Security failures at Australian immigration centres, US-Iran peace talks, EPL wrap

Good morning. This morning we reveal how a series of catastrophic security failures involving the US private prison company running Australia’s immigration detention centres has allowed the escape of high-risk detainees, caused ill-equipped staff to be injured and triggered multiple investigations, one of which warned its “minimalist staffing model” was putting workers and detainees at risk.

Elsewhere, the US and Iran appear to be edging towards ending their war – but Donald Trump is facing backlash from hawks within Republican ranks.

And there are warnings over US-based “prediction market” sites raking in huge money in bets on Australian politics.

Plus, we have all the latest on an action-packed final round in the English Premier League.

Australia

‘Clock is ticking’ | A key architect of the National Anti-Corruption Commission is urging Labor to use a deputy commissioner’s vacancy as a means to restore public confidence in the watchdog.

Exclusive | Critics say a “minimalist staffing model” used by MTC, the US private prison company running Australia’s immigration detention centres, is putting detainees and staff in serious danger.

‘We’re concerned’ | US-based “prediction market” websites are taking tens of thousands of dollars in bets on Australian elections, sparking alarm from gambling harm advocates.

Shark attack | A 39-year-old man has died after a shark attack on the Great Barrier Reef, south of Cairns, reportedly while on a fishing trip at Kennedy Shoal.

Flocking to Vietnam | The number of Australians taking short trips to Vietnam has more than doubled since 2016, as holidaymakers seek “premium experiences at mid-range prices” close to home.

World

Middle East crisis | The US and Iran are inching closer to a peace deal even as Donald Trump says the Hormuz blockade remains in “full force”; Republicans have warned Trump against making a “disastrous mistake”; Trump has said he does not make bad deals but even Republican hawks doubt that now, Patrick Wintour writes; Israel has continued to pound Lebanon.

Russia-Ukraine war | Russia has used its powerful hypersonic Oreshnik ballistic missile in Ukraine as part of a massive attack on Kyiv that killed at least four people and injured about 100.

UK | Police investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor are looking into an allegation that he behaved inappropriately towards a woman at the Royal Ascot races, according to a report.

Ebola outbreak | The number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has passed 900 as health workers face arson attacks on treatment centres and equipment shortages.

Rocket launch | China has launched its Shenzhou-23 mission in which its astronaut will spend a full year in orbit, a crucial step in Beijing’s ambition to send humans to the moon by 2030.

Full Story

New Zealand grapples with how to protect its braided rivers

Braided rivers are a stunning and rare global phenomenon – waterways that change direction and size, weaving multiple dynamic patterns influenced by rain and glacial shifts. Reged Ahmad speaks with Eva Corlett about how the waterways are now under threat as communities around them have sought to tame and control their flow, leaving Māori tribes to watch the ecological impact with horror.

In-depth

The destruction of homes and villages in southern Lebanon leaves a mark not just on those living there, but the Lebanese diaspora living across the globe. They have watched on in horror as the continued assault by Israeli forces has left their ancestral homes in ruins. Sarah Ayoub spoke with families witnessing the bombardment of their homeland from afar.

Not the news

In the latest in our Kindness of strangers series, we hear from a reader who was a broke youth radio host announcing a gig for Beck – an artist they were dying to see but couldn’t afford to. Then a listener called in with a generous offer – and a lesson in the joy of giving.

Sport

Football | West Ham were relegated to the Championship despite an emphatic win over Leeds; Tottenham secured their survival against Everton; Arsenal celebrated their Premier League title in style with a relaxed win at Crystal Palace; Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins spoiled Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City leaving party.

AFL | GWS Giants unleashed the spirit of 2016 as a bereft Brisbane hit the skids … again, Jonathan Horn writes.

Motorsport | George Russell was in pole position in the Canadian Grand Prix – with Australian driver Oscar Piastri starting at fourth. Follow the action here.

Tennis | Emma Raducanu slumped to a straight-sets defeat in the French Open first round.

Surfing | Yago Dora sent the World Surf League into meltdown with a perfect 10 aerial at the New Zealand Pro.

Media roundup

A coalition of more than 100 investors, businesses, unions and advocacy groups is pushing the government to strengthen Australia’s modern slavery laws, the Age reports. One of Tasmania’s leading water scientists has sounded the alarm over a $300m irrigation project, ABC News reports.

What’s happening today

NSW | Public hearings are scheduled in the NSW parliamentary inquiry into fossil fuel sector emissions.

NSW | The second block of public hearings in the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion begins today in Sydney.

Politics | Federal parliament is sitting this week.

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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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