Morning mail: Taliban speak to media, aged care threat, Pompeii discovery

Wednesday: Militants tell reporters they seek no revenge'. Plus: how to get kids to help around the house

Good morning. The Taliban have held their first press conference since taking power as Afghan Australians continue to fear for the safety of loved ones in the region. NSW Health is investigating what could be the first instance of Covid leaking into hotel quarantine. And if you need some lighter reads for your morning, Wil Anderson tells us about his knob of the year award" and we take a look back at the classic flick Chopper, 20 years on.

Western forces have secured Kabul's international airport, allowing mass airlifts out of the region as the Taliban say they seek no revenge" on opponents and that everyone will be forgiven" during their first press conference since taking power in Kabul on Sunday. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has said they do not seek internal or external enemies" and has encouraged people who fled to the airport with their families to return. The Taliban's efforts to project a milder version of themselves may be aimed at ensuring that international aid money continues.