Telecom Accountability: Optus has apologised after a 76-minute outage disrupted voice calling and affected some emergency calls across Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory, reviving scrutiny over Triple Zero reliability. Defence & Politics: AUKUS marks five years since the $368b nuclear-submarine deal was announced, with fresh debate over secrecy, delays and whether Australia has a workable plan if delivery slips. Cost of Living: Fuel prices are jumping again as Middle East tensions push oil above $US100 a barrel, with regular unleaded averaging about $2.11 and inflation fears back on the table. Public Safety: NSW police seized 36 illegal ebikes on Sydney’s northern beaches, warning more operations are coming and giving owners a short window before bikes are crushed. Health Access: Endometriosis hospitalisations are up 23% over a decade, while Canberra patients face barriers to specialist care; Queensland also updated fertility guidance so lesbian and bi couples using the same donor are counted as one family. Energy & Industry: Australia’s first sold electric long-haul semis have entered service on the Sydney–Canberra corridor, and a grid-connected sodium-sulphur battery has switched on at Lava Blue in Brisbane. Community & Local Government: Strathfield Council has covered Indigenous tribute text on $400k entry signs, sparking backlash over “political language” and council process.