Russia has closed the US consulate in St Petersburg and expelled 60 American diplomats in a retaliation to Russian diplomats being expelled from America over the nerve agent attack in the UK.

Queensland Rail’s New Generation Rollingstock trains have been refused an exemption from the Human Rights Committee.

Brisbane’s iconic Newsagency, Rankins on the mall, will be closing at the end of May to make way for a redevelopment in Queen Street Mall.

RSL Queensland is under investigation after being unable to account for $400,000 of missing charity funds.

A Pakistani news channel has recently hired the country’s first transgender newsreader.

Former model and journalism graduate Marvia Malik was offered to become an anchor by private broadcaster Kohenoor.

Malik has said she hopes her work will help improve the lives of Pakistani transgender citizens, believing the community should be given equal rights and not face gender discrimination.

Former French president, Nicolas Sarkozy, is facing trial for alleged corruption charges relating to the illegal funding of his 2007 campaign.

Six Australian health groups have called for the use of transvaginal mesh to be suspended, pending a comprehensive audit of complications.

The device is used to treat pelvic organ prolapse and common childbirth problems but side effects of the mesh often lead to debilitating pain and life-altering complications.

On Wednesday, a Senate inquiry delivered a damning report into the use of transvaginal mesh products in Australia, with manufacturers of the mesh facing class actions in Australia, Canada, UK and United States.

Lawyers and refugee advocates have condemned the federal government's plan to cut income support for nearly 7000 asylum seekers later this year.

Refugee support groups say these people are already vulnerable, and that cuts could leave people destitute, hungry and increase the risk of self-harm.

The government has rationalised their decision by restoring work rights to temporary visas, stating that those who are ‘job-ready’ should be obliged to work.

9 Indian men were detained yesterday at Brisbane Airport, attempting to enter with fake media accreditations for the Commonwealth Games.

Eight of the men will face immediate deportation, the ninth man, 46-year-old Rakesh Kumar Sharma, has been charged with people smuggling and remains in police custody.

Australian Border Force regional commander for Queensland, Terry Price, says attempts to exploit Australia's visa program will not be tolerated.