Sunday, August 23, 2026
A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration's ban on issuing visas to citizens of 75 countries is illegal, finding it discriminated on the basis of nationality. The policy had justified itself by claiming nationals from those countries were likely to require public assistance — a rationale the court rejected.
Iran has warned surrounding nations that any state joining the US-led economic campaign against Tehran will be treated as an enemy, with its interests targeted in retaliation. The threat comes as the US moves to isolate Iran financially, and Iran has separately granted selective passage rights through the Strait of Hormuz to Iraqi oil tankers after Iraq pledged its territory won't be used to attack other states.
A long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport in South Australia has tested positive for H5 bird flu, marking the virus's first confirmed kill of a mammal on the Australian mainland. Officials are warning of potentially "significant losses" ahead as the strain continues spreading geographically.
Tropical Storm Moke has advanced toward Hawaii with heavy rain and strong winds, striking just days after Hurricane Lala already devastated the region. The National Weather Service is warning of flooding and mudslides, with Hawaii's Big Island bearing the brunt for the second consecutive week.
The editor of a US military newspaper has been fired and is publicly voicing fears about censorship, raising concerns about press freedom within the armed forces. The case adds to a pattern of friction between the Trump administration and institutions with independent editorial traditions.
