Tuesday, 22 September 2026

CNN, MS NOW, Politico file lawsuit over Trump administration ban on White House access.

Extract from ABC News

A sign with the CNN logo posted on a glass wall, with a desk behind it.

The CNN booth at the White House. (AP: Alex Brandon)

In short:

CNN, MS NOW and Politico have asked a Washington court to reverse Donald Trump's decision to deny them White House access.

Reporters from the three major news outlets were blocked from the White House at the weekend over reporting that the US president described as "fake news".

Leading US networks later suspended televised pool coverage of Mr Trump in solidarity with CNN.

Australia joins global push for controls amid fears of runaway AI.

Extract from ABC News

A politician stands in front of the Australian flag.

Anthony Albanese is among 22 world leaders warning the pace of AI development "could outpace our ability to manage emerging risks”.  (Reuters: Hollie Adams)

In short:

Anthony Albanese is among 22 world leaders are urgently calling for global guardrails to ensure AI remains "under human control".

The leaders say efforts to ring-fence AI have been failing and rapid development of AI models now pose safety and security risks.

What's next?

The statement comes on the eve of the United Nations General Assembly where fears of runaway AI is expected to be a hot topic.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and more than a dozen world leaders have issued an urgent plea for global guardrails to ensure AI remains "under human control".

Two new stick insect species uncovered in Far North Queensland.

Extract from ABC News

A green stick insect on a leaf.

A female example of Anchiale mabiensis. (Supplied: Angus J. Emmott)

In short:

Two new species of stick insect have been identified in Far North Queensland during research conducted by the University of Sydney.

One species is only found in one area of rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands.

What's next?

Environmental managers say there needs to be more research into invertebrate species, which are often under-researched compared to other animal groups.

Some look to the stars in the hope of finding alien life forms, but others hunt for outlandish creatures living much closer to home.

Monday, 21 September 2026

Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including 'largest ever' attack on Moscow.

Extract from ABC News

A high-rise apartment building with damage on one side, the walls are black with a large hole in it, windows are broken

A multi-storey apartment building that local authorities said was hit by Ukrainian drones. (Reuters: Stringer)

In short:

Russia's Ministry of Defence said its forces shot down 1,100 Ukrainian drones across the country on Sunday.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said that 450 drones had been destroyed en route to the city, with an oil refinery and a residential building hit.

What's next?

The attack comes as Russia enters the third and final day of voting in its first wartime parliamentary election.

Ukrainian forces have fired more than 1,000 drones at Russia overnight, officials say, including what Moscow's mayor has described as the "largest ever" attack on the Russian capital.

Sunday, 20 September 2026

White House turns away CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters after Donald Trump's media ban.

Extract from ABC News

A blonde woman holding an empty card holder and speaking on camera.

CNN reporter Betsy Klein was one of the journalists who had her press pass confiscated. (AP: Jose Luis Magana)

In short: 

The White House has confiscated the press passes of journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, denying the reporters entry to the building's grounds.

It comes after US President Donald Trump announced yesterday he was banning the three media outlets from the White House and warned that other outlets will also be banned.

The media outlets have signalled they may contest the ban, while the White House Correspondents' Association says the ban violates press freedom protections enshrined in the US Constitution.

The White House has denied access to journalists from CNN, MS NOW and Politico, following through with US President Donald Trump's announcement yesterday that he would ban them from the building's grounds.

Rainfall brings 'super bloom' of Sturt's desert pea to outback SA.

Extract from ABC News

Feel good

By Olivia Mason

White and Red Sturt's Desert Peas in bloom.

Sturt's desert peas have sprung up near the border of South Australia and New South Wales (Supplied: Bella Gale)

In short:

Rainfall has prompted a super bloom of Sturt's desert peas across large parts of South Australia and New South Wales.

While typically red and black, variations seen this year in the outback include pink, white and purple flowers.

A horticulture curator says the seeds stay dormant for "many years" until the conditions are right to grow.

A perfect storm of weather conditions has seen South Australia's north erupt into a sea of colour with a super bloom of Sturt's desert peas.