Digital Duty of Care: Labor has introduced draft laws aimed at forcing social media and other online platforms to take more responsibility for keeping users safe, including giving people an opt-out from algorithmic feeds. Housing Shock: Australia’s home values have slipped for the first time since late 2022, with the ABS reporting a $34.1b fall in the June quarter as interest rate pressure and tax changes hit confidence. Childcare Safety: An Edge Early Learning centre in Port Augusta has been ordered to shut for two weeks after a child with allergies was hospitalised following an alleged food mix-up. Big Bash Shake-up: Cricket Australia will bring private investment into the BBL from 2027-28, starting with the sale of the Melbourne Renegades, after months of state pushback. Crime & Tobacco Politics: The Coalition and One Nation are pushing cheaper smokes as a crime-fighting move, but critics warn it won’t stop organised crime and will carry major public health costs. First Nations Health Gap: A new report says Stolen Generations survivors face far worse health, wellbeing and financial outcomes than other First Nations people. Geopolitics: Japan’s growing defence ties are making China increasingly nervous, with nuclear-attack warnings reportedly singling out Japan. Queensland Fire: Firefighters are battling a bushfire creeping toward homes in Ipswich’s South Ripley.