Thousands without power as record-breaking temperatures stretch energy companies
More than 2,700 people are without power in north central Victoria where temperatures are expected to exceed 40 degrees due to an underground cable fault.
Adelaide is forecast to hit 45C, and the Bureau of Meteorology says the city's 80-year-old record high of 46.1C is within reach. However, the fault may not be fixed until at least 5pm.
Fire crews are on stand-by while extra paramedics and ambulances will be on call to assist those struggling in the heat.
One thousand Queenslanders go under the gamma knife
Brisbane doctors are celebrating the treatment of the 1000th cancer patient to undergo a non-invasive gamma knife technique since it’s introduction in 2015.
The Princess Alexandra Hospital is the only public hospital in the nation equipped with this technology, and one of only two of its kind in the country.
The machine uses cutting edge medical technology that focuses beams of gamma rays to precisely target tumours. The PA’s gamma knife recently underwent a $1.5 million upgrade, making it even easier to treat patients.
The $62 billion plan to keep SEQ’s commute under 45 minutes
South east Queensland’s mayors want to see 47 road and rail projects across the region completed to prevent total gridlock by 2041 at a local cost of $63 billion.
The plan was announced on Thursday morning with the release of a SEQ People Mass Movement Study, investigating the impact population growth was likely to have on transport issues.
One thousand Queenslanders go under the gamma knife
Image Source: Platonium
White supremacist pleads guilty to killing black man in New York to start ‘race war’
A white army veteran from Baltimore told investigators he spent several days stalking black men before he killed a 66-year-old man.
The man said it was “practice” for a larger attack he had planned for Times Square to incite a racial war on interracial dating.
Prosecutors of the hate crime said although New York is one of the safest cities in the US, the number of reported hate crimes has increased steadily since the 2016 election of President Donald Trump.
Uncertain future for refugees after Italy shuts asylum centre
The eviction of refugees from Italy’s second largest centre for asylum seekers has continued amid protests from locals and opposition leaders.
The evictions began on Tuesday when 30 people were taken away, and another 75 were seen leaving.
The recently passed "Salvini law" cracks down on asylum rights by abolishing humanitarian protection permits issued to people who do not qualify for refugee status but deemed as vulnerable and barring them from receiving aid.
The law is set to leave thousands of people undocumented and without rights in the next two years.
Calls for tougher English language requirements for international students
International students looking to study at Australian universities may face higher English language entry requirements after a push from Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
Under current requirements, those wanting a student visa need a score of at least 5.5 out of nine in the International English Language Testing System. While students need to pass, they do not need to resit the language test.
Screen industry jobs boost in QLD, with three major productions filming
Stars of movie and screen have descended on Queensland as filming begins on two major productions,and a third production well underway.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said history as well as television and movie magic was being made in Queensland.
She said there will be more jobs for our local screen industry with more money being generated into the local economy and Queensland being showcased to the world.
Brisbane’s Port Office Hotel closed indefinitely after fire
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services were called to a fire at Brisbane’s Port Office Hotel yesterday afternoon.
The fire which started in the kitchen was contained and the Heritage-listed Brisbane pub was saved from major structural damage.
No injuries were reported.
The venue is closed indefinitely, but the owners are determined to reopen soon.