NSW Energy Rules: New South Wales will require new data centres to run at least 40% on wind power, with faster approvals for compliant projects and penalties for those that don’t meet renewable, water and efficiency standards. AUKUS Tensions: A Pentagon official says the US is “optimistic” but “clear-eyed” about whether Virginia-class submarine production can keep up with AUKUS timelines, adding fresh uncertainty for Perth-based deployments. AI + Community Services: A new Australian platform, Konetic One, is rolling out nationally to help community service providers meet rising expectations for easier access, clearer communication and better coordination. Social Media Crackdown: Meta says it has used AI detection to remove more than 750,000 under-16 accounts in Australia, as enforcement ramps up under the country’s youth protections. Darwin Test Fallout: Australia’s shock nine-wicket loss to Bangladesh is driving calls for changes, with scrutiny on the batting order ahead of the second Test. Courtroom Appeal: Victorian “mushroom murderer” Erin Patterson returns to the Court of Appeal seeking to overturn her triple-murder convictions. Gig Worker Pay: New minimum pay and safety standards for on-demand delivery workers have taken effect nationwide. Surrogacy Milestone: Western Australia has approved the first same-sex surrogacy agreement for a couple after a legal fight. Illegal Dumping: NSW authorities ordered cleanup after more than 320 tonnes of illegal waste, including asbestos, was dumped near Grafton.