Global News Glimpse
US Cities Explode With Rage
Across cities in the United States there has been a significant number of protests, including a police station set alight, over the allegedly unlawful killing of an unarmed African American. Footage has surfaced of the man, George Floyd, being suffocated by police, despite exclaiming “I can’t breathe”. Despite the charges being pressed on Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer seen in the circulating mobile phone footage, pressure and tension is mounting across the country for more to be done about police brutality – that this isn’t just about one man, it’s about all the unarmed yet unlawfully killed African Americans of the past, present and the future.
Trump Terminates the US Relationship with WHO
US President Donald Trump is in the midst of ending the United States’ relationship with the World Health Organisation (WHO) due to their handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, alleging that “China had total control over the World Health Organisation.”
Western Australia’s “once in a decade storm”
WA’s south was left battered by the massive storm, leaving more than 60 000 homes temporarily without power. The Bureau of Meteorology states the storm was the result of two colliding systems: ex-tropical cyclone Manga and a cold front pushing from the south. Damage was recorded from Kalbarri to Denmark and wind gusts of up to 132 km/h were recorded. Yallingup’s Canal Rocks viewing bridge was destroyed due to some disastrously damaging swells caused by the storm.
They raised more than $51 million, but where is the money really going?
Celeste Barber’s bushfire fundraiser raised money, but questions have been raised about where the money is going. The fundraiser was set up on 3 January to benefit the NSW Rural Fire Service with a goal of $30 000, but by the time the fundraiser wrapped up they had made $51.3 million. However, the money became caught up in a legal battle. Following the fundraiser’s unexpected success, pressure has been mounting, with many arguing the donations should be divided between other states and charities. The NSW Rural Fire Service Donations trust – the recipient of the donations – are legally unable to distribute the funds to other charities, but have stated they will use the donations for much needed firefighting equipment, resources and training for volunteers.
Animal Invasion
Although some of the stories of animal invasions were hoaxes, eg elephants didn’t get drunk on Chinese corn wine and pass out in a tea garden, there have been a variety of incidents of animals roaming wildly. For example, buffalo were pictured walking down a near empty Indian highway and mountain goats were recorded strutting down emptied Welsh streets.
Western Australia continues to lift lockdown restrictions
June’s Phase Three easing of restrictions is now in effect. The four-square-metres-per-person rule is now reduced to two square metres and outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are allowed. Beauty services can resume with increased hygiene measures. Gyms, health clubs and indoor sports centres are allowed to offer their normal range of activities. Playgrounds have reopened as well as skate parks and outdoor gyms. Perth Zoo is now open to the public as well as arcades and even Rottnest Island. The regional/intrastate travel ban has also been lifted, except for travel to remote Aboriginal communities. The State Government reiterates the importance of following social distancing guidelines, staying at home if you feel unwell, following good hygiene practices and downloading the COVID-SAFE app.
Jennifer Fallon (Year 12)