Key discussions include Australia's reform stagnation and the influence of the Big 4 firms, state-based legislative inconsistencies impacting retailers, a childcare giant's boss facing scrutiny over safety, a Bondi attack inquiry focusing on anti-Semitism, criticism of Liberals' stance on ISIS bride helpers, One Nation's immigration policies, and a former PM's legal battle related to the Higgins scandal.
Major global events include Slovakia halting electricity supplies to Ukraine, the EU pausing a US trade deal amid tariff concerns, Ukraine's economy facing crisis due to power cuts, Canada's PM visiting Australia to boost trade, Trump's State of the Union address to win over voters, China assessing a US Supreme Court tariff ruling, Australia's foreign policy challenges beyond the Western alliance, and criticism of engaging in trade deals with Trump.
Reports highlight the RBA's labour market call potentially risking overtightening the economy, millions being spent on high-speed rail development, coal miners feeling disadvantaged by transition assistance, Ampol advancing with unstaffed fuel stations, and a plumbing supplier's profits impacted by a recent rate hike.
The sector sees Paramount submitting a higher offer for Warner Bros, intensifying a bidding war, while a newly merged Southern Cross Media group reports upbeat interim results despite its CEO's departure.
A historic blizzard has brought NYC to a standstill, trapping millions at home, and new details emerge regarding Andrew Mountbatten's arrest and the intelligence services' role.