Australian News

1. Social Media / Policy:

   • Australia's landmark ban on social media for under-16s took effect today, forcing platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat to delete or disable accounts of minors. The government's eSafety Commissioner criticized platforms resisting compliance, warning of potential fines. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com 👉 7news.com.au
   • Criticism & Alternatives: Some teens express frustration, while others praise the move. Platforms like Yope and Lemon8 are seeing a surge in sign-ups as alternatives. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au

2. Politics / Scandals:

   • Anika Wells Expenses: Federal MP Anika Wells faces intense scrutiny over alleged misuse of parliamentary expenses, including $8,500 spent on family travel to AFL Grand Finals. Wells has initiated an audit, while Opposition Leader Bill Shorten defends her. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 theguardian.com
   • Joyce’s Defection: Former Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce confirms his switch to One Nation, triggering a leadership crisis and boosting the party’s poll support. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 au.news.yahoo.com

3. Bushfires / Disasters:

   • Tasmania Emergency: At least two homes destroyed in a bushfire near St Helens, upgraded to emergency level. Planned power outages in NSW hindered firefighting efforts. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • NSW Relief: Widespread rain forecast to ease bushfire threats across the state. 👉 abc.net.au

4. Crime / Safety:

   • Sydney Gangland Attack: A Sydney lawyer, Sylvan Singh, charged over a gangland shooting linked to alleged drug importation. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
   • Triple-Zero Failures: A second death linked to TPG Telecom’s outages during emergencies, raising calls for accountability. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au

5. Health / Safety:

   • PALM Visa Risks: Workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme face high injury and death rates, with children left in legal limbo. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Gardening Hazard: Floodwaters, puddles, and garden hoses pose risks of Leptospirosis, a potentially deadly infection. 👉 au.news.yahoo.com

6. Economy / Markets:

   • RBA Holds Rates: The Reserve Bank of Australia keeps interest rates steady, signaling no cuts in 2026 amid inflation concerns. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Super Shortfall: Renters face a superannuation crisis, needing twice as much as homeowners to retire comfortably. 👉 abc.net.au

7. Global Politics / Conflicts:

   • Ukraine Updates: Zelenskyy meets European allies as US-backed peace talks progress. Trump criticizes European leaders as "weak" and pressures Ukraine to hold wartime elections. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Thailand-Cambodia Clashes: Over 140,000 civilians evacuated as border conflicts escalate. 👉 abc.net.au

8. Sports:

   • Formula 1: Max Verstappen bids farewell to mentor Helmut Marko after 20 years. 👉 7news.com.au
   • Cricket: England’s Mark Wood ruled out of Ashes due to injury, while Australia’s Scorchers advance in WBBL finals. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au

9. Environment / Climate:

   • Great Barrier Reef: Indigenous rangers use advanced tech to protect the reef from coral bleaching and pollution. 👉 sbs.com.au
   • Extreme Weather: Australia experiences 50°C temperatures and severe thunderstorms, with bushfire risks persisting. 👉 9news.com.au

10. Technology / AI:

    • Deepfake Art: A Kim Kardashian deepfake is featured in an exhibition exploring AI’s impact on art and truth. 👉 abc.net.au
    • NDIS Changes: Computer-generated plans replace human assessments for disability funding, raising concerns about fairness. 👉 9news.com.au

11. Legal / Justice:

    • Ghislaine Maxwell: US judge approves release of grand jury documents against Maxwell, linked to Epstein case. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 9news.com.au
    • Toyah Cordingley: Former nurse Rajwinder Singh jailed for life for her murder, with judge calling him a "gutless coward." 👉 abc.net.au 👉 7news.com.au

12. Wildlife / Nature:

    • Dancing Gorilla: A gorilla’s playful photo wins "funniest wildlife image" award. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Rewilding: Taronga Zoo plans to reintroduce native animals to cleared farmland. 👉 abc.net.au

13. Entertainment / Culture:

    • Golden Globes: Aussies Jacob Elordi, Rose Byrne, and Joel Edgerton nominated. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Steve Irwin Tribute: Prince William honors the late wildlife warrior at a gala. 👉 7news.com.au

14. Indigenous Affairs:

    • Victorian Apology: Premier Jacinta Allan delivers a historic apology to Indigenous Victorians. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 sbs.com.au
    • Youth Justice: Criticism mounts over Victorian laws allowing Indigenous youth to face adult courts. 👉 sbs.com.au

15. Global Health / Safety:

    • Rabies Outbreak: Man dies after receiving a kidney from a donor exposed to rabies via a skunk. 👉 theguardian.com
    • Lithuania Balloon Crisis: Smuggling balloons carrying cigarettes create an "emergency situation" at borders. 👉 sbs.com.au

16. Economic Trends:

    • Mortgage Regret: One in five Australians regret taking on large home loans. 👉 9news.com.au
    • Airbnb Crackdown: Brisbane moves to ban short-term rentals in residential areas. 👉 9news.com.au

17. Travel / Tourism:

    • Airport Chaos: Lady Gaga concert fans face delays due to technical issues. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Missing FIFO Worker: A Perth man vanishes after failing to board a flight to Karratha. 👉 abc.net.au 👉 au.news.yahoo.com

18. Legal / Human Rights:

    • Prison Phone Abuse: Perpetrators of domestic violence used prison phones to harass victims. 👉 abc.net.au
    • UN Prison Blockade: Northern Territory denies UN human rights team access to prisons. 👉 abc.net.au

19. Science / Innovation:

    • Dinosaur Sale: A rare dinosaur skeleton sparks debate among scientists over its sale. 👉 abc.net.au
    • Meteor Shower: Geminids peak this weekend, offering optimal viewing conditions. 👉 sbs.com.au

20. Retail / Consumer:

    • Biscuit Recall: Amaretti biscuits recalled due to high acid levels. 👉 9news.com.au
    • Sunscreen Scrutiny: SPF50 zinc sunscreens found to offer lower protection than advertised. 👉 abc.net.au

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