Bolivia approves first same-sex union

Bolivia’s civil registry authorised a same-sex civil union for the first time after a two-year legal battle. 

David Aruquipa, a 48-year-old businessman, and Guido Montano, a 45-year-old lawyer, were initially denied the right to register their union in 2018 by authorities in Bolivia, who said the country’s laws did not allow same-sex marriage.

Bangladesh launches world’s largest “climate refugee” project

Bangladesh launched the world's largest "climate refugee" project in Cox's Bazar, a city in the south-east of the country. 

The project will house a growing number of people forced to flee their homes because of climate change and a failing economy.

Bangladesh is one of the worst affected countries of global warming despite having one of the lowest carbon footprints. 

The ACT could legalise small amounts of illicit drugs

Labour’s Michael Pettersson has announced he will be introducing a bill to the ACT Legislative Assembly next year to decriminalise possession of illicit substances. 

Advocates believe Australia’s prohibition approach to stop drug use has failed and legalising possession would give drug users better access to health services. 

If passed, those found with a small amount of drugs would not face criminal charges, but would be issued a $100 civil fine and be sent to a health program.

Cricket Australia investigate possible COVID-19 protocol breach

Cricket Australia are investigating members of the Brisbane Heat after they allegedly breached COVID-19 protocol.

Chris Lynn and Dan Lawrence were allowed to play in last night’s match in Canberra, despite having close contact with members of the public over the weekend.

This is Cricket Australia’s first COVID-19 protocol breach of the domestic season as the women’s BBL went without incident.

High tides for coastal Queensland after weekend of rain

Queensland coastal regions are expecting more high tides as tides are reaching 30 centimetres higher than usual.

Since Friday, the state has endured hundreds of millimetres of rainfall and winds of up to 100 kilometres per hour.

The Bureau of Meteorology are expecting storms to ease today as the rain moves down south.

 

Queensland Strawberry farmers on mission to create pure white strawberry

The Queensland Department of Agriculture in the Sunshine Coast are on a quest to breed an all new white strawberry.

Senior scientist Jodi Neal and her team have created 12 new strawberry varieties in recent years, with this being the most recent.

Dr Neal wants consumers to have greater variety when they shop for the loved fruit, as well as improve shelf-life, fruit quality, disease resistance and climate tolerance.

Lachlan X. Morris: Muscle Memory

<p><span><span>- Prolific, eclectic and downright brilliant, Lachlan X. Morris is at it again, releasing the fourth in a stream of powerful albums. Latest instalment, <em>Muscle Memory</em> is a foot-stomping romper which conjures some of the essence of classic rock while maintaining Morris’ penchant for experimentation. </span></span></p>

Rafeef Ziadah: Three Generations

<p><span><span>- Rafeef Ziadah is a Palestinian poet, activist &amp; spoken word performer who currently lives in London. She has just released her third album, <em>Three Generations</em>, with music written by and production provided by Brisbane based singer &amp; activist <strong>Phil Monsour</strong>.</span></span></p>