AUKUS & Defence: The US has set up a military support framework at HMAS Stirling in WA, with plans for about 2,300 personnel tied to submarine operations, while Australia continues to assess defence preparedness and a major missile purchase. AI Infrastructure: Firmus has raised $2bn equity, nearly doubling its valuation to $10.5bn+ in four months, with Nvidia-backed funding to expand AI “factories” across Australia and Asia-Pacific. Markets: Asian stocks edged higher as investors awaited US jobs data; oil climbed on Middle East uncertainty, keeping rate worries in focus. Pacific Climate Push: Foreign Minister Penny Wong urged world leaders to “come to the Pacific” ahead of pre-COP meetings, arguing Pacific nations must be heard directly as climate impacts bite. Qantas Challenge: New airline entrants are lining up to attack Qantas’s domestic dominance, including Koala Airlines, Zinc and reports of VietJet’s planned entry. Tech & Data Centres: TikTok and Alibaba are exploring FIRB filings and local data-centre plans, testing how Australia handles Chinese investment in critical infrastructure. Trade & Cost Pressures: Australia’s trade surplus fell to a near-decade low as fuel imports rose during the Middle East crisis and EV imports surged. Consumer & Culture: Amazon has started rolling out Alexa+ in Australia, aiming for a more “authentically Australian” assistant experience.