Morning mail: Inside News Corp’s real estate dominance, Trump ‘safe’ after gunshots, Piastri wins in Azerbaijan
Good morning. Today Guardian Australia launches Hot Property, an investigation into how News Corp’s dominance makes selling a house in Australia so expensive.
In the US, Donald Trump’s campaign team has confirmed he is safe after gunshots were heard at the Florida golf course where the Republican presidential candidate was at the time.
More than 20 years since she disappeared, a judgment is set to be handed down today for the NSW couple accused of murdering Amber Haigh. And: Oscar Piastri held his nerve to win the Azerbaijan F1 Grand Prix after a tense battle to the flag.
Australia
Amber Haigh murder trial | The enduring mystery of the disappearance of Amber Haigh more than 20 years ago faces a key reckoning Monday morning, with judgment in a trial for her murder.
The rise of the Libertarians | The “fringe party” could have up to 15 councillors across NSW and take control of a major regional council following the Liberal party’s bungle over candidates.
‘Zero repercussions’ | Victims of the unlawful robodebt program say they feel “embarrassed” to have believed justice would be delivered following a royal commission into the scheme.
Analysis | Housing affordability is an issue voters care about – and Labor needs more than just scares about Peter Dutton. Paul Karp asks, could negative gearing reform help it get its groove back?
Staying the course | The Queensland opposition has said it will match the state government’s commitment to keep 50c public transport fares in place beyond the October election.
World
US politics | Donald Trump is “safe” after gunshots were reported in his vicinity at a golf course; Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance admits he is willing to “create stories” to get media attention; Trump says he hates Taylor Swift after she endorsed Kamala Harris.
Middle East crisis | Israeli military admits “high probability” it mistakenly killed hostages in Gaza last year; Benjamin Netanyahu tells Houthis they will pay a “heavy price” as a missile hits Israel; Gaza children begin a second school year without education.
Europe floods | At least eight people have drowned in Austria, Poland and Romania and four others are missing in the Czech Republic as Storm Boris continues to lash central and eastern Europe.
Harvey Weinstein | Women who were key to exposing the disgraced Hollywood film producer have shared their frustration at the decision by UK prosecutors to discontinue charges against him.
‘Entire ecosystem’ | Marine fossils dating back to as early as 8.7m years ago – including of megalodon, the huge prehistoric shark – have been uncovered beneath a south Los Angeles high school.
Full Story
Retracing Labor’s road to gender parity
In 1994 Labor made the controversial decision to introduce quotas for women. Thirty years later, the rule has transformed the party, increasing the number of female MPs to 52.4% of the ALP caucus. Guardian Australia political editor Karen Middleton speaks with Nour Haydar about that landmark decision – and why former prime minister Julia Gillard wants to see the rule adopted across parliament.
In-depth
Australians are paying the highest advertising fees in the world to sell their homes online – and critics say that’s because of the dominance of the News Corp-controlled realestate.com.au and its “symbiotic relationship” with real estate agents.
Those who attempt to disrupt the industry – or sell their homes privately, like Dimitri Chrisis (pictured) – face steep hurdles.
This week in Hot Property, Guardian Australia looks into the $10tn residential real estate sector and who is benefitting the most from the big business of selling and renting Australian houses.
Not the news
Akira Isogawa has spent more than a quarter of a century as one of Australia’s most celebrated fashion designers. His pieces have been worn regularly by the likes of Cate Blanchett, and his eponymous label has been sold in high-end department stores around the globe. In the latest of our Three Things series on the importance of objects, he talks about the scissors he can’t live without, his collection of cherished textiles from his birthplace – and the photographs he misses most.
The world of sport
Motorsport | Australian driver Oscar Piastri has won a superb Azerbaijan F1 GP as Lando Norris ate into Max Verstappen’s title lead.
AFL | Ken Hinkley has paid a hefty price for theatre as Power closed the curtain on the Hollywood Hawks, writes Jonathan Horn; the AFLW will break new ground amid St Kilda’s surprise rise to the top.
Football | Gabriel’s towering header secured a 0-1 north London derby win for a depleted Arsenal at Tottenham; Lamine Yamal scored twice as Barcelona’s perfect start in La Liga continues.
Cricket | Harry Brook will take the captain’s armband for England in the upcoming five-match ODI series against Australia.
Media roundup
Science and PE teachers are plugging gaps in high school mathematics as NSW principals continue to struggle with staff shortages, reports the Sydney Morning Herald. Women in regional Australia are pushing for better menopause awareness and services after generations of silence and stigma, reports ABC News.
What’s happening today
Queensland | A ceremonial hearing will formally mark the commencement of the Truth-telling and Healing Inquiry in Brisbane.
WA | New rural health commissioner Prof Jenny May is set to address the National Rural Health Conference in Perth.
NSW | An inquest is scheduled to begin into the death in custody of Aboriginal woman Tammy Shipley.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
