Midday News Bulletin 18 September 2024

Donald Trump selects Elon Musk to lead a new government efficiency department; 900 million dollars up for grabs to incentivise states and territories to improve productivity and competition; And in football, Australia confirmed as a host city for the 2026 Women's Asia Cup.

Australia aims to mediate US-China trade tensions under second Trump administration; Australia-Indonesia flights disrupted due to volcanic ash; In tennis, Alex de Minaur’s ATP Finals hopes fade.

A driver has killed 35 people in China after ramming his car into a crowd; the Archbishop of Canterbury resigns over a church abuse scandal, and in rugby league, Roosters coach Trent Robinson calls for harsher penalties for dangerous tackles.

A long-awaited inquest to be held into the Westfield Bondi Junction stabbing rampage; The New South Wales Upper Hunter shaken by a magnitude 4.1 earthquake; And in sport, Cricket Australia to raise awareness for gender equality during the Women's Ashes.

Rex Airlines given a $80-million government hand out to keep regional routes in the air; The World Meteorlogical Organization warns of catastrophe as 2024 becomes the hottest year on record; And in sports, English Premier League referee David Coote suspended following a leaked video.

In this bulletin, 2024 is on track to be the warmest year on record as the COP29 climate conference gets underway in Azerbaijan; the Treasurer says Australia's partnership with the US stronger than ever despite expected economic shocks; and in cricket, Former Australia captain Michael Clarke lashes out after shock ODI loss to Pakistan.

A Vietnam War hero is awarded with Australia's highest military honour; A man has been crushed and killed by a wind turbine blade in Victoria; The Socceroos in high spirits ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia.

A minute's silence held to honour soldiers and veterans on Remembrance Day; Aldi executives questioned as part of the competition regulator's inquiry into supermarkets; Alex De Minaur loses to Jannik Sinner in his ATP Finals debut.

Remembrance Day services held to honour soldiers and veterans; The United Nations climate summit set to get underway; And in rugby league, the Jillaroos beat the Black Ferns to win the Pacific Cup.

New report shows sexual violence is still rife in the parliamentary workplace, Trump has taken the final state to be called in the U-S election, winning a total of 312 votes, The national talent search of the Olympics and Paralympics is underway.