Joe Biden has been officially nominated as the US Democratic presidential candidate following the commencement of the party’s national convention in Milwaukee.

Mr Biden’s appointment was accompanied by strong endorsements from former US presidents Bill Clinton and Jimmy Carter, with Mr Clinton describing the current administration as chaotic.

Former first lady Michelle Obama also voiced her support of Mr Biden, and Democratic party members are describing this election as arguably the most important in the nation’s modern history. 

Two men have died off Brisbane’s Moreton Bay following a capsize yesterday afternoon.

Authorities are yet to confirm the identities of the men, but Inspector David Candale says police believe they were the only two on board at the time of the capsize.

Brisbane Water Police and a Rescue Helicopter rushed one of the men to the Princess Alexandra Hospital where he later died. The other man was found dead at the scene. 

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued further comments following his announcement that the federal government would be rolling out mandatory coronavirus vaccinations.

The Prime Minister says he is hopeful a successful vaccine is on its way; but that such a vaccine will not be made compulsory if and when it is ready.

The Australian Government has signed a letter of intent with UK drug group AstraZeneca in an attempt to secure a supply of a potential vaccine, and are looking to reach a formal agreement in the coming days.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein has defended his decision to extend the state’s border lockdowns until the 1st of December this year.

The decision has been met with public backlash following its announcement at a media conference on Tuesday, but the Premier maintains that lessons have been learned from the experience of Victoria.

Premier Gutwein says that if circumstances drastically change and it becomes safe to do so, borders could be opened earlier, but that Tasmanian residents should plan for December 1st. 

Queensland Health Authorities have issued a warning to Brisbane residents after a woman tested positive to COVID-19.

Queensland's Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young says a health alert has been issued for a Virgin flight from Brisbane to Sydney on Monday, and to patrons of Greenslopes cafe “The Jam Pantry” on Sunday.

Dr Young says Queensland Health are still determining where the virus may have been acquired, but in the meantime are urging Brisbane locals to monitor their health and get tested immediately if symptoms develop.

Local villagers are joined by environmental activists to remove hydropower pipes in protest over the Rakitska river in south-eastern Serbia. 

These pipes  serve a new hydroelectric power plant on a nearby river which locals fear could deprive livestock of water and devastate fish stocks. 

Locals at the scene stress the importance of the river for the community and say if there's no river, there's nothing left.

Arctic sea ice could disappear in 15 years faster than climate models predicted.

Research published in the journal, Nature Climate Change, discovered due to vanishing sea ice, the Arctic may start seeing an ice-free period as early as 2035.

Climate Scientist and Lead Author of the paper, Maria-Vittoria Guarino said at the British Antarctic Survey says, ‘now we know what have to be ready for it.’

Magpie season is starting up again earlier than usual - and it could be due to climate change. 

Behavioural ecologist Darryl Jones says  ‘warmer winters and rising temperatures across Australia is likely causing magpies to nest earlier’. As magpies typically nest in the warmer months, the rise is temperate could lengthen yearly swooping seasons.  

South Australia's Department for Environment suggests staying calm and moving quickly to avoid being swooped in these coming months.