Written by Kotori Tayama-Gannon

National Day of Mourning for Bondi Terror Attack

The Australian Government has announced a National Day of Mourning today, Thursday 22 January 2026, to honour the victims and all those affected by the Bondi Beach terrorist attack. The day is intended as a moment of national reflection.

The theme, chosen by the Chabad Community, is “Light will win”, a gathering of unity and remembrance. National institutions across Canberra and NSW will be illuminated, alongside a commemorative installation, 15 Pillars of Light,  displayed in 15 locations nationwide to commemorate the 15 lives lost.

Australians are invited to observe one minute of silence this evening at 7:01pm AEDT.

Blood test trial may detect early Alzheimer’s diagnosis

An international clinical trial is testing whether a simple finger-prick blood test could help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease earlier and more easily. The Bio-Hermes-002 study, led by LifeArc and the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation, involves 1,000 volunteers aged over 60 across the UK, US and Canada.

The test measures three blood-based biomarkers linked to Alzheimer’s, including amyloid and tau proteins, which can begin accumulating in the brain up to 15 years before symptoms appear. Participants also undergo current gold-standard diagnostics, such as PET brain scans or lumbar punctures, to compare accuracy.

If successful, the test could provide a cheaper, faster and less invasive alternative to costly, rarely available diagnostics, potentially even done at home with samples posted to labs. With new treatments emerging, experts say earlier, more accessible diagnosis must become a priority for health systems.

UK and France consider social media ban for youth

The UK and France are considering restrictions on children and teenagers social media use, following Australia’s recent ban on under-16s from Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube. Supporters argue urgent action is needed to address worsening youth mental health, while critics say the evidence remains mixed and warn against blunt policy response.

In France, legislation is being debated to bar under-15s, with backing from President Emmanuel Macron. In the UK, Prime Minister Kier Starmer has signalled stronger protections for children after dozens of MPs called for similar action.

Researchers say Australia’s policy could provide valuable insights on effectiveness and unintended consequences of the ban within the next year.

Diary of a CEO podcast sparks backlash

The popular podcast Diary of CEO is facing renewed backlash after a recent conversation about women and motherhood. Hosted by entrepreneur Steven Bartlett, the show originally focused on business insights but has since expanded into celebrity interviews, wellness and broader cultural commentary.

The latest controversy centres on a discussion between Bartlett and reality-star-turned-podcaster Chris Williamson about declining birth rates, in which they speculated on why women choose not to have children, despite neither host being a parent. Williamson singled out TikTok creator Abigail Porter, dismissing her personal reasons for remaining child-free in a way many listeners found condescending.

The exchange sparked outrage online, with audiences accusing the podcast of vilifying women while ignoring structural reasons behind declining birth rates. Critics note this reflects a broader shift toward conservative, manosphere-adjacent viewpoints.

The podcast has also faced scrutiny for health-related claims that contradict established scientific evidence. Bartlett has defended his approach, citing freedom of expression for his guests.  

PepsiCo and Yara to reduce agriculture’s carbon footprint

PepsiCo and crop nutrition leader Yara are partnering to support farmers while reducing the environmental footprint of agriculture. Launched in 2024, the initiative aims to supply low-carbon fertilisers and integrate data-driven nutrient management to cut emissions across the food supply chain, while maintaining crop yields.

In Europe, the first phase covered around 1,000 farms across 128,000 hectares, providing regenerative practices, soil diagnostics, and digital farm monitoring. By mid-2025, the programme expanded to Latin America, focusing on potato growers within PepsiCo’s supply chain. Early results indicate potential emissions reductions of 20-40% per tonne of potatoes, depending on the system and fertiliser used.

Executives from both companies stressed that collaboration between government, businesses, and farmers is crucial for sustainable agriculture, reducing reliance on mineral fertilisers, decarbonising production, and ensuring food security in line with Paris Agreement goals.