Donald Trump is confronting fresh allegations about his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein following the dramatic release of emails in which Epstein directly implicated the former US president in his crimes.
Epstein Email Bombshell
In three extraordinary emails released overnight by US House Democrats, the late financier wrote that Donald Trump "knew about the girls" and claimed the former president had "spent hours" at his house with one of Epstein's victims. The White House has responded by identifying the victim as Virginia Giuffre and dismissing the allegations as a "fake narrative".
The email revelation comes as a new Democrat congresswoman could be sworn in and potentially force a vote on the Epstein files, adding further pressure on Trump's campaign. This development revives longstanding questions about Trump's connections to Epstein, which he has consistently denied throughout his political career.
Australian Political Shake-up
Meanwhile in Australia, the Liberal party faces a crucial credibility test on climate policy after a marathon meeting to decide their position on net zero emissions. Chief political reporter Dan Jervis Bardy reveals the internal dynamics of what happened during the lengthy discussions that could reshape the Coalition's future.
Political editor Tom McIlroy this morning writes that the "foundational principles" underpinning the Liberals' decision fail the credibility test, suggesting deep divisions within the party over environmental policy that could impact Sussan Ley's leadership position.
NDIS AI Trial Revealed
In an exclusive report, Guardian Australia has uncovered that 300 staff at the National Disability Insurance Agency participated in a six-month trial using machine learning to help create draft plans for NDIS participants. Documents obtained under freedom of information laws reveal the extent of automation being tested within the disability support scheme.
The trial raises important questions about the role of artificial intelligence in determining support for some of Australia's most vulnerable citizens and how technology might reshape service delivery in the future.
Southern Lights Spectacle
Skywatchers across Australia and New Zealand were treated to a breathtaking celestial display overnight as a severe solar storm made the aurora australis visible across large parts of both countries. The southern lights lit up skies from Werribee South Beach to locations normally too far north to witness such phenomena, creating spectacular photographic opportunities and delighting amateur astronomers.
The solar activity that produced these stunning displays is part of the sun's regular 11-year cycle, which is currently approaching its peak intensity period.
Media and Tech Developments
In other significant developments, Meta and other tech companies refusing to sign content deals with Australian news outlets face millions in new fines under Labor's proposed media bargaining incentive. The legislation would impose penalties based on the local revenue of major platforms that decline to negotiate with Australian media organisations.
Additionally, real estate agents in NSW could face fines of $110,000 or more if caught underquoting properties under proposed new laws intended to stamp out misleading price estimates and increase transparency for buyers in the competitive property market.
