El Niño watch: The UN warns the current El Niño is in a “danger zone” for extreme weather, with forecasts pointing to record-breaking impacts into 2027—raising alarms for heat, drought and food costs. Energy & climate policy: A new analysis says a Coalition move to halt two Victorian transmission projects could lift wholesale power prices by about 37% by 2031, pushing household bills up by hundreds of dollars and adding major emissions. Farmers vs fossil fuels: Farmers for Climate Action says agricultural producers are carrying climate burdens driven by industrial pollution, arguing carbon offsets let big polluters avoid real cuts while raising insurance and disaster costs. Biosecurity & food supply: Tropical race 4 TR4 is spreading in Queensland banana farms, threatening a major share of Australia’s banana supply and reigniting debate over resistant varieties. Recycling & waste: Australia’s plastics recycling sector faces a blow as Recycling Plastics Australia enters administration, while separate research highlights how flushing can aerosolise microbes—fueling calls for safer sanitation design. Solar batteries program scrutiny: Allegations of rorting in the federal “Cheaper Home Batteries” subsidy scheme have prompted calls for stronger safeguards as installations surge.