Swans scandal escalates as AFL weighs bans amid police probe The alleged sexual assault matter involving Sydney Swans players has intensified, with the club interviewing players and the AFL publicly signalling potential stand-downs or suspensions even as a police investigation continues. Beyond the immediate legal process, the story is forcing a broader reckoning over player conduct, victim support and whether the AFL should adopt a tougher “no-fault” approach during investigations—right as finals loom. Covered by: Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Herald Sun, Daily Telegraph, The West Australian, The Advertiser, The Australian. Rent shock politics: warnings of big hikes collide with government’s housing tax defence Australia’s largest rental property manager has warned budget tax changes could push rents sharply higher, while the Albanese government disputes the modelling and argues its housing agenda won’t punish tenants. With cost-of-living pressure still dominant, the

The Karnataka Working Journalists’ Union (KUWJ) honoured veteran newspaper distributor Ravindranath for his 45 years of service during an Independence Day ceremony at Navarang Circle. Ravindranath, a familiar face in the area, has ensured newspapers reach readers daily since the era when publications cost just a few paise. Over the decades, he transitioned from distributor to agent and now dealer for several newspapers, including Udayavani and Vishwavani. Reflecting on his journey, he said: “I started working as a newspaper distributor about 45 years ago, when newspapers cost around 15 to 20 paise. Being recognised by KUWJ is an honour.” He also voiced concern over the declining readership of physical newspapers, noting that circulation dropped sharply after the COVID‑19 pandemic as younger audiences turned to social media. “Newspaper reading encourages patience and develops good reading habits. Young people should make it a regular practice,” he ad

The Australian’s John Stensholt and Perry Williams spent last summer writing a 300-page book about Atlassian's founders. They came away admiring what Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar built but wondering what it cost them. Here’s Williams on the credit side of the ledger. "Two guys in their early 20s create this company from scratch in a share house in Glebe," he says, "and employ thousands of people in Australia. They've inspired a whole startup community – other companies [such as] Canva, SafetyCulture – these are almost becoming household names as well. So, look, I take my hat off to them." Stensholt is equally unequivocal. "What they've achieved in a business sense is amazing," he says. "They are two of the best entrepreneurs that Australia has had for a long, long time, probably the best tech entrepreneurs in terms of what they've achieved." Williams, who spent years on the energy beat, adds

The Sholinghur police have registered a case against TVK MLA Kapil over allegations that he assaulted a journalist, seized his mobile phone, deleted video recordings and threatened to kill him during an altercation at the Vanniyar Community Hall in Sholinghur, Ranipet district. According to media reports, the case was registered based on a complaint by T. Aranganathan, 50, a journalist from Sholinghur, who was undergoing treatment following the alleged assault. Police booked the MLA, who represents the Sholinghur constituency, and several of his associates under Sections 296(b), 115(2) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Aranganathan said, “I received a copy of the FIR a day before I was summoned to court. The FIR was formally handed over to me in front of the judge. We are appearing for another hearing tomorrow.”

Western Sydney Publishing Group has promoted Madeline Dantier to entertainment reporter, filling the role left vacant by Ally Hall's departure last month. Dantier joined the publisher in October 2022, working in administration and production before moving into journalism.  She has written the "Experience Parramatta" column for Parra News and ‘Maddie's Meals’ for Western Weekender, alongside local news, travel and human-interest stories. Her new role will see her cover entertainment across Penrith and Parramatta for both the Western Weekender and Parra News. “Think musicals, live music, dance, cabaret shows, etc” she told Influencing. “PR teams can feel free to email me with story pitches/events to cover, and I’ll do my best to fit them into the schedule when applicable.”  She said taking on the role itself was a “big and exciting step”, and she was “very thankful for this opportunity and exci

  The first 100 days of a government are usually measured by its policies, promises and political decisions. For the media, the period offers another test: how willing is the new administration to face scrutiny? In 2026, governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in West Bengal and the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu have completed 100 days in office, while the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala is nearing the milestone at 92 days. Journalists in all three states describe markedly different experiences of access and scrutiny under the new administrations. West Bengal: "No remarkable change" In West Bengal, senior journalist Anomitra Chatterjee, Assistant Editor at Ei Samay, sees little change in the press freedom environment following the change in government. "The euphoria that comes with a new government is still there. They are still in their teething period. However, there has been no remarkable change in the situation of