Unlikely Alliance Forms Over Aukus Nuclear Waste Secrecy
Former senator Rex Patrick has achieved a notable feat by uniting political figures Jacqui Lambie, Pauline Hanson, and David Pocock in a common cause: ending secrecy around the storage of Aukus nuclear waste. The trio has joined forces to push the government to stop a legal threat against Patrick, following a bureaucratic escalation of a transparency case to the federal court.
Degree Fees and Economic Concerns
Arts degrees will continue to cost $50,000 for another two years, according to the man charged with reforming the Morrison-era Job-ready Graduates program. Meanwhile, Transport for NSW and the Reserve Bank have warned that data centres could take scarce land from logistics firms and housing developments, potentially pushing up prices and overheating the economy.
Mortgage Burden Heavier Than 1980s
KPMG reports that Australia's national mortgage burden is heavier now than it was when interest rates reached 17% at the end of the 1980s. Additionally, with the arrival of bird flu in Australia, concerns are rising about its impact on the poultry industry and potential egg price increases.
Trump's Crypto Ventures Under Fire
Donald Trump has been accused of "brazen crypto corruption" after financial disclosures revealed his family's cryptocurrency ventures generated more than $1 billion in his first year back in the White House. Five key takeaways from Trump's financial disclosures have been highlighted by analysts.
World News Roundup
A rebel group of ultra-conservative Catholics has defied Pope Leo by ordaining bishops without his consent, calling it a "sacred duty." Amnesty International has alleged that the Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing last year. The Commonwealth short story prize was awarded to Jamir Nazir's story "The Serpent in the Grove," despite social media accusations of AI authorship. Victor Willis, lead singer of the Village People and writer of the hit song "YMCA," has died at age 74.
World Cup and Sports Updates
Australia is planning to nullify the threat of Egypt's Mo Salah in the World Cup. England advanced after a late Kane double against DR Congo. France looks imperious after swatting Sweden aside. Three people died from suffocation in Mexico City as fans celebrated Ecuador's victory. In tennis, Serena Williams picked up a knee injury at Wimbledon while losing to Australia's Maya Joint. Australia's Daria Kasatkina progressed to the third round, defeating Indonesia's Janice Tjen 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-4.
Media and Business Highlights
KPMG has picked a former SBS boss as its next chair and is mulling a 20% pay cut for partners amid the ongoing audit leaks scandal. The NRL has "blown AFL out of the water" with a new $5.3 billion TV rights deal, according to The Telegraph.
Today's Events
Senator David Pocock holds a media conference on a bill to use government land to improve housing supply. Pat Conroy addresses the National Press Club on "progressive patriotism." The NSW architecture awards are also scheduled.
