Five quick hits: Blues trounce Maroons in State of Origin II as Zac Lomax takes a ‘speccy’ at the MCG

The OECD warns that Australian economic growth will slow in 2026 due to US President Trump's tariff agenda, with GDP growth expected to decline to 1.8% from 1.9% in 2025. Global growth is also projected to moderate, with higher trade barriers impacting investment and household spending. Inflation is expected to be higher than previously forecasted, with headline inflation in Australia predicted to reach 2.2% in 2026, allowing for continued policy rate reductions. Full Article

North Melbourne has challenged Jackson Archer's three-match suspension for his clash with Luke Cleary, while Hawthorn and Richmond are also challenging suspensions for Jack Scrimshaw and Tom Lynch, respectively. Cleary, knocked out by Archer's knee, will miss the Bulldogs' next match under concussion protocols. Former players have differing opinions on the incident, with Bob Murphy believing it was an unfortunate accident, while others criticize Archer's lack of duty of care. Full Article

A Freedom of Information Request revealed that 21 federal government departments spent nearly $450,000 on Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremonies over two years, drawing criticism from Shadow Minister Jacinta Nampijinpa Price for wasteful spending that does not benefit marginalized Indigenous Australians. The Coalition vowed to cut such spending to focus on practical measures to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians, while Minister Malarndirri McCarthy defended the government's focus on Closing the Gap and economic...

The Trump administration deported hundreds of immigrants to El Salvador despite a federal judge temporarily blocking the deportations under an 18th-century wartime declaration targeting Venezuelan gang members. Flights carrying immigrants were already in the air when the ruling was issued, prompting criticism from legal experts and government officials. The immigrants were sent to El Salvador's prisons, sparking controversy over the use of an ancient law and concerns about human rights violations. Full Article

Aimee Lou Wood, a 31-year-old actress, revealed that she doesn't get nervous for sex scenes but found wearing a bikini for her role in 'The White Lotus' to be scarier. Despite being able to do an American accent, creator Mike White preferred her natural Manchester accent for the comedy series. Filming in Thailand, she described the cast as a dysfunctional yet lovely family, with no separation between set and home, creating a unique and memorable...

Three medications, including Ryeqo for endometriosis, Pergoveris for IVF, and Slinda contraceptive pill, will become cheaper in Australia through the pharmaceutical benefits scheme, benefiting thousands of women. Ryeqo offers relief for severe endometriosis symptoms, Pergoveris will be more accessible for IVF treatment, and Slinda will be more affordable for contraception. Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted these changes as significant improvements for women's health and quality of life, addressing concerns about delays and emphasizing the government's...