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A spate of more than a dozen separate attacks on gay men across Australia since July has sparked concern among the LGBTQ+ community. In some cases – but not all – police have alleged homophobic comments were made and several of the assaults were filmed. Reporter Josh Taylor speaks to Tamsin Rose about concerns some people online are promoting ‘methods of attack’ and how men are being targeted after agreeing to meetings via apps such as Grindr

Blue whales are the largest animals to have ever lived but they were once hunted to the brink of extinction. The international community only agreed to stop hunting them in 1965 when they numbered fewer than 200. Now scientists are using new methods to learn whether the number of blue whales in the wild is increasing – and they are seeing and hearing promising signs. Reporter Luca Ittimani speaks to marine mammal acoustician Brian Miller about the whale’s Antarctic resurgence You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

In a compelling discussion, Richard Reeves, president of the American Institute for Boys and Men, and Gloria Oladipo, a Guardian US breaking news reporter, dive into the shifting political landscape for young men. They explore the Democrats' struggle to engage male voters, particularly young and Black men. The conversation highlights the party's challenges with economic issues and mental health, and contrasts their strategies with those of the Republicans. Ultimately, they question if current outreach efforts are enough as the election looms.

Since the beginning of its war in Gaza, Israel has been hunting one man in particular – Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar. For a year, Israeli soldiers have used drones, radar and ground troops to try to find him, while in Gaza the death toll among Palestinians grew unimaginably in the conflict Sinwar helped to ignite. Then came the news he had been killed. How could his death change the conflict in the Middle East? Julian Borger reports.

This week, news broke that Anthony Albanese bought a slice of paradise set on the clifftops of the NSW Central Coast. Forking out $4.3m on a property created some bruising headlines for the prime minister, but did he actually do anything wrong?Bridie Jabour talks to editor-in-chief Lenore Taylor, deputy editor Patrick Keanelly and national news editor Jo Tovey about what the anger around the PM’s beach house says about the state of the housing crisis

On Friday, King Charles will touch down in Australia. The six-day tour will take in Sydney and Canberra and is the first visit by a sitting monarch in 13 years. But not everyone is excited. Reporter Kate Lyons tells Matilda Boseley on how the king’s visit has reignited the republic debate – even if the government seems to have given up on the idea

One of the Albanese government’s most senior female advisers claims she has been barred from her office and effectively sacked. Richard Marles’ chief of staff, Jo Tarnawsky, alleges that in a 45-minute phone call on 30 April – after she raised a complaint about other staff behaviour – her employer told her to find another job – and further alleges that was not fair. Political editor Karen Middleton speaks to Reged Ahmad about why Tarnawsky decided to share her story and what this all means for parliament’s already maligned workplace culture You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

As early voting kicks off in the sunshine state, Labor is hoping progressive cost-of-living policies such as 50c public transport fares will help them cling on to another term. But every poll is showing the Liberal National opposition is on track to win the state election on 26 October. Queensland correspondent Ben Smee speaks with Tamsin Rose about how voters are being pulled to the right and the left by both major parties You can support the Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport

A year ago on 14 October, as the results of Australia’s 2023 Indigenous voice to parliament referendum rolled in, many people were left devastated. After years of painstaking work and consultation, Australians had resoundingly voted no to enshrining a First Nations permanent advisory body in our constitution. But the campaign is far from over. One year on, Uluru youth dialogue co-chairs Allira Davis and Bridget Cama tell Reged Ahmad why they haven’t given up on constitutional recognition for First Nations Australians

Whoever gets into the White House – Donald Trump or Kamala Harris – they will need the two chambers of Congress to align with their values to get a lot of what they want to achieve done. And the race for the Senate is really hotting up. This week Jonathan Freedland speaks to Jessica Taylor, Senate and governors editor for the Cook Political Report, about whether Senate Democrats can defend their narrow control over the upper chamber, and what happens if the person who wins the White House doesn’t see eye-to-eye with those in power in Congress