Community Grants Scrutiny: A Centre for Public Integrity report says Labor-held electorates received about 73% of funding under the $560m Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, raising fresh questions about whether “merit” beat political advantage. NSW Environment & Carbon Credits: A NSW Greens MP has urged federal colleagues not to back a Nationals motion to disallow a carbon-credit method tied to creating a koala national park, warning it could be seen as blocking nature protection. Organised Crime Crackdown: NSW Premier Chris Minns says overseas crime bosses are increasingly using children to carry out gangland crimes in Sydney, as the state moves to toughen responses including harsher penalties and new police tech. Working-From-Home Legal Fight (Victoria): Business groups warn they’ll challenge Victoria’s WFH laws in the High Court, arguing the bill is constitutionally invalid and economically unreasonable. Student Cost Relief: Universities Australia calls for concession cards for all university students and equal public-transport discounts for international students amid sharp rent and essentials cost rises. Local Government Transparency: Hastings District Council in New Zealand is criticised for refusing to release details of councillor code-of-conduct complaints, citing “public interest” damage. Biosecurity & Animal Welfare: Animals Australia urges Tasmania to investigate alleged breaches in Atlantic salmon farming under the Animal Welfare Act. Public Health Policy Debate: Commentary targets Coalition/One Nation tobacco excise cuts, warning cheaper legal cigarettes could fuel a price war and reverse smoking declines. Disaster & Search: Nepal marks a national day of mourning after the floods, with thousands still missing, including Australians and foreign tourists. Aviation Disruption (Indonesia): Volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau disrupts thousands of flights and strands hundreds of thousands of passengers.