Good morning. A US man has been sentenced to 77 years behind bars in a case exposing the workings of “764”, an online network of sadistic groomers targeting young and vulnerable people. The Australian family of one victim is urging parents to take action to keep their children safe.
Meanwhile, the search continues for thousands still missing after the Nepal flash flood disaster as the death toll rises and families hunt for clues as to the whereabouts of their loved ones.
And amid a backlash against smart glasses, Australia’s online safety regulator wants tech companies to automatically blur people’s faces when they are being filmed on the controversial devices.
Australia
‘Unfair outcomes’ | Home insurers are overwhelmingly paying cash to settle claims – leaving Australians to foot blowouts in repair costs for their cyclone-damaged homes, a report warns.
Online abuse | A predator with ties to the online extortion group known as 764 has been sentenced to decades in prison in the US. The Australian mother of one of his victims wants parents to know the truth about this “harrowing” global trend. The warning signs for parents and how they can keep young people safe are explained here.
Smart glasses | Australia’s online safety regulator has urged smart glasses companies to automatically blur people’s faces filmed on the devices, as Labor faces pressure to ban the technology.
‘We have to go’ | The family of an Australian missing in Nepal has launched a crowdfunding effort in a bid to join search efforts in one of the areas hardest hit by the surging waters.
Analysis | One Nation’s Secret Harbour win shows that Labor and the Coalition still don’t have any idea how to calm an angry electorate and dint support for Pauline Hanson, Tom McIlroy writes.
World
Flood disaster | The death toll continues to rise as rescuers in Nepal and Tibet battle through mud in search of the thousands still missing; a headteacher saved 900 children from the deadly flash flood; and people are returning to the devastated remains of their homes in Nepal.
On the map | Donald Trump and Canada have continued a verbal duel over the US government’s renaming of Lake Ontario, with Canada erecting a giant sign saying “Lake Ontario. Now and Always”.
‘Endless benefits’ | Venezuela’s interim president has defended a highly controversial energy deal with Trump, insisting the South American country will maintain sovereignty over its oil.
Forum turmoil | Several leaders have pulled out of the Pacific Islands Forum leaders’ meeting in Palau – with the heads of Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu and Samoa all no longer attending.
Ferry capsizes | At least eight people have died and 18 people are missing after a ferry carrying nearly 270 passengers and crew capsized off the coast of Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus.
Divisive vote |Iceland’s voters have rejected a proposal to reopen accession talks with the EU after a closely fought referendum campaign that played out against a backdrop of global volatility.
Full Story
The American painting that sparked an Australian culture war
When Jackson Pollock painted Blue Poles, his masterpiece of American abstract expressionism, little did he know it would become one of Australia’s most fascinating political controversies. Tom McIlroy speaks with Rafqa Touma about the colliding worlds of art and politics featured in his book, Blue Poles: Jackson Pollock, Gough Whitlam and the painting that changed a nation.
In-depth
Barack Obama, JFK and … Josh Frydenberg? The former treasurer’s new memoir, marketed as a coming-of-age story, family history and pandemic retrospective rolled into one, is due to hit shelves soon. Some observers see it as part of a larger strategy to help position Frydenberg for a potential comeback. But, as Joshua Black explains, memoirs can be blunt instruments for political renewal.
Not the news
It may sound like a strange concept: satirical novels set in Stalin’s Soviet empire, by an Australian journalist, about Trump’s America. But Malcolm Knox’s darkly hilarious books have landed at a time when global politics so often feel like a farce. With his new novel – The Second Child – about to hit the shelves, he talks about negotiating America’s politics, finding out what’s real and fake, and why the present is so hard to come to terms with.
Sport
AFL | Carlton are on the wildest of rides with their next generation in the driver’s seat, Jonathan Horn writes.
Football | Chelsea hold off Brighton in 4-3 Premier League win but remain chaotic under Xabi Alonso; Bruno Fernandes fires a hat-trick as Manchester United fight back to thrash Ipswich.
Cycling | Former race leader Tadej Pogacar has shared a picture from hospital after his Vuelta a España-ending crash.
Tennis | Jessica Pegula and Jasmine Paolini advance in day one results at the US Open, with Daniil Medvedev and Cameron Norrie also in action.
Cricket | Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue roll over Pakistan to give England a Test series win.
Rugby union | The Wallabies’ problems were on show in their win over Argentina – but Les Kiss found awkward answers, Jack Snape writes.
Media roundup
Anthony Mundine says he is “broken” after the death of his father, the Australian boxing great Tony Mundine, the Sydney Morning Herald reports. An investigation by ABC News is shedding light on an alleged gift card tampering scam that has been catching out shoppers as it spreads across Australia. Prisoners will be put to work on Victoria’s roads as part of a Labor plan to free up resources to fix potholes across the state, the Age reports.
What’s happening today
Victoria | One Nation is expected to launch their energy policy at an event in Yallourn.
ABS | The Australian Bureau of Statistics is set to release its latest mineral and petroleum exploration expenditure data and business indicators.
NSW | The trial of veteran broadcaster Alan Jones continues in Sydney.
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Brain teaser
And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.
Quick crossword
Cryptic crossword
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