Markets & FX: Wall Street’s rebound helped lift sentiment, with ASX futures pointing higher and the $A strengthening alongside bitcoin, as investors weigh Fed minutes and Middle East risk. Energy & Cost of Living: Perth voters show broad disapproval of Woodside’s Browse gas plans, while consumer and small-business groups urge the AER to cut the rate of return used to set network charges. Housing & Planning: Labor vows to halt Melbourne’s urban sprawl by keeping the urban growth boundary, setting up a fresh election-era fight over where housing should go. Fraud & Banking: AUSTRAC says AI-fuelled fake payslips and documents are powering mortgage fraud, with potentially hundreds of millions in suspected fraudulent loans. Tech & Policy: Australia’s news bargaining laws keep pressure on big platforms to pay for local content, while debate continues over how fast payments settle and what that means for businesses. Work & Skills: A report warns many international graduates land in jobs below their skill level, adding fuel to the political fight over student numbers. Environment & Industry: A Lowy Institute report warns Pacific nations could face unregulated deep-sea mining harms without stronger international guardrails. Sports Business: LIV Golf’s uncertain future grows after the 2026 season ends amid funding cuts and vendor/payment disputes.