Here’s a look at what’s making news around the country today.

Economy

Australia’s annual inflation eased in January after record interest rate hikes

The lower-than-expected inflation rate may indicate that the worst of the price increases could be over after Australia’s yearly inflation slows down to 7.4 per cent for January this year, hinting that the nastiest of commodity price increases could be over, The Guardian has reported. January’s inflation figure is lower than the 8.1 per cent CPI prediction of economists due to a record run of interest rate hikes. Signs of easing price pressures include fruit and vegetables dropping 2.3 per cent for the period. The increase for food and non-alcoholic beverages for January was also lower at 8.2 per cent than the 9.5 per cent annual surge in December.

Business

ACCC to probe businesses over exaggerated claims of environmental credentials

Several businesses will be probed by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for possible overstatement of claims of environment-friendly investment and products after reviewing 247 businesses, Reuters has reported. In a sweep made last October, the Commission listed elusive and undisclosed claims, absence of substantiating information, use of incomplete claims and comparisons, and overstating benefits or omitting pertinent data as among the concerns found. ACCC reported around 57 per cent of the businesses across eight sectors reviewed during the sweep were identified as having made “concerning claims” about their environmental credentials. ACCC will conduct further study of the issues and will undertake enforcement, compliance, and education activities where appropriate.

Entertainment

TV personality Peter van Onselen leaves Channel Ten

Channel Ten reporter Peter van Onselen will be leaving the network, News Corp papers have reported. Mr Onselen has left another void in the network after a string of high-profile exits. The network has yet to announce what will happen with its political coverage. Mr Onselen has decided to return to academia, leaving his daily political news role. The troubled network is also in hot water after its news program The Project copping backlash over a crude Jesus sex joke made by co-host Sarah Harris. The incident happened on Tuesday night’s show when queer comic Reuben Kaye—who was speaking about the hate he receives for his sexuality and for dressing up in drag, particularly from the Christian community—made a controversial remark. Australia’s Christian and Muslim communities are planning to protest at Channel Ten’s office over the scandal despite apologies made by Mr Kaye and Ms Harris.

Sports

Australian Formula Open season starts

The maiden Australian Formula Open season starts this weekend at Winston with a 21-car ‘Wings and Slicks’ grid to fill the void for the country’s upcoming youth in the open wheel scene, giving the teams the experience in the cars currently lying dormant, AutoAction reports. Joining up with the NSW Formula Race Car Association at the Winton Motor Raceway, the opening round will feature a selection of Formula 3, Formula 4, Formula Renault/Renault and other invited ‘Wings and Slicks’ cars. Eleven teams will field a talented field of 21 drivers, with a good spread of machinery, which will grow in number as the series gains traction. The opening round of the Australian Formula Open powered by RaceFuels Championship commences this Friday with official practice, before qualifying and racing across Saturday and Sunday at Winton Raceway.