8am Thursday 24/06/21 Zedlines
With Gyan-Reece & Flynn
Anti-virus Pioneer Found Dead
Anti-virus software pioneer John McAfee was found dead in his prison cell near Barcelona on Wednesday, according to press reports, hours after Spain’s High Court ruled he could be extradited to the United States for tax evasion charges.
During a court hearing in Madrid last week, he argued that the tax fraud charges filed against him were linked to his failed presidential run in 2020 as a Libertarian Party candidate.
Gold Coast Shed Sells for Record Price
A shed on the Gold Coast has sold for a record setting $1.2 million price.
The hefty price tag is similar to the cost of a family house in south-east Queensland, however, the large warehouse will be used as a secondary personal space.
The new owner plans to turn the location into a man cave setting a new benchmark for a block of its size
Man Granted Quarantine Exemption To See Dying Father
A man who travelled from the United States to see his dying father has been granted an exemption from hotel quarantine to cross the Queensland border.
Mark Kilian and his wife had initially been refused permission from Queensland Health to travel to the Gold Coast to see Mr Kilian's father, who has terminal pancreatic cancer.
The Queensland Premier says she'll now grant an exemption with New South Wales finalising an arrangement for the couple's transfer to Queensland so the family can say their final farewell.
Miscarriage Leave Entitlement Receives Legislation
The federal government will today introduce legislation that adds miscarriage to the compassionate and bereavement leave entitlement, which means two days of paid leave will be provided to those who miscarry before 20 weeks.
Samantha Payne has lobbied the government for the measure over the past three years as the CEO of Pink Elephants, which supports those impacted by early pregnancy loss.
She says for too long, women and their partners have either gone to work without taking any leave, or used up their sick entitlements after miscarriage.
Travel Restrictions Follow NSW Cluster
Travel restrictions have once again been implemented by the Queensland government as the NSW COVID-19 cluster grows in size.
As of 1am this morning travellers of greater Sydney, The Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour will not be allowed to enter the state unless they qualify as having an essential purpose.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said, “The sharp rise of cases in Sydney today is extremely concerning due to many of these cases being infected by fleeting contact."
Fans Make Pro-LGBT Protest at Germany-Hungary Football Game
An unnamed protester was led away to cheers and applause after holding a rainbow flag in front of Hungarian football side as they sang the national anthem.
The lead up to the Euro Football match against Germany was overshadowed by the Munich city council's request to illuminate that football stadium in rainbow colours in support of the LGBTQI community.
Outcry came over Mayor Deiter Reiter’s move to restrict media from displaying messages of homosexuality to young minors.
Brisbane Metro Delayed in Olympic Bid
Delays are expected for the Brisbane City Council’s $1.2 billion Metro project.
The construction of the new transport system has been reconsidered pending on whether Brisbanes’ Olympic bid is successful.
Public and active transport committee chairman Ryan Murphy said, “The council hoped to finalise plans for the project within a year but talk about any extra costs for a move back underground needed to wait for a Games decision in July.”
Tension Builds Amongst Barnaby's Return
Not all coalition MP’s are convinced Barnaby Joyce’s return to the nationals leadership is a recipe for electoral success.
Joyce’s return to the deputy prime ministership has ruffled a few feathers with many members voting for Michael McCormack to maintain his position.
Three Nationals MPs in marginal seats voted for McCormack to retain leadership, with MPs in safer seats backing Joyce.
Russia Fires Warning Shots at British Navy
Russia says its military forces fired warning shots and dropped bombs to deter a British Royal Navy destroyer, accusing the ship of entering its waters in the Black Sea on Wednesday. A claim denied by the United Kingdom.
A border patrol ship fired the warning shots while an SU-24 jet dropped four bombs in HMS Defender’s path, prompting the British vessel to turn around, the ministry said.