1. Australians under 50 won't be given AstraZeneca vaccine

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that the use of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine is preferable in Australians younger than 50 based on advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group (ATAGI) on Immunisation due to the risk of blood clots. "The AstraZeneca vaccine should only be given as a first dose to adults under the age of 50 where the benefit clearly outweighs the risk for that individual. AstraZeneca is recommended for those over the age of 50," Morrison said.

2. AustralianSuper CEO criticises new super laws

Ian Silk, the CEO of AustralianSuper which has $200 billion under management, has described some of the changes under the Your Future, Your Super reforms as "frankly bizarre and entirely unjustified" to the Senate economics legislation committee yesterday. "The reversal of the onus of proof, the fact that there’s no materiality, that it does not apply to all funds, that the overt and express decision for the parliament to intrude on the decision-making process of super funds that already have significant regulatory oversight by virtue of a number of regulators — it’s impossible to conceive what the rationale for it is," Silk said according to The Australian.

3. Joe Biden announces new measures on gun violence

President Joe Biden has announced executive actions that aim to reduce gun violence in the US, including a crack down on unregistered and untraceable 'ghost guns'. "Gun violence in this country is an epidemic, and it's an international embarrassment," Biden said.

4. Former vice president to receive up to $5 million in book deal

Mike Pence is set to receive in the range of US$3-4 million ($4-5 million) for a new two-book deal with Simon & Schuster according to CNN. The first book will be an autobiography set to be released in 2023. "I am grateful to have the opportunity to tell the story of my life in public service to the American people, from serving in Congress, to the Indiana Governor's office and as Vice President of the United States," Pence said.

5. S&P 500 continues to climb

The S&P 500 rose by 17.22 points or 0.42% on Thursday to reach another new record-high close of 4,097.17. The Dow Jones closed 57.31 points or 0.17% higher to 33,503.57, while the Nasdaq surged 140.47 points or 1.03% to 13,829.31