Saturday, 26 September 2026

Pope Leo says UN risks becoming 'charade' as he sounds alarm over AI.

 Extract from ABC News

A man wearing a red robe with a gold cross stands in front of a dozen different flags.

Pope Leo has warned the UN and other multilateral groups are in crisis during his visit to Paris. (Reuters: Remo Casilli)

In short: 

Pope Leo has made a wide-ranging speech during a major visit to Paris. 

The pontiff warned that multi-lateral organisations, such as the UN, were in crisis, and sounded the alarm over "losing our humanity" to AI. 

Without naming individuals, he also criticised world leaders who "disregard" the law. 

Pope Leo says that the United Nations and other multilateral groups are in crisis, warning in a speech at the Paris headquarters of the UN culture and education body, UNESCO, that international dialogue risk becoming a "charade". 

Brisbane stargazers capture stunning celestial images despite inner-city light pollution.

Extract from ABC News

By Emma Johnson

A man in an observatory moving a telescope.

Sudath Wijeratne has a hobby observatory at his home in Brisbane. (ABC News: Luke Bowden)

In short:

Astronomy photographers say Brisbane's night sky offers plenty to see despite light pollution.

New technologies, like smart telescopes, are making it easier to stargaze from home.

Although high-quality telescopes can cost thousands of dollars, amateur astronomers say the hobby can still be done on a budget.

Densely populated and polluted with light, major cities like Brisbane may not be the most obvious places to see the stars.

European leaders warn of imminent Russian threat to their countries.

Extract from ABC News

Analysis

By Laura Tingle

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Polish President Donald Tusk said there was a "real risk" Moscow's drones could fall in NATO territory.

One after the other they lined up to speak: national leaders warning of increasing imminent danger to their countries.

Friday, 25 September 2026

Palestinian Authority president Mahmoud Abbas sends video message to UN after 'unlawful' visa denial.

Extract from ABC News

Mahmoud Abbas is seen on a screen in the UN hall.

Mahmoud Abbas sent a video message after being denied a visa to attend the UN in New York. (Reuters: Caitlin Ochs)

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas has called on the US to stop blocking him from attending the UN, in a video-message beamed into the annual summit a day after Iran's president was allowed to address it in person.

Winter rainfall turns bush landscapes into lush oases of flora.

Extract from ABC News

Feel good

Close up of a branch with round yellow flowers and small green leaves.

Native wattle, also known as Acacia brachybotrya, is flowering all over the Riverland in South Australia at the moment. (ABC Riverland: Shannon Pearce)

Belinda Hansen lives on a remote 1922 homestead by the River Murray, on the border of New South Wales and Victoria.