IDF accused of ‘executing’ Palestinian aid driver, Telstra’s back-to-the-future glitch, fastest spider found

Morning everyone. Israeli troops have been accused of the “field execution” of a Palestinian man delivering food aid into Gaza. Also in the Middle East, the US-Iran ceasefire continued to unravel with tit-for-tat strikes across the Gulf region.

We examine the Telstra glitch that had the company’s network thinking it was back in 2006, the brown huntsman is declared (maybe) the world’s fastest spider, and the World Cup resumes with France v Morocco in the quarter-finals.

Australia

Speedy spider | Analysis of more than 250 spider species by scientists in the UK and Germany has concluded that the giant Australian spider the brown huntsman is the world’s quickest.

Back in time | Our technology reporter Josh Taylor explains how a software glitch meant the Telstra network thought it was back in November 2006, triggering an outage and a disastrous 48 hours for the company. Economist John Quiggin argues that the outage is the result of prioritising competition minus the benefits.

Protest too much | The New South Wales government has already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on legal fees to unsuccessfully defend constitutional challenges against protest laws.

Carbon plea | A former chief economist at mining company BHP says stronger climate policy by governments is needed to “move the needle” and incentivise tough decarbonisation decisions at major resource companies.

Neil deal | Neil, the one-tonne southern elephant seal whose beachside antics have attracted millions of views on social media, appears to have returned to sea.

World

Music mourns | Bonnie Tyler, the Welsh singer whose distinctive, husky voice turned songs such as Total Eclipse of the Heart into 80s classics, has died aged 75. Read our obituary here, while our critic thinks she totally eclipsed her power-ballad peers.

Ceasefire shaken | A Palestinian driver bringing food aid from the World Central Kitchen into Gaza has been killed by an Israeli soldier, according to eyewitnesses and the local truckers association, which said it may suspend operations in protest. It came as the US launched a second round of renewed airstrikes against Iran, killing at least 14 people, while Tehran responded by hitting Gulf countries in the most intense exchange of fire since a shaky ceasefire was extended last month. Israel has threatened to rejoin the war.

Maine chance | Progressives who rallied behind Graham Platner’s insurgent bid for a US Senate seat are now racing to decide where to transfer their support after his withdrawal from the Maine race following an allegation of sexual assault.

Cruise block | An LGBTQ+ cruise ship blocked from Turkish waters this week has been refused entry into Egypt.

Summer heat | The UK is sweltering through the peak of its third heatwave of the year.

World Cup

What to watch today | France are under way against Morocco in Boston in the first quarter-final. Follow it live.

Match catch-up | Jarell Quansah has been banned for two World Cup matches following his red card in England’s last-16 victory over Mexico on Sunday. England’s quarter-final against Norway conjures memories of a famous rant from the local commentator invoking Churchill, Nelson and Lady Diana.

Off the pitch | The United States has expressed interest in hosting the 2029 Club World Cup.

Full Story

Newsroom edition: the risks and rewards of the PM’s podcast era

Josephine Tovey is joined by Patrick Keneally, Gabrielle Jackson and Josh Butler to discuss Anthony Albanese’s latest podcast appearance.

In-depth

A crowd of 25,000 Indian Australians gathered at Marvel Stadium last night for the “Melbourne Meets Modi” event at which Anthony Albanese shared the stage. Inside, Modi hailed the contribution of the diaspora to the success of Indian-Australian relations. Outside, there were protests over human rights abuses. Adeshola Ore reports.

Not the news

Luke Buckmaster picks eight must-sees at the Melbourne international film festival, including a drama starring Channing Tatum, an Australian dramedy featuring Hugo Weaving and The Pitt’s Shabana Azeez, and a film from a chook’s eye-view.

Sport

Tennis | Czechia’s Karolína Muchová edged out Coco Gauff in a deciding-set tie-break, saving a match point in a dramatic last-four clash to reach her first Wimbledon final against fellow Czech Linda Nosková.

Rugby union | The Wallabies will need cool heads and a hard edge if they are going to stop their run of heroic defeats when they play France in Brisbane tomorrow.

Cycling | Tadej Pogačar powered alone to the summit of the mighty Col du Tourmalet in the Hautes-Pyrénées, overwhelming his rival Jonas Vingegaard in the process, to take stage six and the overall lead in the Tour de France.

The Herald Sun says Telstra bosses’ $28m pay package is in jeopardy after the outage fiasco. Brisbane’s Wintergarden and InterContinental Hotel precinct could be demolished under plans outlined by the new owners, the Courier Mail reports. Blues coach Laurie Daley plans to quit with several NSW legends in the frame to replace him, the Telegraph claims.

What’s happening today

Melbourne | Narendra Modi and Anthony Albanese meet Cricket Aus and AFL CEOs at MCG.

Health | ABS releases figures showing how consumption of food compares with Australian dietary guidelines.

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Brain teaser

And finally, here are the Guardian’s crosswords to keep you entertained throughout the day. Until tomorrow.

Quick crossword

Cryptic crossword