Nuclear questions mount, Labor presssed on gambling, Hezbollah warning

Gender pay gap | For every dollar a male federal public servant makes, his female counterpart makes 86c, according to data from the government’s Workplace Gender Equality Agency today.

‘No credible reason’| Peter Dutton’s claim that nuclear energy would lead to cheaper power bills has been rejected by energy experts, with one saying there was “no credible reason” to think adding “the most expensive form of bulk electricity” would cut prices. Here’s what we know about the policy, and we have also factchecked seven main claims, such as the timing and impact on emissions. Karen Middleton reckons the policy shows the climate comes a distant second to Dutton’s political aims.

Exclusive | Crossbenchers, gambling harm advocates and even some inside Labor are demanding the Albanese government speed up moves towards banning gambling advertisements.

‘Systemic racism’ | A coroner in Victoria has condemned “systemic racism and paternalism” in the child protection system after an inquest into a 17-year-old’s death heard that she took her own life after being refused the chance to connect with her Indigenous culture.

Cost of living | A basket of Aldi groceries is typically 25% cheaper than an equivalent purchase at major chains Coles and Woolworths, according to government-funded research conducted by the consumer group Choice.

Hezbollah warning | The leader of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, warned of a war “without rules or ceilings” in the event of a full-scale Israeli offensive against the Lebanese militia, as he threatened that Cyprus could become a target if it allowed Israel to use its territory in any conflict.

Putin’s pact | The Russian president, Vladimir Putin, and the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, have signed a mutual defence pact but were keeping quiet on the details.

UK election | One of Rishi Sunak’s close protection officers has been arrested over alleged bets about the timing of the UK election. Tories fighting to hold marginal “red wall” seats are bemoaning the lack of party support because resources are being diverted to shore up once-safe seats in the south.

Extreme weather | With intense heat in the north-east and northern midwest of the US, epic rains in Miami, and fires in New Mexico and California, a tropical storm system in the Gulf of Mexico is forecast to bring intense downpours to parts of Louisiana and Texas. In Saudi Arabia, the search is continuing for hajj pilgrims missing amid temperatures above 50C.

Thou shalt | Louisiana has become the first state to require that the Ten Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom under a bill signed into law by the Republican governor.

Euro 2024 | Germany dispatched Hungary 2-0 to qualify for the round of 16, Albania snatched a famous 2-2 draw against Croatia (pictured) thanks to an equaliser in added time, and Scotland are bidding to salvage their tournament against Switzerland this morning.

State of Origin | NSW captain Jake Trbojevic is unfazed by the prospect of playing limited minutes again this year’s series, shrugging off the criticism that followed his cameo in game one.

Tennis | Australia’sJordan Thompson is through to the last eight at Queen’s club after his opponent, Andy Murray, was forced to retire with a back injury early in the match, raising doubts about his planned Wimbledon swansong.

Molly Ticehurst | Hearing in Parkes for man accused of murdering his former partner.

Melbourne | Senator Lidia Thorpe to speak at truth-telling and treaty event in Fitzroy town hall.

Brisbane | Inquiry into fatal MRH-90 Taipan army helicopter crash continues.

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