Miss USA, Sarah Rose Summers, has apologised after claims of bullying other Miss Universe contestants. 

In a live video posted on Instagram, Ms Summers discussed the english speaking abilities of Miss Vietnam and Miss Cambodia and how the experience would be so “isolating” and “confusing” for them. 

The comments came with major backlash with social media users describing the remarks as mocking, bigoted, and racist.

Vinny's and  The Salvation Army are asking Australians to avoid using their local op shops as rubbish disposals, in order to prevent charities spending millions in waste disposal. 

An Alice Springs Salvation Army representative says that they have been spending more than $20,000 annually on waste disposal and that “items like second-hand mattresses with stains and rips, items like scratched tables and broken off legs are not helpful to [their] cause and... takes money away from [them] being able to help the communities.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s proposed national integrity commission model has been slammed by senior lawyers as a disaster.  

Mr Morrison and Attorney-General, Christian Porter revealed their proposal for an anti-corruption commission on Thursday, arguing it was the most sensible way to deal with allegations of misconduct and corruption in the public sector.

Queensland’s coastal shark numbers are continuing a 50-year decline, in sharp contradiction to beliefs that the population is ‘exploding’, according to an analysis of Queensland Shark Control Program data.

University of Queensland and Griffith University researchers analysed data from the program, which has used baited drum lines and nets since 1962 to minimise human-shark interactions.

Researcher Dr George Roff said that the findings show large apex sharks such as hammerheads, tigers and white sharks, have declined by 74 to 92 per cent along Queensland’s coast.

Two additional buildings have been completed at the new Baringa State Primary School in Caloundra South, ready for the start of the 2019 school year.

The Palaszczuk Government invested $35 million into providing a world-class primary school for the emerging Caloundra South community, with these new facilities part of that commitment.

Minister for Education Grace Grace said the construction of a special education unit and senior student block formed part of the Stage Two works.

German journalist, Billy Six, has been charged with espionage in Venezuela and is being held in an infamous prison according to German foreign ministry and advocacy groups.

Billy’s father asserts that Billy was in Venezuela investigating drug trafficking activities and is now being detained illegally by Venezuelan authorities.

Diplomatic officials have not been able to see Billy and some fear for his physical and mental health inside a prison known for its frequent prison riots and suspicious deaths.

The controversial South African artists Ayanda Mabulu has been arrested in Johannesburg for displaying a painting of the disgraced Afrikaner businessman, Markus Jooste, receiving oral sex from a black woman.

Markus had recently stepped down as CEO of global retail group Steinhoff a year ago after it was accused of accounting irregularities.

A spokesperson for Ayanda says “the painting has been inspired by the hold of white monopoly capitalism has had on South Africa”; police have not given a reason for Ayanda’s arrest.

Perth-based technology start-up OncoRes Medical has been recognised internationally for its work in attempting to improve the outcome of cancer surgery.

The Western Australian company was announced as one of three winners at the London held finals of a competition that identifies emerging startups across the globe.

OncosRes Medical is developing a surgical imaging tool that in essence turns what surgeons can feel into something they can see, creating a digital image of the tissue.

There are fears a plan to raise Warragamba Dam wall will put a vulnerable-listed bird at further risk.

The painted honeyeater was discovered by Australian National University researcher Ross Crates last week, where it had not previously been seen.

Mr Crates says that the bird is one of a number of threatened species that will lose its habitat if the dam wall is raised.