Outback killer dead | Bradley John Murdoch, the man who killed British backpacker Peter Falconio in 2001, has died from throat cancer at the age of 67. The body of Falconio has never been found, and Murdoch always maintained his innocence.

Peak vape? | The federal government believes rates of dangerous vaping may be about to decline after years of rapid growth, with new research showing take-up could have peaked among teenagers and high school-age children.

‘Political polarisation’ | Tanya Plibersek has an uphill battle to justify and prioritise Australia’s multibillion-dollar social services system, her department has warned, as global conflicts and trade wars worsen inequalities and “entrench disadvantage”.

Productivity fix | Fixing the nation’s broken environment protection laws is the most important reform the Albanese government can pursue to boost productivity, and holds the key to meeting climate and housing targets, according to the former treasury secretary Ken Henry.

Lehrmann loss | Theformer Liberal staffer Bruce Lehrmann has lost an application for an interim restraining order against a Daily Mail journalist he alleges stalked him.

Masterchef exit | The Australian-born UK MasterChef presenter, John Torode, will not return to the BBC cooking show after allegations about him using racist language.

Maga pushback | The Maga stalwart Marjorie Taylor Greene has criticised Donald Trump over his pledge to send more weapons to Ukraine, although the Ukrainians themselves are still waiting for details about the “billions of dollars” worth of supplies promised by the US president. Republican lawmakers have moved to block a Democratic effort to force the release of the so-called Epstein files amid an internal battle among US conservatives over the issue beloved of conspiracy theories.

Afghan scheme | Thousands of Afghans who helped British forces during the allied occupation of the country have been relocated to the UK under a secret scheme set up after their personal details were revealed by a data leak.

‘Moronic mission’ | Two men who carried out a “moronic mission” to fell the Sycamore Gap tree on Hadrian’s Wall fuelled by “no more than drunken stupidity” have been jailed.

Exclusive | An Irish tourist was jailed by the US authorities for more than 100 days after overstaying a visit by three days, prompting him to warn that “nobody is safe” from the country’s immigration system.

Le travail | France’s government has proposed scrapping two public holidays as part of radical measures aimed at reducing the country’s ballooning deficit, boosting its economy and preventing it being “crushed” by debt.

Rugby union | The Wallabies will be hoping that their big back row forwards will help them shock the Lions in the first Test in Brisbane this Saturday, while we think these are the five areas where it could be won or lost. A Lions tour of France could move a step closer next week when executives hold talks in Melbourne before the second Test.

Football | Liverpool have rejected an offer from Bayern Munich to sign Luis Díaz for nearly £60m, while Newcastle have made a club record bid of £70m for Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt.

Golf | World No 1 Scottie Scheffler has been wondering aloud to the media about golf and life as he prepares for The Open this week, asking “What is the point?”

Canberra | Ken Henry, chair of the Australian Climate and Biodiversity Foundation, speaks at the National Press Club at lunchtime.

Economy | ABS releases figures on building activity at 11.30am.

Tasmania | Party leaders debate ahead of Saturday’s state election.

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