Energy & Industry: Australia will chip in $2.5bn to keep Rio Tinto’s Tomago aluminium smelter running past 2028, backing new renewable power so the plant can stay “internationally competitive” while cutting emissions. Electricity Storage: BW ESS has bought the 250MW/1,000MWh Yanco BESS in NSW from ACEnergy, moving it into construction and long-term operations to help firm power in the National Electricity Market. Water Rules: New federal proposals would bar Australian data centres from using big volumes of drinking water for cooling, pushing recycled water and requiring them to fund new public water infrastructure. Politics & Protest: Students across Australia staged walkouts and rallies against Pauline Hanson/One Nation, with crowds gathering in major cities including Sydney. Sport & Cricket: Cricket Australia says it’s “very supportive” of Ashleigh Gardner staying as vice-captain, but will add “guard rails” around selection talks after her relationship with Georgia Voll became public. Safety: The ATSB is investigating a third near-collision at Sydney Airport, after a Virgin take-off was aborted when a Qantas plane crossed the runway. Environment & Wildlife: A study warns the Timor green pigeon is near extinction, with hunting and decades of inaction blamed.