‘An emotional toll’ | State officials, vets and volunteers endured an agonising and draining two days as they struggled in vain to save a pod of whales stranded on a remote beach in Western Australia.

Exclusive | Coles and Woolworths have consistently expanded profit margins for their food businesses at the same time as counterparts in Europe report falling or mixed profitability, accounts show, with spikes of 5.3% and 5.9% respectively for the big two. Retail analysts blame lack of competition. In addition, an industry insider says our survey of 61 retailers showing supermarkets are more expensive for fresh food is “damning”.

PwC questions | Consultancy giant PwC promoted the work of a company it part-owned in a report it produced for the federal government about Australia’s digital mental health strategy – while being paid $1m for the “independent” advice. And it emerged that PwC made a confidential settlement with the ATO months before its tax scandal became public.

Cancer cost | The financial toll of cancer is leading Australians to delay or stop care, according to a new study, with some estimates finding most patients were paying over $10,000 in out-of-pocket expenses.

‘Disproportionate’ | Queensland’s “blue card” system for a working with children check is being applied for jobs with no direct involvement with children, and could “disproportionately disadvantage” Indigenous people.

‘Great sadness’ | The Irish-born singer Sinéad O’Connor (pictured), who was best known for her 1990 single Nothing Compares 2 U, has died at the age of 56, her family said.

Spacey cleared | Kevin Spacey broke down and wept when he was cleared of sexually assaulting four men after a four-week trial at Southwark crown court.

‘Anybody out there?’ | The US government conducted a “multi-decade” program which collected, and attempted to reverse-engineer, crashed UFOs, a former American intelligence official has told a remarkable congressional hearing.

‘Swept into shuanggui’ | Rumours of affairs, political blunders or ill-health continue to surround the disapperance of China’s foreign minister Qin Gang.

Barbie barbs | Barbie director Greta Gerwig has responded to the onslaught of criticism from rightwingers in the US by saying it’s “an invitation for everybody to be part of the party”.

Women’s World Cup | Matildas fans will be hoping that the second-string forwards can step up amid the absence of Sam Kerr and Mary Fowler when the team take on Nigeria tonight. In the same in group, it was heartbreak for Ireland last night who went down 2-1 to Canada in Perth.

Swimming | Mollie O’Callaghan finished strongly to break the longest-standing world record in women’s swimming, claiming the 200m freestyle title in a time of 1min 52.85sec at the world championships in Japan.

Men’s Ashes | Pat Cummins insists Australia feel a strong sense of unfinished business as they attempt to claim a first series win on English soil since 2001 when the fifth Test starts at the Oval today.

Rugby union | After two very poor performances, the Wallabies are banking on the inspiration of underdog status in the hunt for a Bledisloe Cup upset this Saturday.

Canberra| Australian Electoral Commission to release details of new House of Representatives seat counts.

Wellington | Prime minister Anthony Albanese will be in New Zealand for the annual leaders’ meeting.

Canberra | International Agricultural Research Centre chief Andrew Campbell addresses the National Press Club.

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