El Niño Alert: The Bureau of Meteorology says El Niño has formed in the tropical Pacific and could become one of the strongest in 70 years, raising alarms for Australia’s eastern-coast rain, heat and agriculture. RBA Rates: The Reserve Bank of Australia held the cash rate at 4.35% as the economy slows, with warnings that hikes may not be over. Pakistan Tragedy: Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is pushing for a transparent investigation after nine-year-old Hania Ahmed was killed in Pakistan when police allegedly mistook her family’s car for robbers. Defence Posture: US plans for a permanent, war-ready Marine Corps weapons stockpile on Australia’s southeast coast are detailed in tender documents, aimed at boosting readiness in the Asia-Pacific. Energy Disruption: Inpex’s Ichthys LNG strike action has been allowed to continue, with cargo loadings effectively halted and production stoppages possible. Sport (World Cup): Australia’s World Cup momentum continues after the 2-0 win over Turkey, while attention turns to the next big group clash. Health Policy: New guidelines will make prostate cancer blood tests easier for Australian men to access. Social Media Safety: WA schools warn teens are shifting from banned platforms to WhatsApp group chats, where content is reportedly unmonitored.