O’Callaghan beats Titmus in thrilling 200m final, universities accused over language tests, ‘ferocious’ UK knife attack

Good morning. It was one of the most anticipated showdowns of the Olympics and it didn’t disappoint for drama. The 200m freestyle final saw Mollie O’Callaghan power to Olympic gold, ahead of her arch-rival Ariarne Titmus in silver. O’Callaghan set a new Olympic record with a blistering finish. Earlier, Chris Burton won the eventing silver for Australia – on a borrowed horse.

Multiple academics have spoken to Guardian Australia about the number of university students who struggle with “basic English” but still receive degrees, saying the integrity of the tertiary sector is under threat – and the rise of AI is accelerating the crisis.

New polling suggests Australians are warming to the idea of a second Donald Trump presidency – and questions linger over the collapse of budget airline Bonza.

After 18 months of record-breaking ocean temperatures, the planet’s reefs are in the middle of the most widespread heat-stress event on record. Across the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans, latest figures that show 73% of the world’s corals have been hit with enough heat for them to begin bleaching. A vast array of solutions are being worked on but experts are urging a “fundamental rethink” on how to protect reefs – with temperatures forecast to climb even higher in coming decades.

During long stretches of Covid lockdowns the Los Angeles-based standup comedian Atsuko Okatsuka began connecting directly with audiences online. She is now instantly recognisable, having earned a huge following for her comedy and dance videos with her equally popular grandma. Ahead of the Australian leg of her world tour, Okatsuka talks about family, feeling like a “freak”, and circumventing industry racism.

The Australian claims the number of surveillance flights looking for people smuggling boats off north-west Australia has fallen 22% in the past two years. Australian businesses are paying untold amounts of ransom to hackers, but the government is hoping to claw back some visibility with a landmark cyber security law, reports ABC News. The Courier Mail says new documents reveal new delays to the Queensland government’s multibillion-dollar Cross River Rail project.

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