Bushfire Watch: AFAC warns El Niño is drying the east and boosting fuel loads, lifting spring risk across almost every state and territory (except the ACT), urging communities to prepare early. Cost of Living & Wages: New ABS data shows wages lag inflation again, with the wage price index up 3.2% versus inflation at 3.8%, cutting real pay across both private and public sectors. Defence, Trade & Crime: Anthony Albanese and Thailand PM Anutin Charnvirakul agree to step up action against transnational crime and deepen defence and trade ties, including jet-fuel access for Australia’s fuel security. Politics—Veterans: Veterans Minister Matt Keogh faces mounting pressure over a snub to an ex-servicemen’s group amid controversy over capping allied health services. Tax—“Widow Tax” Fix: Parliament passes a deal to close the widow tax loophole that punished widowed investors when property transferred. Health & Justice: A parliamentary inquiry hears testimony on bullying, including failures for transgender students; in NSW, a court case over antisemitism labelling in a “Fuk Israel” spray-painting matter is ruled to have gone “haywire”. Business & Tech: Alphabet kicks off an Australian dollar bond sale near 7%; Recce Pharmaceuticals wins HREC approval to expand its Phase 3 diabetic foot infection trial; Stantec buys Sydney environmental consultancy Niche. Sports: Alex Carey is set for his 50th Test as Australia takes on Bangladesh.