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19 May 2026

☀️ Lollipop man bashed

Police hunt youth attacker; holiday homes squeeze rentals; arts champion honoured ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

Morning Post

Perth

Wednesday, 20 May 2026  •  Issue #688

☀️25°/11°
Mostly sunny today, showers arriving tomorrow
☀️ UV 4.1  •  🌅 Sunset 5:25 PM
 

Good morning. Police are searching for a youth who randomly attacked an elderly school crossing supervisor, while a new analysis reveals how WA's holiday accommodation boom is squeezing long-term renters. Plus music lovers: The Rechabite's booked solid this week.

— Nathan, Editor

At a Glance

📰 Youth sought over school crossing guard assault

📍 FONIKA The Latin American Rock Experience AU / NZ TOUR 2026 + 5 more events

💪 Health & Wellness: Your Brain Loves Learning Something New

🕰️ On this day in 1932: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic...

Today's Perth

Youth sought over school crossing guard assault

Detectives have published footage of an unprovoked attack on an older crossing supervisor outside a Perth school. They're asking the public to help identify the offender.

via 9News Perth

Holiday rentals blamed for rental shortage

A fresh report questions whether WA's explosion of short-stay accommodation is strangling the supply of permanent housing for locals during the state's rental squeeze.

via WAtoday🔒 paywall

Performer named WA of the Year finalist

Dr Carolyn Chard's lifelong dedication to the performing arts has earned her recognition in the 2026 state awards. She's urging greater investment in creative industries.

via The West Australian🔒 paywall

Around Australia

Startups brace for tax shake-up

Federal Labor's proposed tax changes on trusts and share schemes are worrying small business founders and venture capital investors, despite positive housing feedback.

via ABC News

Diphtheria cases climb nationwide

Health experts are alarmed by the re-emergence of this preventable disease across Australia, blaming falling vaccination rates for the outbreak.

via SBS News

Around the World

Ebola spreads through eastern Congo — Health officials admit they were slow to detect the virus, which is now causing widespread fear.

via BBC World

Ukraine oil strikes trigger pollution crisis — Kyiv's attacks on Russian refineries have caused major environmental damage along the Black Sea coast.

via NYT World

What’s On: Music 🎵

This week: National Sorry Day

The Rechabite, Perth

FONIKA The Latin American Rock Experience AU / NZ TOUR 2026

Fri 22 May, 19:30

Experience vibrant Latin American rock rhythms and energy at this intimate Northbridge venue this Friday evening.

The Rechabite, Perth

KHAMARI (USA) - 'To Dry a Tear' Australian Tour

Tue 26 May, 19:30

American soul and R&B artist KHAMARI brings his heartfelt 'To Dry a Tear' tour to Perth.

The Rechabite, Perth

CURRENT JOYS

Fri 29 May, 19:00

Indie rock songwriter Current Joys performs intimate evening show at The Rechabite end of May.

The Rechabite, Perth

SEBii, kimj, Billionhappy - Australia 2026

Sun 31 May, 18:30

Triple-bill evening concert featuring emerging artists SEBii, kimj, and Billionhappy at The Rechabite.

The Rechabite, Perth

KATIE NOONAN: ALONE BUT ALL ONE TOUR

Thu 16 Jul, 19:30

Award-winning Australian vocalist Katie Noonan returns with her intimate solo tour this July.

The Rechabite, Perth

Kita Alexander – The Rage Tour

Fri 25 Sep, 19:00

Brisbane singer-songwriter Kita Alexander brings her powerful pop vocals to Perth this September.

Got an event to share? Let us know →

Health & Wellness

Every Wednesday we share a tip for living well.

Your Brain Loves Learning Something New

Taking up a new hobby or skill—whether it's a language, musical instrument, or craft—keeps your brain sharp and may reduce dementia risk. The key is novelty and challenge, not perfection. Even 15 minutes a day of focused learning creates new neural connections that help maintain cognitive health.

Source: Dementia Australia

📊 Today's Poll

Have you learned a new skill this year?

YesPlanning to

📊 Yesterday's Poll

Is Rottnest Island still worth the trip?

Too crowded and expensive now led with 76%

Daily Brainteaser

🧩

What word starts with 'P', ends with 'E', and has thousands of letters?

Answer revealed at the bottom of today's edition.

Daily Games

✏️ Today's Featured Game

Crossword

10 clues · ~3 min

1 Across Spooky spirit
6 Across Emerge from an egg
7 Across Different or alternative
Play Crossword →

Yesterday: 🧠 132 played  ·  💡 95 played  ·  ✏️ 109 played

🧠 Trivia · Sport · 7 Qs→
Which Australian swimmer won seven gold medals at the 1972 Munich...
💡 Word Ladder · 3 steps→
HILL → ??? → BAWL

On This Day

Anniversary of

• Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, landing in Northern Ireland. (1932)

• The Australian Senate passed the Native Title Amendment Act after extensive debate and controversy over Indigenous land rights. (1999)

• The first federal convention met in Sydney to draft a constitution for the proposed Commonwealth of Australia. (1891)

• A referendum in Quebec on independence from Canada resulted in a decisive victory for the 'No' vote. (1980)

🎂 Born on this day: American Hollywood film legend James Stewart (1908), American singer and actress Cher (1946), and Australian actor and television personality Gary Sweet (1957).

Brainteaser Answer
Post Office. It has thousands of letters (mail) inside.

One Last Smile

One Last Smile illustration

The neighbourhood walk where everyone stops to chat but nobody remembers why.

Send this to a friend who’d laugh

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