‘Non-fixable’ | The beloved Neighbours star Ian Smith, who has played Harold Bishop in the soap for decades, has announced he has been diagnosed with a “non-fixable” type of lung cancer.

Cost of living | The Albanese government has been rated “poor” by 53% of voters on its efforts to contain housing costs, according to today’s Guardian Essential poll, while ministers also received surprisingly little credit for increasing wages, with 35% saying they had done a “poor” job on that score as well. Climate 200 has reported a surge in first-time donors after a donation-matching campaign comparing Peter Dutton to Donald Trump.

Stream of anger | An Australian father has written a formal complaint to the music streaming company Spotify after his children were allegedly exposed to gambling ads while listening to Disney classics.

Thorpe apology | Senator Lidia Thorpe has apologised to Pauline Hanson for describing her as a “convicted” racist, clarifying she was mistaken about a civil finding of racial discrimination.

Water ‘shock’ | Lawyers for Aboriginal residents of a remote town in the Northern Territory say it is “shocking and disappointing” that the territory’s government is trying to overturn a court ruling which found it was legally required to provide them safe drinking water.

Syria struggle | Iranian-backed Iraqi militias crossed into eastern Syria overnight in an attempt to shore up struggling forces loyal to Damascus, battling an insurgency that has swept much of the country’s north-west as Islamist militants seized control of Aleppo. Here’s our explainer on this complex story.

Rockets fired | Israel has carried out airstrikes in Lebanon in response to Hezbollah rocket fire in the most serious attacks since the ceasefire began last week.

‘Selfish move’ | President Joe Biden has been criticised by some supporters for the “selfish move” of pardoning his son Hunter, although the White House has defended his actions. Donald Trump has again hinted he could pardon the January 6 rioters.

Au revoir | The French government appears likely to fall this week after leftwing and far-right parties lodged motions of no confidence over the welfare cuts driven through by the prime minister, Michel Barnier. Here’s what will happen if Barnier loses a confidence vote.

Georgia arrest | Police have arrested a prominent opposition leader after using water cannon and teargas to scatter anti-government protesters who rallied outside parliament for a fourth consecutive night.

Climate crimes | A handful of countries should be held legally responsible for the ongoing impacts of climate change, representatives of vulnerable nations have told judges at the international court of justice.

Rugby union | The Wallabies’ spring tour of Europe has produced some great moments from the Eddie Jones scrapheap – and there’s plenty to look forward to during the winter visit by the Lions.

Cricket | TheEngland rookie Jacob Bethell has insisted he has “no doubt” about his ability to play Test cricket after being propelled to bat at No 3 despite never having made a first-class century.

Football | After Manchester City’s latest defeat, could Pep Guardiola get the sack? AndRuud van Nistelrooy has stressed that he will prioritise results over style in his attempt to pull Leicester City clear of relegation trouble.

Economy | The ABS releases its latest estimates of the total value, number and mean price of Australian homes.

Energy | The inquiry into nuclear power generation in Australia holds a public hearing in Traralgon, Victoria.

NSW | Alleged neo-Nazis will be sentenced after swastikas were painted at Macquarie University.

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