Perth's tree canopy, already the lowest among Australian capital cities, faces a new threat from the polyphagous shot hole borer, an invasive pest that has destroyed over 4,000 trees. However, efforts to combat the pest are hampered by secrecy and lack of data, raising concerns about the effectiveness of Perth's response to this environmental crisis.
The Greens are renewing their push for legal recreational cannabis in Australia, despite a revised estimate from the Parliamentary Budget Office showing lower potential tax revenue than previously projected. The party remains committed to their policy, citing the potential benefits of removing people from the criminal justice system and creating jobs in the legal cannabis industry.
The Australian government has approved funding for the contraceptive pill Slinda, the endometriosis treatment Ryeqo, and the IVF therapy Pergoveris through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), significantly reducing their costs. Health Minister Mark Butler highlighted these measures as addressing longstanding neglect in women's healthcare, potentially saving Australian women and families substantial amounts of money.
In the Indian state of Bihar, a decade-long alcohol ban has driven the production and sale of alcohol underground, creating a thriving bootleg industry with deadly consequences. The documentary "Foreign Correspondent" explores the challenges of combating this illicit trade and the devastating impact of poisonous alcohol on communities.
An American influencer, Sam Jones, has apologized after widespread backlash for picking up and carrying away a baby wombat from its mother, claiming she intended to protect it from traffic. Australian officials and animal advocates have strongly criticized her actions, emphasizing their illegality and harm to wildlife.