The World Today

Around the nation today many school students will be sitting in examination halls today, getting on with the task of completing standardised Naplan test papers. But experts are divided on whether the test is an important measure of progress or an unnecessary burden that traumatises children.

Tributes are flowing for the beloved media personality and Collingwood Premiership captain of 1953 Lou Richards who has died aged 94. Mr Richards is widely credited with turning Aussie Rules into the entertainment industry it is today.

Voters in France have elected the country's youngest ever president, Emmanuel Macron, who is leading a new political brand. Can the newcomer with the new party hold off the far right in the parliament? Neither of the long established old guard parties, the Socialists nor Republicans, made it past the first round. President-elect Macron's vowed to 'protect the Republic' and do all he can to ensure voters 'never have a reason to vote for extreme candidates again.'

The French election result could lead to a split in the National Front, according to Professor Simon Tormey, who is head of the School of Social and Political Sciences at Sydney University. Professor Tormey also says that in spite of the centre right win, the far right hasn't gone away in France or, indeed, in Europe.

The Prime Minister says tomorrow night's federal budget will be 'thoroughly fair' and will recognise that Australians expect the Government to provide essential services like health and education. The Government has been distancing itself from the highly unpopular 2014 budget, which contained a range of spending cuts which were rejected by the Senate. In the latest pre-announcement the government is allocating $321m over four years to the AFP to recruit 300 new specialists.

Westpac has predicted that the hot real estate markets in Sydney and Melbourne are about to cool but that there won't be a dramatic correction. Chief executive Brian Hartzer doesn't expect significant price drops but sounded caution on the current oversupply of inner city apartments. The warning comes as Westpac delivered a half profit of $3.9 billion.

The proposal from private equity firm TPG to buy some of Fairfax Media has prompted renewed speculation about the future of the Australian media landscape. One former editor of The Age newspaper has told The World Today that foreign ownership could enhance the company, but the dollars and cents will take precedence over quality journalism.

Nigeria's President has held a reception for 82 former schoolgirls freed by the jihadist group Boko Haram. The so-called 'Chibok girls' will face a big challenge returning to their mostly Christian families after three years under the control of the Islamist group. The government secured their release after mediation by the Red Cross to negotiate with the jihadists.

Mental health apps tout a range of benefits including improved compassion and stress relief. However, doctors are concerned that a reliance on such apps could cause problems for those in need of professional care.

A criminal law expert is warning rape trials will still be tough for victims despite a new intermediary scheme being introduced by the Victorian government. The new program is being introduced in response to the case of teenage girl who declined to go ahead with the trial of her alleged gang rapists because it was going to be too traumatic.