Commonwealth Bank (CommBank) customers across Australia faced widespread frustration on January 28, 2026, after a major outage disrupted access to online banking services.

 

The outage impacted both the CommBank app and NetBank platform, leaving users unable to check balances or make payments until service was restored late in the afternoon.

 

This disruption follows a similar technical issue in October 2025, highlighting growing concerns over the reliability of digital banking platforms.

 

As more bank branches close—Australia saw a 5% reduction nationwide between 2024 and 2025—the shift to online banking is raising accessibility concerns, particularly in regional areas.

 

In response, CommBank has promised to keep regional branches open until at least mid-2027 and invested over $60 million in network upgrades, aiming to bolster both digital and in-person services.

 

Yet, recurring outages have customers questioning the preparedness of banks and pressing for stronger, more dependable digital infrastructure.

Brisbane endured its hottest Australia Day in over two decades, hitting a searing 38°C, with some regions facing temperatures up to 8°C above average.

 

Senior meteorologist Baden Gilbert remarked that this could be the city’s hottest January 26 since 1998, as inland zones like the Lockyer Valley neared 40°C, while Toowoomba reached 35°C.

 

The Gold and Sunshine Coasts saw milder heat, peaking in the low 30s. Northern Queensland, meanwhile, braced for heavy rainfall, with the Bureau of Meteorology forecasting up to 180mm of rain in Cairns by midweek and flood warnings already active.

 

Sunshine Coast health expert Dr. Nicolas Smoll advised vigilance, urging residents to stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on at-risk neighbors as humidity and soaring temperatures increase heat exhaustion risk.

 

Authorities encourage everyone to take the heatwave seriously and watch for signs of heat stroke, emphasizing community care as beach crowds are expected to grow in the coming days.

Brisbane music fans, get ready — Ed Sheeran is officially heading back to Brisbane with three massive Loop Tour shows at Suncorp Stadium in February 2026.

The global superstar will take over Suncorp Stadium in Milton for three consecutive nights, giving locals multiple chances to catch one of the world’s biggest live performers right here in Brisbane.

📍 Brisbane Dates & Venue

All shows will take place at Suncorp Stadium, Milton, and are licensed all-ages events, making them perfect for families, couples, and fans of all ages.

Confirmed Brisbane dates:
• Friday 20 February 2026
• Saturday 21 February 2026
• Sunday 22 February 2026

Each night promises a full stadium production, featuring Ed Sheeran’s signature loop-pedal performances, crowd-favourite hits, and a high-energy live atmosphere that has made his tours some of the most talked-about in the world.

🎟️ Where to Buy Tickets

For Brisbane fans, it’s important to know that AXS is the only authorised ticket seller for the Suncorp Stadium shows.

Tickets for all three Brisbane dates are now on general sale via AXS. To find tickets, search for “Ed Sheeran Suncorp Stadium AXS” and select your preferred show date — for example, Friday 20 February 2026 (5:30 pm listing) — to view availability and pricing.

Fans are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets only through authorised sellers to avoid scams or invalid tickets, especially for a high-demand event like this.

🎤 A Big Moment for Brisbane’s Live Music Scene

Ed Sheeran’s return to Brisbane is shaping up to be one of the city’s biggest live music events of 2026. With three stadium shows scheduled, the Loop Tour is expected to draw fans from across Queensland and interstate — giving Brisbane a major boost in live entertainment buzz.

If you’ve been waiting for a reason to plan a night out (or three) in February, this might just be it.

🐝 Stay tuned to Brissy Buzz for more major event updates, local news, and what’s happening around Brisbane.

Rachel Bloor of Brisbane awoke to a startling discovery when a two-and-a-half-meter carpet python slithered onto her bed late Monday night.

 

Initially mistaking the pressure for her dog, she quickly realized the truth and called out to her husband, who helped secure their pets before she calmly guided the snake out the window.

 

Bloor, familiar with rural wildlife, admitted she was more unsettled by the thought of a toad than the python.

 

This unusual encounter highlights a surge in snake sightings across Brisbane, as warm weather and urban sprawl drive more snakes into local homes.

 

Snake catcher Kurt Whyte explained that residential areas now offer prime habitats, urging residents to keep windows closed and seek professional help if they spot a snake.

 

Staying aware and informed can help Brisbane locals safely share their city with native wildlife.