Telstra Outage Fallout: Australia’s biggest telco is investigating a major network outage that disrupted mobile calls/data and emergency-call connectivity, with trains and EFTPOS also hit; Telstra says time-keeping servers in Sydney/Melbourne were involved and denies a cyber attack, while the government and opposition are now pressing hard on emergency-service resilience and transparency. Housing Tax Shock: New data shows Australia is falling further behind its 1.2m homes target, with commencements weak and confidence dented after federal changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax. BHP Industrial Action Risk: BHP shares slide as unions prepare strike action at Port Hedland on 16 July, raising the spectre of costly iron-ore disruption. Crypto Payments Push: Swyftx secured an ASIC licence with non-cash payment facility authorisation, signalling a move beyond spot trading as merchants look for alternatives amid upcoming card surcharge rules. AI & Sovereignty Debate: A new report argues Australia should focus on “AI agency” and leverage strengths in critical minerals, strategic data and trusted adoption, while warning gaps remain in compute, data management and oversight. Energy & Markets: IEA forecasts global natural gas demand down 0.5% in 2026 as Middle East disruptions lift prices but weaken consumption. Renewables Reality Check: Australia’s rooftop solar surplus is driving periods of zero/negative wholesale prices, with some households getting limited free electricity as the grid struggles to match midday supply. Pacific Security: China’s missile test in the Pacific draws condemnation from Pacific leaders, including Tuvalu, as Australia and partners coordinate responses. Business Deal Watch: Redcape Hotel Group is buying a near-$500m NSW pub/hotel portfolio in a major freehold transaction.