Global political tensions are high, with the return of a 'Red Scare' discourse, Trump's move to sell TikTok to US investors, and Germany's push to use frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine; domestically, Australia's PM Albanese is wrapping up a UN visit with a Security Council bid while also facing discussions on the Middle East and submarines during a UK visit, alongside concerns about religious cults impacting democracy and immigration being used as a scapegoat for crises.
The digital landscape is rapidly evolving, with warnings that AI could shatter Australia's labour market, ongoing concerns over sovereignty and risk in satellite internet, and global leaders drawing inspiration from Australia's proposed social media ban for under 16s.
Australia is addressing various internal matters, from one in three homes potentially boosting value with solar installations and Macquarie compensating investors in a failed fund, to a 'frustrating' chronic condition impacting Aussie women and debates over solitary confinement as torture versus justice, alongside funding issues for the Sculpture by the Sea art trail and corporate governance issues with claims against a former Smiggle boss.
General interest stories include how engineers turn ideas into reality, the perfect louvred pergolas for the harsh Aussie sun, and props from Muppet creator Jim Henson's archives going up for auction.