Streaming platform Twitch added to Australia's teen social media ban

Updates from Perth indicate that England won the toss and chose to bat in the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia. The match marks the beginning of a highly anticipated cricket rivalry, with Jake Weatherald set to debut for Australia. Pre-match banter has intensified, particularly involving former England spinner Monty Panesar and Australian captain Steve Smith.

Australia has introduced a groundbreaking law that bans children under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. This legislation aims to mitigate the risks that minors face online, although it has faced criticism from various stakeholders.

Steve Smith, Australia's acting captain, responded to Monty Panesar's comments regarding the 2018 sandpaper ball-tampering scandal, suggesting that England's team should use it to unsettle him. Smith downplayed the remarks but referenced Panesar's poor performance on the quiz show Mastermind in 2019 as a retort. This exchange highlights the ongoing tensions as the Ashes series approaches.

Meta announced that it will deactivate Instagram and Facebook accounts for Australian users under the age of 16 starting next month. This decision comes as part of a new social media regulation in Australia aimed at protecting minors online, which will take effect on December 10.

Lucia Braham has dedicated the last decade to documenting women in motorcycle culture across Australia and the US. Her latest exhibition is currently on display at the Enmore Hotel in Enmore, coinciding with the 2025 Head On photo festival's Open Program, and will run until November 30.

SunCable has proposed a massive solar farm in the Northern Territory, aiming to power AI datacentres and position Australia as a leader in green industrial development. The project has garnered attention for its potential scale and impact on the energy landscape.

A secret translation of the Nauruan president's comments regarding the NZYQ deal with Australia will remain suppressed for a decade, as the Albanese government deemed its release inappropriate. Penny Wong stated that the translation was done hastily by an unaccredited official and was intended for internal use only.

The Ashes series, a historic cricket rivalry between Australia and England, is set to resume after a lengthy buildup of 842 days. The first Test will take place in Perth, marking the continuation of a fierce competition that has seen both teams closely monitoring each other since their last encounter, which ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The anticipation surrounding this series is palpable among fans and players alike.