ADELAIDE, Australia — South Australians head to the polls Saturday, March 21, 2026, for a state election widely expected to deliver Premier Peter Malinauskas and the Labor Party a historic landslide victory. Polls consistently show Labor commanding massive leads, while Pauline Hanson’s One Nation threatens to eclipse the Liberal Party as the main opposition force in a dramatic realignment of the state’s political landscape.

The election, for all 47 seats in the House of Assembly and half the Legislative Council, follows a campaign dominated by cost-of-living relief, housing affordability and regional discontent. Early voting shattered records, with more than 361,000 ballots cast by March 20 — over 28% of enrolled voters — according to the South Australian Electoral Commission (ECSA). Polling booths open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, with results expected to flow from 7 p.m. onward.

Multiple final polls paint a grim picture for the opposition. A Newspoll survey (March 12-18) gave Labor 40% primary vote, One Nation 22%, Liberals 16% and Greens 12%. YouGov (March 9-17) showed Labor at 38%, One Nation 22% and Liberals 19%, with Labor leading 59-41 on two-party preferred against both rivals — a potential record margin since the state’s Labor Party formed in 1891. Resolve and DemosAU polls echoed similar trends, placing Labor around 32-37% primary and One Nation ahead of or close to the Liberals.

Analysts describe the result as a “transitional moment” in South Australian politics. Emeritus Professor Clement Macintyre from Adelaide University called a strong One Nation showing a potential “slap in the face” to the major parties, particularly if it relegates the Liberals to third place on primary vote. The Liberals, led by new Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn since December 2025, face their worst historical primary result, possibly below 20%. Hurn, contesting her seat, expressed hope for an upset but acknowledged the uphill battle.

Premier Malinauskas, enjoying approval ratings above 60% in recent surveys, campaigned on free school fees, energy rebates and infrastructure promises. Labor’s pitch emphasized stability and cost-of-living support, contrasting with Liberal offers like 50-cent public transport fares. One Nation surged in regional areas with anti-establishment messaging, immigration critiques and economic populism under Pauline Hanson’s active involvement.

Controversies marked the final days. A One Nation candidate in Adelaide faced UK extradition questions over a sexual touching charge, drawing media scrutiny. Labor ramped up attacks on One Nation’s policies and funding. Pauline Hanson and Cory Bernardi faced pointed questions in McLaren Vale about promise costs and travel.

The campaign featured record candidate numbers — 388 in the lower house — driven by right-wing and independent slates. This fragmentation could influence preference flows in marginal seats, though Labor’s strong two-party lead suggests limited impact on the overall outcome.

ECSA reported smooth early voting, with innovations like telephone-assisted voting debuting for accessibility. Media alerts highlighted record turnout and special arrangements in remote areas like Coober Pedy.

Malinauskas, in power since 2022, seeks to consolidate after a strong first term. His popularity contrasts with Liberal turmoil, including former leader Vincent Tarzia’s resignation in late 2025 and internal challenges.

If projections hold, Labor could secure its largest two-party preferred vote ever, potentially challenging national landslide records. One Nation’s performance will be watched nationally as a test of its appeal beyond Queensland and New South Wales.

Voters prioritize cost-of-living pressures, housing and health amid economic strains. Final pitches from leaders emphasized these issues, with Malinauskas urging continued support and Hurn calling for change.

As polling day arrives, attention turns to turnout, preference distributions and whether independents or minors claim seats. Results will shape South Australia’s direction for the next four years, with Labor poised for dominance and the Liberals facing existential questions.

ECSA urges voters to check enrollment and bring ID if needed. Live coverage begins Saturday evening across major networks.

Geothermal energy has been around since earth’s creation and exists almost everywhere, yet harnessing its full potential has proven difficult since viable sources are often difficult to find. 

“The US has a lot of it, and most of it in the US is untapped.  It’s a tremendous sort of resource base that’s waiting for us to go after it,” Zanskar Co-founder Joel Edwards said. 

Geothermal energy is generated by the Earth’s formation and ongoing radioactive decay. It is stored beneath the surface and accessed by drilling thousands of feet underground. 

From hidden heat deep underground to smarter drilling above it, AI is fueling the next wave of clean energy—turning geothermal into a major player in America’s power future. (ZANSKAR)

“The great thing about geothermal energy is there’s heat underground everywhere. The deeper you go into the earth, the hotter it gets. But there are some parts, certain regions, that just have hotter rocks,” Edwards said.

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Geothermal Energy makes its way to the Earth’s surface through volcanoes, hot springs and geysers. It has been otherwise difficult to detect above ground until now. 

“We have made more discoveries in three years than the industry found in 30,” Edwards said.  

Geothermal company Zanskar is making the search for hot sources more accurate. The company has built artificial intelligence models that are able to detect geothermal resources and target them with deeper drilling.

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“We have found dozens of sites and they were either overlooked or they were just in areas where nobody had ever looked,” Edwards said. “Once we find these systems, we’re having much more success drilling into them because those models are better at sort of simulating all the possible orientations of a geothermal system.”

Historically geothermal production has carried risks of drilling into inefficient wells. There are safety risks in geothermal production and environmental concerns over air and water pollution. The uncertainty has caused delays in permitting and operational challenges. 

“What happens is you drill moderately productive wells, marginal wells, or you drill it unproductive wells. All of those failures, they get rolled up into the total cost of a project and that drives the cost of the project up,” Edwards said.

With AI helping pinpoint geothermal hot spots, companies like Zanskar are unlocking power that’s been there all along. (ZANSKAR)

NUCLEAR FUSION ADVANCES, BUT CHALLENGES REMAIN FOR POWER GRID

The best geothermal resources in the U.S. are located in the west, where much of the land is owned by the federal government. The Interior Department has implemented emergency permitting procedures to accelerate reviews of geothermal projects as part of President Trump’s energy agenda.  

“It takes typically like three to six, three to seven years to get these projects permitted. Luckily, in the last few years, there’s been an urgency to cut red tape,” Edwards said. “And that’s already having a material benefit for some of these earlier stage projects.” 

Artificial intelligence could also help streamline the regulatory process.

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“What we have to do is work with our federal, state, and local partners to drive those solutions that you’re talking about. We cannot think of this technology as it’s happening to us. We have to partner and utilize it just like everyone else,” Exelon CEO Calvin Butler said. “A.I. should help us all become more efficient at what we do and get better at.”

The geothermal industry has similar challenges and risks as oil and gas. The Society of Petroleum Engineers began promoting the use of A.I. as early as 2009. It has helped improve exploration, drilling and development. Studies show some of the same techniques could help geothermal production. 

“It sort of feels like where oil and gas was maybe 100 plus years ago,” Edwards said. “We didn’t know how much of it was out there and so forth. That’s what geothermal feels like. Like it just feels like we’ve barely explored for it. We’ve got a little bit of it going right now. We kind of understand it. But now the market is out there and the market’s like, we want this stuff.”

Geothermal energy is everywhere—but finding it hasn’t been easy. Now, artificial intelligence is changing the game, accelerating discoveries that once took decades. (ZANSKAR)

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As artificial intelligence helps fast track new resources, there are still concerns over its immediate impact on the electric grid. 

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a huge opportunity. And that is what we are most excited about, the opportunity to be part of this journey, this next wave of the energy transformation, because we can’t just look at it as a challenge and say, we don’t know what to do,” Butler said. “We’re partnering with our technology partners and saying, what can we do to make this a win-win for everyone?” 

Ireland is not just about emerald hills, ancient castles, and cosy pubs; it is also an outstanding destination for sports tourism. Every year, an increasing number of running enthusiasts from the UK and around the world travel here to combine their holidays with participation in large-scale sporting events.

Several major road events have been confirmed in Dublin: the Great Ireland Run / National 10K on 12 April 2026, the Irish Runner 5K on 16 May, the Irish Runner 5 Mile on 21 June, and the Irish Runner 10 Mile on 19 July. In the autumn, the Irish Life Dublin Marathon will take place on 25 October 2026. If you are planning a trip and want to add a bit of excitement, we recommend checking out this Betfair review — an excellent resource for those interested in sports betting and platform overviews.

Spring Starts: Opening the Season in Phoenix Park

Spring in Ireland is the perfect time for running. The weather becomes milder, and nature awakens, creating picturesque backdrops for competitions. One of the main events at the start of the season is traditionally the Great Ireland Run, which will take place on 12 April 2026. This 10-kilometre race attracts both professional athletes and amateurs. The route passes through the famous Phoenix Park in Dublin — one of the largest urban parks in Europe. Participants run past historical monuments, including the residence of the President of Ireland (Áras an Uachtaráin) and the Papal Cross, and may even encounter herds of wild deer roaming freely across the park.

Following the April start, the Athletics Ireland Race Series offers participants the chance to test their limits over a shorter distance. The Irish Runner 5K will be held on 16 May 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity for beginners to join the running community, and for experienced runners to improve their speed over the five-kilometre distance.

Summer Challenges: Building Up the Distance

Summer months in Ireland are rarely exhaustingly hot, making them comfortable for middle-distance running. The race series continues, offering participants a gradual increase in workload.

On 21 June 2026, the Irish Runner 5 Mile (approximately 8 kilometres) will take place. This event serves as an excellent transitional stage between short sprints and more serious distances. Just a month later, on 19 July 2026, runners will face the Irish Runner 10 Mile (approximately 16 kilometres). Participating in the entire race series (5K, 5 Mile, and 10 Mile) is a popular challenge among local and visiting athletes, allowing for systematic preparation for autumn marathons and half-marathons.

For those interested not only in sports but also in the entertainment industry, it is worth noting that Ireland strictly monitors compliance with gambling regulations. The newly established Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI) ensures transparency and safety for all market participants. You can find out more about the rules and licensing on the regulator’s official website at www.grai.ie.

Autumn Triumph: The Dublin Marathon

The culmination of the running season in Ireland is rightfully considered the Irish Life Dublin Marathon, which will take place on 25 October 2026. It is the fifth-largest marathon in Europe, renowned for its incredible atmosphere and spectator support throughout the entire 26.2 miles (42.2 kilometres).

The marathon route passes through the historic centre of Dublin, picturesque suburbs, and green parks. The course is considered relatively flat, making it attractive for those looking to set a personal best. It is important to note that due to the high popularity of the event, registration for the marathon is conducted via a ballot system, so planning your participation and submitting an application must be done well in advance.

Summary Table of Major Dublin Races 2026

Running tourism in Ireland is a unique opportunity to combine a passion for sports with exploring the rich culture and history of this amazing country. Whether you choose the spring “10K” in Phoenix Park or decide to tackle the autumn marathon, the memories of racing on the Emerald Isle will stay with you for a long time.

The next fight in the Iran war is likely going to be the Pentagon’s request for $200 billion to keep our military in tip-top shape, not only to complete the mission in Iran, but also to maintain President Trump’s policy of peace through strength. We want the best for our men and women in the services. Soldiers, sailors, airmen. They must have everything they need, today, tomorrow, and frankly forever.

Yet you can bet the Democrats will use this war financing request for their anti-war propaganda and will seek to block this crucial funding bill. I want to pause here before talking about Ways and Means to get the money for our military. We should not forget the chilling narrative brought back by the special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, after the last set of talks with Iran. Essentially, they bragged to Mr. Witkoff and his partner Mr. Jared Kushner that they had 460 kilograms of 60 percent-enriched uranium. Right there, that ended the talks because they would never give it up.

But here’s the point: when you’re at 60 percent enrichment, you can bring it to 90 percent in seven to 10 days, according to Mr. Witkoff and many other analysts. And the 460 kilograms of enriched uranium would be enough to create 11 nuclear bombs. That’s how close Iran is. And that’s because so many presidents before Mr. Trump neglected to do anything about Iran’s nuclear advances.

Now Democrats might say the Iranians don’t have the delivery system. Really? Well, they can deliver that nuclear bomb to neighboring Israel, very quickly. Or to our allies throughout the Middle East. Or to the underbelly of Europe. Whether they are capable of producing an intercontinental ballistic missile is unknown, but there are a lot of estimates out there that it will be much shorter than generally assumed. Why risk any of that?

And of course, we are seeing Iran using shorter term missiles against oil and gas-producing countries right next door. Or bottling up the Strait of Hormuz and threatening the global economy. And since the early 1980s, let’s not forget, our State Department has classified Iran as the largest state sponsor of terrorism. And of course Iran has been waging war against the United States for 47 years, death to America, remember that? Not to speak of death to Israel. The little Satan and the big Satan. That’s how they see us. Let’s not forget that either.

This Democratic argument that there was no imminent threat has always been a bunch of phony balderdash. And we must not deny funding that may well be necessary to complete the mission in Iran.

Now, as important as this Pentagon request is, because the anti-war Democrats will probably all vote against it in the Senate with perhaps Senator John Fetterman’s exception, the GOP is not going to get 60 votes for the appropriation. And that’s why I believe it must be done as a reconciliation bill which will require only 50 votes, plus the vice president.

Speaker Mike Johnson and the House Budget Chairman, Jodey Arrington, have already moved to prepare a reconciliation bill. So far, Senate leadership has shown no enthusiasm for it. But I’m here to tell you it is the only way you’re going to get the necessary military spending. And the GOP will have to put its nose to the grindstone just like it did about a year ago, and put together a great reconciliation bill. There will be spending offsets, waste, fraud, and abuse cutbacks, plenty of room for some entitlement reforms. Perhaps even some supply side pro-growth tax reforms, but the most important issue will be our national security, completing the mission in Iran, and maintaining peace through strength.

One more point, the all-important SAVE America voting rights bill, which frankly will not get 60 votes in the Senate for passage, can be inserted into a reconciliation package. Or at least we should try. Because proof of citizenship, photo ID cards, and other aspects will lay down national rules that must be enforced, and that will require money.

My guess is the Department of Homeland Security would be the appropriate election monitoring agency, just as securing the border required a significant fiscal expansion, so will enforcing the voting rights bill. So I’m here to tell you that the cleverest minds in Congress should put their heads together and generate a strong reconciliation package that will keep our military might and maintain proper voting laws to uphold the greatest democracy in the history of history.

SYDNEY — Australia’s banking sector remains highly concentrated in 2026, with the “Big Four” banks — Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA), Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac), National Australia Bank (NAB) and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) — controlling the majority of total assets, deposits and market share. Recent data from the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for January 2026 and market updates as of mid-March show CBA solidifying its position as the nation’s largest lender by total residents’ assets, overtaking Westpac in some rankings amid economic pressures and profit challenges.

The Big Four dominate not only by assets but also by market capitalization on the ASX, where they rank among Australia’s most valuable companies. Together, they hold over 70% of domestic financial institution assets and continue to drive the sector’s performance despite rising interest rates, cost-of-living strains and regulatory scrutiny.

Here are the five largest banks in Australia in 2026, ranked primarily by total residents’ assets (per APRA January 2026 data) with market cap context:

1. Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) Total residents’ assets: A$1,199.571 billion (approximately A$1.2 trillion) Market capitalization: A$288.24 billion (March 2026)CBA reclaimed the top spot in The Banker’s 2026 country rankings for Australia, surpassing Westpac as the largest lender by total assets amid challenging conditions. The bank, founded in 1911, serves millions with retail, business and institutional services. Its strong home loan portfolio and digital banking innovations have fueled resilience, though profits face pressure from higher funding costs. CBA’s ASX performance remains robust, making it Australia’s most valuable listed company.
2. Westpac Banking Corporation (Westpac) Total residents’ assets: A$1,139.950 billion Market capitalization: A$139.65 billionWestpac, established in 1817 as the Bank of New South Wales, held the No. 1 position in prior years but slipped in 2026 rankings. The bank offers comprehensive services across personal, business and wealth management. Recent earnings reflect sector-wide headwinds, but its large mortgage book and regional presence keep it a core player.
3. National Australia Bank (NAB) Total residents’ assets: A$988.544 billion Market capitalization: A$143.35 billionNAB, formed in 1981 from mergers, ranks third by assets but second by market cap in some March 2026 snapshots. It focuses heavily on business banking and has shown strong earnings in recent reports. NAB’s performance in 2026 has drawn praise for navigating economic uncertainty effectively.
4. Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) Total residents’ assets: A$765.972 billion Market capitalization: A$113.12 billionANZ, dating to 1835, maintains a significant presence in Australia and New Zealand. Its assets trail the top three but remain substantial. The bank has emphasized Asia-Pacific growth and digital transformation, though domestic mortgage competition remains fierce.
5. Macquarie Group Limited Market capitalization: A$76.24 billion (often ranked fifth by market cap)While not always in the top five by total assets (which focus on domestic retail/residents’ figures), Macquarie frequently appears in broader rankings due to its investment banking and infrastructure focus. Its specialized operations in commodities, green energy and global markets set it apart from the retail-heavy Big Four. Macquarie has gained market share in certain lending areas, challenging the majors.

The Big Four’s dominance stems from historical mergers, strong retail networks and regulatory barriers that limit new entrants. They control over 70% of the mortgage market and a similar share of deposits, though challengers like Macquarie, ING and regional banks (Bendigo & Adelaide, Bank of Queensland) nibble at edges.

In 2026, Australian banks have benefited from a record surge in share prices earlier in the year, with the sector up 11% in some periods amid solid earnings. However, threats loom: declining returns, competition from fintechs and potential regulatory changes on fees and lending standards.

CBA’s leadership by assets and market cap underscores its scale, but the sector’s concentration raises questions about competition and systemic risk. Investors view the Big Four as stable havens, with their combined market value forming a significant portion of the ASX 200.

As economic conditions evolve — with inflation, housing affordability and global factors in play — these banks’ strategies in digital banking, sustainability and customer experience will shape their future rankings.

Dr. Fritz Baumgartner is a cardiothoracic surgeon, educator, and medical ethics scholar based in Los Angeles. His career reflects a clear focus on patient care, technical excellence, and the deeper purpose of medicine.

Raised by immigrant parents who valued faith, discipline, and service, Dr. Baumgartner developed an early interest in medicine after a serious illness in his family. He went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude in Biology from Loyola Marymount University, earning the Karl Kadner Biology Award. He later completed his MD at UCLA School of Medicine, followed by surgical training at Harbor-UCLA and a cardiothoracic fellowship at the University of British Columbia.

In the mid-1990s, he served as Acting Head of the Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. There, he led complex surgical cases, including advanced cardiac procedures and high-risk trauma operations. His work in a county hospital setting exposed him to some of the most severe and advanced disease presentations.

Alongside his clinical work, Dr. Baumgartner has built a strong reputation in education. He has trained residents, fellows, and physician assistants, and received Preceptor of the Year honours in 2022. He also founded the Surgery 101 Technical Skills Boot Camp, offering a practical introduction to surgery for students.

His academic work focuses on the Hippocratic Oath and medical ethics. He continues to advocate for a patient-first approach, grounded in both science and moral responsibility.

Inside the Career of Dr. Fritz Baumgartner: Surgery, Ethics, and Purpose

Q: What first drew you to medicine?

I was about nine years old. My mother became very ill during pregnancy. I remember thinking that I wanted to help people like her. I made a promise to myself that I would spend my life helping the sick. That decision stayed with me.

Q: How did your upbringing shape your approach to your career?

My parents were immigrants. My mother grew up during the war in Germany. She told us stories about fear and survival. Faith was very important in our home. We were not wealthy, but we had strong values. That shaped how I see medicine. It is about service, not status.

Q: You trained at UCLA and Harbor-UCLA. What stood out during those years?

The intensity. At Harbor-UCLA, you see advanced disease and serious trauma. Patients often come in late. You have to act quickly and make difficult decisions. It forces you to focus on what matters most.

Q: You later became Acting Head of Cardiothoracic Surgery. What was that experience like?

It was demanding. We handled complex cardiac and thoracic cases daily. Aortic dissections, bypass surgeries, lung cancer resections. You are responsible for outcomes and for leading the team. It teaches discipline and clarity.

Q: Can you share a case that stayed with you?

One was a patient with a gunshot wound to the pulmonary hilus. That injury is often fatal. We were able to save the patient with a trauma pneumonectomy. It required quick thinking and teamwork. Those moments stay with you.

Q: You have also worked within the VA system. What did that involve?

I led the cardiac surgery programme at the Wadsworth VA for a period. I also directed a thoracoscopic surgery training programme. It was a chance to help develop surgical techniques and teach others.

Q: Education seems to be a major part of your work. Why is that important to you?

Medicine is passed down. You learn from those before you, and you teach those after you. I have worked with residents, fellows, and physician assistant students for many years. Teaching keeps you sharp and grounded.

Q: What led you to create the Surgery 101 Technical Skills Boot Camp?

I wanted to make surgery more accessible to students. Many programmes start with theory. I reversed it. Students learn hands-on skills first. That builds excitement. Then they are more engaged with the science behind it.

Q: You have written about the Hippocratic Oath. Why does it matter today?

It defines the purpose of medicine. It reminds us that the patient comes first. Modern systems can become complex. The Oath brings clarity. It is a moral anchor.

Q: How do you view the relationship between faith and science?

They are not in conflict. Truth is consistent. Science explains how things work. Faith helps guide why we do what we do. In medicine, both are important.

Q: What advice would you give to future surgeons?

Stay focused on the patient. Learn your craft well. Work hard. But do not lose sight of why you chose medicine. That purpose will guide you through difficult moments.

Operator

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Milestone Pharmaceuticals Fourth Quarter and Year-End 2025 Corporate Update Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I will now turn the call over to your host, Michael Wood of LifeSci Advisors. You may now begin your conference.

Michael Wood
Lifesci Advisors, LLC

Thank you, operator, and good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Milestone Pharmaceuticals Full-Year 2025 Financial Results and Business Update Conference Call. Earlier this morning, the company issued a press release providing an overview of its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025, and recent corporate highlights. The release can be accessed on the Investors and Media section of the company’s website, milestonepharma.com.

Before I begin, I’d like to remind everyone that some of the information presented on this conference call contains forward-looking statements under the securities laws. These forward-looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could cause actual clinical programs, future results, progress, timing, performances or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These risks and uncertainties associated with Milestone’s business and factors that could cause or contribute to such differences are described in detail in the company’s filings with the SEC, including in the Risk Factors section of the earnings report on Form 10-K