Former anti-gay U.S. Congressman Comes out as gay
Controversial Ex U.S. congressman, Aaron Schock comes out as a homosexual man - with mixed reactions.
During his time in congress, Schock opposed lifting the ban on gays serving in the military and same-sex marriage. He also voted not to to extend hate crime preventions, to include gender identity and sexual orientation. Aaron left congress following his involvement with scandals entailing the alleged misuse of campaign funds.
Hydrogen industry starting up in Queensland
Three hydrogen industry champions have been appointed to help achieve the Palaszczuk Government’s vision for a successful hydrogen industry in Queensland.
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said these three champions will boost the profile of renewable hydrogen in their regions and promote the fast-emerging opportunities for renewable hydrogen in Queensland.
Indigenous Entrepreneurship Continues to Grow In Victoria
After running the world’s first Indigenous Accelerator in November 2016, Barayamal, an award-winning Indigenous accelerator has found that Indigenous Australians make up two per cent of Victoria’s startup founders while representing only one per cent of Victoria’s population.
LGBTQI+ activist Johnny Valkyrie is back at Drag Storytime
You might remember Johnny from the recent drag storytime protests. Johnny was one of the leading figures, in making sure that those who wanted to discriminate against drag artists reading to children, where held accountable for their bigoted views.
One of the mother’s who was unfortunately caught up in the original protest, said that at Johnny’s recent storytime that her “...kids really enjoyed it”
You catch Johnny next, at the Brisbane Square Library, at 11:30 am on Saturday the 14th of March.
Ergon-Energex encourages QLD community groups to apply for grants
Ergon-Energex are encouraging Queensland community groups to apply for grants of up to five thousand dollars, in areas that have been impacted by the recent bushfire crisis.
Executive General Manager for Community, Customer and Corporate Affairs Michael Dart says applications are welcome from any grassroots groups with big ideas to help their communities thrive.
Applications for the Ergon-Energex Community Fund close on Friday 27th of March. Visit energex.com.au/communityfund to apply and find out more information.
8AM ZEDLINES
With Brittney and Humira.
Image Credit: Qantas
2019 Labelled Second Hottest Year on Record
Independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration have recorded 2019 as the second hottest year on record.
The World Meteorological Organisation has also released records and their combined data indicates rapid warming over the past few decades.
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres says the measurable effects of climate change are mere indicators of more complications to come. He adds, “We have no time to lose if we are to avert climate catastrophe.”
Drag Race Disqualified Contestant
Sensitive content warning: This story mentions sexual harassment.
Last week was the premiere of the second half of season 12 of Rupaul’s Drag Race, however the award-winning show was shrouded in controversy, as contestant Sherry Pie was disqualified from the show after 7 men alleged she had used an alias to sexually harass them.
Due to the show being pre-recorded Sherry Pie will continue to appear in the season, except for the reunion and grand finale.
Qantas Group Reduces Services Amid Coronavirus Fears
The Qantas Group has announced that it will be reducing services by almost a quarter over the next six months in an effort to battle a decline in bookings amid coronavirus fears.
Qantas will reroute its most popular route to London via Perth and will delay its new Brisbane to Chicago flight until mid-September.
Jetstar will suspend flights to Bangkok and halve flights to Vietnam and Japan to reduce the possibility of its passengers contracting the virus - the equivalent of grounding 38 aircrafts.
Another Case of Coronavirus Confirmed at UQ
Another UQ student has been confirmed to have contracted Coronavirus after returning from Europe.
The student has been said to be on UQ’s Saint Lucia campus on Thursday 5th and Friday 6th March and was unknowingly infectious at the time.
Queensland Health will now call anyone who has been identified to have come into contact with the student during their time on campus.
University authorities have assured students that they are taking the best measures to protect the health of all students on campus.