Angus Taylor approval crashes, Japan quake, Qantas record flight

Morning readers. In today’s roundup, a new Guardian Essential poll reveals a sharp decline in Angus Taylor’s approval rating, a devastating earthquake strikes southern Japan leaving many feared dead, and Qantas sets a new ultra long-haul record with a 24-hour flight from Melbourne to Toulouse. Here are the key stories shaping the day.

Angus Taylor’s approval nosedives

Angus Taylor’s approval rating has taken a severe hit according to the latest Guardian Essential poll, dropping 16 percentage points among men and four points among women. The opposition leader now sits dangerously underwater as the Coalition’s primary vote also slipped. Meanwhile, support for One Nation appears to have plateaued, offering little respite for the beleaguered politician. Taylor also found himself inadvertently at the center of an Icac hearing this week, though he is not accused of wrongdoing. The fallout, as Anne Davies writes, could have profound implications for his leadership. Analyst Peter Lewis notes that while the Albanese government appears in good shape, it must continually test its thinking to maintain momentum.

Deadly earthquake strikes southern Japan

A 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, leaving at least 100 people injured and a “considerable number” feared dead inside a collapsed shopping mall. Aerial footage showed extensive damage, with buildings toppled and rescue efforts underway. The quake adds to Japan’s history of seismic disasters, and authorities are racing to save those trapped. The event has triggered international concern, with offers of assistance likely to follow as the full scale of the tragedy becomes clear.

Qantas breaks ultra long-haul record

Qantas has completed an ultra long-haul commercial flight, landing an Airbus A350-1000ULR in Toulouse after a 24-hour, 24-minute journey from Melbourne. The flight marks a milestone in aviation, demonstrating the feasibility of non-stop routes connecting Australia to Europe. This achievement comes as the airline continues to push boundaries in long-distance travel, eyeing future direct flights that could reshape global air travel patterns.

Looking ahead, the political fallout from Taylor’s polling slump will be closely watched, especially as the Icac hearing continues to unfold. Japan faces a grim rescue operation, and Qantas’s record flight signals a new era for aviation. Stay tuned for developments on all fronts.