Politics & Accountability: ACT opposition leader Mark Parton admitted texting “my job is boring” during a meeting, after a complaint alleged it was sent to a sex worker; he denied that claim and said the message was meant as an off-the-cuff joke, with the complaint dismissed and police referred. Trade & Cost of Living: Australia’s June-quarter trade surplus fell to $1.1b, the lowest in nearly a decade, as fuel supply moves and EV imports surged amid the Middle East oil crisis and US-Iran tensions. Biosecurity & Wildlife: Australia’s worsening H5 bird flu outbreak is driving fresh debate over whether wildlife vaccination is viable, with experts warning it would be logistically hard and likely require multiple doses. Defence & Industry: Australia will become the first country outside the US to field the AIM-260 air-to-air missile, in a major procurement aimed at boosting beyond-visual-range air combat. Health & Policy: The FDA approved Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine mFLUSIVA (mRNA-1010) for adults 50+, while Australia’s NDIS reform debate faces pushback from disability advocates warning against cutting supports to fix scheme finances. Aged Care at Home: Peak bodies back a shift to flexible, needs-based end-of-life funding at home, arguing against fixed time limits that can force people into hospital or aged care. Transport Rules: Jetstar will charge for larger overhead carry-on bags from Feb 2027, with a new “Priority Carry-on” option and higher bag weight limits. Regional Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed Fiji-Australia treaties will be tabled in Parliament next week as part of a new Pacific security and cooperation push.