El Niño Watch: Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology says El Niño has formed in the tropical Pacific and could become “strong to very strong” by late 2026, with knock-on risks for eastern Australia’s rain, heat and farm output. Rates & Cost of Living: The RBA held the cash rate at 4.35% as inflation stays too high, even while growth slows and unemployment edges up. Defence & China Tensions: US plans for a permanent, war-ready Marine Corps weapons stockpile on Australia’s southeast coast are detailed in tender documents, aimed at faster response in the Asia-Pacific. Pakistan Tragedy: PM Albanese is pushing for a transparent investigation after a nine-year-old Perth girl, Hania Ahmed, was killed when police allegedly mistook her family for robbers. World Cup Focus: Australia begin a T20 comeback push against Bangladesh with Mitchell Marsh back in the squad, while Bangladesh add Soumya Sarkar after Litton Das’s injury. Health Policy: New guidelines will expand access to prostate cancer blood tests for Australian men. Local Safety: Australia Post warns about rising dog attacks on posties, urging pet owners to take precautions. Mining & Resources: Vault Minerals files to amend its closure plan to restart the Sugar Zone mine, while Atomic Eagle expands uranium resource zones in Zambia.