1. Melbourne considers snap lockdown

The Victorian government is considering introducing a snap lockdown according to the Herald Sun as the state's Holiday Inn cluster reaches 13 cases. A cafe at Melbourne Airport has been added to the Victorian Department of Health's list of exposure sites, with all those who visited Brunetti cafe at Terminal 4 between 4:45am and 1:15pm on Tuesday required to get tested and isolate for 14 days.

2. Another director exits Crown

Andrew Demetriou, a director of Crown Resorts and chairman of Crown Melbourne, has resigned effective immediately after the NSW gaming regulator called for Demetriou as well as CEO Ken Barton to be sacked. The Australian reported that Barton is expected to step down today.

3. Microsoft encourages US to copy Australia's media bargaining code

Microsoft president Brad Smith has said the United States should "copy" Australia's proposed news media bargaining code rather than object to it. "The ultimate question is what values we want the tech sector and independent journalism to serve. Yes, Australia’s proposal will reduce the bargaining imbalance that currently favors tech gatekeepers and will help increase opportunities for independent journalism. But this a defining issue of our time that goes to the heart of our democratic freedoms," Smith wrote.

4. Toilet paper company Who Gives a Crap donates more than top Australian brands

After sales more than doubled last financial year, toilet paper company Who Gives a Crap, which gives 50% of profits to charity, was able to donate $5.9 million towards projects to bring toilets to developing countries. BOSS in the AFR reported that the company gave more to charitable causes than other major companies like Qantas, which donated $4.4 million.

5. Another record close for S&P 500 and Nasdaq

The S&P 500 closed at another new record high on Thursday after moving 6.50 points or 0.17% higher to 3,916.38, and the Nasdaq similarly hit a new record close following a 53.24 point or 0.38% rise during the session. The Dow Jones eased back slightly from record levels, falling 7.10 points or 0.02% to 31,430.70.