AU Edition - Today's top story: Trump declares victory in Greenland, but the deal exposes a deeper crisis of trust September 21, 2026 AU Edition   After months of demanding the United States take “total control” over Greenland – including refusing to rule out military force – President Donald Trump has announced he has struck a deal with the governments of Greenland and Denmark. In trademark fashion, Trump has declared the new security deal a personal triumph, but as Shannon Brincat and Juan Cáceres write, Denmark and Greenland have confirmed the deal in more subdued terms. On the face of it, it seems like everyone wins: Trump gets to declare victory, Denmark and Greenland get to keep nominal sovereignty, and NATO avoids a rupture. But there is a more troubling reading, too – and it rings alarm bells for democracy.   Amanda Dunn Politics + Society Editor       Trump declares victory in Greenland, but the deal exposes a deeper crisis of trust Shannon Brincat, University of the Sunshine Coast; Juan Zahir Naranjo Cáceres, University of the Sunshine Coast When a loyal ally can be squeezed over land inside its own territory, collective defence starts to look like an open protection racket. Canada is managing migration without taking a sledgehammer approach. Here’s how Australia can, too Alan Gamlen, Australian National University As the debate over migration policy continues, it’s not too late for the government to address the pitfalls of its plan by looking to its Canadian counterparts. After the EU’s offer to Canada, could Australia also embrace a ‘Eurovision’? Tim Harcourt, University of Technology Sydney In a hostile trading world, mid-sized nations are forging new relationships. Canada has the right idea. Australia set for 39 million people by mid-2060s – but slower population growth Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra The Intergenerational Report projects population growth slowing from an average of 1.4% a year over the last 40 years to 0.9% a year over the coming four decades. School holidays are coming. Here’s how families can keep some sort of routine Tianyi Ma, The University of Queensland There is no single ‘best’ family routine. But a good routine should be predictable for children and sustainable for the whole family. Are girls getting their periods earlier? And can parents do anything about it? Jodie Avery, Adelaide University ; Shae Maple, Adelaide University Some parents, who are concerned about their daughters ‘growing up too early’, are trying to delay their child’s first period. Personality tests, dodgy reward programs, AI bots: how rent tech platforms make renting a ‘dehumanising’ experience Samantha Floreani, Monash University Rent tech is an unavoidable part of modern renting – and renters have little control over what data they have to give up and what happens to it afterwards. Politics + Society How the government’s new immigration policy will cause more trauma for victim-survivors of domestic violence Marie Segrave, The University of Melbourne The changes run the risk that more women will remain silent and be forced to remain in violent and dangerous situations. The government’s migration policy prioritises knee-jerk politics over careful planning Peter McDonald, The University of Melbourne The government’s migration policy announcement was long-awaited, but the contents ultimately fell short of expectations. The International Olympic Committee wants mental health screening in elite sports. Here’s why Rosemary Purcell, The University of Melbourne The mythology of the bullet-proof athlete often obscures the reality of elite sport’s mental toll. How rural policing gaps can make escaping domestic violence harder Kyle J.D. Mulrooney, University of New England Rural and regional areas bear a disproportionate burden of domestic violence. Distance, police staffing and station hours aren’t the only barriers to seeking help. Health + Medicine I love my skincare routine. Do I have a body image problem? Gemma Sharp, Adelaide University Spending time on skincare can be enjoyable, creative and soothing. But sometimes this self-care can be concerning. Could it be ‘cosmeticorexia’? New Zealand will be ‘super-aged’ within a decade. Are our cities ready? Mike Annear, Lincoln University, New Zealand; Richard Keith Wright, Auckland University of Technology; Sara Napier, Auckland University of Technology Most older New Zealanders live in private homes. As the population ages, making streets, transport and public spaces work for them will become crucial. Business + Economy As AI reshapes jobs and workers change industries, employers need to be more flexible too Marzena Baker, Australian Catholic University Most career changers rely on their networks to move to a new industry, new research shows. Environment + Energy It’s getting easier to live off-grid – but it comes with certain costs Magnus Söderberg, Griffith University; Anis ur Rehman, Griffith University; Mohammad Sanjari, Griffith University; Peyman Akhgar, Griffith University People who have extra funds, suitable homes and a desire to be self-sufficient may consider disconnecting from the grid. Science + Technology We found the hidden force that created two chains of underwater volcanoes running side by side Ben Mather, The University of Melbourne; Maria Seton, University of Sydney A new study unearths the deep Earth connection between Lord Howe Island and its sibling chain of drowned volcanoes. Arts + Culture When does being ‘apolitical’ become a political act? An ethicist on the Ed Sheeran saga Jacqueline Boaks, Curtin University Being ‘apolitical’ sounds like being neutral – but it isn’t. Can Macklemore’s removal from the Loop tour over his ‘free Palestine’ stance be defended at all? Books + Ideas California is a new republic in Exit Party, a dystopia set in 2031. What happens next? Seth Robinson, The University of Melbourne Emily St John Mandel’s new novel presents divergent visions of our world and future – particularly of the US as a state at a crossroads. Your Say I found the article about good data centres, 'What does a good data centre future look like? And how do we get there?', to be a hopeful change to the commentary about water, land and energy use by other media. However, like most other sources I've read, this one didn't comment about the need to ensure substantial taxes or royalties are actually paid by these companies. At this point it seems to me that our politicians are blindly – or irresponsibly – walking into another free gas debacle. — Linda Black, Ferntree Gully VIC Read the article What makes housing 'affordable'? Is there a percentage of the income table? Who dictates affordability? Companies are being given incentives to build these homes but we don’t hear about the incomes of the people waiting for them. Are they for rent or to buy? We need a deeper conversation and understanding of what rights and expectations the community has about a safe place to live. — Pamela Curr   We'd love to hear from you. Each day we publish an edited selection of your views on our stories. 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