9AM ZEDLINES - 29 SEPTEMBER
By 4ZZZ reporters Hannah Davies and Norma Hilton.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
WHO plans fast and cheap COVID-19 tests for poor countries
The World Health Organisation has announced middle and low income countries will receive over 100 million diagnostic tests for coronavirus.
The WHO will offer tests to poorer countries at $5 each over the next six months, depending on funding.
While the tests are not as reliable as regular PCR nasal swab tests, they are faster, cheaper and easier to run.
India vows to fight coronavirus “for all humanity”
India is moving ahead with phase 3 of clinical trials of a coronavirus vaccine.
During the virtual UN General Assembly on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said as the world's biggest vaccine maker, the country will use its resources "for all humanity" in the battle against coronavirus,
India crossed 6 million cases, recording around 89,000 new infections. It is now the country with the most number of cases after the United States.
Cardinal George Pell to depart Sydney for Rome six months after acquittal
Cardinal George Pell will travel to Rome today, six months after he was acquitted of child sexual abuse by Australia’s High Court.
Cardinal Pell has been living in Sydney since his release from a Victorian jail.
He served a year of a six-year jail sentence before the High Court released him.
Bushfire season likely to be affected by COVID-19
Acting Chief Officer of Victoria’s Country Fire Authority, Garry Cook says COVID-19 guidelines have influenced training and community fire preparation in Victoria this bushfire season.
In Queensland, online training has in some cases replaced face-to-face training.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s Spring Outlook continues to predict higher than average rainfall and lower than average temperatures for all states of Australia except Tasmania.
But authorities urge Australians to remain hypervigilant this bushfire season.
Queensland Police introduce online form to stop misgendering
Queensland Police have introduced an online form for trans and non-binary people to update their gender identity.
The form will allow people to update their details without attending a police station.
Queensland Police said this will prevent people from being referred to as their previous name, which may not have otherwise been updated in the system.
It is hoped this form will lead to an increase in people reporting crime.
US TV shows to boost Queensland film industry
3 Universal Studio Group television series, Young Rock, Joe Exotic and Irreverent are set to be filmed in Queensland over the next 18 months.
The shows will start filming in Screen Queensland's Brisbane studios and locations across the south-east and the far north of the state this month.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the productions will contribute $143 million to the state's economy.
28 September - 12pm Zedlines
By 4ZZZ reporters Chelsea and Estelle.
Image Credit: Tourism Tropical North Queensland.
Global coronavirus death toll to reach one million
The number of deaths caused by the coronavirus pandemic is likely to reach one million in the next 24 hours according to the New York times.
On Sunday morning, the global total stood at 993,600 in their database.
The virus has been detected in nearly every country, with India leading in the number of daily virus-related deaths as they recorded 7700 deaths per day, followed by the US with 5000 deaths per day and then Brazil and Mexico.
Donald Trump avoids paying income tax for over a decade
A breaking report by the New York Times has revealed US President Donald Trump paid just $750USD of Income Tax during his first year in office.
Additionally, the report found that for 10 years prior, Mr Trump had paid no income tax at all, allegedly losing more money than he had made.
He dismissed the report during a news conference this morning, citing it as “fake news.”