Karl Stefanovic is expected to leave Channel Nine after the Today show co-host interviewed UK far-right activist Tommy Robinson on his podcast. Nine Entertainment is reportedly set to sever ties with its highest-paid presenter following the controversial appearance.
Stefanovic's Podcast Pulled
The appearance of Tommy Robinson, a known far-right agitator, on Stefanovic's podcast has led to the episode being pulled. Media correspondent Amanda Meade and senior correspondent Ben Doherty discussed the evolution of Stefanovic's career and the implications of this move on The Guardian's Full Story podcast.
New Teal Party Launches
Independent MPs Zali Steggall and Allegra Spender are launching a new political party called Community Strong Australia, aiming to provide a centrist alternative for voters. However, other teal independents have not yet joined the new party.
Other Australian News
An Australian citizen working as a senior intelligence officer for Iran allegedly orchestrated a firebombing in Bondi, according to the country's top spy. A former Australian resident in Iraq is accused of directing an attack on a Melbourne synagogue. Fund manager Geoff Wilson deleted an AI-generated video he reposted from a rightwing nationalist account after criticizing the government's tax changes. Greg Jericho notes that the reforms are already having an effect.
International News
The UK broke its all-time temperature record for June, reaching 35.7C in Charlwood, Surrey. France recorded its hottest day ever for the second consecutive day as a heatwave sweeps Europe. Former Donald Trump loyalist Marjorie Taylor Greene has broken ties with the Republican party, and President Trump shelved plans to sign a bipartisan bill aimed at lowering housing costs. In New York primaries, Zohran Mamdani maintained his political influence.
Maternity Scandal
More than 500 mothers and babies came to harm or died due to inadequate care in Nottingham, according to an inquiry into the NHS's biggest ever maternity scandal. A fan of the TV show Dexter murdered two men before dismembering and burning their bodies. The James Webb Space Telescope captured the dazzling sight of over 60 million stars at the heart of Earth's galaxy.
Sports Update
Tomorrow's Socceroos match against Paraguay is expected to fill pubs and empty offices. Tony Popovic faces a selection dilemma, including whether to recall Nestory Irankunda. In cricket, India's 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi will have his own changing room for safeguarding reasons on his first international tour. The International Olympic Committee has decided to pay athletes, breaking with 130 years of tradition. Ben Stokes says he apologized to teammates after Joe Root was criticized as stand-in captain.
Dark Mofo and Possum Bao
Dark Mofo, Tasmania's mid-winter festival, is offering brushtail bao – parcels filled with slow-cooked wild Tasmanian possum. The festival has always included a side of discomfort, according to Beth Knights.
What's Happening Today
New chief of defence force Mark Hammond, new army chief Susan Coyle, and defence minister Richard Marles speak at the ASPI Defence Conference in Canberra. A public hearing of the inquiry into anti-LGBTIQA+ hate crimes in Victoria takes place in Melbourne. The ABS releases monthly unemployment figures.
