Afternoon Update: Christian Brothers kept child abusers; bird flu reaches NSW; and collecting 1,000 four-leaf clovers

Good afternoon.

The Christian Brothers has deliberately kept nine convicted child abusers, one who is currently behind bars, as members of its religious order because it says it has a “Gospel imperative” to “care for all Brothers” and “the needy”.

Court documents also reveal the head of Christian Brothers Oceania met with representatives of the Holy See in an attempt to obtain support six months before it declared it was going broke and could not afford to meet abuse claims from survivors, but received no financial assistance.

The Christian Brothers on Thursday obtained a moratorium on all current and future civil claims by abuse survivors, throwing dozens of pending trials into chaos and halting hundreds more cases in their tracks.

Top news

NSW records first suspected case of deadly H5 bird flu as virus reaches Australia’s east coast

Moira Deeming wins temporary reprieve as Victorian Liberal party postpones decision on her future

Anthony Albanese’s favourite bands beg PM to stop AI companies from stealing their work

Sky News Australia’s role in Cairo Takeaway fiasco laid out by judge’s finding it published ‘misleading’ statements

Tributes for Melbourne boy allegedly left to die from stab wounds, as teen charged with murder

Former AFL player Nicky Winmar found guilty of assaulting woman in northern Victoria

World Cup 2026

Over at the World Cup, Portugal prevailed over Croatia 2-1, while Switzerland are through to the last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Algeria. Bright and early on Saturday the Socceroos will play Egypt at 4am AEST, then Argentina v Cape Verde will kick off at 8am AEST.

Speaking of Australia’s next match, my colleague Jack Snape writes that uncertainty hangs over whether Egypt great Mo Salah will start the World Cup knockout in Dallas or come off the bench. Victory has eluded the Socceroos on the previous occasions they have progressed beyond the group stage.

Off the pitch, we asked the former Republic of Ireland footballers Jason McAteer and John Aldridge about the infamous match in Orlando that was played in 43C heat at the 1994 World Cup.

In pictures

Sunburn, the latest exhibition by photographer and costume designer Gerwyn Davies, is a homage to the Tweed region of New South Wales and the borderlands. The exhibition showcases vibrant new textile and photographic works that reimagine the ephemera, icons and images of Australia’s glittering east coast.

What they said …

“Talk is of newlywed Taylor Swift taking a break from music. Did I take a nap and wake up in the 1950s?” – Laura Snapes

The Guardian’s deputy music editor, Laura Snapes, writes that the “workaholic” pop star probably won’t be staying home to admire the silverware.

Podcast

Michelle Grattan and Melissa Clarke on the political year so far - Australian Politics podcast

The 2026 political year has already been surprising. Labor passed changes to negative gearing and the capital gains tax discount, which they had previously ruled out. The Liberals changed leaders again, and One Nation has seen a surge of support in multiple polls.

Political editor Tom McIlroy speaks to press gallery colleagues Michelle Grattan, the chief political correspondent at the Conversation, and Melissa Clarke, a political correspondent with ABC Radio National. They discuss their report card on the year so far, and the political contests to watch in the second half of the year.

Before bed read

On the 28th anniversary of his father’s death, Walter Jenkins Jr was still angry about losing him at the age of 11. That day, he saw a four-leaf clover poking out from the grass, tucking it safely into his wallet.

“I took it as a sign that my dad was finally at peace, and so I could also be at peace,” Jenkins writes. He resolved to make it a habit, and has now collected at least one four-leaf clover for 1,091 consecutive days.

Daily word game

Today’s starter word is: PLUM. You have five goes to get the longest word including the starter word. Play Wordiply.

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