Google's new website to assist Americans struggling with addiction

Google is launching a website called Recover Together that aims to help the estimated 20 million Americans currently struggling with addiction and the 23 million others who are in recovery.

 

The website launch coincides with National Recovery Month in the U.S., which aims to educate Americans about the benefits of substance use treatment and mental health services available.

 

U.S. to release identity of accused 9/11 hijacker aid

The U.S. Justice Department will reveal the identity of a person believed to be connected to the Saudi government and accused of aiding two of the 9/11 hijackers.

 

The name the Department plans to release comes from a 2012 FBI investigation into three people said to have assisted two of the hijackers in Southern California.

 

The other two names are already known.

 

News of the disclosure has come just one day after the 18th anniversary of the attack.

Australian university mistakenly offers early entry to hundreds of students

Western Sydney University is accused of “messing with vulnerable students” after mistakenly offering hundreds of students early entry to their Bachelor of Health Science degree.

 

The false offers were sent via text message and email to both high school students as young as 15 years old, as well as current university students in their second and third years of their degree.

 

The university posted to their Facebook page apologising for the error and is contacting all those affected.

 

Backstreet's back down under

Backstreet’s back, alright, with the world’s biggest-selling “boy band” confirming they will bring their DNA World tour to Australian arenas in May next year. 

Since the harmonic five AJ McLean, Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, Howie D and Kevin Richardson launched in the mid 1990s golden era for r&b flavoured pop, they are one of the few acts to not only maintain their fan base but remain one of the biggest groups on the planet.

Riverfire under question as bushfires continue across SEQ

There is doubt over whether Brisbane's annual Riverfire event will proceed, as bushfires continue to burn across the south- east.

 

The topic is sparking fierce debate in the community with many questioning if fireworks have a place in a modern society affected by climate change.

 

Acting Premier Jackie Trad says the current fire crisis is driven by climate change.

 

Passenger on Brisbane tourist boat falls through floor into toilet below

One of Brisbane's iconic tourist boats has crashed into an unknown object while carrying about 50 passengers, causing one person to fall through the floor and onto the lap of another passenger on the toilet below.

The impact smashed a hole into the upper deck of the Kookaburra Queen II, tearing a railing off.

A passenger said they heard a bang as another passenger fell through to the lower deck.

Ambulance crews treated people for minor injuries at Eagle Street Pier, where the ship docked, with three taken to hospital.

Lennon walls a symbol of rebellion and solidarity for Hong Kong pro-democracy protests

Supporters of the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests have spent months spreading messages in Post-it notes.

 

Throughout the city, the notes have become an enduring symbol of rebellion and solidarity with the protesters, who have fought for the past 14 weeks against what they say is the authoritarian creep of the Chinese government.

 

Australian couple detained in Iranian jail

After going missing 10 weeks ago, it's been revealed an Australian travel blogger couple are detained in a jail in Iran. 

 

After reportedly making their way through the north of China after visiting Pakistan, Perth couple Jolie King and Mark Firkin were detained in the Evin jail in Iran, reportedly for flying a drone without a license.