Harris’s first public appearance since Biden decision, disabled children ‘criminalised’, why our houses are so cold

Road toll | Australia has recorded its deadliest 12 months on the roads for more than a decade, with 1,310 deaths to 30 June according to the Australian Automobile Association.

In the box | Australia is criminalising disabled children and allegedly keeping them “in cages” in police watch houses, according to the national children’s commissioner. Anne Hollonds says the situation is “absolutely abominable”.

Editor quits | The editor-in-chief of the Australian Financial Review, Michael Stutchbury, will step down after 13 years amid turmoil at Nine Entertainment as staff prepare for industrial action this week over plans to axe 200 jobs.

Lost clues | Any CCTV footage that might have captured Amber Haigh’s last movements was lost because it was a fortnight before she was reported missing, and days later before any vision was requested by police, the NSW supreme court has heard.

Food fail | Major food companies in Australia are failing to set adequate targets to reduce their impact on nature and most are not assessing how their supply chains are hitting the environment, according to a report by conservationists.

Harris on track | Kamala Harris is closing in on the Democratic presidential nomination after the former House speaker Nancy Pelosi joined a slew of party heavyweights endorsing her run for the White House. However, some high-profile figures such as Mike Bloomberg are warning the party not to rush into a coronation. Here are 19 things to know about the woman who might be president. Plus: Trump – not Joe Biden – now faces questions about age and acuity. And lawmakers have grilled the director of the US Secret Service, Kimberly Cheatle, during a House hearing over failures at Trump’s campaign rally in Pennsylvania where he was shot in the ear.

Gaza attack | The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of two neighbourhoods in southern Gaza that it had previously labelled humanitarian zones, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee as attacks began. Benjamin Netanyahu is due to arrive in Washington today to meet Joe Biden and address Congress.

Professor fired | A top Chinese university has fired a professor after a graduate student accused him of sexual harassment on social media in a rare public allegation.

Canada fires | Wildfires have forced hundreds from their homes in Canada’s westernmost province and officials warn weeks more of scorching temperatures will add pressure to fire crews already in the parched region.

Aping behaviour | Scientists have discovered oxygen being produced in the ocean depths not by living organisms but by strange potato-shaped metallic lumps that give off almost as much electricity as AA batteries.

Olympics | The Matildas have arrived in France for their Games opener against Germany on Thursday as they seek to win a first major global title. And this is why the tournament is worth watching.

Cricket | Another five-for from England’s young spinner Shoaib Bashir has prompted more talk that the tall left-armer will be a key part of their attack against Australia in the Ashes in 18 months’ time.

Cycling | Tadej Pogacar and UAE Team Emirates have been basking in the glory of winning the Tour de France but he will miss the Olympics with fatigue.

Politics | Public hearing into the criminal code amendment (deepfake sexual material) bill.

Sydney | Hearing for one alleged teen terrorist after Wakeley church stabbing.

Technology | Inquiry into the shutdown of the 3G network.

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