AFL Trade Shock: Zach Merrett is finally off to Hawthorn after Essendon agreed to a deal for picks 15 and 25 plus a 2028 second-rounder, ending a messy two-year standoff and giving the Hawks a long-term midfield star on a reported $4m/4-year deal. Mental Health Spotlight: Four Australians have been named the 2026 Australian Mental Health Prize winners, including a community advocate, a lived-experience leader and major researchers, with the awards tied to UNSW Psychiatry & Mental Health, Black Dog Institute and NeuRA. Water Worries for the Murray-Darling: The federal government hasn’t ruled out more water buybacks as a draft MDBA report flags a 265GL shortfall against the Basin Plan target, raising fresh alarm for basin towns. Climate Diplomacy in the Pacific: Australia is co-hosting pre-COP31 climate talks in Fiji, pledging $7.29m for renewables transition as Pacific nations push for fair governance and funding. Health Alert (Tasmania): Authorities warn of an overdose death possibly linked to a novel synthetic opioid, urging people to recognise overdose signs and use naloxone. Education & Screens: NSW research finds students struggle to self-regulate device use, with screen time spiking in high school and teachers reporting frequent off-task distraction. Business/ASX: Brokers flag several mining and health-tech plays as catalysts near, while Jacaranda Natural Resources eyes an $8m–$10m IPO to explore gold and copper in Botswana and Queensland.