While the whiskers on a cat might be known to help them balance and detect their surroundings, scientists have discovered elephants have super whiskers too. Around 1,000 whiskers cover their trunks, giving them a sense of touch that compensates for their thick skin and poor eyesight. Researchers in Germany are now working to translate the elephant's sensitive touch to robotic science.

The United States' border chief has announced ICE agents will withdraw from Minnesota. This ends a two-month surge operation which resulted in two US citizens being killed by federal agents, and thousands of arrests. It follows mass protests in the state and across the country, as well as condemnation by Democratic Senators over the violent immigration crackdown.

A massive win for Japan’s hawkish first female PM worries China, conservatives reclaim Thailand and Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most high-profile casualty of draconian security laws gets a ‘death sentence’. Plus, trouble growing at the winter Olympics.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with AMP CEO Alexis George following the financial services company's full-year results as she prepares to step down, including her advice to aspiring female leaders; plus Stephanie Youssef discusses the day's market action with market analyst Evan Lucas.

The federal government has released its latest report card on its Closing the Gap targets, which are meant to improve the lives of Indigenous Australians. The data shows just four of the 19 targets are on track. Anthony Albanese has used his annual closing the gap speech on Thursday to announce a $144 million boost to Indigenous health to upgrade more than 100 services in cities and regional areas. But some - like the incarceration rates of First Nations people - continue to worsen.

Former Shadow Minister for Defence Angus Taylor has triggered a formal leadership challenge against Sussan Ley, prompting a wave of coordinated frontbench resignations. The coalition is reeling from historic polling lows. While Mr Taylor campaigns for a "decisive" reset of the party’s values, a loyal faction of Liberals is fighting to protect Ms Ley’s position, arguing she deserves more time to stabilise the party room before Friday’s high-stakes ballot.

The US Attorney-General has faced an onslaught of questions into the Department of Justice's handling of the more than 3 million files released related to late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Survivors and critics are demanding transparency and justice for the more than one thousand victims identified, as Pam Bondi faced a Senate congressional hearing.

On Thursday, the four-booster Ariane 64 is scheduled to lift off from French Guiana on its maiden flight. This powerful version of the Ariane 6 rocket will carry 32 satellites for Amazon Leo’s broadband constellation. At a time when the United States is seen as a potentially unreliable partner, this is a key milestone in Europe’s effort to secure independent access to space.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Commonwealth Bank CEO Matt Comyn following the groups $5.45bn half- year cash profit announcement, including a deep dive into artificial technology and productivity; plus Luke Laretive from Seneca Financial Solutions takes a look at the day's market action.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog has enjoyed a ceremonial welcome and a lunch with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra. President Herzog and his wife, Michal, were given a ceremonial 21-gun salute by the Federation Guard before attending a garden function at the Israeli embassy. His visit has been dogged by protests, with demonstrators saying he should not have been invited in the first place,