The Australian share market reaches fresh all-time highs for the fourth consecutive day, with the ASX 200 up more than 1.1 per cent. Telstra shares rise 5 per cent after beating first half earnings expectations and lifting its dividend, while Sonic Healthcare gains 13 per cent and Hub24 climbs 12 per cent during a busy earnings season. The Australian dollar holds steady at around 70.6 US cents.

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Google's new Pixel 10A launches in Australia at $849, bringing premium features like Camera Coach AI and Emergency SOS to the budget smartphone market. The device signals a shift in the industry as manufacturers respond to cost of living pressures by offering pro-level features in more affordable phones. Samsung is expected to unveil its next Galaxy phone at a major event next week, while Apple's budget iPhone is anticipated in March.

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Two men broke out of the same New South Wales hospital within 24 hours before allegedly killing multiple people in two separate incidents, raising serious concerns about the state's mental health system. Professor Ian Hickie from the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre discusses the need for investment in mental health services, including staffing, continuity of care, and supported accommodation. The incidents have prompted calls for immediate action to address deficits in acute mental health services and ongoing community support.

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Schools are reportedly replacing regular lessons with NAPLAN test preparation three weeks before national exams, raising questions about the value of standardised testing. Early adopters of smart home technology are experiencing buyer's remorse, with many homeowners removing devices due to reliability issues and privacy concerns. Adults are revealing they still sleep with childhood comfort toys and blankets, sparking debate about whether this is acceptable behaviour.

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A two-year-old husky named Nazgul ran onto the course during the women's team cross-country sprint at the Winter Olympics in Italy, interrupting the competition but capturing hearts. The lost dog was safely collected by officials after the athletes completed their race. His owners explained he was seeking company and wanted to be near people.

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Six-year-old Oliver and three-year-old Alissa have been named ambassadors for the 2026 Good Friday Appeal after spending much of their young lives receiving treatment at the Royal Children's Hospital. The 95th annual appeal will raise funds to support world-class care at the Royal Children's Hospital and regional health centres across Victoria. Both families want to give back to ensure other Australian families have access to the same life-saving medical care their children received.

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Arizona sheriff believes missing grandmother Nancy Guthrie is being held close to her Tucson home, despite having no evidence to support this theory. The FBI has intensified its search efforts and is examining Nancy Guthrie's social circle more closely as the investigation continues.

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Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before a jury in Los Angeles for the first time in a landmark trial alleging social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are purposefully designed to be addictive and cause harm to young users. The test case was brought by a woman who claims she began obsessively using YouTube at age six and Instagram at nine, leading to worsened depression and suicidal thoughts. The trial could impact over a thousand similar cases and comes as Australia implements a world-leading ban on social media use for teens under 16.

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The ACCC has outlined its 2026 priorities, maintaining focus on supermarket pricing while expanding scrutiny to online retailers, utilities, and telecommunications companies. The watchdog is pursuing court action against Coles and Woolworths over alleged fake discounts and seeking greater powers to address price gouging and manipulative online practices. Product safety standards, particularly for children's items and button battery compliance, will also face increased enforcement following City Beach's $14 million fine.

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New South Wales Police have launched a six-month trial using remotely piloted drones to track and apprehend offenders in regional areas. The Australian-first technology is being tested in Moree, with drones operated remotely from Bankstown Airport in Sydney, hundreds of kilometres away. Police say the system is cheaper and faster than traditional police helicopters and will only be deployed during active emergency scenarios, not for general surveillance.

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