Diversity zone blocked from opening at World Cup

A safe space to celebrate the achievements of minorities in soccer was suddenly pulled by the company renting out the venue near the fan zone of the World Cup in St Petersburg.

The space named Diversity House was organised by several NGOs, with Piara Powar, executive director of the anti-exclusion FARE network saying the space was designed to celebrate diversity in in football, in light of concerns about racist chants at the World Cup and the human rights situation in Russia.

State of Emergency declared in Papua New Guinea after riots.

Papua New Guinea Prime minister Peter O’Neill declared a state of emergency for nine months after riots in Southern Highlands last week.

Armed forces have been sent out to deal with rioters angry over the failure of a court challenge to a regional governor’s election.

Major damage was caused as warehouses were looted, buildings were torched and an airplane was burned in Mendi, the capital of the Southern Highlands province.

New recreation facilities at Peter Faust Dam

Whitsunday Regional Council has announced plans for new recreation facilities at Peter Faust Dam after taking over management of the recreation area from SunWater.

Minister for Natural Resources, Mines and Energy Dr Anthony Lynham said the move would allow the Council to progress their vision for the facility, which included camping areas and lakeside recreation facilities for fishing and boating.

The development is to be part of the draft Lake Proserpine Master Plan with construction expected to begin in late 2018 and finish in 2019.

Oakey childcare doors closed, educators left jobless

United Voice Queensland have reported that childhood educators in Oakey were given less than three hours notice about centre closures and job terminations.

Members of United Voice Queensland reported being locked out of a centre and unable to access their personal belongings.

The group are working with their members to recover lost wages and property.

Clive Palmer teams up with One Nation senator in bid to re-enter parliament

Clive Palmer is set to run for parliament again, as the courier mail reported he is courting several sitting members to join his United Australia Party, including senator Brian Burston.

Senator Burston recently quit One Nation due to a disagreement with party leader Pauline Hanson over the government’s proposed tax cuts, and said he is considering his options. 

Mr Palmer is likely to seek a seat himself,  as the Courier’s report indicated he may seek government MP Stuart Robert’s seat of Fadden on the northern Gold Coast

Fake liquor being sold in local bottle shops

An ABC investigation has found that fake scotch and tequila are being sold in some Australian liquor stores, with labels claiming they are premium imports.

Documents obtained under freedom of information laws showed one operator targeted by authorities was creating spirits by mixing raw ethanol and flavourings.

Prosecuting the fake brands is complicated and would require each state’s local authorities responsible for policing the liquor industry working together.

Melania Trump speaks out on separation of Migrant children

United States first lady released a statement to network CNN about the thousands of migrant children separated from their parents by American authorities at the country’s border with Mexico.

It is reported that almost 2,000 children were separated from their families over a six-week period in April and May.

Mrs Trump called for both sides of the aisle can finally come together to achieve successful immigration reform.

Saudi Arabia conducts airstrikes on Yemen's Airport

Airstrikes on a Yemen airport in the city of Hudaida has been conducted by Saudi and Emirati-led coalition in an offensive  against Houthi forces.

Defeat in the main port city would be a major setback to Houthi fighters, losing supply lines from the Red sea to their stronghold in Sanaa.

The recent escalation have raised fears of a famine, with more than 22 million people in Yemen in need of aid of which 8.4 million are at the risk of starvation.