Jobs shock: employment falls, unemployment rises A surprise drop of nearly 40,000 jobs has sharpened scrutiny of Treasurer Jim Chalmers and strengthened the market view that the economy is cooling faster than expected. With unemployment lifting (and NSW hitting a five-year high), the data will feed directly into RBA rate expectations and the political fight over whether budget tax changes are worsening business confidence. Covered by: Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The Australian, Sydney Morning Herald. Budget backlash: business says Labor “rushed” tax changes An alliance of business and industry groups has accused the Albanese government of creating a post-budget crisis by pushing through key tax changes without adequate consultation. The dispute raises the stakes for Labor’s economic narrative—especially as softening jobs data amplifies concerns about investment, confidence and the cost of doing business. Covered by: Australian Financial Review, Australian F

Newly appointed SBS World News Weekends Chief Presenter Catalina Florez says taking over from long-time presenter Anton Enus is a “dream come true.” Flórez moved to Australia from Colombia as a baby. She said growing up with the broadcaster felt like home, because she and her family could see their stories on screen. “Being a part of the team here is incredible. I've always loved reporting, and being able to do the reporting here is so important and so special”, she told Influencing.  “When Anton’s news [of his departure] came, it was something that I've wanted for a long time, but have never allowed myself to think about it, as these jobs don't come up often…I couldn’t believe it for a long time. It took me a good week to actually believe it had happened”.  Flórez had previously filled in for Enus and Janice Petersen [Sunday-Thursday host] on SBS World News, but said taking over the role w

Verve Media has won the social media marketing and content mandate for Academy of Strength (AoS), a Bengaluru-based strength, fitness and movement community.  Under the mandate, the integrated digital marketing agency will lead AoS’s social media strategy, content creation and account growth, alongside on-ground shoots across its locations. The content will focus on coaching expertise, training, movement, educational formats, member stories and community experiences.  Vinay Sangwan, co-founder of Verve Media, said, “The fitness category on social media is highly crowded, which makes building a differentiated point of view even more important. What stood out to us about AoS is its approach to fitness as more than just a gym; it brings together coaching, science-backed programming, movement, and community to create a more holistic experience.”  Devrath Vijay, co-founder of Academy of Strength, said, “At A

Journalist Naorem Tanoranjan Singh of Ichel News Network has received the prestigious Lamyanba Hijam Irawat Ningshing Mana 2026 in recognition of his contributions to journalism. “I feel very happy and excited. I have been working and doing my job, and it is encouraging to see people, society and the organisation recognise my work by giving me this award. It is a very exciting moment for me,” Singh said speaking with Influencing India. This is the third award Singh has received in 2026. Early this year he received the Promising Digital Journalist Award 2026 on January 29 and the E-Pao Journalist Award 2026 on July 9. Singh has been covering social, political and conflict-related issues in Manipur. The award was presented by Kanglei Yelhou Cheingak (KYC) and the All Manipur Democratic Students Organisation (AMDSO) during the 1st State-Level Yelhou Lousing Trophy 2026, held for inter-school, college and university participants at Star Football Ground in Akampat, Imphal

The Delhi Union of Journalists (DUJ) and the Free Speech Collective (FSC) have approached the Supreme Court alleging that journalists were detained, manhandled and prevented from reporting while covering protests in the national capital on October 10 and 11. The petitions allege that journalists were forcibly removed from protest sites, stopped from filming and subjected to physical force. They also refer to allegations that phones, cameras and microphones were taken away from media persons, while women journalists faced invasive searches and misbehaviour. The DUJ petition, filed through advocate Shashank Singh on behalf of its members and other affected journalists, relies on a signed statement by senior journalist Paranjoy Guha Thakurta, who said he was detained on October 10 despite showing his Press Information Bureau (PIB) accreditation card. The petition contends that the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution is available to e

The Supreme Court on Wednesday, October 14, quashed a Ghaziabad Police notice seeking journalist Abhishek Upadhyay's account data from X. It also made absolute its earlier orders shielding him from arrest in a road rage case. "It is a breath of fresh air in these troubling times and has empowered a journalist to do his job fearlessly," Upadhyay told Influencing India. The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi found that the police's explanation for the notice was "in contradiction with the contents of the notice." It ordered that any information obtained through the notice, or otherwise, "shall not be utilised against the petitioner." "Now, there is a sense of protection. You can do your work without fear or favour and without being threatened for carrying out your work," Upadhyay said. Asked about his next step, he said: "I will now discuss with my lawyer and follow their advice." The Cri