting | A House Democrat has called for the US Secret Service director to resign after the attempt on Trump’s life; there is “no evidence” that the gunman in the Trump rally shooting was bullied, his high school says.
Full Story
Who cared? The disappearance of Amber Haigh – part 4
There have now been 38 witnesses called in the trial of Robert and Anne Geeves, who are charged with the murder of Amber Haigh. Ben Doherty tells Bridie Jabour about the evidence presented in the trial so far. This week the court heard more about the weeks and months after Amber’s disappearance, as well as further testimony and allegations about Robert Geeves’ past.
In-depth
Training routines, sleep schedules, social calendars – for elite athletes, every aspect of their lives is planned to maximise performance. So what do Australian Olympians eat to keep their energy up and their mood high? We spoke to 13 Olympic athletes about their nutrition and found that some chase light carbohydrates, others seek pre-match comfort lasagne – and, at the Paris Games, one Olympian will be eating “way too much” of the local cuisine.
Not the news
In our latest the modern mind column where experts discuss mental health issues, Xavier Mulenga writes that most men do not phone helplines when they are in crisis, many struggle with individual therapy and men’s-only group therapy is not readily available. While they are socialised to prioritise independence and stoicism, loneliness is killing men – and without proper support and intervention nothing will change.
The world of sport
Motorsport | Oscar Piastri won the F1 Hungarian GP after McLaren ordered Lando Norris to give up the lead with three laps remaining.
AFL | Cracks are appearing in Geelong’s fortress with another dirty night on home turf, Craig Little writes.
Cycling | Tadej Pogacar won the time trial in Nice to take the final stage and overall victory in the Tour de France.
Golf | Xander Schauffele seals Open win as USA sweeps all four majors for first time in 42 years.
Media roundup
The New South Wales government has been urged to appoint a housing “supremo” with broad powers to override rival public agencies and compel the delivery of new homes in a bid to overcome planning delays, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. The Australian navy has successfully tested its new naval strike missile in a “major milestone” for the nation’s military capabilities, reports the ABC. Australia’s political leaders have opted not to head to the Paris Olympics during a cost-of-living crisis and will instead cheer on the team from home, reports the Age.
What’s happening today
Education | Children are headed back to class as school returns in NSW, the ACT and South Australia.
NSW | The trial of Robert and Anne Geeves, accused of the murder of Amber Haigh, continues at the supreme court.
Queensland | The trial continues for those accused of the murder and manslaughter of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
