Forty five per cent of Americans do not believe democracy is functioning properly according to an Associated Press poll.

The poll reflects a mistrust in political processes that was a hallmark of the 2020 presidential election.

Since the November election, confidence in democracy nearly halved among Republican voters while almost doubling with Democrats.

Palestinian leaders are meeting in Cairo today to discuss the occupied territories’ first elections in fifteen years.

President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah will negotiate with Hamas and twelve other political groups to plan against interference and assure the safety of voters in Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem.

Palestine’s political landscape has been fraught with conflict since the last elections in 2006, which Hamas won in an "unexpected landslide" and Fatah refuses to acknowledge.

Three new directors, including the chair have been appointed to the inaugural Agricultural Innovation Australia board

The directors bring experience from across government, private and industry sectors.

Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud says this is an exciting step as the board continues to drive investment in agricultural innovation this year.

Only 22% of the three hundred million dollar grant assistance scheme to rebuild after floods has been claimed by North Queensland farmers.

With an estimated 850 sheep and cattle properties eligible to apply for the money, the grants deadline is now being extended. 

Former Northern Territory chief minister Shane Stone says it’s disappointing the take up has been so poor.

The Palaszczuk Government’s move to increase regulation to farming near the Great Barrier Reef crushes plans of sugarcane growers.

Growers say the proposed new rules are unnecessary.

Cane growers chief executive Dan Galligan says the state government appears to be working at cross purposes when deciding to impose the measures on growers

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced this morning courts will be allowed to fit repeat-offending minors on bail with GPS trackers. 

Additionally, she says Gold Coast police officers will carry metal detecting wands to help combat knife crime in Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

These new laws follow a series of deaths and critical injuries due to minors stealing property.

Hackers in Florida have attempted to break into a water treatment facility and poison the water supply.

They increased the amount of sodium hydroxide in the water through a software program which regulates the chemicals. 

Authorities say the targeted treatment plant provides water to businesses and about 15 thousand residents.

The plant was able to override the attack and nobody was harmed, and the FBI has been called to launch further investigation.

Germany, Sweden and Poland are expelling three Russian diplomats from their respective countries in coordinated retaliation for identical measures taken by the Russians earlier this week. 

Russia expelled the EU diplomats after they allegedly participated in anti-Kremlin protests currently sweeping the country.

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office says Russia’s expulsion of its diplomat was "in no way justified" and defended their employee as he was merely observing developments.