Sunrise

Australian consumers are increasingly using AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to research products and make purchasing decisions, with 86% having used AI for shopping research in the last three months. These AI chatbots now feature sponsored content that appears as advice, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine recommendations and paid advertisements. The technology is transforming both online and in-store shopping experiences, from price comparisons to predicting future sales, though concerns exist about accuracy and the need for regulatory oversight.

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Veteran Mentors is a military-inspired youth development program run by former and current defence personnel for young Australians aged 12 to 17. The nine-day junior leadership program removes technology and focuses on building accountability, confidence and resilience through three phases: self-leadership, teamwork, and leading others. The program includes a three-day reconnection expedition for parents and children to rebuild their relationship away from devices and distractions.

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Microplastics are infiltrating human bodies through everyday items including kettles, takeaway containers, tea bags, toothbrushes and sunscreen. Dr Scott Wilson, a leading microplastics researcher, explains that these particles cause inflammation and release harmful chemicals into the body, with evidence showing they distribute throughout all organs and systems. Practical alternatives include switching to glass kettles, bamboo toothbrushes, loose leaf tea, wax wraps and microplastic-free sunscreens.

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A 57-year-old man has been arrested in Lewisham, Sydney's inner west, accused of posing as a fake casting agent to exploit young actors. Police allege he falsified documents and offered fraudulent television opportunities to actors in exchange for sexual activity. The suspect faces 11 charges and has been refused bail.

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Australia's property market is experiencing significant growth, with prices rising an average of 12% last year and up to 20% in Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane. Housing shortages across multiple states are driving prices higher, with the disparity between supply and demand particularly acute in cities like Perth where property values have more than doubled in five years. The Reserve Bank is expected to raise interest rates at its Tuesday meeting, with an 80% likelihood priced in by markets, which would add approximately $220 per month to a million-dollar mortgage.

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The Liberal Party faces a leadership crisis as Andrew Hastie withdraws from the race against Susan Ley, with Angus Taylor emerging as a potential candidate. The structural tensions between the Liberal and National parties have intensified, with the Nationals' demands pushing the Liberals rightward whilst Teal independents capture metropolitan seats. The junior coalition partner is insisting on leadership changes, creating unprecedented fault lines in Australia's centre-right politics.

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Tough Mudder returns to Melbourne after a six-year absence, featuring obstacle courses that test participants' strength, stamina and mental grit. Over 7,000 participants are competing in the event, which includes various challenges such as electric shock obstacles and the 'Infinity' course that gives competitors nine hours to complete as many obstacles as possible. First-time participants and teams from local gyms are taking part in the gruelling but popular endurance event.

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Gold Coast charity founder Yasmat Bolle faces 51 sexual assault charges allegedly committed between April and November of last year against three women in their 20s who were known to him. Bolle, who established the charity Serving Our People during COVID-19 which feeds approximately 2,000 people weekly across southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, was not granted bail and appeared at Southport Magistrates Court. Police raided the charity's Mermaid Beach premises before Bolle presented himself at Southport Police headquarters.

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The US Justice Department has released 3.5 million pages of documents known as the Epstein files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The release includes images that appear to be taken by Epstein and associates, along with 2,000 videos made public. The files do not contain the names of men who abused women in connection with the convicted sex offender.

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Catherine O'Hara, the acclaimed Canadian actress known for her roles in Home Alone, Schitt's Creek and Beetlejuice, has died at age 71 following a short illness. The news has prompted an outpouring of tributes from co-stars including Macaulay Culkin and Pedro Pascal, celebrating her comedic genius and warmth. She was last seen publicly at the Emmys three months ago and was scheduled to begin filming season two of The Studio.

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