Australia's economic landscape faces calls for productivity trade-offs, with the RBA remaining firm on rates despite a jobless spike, while a new wages bill aims to support low-paid workers, and rental prices continue to rise; additionally, a copper smelter rescue is underway, and a service for Aboriginal women addresses financial abuse.
Donald Trump's ongoing scrutiny of the Federal Reserve's renovation costs highlights his assertive economic stance, while questions arise about Rupert Murdoch's potential influence on the United States Presidency, and Trump's legal distractions are seen as an attempt to divert attention from the Epstein bombshell.
Australia is strengthening its defence ties with the UK through a new AUKUS deal as US uncertainty grows, while the recent lifting of the US beef ban has raised concerns about potential higher tariffs and sparked calls for an independent review despite expectations of minimal market impact.
Pacific nations are celebrating a climate ruling that could hold countries like Australia accountable for emissions damage, yet Minister Murray Watt's decision to override safeguards for Woodside's gas project raises environmental concerns, as activists continue to protest banks' fossil fuel investments.
**Paramount-Skydance's $8 billion merger has received approval, impacting the entertainment industry, while Asian shares and the Australian dollar** show market optimism; however, Tesla's profits have plunged, reportedly due to Elon Musk's actions turning buyers off.
Cultural critique examines how Western wokeness may impact geopolitical strength, while in arts, Siang Lu's 'Ghost Cities' defied rejections to win a major literary prize, and the legend of Ozzy Osbourne continues to captivate; additionally, Australian women can now sue Qatar Airways over alleged strip searches, and grim updates emerge from Gaza.