The Daily Aus

A landmark court fight over whether social platforms are engineered to be addictive. A close look at legal claims targeting design features like algorithms and endless scrolling. Internal company documents and testimony that swayed a jury. What the verdict, damages and appeals might mean for the future of major apps.

Leaders will meet urgently to tackle a developing fuel shortage and possible rationing. Iran is reportedly considering a US proposal to end the Middle East war, despite mixed signals. Australia and Germany plan reciprocal military hosting to deepen defence ties. New AI-powered glasses show promise in helping people with dementia.

A one-month check-in on the US‑Israeli war with Iran, covering how peace negotiations are relayed and mediated. Discussion of whether US and Israeli aims align or diverge. Survey of regional reactions from Saudi, UAE, Lebanon and Qatar. Exploration of Iran's strike reach and proxy tactics. A look at why petrol prices may remain high after any resolution.

ABC staff walk off the job in the broadcaster’s first major industrial action in 20 years. The government moves to slap fuel companies with fines up to $100 million for misleading pricing. A U.S. court orders a hefty penalty against Meta over child exploitation law breaches. Bright note: endangered mountain gorilla twins are born in Virunga National Park.

A disturbing German scandal involving sexual AI deepfakes and doctored intimate material. Fake accounts reportedly formed sexual relationships and used AI voices to deceive people. The story touches on alleged domestic abuse, legal battles and shifting media and political responses. It also compares how Germany and Australia are moving to criminalise non-consensual deepfakes.

A major trade pact between Australia and the EU that will cut tariffs and open export doors. New Queensland rules clamp down on under‑16s using e‑scooters and e‑bikes and add licence requirements. A Colombian military plane crash in the Amazon leaves many dead and injured. Archaeologists in Egypt unearth 3,000‑year‑old to‑do lists and receipts revealing everyday life.

A surprise political shake-up in South Australia as a right-wing party surges ahead of a major centre-right party. Clear explanation of how primary and preference voting can distort seat outcomes. A look at the party’s history, policy focus and growing presence across states. A preview of the looming federal by-election that could confirm whether the trend is national.

Teachers in Victoria and Tasmania are planning mass walkouts over pay and workload disputes. A federal snap review will examine how the Middle East war and fuel costs are affecting grocery supplies. A high-profile radio personality has launched legal action after a contract cancellation. Conservation data shows monarch butterfly colonies have rebounded in Mexico.

A discussion about using billions of player photos to build AI mapping and visual positioning tech. They explore how neural networks learn from in-game scans and what that enables for delivery robots on city streets. The conversation raises questions about consent, terms of service and the ethics of repurposing gameplay data.

A friendly primer on how to investing actually works and how to place your first trade. Practical tips on starting with small amounts and choosing platforms. Simple explanations of portfolios, ETFs as diversified baskets, and the two basic ways investments make money. Advice on how often to check your holdings and how to learn by doing with friends.