1. Record budget surplus for Western Australia

A record $5.6 billion surplus helped by strong iron ore prices was announced in Western Australia's budget yesterday along with a $2.8 billion surplus forecast for this financial year. The state collected $11.3 billion in iron ore royalties and expects to receive $9.2 billion this year. "This budget proves that by putting the health of Western Australians first, by keeping the state safe from COVID-19, we have delivered the best economic and social outcomes in Australia and possibly the world," said Premier Mark McGowan in his first budget as Treasurer.

2. Joe Biden makes vaccinations mandatory for all federal workers

US President Joe Biden has announced that vaccinations will be mandatory for federal employees and contractors as well as healthcare workers in facilities that receive federal funding. Employers with more than 100 workers will also reportedly be required to either make vaccinations mandatory or introduce weekly testing. 100 million Americans are set to be covered by the new requirements.

3. Anthony Albanese pledges changes to national cabinet if elected

Opposition leader Anthony Albanese has told The Australian he plans to prioritise the "transparency and accountability" of national cabinet if Labor wins the next election. Highlighting the importance of a "strong federation", Albanese also said he would "task ministers with working with their state and territory ministers to streamline regulation, avoid duplication and maximise efficiency".

4. First Spider-Man comic fetches $4.9 million at auction

A copy of Amazing Fantasy #15, the first comic book to feature the superhero Spider-Man, has sold US$3.6 million ($4.9 million) by Heritage Auctions in the US. This is the most expensive comic ever sold after a copy of Superman's first comic, Action Comics #1, sold for US$3.25 million ($4.4 million) earlier this year.

5. US stocks close lower on Thursday

Overnight on Wall Street, the Dow Jones fell 151.69 points or 0.43% to 34,879.38, the S&P 500 was down 20.79 points or 0.46% to 4,493.28 and the Nasdaq dropped 38.38 points or 0.25% to 15,248.25.