US troops to leave Afghanistan
After almost 20 years, approximately 2,500-3,500 United States Military troops have left, and many are nearing departure, from Afghanistan's Bagram air base.
President Joe Biden says he expects Afghanistan’s government and military to handle the rising Taliban attacks.
However, the US has not commented on when the last of its soldiers would depart Afghanistan due to security concerns, and also because of the protection of Kabul's Hamid Karzai International Airport, which is still under the protection of Turkish and US soldiers.
The Veronicas: Godzilla / Human
<p><span><span>- To paraphrase Oscar Wilde’s Lady Bracknell, “<em>To issue one album after a long hiatus may be regarded as fortunate, to issue two within a month of each other looks like carelessness.</em>” The Brisbane twins <strong>Lisa </strong>and<strong> Jessica Origliasso</strong> have doubled their album output as <strong>The Veronicas</strong> with <em>Godzilla</em><strong>, </strong>out at the very end of May this year and then four weeks later <em>Human</em>.
Laura Mvula: Pink Noise
<span><span>- If you want to dance in your kitchen this lockdown, Laura Mvula's new album of irrepressible ‘80’s-style bops has you covered. </span></span>
Tyler, The Creator: Call Me If You Get Lost
<p><span><span>- Tyler, the Creator<strong> </strong>returns, sticking to his two year album cycle, with a predominantly rap-focused record entitled <em>Call Me if You Get Lost</em>, after deviating into pop with 2019’s <em>Igor</em>. In a time where no one can travel, it seems Tyler wants to take listeners on a global trip through a narrative and sound that inspires images of a much needed holiday.
11am Zedlines
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$175 milion dollar loan to QLD coal mining project
Queensland will be given a loan of $175 million to a $900 million coal mine project that will clear koala and glider habitat in central Queensland.
This has been criticised by environmental groups as there's already been loans to Adani and other mining corporations in this era of climate change.
The government responded with Mr Pitt saying “in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, it would support up to 700 jobs during construction and create more than 500 new jobs when fully operational.”
Palaszczuk pushes to half number of overseas arrivals
Queensland Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk said her key agenda item at today’s National Cabinet Meeting is reducing international arrivals by fifty percent.
Currently Queensland accepts a maximum of 1,300 international arrivals each week, but the Premier said the quarantine hubs are stretched and down to their final beds.
There are sixteen quarantine hotels across the state all operating at full capacity; however, these hotels were initially meant to be used as a temporary hub if needed.
Youth arts organisation leaving home in Mowbray Park
Backbone a prominent youth arts organisation which is known for promoting alternative, queer and POC music and performances, may have to relocate from its long-term home in Mowbray Park after Brisbane City Council announced a proposal to demolish its leased building.
The East Brisbane Bowls club forms part of the council's draft for a heritage - listed riverside park and stated that the club site was “under-utilised”. This has been met with large community opposition with Labor deputy leader Kara Cook launching a petition to keep the Backbone in East Brisbane.
Outbound flight data findings during Covid
SBS News has released statistical information from the Department of Home Affairs which details data on outgoing international flights during Covid.
The data spans from August last year to April 2021 and found that the top three travel destinations for Australian’s were India, China, and the United Kingdom.
The data shows a correspondence between the most flights occurring to each country when they were going through their respective drastic Covid waves.
New assisted dying laws in WA
Content warning for this next story on euthenasia.
Assisted dying laws have come into effect in Western Australia, bringing relief for terminally ill individuals.
Western Australia and Victoria now have active voluntary assisted dying laws, with Tasmania and South Australia on the way.
About 60 terminally-ill West Australians are expected to peacefully end their own lives within the next 12 months.