Israeli president Benjamin Netanyahu continues to support Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman after the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mr Netanyahu’s first public comments on the Khashoggi affair described it as ‘horrendous’ but stressed the importance of Saudi Arabia’s stability on the world stage.

While the two countries have no formal diplomatic relations, Israel considers Saudi Arabia central to its efforts to counter Iran’s influence in the Middle East.

A storm in Sicily, causing widespread flooding has killed 12. Italian emergency services have declared 9 of the victims come from a single family holidaying in the area of Palermo.  

This storm has seen a government cabinet meeting, providing 1.5 billion US dollars to aid storm ravaged communities, as well as introduce safe cleaning of river beds and hydrogeological conditions.

Virgin Australia has outlined its decision to allow priority boarding towards veterans and members of the Australian Defence Force.   

Defence Industry Minister Steve Ciobo says it was “tremendous” for Virgin to commemorate servicemen and women.

Veterans’ Affairs Minister Darren Chester praised the announcement, however suggested veterans may prefer discounted airline tickets.  

The Federal Government has also announced a jobs program for veterans, to increase employment opportunities.

Liberal MP Peter Dutton’s constitutional eligibility is under attack after Wentworth by-election winner Kerryn Phelps declared she is seeking an urgent briefing on the matter.

Mr Dutton could face disqualification from parliament if it is found his business interests in federally subsidised childcare financially benefit from his role in government.

Queensland’s new recycling scheme has been declared a success after 1.5 million cans, plastic bottles and stubbies were collected in its first weekend.

‘Container’s for Exchange’ offers a 10 cent return for every container, paid directly into bank accounts via an app.

Envirobank opened 40 shops in one day for the scheme, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.

Documents obtained under freedom of information laws show a wealthy Queensland family have lobbied government officials to redirect the Australian Government’s inland rail project to be closer to the family’s private airport.

The $10 billion Brisbane-to-Melbourne rail line had been diverted, with emails between Dennis Wagner and government officials seen as a key reason for the redirection towards the private airport.  

The EU’s efforts to keep Northern Ireland in the single market continue to hinder the final stages Brexit negotiations.

The British negotiating team accuse Brussels of trying to annexe the province and say a hard border would threaten the constitutional integrity of the United Kingdom.

EU officials and diplomats say there has been an evolution in the commission’s thinking but the chances of finding a compromise this week remains 50 - 50.

The US Midterm elections on November 6th is being described as “extremely important for American history”, with a referendum on the state of the country’s leadership expected.

The future of issues such as tax regulation, immigration, border protection, abortion and healthcare are expected to be determined as a result of the midterms.

The current Republican control of the House, as well as the numerous Governor races across the US show a possibility for Democratic control under current predictions.