Weather tracker: Australia bushfires could be most dangerous since ‘black summer’

Torrential rain has led to severe flooding in the Pacific north-west, prompting Washington state to declare a state of emergency. Over 100,000 residents are under evacuation warnings as mudslides and submerged vehicles pose significant risks, with more rain expected on Sunday.

Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King has announced the opening of five new offshore exploration zones in Victoria's Otway basin as part of Australia's future gas strategy. This decision has been met with strong condemnation from the Greens and environmental groups, who label it an 'environmental betrayal' that contradicts the Labor government's climate commitments.

Australia has implemented a groundbreaking ban on social media access for individuals under the age of 16, effective December 10, 2025. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed pride in this world-leading initiative aimed at protecting minors from online risks, a move that has garnered significant public support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a U.S. peace plan that would require Ukraine to concede territories to Russia, particularly in the Donetsk region, where a proposed 'free economic zone' would be established. Zelensky emphasized that the plan demands Ukraine to withdraw its troops, which he finds unacceptable.

A skydiving incident in Australia left a skydiver suspended at 15,000 feet after his parachute became entangled with the tail of the aircraft. The situation escalated as the individual struggled to free himself from the dangerous predicament.

Reddit has filed a lawsuit in the High Court of Australia challenging a new law that bans individuals under the age of 16 from accessing major social media platforms. The company argues that this legislation infringes on the implied freedom of political communication in Australia, following a similar legal challenge initiated by a rights group last month.

Reddit has initiated a High Court challenge against Australia's new law that prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from accessing social media platforms, which took effect on December 10, 2025. The company argues that the law infringes on the implied freedom of political communication and imposes intrusive verification processes on users of all ages.

The Australian Health Minister has indicated that weight-loss drugs may be included in the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as early as next year, which could make these medications more accessible to the public. This potential inclusion reflects ongoing discussions about the rising rates of obesity and the need for effective treatment options in Australia.