Saudi Arabia suspends Toronto flights, expels Canadian ambassador
Saudi Arabia’s state airline is suspending flights to and from Toronto, the latest in a series of measures announced by the kingdom in its diplomatic dispute with Canada.
The move came hours after Riyadh expelled the Canadian ambassador over alleged interference in Saudi domestic affairs after Ottawa's foreign ministry rebuked Saudi Arabia for jailing human rights activists.
Canadian minister of foreign affairs Chrystia Freeland stated Canada will always stand up for human rights in Canada and around the world, and women's rights are human rights.
4ZZZ Top 20
1. Voiid - Twin (Single)
2. Thelma Plum - Clumsy Love (Single)
3. Regurgitator - HEADROXX
4. The Ancient Bloods - Golden Veins
5. The Goon Sax - Make Time For Love (Single)
6. Tape/Off - Broadcast Park
7. Clea - Cool Days (Single)
8. Phantastic Ferniture - Phantastic Ferniture
9. Pink Matter - Cleo
10. Rebel Yell - Hired Muscle
11. The Gametes - The Astronomical Calamities Of Comet Jones
12. Angie McMahon - Keeping Time (Single)
13. Mallrat - In The Sky EP
Funding for local QLD communities boosted
Funding has been secured for 10 North West Regional council infrastructure project proposals, under a new QLD government initiative.
The development comes as part of a $30 million program designed to deliver important infrastructure to local communities.
Among the projects is an overhaul of the Richmond Agricultural precinct.
Shocking dental waiting list in Victoria
Victorian dental patients are currently facing a significant waiting list, with an average wait time of 20 months to see a public dentist.
Dr Matt Hopcraft of the Australian Dental Association says long public waiting times are a problem around the country, describing the situation in Victoria as among the worst.
Dr Hopcraft states the system needs more money to speed up the waiting list, as double the patients need to be seen in the next five years to relieve the pressure the public system is undergoing.
Australian population to hit 25 million tonight
Australia’s population is expected to hit 25 million later tonight, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.
Political commentator George Megalogenis says the 25th million person is likely to be young, female and a Chinese student or skilled worker.
According to the ABS, our population has grown by around 400,000 people in the past three years, and migration continue to outpace the birth rate in population growth.
Far-right attack on socialist bookstore
A major socialist bookstore in London was attacked by a group of masked men, who destroyed displays and books while chanting far-right slogans.
The attack followed a protest against the censorship of conspiracy theory website, Infowars.
Labour MP David Lammy says the normalisation of far-right politics leads to chaos and vandalism, describing the attack as the logical conclusion of a movement which rejects facts and experts.
US maintain stance on Iran nuclear deal
President Donald Trump says he will fully reinforce sanctions being reimposed on Iran in accordance with the US withdrawal from a 2015 nuclear deal.
The development is fueled by economic pressure that will force Iran to agree to a new deal and end its malign activities, according to the US President.
Iran’s president Hassan Rouhani has called the act “psychological warfare” as well as responding on Iranian State Television calling for honesty in talks with the US.
Pristine oceans shrinking worldwide
Untouched marine habitats and ‘pristine’ oceans across the globe have shrunk to 13%, according to a recent study from the University of Queensland.
Shipping, pollution and overfishing are the main factors affecting the shrinking rate, with scientists warning untouched habitats may be completely vanished within half a century.
UQ researcher Kendall Jones has warned climate change and improved shipping technology reaching more of the planet will put the most remote areas at risk.
9am Zedlines
This is Nic and Patrick with your 9am Zedlines
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Increased drought support announced
Drought affected farmers of Queensland will receive $190 million in support and funding as part of an initiative launched by the federal government.
Farmers will have access to $12,000 in cash payments, as well as increases in mental health services.
Recent figures show 57.4% of Queensland land has been affected by drought, with 8000 more farmers gaining access to support through this initiative.