Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, openly criticized President Trump’s $2.4 trillion tax-and-spending bill as a “disgusting abomination.” Trump retaliated by threatening to terminate federal contracts and subsidies for Musk’s companies—moves that could scrape $48 billion from space, satellite, and defense programs . On X, Musk escalated by threatening to “decommission” SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, though he reversed course after backlash This isn’t a casual Twitter spat—it’s a high-stakes standoff with real-world consequences.

SpaceX sits at the heart of U.S. space and defense infrastructure. It ferries astronauts and cargo to the ISS, runs mega satellite constellations via Starlink, and is the Pentagon’s favored military satellite launcher . Alternative providers—Boeing, Rocket Lab, Blue Origin—are stepping up, but they’re still playing catch-up Musk’s government contracts aren’t just beneficial—they’re essential. Messing with them risks disrupting NASA missions, national defense, and connectivity for remote communities.

—The path forward: temporary retreat or lasting damage?The Wall Street Journal reports that Musk’s companies could lose nearly $48 billion in contracts if Trump follows through . Meanwhile, Tesla stock tumbled ~14%, and even Trump Media shares sank following Musk’s public jabs Yet two signs of calm are emerging: Musk wiped his most provocative X posts and paused the Dragon decommission threat . Trump also publicly softened, saying he “wishes [Musk] well,” though hinted review of contracts might still be fair Still, legal experts warn this standoff could become a precedent for politicized contracting, potentially dragging public services into personal vendettas.

—What it means for the country
National security and space exploration are at stake. SpaceX missions are integral to U.S. presence in orbit. A paralyzed Dragon could halt ISS access. Starlink outages could disrupt frontline communications.

The PBS NewsHour calls this a “collision of personal vendetta and public goods,” while Wired warns that mass reliance on one private company makes the nation vulnerable

—Can common sense prevail?
The feud reminds us how precarious privatized public functions have become when billions and national missions depend on one person. Industry insiders like Bill Ackman have urged a cooling off; NASA and the Pentagon are quietly vetting alternative suppliers .

Lawmakers now face a choice: should political disagreements dictate space policy? Or should national interests demand a firewall between personal feuds and critical infrastructure?

After more than 15 years on air, Channel 10’s flagship current affairs program, The Project, is reportedly set to be replaced by a new show in the coming weeks. Insiders have revealed that the network is developing a fresh format aimed at revamping the evening timeslot, with the new program expected to air four nights a week for 30 minutes, a significant shift from The Project‘s six hour-long broadcasts.

The decision comes amid declining viewership for The Project, which has seen its ratings halve in recent years. The show, which debuted in 2009, has struggled to retain its audience as viewing habits shift from live free-to-air TV to streaming platforms. Financial constraints and shrinking audiences have contributed to concerns, especially amid broader network cost-cutting measures.

Entertainment expert Peter Ford commented on the situation, stating that he believes the show may not last the year. “I don’t think The Project will see the year out,” Ford told 3AW Breakfast, suggesting that the new show will be based in Sydney.

The new program is part of Channel 10’s strategy to adapt to changing viewer habits and economic pressures. The network has previously removed other programs like The Masked Singer and The Bachelor from its schedule, reflecting a broader shift in programming.

While Channel 10 has yet to comment publicly on the replacement, the move indicates a significant change in the network’s approach to current affairs programming. The new show’s format and content are expected to be announced in the near future.

Jane Harper’s acclaimed novel The Survivors has been masterfully adapted into a six-episode limited series, now streaming on Netflix. Set against the rugged coastline of Tasmania’s fictional town, Evelyn Bay, the series explores the profound impacts of unresolved grief and buried secrets within a close-knit community.

The narrative follows Kieran Elliott (Charlie Vickers), who returns to his hometown with his partner Mia (Yerin Ha) and their infant daughter, 15 years after a devastating storm claimed the lives of his brother Finn and friend Toby. Kieran’s homecoming coincides with the discovery of a young woman’s body on the beach, reigniting old wounds and unearthing long-held secrets.

Showrunner Tony Ayres, known for The Slap and Stateless, describes the series as “a family melodrama disguised as a murder mystery.” He emphasizes that the core themes revolve around familial relationships, loss, and the stories communities tell themselves to cope with trauma.

Critics have praised the series for its atmospheric storytelling and emotional depth. The Guardian highlights the intense performances, particularly by Robyn Malcolm and Catherine McClements, noting that the series stands out as more than a conventional crime drama, offering a powerful exploration of pain and memory.

However, some reviews point out areas where the series could have delved deeper. ScreenHub mentions that while the mystery is compelling, character development could have been more robust to fully engage the audience.

Filmed in Tasmania’s Eaglehawk Neck, the series captures the haunting beauty of the landscape, which serves as a fitting backdrop for the unfolding drama. The setting amplifies the story’s themes, with the natural environment reflecting the characters’ internal turmoil.

The Survivors is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a poignant and suspenseful journey into the complexities of human emotion and the shadows of the past.