National Debt Watch: Australia’s gross debt has crossed $1tn for the first time, with the government expecting interest costs to climb from $29.5bn this year to $42.2bn by decade’s end, raising fresh pressure on long-term budgets. Housing & Lending: A growing share of Australians are turning to non-bank home loans as mainstream lenders tighten, with analysts warning the shift could become more permanent. Melanoma Breakthrough: An Aussie-led global trial led by 2024 Australian of the Year Prof Georgina Long found an mRNA therapy plus pembrolizumab significantly lowers the risk of high-risk melanoma returning after surgery. Big City Planning: Melbourne has endorsed a 20-year master plan for Royal Park, aiming for more parkland, safer access, and major biodiversity restoration. Construction Integrity (Vic): Victoria will launch a $50m royal commission into corruption in major construction projects, led by former SA chief justice Christopher Kourakis. Family Violence + Pets: A new national roadmap targets family violence against people and animals, backed by Lucy’s Project and the Petstock Foundation. Local Community Strain (WA): Residents near a grain rail upgrade in Mount Barker say new locomotives and wagons are rattling homes and cracking renovations. Clean Energy Bribery Case: A Chinese businessman pleaded guilty after hiding $20,000 in tea to try to speed up solar accreditation with Australia’s Clean Energy Council.