Skip to main content Subscribe Contact us Morning Mail Open app News The 10 best TV shows coming to streaming in October Sign up for the fun stuff with our fortnightly culture newsletter; read the latest issue Mike Ticher Good morning. The politics of the Middle East is high on the agenda today, with Anthony Albanese visiting US president Joe Biden just days after announcing an independent inquiry into Australia’s handling of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Australian federal police made seven arrests in Sydney last night linked to the importation of methamphetamine, while in Israel, two hostages have been released by Palestinian gunmen. And a group of Australian companies is planning to go completely green on their power supply. Australia Evacuations | Two Australian teachers who escaped Israel after missing a rescue flight are now preparing for another evacuation, this time from Dubai. They are Clonard College teachers Simon Mickey and Rowena Dowell. Independent inquiry | Anthony Albanese will communicate his plans for a new rounds of Covid-19 pandemic preparedness to US president Joe Biden in Washington. Uncertain future | Australians are increasingly divided on potential implications for national security if Binyamin Netanyahu forms Israel’s next government, according to a Resolve survey. Energy plan | Several Australian businesses backed by Woolworths, Bunnings and FTSE 100 companies are aiming to power their operations solely with renewable energy produced on-site within four years. World Free hostages | Two US hostages abducted by Hamas during their bloody incursion into Israel last week have been released to the Red Cross. Judith Raanan and her daughter Natalie, 17, were handed over to fighter planes, Israel’s federal army reported. Kremlin court | Russian authorities intend to put jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny on trial again, reportedly as early as Monday. The timing is said to be “extraordinary”. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva | The former Brazilian president said he is “very proud” of the role played by members of his cabinet during his first weeks in office, but is planning to return to the US in December to address a conference organised by the G20. Full Story Added 21 Oct 2023 Listen Labor close to finalising Palestine-Israel stance after Anthony Albanese meeting 20:11 Anthony Albanese and Penny Wong have pledged their solidarity with Israel, but strong pro-Palestine voices inside Labor are urging a shift in the party’s stance on the crisis. What does Labor’s support for the two-state solution mean for Palestinian rights? House music courtesy of Merge Records 1200 Not the news Catch yourself a mushroom suit: mushroom bob hats 19th-century-style mushroom brims are back. We take a quick look at the biggest hat trend that’s sweeping the costume hire and upcoming nuptials scenes. The week of sport Spring Racing: Doomben Cup is broadcast live on ABC TV across the country The Brisbane Racing Club faces serious sanctions after illegally trialling a synthetic racing surface at the Doomben Cup, writes Matt Dalton. Australia bowler issues apology to governing cricket body over unclear communications Surgeries were announced for four key players in Vietnamese football leagues What’s happening today Engage Australia | Join over 18,000 citizens in lobbying MPs for a “super ministry” to tackle government corruption. Interested persons can find out more on the website. Sign up Government alert | The weather bureau is forecasting heavy rainfall in large parts of Victoria today, with damaging winds and possible hail. Read other forecasts. Media releases | Information about the federal budget, including tax reforms and budget priorities. Email, mobile Pushback | The government’s reforms, aimed at curbing inflation, have met significant opposition and warnings from two senior economists. Contact us If you have any questions, feedback or would like to advise us of any errors, such as Typographical errors, let us know. Email [email protected] or head to Feedback Was this email forwarded to you? Sign up here to subscribe or visit the full list of newsletters here. Having trouble reading this article? If you have been forwarded this email and would like to subscribe, visit our web page. If you’d like to view this email in your browser, click here. Add us to your address book to ensure our emails always reach your inbox. Here’s how. You are receiving this email because you are a subscriber to the Guardian. To unsubscribe click here. © 2023 Guardian News & Media Ltd. 207-221 Piccadilly, London, W1J 9HN, United Kingdom