Islamic State claims it has seized the Mozambican town of Palma after a days-long battle with government forces. The town is home to 75,000 people, as well as a multi-billion dollar gas project being built by French corporation Total. Mozambique’s northern region of Cabo Delgado, in which Palma is located, has been battling Islamist insurgency for several years, displacing over 600, 000 people.

The first Moreton Bay Red Ride is set to happen on May first. Motorcyclists will ride from Caboolture to Redcliffe, through Samford and Woodford to take a stand against domestic and family violence. The event will also raise money for three children’s charities. Act for Kids, Save the Children Australia and Variety - the Children’s Charity. Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Tony Latter proposed the idea that is now being driven by Caboolture Rotary Club with local businesses, politicians and individuals supporting.

A cold-like illness similar to COVID-19 is sweeping through Ipswich childcare centres, workplaces and aged care homes. The number of children presenting with a respiratory condition called respiratory syncytial virus or RSV, has increased in public hospitals and emergency departments. Public health physician at Queensland Health, Doctor Rosie Muller says RSV is the most common cause of breathing and respiratory infections. By the 5th week of this year a Sullivan Nicolaides report showed 700 people were testing positive for respiratory viruses. 

Brisbane firm Hypersonix has signed a deal with Boeing to investigate the possible construction of a hydrogen-powered hypersonic vehicle to be launched into space. If the study is successful, it could pave the way for sustainable green-energy satellite launches into low earth orbit. Hypersonix has worked on hydrogen-powered space projects in the past, as the technology is considered ideal for sustainable space travel due to its light weight and high thrust.

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has issued an urgent call for blood this easter as the stock of O-negative blood which is the universal blood type continues to drop. Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Services Cath Stone says the O-negative type is particularly important over the easter period although other blood types need a boost too. Australians are being urged to donate as centres are open over the Easter long weekend as long as it is safe for them to do so.

Scott Morrison has announced a reshuffle in federal cabinet, with embattled Defence Minister Linda Reynolds and Attorney-General Christian Porter demoted. Peter Dutton will take over Reynolds’ defence portfolio, while Michaelia Cash will take over Porter’s position as Attorney-General and Infrastructure Minister. Morrison’s new cabinet has a strong focus on female representation with Minister for Women Maryse Payne saying this is the first time women’s issues have been treated as a whole-of-government priority.

Shipping traffic in the Suez Canal is resuming today following the successful refloating of the EverGiven cargo ship last night. It is expected to take approximately 3 days to clear the more than 360 ships delayed when the EverGiven got stuck last Tuesday. The Suez Canal is the main shipping route between Europe and Asia, with approximately 10% of global shipping traffic passing through the canal each day.