Somalian forces ward off militant attack
Somalian army forces warded off an attack from Al-Shabaab after the militants detonated a car bomb and stormed the base in the nation’s south.
An official states the military repelled the attack and killed 87 enemy fighters, dismissing Al-Shabaab’s claim they overran the base and killed 27 soldiers.
The attack follows a similar incident on the same base last month by al-Shabaab, which wounded seven soldiers.
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Tropical cyclones likely to increase East Australia
Climate change research has shown tropical cyclones are bringing new regions such as East Australia into the zone at risk.
Professor Stephen Turton has warned that if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise we could see cyclones from Brisbane to Sydney, or Rome to London by the end of the century.
Professor Turton also believes the maximum intensity of cyclones is set to increase, as temperatures and humidity levels rise.
Suspended Logan mayor hospitalised
Suspended Logan Mayor, Luke Smith, is reportedly in hospital after being released on bail for obstructing a police charge.
Smith is currently facing perjury and corruption allegations following charges from the ACCC in May.
The obstruction charge case will return to court on August 21.
Evacuation as winds almost down crane in Melbourne
300 residents in Melbourne’s eastern suburb of Richmond have been evacuated, with a crane in the area at risk of collapsing due to strong winds overnight.
1,300 properties across Melbourne are still without power as more than 90km/h winds hit the city last night, including 110km/h winds in Port Phillip Bay.
Workers are currently stabilising and dismantling the affected crane.
Victorian former state wards cleared of care charges
Former wards of the state of Victoria will soon have their criminal records cleared of charges related to care and protection cases.
The Children's Court did not differentiate between the child protection and criminal matters it handled until the early 90s, and care and protection cases
Several former wards called for an apology from the state last year, saying the charges have caused them unnecessary trauma and shame.
Criminal cigarette smuggling ring in Jordan has alleged ties to government
The case of a criminal cigarette smuggling ring with alleged political ties is testing Jordan’s new government stance on corruption.
Prime minister Omar al-Razzaz announced the case’s referral to the state security court, reiterating his government’s determination to combat corruption and economic crimes.
Activists often accuse the government of prosecuting minor suspects, while ignoring corruption committed by powerful and politically connected figures.
Wildfires break out across Sweden
Dozens of wildfires have broken out in the forests of Sweden, after months of high temperatures and drought.
Prime minister Stefan Löfven says all resources are being mobilised to prevent a greater disaster and Sweden has asked for help from other nations.
Sweden is currently facing its worst drought in 74 years.
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Changes to Child Protection Act aim for better protection
Changes to the Child Protection Act 1999 will give children on custody orders easier access to vaccinations, as well as improved safety planning.
The reforms are part of a multi-stage approach to ensure better safety for all Queensland children, with the next stage including better support for Indigenous children and young people in care to maintain family connections.
The aforementioned changes will come into effect later this week.