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Happy Friday!
I’m hard launching my new little head shot today, which is giving me flashbacks to being 16 and changing my Facebook profile picture only after carefully calculating peak engagement time.
Friday 7am is the new prime time!
I’ve got 10 seconds
The quote: “There may be serious consequences for entering information into Generative AI tools, even if sharing that information was not intended.”
Federal Court Chief Justice Debra Mortimer in a statement issuing advice to lawyers about the use of AI.
The stat: 1 in 10. The proportion of BBC staff whose jobs will be cut over the next two years.
The big question:
Does your employer's stated position on social or political issues affect how you feel about working there?
Yesterday’s results: 55% of you said it ‘somewhat matters’ whether a brand is Australian-owned, while 41% of you said you actively seek out Australian brands. [2,933 votes].
I’ve got 30 seconds
Some headlines from this morning:
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day ceasefire. The truce, which will come into effect at 7am AEST, follows direct negotiations held between the two countries earlier this week. In a statement, Trump said: “These two leaders have agreed that in order to achieve PEACE between their Countries.”
The NSW Court of Appeal has ruled the state government’s protest restrictions after the Bondi terrorist attack infringed on residents’ constitutional rights. Two gunmen opened fire on a Chanukah celebration at Bondi Beach in December, killing 15 people. In the aftermath, the state government instituted a rule allowing the police to refuse any applications for protests in certain parts of the city in the months after any terrorist attack. While the state government said the laws were necessary to maintain order and peace, activist organisations Palestine Action Group and Blak Caucus took them to court. Chief Justice Andrew Bell on Thursday found the laws were an "impermissible burden" on some constitutional freedoms.
Together with AAP.
Recommendation of the day
Moving out for the first time? Get there sooner.
Moving out for the first time (or into a bigger place on your own) is a big milestone. Between bond, first month’s rent and moving costs, having a dedicated ‘moving out fund’ can help make everything feel easier.
With CommBank GoalSaver, you can set a ‘moving out’ goal, chip away with regular contributions and earn bonus interest when you grow your balance each month.
Disclaimer: T&C’s apply. Bonus interest eligibility criteria applies. Consider if appropriate for you. TMD on the CBA website.
Transparency: This is a sponsored part of the newsletter - the best way to keep the newsletter free for you.
I’ve got 1 minute
A U.S. jury has found the world’s biggest ticketing company ran an illegal monopoly.
The finding is part of a years-long legal battle over whether Live Nation Entertainment (the company behind Ticketmaster) used its dominance in the live events industry to crush competition and overcharge fans.
The verdict could lead to a forced break-up of Live Nation and Ticketmaster.
Here’s what you need to know.
Live Nation
Live Nation merged with Ticketmaster in 2010.
The new umbrella company, Live Nation Entertainment (LNE), included both Live Nation and Ticketmaster as brands, becoming the world’s largest live events company.
It now controls around 80% of ticketing at major U.S. concerts, holds stakes in 460 venues, and promotes tens of thousands of events every year.
The case
In 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and attorneys general from 40 states sued LNE, accusing it of building a monopoly. This is when one business has a high level of control over an industry. Under a monopoly, the controlling company has no incentive to keep prices affordable, because customers have no other option.
The trial began in March 2026, but the DoJ settled with LNE days in, agreeing to fee caps and fines without forcing a Ticketmaster sell-off.
Most states rejected the deal, meaning the trial continued without the DoJ.
Verdict
This week, the jury found Live Nation and Ticketmaster:
1) illegally maintained a monopoly of the ticketing market, and
2) monopolised access to “major concert venues” or “large amphitheatres”
They also found Live Nation unlawfully tied artist promotion to venue access, and that Ticketmaster overcharged fans an average of $1.72 per ticket.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta called it “a historic and resounding victory for artists, fans, and the venues that support them.”
Judge Arun Subramanian will now decide on penalties, and a forced break-up of Live Nation and Ticketmaster will be considered.
LNE said the verdict is “not the last word on this matter” and that it will appeal.
Reporting by Elliot Lawry.
Quick hits
🎧 On today’s TDA podcast, Emma unpacks the surprising history of Coachella.
🌞 In the mood for some good news? You can sign up to TDA Good News here to make sure the positive stories missing from your feed are in your inbox every Sunday morning.
I’ve got 2 minutes
A fire at one of Australia’s only two oil refineries could disrupt fuel supply, as the Albanese Government looks to Asia to fill the gap.
Firefighters said the blaze at the Viva Energy Oil Refinery on Wednesday night was a result of equipment failure. It has now been extinguished.
It’s one of two operating refineries in Australia, producing petrol, diesel and jet fuel.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said the timing of the incident was “not great”.
Here’s what you need to know.
The facility
Refining oil turns it into products such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel through processes including boiling and distilling.
In Australia, there are two remaining refineries: one in Brisbane, owned by Ampol, and another in Geelong, owned by Viva Energy, which supplies to brands including Shell, Reddy Express, and Liberty.
The Viva facility produces around half of Victoria’s fuel supply and about 10% of Australia’s total.
Fire
On Wednesday night at around 11pm, fire crews were called to reports of a blaze and explosions at the site’s MOGAS (motor gasoline) facility.
MOGAS is standard petrol used in many car engines, including the unleaded fuel available at service stations.
On Thursday morning, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV) Assistant Chief Fire Officer Michael McGuinness described the fire as “dangerous”, due to the “highly flammable” materials involved.
“It was an equipment failure in the refinery, Viva is looking into that. So there’ll be a thorough investigation into the failure of how this fire started,” said FRV Deputy Commissioner Michelle Cowling on ABC Radio Melbourne on Thursday.
Impact
Viva Energy said most of the refinery’s units are still operating, although at reduced capacity.
CEO Scott Wyatt said production will only increase again once the company is confident it can do so safely.
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said: “At this point the refinery’s still producing diesel and jet fuel - at reduced levels as a safety precaution - but is still producing, still operating. The major impact at this point appears to be more on petrol production…It’s not a positive development. It will have an impact. And not great timing.”
Reporting by Emily Donohoe.
A message from CommBank
Thinking of moving out this year?
Here are three things to know before you do.
The market moves fast. Having your savings ready means you’re in a position to act when the right place pops up.
Upfront costs add up quickly. Bond, first month’s rent, setup costs – it all hits at once.
Starting early really pays off. Even small, regular deposits can build momentum.
That’s where CommBank GoalSaver comes in. Set a goal, make regular deposits and you can earn bonus interest when you grow your balance each month, helping you move out sooner.
Disclaimer: T&C’s apply. Bonus interest eligibility criteria applies. Consider if appropriate for you. TMD on the CBA website.
Give me some good news
Credit: Tom Parkin via The Australian Museum.
Australia’s rarest reptile has been found in a national park in New South Wales.
The Kungaka skink – which translates to “the Hidden One” in Wiimpatja language groups – was found by researchers near Broken Hill in the Mutawintji National Park. It had been recognised as an endangered population of the white skink but has since been found to be its own species. Recent surveys conducted found there are fewer than 20 skinks located in the national park, making it the country’s rarest reptile.
Mutawintji Board of Management Warlpa Thompson said: “Our people have long cared for this extremely rare lizard, and now… the wider world can begin to understand just how fragile and special it is.”
TDA titbit
Credit: NSW Police
A manhunt is under ways after a prisoner was accidentally released from a NSW prison this week. (Don’t ask us how that happens.)
NSW Police say he’s now on the run, and “wanted on an outstanding warrant for being Unlawfully At Large.”
The 35-year-old was serving a sentence for assault and stealing offences. Police say he is believed to be in the Newcastle region.
TDA asks
