Pacific & Defence: Defence chiefs say the US military presence in Australia will expand, with Canberra and Washington agreeing to accelerate force posture initiatives and boost interoperability as China’s build-up looms. AI Sovereignty & Cyber: Richard Marles calls AI adoption a “sovereignty” issue, pushing for agency over data and warning about foreign control as the DTA sets new rules for whole-of-government tech contracts. Middle East Shipping: Australia urges the Strait of Hormuz stay open, calling Iran’s moves to restrict shipping unacceptable. Nepal Floods & Privacy Push: A Sydney woman whose partner vanished in Nepal floods is urging tech firms to release location data after Apple, Optus and Life360 refused, as the death toll climbs. Housing Pressure: A housing downturn is biting Labor leaders’ electorates, with prices down in key suburbs including Chalmers’ Springwood. Cost of Living: Smokers face another tobacco tax hit from this week, lifting legal cigarette tax above $31 a pack. Energy & Gas: Jemena plans a 400km pipeline to move Beetaloo gas to the east coast, while Tamboran starts commissioning at its Sturt Plateau facility. Mining Moves: Kincora Copper ramps up NSW air-core drilling for porphyry copper-gold targets; Core Energy eyes a 51% uranium stake in Namibia. Sport & Culture: Australia backs a Pacific athletes funding boost for Brisbane 2032; Nine Queensland TV studios at Mount Coot-tha are set to be listed for sale.