Concerns over homeowner scheme, Biden insists he is ‘not leaving’, Kokkinakis wins Wimbledon epic

Midwinter Ball | It was Canberra’s night of nights last night with the Midwinter Ball bringing the political class out in all their finery, and even an actual celebrity, Rachel Griffiths (pictured with the home affairs minister, Clare O’Neil).

Exclusive | The Albanese government will strike a new funding deal with Papua New Guinea to support asylum seekers after the country threatened to send them back to Australia unless a fresh agreement was signed.

Payman support | A Labor branch in Anthony Albanese’s own electorate has passed a motion expressing support for the dissident senator Fatima Payman, even as expectations grow she is poised to quit the party.

Exclusive | Sydney is running out of landfill and an “emerging weak link” in the plan for how the city manages solid waste in the future could see uncollected garbage left piling up at hospitals and other businesses, experts warn.

Koala ban | Cuddling koalas has been banned by Queensland’s Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary but other states have even stricter laws on how much the endangered animal can bear.

Sleepy Joe? | Joe Biden and Kamala Harris made a surprise appearance on a campaign call and told staffers “no one is pushing me out” of the presidential race. Biden is preparing to meet with party governors after his admission he nearly fell asleep during the disastrous presidential debate last week. The White House denied reports that he is considering stepping down, while here are six possible replacements as Democratic nominee.

UK election | Rishi Sunak has confided to members of his inner circle that he is fearful of losing his normally ultra-safe Yorkshire constituency at the UK general election, the Guardian has been told. One of Sunak’s most loyal cabinet allies said Labour is heading for “the largest majority any party has ever achieved”.

French fracture | France’s prime minister has said nationwide efforts to prevent Marine Le Pen’s National Rally winning an outright majority in parliament could succeed after more than 200 candidates pulled out of Sunday’s legislative election runoff to avoid splitting the anti-far right vote.

Weight watch | People who have been prescribed a weight-loss injection could be at a higher risk of developing an eye condition which can lead to blindness, a study has found.

The first picture story | The world’s oldest known picture story is a cave painting almost 6,000 years older than the previous record holder, found about 10km away on the same island in Indonesia, archaeologists have said.

Wimbledon | Thanasi Kokkinakis has progressed to the third round of Wimbledon after an epic five-set, rain-affected victory over the 17th seed, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime. It was needed after Jordan Thompson bowed out tamely and Aleksandar Vukic lost to brilliant champion Carlos Alcaraz. Britain’s Emma Raducanu lit up the day with a demolition of Elise Mertens as female players pushed the boundaries with their fashion choices.

Cycling | Mark Cavendish became the most prolific stage winner in the history of the Tour de France after a 35th victory in Saint-Vulbas to overhaul Eddy Merckx’s long-held mark.

NBA | LeBron James has reportedly agreed a new two-year contract with the LA Lakers for a record-equalling 22nd season where he could play with his son Bronny.

Toowoomba | Bruce Lehrmann committal hearing.

Resources | Judgment and hearing at the federal court in Adelaide on Tiwi traditional owners’ challenge to Santos pipeline.

Economy | ABS releases international trade figures.

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