3 h. ago Australia news LIVE: More parliamentarians embroiled in expenses scandal; Teens face day two of social media ban

Follow along as we bring you the latest live news updates from Australia and around the world.

Politics

3 h. ago Federal Reserve cuts US interest rates in another divided vote

The central bank reduced its key interest rate for the third time in a row but signalled that it may leave rates unchanged in the coming months, a move that could attract ire from President Donald Trump.

Politics

4 h. ago Australians to be forced to provide their social media to enter the US

Applying for a visa waiver is also set to get more complicated under the new plan, with authorities seeking to collect far more detailed information including biometrics, IP addresses and metadata and family histories.

Politics

4 h. ago ASX set to rise, Wall Street steady ahead of Fed rates decision

The US stock market remains largely quiet on Wednesday as Wall Street waits to hear what the Federal Reserve will say in the afternoon about where interest rates may be heading.

Politics

4 h. ago This Sydney council wanted to rebuild a surf club. Its own planners had other ideas

A council plan to splash millions rebuilding one of Sydney’s most well-known surf clubs is in trouble after an internal assessment called for the project to be stopped.

Politics

7 h. ago At least 22 killed in building collapse in Moroccan city popular with tourists

Witnesses at the scene reportedly said the buildings in the densely populated area had shown signs of cracking for some time.

Events

12 h. ago 19 killed in building collapse in Moroccan city popular with tourists

Search and rescue operations are ongoing after two adjacent buildings collapsed in the country’s second-largest city.

Events

12 h. ago 22 killed in building collapse in Moroccan city popular with tourists

Search and rescue operations are ongoing after two adjacent buildings collapsed in the country’s second-largest city.

Events

12 h. ago Australia social media ban as it happened: PM lauds decision as children under 16 barred from social media in world

Australia’s social media ban is now in effect, with children under 16 barred from some of the most popular social media apps in the world. Look back on our live coverage.

Politics

14 h. ago Miss Universe contestant suffered serious head injury in stage fall, update reveals

Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry requires constant medical supervision weeks after falling off the stage in Bangkok.

Events

17 h. ago ‘It didn’t work bro I’m still here’: Kids brag as they beat social media ban

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spent the morning speaking about Australia’s world-first legislation being a success while teens were flooding his social media comments with a different story.

Politics

17 h. ago This dystopian fable is a critique of our current fractured world

Journalist George Packer, best known for his work in The New Yorker and The Atlantic, has turned his hand to fiction

Politics

18 h. ago ‘What’s your name?’ Moment police found Mangione eating McDonald’s after shooting

The restaurant manager called 911, concerned the customer sitting alone in a back corner resembled the man wanted over a brazen killing days earlier.

Events

19 h. ago I wrote the book on anxious kids. It doesn’t matter if this ban isn’t perfect

The American author of The Anxious Generation writes that parents around the world are cheering on Australia as its pioneering social media law comes into effect today.

Politics

21 h. ago ‘Backdoor way to control access’: World reacts to social media ban

As Australia brings in the world’s first social media ban for teenagers, other countries are watching closely and many want to introduce similar measures.

Politics

21 h. ago ‘Parents need help’: US Republicans back Australia’s social media ban as tech groups attack

Australia’s move has galvanised advocates for reform in the United States, despite lobby groups claiming the Australian ban will “severely disadvantage” US companies.

Politics

21 h. ago Vanishing act: The Anika Wells expenses exclusive pulled by News Corp

The media company’s free mass-market news site, news.com.au, snagged a red-hot story, so why did it spike it a few hours later?

Politics

21 h. ago Stakeknife: British agent inside IRA committed murders with MI5’s knowledge

UK security services protected the spy – despite his links to more than a dozen killings, abductions and torture during the Troubles – and suppressed the truth about for him decades, a new report reveals.

Events

21 h. ago Australian delight, English woe: Cummins boosts attack for Adelaide Test

Skipper Pat Cummins’ impending return strengthens an Australian attack that has had little trouble claiming 20 wickets in each of the first two Tests.

Events

21 h. ago ‘Figured it would stick’: NZ police officer makes arrest 20,000 kilometres from home

Mark Strongman was at the Tower of London as a tourist with his family. But the moment he heard a commotion ahead of him, he kicked into work mode.

Events