A new fire ant eradication program has been launched across Queensland to destroy nests. Advocates are calling for more federal funding to stop the pests from spreading nationwide.

Gold Coast

Fire ants, an invasive species known for their painful sting and threat to agriculture and ecosystems, continue to spread rapidly across Queensland, now affecting over 850,000 hectares and recently detected in northern New South Wales. The Gold Coast, Logan, and Scenic Rim areas are experiencing some of the highest densities of infestation.

In response, the Queensland Government has launched a new suppression program targeting 106,000 hectares, utilizing drones and aircraft to treat large properties. The eradication effort faces a major obstacle in funding, with costs projected at $300 million annually for 12 years. State officials are urging the Federal Government to increase its financial support, though federal authorities state they already contribute significantly to the effort.

Queensland launches new push to eradicate fire ants

It's the problem that's been plaguing the Sunshine State for decades. At the moment it is the time when fire ants would be spreading as part of their natural life cycle. Known for their powerful and burning sting, the invasive species has the ability to harm crops, livestock and damage ecosystems. Seeing fire ants continue to infect their property and create challenges in their business. And their aggressive nature means they're spreading quickly. The insects have infested more than 850,000 hectares in Queensland and have now been detected in northern New South Wales. This part of the Gold Coast, Logan and Scinic Rim area have some of the highest fire ant densities in South East Queensland. The Queensland Government today starting a new plan. The suppression program that we've got in place is treating 106,000 hectares. Sending drones into the Gold Coast skies demonstrating exactly how a suppression program will work. Drones and helicopters, aircraft are being used to treat the large property owner locations like this cane farm that we're on at the moment. The biggest hurdle to fully eradicating the species has been securing funding. With the bill expected to cost the State Government $300 million a year for 12 years. I call on the Federal Government to match the funding. I met with the Federal Minister just recently to raise the issue again. The Federal Minister however saying the Government already takes a large share of the responsibility in the fight. It's something we've been asking for for many years. Christina Puljack, 10 News.

The Trump administration is awaiting word from the Supreme Court after asking it to allow the immediate deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers. A lower court blocked the move.

Portland

Tensions rising in Portland, Oregon over immigration tactics

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Washington

Trump says survivors of U.S. drug submersible will be sent home

The U.S. State Department issued a warning that Hamas appeared to be planning an attack 'against Palestinian civilians,' warning that such an attack would 'constitute a direct and grave violation of the ceasefire agreement'.

Tel Aviv-Yafo

Middle East Conflict

State Dept. flags ceasefire violation by Hamas

Britain's Prince Andrew said on Friday he would give up using his title of Duke of York following years of criticism about his behavior and connections to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Windsor

Prince Andrew gives up title of Duke of York

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Ukraine Invasion

Trump pauses on sending Tomahawks to Ukraine

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Caracas

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Kipnuk

Mass evacuations in Alaska after record floodwaters

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President Trump commutes George Santos' sentence

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Greenbelt

John Bolton pleads not guilty to criminal charges

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London

Prince Andrew giving up his royal titles, Buckingham Palace says

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Trump set to meet with Zelenskyy

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At least one person was killed and dozens of police officers injured in widespread protests overnight in Peru against President Jose Jeri, who assumed power just days ago. The government will declare a state of emergency in Lima within hours and is preparing a package of measures to tackle rising insecurity.

Lima

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Šiauliai

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A federal judge overturned a Homeland Security decision to cut anti-terrorism funding for New York City. The ruling comes as the Trump administration faces lawsuits from Democratic governors over similar cuts.

New York

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Beijing

Global Tariffs

China blames U.S. for global panic over rare earths controls

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Jerusalem

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Nairobi

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Balochistan

Pakistan, Afghanistan agree temporary truce after fresh fighting

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President Trump confirmed that he has authorised the CIA to go into Venezuela and conduct covert operations.

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Hamas executes Palestinians accused of collaborating with Israel

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Chicago

Federal agents deploy tear gas in Chicago despite court order

A federal judge on Wednesday temporarily ordered the Trump administration to halt the firing of workers during the government shutdown.

Breakdown