Latest News
We've compiled articles from news sources from all around the world so you have the information you need.
29/6/2022
ABC News
Katherine facing cold weather snap that could see one of the coldest July days on record
One of the coldest July days in recorded history looks like it is about to be set in the Northern Territory in the middle of the dry season.
29/6/2022
9 News
Finland, Sweden will be invited to join NATO after Turkey lifts objections
Turkey has agreed to lift its opposition to Sweden and Finland joining NATO, a breakthrough in an impasse clouding a leaders' summit in Madrid amid Europe's worst security crisis in decades triggered by the war in Ukraine.
29/6/2022
9 News
Melbourne endures period with no available ambulances during 'code red'
Staff shortages are pushing Victoria's ambulance service to breaking point with ramped vehicles seen outside hospitals this morning, following the declaration of a code red.
29/6/2022
9 News
KFC menu prices to rise again in 2022 as inflation bites
KFC will raise its menu prices for the third time this year, as the fast food giant fights rising inflation and the spiking cost of ingredients.
29/6/2022
9 News
Neobank Volt set to close and return money to customers
Digital bank Volt is set to shut down and has urged customers to withdraw their funds within a week.
29/6/2022
9 News
The Good Guys to pause facial recognition technology following backlash
Major retailer The Good Guys has announced it will temporarily stop using facial recognition technology in its stores following backlash about the data collection, which has been called "invasive" and "unnecessary".
28/6/2022
9 News
Farmers ask buyers to support independent groceries to save on fruit and veggie costs
Some Queensland growers and business owners are asking Aussies to shop at independent grocery stores, as the price of fresh fruit and vegetables continue to rise.
28/6/2022
Zero Hedge
BRICS Summit Reaffirms That Russia Not As Isolated As NATO Suggests
The recent BRICS summit managed to run its course this past week with very little fanfare, despite the fact that Russia is in the midst of a conflict with Ukraine that has led to a worldwide economic war. China is edging towards a potential invasion of Taiwan, and much of the planet is in the middle of a stagflationary crisis in the meantime.
28/6/2022
ABC News
Insurance bill for February floods reaches $4.8b, victims could wait years for repairs
Tanya Ryall and her three children have been living in a rental property since the swollen Enoggera creek flowed into their Brisbane home in February this year.
28/6/2022
ABC News
Two men bogged and lost on SA outback dirt track for two days rescued by police
Two men lost in the South Australian outback for two days nearly ran out of food and water before they were found by police.
28/6/2022
ABC News
NSW authorities begin destroying thousands of bees in Newcastle in bid to control deadly varroa mite
The destruction of hundreds of beehives in Newcastle and parts of New South Wales is underway as authorities work to control the spread of a deadly parasite.
27/6/2022
CNN News
Energy prices are causing chaos in Asia. Here's why the rest of the world should worry
(CNN Business)In Sri Lanka, people queue for miles to fill a tank of fuel. In Bangladesh, shops shut at 8 p.m. to conserve energy. In India and Pakistan, power outages force schools to shut, businesses to close and residents to swelter without air conditioning through deadly heat waves in which temperatures top 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius).
27/6/2022
ABC News
ASX rises sharply, tracking strong gains in global markets as commodity prices ease worries about inflation
Australian shares have started the day higher, as investors look to shrug off worries about renewed rate hikes on the back of soaring inflation while improved underlying prices are expected to aid domestic commodity stocks.
27/6/2022
ABC News
Potato farmers call for 20 cents more per kilo as production costs continue to soar
Potato farmers in key growing states say unless supermarkets add 20 cents per kilo to the shelf price of their produce, departures from the industry will be inevitable.
27/6/2022
CNN News
Never mind China's new aircraft carrier, these are the ships the US should worry about
Seoul, South Korea (CNN)China made a big statement about its naval ambitions with the recent launch of its third and most advanced aircraft carrier.
23/6/2022
ABC News
Electric vehicles could significantly increase demand on the power grid, trials underway to change energy use behaviour
A trial of 150 electric car users revealed their potential impact on the power grid's evening peak. Demand could rise between 30 and 100 per cent. Work underway to understand what upgrades could be needed to the electricity network.
23/6/2022
Al Jazeera
Food prices push UK inflation to 40-year high of 9.1 percent
The Bank of England says worse is yet to come as the UK records the highest inflation rate out of the G7 countries.
23/6/2022
RT News
UK raises alarm over deadly virus detection
Officials have warned of community spread after traces of poliovirus were found in London sewage.
23/6/2022
CNN News
Japan tracks eight Russian and Chinese warships near its territory
At least eight Russian and Chinese warships have been spotted in the seas near Japan this week, another sign of the apparent pressure the two partners have been putting on Tokyo as relations deteriorate over Ukraine and Taiwan respectively.
23/6/2022
ABC News
Russia may cut off gas to Europe entirely, planning to redirect trade and oil to BRICS countries instead
Europe needs contingency plans, says the head of IEA. Russia is in the process of rerouting its energy exports to BRICS countries. President Putin discusses the increase of Chinese cars as well as opening an Indian supermarket chain in Russia.
22/6/2022
9 News
NSW nurses and midwives to strike next week over working conditions
Hundreds of nurses and midwives will stop work next week to demand the government address staff shortages and provide a bigger pay rise.
22/6/2022
9 News
Family with six children consider living in a tent after applying for 40 rental properties
A Queensland family has been left with nowhere to go after their landlord gave them 30 days' notice to vacate their rental.
22/6/2022
Reuters
UK inflation hits 40-year record, highest in G7
LONDON, June 22 (Reuters) - Soaring food prices pushed British consumer price inflation to a 40-year high of 9.1% last month, the highest rate out of the Group of Seven countries and one which underlines the severity of the country's cost-of-living crunch.
22/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Money, Not COVID, Is This Summer's Biggest Travel Hurdle
After two years of Covid-related restrictions and inhibitions, travelers are ready to hit the beaches in masses this summer – that is if they can still afford it. As Statista's Felix Richter explains below, with everyday purchases like food, gas and utilities having become much more expensive over the past few months, many families are forced to to reconsider their holiday plans, if not to scrap them altogether.
21/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Australia's first Omicron wave might have been larger than we thought. But what about the current caseload?
Researchers looked at antibodies in more than 5,000 blood samples. Epidemiologists say the data is not surprising and people should be careful but not alarmed going forward. Results from another survey are expected to provide an updated snapshot in the coming weeks.
21/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Russia Demands Lithuania Lift "Openly Hostile" Blockade; Panic Buying Ensues
The Russian Foreign Ministry has responded to Lithuania's partial blockade of Kaliningrad, writing in a statement that they consider the "provocative measures" to be "openly hostile" and warning that the Kremlin may take action to "protect its national interests."
21/6/2022
Zero Hedge
China, US Escalate Over Legal Status Of Taiwan Strait After Beijing Rejects It As "International Waters"
The White House earlier this month reaffirmed its stance that the Taiwan Strait constitutes "international waters" following the latest US warship sail-through, which had put China's PLA Eastern Theatre Command on high alert. As Reuters reported last Tuesday, "The United States on Tuesday backed Taiwan's assertion that the strait separating the island from China is an international waterway, a further rebuff to Beijing's claim to exercise sovereignty over the strategic passage."
21/6/2022
RT News
World faces shortages of popular food products – Bloomberg
Supply chain disruptions are hurting global businesses, media reports
20/6/2022
ABC News
SA Police could use Adelaide city facial recognition technology, despite being asked not to
"It seems to have had no public consultation, no public discussion and certainly no parliamentary discussion on how it will be implemented, used and utilised," SA Greens MLC Tammy Franks said. "We know that, for some demographics, more than four out of five identifications are incorrect. "If you had fingerprints wrong, more than four out of five times, the police wouldn't be using it. "So, if the police are going to use facial recognition technology, we need some safeguards in there around our privacy but also whether it works."
20/6/2022
Al Jazeera
Spain, Germany battle wildfires amid unusual heatwave in Europe
Experts have linked the abnormally hot period in parts of Europe to climate change amid high temperatures and low rainfall.
20/6/2022
ABC News
Dozens killed, armed forces deployed, millions displaced as floods hit Bangladesh and India
While at least 25 people are dead after weekend floods in Bangladesh, at least 17 others died in neighbouring Assam, India, during the floods that began this month. About 105,000 people have been evacuated so far but police estimated that more than four million were still stranded. Environmentalists warn climate change could lead to more disasters, especially in low-lying areas in Bangladesh.
20/6/2022
9 News
Warning power prices could double as energy crisis continues
There are fresh warnings that electricity could rise by 50 per cent over the next two years and gas prices could double. After warnings of power shortages on the east coast and South Australia this week, things are set to get worse, experts say. Because even as the threat of blackouts eases, industry analysts say international competition for coal and gas will keep generation costs high, and that will hurt consumers.
20/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Efficacy Estimates For Pfizer’s Vaccine For Young Children Come Under Scrutiny
A Pfizer clinical trial for children aged 6 months to 5 years pegged the efficacy at 80.3 percent overall—82.3 percent for children aged 2 to 5, and 75.5 percent for kids 6 months to 2 years. But those estimates were determined “not to be reliable due to the low number of COVID-19 cases that occurred in study participants,” the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in a statement on June 17.
20/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Life Insurance Payouts Jumped 163% During First Year Of Vaccine Rollout
How many deaths are represented by the 163% increase? It is not possible to determine by the dollar figures on the statements. But the average death benefit for employer-provided group life insurance, according to the Society for Human Resource Management, is one year’s salary. If the average annual salary of people covered by group life insurance policies in the United States is $70,000, this may represent 20,647 deaths of working adults, covered by just this one insurance company. This would represent at least 10,000 more deaths than in a normal year for just this one company.
17/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Chinese Banks Freeze Billions In Deposits: Officials Use Health QR Code To Bar Protestors
As The Epoch Times' Dorothy Li reports, several depositors told The Epoch Times on June 14 that the health code on their COVID-19 app turned red as soon as they scanned venue barcodes at Zhengzhou, the provincial capital city of central China’s Henan Province.
17/6/2022
RT News
Sydney house prices still 20% above pre-pandemic levels despite rising interest rates
House prices in Sydney remain more than 20% above pre-Covid levels despite rising interest rates, as economists warn housing affordability has “never been worse”.
17/6/2022
Sky News
Next year to be ‘much tougher’ for Australia’s economy
Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood says next year is set to be “much tougher” for the Australian economy.
17/6/2022
9 NewsHealth reform top of the agenda for Albanese's first national cabinet
Health reform and the skills shortage were top of the agenda for Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's first national cabinet meeting.
16/6/2022
RT News
UAE bans exports of Indian wheat
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a four-month halt to exports and re-exports of wheat and wheat flour produced in India, state news agency WAM reported on Wednesday, citing the country’s Economy Ministry. The Gulf nation says it is seeking to secure domestic supplies due to interruptions to global trade flows. The resolution applies to all wheat varieties: hard, ordinary, and soft wheat, as well as wheat spelt flour.
16/6/2022
Sky News
Each coal-fired power plant that has ‘been offline’ has ‘different problems’
The Grattan Institute’s Tony Wood says each of the coal-fired power plants that have been offline in recent weeks has got “different problems”, as states on Australia’s east coast continue to narrowly avoid blackouts.
16/6/2022
Sky News
Australia’s energy crisis thanks to ‘policy idiocy’
Australia has killed off reliable power, replaced it with unreliable power and is now wondering why we’re steeped in an energy crisis, says Sky News host Chris Kenny.
16/6/2022
CNN
US Fed hikes interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point in boldest move since 1994
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by three-quarters of a percentage point on Wednesday in an aggressive move to tackle white-hot inflation that is plaguing the economy.
15/6/2022
ABC News
National minimum wage to rise in July, but inflation rate leads to cut in real wages for workers on awards
The Fair Work Commission has raised the national minimum wage by 5.2 per cent, which works out to be an extra $40 per week.
15/6/2022
ABC News
'Opportunistic' electricity generators criticised as smaller energy retailers struggle to compete
Electricity generators have been labelled "greedy" and "opportunistic" by a small power company, in a blistering attack on the industry.
15/6/2022
ABC News
Mask mandate to be ditched at WA airports as state records 6,262 new COVID-19 cases
The WA government is lifting the mandate to wear masks at airport terminals from Saturday, in a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
14/6/2022
ABC News
'Combat credible' US marines train on NT's Tiwi Islands as US continues focus on Indo-Pacific region
More than 2,000 marines are based in Darwin as part of annual training. The US says this year's rotation is the most combat-credible group ever deployed to the Top End. An expert predicted the US presence in the Top End will continue to grow.
14/6/2022
Al Jazeera
Cuba sanctions nearly 400 people over anti-government protests
Thousands of Cubans took to the streets of the capital Havana and other towns in July 2021 in protest over rising food costs, medical shortages and dire socioeconomic conditions that worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic.
14/6/2022
9 News
Coles warns fruit and veggie shortages to last for weeks
Coles is today warning shoppers to expect fruit and vegetable shortages to last for weeks as growers combat a "double whammy" of cold weather and flooding.
14/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Ukraine Suspends All Gas, Coal & Fuel Oil Exports To Meet Internal Demand
On Monday the Ukrainian government announced implementation of a measure halting all its exports of gas, coal and fuel oil, citing disruptions and a domestic supply emergency due to the Russian invasion.
14/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Oil Spikes On Reports Libya Shuts Down Nearly All Its Oil Fields
Libya is losing oil production at the rate of 1.1 million barrels daily, the country’s oil minister Mohammed Aoun has said, adding that almost all of the country’s oil fields were shut down.
14/6/2022
Sky News
Energy Market Operator confident of avoiding blackouts in Queensland and NSW today amid increased pressure on system
Energy Minister Chris Bowen said Australia's stressed energy systems were "being very actively managed" but flagged residents would face a "bumpy period" this winter after they were warned on Monday to conserve power.
13/6/2022
Zero Hedge
European Auto Industry Decries EU Ban On Petrol Cars
The German auto industry is protesting a decision by EU parliament to ban the sale of cars that run on petrol and diesel by 2035, describing it as detrimental to the market and consumers.
13/6/2022
News.com.au
Insane $40 price for green beans shocks internet
As the cost of fresh produce continues to increase, the price for a very common vegetable has sparked outrage and confusion.
13/6/2022
RT News
Global chip shortage expected to worsen
Curbs on Russian exports of noble gasses will add pressure on the supply chain, experts say.
13/6/2022
SBS News
Australia's gas prices are surging. How did we get here and what is being done about it?
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and energy minister Chris Bowen have described the situation as a "perfect storm" of factors, including a change in weather, geopolitical events and unscheduled outages at coal-fired power stations in Australia.
13/6/2022
ABC News
Mandatory COVID-19 tests every few days becoming the norm for people in China
Many larger Chinese cities have normalised regular COVID-19 testing as part of the country's COVID-zero policy. Tens of thousands of testing booths are being built so that residents always have one within a 15-minute walk. Economists estimate the testing regime could cost $354 billion per year.
13/6/2022
News.com.au
Australia braces for a week of economic carnage as ominous clouds hang over global economy
There are now fears the world is teetering on the brink of a recession after horror new data from the US sent chills around the globe.
10/6/2022
ABC News
Brisbane's petrol prices to hit record highs, RACQ urges drivers to fill up now
Petrol prices in Brisbane are set to reach their highest-ever mark, with some service stations charging as much as $2.24 per litre.
10/6/2022
Perth Now
Mining giant BHP to keep its strict COVID vaccination mandate
Mining giant BHP will continue to lock out unvaccinated employees from its worksites despite the State Government scrapping the vaccination mandate for most WA workers from Friday.
10/6/2022
The West Australian
Perth weather: Big wet to hit WA as low-pressure system looms
Turn your retic off, people of Perth. The rains are here to stay. The forecast for the next week or so is expected to be wet, wet, wet.
9/6/2022
RT News
Britain bolsters food banks amid growing insecurity
Three out of four UK consumers now have “major future concerns” about the cost of food, the country's Food Standards Agency confirmed on Tuesday. The body is responding by “urgently” working with charities and donors to bolster supplies to food banks, which have seen a surge in demand.
9/6/2022
News.com.au
Crucial grocery item set for price spike as global shortages and soaring productions costs bite
It’s no secret grocery prices have been exploding lately, with the cost of certain items making headlines. But now dairy staples including cheese and butter could be added to that list, according to Victorian Farmers Federation president Emma Germano, with a global dairy shortage pushing prices up.
9/6/2022
RT News
EU cashing in on cheap Russian oil – The Economist
The supply of Russian oil to the European Union rose by 14% between January and April, from 750,000 to 857,000 barrels per day, The Economist reported on Wednesday, citing data by Argus Media. This comes as Brussels has been calling to completely stop energy imports from the country.
9/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Even If Ukraine's Ports Open Up Tomorrow, It Will Take "Months" To Demine Them: UN
Hundreds of merchant vessels had been stranded in the war's opening months at Ukrainian ports following the Russian invasion, and still nearly 100 remain stuck along with their crews. This week a special advisor on maritime security at the UN's International Maritime Organization told Bloomberg: "Even if the ports wanted to reopen tomorrow it would take some time until ships could enter or depart." But it remains that before this, "Completely removing sea mines in the port areas would take several months."
9/6/2022
ABC News
Australian snow, rain and heat linked by blocked weather systems, climatologist says
Blocking highs prevent the west to east progression of weather systems across southern Australia. They are behind many of the world's most destructive extreme weather events. The February floods were the result of a blocking high pressure system.
9/6/2022
Sky News
Energy ministers to fast-track supply solution
Australia’s energy market operator will be given the power to reserve gas – in a bid to stop the country slipping into another supply shortage.
9/6/2022
Zero Hedge
"The Summer Of Starvation": Soaring Fertilizer Prices Unleash Chaos, Hunger Worldwide
The price of fertilizers across the globe has exploded to unprecedented levels, and Brazil has been no exception. That's a problem because the agriculture-heavy country and food-source for half the globe, imports nearly 85% of its fertilizer and Russia is the main origin. As supplies have normalized, prices have declined over the past weeks, but farmers still aren’t buying. They are waiting for further price cuts, according to Marina Cavalcante, an analyst at Bloomberg’s Green Markets.
8/6/2022
South China Morning Post
Explainer | Can the world spend its way out of the current global food crisis?
Apart from supplying close to a third of the world’s wheat, the warring nations are also responsible for some 20 per cent of the world’s maize supply and about 76 per cent of its sunflower oil. To top that off, Russia exports some 20 per cent of the world’s nitrogen fertilisers. And, along with its neighbour, Belarus, accounts for 40 per cent of the world’s exported potassium. Supply has been affected by Western sanctions on Minsk and Moscow, as well as the latter’s recent restrictions on fertiliser exports.
8/6/2022
9 News
China warns Australia off 'provocative' acts after 'dangerous' interception of RAAF plane
The RAAF P-8A Poseidon was conducting routine surveillance in international airspace above the South China Sea on May 26 when a Chinese PLA Air Force J-16 jet flew "very close", set off flares and dropped chaff in its path, the Australian Defence Department said.
8/6/2022
Sky News
KFC and Subway to mix cabbage in burgers and sandwiches amid shortage and price spike of lettuce in Australia
The green salad staple is one of the most expensive items in the fruit and vegetable section as produce supplies dwindle due to recent flooding and heavy rain that has battered Queensland.
8/6/2022
ABC News
Why the RBA interest rate rise will hit WA most — and it's not just mortgage holders who will hurt
WA has the highest inflation rate in the nation. Support services are bracing themselves for a surge in clients. But some say the rate rise is what the economy needs.
8/6/2022
ABC News
World Bank warns recession 'hard to avoid' and Ukraine war creating a 'perfect storm'
The World Bank has dropped global growth rates to 2.9 per cent, down on the 4.1 per cent it had predicted in January. The sharp downgrade for the world's economy is also based on the potential return of "stagflation". The agency also predicts 3 per cent global growth for2023 and 2024.
8/6/2022
Zero Hedge
As White House Continues To Push Jabs For Kids, FL Surgeon General Questions Safety
As we've noted for some time, Covid-19 vaccines have limited efficacy vs. the dominant (and thankfully more mild) strain, Omicron - with CDC researchers finding in one study that Pfizer's jab was just 20% effective against symptomatic illness after 60 days for those aged 12-15 years old, and 0% effective after five months.
8/6/2022
Zero Hedge
How Brazil Is Saving The World From A Catastrophic Food Crisis
Brazil is the fourth-largest producer of food in the world. The country is entirely self-sufficient in basic foodstuffs, and it ranks as the world’s number one producer of banana, cacao, cassava, coffee, corn, maize, rice, soybean, and sugar. Although the bulk of these products are consumed domestically, a considerable part is also exported, including oranges, palm oils, garlic, peanuts, tea, etc.
8/6/2022
CNN
Singapore's dengue 'emergency' is a climate change omen for the world
Singapore says it is facing a dengue "emergency" as it grapples with an outbreak of the seasonal disease that has come unusually early this year. The Southeast Asian city-state has already exceeded 11,000 cases -- far beyond the 5,258 it reported throughout 2021 -- and that was before June 1, when its peak dengue season traditionally begins.
8/6/2022
CNN
South Korean and US fighter jets in show of force to Kim Jong Un amid fears over North Korean nuclear test
South Korea and the United States put on an aerial show of force to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday, flying 20 fighter jets over waters west of the Korean Peninsula in response to Pyongyang's recent missile tests.
2/6/2022
South China Morning Post
Covid-19 controls eased after protest in commuter town near Beijing
Thousands of residents said to have gathered in Yanjiao demanding to be allowed back to work in the capital city. Deputy mayor and police chief says they can now go to Beijing if they meet the requirements and ‘no one will be quarantined’
2/6/2022
9 News
'Pouring fuel on the fire': Russia warns West on new weapons for Ukraine
The US and Germany have pledged to equip Ukraine with some of the advanced weapons it has long desired for shooting down aircraft and knocking out artillery, as Russian forces closed in on capturing a key city in the east.
2/6/2022
ABC News
WA's south-west is set for a dry winter and climate change is part of the reason
WA's South West Land Division is forecast to have a drier winter. Warmer ocean temperatures are part of the reason. Climate change models suggest drying will continue.
2/6/2022
ABC News
Federal government's 'gas trigger' to keep supplies onshore may not be pulled just to put a lid on high prices
Gas prices are high and temperatures are low, meaning businesses and households alike are facing big power bills this winter. The rising cost of gas and coal on the international market is a significant cause, despite Australia being a major global exporter of both commodities.
2/6/2022
Zero Hedge
CDC Director Issues Alert On Pfizer's COVID-19 Pill
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky warned that Pfizer’s COVID-19 pill Paxlovid can lead to a rebound in symptoms.
1/6/2022
ABC News
Magnitude 2.9 earthquake detected near Brendale, north of Brisbane, Geoscience Australia reports
There are no reports of damage or injury. People across the Somerset, Moreton Bay and Brisbane regions reported feeling the tremor. A seismologist says any aftershocks would likely be of smaller magnitude.
1/6/2022
BBC.com
Shanghai lockdown: China eases Covid restrictions after two months
The Chinese city of Shanghai, the country's economic centre and a global trade hub, has eased Covid curbs after a two-month lockdown. At midnight local time (16:00 GMT Tuesday), restrictions were relaxed to allow most people to move freely around the city of some 25 million people. But at least 650,000 residents will remain confined to their homes.
1/6/2022
Reuters
Ukraine's giant seed bank at risk of being lost as war rages
In underground vaults near Ukraine's battlefields, the genetic code for nearly 2,000 crops is in danger of being permanently destroyed. The risk came into sharp focus earlier this month when a research facility near Ukraine's national seed bank was damaged, according to Crop Trust, a non profit organisation set up by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation.
1/6/2022
Zero Hedge
Massive Fire Breaks Out At Poultry Farm That Supplies Eggs To Major Supermarkets
A poultry farm in Howard Lake, Minnesota, that supplies the nation's largest supermarkets with three million eggs per day experienced a devastating fire over the weekend.
31/5/2022
ABC News
JBS Foods cyber attack highlights industry vulnerabilities to Russian hackers
The head of a national cybersecurity firm warns Australia's food supply is uniquely vulnerable to hacking and pandemic-scale shutdowns. The food industry was added to the Commonwealth list of critical industries after a successful attack on Australia's biggest meat company. The Five Eyes security alliance says Russian-backed hackers are targeting countries helping Ukraine.
31/5/2022
Reuters
The war in Ukraine is fuelling a global food crisis
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in late February dramatically worsened the outlook for already inflated global food prices. The halt in Ukrainian exports following the outbreak of the conflict pushed the Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) food price index, which tracks international prices of the most globally traded food commodities, to its highest point in March since records began in 1990.
31/5/2022
ABC News
BOM forecasts destructive winds, low-lying snow, rain and freezing temperatures as cold blast hits east coast
Temperatures are expected to be 3-6C below average as cold air surges up the east coast. Snow is expected down to 600m from Tasmania up to the NSW Central Tablelands. Trees and powerlines could fall as damaging to destructive winds lash regions after months of flooding rains.
31/5/2022
ABC News
ASX set to drop, oil prices and iron ore up
Australian shares are set to drop on Tuesday, following the oil price rising overnight and US markets staying closed for Memorial Day. ASX SPI 200 futures were down by 0.1 per cent to 7,285 by 6:45am AEST. The Australian dollar was near 72 cents, up half a per cent to 71.97 US cents.
31/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Greece Alerts Its Tankers In Gulf After Iran Threatens More 'Retaliation' Seizures
The government of Greece has issued an alert warning all Greek ships currently sailing in Persian Gulf waters to adapt and remain aware of heightened threats against them following last week's seizure of two Greek oil tankers by Iran's military. Maritime tanker monitors suggest at least a dozen Greek tankers are currently in waters near Iran.
31/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Brent Tops $122 After EU Agrees On "Partial" Ban Of Russian Oil
After days of leaks, late on Sunday Bloomberg confirmed that European Union leaders agreed to pursue a partial ban on Russian oil, setting the stage the way for a sixth package of sanctions to punish Russia and its president, Vladimir Putin, for the invasion of Ukraine.
30/5/2022
Citizen Digital
AstraZeneca Vaccine May Increase Risk Of Serious Neurological Condition: Study
Between January to October 2021, 996 GBS cases were recorded in the UK National Immunoglobulin Database, but there was an unusual spike in GBS reports occurring between March and April 2021. For these two months there were about 140 cases per month compared to historical rates of about 100 per month - a 40 per cent increase.
30/5/2022
9 News
Icy polar blast to sweep Australia as winter looms
An icy polar blast is set to sweep much of Australia just in time for the start of winter. The strong cold front will surge through South Australia into Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland from today, bringing a wave of below average temperatures. A severe weather warning for gale force winds has been issued for most of NSW, with conditions set to worsen into this evening.
30/5/2022
Radio Free Europe
War In Ukraine Causes Global Food Shortage
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has had economic repercussions around the world, and it’s creating a food shortage. Russia and Ukraine are both key agricultural suppliers, and the ongoing conflict has only served to highlight the fragility of the global food-supply chain when two major players are essentially taken off the market.
30/5/2022
Al Jazeera
Cash-strapped Sri Lanka gets Russian oil to ease shortages
The 90,000-tonne consignment of Russian oil waited offshore for more than a month as Sri Lanka was unable pay for shipment.
30/5/2022
ABC News
Homes, roads flooded as Adelaide's north hit by torrential rain
Parts of Adelaide's northern suburbs have had up to 55 millimetres of rain. A severe weather warning is in place for much of the state. Several vehicles have become stuck in floodwaters, police say.
30/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Drought Adds To Pressure On US Gas Inventories
U.S. gas prices have climbed to the highest for more than 13 years as inventories remain well below average while the drought and lack of hydro generation threatens to stretch them even further. Front-month futures prices for gas delivered at Henry Hub in Louisiana have climbed to around $9 per million British thermal units, up from $3 at the same point a year ago.
27/5/2022
Euro Weekly
Many questions remain over the false Covid-19 vaccination certificates bought by stars, sports personalities and business leaders
Reaction to the news that more than 2,200 prominent Spaniards, including the leader of one of the country’s largest pharmaceutical companies, has been one of resignation and disbelief.
26/5/2022
9 News
'Biggest power play since World War II': Albanese doubles down on China
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the new Labor government is redoubling efforts to counter China's rising assertiveness in the Pacific region. Albanese was speaking with Today this morning as Foreign Minister Penny Wong heads to Fiji after it emerged China is pushing for 10 Pacific nations to sign a new security deal.
26/5/2022
ABC News
More rain on the way for southern Queensland, with BOM also predicting a wet winter
Rain is likely today for areas south of Townsville, moving to the coast on Friday. A sunny weekend is predicted for much of the state. The BOM says climate change is making the atmosphere more moist and increasing the risk of future floods.
26/5/2022
ABC News
Power prices to surge up to 18.3 per cent as energy market turmoil flows through to households
Benchmark electricity prices will rise up to 18.3 per cent under a decision by the Australian Energy Regulator. Increases to the so-called default market offers will amount to hundreds of dollars a year in some cases. The AER has cited rocketing wholesale power costs, which have risen more than 140 per cent in the past year.
26/5/2022
Zero Hedge
How Sanctions Have Increased Russia's Oil And Gas Revenue
Russia’s oil and gas revenues hit another record high despite sanctions designed to hurt the Russian economy. The removal of some Russian oil from markets only served to send oil prices higher, boosting revenues from the oil that it is able to sell. There is no way to remove Russian oil from the market entirely without sending oil prices much higher, possibly above $200.
26/5/2022
Zero Hedge
China Holds Live Fire Combat Drills Near Taiwan As Response To Biden Defense Pledge
China on Wednesday revealed that it held fresh military drills near Taiwan while Joe Biden was wrapping up his first trip to Asia as president. A statement cited "joint patrol and combat readiness operations near Taiwan" while the US leader was in Tokyo where he was meeting with leaders of the other "Quad" nations of Japan, India, and Australia.
23/5/2022
9 News
Wet weather systems to lash at both sides of Australia, WA warnings in place
Two wet weather systems are currently moving across opposite sides of Australia, with multiple states set for an absolute soaking – and chilly temperatures.
23/5/2022
RT News
First monkeypox quarantine ordered in EU
Belgian health authorities have mandated a 21-day self-isolation period after three cases were detected.
23/5/2022
ABC News
ASX rises after Labor victory, global equity markets rebound
Australian shares have opened higher on Monday, following the Labor Party's election victory after nearly a decade out of power.
23/5/2022
ABC News
Skyrocketing grain prices to worsen global food insecurity, Rabobank warns
Russia's war over Ukraine will push grain and food prices up for at least a year, Rabobank has warned, with dire outcomes for the world's hungriest nations.
23/5/2022
Reuters
Explainer: Monkeypox - How concerned should we be?
NEW YORK, May 22 (Reuters) - Global health officials have sounded the alarm over rising cases in Europe and elsewhere of monkeypox, a type of viral infection more common to west and central Africa.
23/5/2022
News.com.au
Rain bomb to continue as deluge soaks Queensland and NSW
The deluge of rain hammering the east coast is expected to continue with one part of Queensland recording a staggering decades old record.
19/5/2022
ABC News
Climate change has made old measures predicting weather events 'essentially worthless'
Statistical measures like the "one-in-100-year flood" level are used by authorities in Australia to determine safe building standards. Experts say climate change has made those measures "essentially worthless". They say accurate climate change projections would "take the blindfold off" emergency responders, save property and save lives.
19/5/2022
ABC News
West Australians’ highly sensitive personal data put at risk as COVID-19 contact tracing system lacks security
Authorities failed to adequately protect sensitive contact tracing data. The auditor-general says controls need to be strengthened. WA health has defended its system but agreed to adopt changes.
19/5/2022
ABC News
West Australians’ highly sensitive personal data put at risk as COVID-19 contact tracing system lacks security
Authorities failed to adequately protect sensitive contact tracing data. The auditor-general says controls need to be strengthened. WA health has defended its system but agreed to adopt changes.
19/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Diesel Costs Deliver Body Blow To Trucking Industry, Impacting Broader Economy
With diesel prices remaining elevated — forcing significant costs onto shippers and trucking companies — the impact of fuel costs on inflation could put a dent in consumer spending, according to experts.
19/5/2022
Zero Hedge
US Navy Amasses 'Show Of Force' Near China Amid Taiwan Invasion Threats
The US Navy amassed a show of force in the waters near China. Top Western officials worry that Beijing could launch a military takeover of Taiwan after learning lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
19/5/2022
ABC News
Explainer: What is monkeypox and why are cases on the rise in Europe?
One likely scenario behind the increase in cases is increased travel as COVID restrictions are lifted. Monkeypox puts virologists on the alert because it is in the smallpox family, although it causes less serious illness. Smallpox was eradicated by vaccination in 1980, and the shot has been phased out. But it also protects against monkeypox, and so the winding down of vaccination campaigns has led to a jump in monkeypox cases, according to Anne Rimoin, an epidemiology professor at UCLA in California.
19/5/2022
9 News
Australian rainforests are dying at their fastest rate in decades, prompting climate warning about 'carbon sinks'
Tropical trees in the vast, green rainforests that cover northern Queensland are dying at double the previous rate since the 1980s, a new study has found. The long-term international study, published in Nature today, found the trees' life expectancy is potentially halving, an effect associated with increased climate change and cyclones.
19/5/2022
Sky News
Wage growth still half the rate of inflation
Wages have grown at their fastest annual rate since December 2018, but at 2.4 per cent, wage growth is still less than half the rate of inflation. The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry CEO Andrew McKellar says to ensure wage increases are reasonable, “we’ve got to be very careful not to add back in through inflation”.
18/5/2022
South China Morning Post
With China firmly on a zero-Covid trajectory, concerns are turning to ‘growth recession’ risks
Beijing’s steadfast adherence to rigid citywide lockdowns to combat the highly contagious Omicron coronavirus variant is gradually changing the narrative, with questions shifting from how far will the central government go, to how big of an economic hit the country can afford to take.
18/5/2022
Reuters
Explainer: Why Indonesia's palm oil export ban has not cooled cooking oil prices
May 17 (Reuters) - Indonesia, the world's biggest palm oil exporter, has since April 28 halted shipments of the edible oil in a bid to flood the domestic market with supplies to control the soaring prices of cooking oil.
18/5/2022
Perth Now
Petrol in Perth: WA’s fuel prices to pass $2 per litre on Wednesday
The average price of petrol in Perth will surge beyond $2 per litre on Wednesday — despite the halving of fuel excise — further highlighting the extreme cost of living pressures impacting Australians just days out from the election.
18/5/2022
Perth Now
'One in four skip meals' amid UK inflation
The cost-of-living squeeze in the United Kingdom has led to two in three people in the country turning off their heating, almost half are driving less or changing supermarkets and just over a quarter say they have skipped meals, a survey indicates.
18/5/2022
Perth Now
Emergency WA issue flood warning for WA's Pilbara
A flood warning has been issued for parts of the Pilbara coast in West Australia’s northwest with heavy rain forecast across the region. Emergency WA says people in the De Grey River, Pilbara Coastal Rivers, Fortescue River, Onslow Coast, Ashburton River and Sandy Desert catchments should prepare for minor flooding on Tuesday and Wednesday.
18/5/2022
9 News
Rain to make weekend return as cold front slams into south-east
Temperatures have plummeted in the nation's south-east this morning due to a cold front, which has seen snow fall over Alps, while strong gusty winds batter Victoria.
16/5/2022
Sky News
Price of petrol again lifting across parts of Australia
The price of petrol is once again soaring at certain outlets across Australia. The price of regular unleaded fuel has jumped across Melbourne – despite the federal government’s recent efforts to bring down petrol prices. Cost of living concerns remain a primary issue as the upcoming federal election nears.
16/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Sweden Declares NATO Membership Bid Hours After Neighboring Finland
On the same day a mere hours later, and as fully expected based on prior statements, Sweden's ruling party formally affirmed Stockholm's simultaneous application to NATO. "Sweden's ruling Social Democratic Party on Sunday said it was in favor of joining NATO, reversing its decades-long opposition and paving the way for the country to submit a membership application," AFP reported.
16/5/2022
Zero Hedge
China May Be Retrofitting Nuclear Submarine With New Missile System
Recent satellite images provide a rare glimpse into China’s naval development as a commercial satellite caught a Chinese submarine in a dry dock for apparent upgrades. It is unclear if the submarine is a new type of vessel altogether or an upgraded class of nuclear-powered attack submarine.
13/5/2022
ABC News
Coffee Prices Jump As "Intense New Cold Front" Threatens Top-Producer Brazil
Coffee futures in New York jumped Wednesday as new weather forecasts show the world's largest producer has increased frost risks in top growing areas. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration published new forecasts that show low temperatures in Cerrado, Parana state, and Mogiana could record below 5 degrees Celsius (41 degrees Fahrenheit) by May 16. In the south of Minas Gerais and Guaxupe, temperatures may trend even lower through May 19. All of the regions listed are top-producing areas for arabica beans.
13/5/2022
ABC News
Queensland floods live: Emergency alerts issued as severe weather system brings heavy rain south
More than a dozen emergency alerts have been issued across Queensland, from North Burnett to the NSW border, as a severe trough that dumped heavy rain on the state's north and west this week moves south.
13/5/2022
9 News
WA premier delivers $5.7 billion budget surplus, $400 power bill credit to every household
Relief from the rising cost of living is the main focus of Western Australian Premier and Treasurer Mark McGowan's state budget, which has delivered a near-record $5.7 billion surplus.
12/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Is A Wheat Crisis Developing In China As Farmers Cut Crops Early?
As global food prices remain at record highs and war wages in Europe between two of the world's largest grain suppliers, troubling videos from China show farmers slashing winter wheat production ahead of harvest times, adding even more uncertainty about food security.
12/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Tumbling Inventories Send US Gasoline, Diesel Prices To Fresh Record High
U.S. gasoline prices continued to rise, setting another all-time high on Wednesday at $4.404 per gallon average nationwide, data from AAA showed today.
12/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Major Trucking Firms Prepare For "Imminent Diesel Shortage In Eastern Half Of US"
Major trucking fleets across the eastern half of the US are preparing for an "imminent" diesel shortage, according to logistics firm FreightWaves.
12/5/2022
Al Jazeera
US baby formula crisis: Abbott could start production in 2 weeks
Abbott Laboratories said on Wednesday it could restart production of infant formula at its troubled Michigan facility within two weeks.
11/5/2022
ABC News
Antibiotic resistance is threatening our health. Will bacterial infection send us back to the medical dark age?
Tony Velkov and Jian Li share the kind of geeky science story that would work perfectly as a Hollywood script.On quiet weekends at the Monash University science labs 20 years ago, the pair discovered they were the only ones crazy — or obsessed — enough to be working on their projects while everyone else was at home enjoying a few days off.
11/5/2022
ABC News
AWestern Australia records fresh COVID peak with 17,033 new infections
Mark McGowan says 27 per cent of hospital patients are unvaccinated. But only 1 per cent of the population is unvaccinated. About one-third of COVID cases are aged under 19.
11/5/2022
News.com.au
‘Concerned’: Forecasters worried about ‘widespread drenching’ set to hit east coast
Torrential storms lashing Queensland have turned deadly, as forecasters warn half a metre of rain could drench parts of Australia’s east coast.
11/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Japan Reports More Suspected Cases Of Unexplained Acute Hepatitis In Children
At least seven possible cases of acute hepatitis—inflammation of the liver—in children have been identified in Japan, the Health Ministry said Friday, but the cause of the cases is yet unknown. “There are fewer than five older case-patients recorded as having had a COVID-19 vaccination prior to hepatitis onset,” the report said, adding that most of the impacted children are too young to receive the shot. “There is no evidence of a link between COVID-19 vaccination and the acute hepatic syndrome.”
11/5/2022
Reuters
Russia downed satellite internet in Ukraine -Western officials
US: Russian hack aimed at disrupting Ukrainian communications. UK: Hack was 'deliberate and malicious'. EU: Attack on Viasat caused 'indiscriminate' outages. Russia routinely denies it carries out cyberattacks
10/5/2022
Nature News
Increased emergency cardiovascular events among under-40 population in Israel during vaccine rollout and third COVID-19 wave
Cardiovascular adverse conditions are caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections and reported as side-effects of the COVID-19 vaccines. Enriching current vaccine safety surveillance systems with additional data sources may improve the understanding of COVID-19 vaccine safety.
9/5/2022
ABC News
COVID-19 surges to fresh peak in WA with a record 10,394 new cases, but hospitalisations steady
The number of new cases is over 200 more than the previous peak. Infections have surged since WA dropped its indoor mask mandate . WA's free RAT program has been expanded further in regional areas
9/5/2022
Zero Hedge
The World Is "Crying Out For Diesel"; Product Tankers Could Win Big
Retail gasoline prices in the U.S. are up 45% year on year. Diesel used by American truckers is up 75% and just hit an all-time high. But this is not just an American problem. Pain at the pump is global. And so-called product tankers — ships designed to transport cargoes such as diesel, gasoline and jet fuel — are in prime position to profit.
9/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Ukraine Grain Strain: Almost 25 Million Tonnes Blocked From Export
A massive backlog of grain shipments is piling up in Ukraine to the tune of nearly 25 million tonnes due to 'infrastructure challenges' and blocked ports in the Black Sea, including Mariupol, Reuters reports, citing a UN food agency official.'
6/5/2022
ABC News
'More than a month's rain in 12 hours': Record-breaking storm lashes Tasmania
Tasmania's south-east has been hit with a record-breaking storm that hammered towns with hail, resulted in dozens of flood warnings, and left thousands more without power
6/5/2022
ABC News
Turkey's inflation soars to 70 per cent, hitting a two-decade high
Turkey's annual inflation jumped to a two-decade high of 69.97 per cent in April — according to data released on Thursday — fuelled by the Russia-Ukraine conflict as well as rising energy and commodity prices after last year's lira crash.
6/5/2022
9 News
Commuter chaos expected as 1500 bus drivers strike across Melbourne
Melbourne commuters are being warned to brace for severe disruptions today when 1500 bus drivers stop work for 24 hours over pay and conditions.
6/5/2022
Brisbane Times
Bushwalking boom: How to avoid getting lost on WA’s trails
Bushwalkers – who outnumber basketball, golf, soccer or football players in WA – can now explore hundreds of trails beyond mobile phone range using maps downloaded onto their phones.
6/5/2022
9 News
Dow plunges more than 1000 points in Wall Street's worst day of the year
So much for the good feelings on Wall Street. US share markets fell sharply overnight, marking their worst day of the year and wiping out all of the gains from Wednesday after the Federal Reserve's announcement of its plans to increase in its benchmark interest rate won over investors.
6/5/2022
9 News
Free bus rides for some Sydneysiders as drivers strike
Passengers on some Sydney bus services are travelling for free today as bus drivers take industrial action.
5/5/2022
News.com.au
Why experts believe Putin could make ‘declaration of war’ on May 9
The crisis in Ukraine could be about to escalate dramatically, with experts bracing for a major announcement from Russia on May 9.
5/5/2022
9 News
Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western arms
Russian forces pounded targets across Ukraine, taking aim at supply lines for foreign weapons in the west and intensifying an offensive in the east, as the European Union moved Wednesday to further punish Moscow for the war with a proposed ban on oil imports.
5/5/2022
Zero Hedge
World's Largest Shipper Warns About Stagflation: "Don't Think It's Temporary"
The world's largest ocean and inland freight transportation company warns about gathering storm clouds above the global economy as potential stagflation risks emerge and shuttering of China's factories because of the COVID-19 outbreak even as it reported record profits for the first quarter.
5/5/2022
Zero Hedge
India Stuns Market With Surprise Rate Hike In Unscheduled Meeting Ahead Of Fed
The Reserve Bank of India unexpectedly raised the policy repo rate - its main lending rate - by 40 bps to 4.40% highlighting continuing inflation risks amidst a broad-based growth recovery even as it decided to "remain accommodative while focusing on withdrawal of accommodation".
4/5/2022
Sky News
Showers and thunderstorms set to hit parts of NSW and Queensland
Showers and thunderstorms are set to hit parts of inland New South Wales and Queensland today. Tasmania is also set to be hit by rain on Wednesday.
4/5/2022
ABC News
Reserve Bank opts for standard 25-basis-point interest rate hike as first in likely string of rises
The Reserve Bank's 25-basis-point increase to the cash rate target takes it to 0.35 per cent. The RBA governor warns that getting inflation under control "will require a further lift in interest rates". Financial markets and economists expect the next official rate rise to occur in June.
4/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Global Manufacturers Lose Momentum As Inflation Worsens: Kemp
Global manufacturing growth has started to decelerate as supply chain problems, the rising cost of energy and raw materials, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine take their toll.
4/5/2022
Al Jazeera
Bulgaria, where some are pro-Russian, divided after gas cutoff
More than a loss of energy supply, Moscow’s move amid the Ukraine war has fortified a growing separation between the long-standing allies.
3/5/2022
Al Jazeera
Germany says could drop opposition to Russian oil ban
Two ministers say Berlin is ready to back a European Union ban on Russian oil imports and warn of potential economic costs.
3/5/2022
CNN
Why the food crisis sparked by Russia's war hasn't hit Gulf states yet
The leaders of Gulf Arab countries -- where less than 2% of land is cultivated and 85% of food is imported -- seem to have met this food crisis well-prepared. The secret, analysts say, lies in their decades-long strategy for food security and resources to implement it.
3/5/2022
ABC News
What are the odds of catching COVID-19 twice? Here's what we know about reinfection
COVID-19 reinfections have increased significantly in many parts of the world since the arrival of Omicron. New subvariants, coupled with waning immunity, could mean more Australians get COVID a second time in coming months. Risk factors include time since first infection, booster status, and being older or immunocompromised.
3/5/2022
ABC News
Massive aid effort for Wadeye residents displaced by violence and destruction
After weeks of escalating unrest in the remote community of Wadeye, where an estimated 37 homes have been burnt and destroyed, massive efforts are underway to help people affected by the crisis. About 400 people who were living in those overcrowded homes have fled into the bush and to homelands on the outskirts of Wadeye, a community with about 3,000 people, 420 kilometres south-west of Darwin.
3/5/2022
News.com.au
Economists predict interest rates to rise every month until Christmas
With the RBA almost certain to increase the cash rate on Tuesday afternoon, some economists are predicting it could be a regular monthly occurrence.
3/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Kim Jong Un Warns Of 'Preemptive Nuclear Strike' If North Korea Threatened
Kim's threats come as South Korea ushers in a new conservative government in May that could strike a harsher tone than outgoing liberal President Moon Jae-in. North Korea has conducted 13 weapons launches so far this year, including its first full-range test of an ICBM since former US President Donald Trump de-escalated tensions.
2/5/2022
ABC News
The Solomons-China deal is ringing alarm bells but the west is China's main game, and Australia has been looking the other way
China is extending its economic clout across Central Asia into the Middle East and Africa. The massive Belt and Road investment and infrastructure project promises to be a 21st-century silk road. Of the 146 countries which have signed up to Belt and Road, overwhelmingly the greatest number are to the west of China.
2/5/2022
RT News
Huge rise in Russian gas supplies to China – Gazprom
Russian gas supplies to China have shot up by almost 60% in the first four months of 2022 compared to the same period last year, Russian energy giant Gazprom announced on Sunday.
2/5/2022
9 News
Sweden scrambles fighter jets after Russian military plane enters airspace
Sweden has said a Russian military plane has violated Swedish airspace. The incident happened late on Friday in the Baltic Sea near the island of Bornholm. In a statement, the Swedish Armed Forces said a Russian AN-30 propeller plane flew toward Swedish airspace and briefly entered it before leaving the area.
2/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Alarming Signs Farmers Reduce Fertilizer May Wreck Crop Yields
There is growing concern farmers worldwide are reducing chemical fertilizer, which may threaten yields come harvest time, according to Bloomberg. The repercussions could be huge: Lower yields may exacerbate the food crisis. There are alarming signs commercial farmers in top growing areas in the world are decreasing the use of essential nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
2/5/2022
Zero Hedge
Alarming Signs Farmers Reduce Fertilizer May Wreck Crop Yields
There is growing concern farmers worldwide are reducing chemical fertilizer, which may threaten yields come harvest time, according to Bloomberg. The repercussions could be huge: Lower yields may exacerbate the food crisis. There are alarming signs commercial farmers in top growing areas in the world are decreasing the use of essential nutrients — nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
29/4/2022
Zero Hedge
"We Are On The Precipice Of A Global Food Crisis," Goya Foods CEO Warns
The effects of pandemic lockdowns, related supply chain strains, and conflict in Ukraine are wreaking havoc on the world's agricultural system. Readers have heard the likes of the UN warning that Middle Eastern countries are at "breaking points" as food prices hit record highs, and as of last week, the Rockefeller Foundation began the countdown (about six months) to a "massive, immediate food crisis."
29/4/2022
Zero Hedge
China Reports 1st Ever Human Case Of H3N8 Bird Flu
The case involved is a 4-year-old boy who had been hospitalized on April 10 in Zhumadian city in the central province of Henan, China’s health commission said in an April 26 statement.
29/4/2022
Perth Now
COVID in WA: No more masks as most virus restrictions ease across the State
Masks are gone, so too are capacity limits and vaccine proof requirements in a milestone day for WA’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
29/4/2022
ABC News
Labor leader Anthony Albanese emerges from COVID-19 isolation with rising power prices on the agenda
Federal Labor leader Anthony Albanese has rejoined the federal election campaign after spending a week in COVID-19 isolation.
28/4/2022
Al Jazeera
Inequality fuels COVID death rates across Latin America: Report
New report finds ‘staggering inequality’ the core factor behind disproportionate COVID-19 death rates in region. Examining statistics from the start of the pandemic in 2020 until February of this year, the report released on Wednesday revealed that more than 1.6 million people in Latin America died from COVID-19-related causes. That would mean that Latin America accounted for nearly a third (28 percent) of total COVID-19 deaths – despite only 8.4 percent of the world’s population living in the region.
28/4/2022
Al Jazeera
Russian gas crisis: 5 things to know about Europe’s supply
Russia is cutting gas supplies to Poland and Bulgaria, and is threatening to cut off other countries in Europe.
28/4/2022
9 News
Soaring inflation puts pre-election interest rate hike on the cards, experts say
With inflation soaring to a 21-year high, a pre-election hike in interest rates could now well be on the cards, experts say. If Australia's Reserve Bank raises the official cash rate next week, Scott Morrison will become the first prime minister to face an interest rate rise during an election since John Howard in 2007.
28/4/2022
Sky News
Australia risks a ‘potential recession’
Australia could soon be facing a recession, says Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell. Westpac’s chief economist Bill Evans has warned of rate rises, pricing in 14 rate hikes by the end of 2023. “That’s a potential recession you’re staring down the barrel of when you’re talking about that,” Mr Clennell said.
28/4/2022
ABC News
Firewood shortage flagged for south-west WA as stakeholders view logging ban with skepticism
Firewood suppliers warn stocks are low and a ban on native logging in 2024 will further reduce supplies. WA households burn about 150,000 tonnes of mainly native hardwood firewood each year. The Forestry Minister says there will be an ongoing supply of firewood despite changes to its sources.
27/4/2022
Perth Now
COVID in WA: Ten deaths as Mark McGowan reveals how long the vaccine mandate will be needed
The vaccine mandate covering more than one million workers in WA will remain until the third dose vaccination rate reaches “way over 80 per cent”, Mark McGowan says ahead of the easing of COVID rules.
27/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Farm Crisis Hits Dakotas As Floods Delay Plantings, May Trigger US Food Shortage
In the last several weeks, farmers in the Northern Plains have been battered by blizzards, winter storms, high winds, and extreme flooding. These weather phenomena have delayed farmers from plantings in high-producing crop regions. Every week plantings are delayed, the harvest yield shrinks, and this comes at a precarious time as the global food supply chain is fracturing.
27/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Poland Confirms Russia To Halt All Gas Delivery Wednesday If Payment Not Settled In Rubles
Update(1550ET): The International Energy Agency (IEA) issued a statement of solidarity with Poland as Russia is poised to suspend all natural gas supplies to the country over Warsaw's refusal to settle payments in Rubles, as President Putin previously demanded of "unfriendly countries" taking anti-Kremlin action amid the Ukraine conflict.
27/4/2022
9 News
Parts of Queensland see heaviest rainfall in 20 years
Parts of Queensland have been hit with the heaviest rainfall in decades, bringing a welcome deluge for outback communities.
26/4/2022
ABC Now
Inflation surge could see super-sized interest rate hike in June, economists warn
The typical forecast is that consumer prices rose 4.6 per cent over the past year. Economists expect that the inflation numbers released on Wednesday will seal the case for a June interest rate rise. Westpac is forecasting that June interest rate rise will be 40 basis points, while most other forecasts are for a 15-basis-point increase.
26/4/2022
Perth Now
McDonald’s rations tomatoes amid Europe food crisis fears, shortages
Farmers are warning of a food crisis sparked by shortages and spiralling wholesale prices – amid fears rationing could spread beyond cooking oil. Major supermarkets are already limiting how much sunflower oil, which is largely sourced from Ukraine, customers can buy. And other shortages and punishing price rises are being felt in the food chain, with an inevitable knock-on effect on choice and household budgets.
26/4/2022
Al Jazeera
‘Hurting vulnerable’: Indonesia’s palm oil ban spurs price surge
Indonesia’s ban on palm oil exports is sending soaring cooking oil prices even higher worldwide, exacerbating global food security fears amid adverse weather and the war in Ukraine.
26/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Scientists Discover Heart Inflammation More Prevalent Among Vaccinated Than Unvaccinated: Study
Heart inflammation requiring hospital care was more common among people who received COVID-19 vaccines than those who did not, according to a new study of tens of millions of Europeans.
26/4/2022
Zero Hedge
The Real Victim Of Shanghai's COVID Lockdown? Intra-Asia Trade Pipeline
The slothlike trade moving out of Shanghai has created a short supply of raw materials traveling on the all-important intra-Asia trade route. Countries that make up this trade pipe — Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Indonesia and Cambodia — have factories waiting on crucial raw materials needed to finish goods ranging from apparel and footwear to furniture.
26/4/2022
9 News
One in four Aussies struggling with rising cost of living
A new survey has shown one in four Australians are struggling with the rising cost of living, with fuel and grocery prices putting increased strain on families and households. The survey by Beyond Bank of more than 500 Australians shows up to 25 per cent are struggling to make ends meet.
26/4/2022
7 News
One child dead, 17 others requiring liver transplants as deadly hepatitis outbreak spreads
A deadly strain of hepatitis is spreading in 12 countries around the world. Here’s what we know.
22/4/2022
9 News
Queensland grocery prices continue to rise.
Queenslanders are spending on average $15 more on groceries per week, with the price of food continuing to rise.
22/4/2022
Forbes
Disrupted exports, drought, refugees to feed and record-high fertilizer prices conspire to spread food insecurity worldwide.
ens of millions of people, from Europe to Asia, Africa to the Middle East, are expected to go hungry this year due to a grim combination of factors made significantly worse by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war in Ukraine.
21/4/2022
McKinsey & Company
The rising risk of a global food crisis
The pandemic. Supply chain strains. Climatic events. Converging disruptions have sent food prices soaring—and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, one of the world’s six breadbasket regions, risks tilting the food system into global crisis.
21/4/2022
South China Morning Post
Chinese navy shows off hypersonic anti-ship missiles in public
Military analysts said displaying the YJ-21, or Eagle Strike 21, may be a warning to the United States or Taiwan. The missiles are designed to target aircraft carrier strike groups.
21/4/2022
Al Jazeera
IMF, World Bank warn of ‘huge buildup of debt’ in poorest nations
Rising interest rates are squeezing the world’s poorest nations, already struggling with COVID-19 and high food prices.
21/4/2022
9 News
Stark prediction for Australian coal exports to China
As China works to cut energy exports and tap into its own coal reserves, demand for Australian exports will take another blow. Analysis from experts at Australian National University found demand for overseas thermal and metallurgical coal will fall by at least 26 per cent between 2019 and 2025. Should China deliver on its commitment to reach zero net emissions by 2060 then those imports could fall to 45 per cent between this period.
21/4/2022
9 News
Russia test-fires new intercontinental ballistic missile
The Russian military says it has successfully performed the first test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile. President Vladimir Putin said the weapon would make the West "think twice" before harbouring any aggressive intentions against Russia.
20/4/2022
9 News
RBA hints at interest rate hike being 'brought forward'
The Reserve Bank of Australia has given its biggest hint yet that borrowers will wear the cost of an interest rate hike sooner rather than later as the economy roars back after COVID-19. Releasing the minutes of its April monetary policy meeting – where the RBA kept rates on hold at the record-low 0.1 per cent – the nation's top economists agreed that economic conditions were ripe to increase the nation's cash rate.
20/4/2022
Perth Now
Australian shoppers could soon be hit with grocery, produce price increases
Woolworths prices increased by 4.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2022, compared to the previous quarter when they were up 1.4 per cent. Meanwhile Coles’ prices have gone up 3.2 per cent.
20/4/2022
CNN
Hunger and anger in Shanghai's unending lockdown nightmare
Now, with lockdown measures turning increasingly draconian, a once almost-unthinkable topic has struck a chord with residents in the city and beyond, more so than anything else: people going hungry in Shanghai in 2022. By the authorities' own acknowledgment, the food shortage has been a largely man-made disaster owing to a lack of planning and coordination.
20/4/2022
BBC
Ukraine war: Can India feed the world?
India is the second biggest producer of rice and wheat in the world. As of early April, it had 74 million tonnes of the two staples in stock. A shortage of fertilisers could easily hit production in the next harvest season. One way to get around this, says Mr Damodaran, is for India to explore "wheat-for-fertiliser deals" with countries like Egypt and in Africa. If the war gets prolonged, India might face logistical challenges in stepping up exports. "Exporting huge volumes of cereals involves huge infrastructure like transportation, storage, ships. Also the capacity to start shipping in high volumes," says Mr Aratchilage. There is also the question of higher freight costs.
20/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Get Ready For The Next Supply Chain Shockwave
Concern is growing that the spread of COVID cases and city lockdowns in China will have massive downstream effects for global supply chains that could dwarf previous disruptions since the start of the pandemic.
20/4/2022
Zero Hedge
EU To Impose Full Embargo On Russian Oil Next Week, Will Send Price Above $185 According To JPMorgan
What was largely a theoretical modeling exercise until moments ago, is set to go live because Reuters reports that the EU is set to declare a full embargo on Russian oil after this weekend's French election.
19/4/2022
9 News
'First start to winter': Cold blast to bring icy conditions to four states
An icy cold front will bring the nation's first real taste of winter later this week, causing temperatures to plummet and wet weather across the south-east. Victoria, NSW, South Australia, ACT and Tasmania will experience an icy blast as the system sweeps across the country
19/4/2022
RT News
Battle for Donbass has started — Ukraine
The second phase of the Russian offensive has started, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his advisers claimed on Monday. The government in Kiev said there were reports of heavy fighting on the Donetsk, Lugansk, and Kharkov fronts, and that Ukrainian troops were holding the line.
19/4/2022
7 News
Australian travel requirement for negative COVID-19 test scrapped in pandemic rule changes
A requirement for people travelling to Australia from overseas to test negative for COVID-19 before arrival has been scrapped.
19/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Pakistan Hit With Power Blackouts As It Struggles With Fuel Shortages And Technical Problems
A once-in-a-generation inflation shock is rippling worldwide and has become a significant source of social and political instability in the weakest countries. Pakistan is the latest country to experience paralyzing inflation.
19/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Corn Exceeds $8 A Bushel For First Time In Decade On Shortage Fears
A combination of factors has sent corn futures in Chicago to the highest level in a decade as investors fret over dwindling supplies.Corn futures haven't exceeded $8 a bushel since September 2012, following a devastating drought that damaged crops across the U.S. Midwest. Now supply risks return but for different reasons.
14/4/2022
ABC News
Builders warn cost of new homes will rise as war in Ukraine sees tariff on timber imports
The cost of building a new home rose by 20 per cent in 2021 due to material shortages, disrupted supply chains and demand for skilled tradespeople. It is now set to be even more expensive due to a 35 per cent tariff increase on imports from Russia and Belarus imposed by the federal government.
14/4/2022
ABC News
Regional Queensland's 'troubling' healthcare situation a result of bureaucracy, leaders say
In March, a Four Corners investigation revealed negligent healthcare practices resulted in the deaths of Indigenous girls and women in the Gulf community of Doomadgee. Despite acting as the main healthcare centre for the region, Mount Isa Hospital recently cut back its ophthalmology services. "There has been a huge decline across the north," a healthcare worker said on Facebook.
12/4/2022
Independent
Chile forced to ration water as ‘unprecedented’ drought enters 13th year
The Chilean capital of Santiago has announced a plan to ration water as the country enters its 13th year of drought. The city of almost six million people is in an “unprecedented situation”, Claudio Orrego, the governor of the Santiago metropolitan region, explained at a press conference.
12/4/2022
ABC News
Expert says Western Australia's COVID-19 cases have peaked, but it's not out of the woods yet
Western Australia's COVID-19 cases most likely peaked on March 30. One expert predicts the figures will continue trending downwards. However, he thinks pandemics will become more frequent.
12/4/2022
ABC News
Farmer loses $200,000 worth of strawberries after workforce tests positive to COVID-19
Paul Da Silva is calling for isolation rules to be softened to allow asymptomatic staff in some industries to work if they wish. The WA government says it strongly opposes this idea. Vegetables WA says "practical steps" need to be taken to allow businesses to operate with confidence.
12/4/2022
Al Jazeera
China’s prices surge past forecasts amid lockdowns, Ukraine war
Soaring factory inflation in world’s second-largest economy could exacerbate rising prices worldwide.
12/4/2022
ABC News
Concerns about drinking water quality in 'almost all' remote NT communities. What can be done about it?
Indigenous Australians living in remote areas are disproportionately impacted by kidney disease. Professor Paul Lawton is investigating whether drinking contaminated water contributes to these health issues. In April 2021, the Northern Territory government announced a $28 million funding package for water quality in remote communities.
12/4/2022
CNN
Shanghai's chaotic Covid lockdown puts other Chinese cities on edge
In the southern port city of Guangzhou, where all 18 million residents faced mandatory testing after a handful of infections were found last week, officials stressed that food and other supplies were well taken care of -- despite one local paper reporting shortages at supermarkets due to "panic buying."
12/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Food Shortages Loom As Chinese Farmers Face Trouble Amid Pandemic
Jilin Province in China has announced that efforts will continue to ensure that spring plowing continues despite a province-wide COVID-19 lockdown. However, online videos showed police interrupting farmers working in the fields throughout China. Fearing the delay in spring plowing could lead to a food shortage, analysts say the crisis is beyond fallow fields, viable seeds and fertilizers are the real crisis Chinese farmers are facing.
11/4/2022
CNN
From Pakistan to Peru, soaring food and fuel prices are tipping countries over the edge
Unrest in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Peru over the past week highlights the risks. In Sri Lanka, protests have erupted over shortages of gas and other basic goods. Double-digit inflation in Pakistan has eroded support for Prime Minister Imran Khan, forcing him from office. At least six people have died in recent anti-government protests in Peru sparked by rising fuel prices. But political conflict isn't expected to be limited to these countries.
11/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Baby Formula Shortage Hits Walgreens As Rationing Begins
Infant formula is in short supply as US retailers begin rationing. A combination of COVID-19-related snarled supply chains and a major baby formula recall earlier this year exacerbated shortages. At least 29% of the top-selling baby formula products were out of stock by mid-March, according to an analysis by Datasembly, which tracked baby formula stock at 11,000 retailers.
11/4/2022
South China Morning Post
‘China didn’t hoard grains’: stockpiling to ensure domestic food security has global implications
As food prices rise globally and war rages between two of the world’s biggest grain suppliers, Beijing is intent on securing an adequate food supply for the most populous country. But some Western critics are accusing China of contributing to global inflation and regional shortages of foodstuffs.
8/4/2022
ABC News
Thousands of greater Sydney residents affected by flood evacuations
More than 2,000 people have been affected by evacuation orders across Sydney, with some residents forced to leave their homes for the second time this month.
8/4/2022
ABC News
Borrowers should brace for a 15 per cent fall in home prices as interest rates rise, warns RBA
The Reserve Bank warns of serious risks for those who are heavily indebted with limited savings buffers, while painting a generally upbeat picture of the resilience of Australian households as interest rates rise.
8/4/2022
CNN
EU pledges another 500 million euros in military support for Ukraine
The European Union will commit a further 500 million euros ($543 million) in military support to Ukraine, European Commission President Charles Michel announced Thursday.
8/4/2022
ABC News
Fruit and veg pickers' minimum wage arrives this month and then we'll see the true cost of food
Farmers say supermarkets must pay sustainable prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and ensure it is produced by reputable growers as major changes are made to the way Australia's fruit pickers are paid.
7/4/2022
CNN
Study reveals how Covid-19 infections can set off massive inflammation in the body
From the early days of the pandemic, doctors noticed that in severe cases of Covid-19 -- the ones that landed people in the hospital on ventilators with shredded lungs -- most of the internal wreckage wasn't being directly inflicted by the virus itself but by a blizzard of immune reactions triggered by the body to fight the infection.
7/4/2022
Al Jazeera
Shanghai residents feel strain as lockdown extended indefinitely
People confined to their homes, unable even to take their dogs for a walk, and reliant on authorities for supplies.
7/4/2022
Zero Hedge
US Approves $95 Million Patriot Missile Systems Boost For Taiwan
At a moment the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley told Congressional leaders Tuesday that "significant international conflict between great powers" is now "increasing, not decreasing" - the US has announced approval of the sale of up to $95 million in new training and equipment for Taiwan.
7/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Wait-Times For Semi Chips Rise As China Lockdowns Re-Ignite Supply Chain Congestion
In March, the wait times for semiconductor deliveries increased again, an ominous sign that shortages persist and global supply chains remain congested.Lead times -- the lag between when a semiconductor chip is ordered and delivered -- increased by two days to 26.6 weeks last month, according to Bloomberg, citing new data from Susquehanna Financial Group.
7/4/2022
South China Morning Post
Chinese AI turns commercial satellite into a spy tracker able to follow small objects with precision: paper
Paper details team’s work creating artificial intelligence to continue tracking an object on the ground, even after it turns sharply or disappears into a tunnel. The AI algorithm could be uploaded to processors on some of China’s Earth observation satellites already in orbit without any ground assistance: researchers
7/4/2022
9 News
Thousands facing evacuation as major rain event sweeps NSW
Floodwaters are surging on Sydney streets and heavy winds are blowing stormwater in reverse waterfalls along the cliffs of the city's north as millions face an ongoing major weather event across New South Wales today and tomorrow.
6/4/2022
Al Jazeera
EU proposes ban on Russian coal imports after atrocities
Germany, which had previously blocked efforts to embargo Russian energy, is ready to consider a Russian coal ban and is reportedly in discussion with the European Union about the timing of such a move.
6/4/2022
Al Jazeera
Peru fuel protests: President Castillo imposes curfew in Lima
The Latin American nation has witnessed protests triggered by rising fuel and fertiliser costs in the wake of the Ukraine war.
6/4/2022
Zero Hedge
"Absolutely Historic" - Harvard's Rogoff Admits US' Weaponization Of Dollar Could End Dominance Within 20 Years
During a lengthy interview with Bloomberg TV on the role of cryptocurrencies in the world, when asked by anchor Matt Miller if we will look back at this moment as the beginning of the end of the dollar as the world reserve currency, Harvard University economics professor Kenneth Rogoff started by claiming "...that's a little hyperbolic but it could be true... a long time from now."
6/4/2022
SBS News
Australia to work on hypersonic weapons, electronic warfare capabilities with US, UK
Australia, the UK, and the United States have agreed to co-operate on hypersonic weapons and electronic warfare capabilities, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's office said, following a call between leaders of the new defence alliance.
6/4/2022
9 News
Flood-hit families 'can't take much more' as new rain bomb looms
New South Wales NSW residents staring down the barrel of even more flooding in coming days are struggling to face the potential impact of more heavy rain. Another rain bomb is set to unleash from this afternoon along much of the state's coast, with thunderstorms also forecast for inland.
5/4/2022
Business Insider
Finland appears closer to joining NATO despite Russia's threat of military consequences if it does
Finland appears to be closer to joining NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine. A survey showed a majority there want membership, and the prime minister said a decision should be soon. Russia previously warned of "serious military and political consequences" if Finland tries to join.
5/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Beijing Dispatches Military To Shanghai As Expanded Lockdown Triggers More Unrest
After the city reported a record 9,000 COVID cases, the CCP announced the deployment of thousands of soldiers and military personnel to Shanghai in order for them to assist in the mandatory screening of all 25 million inhabitants (the latest in a seemingly interminable policy of mandatory testing). The next round of nucleic acid tests will begin Monday. The reinforcements include more than 2,000 military personnel and another 30,000 "medical workers", per CNN.
5/4/2022
ABC News
Human Rights Commissioner questions WA's ongoing use of state of emergency powers
WA has been in a state of emergency since March 2020. The WA government says it needs the powers to enforce public health measures. There are concerns about its ongoing use due to increased government powers without the usual accountability protections.
5/4/2022
Al Jazeera
Why Biden’s release of US oil reserves won’t end pain at the pump
Gas prices will keep rising amid Russian war in Ukraine as sanctions tighten and demand outstrips supply, experts say.
5/4/2022
Zero Hedge
Mask-Wearing Has Left A Generation Of Toddlers Struggling With Speech And Social Skills
Lockdown restrictions, including adults wearing face masks, has left a generation of babies and toddlers struggling with speech and social skills, according to an official report.
4/4/2022
The Epoch Times
Doomsday ‘Preppers’ Warn of Hard Times Ahead As Preparedness Goes Mainstream
Food scarcity. Food vouchers. Food riots and flash mobs.All of that’s coming—and soon, says Texas-based food scientist and “Health Ranger” podcaster Mike Adams, who sees dire events unfolding in America in the short term.
4/4/2022
BBC
Shanghai lockdown: Economy shaken by zero-Covid measures
With little notice, officials imposed two staggered waves of lockdowns on the city's more than 26m residents. The eastern side of Shanghai has just been through four days of tight restrictions. The western part began its four-day isolation on 1 April.
4/4/2022
ABC News
Why do some people not catch COVID-19, despite exposure? Scientists are trying to solve the puzzle
When Vanessa Bryant recently managed to dodge COVID-19 despite the rest of her young family getting infected, she felt fortunate — but not entirely surprised. "As an immunologist, I know there's a bit of luck to it," said Dr Bryant, who leads the Immunogenetics Research Laboratory at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne.
4/4/2022
Zero Hedge
German Retailers To Increase Food Prices By 20-50% On Monday
Just days after Germany reported the highest inflation in generation (with February headline CPI soaring at a 7.6% annual pace and blowing away all expectations), giving locals a distinctly unpleasant deja vu feeling even before the Russian invasion of Ukraine broke what few supply chains remained and sent prices even higher into the stratosphere...
4/4/2022
Zero Hedge
World's Largest Oil Trader Warns Energy Markets Are Under-Pricing Supply Risks
A growing chorus of energy-market analysts are warning the public that the SPR release is essentially a band-aid on a bullet wound. Just the other day, Goldman Sachs warned that the unprecedented SPR release of 180 mb over the next six months to fight the "Putin price hike at the pump" has, in reality, done nothing to resolve structural issues, prompting the bank's energy analysts to raise their near-term forecast for 2H22 Brent to $115/bbl from $110/bbl.
1/4/2022
ABC News
Heavy rains wreak havoc in Midwest and Murchison, cutting off residents, causing power outages
Wet weather has wreaked havoc in the Midwest and Murchison in WA, with flooded roads isolating residents, power outages shutting down traffic lights, and more than 30,000 houses being left without power.
1/4/2022
Reuters
Ukraine negotiations to resume, Europe faces Russia gas deadline
TROSTYANETS/LVIV, Ukraine, April 1 (Reuters) - European buyers of Russian gas faced a deadline to start paying in roubles on Friday, while negotiations aimed at ending the five-week war were set to resume even as Ukraine braced for further attacks in the south and east.
1/4/2022
ABC News
Queensland's growing COVID-19 outbreak of BA.2 Omicron sub-variant puts health system under pressure
The number of hospital and ambulance workers unable to work due to COVID-19 has more than doubled in the past 10 days as the Health Minister foreshadows another suspension on some elective surgeries.
31/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Russia hits Kyiv outskirts, Chernihiv despite pledge to pull back
The intensified bombardment comes a day after Moscow said it would scale down military operations ‘to increase mutual trust’.
31/3/2022
ABC News
Drones deployed, criminals go high tech as record oil price fuels wave of diesel thefts on farms
There are warnings criminals are using drones and sophisticated tactics to steal diesel from farms and businesses. The increase in thefts comes as record fuel prices lead to growing desperation among regional consumers. A cut to the petrol tax announced in Tuesday's federal budget has been received as welcome but ineffective.
31/3/2022
News.com.au
China losing $61 billion a month as authorities battle worst Covid outbreak in two years
China is in the midst of a horror new outbreak – and it’s causing the economy to haemorrhage cash as authorities cling to a “zero Covid” policy.
31/3/2022
News.com.au
Russian bombers armed with nuclear warheads violated EU air space, Sweden says
Russian bombers armed with nuclear warheads have been accused of violating European Union air space, and doing so on purpose.
31/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Shanghai Residents Struggle To Obtain Food & Medicine As Citywide Lockdown Continues
For many living in Shanghai, the city’s tough quarantine measures are proving to be unbearable as they struggle to cope with life without enough basic necessities such as food and medication.
30/3/2022
SBS
Heavy flooding forces northern NSW residents to evacuate homes
One of the wettest summers on record has continued into autumn, with heavy rain forcing a new evacuation order for Lismore in northern NSW amid fears the city is headed for further inundation.
30/3/2022
News.com.au
Ukraine appears to strike back for first time with missile hit on Russian military camp
A Ukrainian missile appeared to have hit a temporary Russian military encampment outside Belgorod, in Russia’s village of Krasny Oktyabr, about 64km from the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv, said the Russian state-run news agency Tass.
30/3/2022
Sky News
Temporary six month cut to fuel excise announced
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg says “fuel excise will be cut in half” over the next 6 months, with the new measures set to take effect from midnight tonight.
30/3/2022
ABC News
Omicron COVID-19 winter wave expected to hit supply chains and cause absenteeism, government budget forecasts warn
The government outlined its "winter response plan" for COVID in Tuesday night's budget. It said the potential emergence of "new, more virulent or vaccine‑resistant variants of COVID‑19" was a substantial risk. The government also announced a new RAT program for concession card holders and pensioners.
30/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Russian Pipeline Giant Sets Oil Intake Caps As Storage Overflows
While Russian oil exports are still flowing - especially in the direction of India and China - despite self-imposed sanctions by western energy buyers, difficulties with payments, insurance and shipping as well as curbs on dealing with several Russian oil suppliers forced many regular buyers to shun the market, leaving barrels unsold.
29/3/2022
ABC News
COVID-19 restrictions to be eased in WA schools as state announces record 8,910 new cases
Parents will be allowed back onto school grounds in term two. A host of other school rules are being lifted, but masks will stay.
29/3/2022
ABC News
Antarctic ice shelf the size of New York City finally crumbles after heatwave
It's the largest ice shelf collapse since Larsen B in 2002. Unlike Larsen B, this ice shelf is in East Antarctica, which is colder and more stable than the West Antarctic Peninsula. The collapse of this ice shelf won't directly impact sea-level rise — but collapses can trigger glacier acceleration.
29/3/2022
News.com.au
Heartbreak as floods claim two lives, prompt new evacuation order for Lismore
Intense rain has prompted a fresh evacuation order for one flood-ravaged town still cleaning up from the previous deadly disaster.
29/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Soaring Cotton Prices Could Mean Clothing Is About To Get More Expensive
Cotton futures jumped as high as 4% Monday, reaching a new decade high, as data supplied by weather forecasters say drought conditions in Texas could tighten supplies. The front-month contract in New York hit $1.41 a pound, the highest intraday level since May 2011.
28/3/2022
ABC News
Landfills in Melbourne's south-east are running out of space, leaving councils with a big problem
Melbourne’s south-east will run out of landfill space in five years. A proposed alternative waste plan is dividing councils in the area. Councillors are concerned about signing up to a 25-year deal with minimum waste requirements.
28/3/2022
Sky News
Bureau of Meteorology warns of 'life-threatening' flooding event as severe weather system brings more rainfall
Millions of residents have been told to brace for further rain this week with a severe trough set to lash south-east Queensland and northern NSW amid the heart-breaking clean up from the 1 in 500-year event late last month.
28/3/2022
News.com.au
Treasurer green-lights temporary petrol excise cut, with prices to be slashed from midnight Tuesday
Petrol prices will be slashed from midnight on budget night as Treasurer Josh Frydenberg prepares to temporarily cut the 44 cent fuel excise.
28/3/2022
Zero Hedge
FDA Tells Doctors In 8 States To Stop Using COVID-19 Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said sotrovimab, a monoclonal antibody used to treat COVID-19, can no longer be used in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Regulators believe the treatment, which was given emergency use authorization in May 2021, “is unlikely to be effective against the BA.2 subvariant,” the FDA said in a statement.
24/3/2022
Perth Now
COVID-19 vaccine for babies one step closer as Moderna announces promising trial result
Babies and toddlers could soon be in line for COVID-19 vaccines after Moderna announced on Wednesday that its initial tests had produced a strong immune response in preschoolers.
24/3/2022
ABC News
NATO set to send more troops to eastern border near Ukraine, warns Russia against using nuclear weapons
NATO is seeking to deploy four new combat units in Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia. NATO leaders are set to provide equipment to help Ukraine protect against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats. The head of the military alliance warned Russia any use of biological or chemical weapons would have "far-reaching consequences".
24/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Putin announces gas currency switch for ‘unfriendly countries’
Rouble firms after Putin announcent that Russia would start selling its gas to ‘unfriendly countries’ in roubles. The potential ramifications of that move, which Putin ordered his government to sort out in one week, could boost the Russian currency, with a host of European countries still dependent on Moscow for much of their energy supplies.
24/3/2022
Sky News
'Landmark occasion' for Australia with Moderna to produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccines in Melbourne each year
Moderna will produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccines in Australia annually, with Health Minister Greg Hunt flagging production could also involve a combined COVID and influenza jab in years to come.
24/3/2022
9 News
Flood-ravaged communities in NSW prepare for 'up to 25mm to 500 mm of rain'
Residents across New South Wales' flood-ravaged north are being warned to brace for more rain today. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said up to 25mm - 500 mm could fall across areas of the mid-north coast, Northern Rivers and Hunter regions.
24/3/2022
ABC News
COVID-19 pandemic diverts resources from tuberculosis fight, with 20 per cent drop in diagnoses
Before 2020, tuberculosis was the leading infectious disease killer in the world, claiming 1.5 million lives each year. Researchers say resources have been diverted from studying and diagnosing diseases like TB to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a 20 per cent drop in diagnoses of TB due to reduced screening.
24/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Close Putin Ally Warns 'Nuclear Dystopia' Is On Horizon If US Destabilizes Russia
On the eve of the emergency NATO summit to take place in Brussels, for which Joe Biden has traveled to Europe, ex-president of Russia and close Putin ally Dmitry Medvedev has warned of the potential for a coming 'nuclear dystopia' - as The Hill reports - based on NATO pushing Moscow into a corner with crippling sanctions and attempts at total global isolation.
22/3/2022
ABC News
Antarctic and Arctic heat records have been smashed. What's going on?
An 'atmospheric river' drove warm, moist air down over Antarctica. It was warm enough to rain over parts of the Antarctic coast. Research will have to be done before we can scientifically conclude what role climate change played
22/3/2022
ABC News
Fresh and frozen food prices will stay high for months, supermarket boss says
Broccoli and other vegetables have increased in price by 75 per cent in some supermarkets Red meat and chicken prices could also rise again soon. Retailers say increases in the cost of raw materials, energy price rises and freight costs are all factors.
22/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Hypersonic missiles: What are they and why is Russia using them?
Russia has become the first country to test this new type of missile, billed as ‘unstoppable’, in combat.
22/3/2022
9 News
What is the Deltacron variant of COVID-19 and how dangerous is it?
Dr Etienne Simon-Loriere, a virologist from the Institut Pasteur, told the New York Times that the "spike" of Deltacron - the part of its structure used to infect other organisms - was composed of Omicron. It is this "spike" which is targeted by vaccines and antibodies, meaning that defences people have already acquired against Omicron should be effective at fending off Deltacron. The virus so far appears to be very rare, and unable to replicate itself successfully.
22/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Shanghai Reports Record Surge In COVID Cases
The country’s determined efforts to contain growing outbreaks despite the "mild symptoms" reported led to lockdowns that affected more than 50 million people at their peak; but the deleterious impact on China's economy has led the CCP to ease some restrictions, particularly in the southern tech hub of Shenzhen.
22/3/2022
Zero Hedge
3,000 Canadian Pacific Rail Workers Strike As Fertilizer Shipments Grind To Halt
A disruption of fertilizer shipments could significantly impact US farmers on the cusp of planting season. The work stoppage may exacerbate existing supply chain bottlenecks in North America stemming from COVID. The agricultural sector can't afford any more disruptions as Western economic sanctions on Russia and Belarus, two major fertilizer producers, have unleashed higher prices globally and shortage fears.
21/3/2022
7 News
Expert calls for research into possible link between COVID vaccine and tinnitus
Moments after his second shot, vaccine expert Gregory Poland says he felt a pain so severe it almost caused him to veer off the road.
21/3/2022
South China Morning Post
China has fully militarised islands in South China Sea threatening nearby nations, says US admiral
China has armed the islands with anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems, laser and jamming equipment and fighter jets, said Admiral John C Aquilino. There were no immediate comments from Chinese officials. Beijing maintains its military profile is purely defensive, arranged to protect its ‘sovereign rights’
21/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Millions in China’s northeast placed under COVID-19 lockdown
The city of Jilin will lock down some 4.5 million people for three days starting Monday to help curb the spread of China’s biggest coronavirus outbreak.
21/3/2022
BBC
Saudi Aramco ramps up investment to boost production
The state-owned oil giant Saudi Aramco plans to sharply increase the amount it invests in energy production, after it reported a doubling of profits in 2021. The firm aims to boost output significantly over the next five years.
21/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Shenzhen Scrambles To Ease Lockdown As Port Congestion Persists
The CCP continued to ease lockdown restrictions on Shenzhen over the weekend as the municipal government claimed that the spread of COVID in the city is "overall controllable." Shenzhen's municipal government said it would resume normal operations and production, according to a notice posted to its WeChat account on Friday.
21/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Shenzhen Scrambles To Ease Lockdown As Port Congestion Persists
The CCP continued to ease lockdown restrictions on Shenzhen over the weekend as the municipal government claimed that the spread of COVID in the city is "overall controllable." Shenzhen's municipal government said it would resume normal operations and production, according to a notice posted to its WeChat account on Friday.
21/3/2022
Sky News
UK approves AstraZeneca COVID-19 treatment
Britain’s drug regulator has approved AstraZeneca’s new COVID-19 treatment for immunocompromised people.
17/3/2022
Perth Now
Australian food prices: Food boss says ‘perfect storm’ could cause supermarket price hikes
Australians could see the prices of all supermarket products rise by 10 to 20 per cent, according to the boss of one of Australia’s biggest food manufacturers. Hussein Rifai, the chairman of SPC, told 3AW on Wednesday he suspects the costs of his company’s 150-plus products will all be going up. But he warned the price hikes will impact more than just food. “It will go into other commodities; it’ll go into personal products,” Mr Rifai said.
17/3/2022
South China Morning Post
Ukraine war: Australian PM warns China of potential sanctions if Beijing helps arm Russia
Scott Morrison says Australia would move in lockstep with its allies to sanction China if it has provided military support to Russia in its war with Ukraine. Morrison tells industries deterioration in trade relations with China caused by Beijing’s refusal to talk.
17/3/2022
Al Jazeera
US Fed hikes rates, signals aggressive stance to fight inflation
The quarter-percentage-point hike is likely the first of many to rein in the highest US inflation in more than 40 years.
17/3/2022
ABC News
Unemployment falls to 4pc as hours worked recover from COVID-19's Omicron variant
The unemployment rate is the equal lowest level it has been since the ABS monthly labour force survey started in 1978. Participation is at a record high, with 66.4 per cent of Australians aged over 15 either in work or looking for it. Hours worked rebounded in February, but absences due to illness were still almost double usual levels due to Omicron.
17/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Ukraine's Corn Harvest May Plunge By A Third, Estimates Show
Ukraine's main agricultural export products are corn and wheat. Before the invasion, Ukraine was the second-largest supplier of grains for the European Union and one of the largest suppliers for emerging markets in Asia and Africa. Breaking down the numbers, Ukraine produced 49.6% of global sunflower oil, 10% of global wheat, 12.6% of global barley, and 15.3% of global maize.
16/3/2022
Sky News
Opinion: People don’t realise ‘quite how close’ the Ukraine war is to ‘spreading into WWIII’
Sky News host Andrew Bolt says he doesn’t think many people realise quite how close the war in Ukraine is to “spreading into World War Three”. “China is in fact backing Russia, and Russia has now reportedly asked it for help – military equipment, plus help to escape the sanctions,” Mr Bolt said. “The US simply can’t allow that – can’t allow China to help Russia win.
16/3/2022
The Conversation
Russia’s war on Ukraine is driving up wheat prices and threatens global supplies of bread, meat and eggs
Russia and Ukraine between them account for almost a quarter of the world’s wheat exports. Russia and Ukraine are also big exporters of maize (corn), barley, and other grains that much of the world relies on to make food.
16/3/2022
ABC News
NSW floods kill millions of bees, apiarists warn of flow-on effects to horticulture industry
The NSW Apiarists' Association says recent flooding has washed away or destroyed up to 5,000 beehives, each containing tens of thousands of bees. The losses will affect other industries like horticulture, which relies on bees to pollinate crops.
16/3/2022
ABC News
New COVID-19 Omicron BA.2 sub-variant found in half of wastewater samples in Victoria
Victoria recorded eight deaths and 9,426 new COVID-19 cases. Half of COVID-19 traces found in Victoria's wastewater have been the Omicron BA.2 sub-variant.
16/3/2022
Perth Now
COVID booster: Major change flagged for kids’ vaccines ahead of winter
Booster shots could soon be rolled out for children aged 12-15 years as Australia ramps up its winter preparedness ahead of a concurrent COVID-19 and influenza season.
16/3/2022
Zero Hedge
World Economy Braces For Supply Chain Chaos As COVID Closes China
The global economy is in disarray as the war in Ukraine unleashed a commodity shock with increasing risks of stagflation. Adding to the turmoil is an outbreak of COVID-19 in China that may unleash another supply chain crisis.
15/3/2022
RT News
Nuclear war is ‘within the realm of possibility’ – UN chief
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Monday that an ongoing escalation of war in Ukraine ”whether by accident or design” will threaten the entire humanity. He further alarmed that the conflict may end up in the nuclear apocalypse.
15/3/2022
RT News
This critical food item is about to run out in Europe
Europe now faces a deficit in sunflower oil because exports from Ukraine have stopped, with the available stocks projected to last between 4 and 6 weeks, the EU vegetable oil industry association has warned.
15/3/2022
Sky News
Scott Morrison tells Europe and Australians to be careful on creating 'dependence with China' and backs coal power stations
Scott Morrison has told Australians and businesses to "not put all their eggs in one basket" in relying on cheap products from China and believes the country's coal power stations should "run as long as they possibly can" as renewables are not reliable.
15/3/2022
BBC
All UK travel rules to end on Friday, says government
These changes are possible due to our vaccine rollout and mean greater freedom in time for Easter." When any new Covid strains appear in the future, the government said its default approach would be to use "the least-stringent measures" for restricting travel. Its "Living with Covid" plan said new measures at the border would only be considered in "extreme circumstances".
15/3/2022
Business Insider
Australians are already feeling the squeeze with surging petrol prices, but oil is still below record highs – for now
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has seen oil prices surge off the back of sanctions. The average price of unleaded petrol in Australia is now above $2 a litre. JPMorgan warns the price of Brent crude could hit $US185 a barrel if disruptions to Russian supply continue.
15/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Argentina Halts Soy Exports As Food Protectionism Soars
Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted the global food supply chain as the prospect for dwindling stockpiles catapulted food prices to record highs. Governments worldwide are beginning to enforce protectionist measures to safeguard domestic food supplies
14/3/2022
Reuters
Iran attacks Iraq's Erbil with missiles in warning to U.S., allies
12 missiles hit Erbil, some land near new U.S. consulate. Missiles caused only material damage, one civilian injured. No damage to U.S facilities, U.S. State Dept spokesman says. Iraqi security official says missiles made in Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claim responsibility for attack.
14/3/2022
9 News
COVID-19 cases rise in Victoria and drop in NSW
COVID-19 infections have risen in Victoria, while New South Wales has posted a decline, but health bosses are warning of a potential spike driven by an infectious sub-variant. Victoria has recorded 5499 cases, up from yesterday's 5192, while NSW has 8911 positive tests reported, compared to 13,093 on Sunday.
14/3/2022
ABC News
Diesel price increase impacts transport, agriculture and consumers will face higher supermarket prices
Transport and freight costs have increased due to higher fuel prices and pandemic and flood-related staff shortages. Queensland Trucking Association CEO Gary Mahon says the industry will keep delivering goods, but costs will be passed on to consumers. Fuel prices are expected to remain volatile for "some time yet".
14/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Russia-Ukraine war military dispatch
Russian air strikes have hit a Ukrainian military training base outside the western city of Lviv near the Polish border, leaving many people dead and wounded – although there was significant discrepancy in the figures provided by Ukraine and Russia.
14/3/2022
Zero Hedge
China Locks Down 17.5 Million In Shenzhen As Daily COVID Cases Soar To 2-Year High
Everybody from automobile manufacturers to tablet-makers around the globe better watch out: supplies of vital microchips and other high-tech components are about to grind to a halt once again now that China is locking down Shenzhen, known as the country's Silicon Valley, due to the rising COVID numbers that forcing a fresh round of lockdowns across China.
14/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Solar Storm To Strike Earth Sunday As Northern Lights To Dazzle Night Sky
A large solar flare triggered a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that is expected to hit the Earth's magnetic field Sunday evening and into the early morning hours of Monday.
10/3/2022
ABC News
Queensland flood recovery will take 'months and years' as housing crisis looms for affected residents
Emergency response agencies are warning people will need help for months to come. Many flood victims are wondering where they will be living next. One resident has been told by his insurance company that his house would need to be demolished.
10/3/2022
9 News
Defence force expanding to largest size in 40 years
The Australian Defence Force will undergo the biggest expansion in nearly 40 years, the Federal Government will announce today. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will outline a boost in the number of ADF personnel from 60,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to about 80,000. The $38 billion defence expansion will be the biggest since the Vietnam War and comes amid rising tensions with China and Russia.
10/3/2022
9 News
Defence force expanding to largest size in 40 years
The Australian Defence Force will undergo the biggest expansion in nearly 40 years, the Federal Government will announce today. Prime Minister Scott Morrison will outline a boost in the number of ADF personnel from 60,000 soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to about 80,000. The $38 billion defence expansion will be the biggest since the Vietnam War and comes amid rising tensions with China and Russia.
10/3/2022
7 News
WA hospitals face big COVID-19 test as Omicron surges and case peak looms on Monday
WA's COVID cases to peak next week, with hospitals put to the test. But they are already facing issues like ramping and bed shortages. The AMA fears the health system could be overrun as cases surge.
10/3/2022
7 News
WA hospitals face big COVID-19 test as Omicron surges and case peak looms on Monday
WA's COVID cases to peak next week, with hospitals put to the test. But they are already facing issues like ramping and bed shortages. The AMA fears the health system could be overrun as cases surge.
10/3/2022
ABC News
WA hospitals face big COVID-19 test as Omicron surges and case peak looms on Monday
WA's COVID cases to peak next week, with hospitals put to the test. But they are already facing issues like ramping and bed shortages. The AMA fears the health system could be overrun as cases surge.
10/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Brace For High Oil Prices, Inflation, And An Economic Slowdown
With Brent crude climbing steadily towards $130 per barrel, fears of an economic slowdown and even a slip into recession have reared their heads among traders, very likely reinforced by warnings of food supply troubles because of the war in Ukraine. It seems like everything is going wrong at the same time.
9/3/2022
News.com.au
Farmers for Climate Action report shows reason behind grocery price hike
Skyrocketing grocery prices and empty supermarket shelves could become the norm for Australians. Here’s why.
9/3/2022
Sky News
‘Australia desperately needs self-sufficiency’: Gina Rinehart
“We must be sufficient, self-sufficient, in our minerals – not just ore and coal, of course, but widespread rare earths,” Ms Rinehart said. “I think we need self-sufficiency in medicines – we need self-sufficiency in defence materials. Ms Rinehart also called for a “refocus on our budgets – our federal budgets to include more for defence”.
9/3/2022
The Conversation
The east coast rain seems endless. Where on Earth is all the water coming from?
At any one time, Earth’s atmosphere holds only about a week’s worth of rain. But rainfall and floods have devastated Australia’s eastern regions for weeks and more heavy rain is forecast. So where’s all this water coming from?
9/3/2022
The Conversation
Even mild cases of COVID-19 can leave a mark on the brain, such as reductions in gray matter – a neuroscientist explains emerging research
Researchers have been steadily gathering important insights into the effects of COVID-19 on the body and brain. Two years into the pandemic, these findings are raising concerns about the long-term impacts the coronavirus might have on biological processes such as aging.
9/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Lebanese fearful as fuel and wheat shortage deepens
Up to 90 percent of Lebanon’s wheat and cooking oil imports come from Ukraine and Russia, as well as a large proportion of grain imports. The fighting in Ukraine has engulfed the country’s southern ports, putting a stop to shipments, and imports from Russia have been hampered as a result of financial sanctions imposed on Moscow.
9/3/2022
Zero Hedge
European Union To Phase Out Russian Oil And Gas As It Seeks Energy Independence
On Tuesday, the European Commission published a new ambitious energy strategy to "make Europe independent from Russian fossil fuels well before 2030," according to NYTimes. "We must become independent from Russian oil, coal, and gas," the commission's president, Ursula von der Leyen, said in a news release.
9/3/2022
9 News
Rising Hawkesbury River to peak above 2021 flood levels by midday
The river is expected to hit 14.3m, according to the SES, higher than the level reached during serious widespread flooding in March last year.
8/3/2022
7 News
Russia issues list of three demands to end invasion of Ukraine
Officials have called for Ukraine to cease military action, change its constitution to become a neutral country, acknowledge Crimea as Russian territory and recognise the separatist republics of Luhansk and Donetsk.
8/3/2022
ABC News
Russia-Ukraine war sparks surge in coal price to unprecedented levels
Russia supplies 70 per cent of Europe's thermal coal imports. Bans on Russian coal will increase demand for Australian coal. High prices could hasten the transition to renewables in the long term.
8/3/2022
Business Insider
Governments face growing criticism amid evidence only a fraction of a $4.8 billion emergency fund was spent ahead of catastrophic floods
Defence Minister Peter Dutton defended the government’s response to the catastrophic flooding in NSW. Dutton promised the number of defence troops assisting flood recovery efforts would rise to 5,000 by Friday. It comes amid increasing scrutiny of the federal government’s disaster funds.
8/3/2022
9 News
'Tough 24 hours, even 48 hours' looming for flood-ravaged NSW
Sydney and New South Wales are facing days more of heavy rain and damaging winds as floods see thousands evacuated from their homes. The SES has issued evacuation orders covering parts of 13 suburbs across the city.
8/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Russia Says Global Oil Embargo Could Push Prices Over $300
With the US reportedly said to vote as soon as Tuesday on a proposal to ditch trade relations with Russia and Belarus, including suspending oil imports despite repeated objections from Germany which has stated that a collapse in supply threatens "social cohesion", Russian Deputy PM Novak said that a ban on Russian oil would result in catastrophic consequences for global market according to Interfax, warning that Europe is pushing Russia towards an embargo on gas deliveries through Nord Stream 1, which is currently filled to maximum capacity, although Moscow has not taken this decision yet.
8/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Russia Says Global Oil Embargo Could Push Prices Over $300
With the US reportedly said to vote as soon as Tuesday on a proposal to ditch trade relations with Russia and Belarus, including suspending oil imports despite repeated objections from Germany which has stated that a collapse in supply threatens "social cohesion", Russian Deputy PM Novak said that a ban on Russian oil would result in catastrophic consequences for global market according to Interfax, warning that Europe is pushing Russia towards an embargo on gas deliveries through Nord Stream 1, which is currently filled to maximum capacity, although Moscow has not taken this decision yet.
4/3/2022
ABC News
What is Japanese encephalitis? What do we know about the first confirmed Queensland case in 24 years?
Queensland has recorded its first human case of mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis in more than two decades.
4/3/2022
ABC News
SA Police drop COVID-19 vaccine mandate as state records 2,047 new cases and two COVID-related deaths
The South Australian police force will abandon its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for officers from Monday, as the state records 2,047 new cases and two COVID-related deaths.
4/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Pfizer's COVID-19 Vaccine Goes Into Liver Cells And Is Converted To DNA: Study
The researchers found that when the mRNA vaccine enters the human liver cells, it triggers the cell’s DNA, which is inside the nucleus, to increase the production of the LINE-1 gene expression to make mRNA.
4/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Russia Halts Rocket Engine Supply To US As ISS Partnership Threatened
Russia's State Space Corporation Roscosmos halted deliveries of rocket engines to the US following a series of devastating financial sanctions by the US, according to Russian state-owned news agency TASS.
3/3/2022
7 News
US joins EU and Canada in banning Russian flights from its airspace
Global supply chains, already hit hard by the pandemic, will face increasing disruption and cost pressure from the closure of the skies which will affect over a fifth of air freight.
3/3/2022
ABC News
Japanese encephalitis virus detected in Qld, NSW and Vic piggeries
JEV is a mosquito-borne viral disease that mostly occurs in pigs and horses, but can cause disease in people and rarely in other animals. Animals and people become infected through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It cannot be caught through eating pork or pig products. The disease is not transmitted from person to person.
3/3/2022
Business Insider
Beef prices are at extraordinary highs
Labour constraints, soaring transportation costs, and the threat of feed price spikes are helping to push the cost of beef to extraordinary heights, a new Rabobank report says, but those pressures may not be enough to diminish Australia’s “phenomenal” appetite for red meat.
3/3/2022
Zero Hedge
EU Plans To Send Fighter Jets To Ukraine Fall Apart
An EU plan to send fighter jets to Ukraine appears to be falling apart as each country that was reportedly going to deliver the planes is now denying involvement.
3/3/2022
Zero Hedge
70% Of Russian Crude Trade Is Frozen As Surgut Again Fails To Sell Any Urals In Big Tenders
This was the third time that Surgut failed to sell any of the crude it was offering, "highlighting the difficulty for Russian producers to find buyers after the nation’s invasion into Ukraine."
3/3/2022
ABC News
Russia claims control of Kherson, the first major Ukrainian city to fall, with peace talks set to resume
Kherson's mayor said Russian troops were in the streets and had forced their way into the city council building. Ukraine's government had earlier played down reports Kherson had fallen into Russian hands. Russia said Kherson was under Russian soldiers' "complete control"
2/3/2022
9 News
Putin orders drills for nuclear subs and land-based missiles
Russian nuclear submarines sailed off for drills in the Barents Sea and mobile missile launchers roamed snow forests in Siberia after President Vladimir Putin today ordered his nation's nuclear forces put on high alert.
2/3/2022
ABC News
NSW's severe weather is moving toward Sydney, as torrential rain predicted to bring flash floods
The body of a woman in her 80s was found in a Lismore home yesterday. As waters recede in Lismore several other areas are battling rising flood waters and isolation. Flood preparations are underway in Sydney and the Central Coast, with up to 200mm of rain possible.
2/3/2022
WA Today
From egg cartons to rare earths, global supply chains are about to get a lot shorter
Here’s something I didn’t know until this week, alerted by a 6PR Breakfast listener: the vast majority of WA’s egg cartons are manufactured in China and imported. It sounds like a small thing but might contribute to higher egg prices according to WA Egg Industry Association president Ian Wilson, who confirmed the tip.
2/3/2022
Zero Hedge
World's Biggest Container Shippers Suspend Cargo Deliveries To And From Russia
While Russia is grappling with a financial blockade by the Western world, its physical isolation just got exponentially worse after Maersk - the world’s largest container shipping line - aid it would suspend cargo deliveries to and from Russia due to the sanctions imposed against the country for invading Ukraine.
2/3/2022
Al Jazeera
Middle East and North Africa faces a crisis as the world’s key wheat producers are at war
The near future looks grim for the countries in the Middle East and North Africa that depend on the Russian and Ukrainian wheat imports due to the war between the two, experts warn.
1/3/2022
ABC News
Flood rescues in northern NSW resume at 'first light' as rain expected to move south
Thousands more homes are expected to be inundated by floodwaters in northern NSW this morning as rescues resume in areas impacted by yesterday's record-breaking weather event.
1/3/2022
7 News
Premier Mark McGowan announces new, stricter COVID rules for WA as border opens to travellers
Western Australia will adopt a raft of new strict restrictions when the state’s border finally opens to travellers. Premier Mark McGowan on Monday announced harsher “level two” public health measures would be introduced at 12.01am Thursday - the same time Fortress WA is opening its door to visitors.
1/3/2022
ABC News
Just how bad could a big solar storm be in the internet age? And how would Australia be affected?
We are yet to see a superstorm in the digital age, says Sangeetha Abdu Jyothi, a computer scientist who studies internet resilience at the University of California, Irvine. "The internet's infrastructure was laid out in the past three decades, Dr Abdu Jyothi says. "During [this time] there have been no big events … so our infrastructure isn't prepared."
1/3/2022
Zero Hedge
Russia In New 'Red Line': Western Countries Supplying Weapons To Ukraine Will "Bear Responsibility"
But it appears Russia's military is taking steps - or at least threatening action - against any external supply lines coming from NATO countries in support of Ukrainian forces. This clearly has the potential to quickly spiral into direct military conflict with the US and West...
1/3/2022
BBC
Ukraine: Fighting escalates despite ceasefire talks
Fighting has continued on the fifth day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, despite talks aimed at securing a ceasefire. Missile strikes killed dozens of civilians in the country's second city, Kharkiv, while air raid sirens sounded again in the capital, Kyiv.
1/3/2022
Business Insider
While Scott Morrison has promised to send weapons to Ukraine, sanctions on Russia have hit Australian farmers
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Australia has now committed to providing weapons to Ukraine through NATO. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has hit global markets and supply chains. The cost of wheat may skyrocket by more than 60%, impacting Australian farmers, analysts warn.
28/2/2022
Perth Now
People stuck on roofs as NSW floods rise
A Lismore mother who is stranded on her roof with her husband and three daughters says up to 50 neighbours are stuck in their homes as floodwaters rise in a "really, really scary" situation.
28/2/2022
Reuters
Putin puts nuclear deterrent on alert; West squeezes Russian economy
U.S. says nuclear alert 'totally unacceptable'. Putin blames 'aggressive' NATO member statements. Russia-Ukraine talks imminent at Belarus border. Over 360,000 refugees have fled Ukraine, U.N. says.
28/2/2022
ABC News
South-east Queensland weather claims seventh life as evacuations, rising floodwaters continue
The Brisbane River is expected to peak again during high tide this evening and tomorrow morning. The Premier says the Mary, Logan, Albert and Bremer rivers are set to peak later today. Thousands of homes have been flooded, and authorities hold fears for several missing people.
28/2/2022
ABC News
South-east Queensland weather claims seventh life as evacuations, rising floodwaters continue
The Brisbane River is expected to peak again during high tide this evening and tomorrow morning. The Premier says the Mary, Logan, Albert and Bremer rivers are set to peak later today. Thousands of homes have been flooded, and authorities hold fears for several missing people.
25/2/2022
ABC News
Australian medical supplies and military equipment to be sent to Ukraine to fight war against Russia
Australia will send medical supplies, financial support and military equipment, but not weapons, to Ukraine to help as it fights its war against Russia.
25/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Large-Scale Bombardment Of Kiev Deemed Imminent As Zelensky Admits "We Are Left Alone" As NATO "Afraid"
Update(6:42pmET): Shortly before 1am Kiev time Ukraine's President Zelensky announced: "The enemy’s sabotage forces have entered the capital. Me and my family are remaining."
25/2/2022
ABC News
Cyclone warning issued for northern WA coastline to NT border as tropical low travels west
The cyclone watch issued for a tropical low forming off the north-west Top End has been upgraded to a warning for the coastline between the Northern Territory border and the Mitchell Plateau in Western Australia.
25/2/2022
The Guardian
Life-threatening floods forecast for Queensland as Sydney records wettest summer in 30 years
Sydney has experienced its wettest summer in three decades and the most humid season in 10 years with more torrential rain forecast for the New South Wales north coast and south-east Queensland over the coming days.
24/2/2022
The Conversation
Morrison announces sanctions against Russia and warns of possible cyber retaliation
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced sanctions against Russia, imposed in line with those of Australia’s major allies the United States and the United Kingdom.
24/2/2022
ABC News
Could a patent-free vaccine offer a COVID solution that stands up against Alpha, Delta, Omicron, and future variants?
Corbevax is a protein subunit vaccine, a tried and tested method that stimulates an immune response by directly delivering bits of the virus the vaccine is designed to protect against. Dr Bottazzi and Dr Hotez's team used yeast to "brew" their own COVID-19 spike proteins, which the coronavirus uses to infiltrate healthy cells to replicate and further assault the human body. The vaccine teaches the human body to recognise the protein so it's better prepared if the real virus invades.
24/2/2022
ABC News
Russia sanctions, Ukraine conflict likely to increase petrol, gas, fertiliser and wheat prices
Russia is an energy powerhouse, the world's second-largest exporter of crude oil and refined petroleum. Petrol prices could rise due to lower supply because of the conflict. Australia and Russia both have wheat and gas as key exports. Sanctions due to the conflict could boost prices.
24/2/2022
ABC News
Antarctic ice cores suggest Australia's drought risk is worse than we thought
According to 2,000-year climate modelling the drought risk for eastern Australia could be higher than initially thought. The research claims the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation climate system is dominated by dry conditions. Scientists say it has implications for risk management and water policy.
24/2/2022
9 News
More rain expected across Queensland, NSW as search for missing motorbike rider continues
South-east Queensland is bracing for a second day of heavy rain, as a slow-moving trough sweeps across the state and into northern New South Wales today. The warnings comes as the search for a missing motorbike rider, feared swept away in a flash flood, continues around Gympie this morning.
24/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Saudis Warn Of Oil Shortage Shock, Blame "Net Zero" For Underinvestment
The rebound of economies after the 2020 COVID slump has shown that global oil demand is not only not declining, but it is just months away from reaching pre-pandemic levels and exceeding them. This weekend, Saudi Arabia once again deplored the underinvestment in oil and gas and said that focusing only on renewables while campaigning against oil and gas was a mistake.
24/2/2022
ABC News
Russian embassy hits back at Australian sanctions over Ukraine tension
The Russian embassy says a decision to recognise two breakaway regions of Ukraine will not be reversed. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has indicated more sanctions are on the way if Russia invades Ukraine. Australia's Foreign Minister, Marise Payne, says calling troops in eastern Ukraine peacekeepers is "obscene".
23/2/2022
Perth Now
ATAGI formally approves Moderna for use in children
A new vaccine has been approved for children over six, with Australia’s immunisation expert panel approving Moderna for use in the cohort.
23/2/2022
9 News
'Fight for every inch of our land': Ukraine digs in for war with superpower Russia
If Russia invades, Ukraine will not back down.. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made that very clear in a just-finished briefing in Washington. He said Ukraine has two plans: diplomacy, and if that fails, to fight to the end.
23/2/2022
News.com.au
Weather Australia: One dead in Qld as violent storms worsen
A person has died after being caught in a flash flood in Queensland, with fears the worst of the wild weather is yet to come.
23/2/2022
ABC News
Mask rules to be scrapped in NSW schools as COVID-19 restrictions ease
Masks in high school settings will be scrapped from February 28. Mixing between age groups will be allowed as cohorting rules are also being lifted next week. Sarah Mitchell says the risk of COVID-19 transmission is "much lower" in schools than at home.
23/2/2022
Al Jazeera
Biden imposes new Russia sanctions, decries ‘beginning invasion’
The US sanctions target Russia’s sovereign debt and two large Russian financial institutions as Ukraine tensions rise.
23/2/2022
Al Jazeera
Biden imposes new Russia sanctions, decries ‘beginning invasion’
The US sanctions target Russia’s sovereign debt and two large Russian financial institutions as Ukraine tensions rise.
22/2/2022
ABC News
Queensland records five more COVID-19 deaths as easing of mask requirements, density limits announced
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced a major easing of Queensland's COVID-19 restrictions, including the statewide mask mandate. From 6:00pm on Friday March 4, masks will no longer be required in workplaces, schools, cafes, restaurants and pubs.
22/2/2022
ABC News
Australia to invest $800 million shoring up Antarctic claim amid strategic competition
The strategy will allow scientists to study new areas, and also ensure Australia is active within its claim. China is expanding its presence in the harder-to-reach Antarctic interior. An Antarctic strategy expert warned the move could encourage China and Russia to use more drones, which have military and civilian applications.
22/2/2022
9 News
NSW bracing for another 'potentially severe' storm, with two other states on alert
New South Wales' east coast is bracing for more thunderstorms and heavy rain, as two more states brace for potentially wild weather.
22/2/2022
9 News
Isolation rules could be eased for household contacts under proposed health measures
According to Nine newspapers, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) is considering easing the requirement for asymptomatic household contacts to isolate for seven days. Victorian and New South Wales health officials are separately working on a plan to allow asymptomatic household contacts who are triple-jabbed to go to work and leave isolation.
22/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Oil Prices Will Be Above $100 For A "Prolonged Period"
As Bloomberg's Jake Lloyd-Smith wrote last night, oil markets are so bullish at present that forecasts for $100/bbl crude have become par for the course, which suggests that the threshold will be tested in 1H, "even if tensions over Ukraine cool," which now appears improbably and is why $100 oil may come as soon as tomorrow.
22/2/2022
BBC News
Covid: England ending isolation laws and mass free testing
All Covid restrictions will end in England on Thursday and free mass testing will stop from 1 April. The prime minister told MPs the legal duty to isolate for those who tested positive would be dropped as he unveiled his "living with Covid" plan.
22/2/2022
News.com.au
Russia kills 5 ‘Ukrainian saboteurs’ as Vladimir Putin recognises rebel regions
In an alarming escalation, Moscow has ordered troops to two key breakaway Ukrainian territories, sparking fears war is imminent.
22/2/2022
Sky News
Western Sydney house destroyed by suspected lightning strike as severe storms, heavy rain batter the eastern states
Fire and Rescue NSW were unable to save the Western Sydney home, believed to have been struck by lightning and set on fire, as flames had already engulfed the roof.
22/2/2022
Sky News
Western Sydney house destroyed by suspected lightning strike as severe storms, heavy rain batter the eastern states
Fire and Rescue NSW were unable to save the Western Sydney home, believed to have been struck by lightning and set on fire, as flames had already engulfed the roof.
21/2/2022
South China Morning Post
Russia and Ukraine call for talks amid intense shellfire
Kyiv and Moscow blame each other for sharp escalation in shelling. Washington is warning a Russian invasion of Ukraine is imminent.
21/2/2022
Perth Now
COVID in WA: New round of COVID restrictions as cases climb
West Australians have been hit with a tightened round of restrictions as the State prepares to face a worsening COVID situation. WA will bring back the 2sqm density rule across retail and hospitality venues as cases begin to spike.
21/2/2022
7 News
Russian military officials have given the order to invade Ukraine, according to US intel
The US has intelligence indicating orders have been sent to Russian commanders to proceed with an attack on Ukraine, according to two US officials and another source familiar with the US intelligence.
21/2/2022
CNN
Millions of Americans will be forced into an involuntary polar plunge this week
The thermometer will slip to 30 to 40 degrees below normal by Tuesday and Wednesday, as a strong high pressure system begins to spread Arctic air farther south and east.
21/2/2022
Zero Hedge
'Highly Pathogenic' Bird Flu Detected On Long Island, Poultry Farmers On Alert
A "highly pathogenic" bird flu is expanding across the U.S. as the latest infections were detected in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Suffolk County, New York, according to a statement released by the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
18/2/2022
7 News
Mark McGowan has hinted at when borders could open. These experts say it’s too late
Western Australia’s hard border could already be redundant as Omicron continues to spread throughout the community, leading epidemiologists have warned.
18/2/2022
Perth Now
WA COVID exposure sites: Gage Roads Brew Co, The Avenue and Cottesloe Beach Hotel close contact locations
A number of popular western suburbs pubs and a nightclub have been added to WA’s growing COVID-19 exposure list, including a popular Fremantle brewery Premier Mark McGowan visited at the same time as a patron with the virus.
18/2/2022
Perth Now
Ficus in Perth CBD’s Yagan Square the latest restaurant to close after delayed border opening
A Yagan Square restaurant relying on the border reopening to revive its business has closed.
18/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Visualizing The Massive Jump In Anxiety & Depression Sparked By Pandemic Policies
Aside from killing more than 900,000 Americans to date and wreaking havoc on the country’s economy, the COVID-19 pandemic (and the accompanying draconian 'health' policies) has also taking a heavy toll on mental health.
17/2/2022
9 News
Victorians set for new freedoms as restrictions set to lift
Victorians can look forward to more freedoms with the state set to ease some of its last remaining COVID-19 restrictions. The Age has reported that the state government is likely to lift restrictions in line with New South Wales.
17/2/2022
News.com.au
Omicron ‘clearly not’ as threatening as flu, says Dr Nick Coatsworth
Australia’s former deputy chief medical officer has claimed the Omicron variant is less dangerous than the seasonal flu. Dr Nick Coatsworth took the stance while downplaying the Covid health risks that lie ahead for people without pre-existing conditions.
17/2/2022
ABC News
Ukraine says no evidence of Russia pulling back forces from borders, fears of military assault remain
NATO's Secretary-General says it appears more troops are on the way. Russia has mocked Western fears of a Ukraine invasion as hysterical war propaganda. NATO defence ministers have gathered for two-days of talks as the tension continues.
17/2/2022
Perth Now
At least 700 BHP employees could quit or be fired for refusing Covid-19 vaccination
Mining giant BHP is rolling out a COVID vaccine mandate across Australia, meaning hundreds of employees will be without a job for refusing to get the jab. Up to 700 employees across the country are expected to either be fired or forced to quit for not being fully vaccinated.
16/2/2022
News.com.au
‘Scare campaign’: Underlying health issues involved in 92 per cent of Aussie Covid deaths
Radio host Ben Fordham has claimed new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) regarding the nation’s Covid-19 deaths exposes “the overblown scare campaign we’ve witnessed”.
16/2/2022
ABC News
Queensland Fire and Emergency Service rules out mandating COVID-19 vaccines as state records 6,596 new cases
The union says about 90 per cent of firies were already fully vaccinated The Chief Health Officer says he would recommend anyone working in the public space to be vaccinated.
16/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Russia And China Inked Huge Oil Deals Amid Soaring Ukraine Tensions
Moscow’s state-owned oil giant, Rosneft, signed a US$80 billion 10-year deal to supply the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) with 100 million metric tonnes of oil. This increase in crude oil delivery volumes and mechanisms to China is part of a broad-based strategy to circumvent to as great a degree as possible the effects of international sanctions against Russia.
16/2/2022
7 News
WA supply chain woes to ease in March as Trans-Australian Railway reopens
Supermarket shelves in Western Australia are unlikely to be fully stocked for up to six weeks despite the restoration of the freight route linking the state with the rest of the country.
16/2/2022
News.com.au
World’s first woman ‘cured’ of HIV in New York using rare treatment
A New York woman has been “cured” of HIV for the first time in history, in a promising development for patients worldwide.
16/2/2022
Zero Hedge
US On Alert As Highly Pathogenic Bird Flu Spreads
An outbreak of the highly pathogenic form of bird flu has been detected in the US Midwest and East Coast. According to Bloomberg, this does not pose an immediate threat to public health but is a significant concern to the agriculture industry.
15/2/2022
ABC News
As bushfires tore through Bridgetown the power and phone lines were cut
Telstra has confirmed mobile services were impacted by power outages during recent WA fires. The telco said it was also working to restore landline services to Halls Creek, after a cable was cut by a "third party"
15/2/2022
ABC News
Petrol prices are at record highs and pushing up other costs of living
Based on ABS surveys of household expenditure, CommSec calculates that the average household using 35 litres of fuel a week is now spending nearly $250 a month on petrol, another record. But they may be spending much more than that due to the recent surge in fuel costs.
15/2/2022
News.com.au
‘Lost the trust’: Border angst grows in Western Australia as state sets new Covid case record
Western Australia has set a new Covid record with the number piling pressure on Premier Mark McGowan to scrap harsh border restrictions.
14/2/2022
ABC News
Reserve Bank likely to confront an inflation problem and rate rise dilemma in 2022
One word kept interest rates near zero across the developed world last year, but it's disappearing faster than the value of an out-of-favour meme stock.
14/2/2022
Sydney Morning Herald
Inflation in Sydney: What prices are up, what’s down and who is the hardest hit
Cost of living worries are on the rise in Sydney. Opinion polls began to detect this trend last year and the latest inflation figures show why. Sydney’s consumer price index rose 3.1 per cent in 2021, the biggest calendar-year increase since 2011.
11/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Soaring Cooking Oil Prices Could Push Global Food Prices To Record
Just days ago, the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) Food Price Index (FFPI), a measure of the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities, printed near a record high, a level not seen in more than a decade. We theorized last week that food prices were "set to hit a record high soon. "
11/2/2022
ABC News
Australians will need three COVID vaccine doses to be 'up to date', but some changes are still unclear
Up until now, we've often thought being fully vaccinated meant having two jabs.Then, we've all been encouraged to have a "booster", or an extra shot of vaccine.Now the group of experts that advise the federal government on vaccines has signalled two shots alone won't cut it.
10/2/2022
ABC News
England looks to fast-track plans to scrap self-isolation after positive COVID-19 test
England is set to end self-isolation periods for those who test positive for COVID-19 by the end of February. PM Boris Johnson said the plan was brought forward as part of the strategy of "living with COVID".
10/2/2022
9 News
State hit with two weather 'extremes' as one part floods, another burns
As parts of south-west Western Australia burns the north has been warned to brace for flash flooding. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said monsoon storms "fired up" again over the Pilbara last night bringing the risk of destructive winds and heavy rain.
10/2/2022
Reuters
Solar storm knocks out 40 newly launched SpaceX satellites
A geomagnetic storm triggered by a large burst of radiation from the sun has disabled least 40 of the 49 satellites newly launched by SpaceX as part of its Starlink internet communications network, the company said.
10/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Sweden Declares The Pandemic To Be "Over"
Sweden, a country which never imposed significant lockdown measures, has officially declared that the COVID-19 pandemic is “over” and announced that it will be lifting all remaining restrictions.
10/2/2022
ABC News
Australians urged to get flu shot, with children more at risk from influenza than COVID-19
Flu vaccination is recommended for children from six months old. Hospitals are braced for the possibility of twin COVID and flu outbreaks. This year's flu shot expected to be available from mid-April.
9/2/2022
ABC News
Flood emergency declaration lifted after outback deluges, but road and rail repairs continue
The emergency was declared late last month amid outback deluges. Flinders Ranges, the far north, Eyre Peninsula and upper Spencer Gulf were inundated. Works to repair outback roads and rail are continuing.
9/2/2022
Zero Hedge
White House Launches Effort To "Recalculate" US COVID Hospitalization Numbers
Since soon after the start of the pandemic, hospitals and public health authorities have refused to acknowledge the important distinction between patients being hospitalized with COVID and those being hospitalized (or those who eventually succumbed) because of COVID.
9/2/2022
Zero Hedge
UAE Capital Rocked By Explosions, Huge Emergency Response Underway
In the late night hours local time, the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi was shaken awake after reportedly two large explosions sent people panicking, resulting in a large police and emergency response, and parts of the city on effective lockdown.
9/2/2022
Al Jazeera
Ukraine crisis: Russia warships heading to Black Sea for drills
Six Russian warships are heading to the Black Sea from the Mediterranean for naval drills, the Interfax news agency has cited Russia’s Defence Ministry as saying, in what it said was a preplanned movement of military resources.
8/2/2022
9 News
Heatwave to grip parts of WA, fuelling fierce bushfires
A short-lived heatwave will grip parts of Western Australia this week, helping fuel fierce bushfires raging through the state's south-west. There are multiple blazes burning in the region following a burst of catastrophic fire danger ratings — the highest rating Australia has.
8/2/2022
Al Jazeera
World’s glaciers hold less ice than thought: Study
Advances in satellite technology have revealed that the world’s glaciers contain significantly less ice than previously thought, according to a study published in Nature Geoscience. The revised estimate reduces global sea level rise by 3 inches (7.62 centimetres) if all glaciers were to melt.
8/2/2022
Zero Hedge
CDC Signals Changes To COVID Vaccine Schedule, In Part To Address Heart Inflammation
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Feb. 4 outlined an expected change to the COVID-19 vaccine schedule for people with weak immune systems and signaled that a different alteration is coming for the general population to try to cut the number of post-vaccination heart inflammation cases.
8/2/2022
ABC News
First batch of the Novavax COVID vaccine arrives in Australia
The TGA will batch test the doses before they become available to the general public. The shipment of 3 million doses is the first delivery of a 51 million-dose order. The method of immunisation Novavax uses differs from other COVID vaccines.
8/2/2022
BBC
Ukraine crisis: Nord Stream 2 will end if Russia invades - Biden
US President Joe Biden has vowed to shut down a key Russian gas pipeline to Germany if Moscow invades Ukraine.
8/2/2022
Sky News
Scott Morrison to deploy Australian Defence Force troops to assists aged care sector struggling with COVID and staff shortages
Australian Defence Force troops will be deployed to assist hundreds of aged care facilities struggling to cope with rising COVID-19 infections and staff shortages that have led to elderly residents receiving reduced care.
7/2/2022
ABC News
Cyclone Batsirai kills at least 10, causes widespread damage in Madagascar
A cyclone that killed at least 10 people in south-eastern Madagascar was the second to hit the Indian Ocean island in just two weeks, triggering floods, bringing down buildings and cutting power.
7/2/2022
BBC News
Tonga: How an Internet blackout left many desperate for money
Four out of five Tongan households receive remittances from abroad. This forms a major source of income, equivalent to about 30% of household consumption, according to the World Bank's International Finance Corporation.
7/2/2022
ABC News
Almost 50 NSW schools relying on bottled drinking water, education department confirms
NSW Labor says a permanent solution is needed, but one principal says the arrangement is working for her small school. The head of a civic association says the situation is unacceptable "in this day and age". The Department of Education says access to other water sources is simply "not possible" in some areas.
7/2/2022
ABC News
'Changing climate': Hundreds of firefighters battle spate of dangerous blazes across Western Australia
Four fires in WA reached emergency alert level on Sunday. Fire intensity has changed due to changing climate, WA fire chief says. Several houses and more than 60,000 hectares of bushland have been burned.
7/2/2022
Sky News
Senior Joe Biden aide reveals Russia could invade Ukraine ‘any day now’ with estimates of 50,000 casualties
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Russia could be ready to invade Ukraine within days, while administration officials have estimated the Kremlin has already built up 70 per cent of the force needed for a ground assault.
7/2/2022
Zero Hedge
UK Military Warns About Risk Of Nuclear Attacks From Space In New Report
As an increasingly ambitious China and Russia develop stronger weapons capabilities including hypersonic missiles that can hit a target on the other side of the planet after briefly exiting earth's atmosphere, it's not surprise that more western governments are reexamining their capabilities - both offensive and defensive - along humanity's "final frontier" - space.
7/2/2022
Zero Hedge
Scientists Discover Highly Infectious Mutant HIV Strain In The Netherlands
A new highly transmissible and much more damaging strain of HIV has just been discovered in the Netherlands by scientists working with Oxford University. They're calling it the "new virulent subtype B" - or "VB", for short.
7/2/2022
News.com.au
All of the restrictions set to ease in NSW on March 1
As case numbers continue to drop, NSW residents can look forward to the end of the month – when the state will ditch its most “annoying” restriction.
4/2/2022
Daily Expose
Official data suggests the Triple Vaccinated are developing Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome at an alarming rate
An in-depth investigation of 5 months worth of official UK Government data published by the UK Health Security Agency seems to confirm predictions previously made by The Expose that the Covid-19 “booster” dose would provide a very short lived temporary boost to the immune systems of the vaccinated population before decimating their immune systems much more rapidly than had already been seen in people who had received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
4/2/2022
9 News
'Coolest February reading in eight years': Temperatures plunge across south-east Australia
Temperatures have plunged in south-east Australia, with some states recording the coolest night of the year.
4/2/2022
9 News
Fully vaccinated man tests positive to COVID-19 twice in one month
If you thought having COVID-19 once was bad enough, spare a thought for Newcastle man Will Benson.
3/2/2022
Daily Mail
Australia IS considering topping the country up with a FOURTH dose of Covid vaccine - and Greg Hunt says one group will be targeted for it
Australia is considering giving a fourth Covid vaccine dose to certain people.Health Minister Greg Hunt said 'older Australians and perhaps those working with vulnerable patients' are being considered for a fourth dose.
3/2/2022
BMJ News
WA braces for gas supply crunch as Seven Group-backed onshore project eyes exports
Western Australia faces surging gas prices as a looming shortage of supplies coincides with exports from a major project linked to the state's biggest media mogul Kerry Stokes.
3/2/2022
BMJ News
Don’t worry about the drug industry’s profits when considering a waiver on covid-19 intellectual property rights
Luke Hawksbee and colleagues argue that policy makers should prioritise public health over private monopolies in the debate around global access to covid-19 vaccines and treatments
3/2/2022
9 News
Australians to travel to New Zealand by July as reopening plan announced
New Zealand will start to open its borders later this month, allowing vaccinated New Zealanders in Australia to bypass managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ) and self-isolate on return.
3/2/2022
New Indian Express
Starvation in Afghanistan, people sell children and body parts: World Food Program
BERLIN: The UN Head of World Food Program (WFP) has again expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and added that the Afghan people have resorted to selling their children and parts of their bodies to survive.
3/2/2022
ABC News
WA records 19 new COVID cases as school cluster concerns grow, but isolation rules to stay for now
Western Australia has recorded 19 new local cases of COVID-19 overnight as schools around the state grapple with the first cases of the virus, sending students and staff into isolation.
3/2/2022
ABC News
Western Australia's uranium future in doubt as just one in four projects to proceed
The future of Western Australia's uranium industry is looking more uncertain, with just one of four projects now in a position to proceed.
2/2/2022
SBS News
Military conflict with Russia would lead to full-scale war in Europe, Ukraine warns
The warning comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered his first public remarks on the Ukraine crisis in weeks.
2/2/2022
ABC News
Coral reef safe zones set to plummet, while potential bleaching events loom in Qld, WA
Researchers predict just 0.2 per cent of the world's reefs will be unaffected by warming at 1.5C. Signs suggest bleaching events may occur in WA and QLD in the coming weeks. Climate action is the only thing that can really improve the outcome for coral reefs.
2/2/2022
Sky News
Significant rainfall, floods in South Australia damages rail operations as Western Australian supermarket shelves left bare
A "once in 200-year event" has damaged rail operations linking Perth to the eastern states, leaving meat, poultry, dairy and essential items swiped off the shelves.
2/2/2022
ABC News
Road trains to ease supply chain woes after WA supermarket shortages worsened by SA flooding
Rail freight into WA has been disrupted by flooding in SA. Triple road trains will be allowed in WA temporarily to help ease supply issues. The supply of processed foods is likely to be affected.
2/2/2022
Perth Now
COVID hits Perth primary school on first day of school year
A primary school in Perth’s southern suburbs will be shut on Wednesday after an infected teacher taught a classroom of Year 3 and 4 students on the first day of school. Nearly 340 students and more than a dozen teachers at Winterfold Primary in Beaconsfield will have to stay home.
1/2/2022
CNN
UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine crisis ends in standoff between US and Russia
The US Ambassador to the United Nations declared Monday that Russia "didn't give us the answers that any of us would've hoped that they would provide" after a tense United Nations Security Council meeting over Moscow's escalation along the border with Ukraine ended in a standoff.
1/2/2022
ABC News
South-east Queensland to swelter in 'severe heatwave' driven by 90pc humidity, BOM says
South-east Queenslanders can expect "very warm overnight temperatures" of around 25C. There could be a thunderstorm on Wednesday and Thursday, with isolated rainfall of up to 80mm possible. There is limited fire risk in the region due to the high dewpoint and recent foliage growth, BOM says.
1/2/2022
News.com.au
Fourth Covid jab being considered for certain Aussies amid reports ATAGI to change ‘fully vaccinated’ definition
The Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt said “older Australians and perhaps those working with vulnerable patients” are being considered for a fourth dose. “That’s still under active medical consideration, but the supplies and logistics are in place to deliver that if it’s required,” he said.
1/2/2022
Sky News
Supply chains cut as floods impact South Australia
A one kilometre stretch of the Stuart Highway in South Australia is submerged in 470 millimetres of water as flooding impacts the outback region. Damage to roads and railways have cut parts of the Northern Territory and South Australia from essential supply chains.
31/1/2022
Sky News
New Zealand politician calls for end to quarantine after pregnant NZ journalist in Afghanistan denied entry back home
New Zealand's opposition party spokesperson Chris Bishop has been calling for an end to hotel quarantine (MIQ) even before the story of a pregnant Kiwi journalist unable to return home from Afghanistan went viral.
31/1/2022
ABC News
Tonnes of food set to arrive in Coober Pedy as more rain predicted for SA's north-west
Six flights carrying 20 tonnes of food and other supplies are headed to Coober Pedy. More rain is expected to hit SA's north-west. Rail lines are expected to be repaired by mid-February.
31/1/2022
Al Jazeera
North Korea says Sunday test was Hwasong-12 missile
North Korea has confirmed it fired a Hwasong-12 “mid-range ballistic missile” on Sunday, the first time it has tested a weapon of that size since 2017. Japan and South Korea both detected the launch of the suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on Sunday morning, the seventh weapons test this month.
31/1/2022
RT News
Natural Covid Delta immunity more effective than vaccination – CDC study
The study, published on Wednesday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), found that as the Delta variant became the dominant coronavirus strain during the second half of 2021, people who were vaccinated were six times less likely to catch Covid-19 than those who hadn’t been jabbed.
31/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Denmark Is First EU Country To Scrap All COVID Restrictions
Denmark said it would lift almost all Covid-19 restrictions and stop designating it a “societally critical” disease on Wednesday in the latest sign that western European countries are easing or even eradicating strict measures brought in to combat the Omicron coronavirus variant.
31/1/2022
Al Jazeera
Europe’s energy security worries NATO amid standoff with Russia
EU depends on Russia for a third of its gas supplies and any interruption would worsen an existing energy crisis.
31/1/2022
Al Jazeera
North Korea says Sunday test was Hwasong-12 missile
North Korea has confirmed it fired a Hwasong-12 “mid-range ballistic missile” on Sunday, the first time it has tested a weapon of that size since 2017. Japan and South Korea both detected the launch of the suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on Sunday morning, the seventh weapons test this month.
31/1/2022
Al Jazeera
North Korea says Sunday test was Hwasong-12 missile
North Korea has confirmed it fired a Hwasong-12 “mid-range ballistic missile” on Sunday, the first time it has tested a weapon of that size since 2017. Japan and South Korea both detected the launch of the suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) on Sunday morning, the seventh weapons test this month.
31/1/2022
ABC News
Remote Queensland communities cut off after rivers flood in Gulf of Carpentaria
Remote communities in Queensland's Gulf have been cut off due to floodwater. Major river systems have carried water from lower parts of the state's west into the Gulf. Disaster management groups will fly supplies into isolated communities if needed.
31/1/2022
ABC News
COVID-19 Omicron 'stealth' subvariant could become dominant in Australia, officials say
An Omicron subvariant found in Australia has been identified as more infectious. Health officials say it is too early to tell whether it causes more serious disease. 4 million more Australians became eligible for a COVID booster today.
31/1/2022
Perth Now
COVID reaches WA mine sites BHP’s Yandi and 29Metals’ Golden Grove
COVID has officially hit WA’s lucrative iron ore region, with the virus making its way to two mine sites. Cases have been recorded at BHP’s Yandi iron ore mine in the Pilbara and 29Metals’ Golden Grove operation near Yalgoo on Sunday — the first cases in WA mine sites since the pandemic began in 2020.
31/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Speech Therapist: 364% Surge In Baby And Toddler Referrals Thanks To Mask Wearing
A speech therapist says that mask wearing during the pandemic has caused a 364% increase in patient referrals of babies and toddlers.
28/1/2022
ABC News
Monsoonal trough tracks north, but days of rain still to come for parts of Queensland
A monsoonal trough that dumped torrential rain in north Queensland is easing, with the bulk of the wet weather leaving the region.
28/1/2022
ABC News
Thunderstorm cluster approaches Melbourne as thousands of Victorians remain without power
More wild weather is continuing to lash Victoria, with showers and thunderstorms across large parts of the state.
28/1/2022
9 News
US puts 8500 troops on alert amid Russia-Ukraine tensions
The Pentagon said up to 8500 US troops have been put on heightened alert for a possible deployment to Eastern Europe as Russian troops mass on Ukraine's border.
28/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Watch: Fauci Decrees Kids Under Four Will Get Three COVID Vaccines
Appearing during a White House press briefing Wednesday, Anthony Fauci decreed that children under the age of four will eventually be subjected to a “three-dose regimen” of COVID vaccines.
27/1/2022
ABC News
COVID-19 oral antivirals have been embraced in the US and could be a pandemic game changer
Lagevrio and Paxlovid have been provisionally approved by Australian health authorities. They can be prescribed by a GP for COVID patients who don't need oxygen, but are at risk of serious illness or death. To be effective, either treatment must be administered within five days of the onset of symptoms.
27/1/2022
Sky News
Record high petrol prices to persist
Motorists are being warned record high petrol prices could persist for weeks. Average costs have climbed 15 per cent over the past six months to an unprecedented high of about $1.70 a litre. Global oil supply issues and military tensions in Ukraine are contributing to the increased expense of fuel. KPMG Chief Economist Dr Brendan Rynne has said high oil prices will have an impact on the overall economy.
27/1/2022
Sky News
Australia ready to fill European gas shortage should Russia cut off supply amid concerns of war in Ukraine
Australia will “look to fill” any gap in the gas market in Europe should Russia threaten to hold off supply amidst tensions around Ukraine.
27/1/2022
9 News
Tens of thousands of litres of water shipped in as help arrives in Tonga
Navy ships have dropped key supplies and tens of thousands of litres of bottled water have arrived in Tonga, as the Pacific nation recovers from a devastating tsunami caused by an undersea volcano.
27/1/2022
Al Jazeera
US and NATO deliver responses to Russian demands over Ukraine
US rules out Russian demand to halt NATO’s eastward expansion, but says it is open to talks on arms control.
27/1/2022
9 News
Queensland town cops 362mm of rain in one day as bureau warns of 'life-threatening flash flooding'
Residents in part of North Queensland have copped an astonishing drenching overnight, sparking warnings of "life-threatening flash flooding". Slow moving thunderstorms dumped 362mm on Stony Creek, south-west of Townsville, on Wednesday, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
27/1/2022
ABC News
'Very dangerous' thunderstorms hit Melbourne and regional Victoria
The storm cells are bringing heavy rainfall, with some parts of Victoria recording more than 50mm in the space of an hour. Showers and thunderstorms are expected to return to Melbourne in the afternoon, alongside hot and humid conditions. People are being urged to avoid floodwaters after at least five people were rescued from cars in the state's north-east overnight.
25/1/2022
Perth Now
UK scraps COVID-19 testing for double-vaccinated passengers
Double-vaccinated travellers will no longer need to take a coronavirus test when arriving in the UK as the policy has “outlived its usefulness”, the transport secretary has said.
25/1/2022
9 News
Monsoon 'burst' to explode over northern Australia causing heavy rain, storms
A monsoon trough is deepening over northern Australia and is expected to explode, bringing heavy rain and "gusty" thunderstorms to two states and a territory. The main threats as of the monsoon "burst" will be heavy rain, flooding, lightning and damaging winds. Weatherzone warns Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia are in the firing line.
25/1/2022
BBC
Ukraine: US troops on high alert over stand-off
Some 8,500 combat-ready US troops are on high alert to deploy at short notice amid rising tension over Ukraine, the Pentagon says. Russia continues to deny planning military action against Ukraine, despite massing 100,000 troops nearby.
25/1/2022
Zero Hedge
The Emergency Must Be Ended, Now
The time has come to terminate the pandemic state of emergency. It’s time to end the controls, the closures, the restrictions, the plexiglass, the stickers, the exhortations, the panic-mongering, the distancing announcements, the ubiquitous commercials, the forced masking, the vaccine mandates.
25/1/2022
ABC News
Earthquake 'swarm' rattles Arthur River more than 40 times over three weeks
Arthur River in WA's south has recorded more than 40 earthquakes in three weeks. The largest was a magnitude 3.5 on Sunday, which was felt as far away as Albany. A seismologist says the tremors constitute an earthquake "swarm".
24/1/2022
ABC News
Novavax COVID vaccine gets final ATAGI approval, rollout to start in February
The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine has been given the final green light needed for it to be added to Australia's vaccine rollout.
24/1/2022
South China Morning Post
Europe could be headed for Covid-19 pandemic ‘endgame’: WHO
The Omicron variant has moved the Covid-19 pandemic into a new phase and could bring it to an end in Europe, the World Health Organization Europe director said on Sunday.
24/1/2022
Reuters
Fortescue warns shut Western Australia borders may worsen labour shortage
Jan 21 (Reuters) - The chief executive of Australia's Fortescue Metals Group Ltd (FMG.AX) warned on Friday that a delay by the state of Western Australia in reopening its borders may worsen a labour shortage currently affecting the mining sector.
21/1/2022
ABC News
Gascoyne bushfires burn for two weeks, killing livestock, destroying land and devastating pastoralists
For the past two weeks, pastoralists, including Tim and Chris Higham, in Western Australia's Gascoyne region have been battling ferocious bushfires that have destroyed property and livestock.
21/1/2022
Euro News
Natural immunity against COVID lowered risk more than vaccines against Delta variant, new study says
Unvaccinated people who had previously contracted COVID-19 and survived were better protected against the Delta variant than those who were only vaccinated, according to a new study published on Wednesday.
21/1/2022
ABC News
Queensland records 13 COVID-19 deaths, 16,031 new cases and booster shot interval cut to three months
Thirteen people have died in Queensland as the state records 16,031 new COVID-19 cases.
21/1/2022
Bread.org
In 2022, global hunger emergencies are still on the rise
In both 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 global pandemic and its economic fallout significantly increased hunger and malnutrition around the world. Humanitarian aid organizations are now warning that further increases of people in emergency hunger situations are expected in 2022.
21/1/2022
ABC News
WA's COVID-19 border will stay shut indefinitely. What now, and when might the state reopen?
Two years into the pandemic, Western Australia once again has been left indefinitely closed off to the rest of the world.
20/1/2022
9 News
Tonga food shortage warning as more pictures emerge of tsunami devastation
More photos have emerged of the damage wrought on Tonga by a devastating volcano-triggered tsunami, as Australia's armed forces prepare to help with communications, drinking water and humanitarian efforts on the archipelago.
20/1/2022
Zero Hedge
England Ends All COVID Passports, Mask Mandates, Work Restrictions
Restrictions including COVID-19 passes, mask mandates, and work-from-home requirements will be removed in England, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Wednesday. Johnson also suggested that self-isolation rules may also be thrown out at the end of March as the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus pandemic becomes endemic.
20/1/2022
9 News
Roads inundated by flood waters in NSW ahead of forecast peak
Several areas across regions in New South Wales regions are batting floodwaters today as the state is again issued a severe weather warning for gale force winds.
20/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Truth or Fiction: Vaccines Protect Against Hospitalization & Death
During this entire pandemic politicians, reporters, scientists, and celebrities have all chosen to ignore the definition of a vaccine. Vaccines by their definition do only one thing and that is stimulate the production of antibodies (and antigen-specific cells). This is the essence of the problem with the “vaccination only” strategy to tackle the pandemic is that it does only one thing. Mutations continue to plague the vaccine-only strategy which is why conversation about oral antivirals is finally opening up. The goal of the vaccine is to train the body to prepare for an infection so that it can stomp out the infection so fast that a person doesn’t get symptomatic. Breakthrough infections are really a manifestation of vaccinations that simply didn’t work. Vaccines and antibodies only have benefit in the viral stage of the disease and this fact is lost on many who incorrectly believe vaccines prevent death directly. Undue reliance has been placed on vaccines instead of a multi-layered approach to the pandemic that includes masks, ventilation, neutralizing antibody testing, oral antivirals, and therapeutics.
19/1/2022
News.com.au
Warning that parts of Australia could see their ‘heaviest rain event in a decade’
A fierce low-pressure system is swirling around Australia bringing rain and storms – but forecasters have warned one area is at particular risk.
19/1/2022
Sky News
CMO Professor Paul Kelly says cutting self-isolation from seven to five days in line with the UK and US is 'all about balance'
Professor Paul Kelly said decreasing self-isolation again is "all about balance" as it could lead to a higher risk of coronavirus transmission in the community, as he revealed the Omicron peak could be just around the corner.
19/1/2022
CNN
A drone attack in Abu Dhabi could mark a dangerous turning point for the Middle East.
In addition to being the first deadly attack in the UAE in many years, the drone attacks on Monday demonstrated the Houthis' ability to launch long-range attacks.
19/1/2022
ABC News
COVID and schools: Australia is about to feel the full brunt of its teacher shortage
The Omicron wave is likely to exacerbate Australia's existing teacher shortages and demanding workloads. As school starts at the end of January and beginning of February across the country, many teachers will be at risk of contracting COVID. They will need to stay away from work, while others may choose to leave the profession altogether.
19/1/2022
ABC News
Work begins on $270 million US fuel storage facility on Darwin's outskirts
The US-funded $270m fuel storage facility will be the largest in the NT. Analysts say the US government investment is a sign of increased US military presence in the NT. About 400 jobs will be created during construction of the facility, with 20 ongoing.
18/1/2022
9 News
Warning of heavy rain for every mainland state, flooding in some parts
Multiple states are headed for a drenching in coming days as the remnants of ex Tropical Cyclone Tiffany spread across Australia.
18/1/2022
ABC News
COVID-19 triage marquees to be set up at major WA hospitals to cope with surge in cases
A triage system will be set up outside major emergency departments. It will help to separate COVID patients from general admissions. It will also provide surge capacity for hospitals under pressure from COVID.
18/1/2022
Sky News
One million rapid antigen tests kept in stockpile as part of NSW government's plan to get kids back to school
New South Wales students will be asked to take rapid antigen tests (RATs) twice a week under the government's return-to-school plan, with supplies being transported to a stockpile in western Sydney.
18/1/2022
BBC
Russia-Ukraine crisis: UK sending weapons to defend Ukraine, says defence secretary
Britain is supplying Ukraine with short-range anti-tank missiles for self-defence after Russia amassed about 100,000 troops on its border, the defence secretary said.
18/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Pfizer CEO Predicts Life On Earth "Will Return To Normal" In The Spring
Just a few days ago, Bill Gates shared some of his (revised) thoughts on the COVID pandemic and the trajectory that omicron has left us on. Several weeks after warning that omicron's heightened infectiousness might send the pandemic into overdrive, the Microsoft founder postulated instead that omicron might hasten the end of the pandemic by leaving the human population with more antibodies against the virus. As a result, SARS-CoV-2 might enter its endemic stage more quickly, Gates suggested.
18/1/2022
ABC News
Empty supermarket shelves driven only partially by panic buying and supply chain issues
"So the supermarket shortages aren't so much driven by anxiety, but more by other factors," Dr Notebaert says. A big part of that, as we've seen, is to do with the Omicron variant forcing workers into isolation at every link of the supply chain — starting at farms and abattoirs through to distribution centres, truck drivers and supermarket staff.
18/1/2022
Al Jazeera
‘Much remains unknown’: Tonga still cut off by volcanic eruption
Communications to Tonga remain largely severed, as scientists warn that more eruptions may be possible.
17/1/2022
ABC News
Which jobs are now considered essential under the new national cabinet agreement?
National cabinet has agreed to include more workers to be exempt from COVID isolation to help ease the pressure on workforces and supply chains.
17/1/2022
SBS News
Australia sends surveillance flight to tsunami-hit Tonga as extent of damage still unknown
Australia is sending a plane to assess the damage in Tonga after the Pacific nation was hit by an underwater volcano eruption, leaving the country cut off from the rest of the world.
17/1/2022
WA Today
Mask mandate back as authorities warn Perth Omicron outbreak might be difficult to contain
WA Premier Mark McGowan is “raising the alarm” that COVID-19 is likely circulating in the community undetected as a cluster linked to a massage spa in Applecross grows, and WA’s active Omicron cases rise to 81.
14/1/2022
7 News
WA reports two new local COVID cases as strict new vaccination rules expanded
Two new local COVID cases have been recorded in Western Australia overnight, as contact tracers scramble to work out whether the state’s mystery infection is the Omicron variant.
14/1/2022
Sydney Morning Herald
Second hottest day in Australia’s history recorded as the east prepares for storms
Towns across Western Australia have recorded some of the hottest weather ever recorded in the country, while other parts of the nation are preparing for heavy rains, humid nights and the after-effects of an ex-tropical cyclone.
14/1/2022
Reuters
Poorer nations reject over 100 million COVID shots as many close to expiry
BRUSSELS, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Poorer nations last month rejected more than 100 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines distributed by the global programme COVAX, mainly due to their rapid expiry date, a UNICEF official said on Thursday.
14/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Supreme Court Blocks Biden's OSHA Vaxx Mandate
Despite the misinformation spewed forth by Justice Sotomayor, The US Supreme Court has blocked the Biden administration's vaccine-or-test rule for US businesses, but allows vaccine mandate for most health care workers.
13/1/2022
SBS News
Retailers claim the Australian government is seizing COVID-19 RATs they've ordered
“Our supplier has since informed us that our scheduled delivery will no longer be delivered to us due to government action to seize RAT supply at the point of import for public health reasons."
13/1/2022
Al Jazeera
NATO-Russia talks at impasse amid ‘real risk’ of Ukraine war
NATO warns Russia it will not compromise on the alliance’s principles, but invites Moscow to more talks over Ukraine security fears.
13/1/2022
ABC News
Victorian COVID-19 close contact exemption expands for more workers as Omicron wave rages
Household contacts of COVID-19 cases who work in education, transport, utilities and emergency services will be able to go to work. The exemption is available if there is no other option and both the employer and employee agree. The exemption does not permit the worker to leave quarantine for any reason other than critical work.
13/1/2022
ABC News
How does Omicron affect kids? The experts have some reassuring findings
So far, evidence suggests Omicron infections more often result in mild illness compared to earlier variants of the coronavirus. At an individual level, Omicron appears less likely to put you in the hospital or ICU, especially if you're vaccinated.
13/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Europe's FDA Warns Against Vaccine Boosters, Expresses Concerns Over Immune Response
The European Union’s drug regulator expressed doubts about whether a second booster dose of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines would be a sustainable long-term approach.
13/1/2022
Zero Hedge
"Doomed To Fail" - Top Immunologist Blasts Global COVID Response Driven By "False Propaganda"
Professor Ehud Qimron, head of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Tel Aviv University and one of the leading Israeli immunologists, has written an open letter sharply criticizing the Israeli – and indeed global – management of the coronavirus pandemic.
12/1/2022
BBC News
North Korea claims new hypersonic missile launch under watch of Kim Jong-un
State news agency KCNA said the missile fired on Tuesday had "precisely hit" a target some 1,000km (621 miles) away.
12/1/2022
ABC News
RATs in short supply: Rapid antigen test shortage shows little sign of ending soon
Suppliers are bringing in millions of rapid antigen tests a week, but say deman still outstrips supply A major increase in supplies is not expected for weeks, possibly not until mid-February In some states and territories, RATs are being handed out to certain people, such as close contacts.
12/1/2022
Al Jazeera
Brace yourself for an even more unequal post-pandemic world: WEF
The world is growing more unequal and the divergence, made worse by the pandemic, is sure to cause additional tensions, resentments and further complicate nations’ responses to climate change, economic disparities and social instabilities, according to a new report.
12/1/2022
7 News
Federal government holds urgent talks with industry leaders to address supply chain issues
The federal government has held urgent talks with industry leaders to find a solution to widespread supply chain issues caused by COVID-19. Essential services have been severely impacted by the Omicron outbreak, with thousands of workers isolating after having contracted the virus or being designated a close contact.
12/1/2022
ABC News
Cyclone Tiffany expected to cross Top End coast as category 1 system, as Groote Eylandt residents brace for impact
The cyclone is expected to make landfall near Port Roper about midday. It's expected to cross as a category 1 system after failing to reach category 2 strength. People in the warning zone, from Cape Shield to the NT/Queensland border, are urged to shelter and stay up-to-date.
12/1/2022
ABC News
COVID supply chain crisis shows what's really at the heart of the economy — healthy humans
The economy doesn't work if people can't work. So the first economic priority during a pandemic must be to keep people healthy enough to keep working, producing, delivering and buying.
12/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Ivermectin 'Works Throughout All Phases' Of COVID According To Leaked Military Documents
As more and more information pours out of the Project Veritas leaked military documents, there appears to be a damning section in support of Ivermectin as a Covid-19 treatment.
11/1/2022
9 News
Thousands of hospital staff unable to work as Victoria records 37,994 new cases of COVID-19
Thousands of hospital staff are unable to work due to COVID-19 as Victoria has recorded 37,994 new cases of the virus and 13 deaths. Hospitalisations have grown to 861 patients, with 117 in ICU and 27 on a ventilator.
11/1/2022
9 News
Second person missing in Queensland floods
A second person is missing in floodwaters as Queensland reels from the impact of two dangerous weather systems. Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said today that a 52-year-old man had gone missing after a family went out looking for their livestock on the Mary River near Tiaro in the Fraser Coast region.
11/1/2022
Zero Hedge
Mass. Wastewater Data Suggests Covid-19 Cases Substantially Higher Than Reported
While Massachusetts reported a record 27,612 cases last Wednesday, samples from the Boston area's wastewater collected last week suggest that the official count is nowhere near the actual number of Covid-19 infections.
11/1/2022
7 News
Omicron and Delta COVID variant reportedly discovered, with dozens infected so far
A researcher in Cyprus has discovered a coronavirus mutation that combines the Delta and Omicron variant. Leondios Kostrikis, professor of biological sciences at the University of Cyprus, reportedly called the strain “Deltacron” because of its Omicron-like genetic signatures within the Delta genomes.
11/1/2022
ABC News
Father and daughter rescued after two days clinging to tree in floodwaters, major flooding continues in Maryborough
The man and his daughter were in their car when it was caught in floodwaters. A peak of just under 10 metres was recorded on Sunday night at Maryborough. More than 70 rescues have been performed.
11/1/2022
Al Jazeera
2021 was the fifth-hottest year on record as emissions surge
The EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service says the last seven years were the warmest ‘by a clear margin’ since records began.
7/1/2022
ABC News
Supermarket shortages are different this time — here's how to respond and avoid panic
Now the shortages are due to supply-side problems and occurring (almost) nationally. As Omicron infections surge in every state apart from Western Australia, supply chains are being crippled by the sheer number of transport, distribution and shop workers now sick or required to isolate.
7/1/2022
9 News
Shopping centre roof caves in as severe thunderstorm warning issued for Melbourne
Heavy rain has caused a shopping centre roof to cave in as thunderstorms, damaging winds and large hailstones hit parts of Melbourne.
7/1/2022
9 News
Mask wearing scrapped indoors and at major outdoor events in Western Australia
Certain COVID-19 restrictions are being eased in Western Australia as the state recorded no new local cases.
7/1/2022
ABC News
Supermarket shelves left bare as COVID panic buying, supply chain issues wreak havoc again
Woolworths is blaming panic buying, Coles supply chain issues, but either way the toilet paper wars of 2020 are back in Queensland supermarkets.
7/1/2022
Boston Herald
Supply, labor strains continue squeeze on restaurants, supermarkets
Supermarkets are turning to different brands than they normally stock in order to fill empty shelves, and restaurants have pared back menus to cope with a limited pool of available ingredients as the omicron wave increasingly impacts the economy.
7/1/2022
Stuff News
Supermarket shortages: 'Lumpy' supply chain likely in 2022
Gaps on supermarket shelves continue, while some goods are stuck at wharves and others sit at distribution centres waiting for truck drivers.
7/1/2022
Zero Hedge
China's Zero COVID Strategy Weighs On Oil Demand Growth
As the COVID-19 variant, Omicron spreads across the US, Beijing has had a strict zero-tolerance policy to mitigate the spread of the virus by locking down cities and has sparked disruptions to factory production, travel, and consumer spending, according to Bloomberg.
7/1/2022
WION News
Japan, Australia bolster ties with landmark defense, security pact | Latest World English News
Japan and Australia have signed a landmark treaty to to beef up defence and security cooperation. The agreement is seen as another step by the regional allies to signal their concerns over China's military expansion. As China expands its military and also its economic clout, the accord will contribute to regional stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
6/1/2022
ABC News
The NT has entered a snap lockout and introduced a vaccine pass system. Here's everything you need to know about the new rules
The whole of the NT has been put into a lockout from 1pm today, until midday on Monday. Lockouts are not new in the Territory – they've been implemented a number of times before, including in Darwin and Katherine — but this marks the first time there's been one Territory-wide.
6/1/2022
ABC News
Flooded farmers rely on helicopters and boats to finish a long and disappointing harvest
Wet, mild and even flooded conditions in inland NSW hampered a very promise harvest. There's been widespread crop downgrades and some growers are still trying to strip crops. Strong grain prices have been a silver lining with even heavily downgraded grain fetching above average prices.
6/1/2022
ABC News
Flooded farmers rely on helicopters and boats to finish a long and disappointing harvest
Wet, mild and even flooded conditions in inland NSW hampered a very promise harvest. There's been widespread crop downgrades and some growers are still trying to strip crops. Strong grain prices have been a silver lining with even heavily downgraded grain fetching above average prices.
6/1/2022
The Center Square
Indiana life insurance CEO says deaths are up 40% among people ages 18-64
(The Center Square) – The head of Indianapolis-based insurance company OneAmerica said the death rate is up a stunning 40% from pre-pandemic levels among working-age people.
6/1/2022
9 News
‘Never Seen Anything Like It': Drivers Stranded for 24 Hours on I-95 in Virginia
Drivers are finally off Interstate 95 after being stuck on a 50-mile stretch in the Stafford County, Virginia, area for more than 24 hours, the Virginia Department of Transportation said.
6/1/2022
9 News
Man in 20s one of six COVID-19 deaths in NSW, state records 34,994 new cases as hospitalisations rise
A man in his 20s is one of six people who have died with COVID-19 in New South Wales, as the state recorded 34,994 new cases in the past 24 hours after 111,231 tests. The man, who was from the ACT, had been double vaccinated and had no underlying health conditions before passing away at St Vincent's Hospital, according to NSW Health.
6/1/2022
7 News
Babies born during COVID pandemic show slower developmental skills, new US study finds
Babies born during the early months of the pandemic scored slightly lower on a screening of their developmental skills than those born prior to the pandemic, regardless of whether their mothers had COVID-19 during pregnancy, a new study revealed.
6/1/2022
Sky News
Victoria reports another surge in COVID-19 cases, NSW infections surpass 30,000 for second consecutive day
New South Wales has reported 34,994 new COVID-19 cases and six additional deaths marking a second consecutive days of infections soaring over the 30,000 mark. Thursday's figures were detected from 111,131 tests conducted in the past 24 hours and shows a small drop in cases from the 35,054 cases reported on Wednesday. Hospitalisations have also jumped overnight with 1,609 people now admitted and 131 in intensive care, up from 1,491 hospitalisations and 119 in ICU the day before.
6/1/2022
Business Insider
Australia’s supply chain could soon fracture if rapid antigen tests aren’t made free, the transport union warns
The Transport Workers Union warns that Australia’s supply chain could buckle if rapid antigen tests aren’t made free.. Transport companies are reporting up to 50% of their workers are being forced off the job because they can’t access tests TWU national secretary Michael Kaine told Business Insider any solution that doesn’t include free RATs could cause major supply chain fractures.
6/1/2022
News.com.au
Two ‘strange’ Omicron symptoms: ‘Covid-19 eye’ and hair loss
People infected with the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are reporting two unusual symptoms as the outbreak spreads across Australia.
6/1/2022
ABC News
Australia and Japan to sign security cooperation treaty during virtual summit
The agreement forms a framework for defence cooperation. Australia and Japan will also discuss partnerships on clean energy, critical technologies and materials. China responded by saying that bilateral treaties should promote regional trust, peace and stability.
6/1/2022
ABC News
Staff shortages due to COVID-19 taking a toll across all industries in NSW
Coles imposes limits on packets of mince, chicken breast, chicken thigh and sausages. The meat industry wants isolation rules for its workers in line with healthcare. A leading economist warns the situation will get worse as more workers get sick.
6/1/2022
Zero Hedge
First Two 'Flurona' Cases Detected In US: Officials
A Los Angeles County COVID testing site confirmed the first local case of “flurona,” or influenza combined with the virus that causes COVID, coming after a teen in Texas confirmed he was diagnosed with the two viruses.
5/1/2022
CNN
'We can't vaccinate the planet every six months,' says Oxford vaccine scientist
A leading expert who helped create the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine said Tuesday that giving everyone in the world booster shots multiple times a year is not feasible. "We can't vaccinate the planet every four to six months. It's not sustainable or affordable," Professor Andrew Pollard, the director of the Oxford Vaccine Group and head of the UK's Committee on Vaccination and Immunization, told The Daily Telegraph in an interview published Tuesday. Pollard also stressed the "need to target the vulnerable" going forward, rather than administering doses to everyone age 12 and older. More data is needed to ascertain "whether, when and how often those who are vulnerable will need additional doses," he said.
5/1/2022
Business Insider
Why China changed its mind about nuclear weapons and is bulking up its arsenal at ‘accelerated’ pace
China’s rapid military expansion in recent years has alarmed other countries. China’s nuclear arsenal is much smaller than the US’s, but US officials are warning about its growth. Experts say Beijing wants to have enough nuclear weapons to survive and respond to an attack.
5/1/2022
Sky News
COVID-19 hospitalisations continue to put pressure on NSW health system as the state records over 35,000 new cases
The health system in NSW continues to come under pressure as the state records a rise in COVID-19 hospitalisations. In the latest figures released on Wednesday, a record 1491 people with the virus are being treated in hospital, up from 1344 on Tuesday. Those in intensive care sits at 119 – an increase of 14 from the previous day.
5/1/2022
ABC News
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth brings heat, abnormally high tides
In the north of the state, heatwave conditions are being felt as some areas soar into the 40s. Warnings for abnormally high tides are in place from north-east New South Wales right up to the tip of K'gari. While ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth continues to weaken, it's likely we haven't seen the end of cyclone season just yet.
5/1/2022
News.com.au
Australia facing meat shortage as processors face Covid-induced labour shortage
Supermarket shelves could stay bare for weeks as the Omicron strain wreaks havoc on Australia’s supply chain, a top Coles executive has warned.
5/1/2022
Al Jazeera
US tops one million new daily COVID-19 cases – a global record
Rates of death and hospitalisation in the US have been lower in recent weeks compared with previous spikes in case numbers, but the sheer number of new cases is causing concern for some health centers. Fauci said the experience of South Africa – where the strain was first detected in late November and peaked quickly, then subsided nearly as speedily – offered some hope.
5/1/2022
BBC
Yuzhou: Second Chinese city forced into Covid lockdown
China has put a second city into total lockdown after just three asymptomatic Covid cases were discovered. Yuzhou - which has a population of 1.1 million - saw its transport system shut down and all but essential food stores closed overnight.
5/1/2022
Zero Hedge
CDC Admits 61% Of Teens Hospitalized For COVID-19 Had Severe Obesity
A new study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) took a closer look at young people who were hospitalized for COVID-19 in July and August, while the delta variant wave took hold, and largely found that healthy young people continue to mostly evade the worst of COVID-19. The study found that most young people who suffer severe COVID-19 outcomes had underlying health conditions. The most common, especially for teenagers, was obesity.
5/1/2022
Zero Hedge
China's Latest COVID Outbreak Spreads To 2 New Cities Including Home Of World's Largest Port
China is now dealing with three serious outbreaks as the eastern port city of Ningbo reported 16 cases over the weekend, while the city of Yuzhou, a smaller city with 1.3M residents, has seen some of its neighborhoods placed on lockdown.
4/1/2022
ABC News
Supermarkets struggle to keep up with demand as COVID-19 spreads among workers
Rapidly climbing COVID case numbers are being blamed for increasingly bare shelves in New South Wales supermarkets.
4/1/2022
News.com.au
French scientists discover new mutant Covid variant which could be more resistant to vaccines
Alarm bells are ringing after a new Covid variant was detected in France, with a renowned health expert pointing out a “worrying” sign.
4/1/2022
CNN
Outcry over Xi'an lockdown tests limits of China's zero-Covid policy
Residents of Xi'an have been locked in their homes for nearly 2 weeks, and food and supplies are running short
4/1/2022
ABC News
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth moves towards land with wild weather causing dangerous ocean conditions, beach closures
Beaches across the state's south-east will be closed again today. Ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth is sitting around 300 kilometres offshore of Coolangatta. The system was likely to cross the coastline between Brisbane and Bundaberg on Thursday.
4/1/2022
News.com.au
NSW Health says 74 per cent of NSW ICU patients since December 16 had the Delta variant
In an encouraging sign as Omicron takes hold in Australia, it has been revealed that a huge proportion of the worst cases in NSW have Delta.
4/1/2022
ABC News
NSW COVID case numbers hit a new high as hospitalisations eclipse last year's peak
Symptomatic ICU nurses have been pressured to return to work amid staff shortages. Supply chains have experienced delays due to high absenteeism at distribution centres across Greater Sydney. One of the country's largest pathology companies shut down most of its testing clinics.
29/12/2021
Zero Hedge
COVID Antiviral Pills Cause Life-Threatening Reactions With Many Common Meds
Last week, the FDA authorized two much-hyped antiviral treatments for COVID (just in time for Christmas): Merck's Molnupiravir and Pfizer's Paxlovid.
29/12/2021
Zero Hedge
China Panic-Hoards Half Of World's Grain Supply Amid Threats Of Collapse
About two and a half years ago, we told readers China was panic hoarding food, which was several months before the virus pandemic began to spread worldwide; Beijing has managed to stockpile more than half of the world's maize and other grains that have resulted in rapid food inflation and triggered famine in some countries.
29/12/2021
News.com.au
Expert warns Australia’s AdBlue supply could run out within weeks causing major supply chain issues
Australia could run out of a crucial component of diesel fuel within weeks, with an expert warning nobody knows how much we have left.
29/12/2021
Perth Now
Queensland scraps PCR test requirement for interstate travellers
Travellers into Queensland will no longer be required to show a negative PCR test at the border from January 1.
29/12/2021
7 News
New Year’s Eve weather forecast 2021: How NYE is shaping up in the capital cities across Australia
The New Year’s Eve weather forecast for 2021 is delivering a mixed bag across Australia.
29/12/2021
Reuters
South Africa study suggests Omicron could displace Delta
Dec 28 (Reuters) - Research by South African scientists suggests that Omicron could displace the Delta variant of the coronavirus because infection with the new variant boosts immunity to the older one.
29/12/2021
Zero Hedge
Watch: Fauci Admits Mandates Are "Just A Mechanism" To Get More People Vaccinated
In an appearance Sunday Anthony Fauci admitted that vaccine mandates are merely a “mechanism” to coerce more Americans to take shots.
23/12/2021
News.com.au
WHO warns that booster shots could prolong the pandemic
“Blanket booster programs are likely to prolong the Covid-19 pandemic, rather than ending it, by diverting supply to countries that already have high levels of vaccination coverage, giving the virus more opportunity to spread and mutate.” Nor should a third dose of vaccine be seen as carte blanche, he added. “Boosters cannot be seen as a ticket to go ahead with planned celebrations”.
23/12/2021
News.com.au
‘Staggering’: Pfizer’s breakthrough as world’s first Covid-19 pill approved
One study showed the pill has nearly 90 per cent efficacy in preventing hospitalisation or death in high-risk patients. It’s also effective against the fast-spreading Omicron variant.
23/12/2021
CNN
Early studies suggest a reduced risk of Covid-19 hospitalization when infected with Omicron compared to Delta
Omicron is associated with a two-thirds reduction in the risk of Covid-19 hospitalization compared with Delta, suggests one study, released online Wednesday as a working paper by researchers at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. That research was based out of Scotland.
22/12/2021
SBS News
How many people are in hospital with COVID-19 in Australia?
COVID-19 infections are rising again, with cases in New South Wales above previous record levels. This is what the data currently tells us about hospitalisations in each state and territory, how vaccination rates have had an impact, and what role Omicron could play in what happens next.
22/12/2021
SBS News
'Extreme case scenario': Scott Morrison reacts to 200,000 infections a day prediction
Australia's chief medical officer has also hit out at "misleading" media reports, claiming the new modelling presents "the worst case scenario". "The modeling that's been reported is a very unlikely, extreme case scenario that assumes that nobody does anything; nobody gets boosters, there are no changes that take place, no one exercises common sense," Mr Morrison told Sunrise.
22/12/2021
SBS News
Vladimir Putin warns the West of military measures over Ukraine threats
Russian President Vladimir Putin said if the West continued its "obviously aggressive stance" Russia would take "appropriate retaliatory military-technical measures".
22/12/2021
The Wall Street Journal
Food Companies Are Having Trouble Keeping Up With Inflation
Input costs keep surprising companies like General Mills, causing declining margins
22/12/2021
ABC News
Melbourne researchers trial use of common blood-thinning drug heparin to combat COVID-19
The nasal spray is expected to be effective against emerging COVID variants, including Omicron. The drug will be trialled in 340 Victorian households over the next six months. The spray does not require refrigeration and could be distributed widely.
22/12/2021
ABC News
Food shortage hits typhoon-devastated Philippines, prompting fears of looting
Residents in the worst-affected region of Bohol no longer have access to secure food aid. People cannot withdraw money from banks and residents are without mobile phone connections . The local Governor said the President should send in the military to avoid lootings.
22/12/2021
Zero Hedge
Some Good Omicron News: Symptoms Remain Extremely Mild; UK Cases Peaking
While recent data from South Africa shows a small uptick in ICU patients and deaths over the last three days, both metrics remain low compared to previous waves, especially relative to case numbers. Critical cases in London - which as noted above is at the forefront of the Omicron wave in the Northern Hemisphere with record infection numbers - also have had an uptick, but remain extremely low. And while it's still early days, this data remains crucial in the upcoming period and absent a surge in deaths, should lead to broad relief rally in coming weeks.
21/12/2021
CNN News
Stocks fall and oil sinks as storm clouds gather over global economy
London (CNN Business)Investors hoping for an easy Christmas week could be sorely disappointed as stocks and oil prices slid in the face of growing threats to the global economy.
21/12/2021
7 News
Australians could soon need three jabs to be ‘fully vaccinated’
The definition of being fully vaccinated against coronavirus may soon change for millions of Australians.
21/12/2021
Sky News
Typhoon Rai death toll rises to 375
The death toll from a typhoon in the Philippines has risen to 375. There are 56 people missing and 500 have been injured after the category five made landfall on Thursday.
21/12/2021
7 News
Infectious diseases expert calls for calm as Omicron surges in Australia
An infectious diseases expert has called for calm amid concerns Australia could introduce new restrictions to slow the spread of Omicron.
21/12/2021
Zero Hedge
Severe Weather Wrecks Top Southeast Asian Port
Malaysia's worst flash flooding in years left 200 people dead, 440,000 displaced, and one of the largest shipping ports in the world disrupted over the weekend.
21/12/2021
Zero Hedge
South African Officials Advise End To Contact-Tracing, Quarantining Because Most Don't Experience Any Symptoms
In news that you will likely not see anywhere today, government advisors in South Africa have suggested stopping tracing and quarantining those who have come into contact with Omicron because it isn’t helping to stop the spread of the variant, which for the most part causes no symptoms in those who contract it.
20/12/2021
7 News
Australia to ramp up manufacturing of key fuel ingredient amid dire shortages
Australia is set to scale up the manufacturing of a key diesel exhaust fuel ingredient vital to keeping the country’s freight and logistics sectors on track.
20/12/2021
Zero Hedge
Pfizer Pushes Third Vaccine Dose For Kids 5 And Under
As Pfizer and Moderna fight to get their COVID jabs approved for children under the age of 5, Pfizer revealed on Friday that it's changing its approach by testing three vaccine doses in babies and preschoolers after discovering that two doses simply doesn't provide enough protection.
20/12/2021
Zero Hedge
Emails Expose Fauci, Collins Collusion To 'Smear' Anti-Lockdown Scientists
From October 2-4, 2020, the American Institute for Economic Research hosted a small conference for scientists to discuss the Covid-19 lockdowns. Just four days later, Dr. Francis Collins, the retiring Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), would call the three of the scientists in attendance “fringe epidemiologists,” in a directive he sent to Anthony Fauci and other senior staff of his agency.
20/12/2021
The Guardian
It’s beginning to look a lot like last Christmas: why the UK has Covid deja vu
IThat old adage of Marx insists that historical events occur first as tragedy, then as farce. The government’s handling of the pandemic in the UK long ago undermined that progression: tragedy and farce have, since the very beginning of the crisis, always been a double act.
20/12/2021
7 News
Experts call for overhaul of Australia’s COVID vaccine booster program
Australia is being urged to bring forward booster shots to help prevent thousands of additional COVID-19 infections as holidaymakers take advantage of open borders.
17/12/2021
Reuters
Refugees lack COVID shots because drugmakers fear lawsuits, documents show
BRUSSELS/BANGKOK, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Tens of millions of migrants may be denied COVID-19 vaccines from a global programme because some major manufacturers are worried about legal risks from harmful side effects, according to officials and internal documents from Gavi, the charity operating the programme, reviewed by Reuters.
17/12/2021
Zero hedge
What you need to know about the security flaw that could impact the entire internet
A critical flaw in widely used software has cybersecurity experts raising alarms and big companies racing to fix the issue.
17/12/2021
9 News
Kids in NSW slapped with over $2.1 million in COVID-19 fines
Children in NSW are struggling to pay back COVID-19 fines, after being hit with over $2.1 million worth since July last year.
17/12/2021
9 News
Restrictions for unvaccinated Queenslanders begin
Vaccine mandates are in effect in Queensland from today, locking out the COVID-19 unvaccinated from pubs, cafes and restaurants.
17/12/2021
Washington Post
Amid drought, conflict and rocketing prices, a global food crisis could be approaching, top expert warns
Global food prices are soaring. Fertilizer costs are sky-high. In Afghanistan, nearly 23 million people — more than half the population — are expected to face potentially life-threatening food insecurity this winter. Madagascar is confronting its worst drought in 40 years, with more than a million people there in need in urgent food aid.
16/12/2021
Zero hedge
Taiwanese Lab Leak Sharpens Debate On Pandemic Origin
On Dec 9, 2021, Taiwan announced that a researcher working in a Biosafety-level 3 (BSL-3) laboratory in Taipei had tested positive for the Delta variant of COVID-19 “while experimenting on the virus in the lab.” Chen Shih-chung, the head of Taiwan’s Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) confirmed that the female researcher had tested positive for COVID-19 after being “exposed to the pathogen” during research that was conducted in mid-November at the Academia Sinica’s Genomics Research Center in Taipei.
16/12/2021
Reuters
Fed signals three rate hikes in the cards in 2022 as inflation fight begins
The US Federal Reserve said on Wednesday it would end its pandemic-era bond purchases in March and pave the way for three quarter-percentage-point interest rate hikes by the end of 2022 as the economy nears full employment and the U.S. central bank copes with a surge of inflation.
16/12/2021
9 News
'Catastrophic' fire danger as heatwave set to sweep Australia
Australia is bracing for a heatwave after weeks of rain in the east, with temperatures set to soar across multiple states. Dean Narramore from the Bureau of Meteorology said the weather had flipped back into "a proper summer pattern". "The rain has eased and the heat built across much of northern and western Australia," he said.
16/12/2021
News.com.au
Australian government ditches South African travel ban after Omicron fears
The Australian government has eased the ban on arrivals from eight Southern African nations, as restrictions in NSW and Queensland begin to ease going into the holiday period. Today Australia also reopened to vaccinated travellers from Japan and Republic of Korea and opening to international skilled and student cohorts, humanitarian, working holiday makers and provisional family visa holders.
16/12/2021
CNN
The Log4j security flaw could impact the entire internet. Here's what you should know
A critical flaw in widely used software has cybersecurity experts raising alarms and big companies racing to fix the issue. The vulnerability, which was reported late last week, is in Java-based software known as "Log4j" that large organizations use to configure their applications -- and it poses potential risks for much of the internet.
15/12/2021
Perth Now
Why grocery and coffee prices are set to soar in 2022
Australians are being warned to brace for a surge in grocery prices moving into 2022 as a series of post-pandemic setbacks and shortages are threatening essential supply chains. The COVID-19 health crisis has led to a dramatic rise in freight costs along with a severe container shortage, causing the cost of importing goods to soar.
15/12/2021
9 News
NSW cases shoot up to 1360 as restrictions lift for unvaccinated
New South Wales COVID-19 numbers have seen another surge, up to 1360 today from 804 yesterday. One person with the illness has died, but intensive care numbers did not see a comparable spike, lifting from 20 to 24 patients.
15/12/2021
ABC News
Australian AdBlue manufacturer charters planes ready to fly in emergency urea as diesel additive crisis continues
A local producer of AdBlue says it will have to ration to get through summer. Australia consumes between 130 million and 150 million litres of the diesel exhaust fluid a year. The National Farmers Federation says it has been told that "new supply has been secured".
15/12/2021
Perth Now
Pfizer says pill prevents hospitalisations
Pfizer says its antiviral COVID-19 pill showed almost 90 per cent efficacy in preventing hospitalisations and deaths in high-risk patients, and recent lab data suggests the drug retains its effectiveness against the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
15/12/2021
Al Jazeera
‘Absolute decimation’: US tornado survivors face long recovery
Tens of thousands are without power across US states as volunteers, emergency workers work to clear debris and rebuild.
15/12/2021
BBC News
Covid: Omicron probably in most countries, WHO says
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the new coronavirus variant Omicron is probably already present in most countries around the world.
14/12/2021
ABC News
AdBlue prices quadruple, haulage companies call for ACCC intervention
A milk haulage company says it is paying four times more for AdBlue The urea-based additive helps reduce emissions from diesel vehicles Australia is in talks with Middle Eastern nations to shore up supply
14/12/2021
BBC
Thwaites: Antarctic glacier heading for dramatic change
Scientists are warning of dramatic changes at one of the biggest glaciers in Antarctica, potentially within the next five to 10 years. They say a floating section at the front of Thwaites Glacier that until now has been relatively stable could "shatter like a car windscreen". US and UK researchers are currently engaged in an intense study programme at Thwaites because of its melt rate. Already it is dumping 50 billion tonnes of ice into the ocean each year.
14/12/2021
News.com.au
Omicron spread by ‘young, healthy, vaccinated’ people, experts say
The Omicron wave of the coronavirus pandemic is being driven by “young, healthy, vaccinated” people, according to the World Health Organisation. Data from countries including the UK, Denmark and South Africa show a similar pattern of infection with the new variant, which has now been detected in more than 60 countries including Australia. “[Omicron] spreads more than Delta, but the consequences aren’t more than Delta,” ANU infectious diseases expert Peter Collignon told The Daily Telegraph.
14/12/2021
News.com.au
Crisis ‘more terrifying than any Covid headline’: China ban threatens national standstill
The head of Australia’s peak trucking association has taken aim at China for leaving truckies “swinging” as the industry anxiously awaits government intervention. Australia’s trucking industry is at risk of being ground to a halt if it cannot source enough urea. The anti-pollution additive, in the form of a diesel exhaust fluid called AdBlue, is required to make diesel vehicles run. Urea, a naturally occurring chemical component, is also a key component in fertiliser.
14/12/2021
Al Jazeera
Kentucky tornadoes: At least 74 dead as recovery efforts ramp up
Kentucky is by far worst hit by a cluster of storms that tore through central US states, devastating entire communities.
14/12/2021
7 News
Prime Minister Scott Morrison rallies states to reunite Australians and drop last COVID bans
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called on states and territories to ease their last remaining COVID-19 restrictions, as Western Australia announced plans to reopen its hard border to the rest of the nation.
14/12/2021
7 News
Prime Minister Scott Morrison rallies states to reunite Australians and drop last COVID bans
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called on states and territories to ease their last remaining COVID-19 restrictions, as Western Australia announced plans to reopen its hard border to the rest of the nation.
14/12/2021
ABC News
Britain reports world's first publicly confirmed death from Omicron COVID variant
At least one person has died in the United Kingdom after contracting the Omicron coronavirus variant, Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said, in what is the first publicly confirmed death globally from the swiftly spreading strain. "So I think the idea that this is somehow a milder version of the virus — I think that's something we need to set [to] one side — and just recognise the sheer pace at which it accelerates through the population."
13/12/2021
7 News
Prime Minister Scott Morrison rallies states to reunite Australians and drop last COVID bans
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called on states and territories to ease their last remaining COVID-19 restrictions, as Western Australia announced plans to reopen its hard border to the rest of the nation. Speaking at the Sydney Institute’s annual dinner on Monday night, Mr Morrison urged jurisdictions to “facilitate, rather than dictate”.
13/12/2021
ABC News
Moderna vaccine to be made in Australia, with hopes for Victorian plant to open by 2024
Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine could be manufactured in Australia by the middle of the decade, with plans being put together for a new plant in Victoria capable of producing up to 100 million shots a year.
13/12/2021
9 News
Christmas postage deadlines approaching fast
If you want to make sure your Christmas gift gets under the tree on time, today is your last chance to post it.
13/12/2021
ABC News
Premier Mark McGowan set to announce today when WA COVID-19 hard border will fall
Today Premier Mark McGowan is expected to set the date when Western Australia's borders will finally reopen to the eastern states and the rest of the world.
13/12/2021
ABC News
WA's rental crisis causes huge growth in demand for help at Foodbank
Tucked away in a quiet West Australian suburb south of Mandurah, Steve Cutt is stacking shelves in preparation for the morning rush.
10/12/2021
ABC News
Australia to offer COVID-19 shots to children aged 5-11 from January
SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Australia will begin administering COVID-19 vaccines for children aged 5 to 11 from Jan. 10, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday, after the rollout cleared final regulatory hurdles.
10/12/2021
ABC News
Margaret River community in the grips of a dangerous bushfire as memories of destructive 2011 blaze resurface
With summer just barely underway, Western Australians have had an eye-opening taste of what the months ahead could hold.
10/12/2021
The West Australian
Over 42,000 Adverse Reaction Reports Revealed In First Batch Of Pfizer Vax Docs
The FDA's excruciatingly slow release of data related to Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine has already borne fruit, and it's damning despite a trickle of just 500 pages per month out of 329,000 pages - which will take until 2076 to complete.
9/12/2021
ABC News
AMAQ warns another 1,500 hospital beds needed now, ahead of Queensland's COVID outbreaks
Doctors say there are not enough staff or beds to cope with surges that may come with COVID-19. The AMAQ says "bed block" can see patients wait a week in the emergency department before being transferred to a ward. More sections of the hospital need to operate fully seven days a week.
9/12/2021
The West Australian
Margaret River bushfire emergency: Lives, homes in danger as out-of-control blaze rages
A bushfire emergency is unfolding in the State’s south as an out-of-control blaze rages, with locals nearby warned their lives and homes are in danger and they need to act immediately to survive.
9/12/2021
Reuters
Pfizer, BioNTech vaccine neutralises Omicron with three shots
BioNTech and Pfizer (PFE.N) said on Wednesday a three-shot course of their COVID-19 vaccine was able to neutralise the new Omicron variant in a laboratory test, an early signal that booster shots could be key to protection against infection from the newly identified variant.
9/12/2021
7 News
Queensland reaches 80 per cent vaccine rate as borders prepare to reopen
Queensland has hit 80 per cent fully vaccinated, joining South Australia and Tasmania as one of the first jurisdictions in the world to hit the milestone without an active COVID-19 outbreak.
9/12/2021
Al Jazeera
Omicron could be milder than Delta: WHO chief
New coronavirus variant may pose a higher reinfection risk, but the latest research indicates it could be less severe than the Delta strain, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says.
9/12/2021
CNN
Heavy rain triggered Indonesia's volcano eruption. This could happen more
Mount Semeru's eruption on the island of Java Saturday was different. Days of heavy rain had gradually eroded Semeru's lava dome, a mound of hardened lava that acts like a volcano's plug, which partially collapsed. It was this "dome avalanche" that Indonesian volcanologists believe triggered the eruption, according to the country's geological chief, Eko Budi Lelono, from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
8/12/2021
Sky News
What is AdBlue and why could an international shortage bring Australia's economy to its knees?
For many people, terms like "supply chain" and "logistics" may be likely to cause the eyes to glaze over.
8/12/2021
Sky News
Joe Biden warns Vladimir Putin they will face 'strong economic and other measures' if Russia decides to invade Ukraine
President Joe Biden warned Vladimir Putin the US and European allies will join together to impose "strong economic measures" should Russia decide to invade Ukraine, in a tense two-hour phone call on Tuesday.
8/12/2021
7 News
Millions of homes almost impacted by Chinese hackers’ attempt on QLD power station
Chinese hackers attempted to shut down two Queensland power stations with the capacity to light three million homes, it has been reported. News Corp on Wednesday morning reported that Queensland’s CS Energy was subject to the attempted cyber attack at the end of November.
8/12/2021
News.com.au
Reason behind Australia’s slow package delivery ‘chaos’ revealed
Freight systems and border restrictions are impacting even the most common of deliveries.
8/12/2021
Zero Hedge
Israel Launches Rare Airstrikes On Syrian Port Close To Russian Airbase
International reports underscored that "It was a rare attack on the city's port, a vital facility where much of Syria's imports are brought into the war-torn country." Indeed it was the first such known attack on Latakia's main port throughout the conflict which began over a decade ago.
8/12/2021
ABC News
WHO says European COVID rates now highest in children, vaccine mandates should be 'last resort'
WHO Europe is urging governments to protect children from COVID amid a rapid increase in cases. It also says vaccine mandates should be an "absolute last resort". Europe has been the global epicentre of the pandemic for weeks.
7/12/2021
9 News
The world has the tools to end the coronavirus pandemic. They're not being used properly
It will likely continue to fizzle and fade as it heads towards its third year, resurging with new variants and then waning in the face of vaccines, mitigation measures and human behaviour. But even if the virus is never stamped out, immunity will improve and the world will eventually be able to live with COVID.
7/12/2021
News.com.au
Urea shortage puts supply chain under ‘extreme pressure’ with supplies at risk and prices to soar
Australia is just weeks away from a major crisis which could see tens of thousands of vehicles pulled off the road and supplies of key items dwindle.
7/12/2021
News.com.au
China ‘hiding’ missiles for surprise attacks
China is feared to be hiding missiles in shipping containers as part of a Trojan Horse-style plan to launch an attack anywhere in world, experts warn.
7/12/2021
ABC News
Victorian Ombudsman finds government's COVID border exemption scheme was 'unjust' and 'inhumane'
The investigation revealed that of the 33,252 exemption applications, only 8 per cent were granted. The Ombudsman has recommended the state government improve policy and guidance for such schemes. That it consider ex gratia payments on application to help cover the financial cost of not being able to travel home.
7/12/2021
ABC News
Australian farm production tipped to break records this financial year, ABARES says
The ABARES analysis shows prices for nearly all food and fibre commodities are rising. Poor conditions for international competitors are driving the increases. La Niña is expected to set farmers up for another good year in 2022.
7/12/2021
Zero Hedge
So Much For Fixing Supply Chains: A Record 96 Containerships Are Waiting To Dock At SoCal Ports
There were 40 container ships waiting for berths within 40 miles of the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach on Friday. But there were also 56 container ships waiting farther out to sea, putting the actual tally at an all-time-high of 96, according to new data from the Marine Exchange of Southern California.
2/12/2021
ABC News
Victoria records 1,419 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths
Victoria has recorded 1,419 new COVID-19 cases and 10 deaths, as Health Minister Martin Foley has flagged he "wouldn't be surprised" if the Omicron variant was already circulating in the state.
2/12/2021
ABC News
Policy failures caused the historic decline in September quarter GDP
What was the cost of the federal government's failure to procure vaccines more quickly? What was the cost of the New South Wales government's failure to contain the Delta variant? We've just lived it. Those two things combined in the middle of this year, leading to the third-largest quarterly decline in Australia's economic activity in a 60-year period.
2/12/2021
7 News
Leading epidemiologist claims Omicron could be our way out of pandemic
A leading epidemiologist has claimed the Omicron variant could be the “blessing” experts have been waiting for. Professor Tony Blakely told Sunrise the possibly more infectious but less severe strain of COVID-19 could provide a pathway out of the pandemic.
2/12/2021
ABC News
Southern Queenslanders on high alert as major flooding sends towns underwater amid days-long deluge
Rain eases in southern Queensland, but floodwaters head to Goondiwindi. Inglewood residents begin clean up after rain inundated properties. Six rescues in the past 24 hours and 300 calls for help.
2/12/2021
Al Jazeera
Russia planning ‘aggressive moves’ against Ukraine, Blinken says
Russia has plans to take “significant aggressive moves” against Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned, as tensions between Washington and Moscow continue to mount before a top-level meeting this week.
2/12/2021
Zero Hedge
WHO Recommends People Aged 60 & Above Postpone Travel Due To Omicron Variant Concerns
The organization added that the new variant is expected to be detected around the world as countries step up in their tracking efforts. It recommended countries to test passengers prior to travel and upon arrival for COVID-19 and quarantine international travelers, among several measures. However, it advised against blanket travel bans, saying that the measures “will not prevent the international spread” of Omicron, and will “place a heavy burden on lives and livelihoods.”
30/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Media Says Rise In Soccer Players Suddenly Collapsing Is Just A "Coincidence"
The media has responded to the recent spate of high profile football players suddenly collapsing with heart problems in the middle of games by concluding that it is just a “coincidence.”
30/11/2021
9News
Victoria's controversial pandemic bill set to pass as government secures extra vote from crossbencher
Victoria's controversial pandemic bill could pass today after a crossbencher confirmed he would support an amended version of the legislation.
30/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Top South African Doctor Confirms No Evidence Omicron Variant More Harmful Than Delta As G-7 Pushes "Urgent Action"
Having set off the latest global COVID panic, this time focusing on the omicron strain, which was hastily labeled a variant of concern by the WHO over the long holiday weekend in the US, South Africa's top epidemiologists now find themselves in the awkward position of having to walk back all - or at least some - of the hysteria first unleashed by news of the omicron variant.
30/11/2021
Relief Web
Food Outlook - Biannual Report on Global Food Markets, November 2021
World food import bill to reach a record high in 2021. FAO’s new Food Outlook report examines drivers of rising prices of food commodities, freight and agricultural inputs
30/11/2021
CBS News
Supply chain issues: 13 things you may (or may not) have trouble finding during the 2021 holiday season
The supply chain may not be the Grinch that steals Christmas, after all. Despite concerns of shortages, major retailers such as Walmart and Target say they're well-stocked for the holidays, and consumers are definitely finding things to buy. But your gift list isn't in the clear just yet.
29/11/2021
9 News
Flood warnings remain in place as heavy rain recedes
Flood warnings remain in place for eastern states, though the bombardment of heavy rain is receding after the weekend. The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) said much of NSW would be drier today, but showers and storms were still to be expected in the state's north.
29/11/2021
News.com.au
Doctor shares the ‘unusual but mild symptoms’ of Omicron
“It presents mild disease with symptoms being sore muscles and tiredness for a day or two [and] not feeling well,” Dr Coetzee said.
29/11/2021
Zero Hedge
New Variant Hysteria Comes From Same Institution That Popularized Lockdowns, Previous COVID Scares
There is no statistical cause for alarm over this new strain, which is one of over 100,000 mutations of the coronavirus. The “new strain” has hardly produced any lab confirmed cases, but a panicked narrative has already been seeded in the public.
29/11/2021
ABC News
Omicron variant concerns cause changes to Australia's border rules — catch up on the weekend's developments
The Omicron variant — previously known as the South African variant and the B.1.1.529 variant — has been declared a COVID-19 variant of concern by the World Health Organization (WHO) over the weekend.
26/11/2021
ABC News
Rental Affordability Index reveals the cost of rent now skyrocketing in some Queensland regions
A Sunshine Coast family forced to live out of a caravan are among thousands feeling the brunt of a rental market experts believe is "approaching the point of catastrophe."
26/11/2021
ABC News
Covid-19 vaccine trials cannot tell us if they will save lives
None of the current trials are designed to detect a reduction in any serious outcome such as hospitalisations, intensive care use, or deaths.
26/11/2021
ABC News
Rain continues to pummel east coast, swelling rivers, wiping out crops
Parts of the east coast are getting drenched, with flood warnings in Queensland, NSW, and Victoria.
26/11/2021
The Conversation
Top scientist: why South Africa shouldn’t be giving 12-17 year olds COVID shots – now
South Africa is one of the leading countries in Africa in terms of COVID vaccine rollout, along with Mauritius, Tunisia and Morocco. It has, however, had it’s fair share of challenges. Shabir Madhi has been a key player in shaping the country’s response. Ina Skosana and Ozayr Patel asked him for an assessment of plans to vaccinate adolescents, and next steps.
26/11/2021
ABC News
COVID-19 variant described as 'worst one yet' emerges in South Africa, prompting UK to ban travel from six countries
A new COVID-19 variant which appears more potent than earlier forms is behind a spike in new cases in South Africa, according to the country's health authorities.
26/11/2021
9 News
Warnings of flash flooding in Brisbane, Sydney as 'relentless' rain continues
Flood warnings are in place up and down Australia's east coast this morning as the November deluge lingers over NSW and Queensland.
25/11/2021
7 News
North Korean man handed death penalty for smuggling in and distributing copies of Squid Game
The smuggler is expected to be executed by firing squad. One student that purchased a drive has been sentenced to life in prison, while six others who watched the show have been sentenced to five years hard labour, the outlet reports.
25/11/2021
South China Morning Post
China’s zero-Covid policies causing ‘major’ knock-on effects for snarled global supply chains
China has continued to prohibit crew changes for foreign crew and recently imposed as much as a seven-week mandatory quarantine for returning Chinese seafarers. Shipowners and managers have to divert ships, delaying shipments and crew changes, adding to the global supply chain crisis.
25/11/2021
Al Jazeera
‘False sense of security’ around COVID vaccines: WHO
WHO chief says many vaccinated people wrongly think they no longer need to take other precautions against COVID. “Vaccines save lives, but they do not fully prevent transmission,” he added.
25/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Why are China and Russia strengthening ties?
Unprecedented deepening of ties between China and Russia come at a time of escalating tensions with the West.
25/11/2021
ABC News
BOM summer outlook: It will pay to check for floods before setting out this summer
Thanks to the La Niña, finally announced on Tuesday, conditions are expected to be wetter than average for parts of the east coast this summer, according to the Bureau of Meteorology's official summer outlook. But with the climate driver to the west, the negative Indian Ocean Dipole, dying out, the centre is expecting a fairly normal summer in terms of rainfall.
25/11/2021
News.com.au
Doctors warn of new Covid strain found in Botswana with ‘incredibly high’ number of mutations
Concerned scientists have raised the alarm over a new Covid-19 variant with an “extremely high number” of mutations which could cause fresh chaos.
24/11/2021
Sky News
South Australian Premier praises vaccine rollout, says there is no need to ‘coerce’ citizens to get jabbed
South Australia has decided against introducing wide-ranging jab mandates, which Premier Steven Marshall has attributed to high uptakes of the COVID-19 vaccine. Mr Marshall said there had been “great cooperation” with South Australians which removed the need to mandate vaccines.
24/11/2021
Al Jazeera
WHO warns of 700,000 more COVID deaths in Europe by March
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Europe remains “in the firm grip” of the coronavirus pandemic and the continent’s death toll could top 2.2 million this winter if current trends continue. In the European Union, 67.7 percent of the population is fully vaccinated. But rates vary widely between countries, with low levels in many eastern countries. Only 24.2 percent of Bulgarians are fully vaccinated, compared with 86.7 percent in Portugal.
24/11/2021
Al Jazeera
France, Germany latest countries to urge nationals leave Ethiopia
Ethiopian PM says he is heading to the front line to lead troops against Tigrayan forces as hopes for peaceful solution in year-long war fade.
24/11/2021
9 News
US releases millions of barrels of oil from emergency stockpile to fight soaring petrol prices
United States President Joe Biden has ordered 50 million barrels of oil released from America's strategic reserve to help bring down energy costs, in coordination with other major energy consuming nations, including India, the United Kingdom and China.
24/11/2021
9 News
AstraZeneca jab 'may be shielding UK from Europe's coronavirus crisis'
The UK could be weathering the spike in coronavirus cases better than Europe because of T-cell protection stimulated by the AstraZeneca vaccine, the pharmaceutical giant's boss has suggested. Pascal Soriot, chief executive of AstraZeneca, told the BBC that T-cell responses stimulated by the jab were effective in protecting elderly people from COVID-19.
24/11/2021
9 News
Wet weather to drench parts of Queensland and NSW as La Niña declared
Rain and thunderstorms are set to drench parts of central and eastern Australia this week as the Bureau of Meteorology announced a second La Niña weather event.
24/11/2021
Zero Hedge
US COVID Deaths In 2021 Have Surpassed 2020's Total... Despite Vaccines, Treatments
The 2021 U.S. death toll caught some doctors by surprise. They had expected vaccinations and precautionary measures like social distancing and scaled-down public events to curb the spread of infections and minimize severe cases. But, The Wall Street Journal has its own explanation, suggesting lower-than-expected immunization rates as well as fatigue with precautionary measures like masks allowed the highly contagious Delta variant to spread, largely among the unvaccinated, epidemiologists say.
23/11/2021
ABC News
Rainfall and rising rivers spark flooding, crop concerns in western NSW
Downpours in western NSW have sparked warnings from the SES and damaged crops as rain continues to fall in the region.
23/11/2021
Business Insider
A Russian invasion of Ukraine is a ‘very real possibility’ as its troops mass near the border, experts warn
A Russian troop buildup near Ukraine has raised concerns that it may move to invade. Russia watchers say that is a “very real possibility.” The US has reportedly been in discussions with its allies and partners in Europe about a possible Russian invasion.
23/11/2021
ABC News
Foodbank to support hundreds of thousands of Australians this Christmas
Alex is one of hundreds of thousands of Australians who could not always afford food during the pandemic. For one in three Australians who experienced food insecurity last year, it was the first time they struggled to put a meal on the table. With the help of donors and volunteers, Foodbank continues to provide healthy groceries to those in need.
23/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Cold Snap Sweeps Across China As Fears Of Energy Crisis Reemerge
A massive cold blast is sweeping across most parts of China, unleashing snow, mixed precipitation, and dangerous wind. China's energy crisis eased last month but could soon be ignited again by wicked winter weather.
23/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Australian Army Begins Transferring COVID-Positive Cases, Contacts To Quarantine Camps
The Australian army has begun forcibly removing residents in the Northern Territories to the Howard Springs quarantine camp located in Darwin, after nine new Covid-19 cases were identified in the community of Binjari. The move comes after hard lockdowns were instituted in the communities of both Binjari and nearby Rockhole on Saturday night.
22/11/2021
Countryman
Global meat producers to face ‘another disruptive year’: Rabobank
Global meat producers are expected to face another disruptive year, but changes within the market will present savvy businesses with the opportunity for growth according to food and agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank.
22/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Victoria records 1029 new Covid-19 cases, three deaths
Victoria has recorded 1029 new locally acquired Covid-19 infections and three more deaths.
22/11/2021
9 News
Fauci Says Babies, Toddlers Eligible For COVID Jabs In Q1 2022
Since the start of the pandemic - edging ever closer to two years now - 428 children aged 4 and under have died 'with COVID', according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Putting that number in context, there are around 73 million children in America.
19/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Vaccine Damage Payouts In UK Could Soar Next Year
The number was revealed in a tender for a contract for Medical Assessments: Vaccine Damage Payment Scheme, published on Nov. 15, which runs until Dec. 16, 2022.
19/11/2021
9 News
Europe hit by COVID-19 fourth wave, triggering new restrictions, curfews
A much-dreaded fourth wave of COVID-19 is sweeping through Europe, triggering the return of lockdowns and curfews in many countries.
19/11/2021
9 News
Morrison calls on states to allow Australians "to have their lives back"
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged state and territory leaders to step back and let Australians "have their lives back" as debate rages over COVID-19 vaccinate mandates.
18/11/2021
Business Insider
Supply chain issues may muck up Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with higher meat prices and a Christmas tree shortage
The price of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs rose by about 12% from a year ago. Turkey prices are up some 13% from two years ago. The surge in meat prices has been the primary driver of overall food inflation, said an agricultural economist.
18/11/2021
ABC News
Floods to cost farmers millions, but Forbes is spared the worst of it
The worst appears to be over at Forbes in the NSW central west. Flooding is set to move downstream and the focus will now turn to towns like Condobolin.
18/11/2021
CNN
The definition of 'fully vaccinated' is changing to three Covid-19 doses
Waning vaccine immunity and rising infections due to the Delta variant has prompted wealthy nations to reconsider the definition of "fully vaccinated" -- which usually means two Covid-19 jabs.
18/11/2021
RT News
Covid jab compensation claims soar in Australia
Australia’s government could be forced to spend tens of millions in payouts after receiving more than 10,000 compensation claims from people who suffered side effects and loss of income due to Covid-19 vaccines.
18/11/2021
9 News
Flash flooding, severe thunderstorms, fires and gale force winds to lash Australia today
Queenslanders have been told to brace for severe thunderstorms today, which will bring heavy rainfall and may cause flash flooding. Storm activity is expected across the Wide Bay region and Burnett coast, stretching all the way between Bundaberg and Moore Park Beach.
18/11/2021
Zero Hedge
"Most Vaccinated" Nation On Earth Cancels Christmas Over Surge In COVID Cases
Like much of Europe recently, Gibraltar, the British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula, has seen a sudden uptick in COVID cases. The European COVID case-rate (7d avg) is now higher than the peak of the March wave.
17/11/2021
News.com.au
Bumper Christmas spend tipped but Aussie retailers will still be ‘forced’ to jack up prices
Australian retailers are set to pocket record revenues in a Christmas cash splash but many businesses will still be “forced” to jack up prices. A year-ending retail surge is tipped in 2021 after a 12 months blighted by lockdowns, with spending during the key retail period of Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas expected to jump by billions of dollars.
17/11/2021
SBS News
Pfizer signs deal to allow generic versions of its antiviral COVID-19 pill
The oral drug could be a promising new weapon in the fight against the pandemic, as it can be taken as an early at-home treatment to help prevent COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths.
17/11/2021
Sky News
AUKUS to fast-track defence technology to combat China
Australia’s future weapons and cyber defence technologies will be accelerated under the AUKUS agreement to counter China’s large-scale investment in quantum technology and artificial intelligence.
17/11/2021
Sky News
Australia re-enters the space race with homegrown rocket
An Australian designed and built rocket launched from the New South Wales and Queensland border has marked the nation’s re-entry into the space race. Black Sky Aerospace CEO Blake Nikolic says the launch was a “critical step in Australia’s race to space again”.
17/11/2021
Zero Hedge
US Industrial Production Rebounds In October. Finally Back To Pre-COVID Levels
US industrial production rebounded strongly in October (+1.6% MoM) after 2 straight months of declines...
17/11/2021
CNN
Gas price relief on the horizon as global oil supply picks up, says IEA
A rise in global crude oil supply could put the brakes on surging gasoline prices that have hit record levels in parts of the United States and Europe. According to the International Energy Agency's latest market report, global oil supplies jumped by 1.4 million barrels per day in October, with the United States accounting for half that increase as Gulf of Mexico output recovered from the damage caused by Hurricane Ida in August.
17/11/2021
CNN
Europe turns the screws on the unvaccinated as Covid-19 cases climb
Europe's leaders are toughening their stances towards unvaccinated people and pursuing measures that increasingly isolate them from the rest of society, as frustration grows over stalling shot rollouts and a wave of Covid-19 infections on the continent.
16/11/2021
9 News
Bird flu spreads in Europe and Asia, putting poultry industry on alert
Several outbreaks of severe bird flu in Europe and Asia have been reported in recent days to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE), in a sign the virus is spreading quickly again.
16/11/2021
ABC News
Evacuation order for 500 homes in Forbes as swollen river threatens town
500 homes will be evacuated in Forbes throughout the day. The SES is hoping for an orderly evacuation as the Lachlan River rises slowly. The region suffered major flooding in 2016.
16/11/2021
ABC News
Unvaccinated social media users want harvest work, but lockdown mandate looms in WA
Unvaccinated farm workers will not be able to work during a lockdown in WA. An Esperance farmer says many had already locked in their harvest workforce before that advice was circulated. A WA Labor MP says farmers should not hire unvaccinated staff because they have a duty of care to other employees.
16/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Canada rains cause city evacuation, shut down major oil pipeline
Officials in Merrit, British Columbia, order residents to leave as floodwaters ‘inundated two bridges’ and forced waste water treatment plant to close.
16/11/2021
Al Jazeera
NATO warns Russia over Ukraine military build-up
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has urged Russia to be more transparent about its military activities near Ukraine but stopped short of suggesting that Moscow might be preparing to invade its former Soviet neighbour.
16/11/2021
7 News
Greater Katherine, Robinson River enter snap lockdown after two COVID-19 cases recorded in remote Aboriginal community
There are serious concerns for the indigenous community after two people tested positive to COVID-19 in a remote Aboriginal area, which has forced Greater Katherine and Robinson River into a snap lockdown.
16/11/2021
7 News
UK raises terror threat level to ‘SEVERE’ after Liverpool taxi bombing
The United Kingdom has raised its terror threat level to “severe” after a shocking attack in Liverpool. A passenger was killed when an explosive device he was carrying blew up a taxi outside a hospital on Sunday.
15/11/2021
ABC News
Interstate COVID-19 border rules have changed yet again — here's where you can travel
Zero-COVID states are slowly beginning to ease border restrictions with parts of the country where COVID-19 is spreading in the community.
15/11/2021
7 News
Austria to lock down all unvaccinated people 12 and over as COVID cases surge
Austria will implement lockdown measures for all those age 12 and older who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from Monday, the European country’s chancellor Alexander Schallenberg has announced.
15/11/2021
7 News
Mark McGowan hits back at Greg Hunt’s claim that WA border may reopen soon
West Australian Premier Mark McGowan has accused the federal government of “making things up” over claims the state will bring forward reopening its borders.
15/11/2021
Zero Hedge
CDC Admits No Record Of Naturally Immune Transmitting COVID-19
The federal health agency was asked during the fall by a lawyer on behalf of the Informed Consent Action Network for documents “reflecting any documented case of an individual who: (1) never received a COVID-19 vaccine; (2) was infected with COVID-19 once, recovered, and then later became infected again; and (3) transmitted SARS-CoV-2 to another person when reinfected.”
12/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Bolsonaro Confronts WHO Chief: "People Are Dying After The Second Dose"
A new clip has emerged of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro confronting WHO head Tedros Adhanom about COVID-19 restrictions and asking why people are still dying of COVID after the second dose of the vaccine.
12/11/2021
9 News
Eastern states brace for second day of heavy rain and floods
Australia's east coast is bracing for another day of heavy rain, flooding, and gale force winds as a slow moving low-pressure system continues to roll across the nation.
12/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Union Threatens Cargill With Strike That Could Paralyze Canada's Beef Market
The union representing thousands of workers at a Canadian Cargill Inc. meat-packing plant is set to stage a strike that could upend meat markets.
11/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Inflation: US consumer prices surge at fastest rate in 30 years
American consumers shelled out a lot more for basic essentials last month like food, fuel, and shelter, as inflation in the world’s largest economy continues to surge.
11/11/2021
ABC News
Severe weather warnings issued as NSW braces for more heavy rain, possible flooding
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a severe weather warning for parts of the state. The wet weather has come at a terrible time for farmers trying to harvest crops. The state's dams are at risk of spilling with many close to full capacity.
11/11/2021
Business Insider
Australian home COVID-19 test manufacturer Ellume to recall 2.2 million units in the US over false positive fears
Australian COVID-19 home test innovator Ellume is the subject of a major recall in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration has ordered the recall of 2.2 million testing units over false positive test result concerns. The regulator said it has received reports of some 35 false positive results linked to the self-testing devices.
11/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Shipping's Extreme Consolidation Could Prolong Supply Chain Pain
U.S. policymakers have never been more focused on global container shipping than they are today. Yet the “steel” of this industry — the ships and the containers — is outside of U.S. control, consolidated into the hands of an extremely small circle of non-U.S. companies that continue to bolster their market shares. The big keep getting bigger.
10/11/2021
News.com.au
TGA requests information from Pfizer after medical journal alleges contractor ‘falsified’ safety data
Australia’s medicines regulator has sought additional information from Pfizer after an investigation by the British Medical Journal alleged serious issues with a small number of its vaccine safety trials, including claims of “falsified data” and slowness following up on adverse reactions.
10/11/2021
9 News
World is on track for 2.4 degrees of warming despite COP26 pledges, analysis finds
The world is on track for 2.4 degrees of warming above pre-industrial levels, if not more, according to a new analysis — despite countries' new and updated climate pledges, including those made at the COP26 summit in Glasgow, Scotland.
10/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Empty Containers Continue Stacking Up At Ports
Los Angeles and Long Beach ports and surrounding neighborhoods continued to struggle with empty shipping container pileups.
10/11/2021
Business Insider
Australians started buying stuff online at the start of the pandemic — and never stopped. It’s a major factor in current supply chain issues, experts say.
Since the start of the pandemic, e-commerce has exploded globally, radically transforming shipping and supply chains. It’s part of the avalanche of factors behind current supply chain chaos. “There’s a huge amount of money which consumers are reallocating to consumer goods,” said Leigh Williams, founder and managing director at eStore Logistics.
10/11/2021
ABC News
Major flooding forecast for parts of NSW with heavy rainfall set to move in
Heavy rainfall is forecast to sweep across NSW. Totals of up to 40 millimetres are expected in parts of the NSW Central West. Major flooding is predicted in a number of river catchments.
10/11/2021
Sky News
‘We’re not going back’: PM declares end to COVID-19 lockdowns
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Australia will not be resorting to indefinite lockdowns, declaring freedoms “must never be taken from us again”.
9/11/2021
ABC News
Queensland to relax COVID-19 restrictions for fully vaccinated people once state reaches vaccination milestone
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced there will be greater freedoms granted to Queenslanders fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from next month. The measures take effect from December 17, or once the state reaches 80 per cent of the Queensland population 16 years and over being fully vaccinated.
9/11/2021
9 News
Three states hit with severe storm warnings as wild weather continues
A severe weather warning is in place for three states this morning. Parts of Western Australia, Northern Territory and South Australia have been told to brace for heavy rain, flash flooding and the chance of hail. "Unseasonal rainfall" will be seen across eastern WA as a stagnant trough slams into an "unusually moist air mass".
9/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Extreme hotspot: What 60C means for the Middle East
At the current level of greenhouse gas emissions, the Middle East and North Africa region will suffer scorching heatwaves and impossible living conditions.
9/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Goldman: Inflation Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better
"...Prolonged supply-demand imbalances, strong wage growth, and accelerating rents will leave core PCE inflation and especially core CPI quite high for much of 2022."
9/11/2021
BBC News
Satellite images appear to show mock-up US warships in China desert
China appears to have built full-scale mock-ups of US warships in a desert in the country's north-western Xinjiang region, satellite images show. One of the images, captured by US space technology company Maxar, shows a structure shaped like a military aircraft carrier placed on rail tracks.
8/11/2021
BMJ News
‘Exceptionally wet and stormy’ week of weather ahead for eastern and central Australia
Temperatures are forecast to be between six and 16 degrees below the seasonal average in south-east Australia
8/11/2021
BMJ News
Covid-19: Study that claimed boys are at increased risk of myocarditis after vaccination is deeply flawed, say critics
The risk of 12-15 year old healthy boys experiencing cardiac adverse events such as myocarditis after their second dose of the Pfizer and BioNTech vaccine is around four times adolescents’ risk of being admitted to hospital as a result of infection with SARS-CoV-2, a preprint study has found.
8/11/2021
7 News
COVID cases spiking but New Zealand holding firm on reopening plans this week, with more to come later this month
Jacinda Ardern’s government is holding true to its reopening plans as New Zealand continues to notch unwelcome COVID-19 benchmarks.
8/11/2021
Zero Hedge
When Will The CDC Correct Its COVID Death-Counts, As Italy Just Did?
Summit News caught a fascinating story out of Italy: the Italian Higher Institute of Health decided it had miscounted COVID deaths. Instead of looking at people who died with COVID, as it once did, it looked only at people who died from COVID — leading to a 97% decrease in Italy's COVID death count. So far, the CDC shows no signs of following suit.
4/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Dangerous ‘forever chemicals’ contaminate US tap water: Report
Water consumed by millions contains chemicals linked to cancer, brain damage and more, according to new report.
4/11/2021
ABC News
NSW paramedic finds state's COVID-19 vaccine mandate 'morally repugnant', court hears
John Edward Larter launched a case against Health Minister Brad Hazzard in the NSW Supreme Court, seeking an order that part of the state's COVID-19 public health orders be declared invalid. Mr Larter, a Tumut paramedic of some 25 years and the Deputy Mayor of the Snowy Valleys Council, alternatively seeks exemption from vaccination on religious grounds.
4/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Pentagon Sounds Alarm Over Accelerating Pace Of China's Nuke Stockpile: "1,000 Warheads By 2030"
The US Department of Defense on Wednesday released its annual report which gives a detailed assessment of China's military capabilities. The key and most alarming element to the report suggests China is planning to quadruple its nuclear weapons stockpile over the next decade.
4/11/2021
Sky News
Australians warned to brace for a wet November as heavy rainfall begins to sweep through NSW and the ACT
Heavy rainfall is set to sweep through New South Wales and the ACT in coming days as Australians have been warned to brace for a wet and wild, La Nina-fuelled summer.
3/11/2021
Reuters
U.S. regulator expects to find abuses in shipping amid supply chain woes
The head of a U.S. commission that oversees ocean transportation said in an interview on Tuesday he suspects some ocean carriers have improperly charged importers, one of many factors driving supply chain woes.
3/11/2021
Reuters
U.S. CDC advisers unanimously back COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 to 11
They said the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks. Much of their discussion stemmed from rare cases of heart inflammation that have been linked to the vaccine, particularly in young men.
3/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Facebook is pulling the plug on its facial recognition system
Facebook’s new parent company Meta will shut down its facial recognition system and delete the faceprints of more than one billion users.
3/11/2021
South China Morning Post
China sparks fear about Taiwan tensions, food shortages after families urged to stockpile ‘daily necessities’
China’s Ministry of Commerce urged local authorities to stabilise food supply and families to stockpile daily necessities. The notice ahead of winter and amid sporadic Covid-19 outbreaks sparked panic, with some linking it to war with Taiwan.
3/11/2021
Al Jazeera
Ethiopia declares nationwide state of emergency
Move comes after Tigrayan fighters said they had captured two strategic towns in Amhara region and considered marching on Addis Ababa.
3/11/2021
Zero Hedge
'Falsified Data': Pfizer Vaccine Trial Had Major Flaws, Whistleblower Tells Peer-Reviewed Journal
A whistleblower involved in Pfizer's pivotal phase III Covid-19 vaccine trial has leaked evidence to a notable peer-reviewed medical publication that poor practices at the contract research company she worked for raise questions about data integrity and regulatory oversight.
2/11/2021
ABC News
NSW fast-tracks freedoms for fully vaccinated people, but bad news for those without COVID-19 jab
The NSW government has made significant changes to the state's COVID-19 roadmap, bringing forward new freedoms for fully vaccinated people and delaying privileges for those who've shunned the jab.
2/11/2021
ABC News
Australian-first as central Queensland's Emerald bus company ditches diesel for hydrogen
Emerald Coaches will begin phasing out diesel buses to hydrogen fuel cell electric in 2022. The company has committed to net zero by 2040.
2/11/2021
ABC News
SA teachers may face mandatory COVID-19 vaccination along with hospital workers and police
Hospital workers had until November 1 to get at least one COVID-19 vaccine. SA's Chief Public Health Officer says a mandate is being considered for teachers.
2/11/2021
ABC News
Victoria records 989 new local COVID-19 cases and nine deaths
The death toll for the current outbreak in Victoria has risen to 318. There were 16,158 doses of vaccine administered at state-run sites and more vaccinations at GP clinics. New tier 1 venues have been added to Victoria's list of exposure sites.
2/11/2021
Zero Hedge
In 2022, "Things Aren't Gonna Get Done" On An Absolutely Massive Scale
Vaccine mandate deadlines are starting to arrive, and large numbers of very qualified people are losing their jobs as a result. Of course this comes at a very bad time, because we are already in the midst of the most epic worker shortage in U.S. history.
2/11/2021
Al Jazeera
COVID global death toll tops 5 million in under two years
The staggering figure is an understatement because not all deaths are recorded in developing countries.
2/11/2021
South China Morning Post
Chinese satellite hints at space warfare prowess by dodging US surveillance
Shijian 20, China’s most advanced communication satellite, was approached by US surveillance satellite but reportedly moved away at speed Monitoring rivals’ satellites is needed to avoid collisions, but the US is also concerned about Chinese satellites’ potential warfare capabilities
1/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Latest Lancet Study Exposes Limits Of Vaccines At Preventing COVID Infection
The Lancet has just released another study comparing the efficacy of COVID vaccines to the efficacy of protection provided by previous COVID infections. Their conclusion: while vaccines lower the risk of infections with the delta variant within households, those who are fully vaccinated are still vulnerable to a 'breakthrough' infection if somebody they live with gets infected.
1/11/2021
9 News
NSW drops travel barrier between Sydney and regions for the vaccinated
The travel barrier between Greater Sydney and regional New South Wales is finally down from today, after months of the capital being sequestered from the rest of the state.
1/11/2021
9 News
Western Australia to tighten COVID-19 border restrictions
Western Australia will require anyone entering from New South Wales, Victoria or the ACT to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 from this Friday.
1/11/2021
Reuters
Moderna says FDA needs more time to complete review of its COVID-19 shot for adolescents
Oct 31 (Reuters) - Moderna Inc (MRNA.O)said on Sunday it has been told that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration will require additional time to complete its assessment of the company's COVID-19 vaccine for use in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.
1/11/2021
Zero Hedge
Australia Confiscating Bank Accounts, Property, Licenses, & Businesses For Non-Compliance With COVID Fines
Of all the extreme measures carried out by various states in Australia, the collections and confiscations by the State Penalty and Enforcement Register (SPER) might just be the icing on the cake.
29/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Top Florida Official Suggests 'In-N-Out' Move To Sunshine State After Vaccine Mandate Closures
Florida’s Chief Financial Officer, Jimmy Patronis, suggested that In-N-Out Burger should move to the Sunshine State after several In-N-Out locations were shut down by California officials.
29/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Energy Demand Destruction Will Lead To Global Recession, Tellurian Chairman Warns
One month ago, Goldman said that the one thing that could accelerate the resolution of Europe's energy crisis was plain, simple "demand destruction" - i.e., a plunge in demand due to prices that were too high until the reduced demand leads to less supply and a lower price. Specifically, Goldman estimated "that the potential capacity for gas-to-oil substitution could be larger should gas rally further, of up to 1.35 mb/d in power and 0.6 mb/d in industry (in Asia and Europe), although such a large demand boost would prove too large for the oil market to absorb, leading to a spike in prices to in turn achieve oil demand destruction, the ultimate solution to widespread energy scarcity."
29/10/2021
The Australian
‘Getting scary’: Dramatic footage of a severe storm which is ripping across Melbourne has emerged
Wild footage has shown the moment a roof was torn off a Port Melbourne apartment block and large chunks of styrofoam careened past someone’s window during Friday’s chaos.
28/10/2021
ABC News
The federal government has lifted its global ‘do not travel’ advisory ahead of the border opening
The federal government’s blanket ‘Do not travel’ advisory warning Australians not to head abroad has been lifted. The update comes days before the staged reopening of Australia’s international border, more than 18 months after it slammed shut. Changing the advice level will provide certainty to travellers and insurers in the months to come.
28/10/2021
ABC News
Perth's October rainfall record broken after storm moves over west coast, bringing hail
Rain has fallen on 13 days, well up on the average of nine. Farmers are worried the late rain may damage crops.
28/10/2021
ABC News
Large hail, severe thunderstorms to hit Adelaide, Bureau of Meteorology warns
A severe thunderstorm warning with large hail has been issued for the Adelaide metropolitan, Adelaide Hills and Barossa regions. Large hailstones and damaging winds are likely.
28/10/2021
News.com.au
China orbital hypersonic missile test was close to ‘Sputnik moment’, US general confirms
The US has confirmed China tested an orbital hypersonic missile, with a top general likening it to an event six decades ago that changed the world.
28/10/2021
Sky News
Victoria records deadliest day with 25 fatalities and 1,923 new local COVID-19 cases
Coronavirus cases in Victoria have jumped significantly over the last 24-hour period as the state recorded its deadliest day of the current outbreak ahead of a further easing of restrictions on Friday.
28/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Congested Port Of LA Receiving Empty Containers From Gulf, Southeast
American Shipper is reporting another wrinkle facing the Port of Los Angeles as it tries to clear the massive congestion. Thousands of additional empty containers are en route to the Port of Los Angeles from East Coast and Gulf Coast ports.
27/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Oil Prices Will Remain High For Years To Come
Rebounding global oil consumption amid tight supply—contrary to some forecasts last year that indicate demand may have peaked or was close to its peak—as well as years of underinvestment in new supply following the 2015 crash, have prompted Wall Street banks to raise significantly their projections for oil prices in the short and medium term.
27/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Why Supply Chain Disruptions Will Persist
Just-in-time (JIT) is a production model used by companies to create items for immediate demand. The point of JIT is to avoid the waste associated with overproduction. But when supply chain snarls appear, JIT has become a significant headache for US companies such as Ford who has had to shutter multiple vehicle plants because of their inability to source semiconductor chips.
27/10/2021
South China Morning Post
China’s power crisis: in export showroom Yiwu, some businesses wonder if they’ll survive
Many factories in Chinese export hub Yiwu, Zhenjiang province, have been forced to cut production because of power rationing. As factories close, China’s supply chains, barely recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic last year, are being challenged again.
27/10/2021
ABC News
Travel exemptions to leave Australia officially scrapped for fully vaccinated travellers from November 1
Health Minister Greg Hunt has signed off on changes that will allow Australians to leave the country from Monday. People will need to prove they have received two doses of an approved vaccine. From Monday, Australians returning from overseas will not have to quarantine at all in New South Wales
27/10/2021
Zero Hedge
China Braces For Another Major COVID Flareup By Forcing Jabs On Children As Young As 3
In an attempt to get ahead of the next major COVID wave (potentially driven by the delta variant or its "sub-variant" delta-plus) local media reports cited by Bloomberg attest that China has started giving COVID jabs to children as young as three, despite the fact that China has one of the highest vaccination rates in the world, with 75% of its 1.4 billion people already vaccinated.
27/10/2021
Sky News
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available from Coles and Woolworths from next week
Millions of shoppers will be able to buy coronavirus rapid antigen tests alongside their groceries at thousands of supermarkets across the country from next week.
27/10/2021
Sky News
COVID-19 rapid antigen tests available from Coles and Woolworths from next week
Millions of shoppers will be able to buy coronavirus rapid antigen tests alongside their groceries at thousands of supermarkets across the country from next week.
27/10/2021
Perth Now
Up Late with Ben Harvey: West Australian motorists told to brace for fuel to hit $2 per litre
West Aussie motorists have been warned to brace for more record fuel prices. Ben Harvey explains drivers should prepare for petrol to hit $2 per litre.
26/10/2021
9 News
'No end in sight' for high petrol prices
Australian motorists will face near-record high petrol prices for at least another month, the NRMA has predicted. The cost of petrol soared to record levels in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Adelaide last week, with average prices hovering between $1.70 - $1.80.
26/10/2021
7 News
Australian Federal Police issues warning for parents as young teens recruited by extremists to commit terror attacks
Children barely in their teens are being recruited by extremists to carry out violent terror attacks, the Australian Federal Police has warned. Authorities have issued the worrying advice as a reminder that parents need to be aware of what their kids are doing, and who they’re engaging with, online.
26/10/2021
Zero Hedge
"Ample Scientific Data": Congresswoman Introduces 'Natural Immunity Is Real Act'
Multiple studies have indicated that natural immunity among past COVID-19 patients is strong and similar or superior to the protection from COVID-19 vaccines. Some experts have pushed for federal health officials to take natural immunity into account when issuing recommendations and rules. But federal authorities currently recommend virtually everybody get a vaccine, including the recovered, arguing the strong protection gets even better when those people have a jab.
26/10/2021
ABC News
Greenhouse gas concentrations hit record high last year, UN reports ahead of Glasgow COP26 climate summit
UN seeks "dramatic increase" in climate commitments. Australia is expected to formally approve a target of net zero by 2050. UK PM Boris Johnson says COP26 outcome is "touch and go".
26/10/2021
Zero Hedge
One Bank's "Persistent Inflation" Meter Just Hit A Record 96 Out Of 100
Earlier this year, as Wall Street first became obsessed with distinguishing transitory vs non-transitory (i.e., permanent) inflation, Bank of America launched two trackers - a transitory and a non-transitory inflation meter. Initially, it was mostly good news: while the bank's transitory inflation meter was at 100, or the highest reading possible, non-transitory inflation was subdued, at just 37 back in May. However one month later, an ominous trend emerged: while "transitory" inflation was stuck at the highest reading possible, "non-transitory" inflation doubled to 75 in June.
25/10/2021
News.com.au
Tornadoes not being ruled out as storms continue to lash Queensland
The wet season has well and truly arrived in Queensland, with more wild storms and possible tornadoes on the way this week.
25/10/2021
ABC News
China's 80 per cent barley tariff a 'lose-lose situation' for Australian grain growers, Chinese consumers
Last year, China slapped an 80 per cent tariff on Australian barley, which effectively ended the trade.
25/10/2021
ABC News
Victorian businesses hit by COVID-19 lockdowns express frustration as support grants slashed, delayed
As the owner of a small airport transfer service in Melbourne, David Silver has had a tough two years.
25/10/2021
ABC News
Strawberry prices have jumped again, so what might happen next?
Mr Michael said next season's strawberry crop in WA would again be about 25 per cent below average as growers were still concerned about access to markets and labour shortages.
25/10/2021
ABC News
Victoria records 1,461 new local COVID-19 cases and seven deaths
Victoria has recorded 1,461 new local COVID-19 cases and seven deaths as the state moves closer to having more of its restrictions eased this Friday.
25/10/2021
ABC News
NT government announces home quarantine for domestic travellers from November 23
Home quarantine will be introduced for fully vaccinated domestic travellers arriving in the Northern Territory from November 23, Chief Minster Michael Gunner says.
25/10/2021
ABC News
Queensland's COVID-19 exposure sites list updated to include locations in Brisbane, Ipswich, Logan and Goondiwindi
New venues have been added to Queensland's list of COVID-19 exposure sites. Queensland Health has deemed a BP service station at Archerfield and a trailer business at Rocklea as close contact sites.
25/10/2021
9 News
NSW edges closer to 95 per cent first dose, as state drops $10m post-lockdown advertising campaign
New South Wales is edging close to 100 per cent first dose coronavirus vaccinations on the same day it released a new $10 million post-lockdown tourism campaign.
25/10/2021
9 News
Parcel delivery delays expected with thousands of FedEx workers striking
The delivery of thousands of packages is likely to be delayed with workers from FedEx having walked off the job around the country.
22/10/2021
9 News
Qantas staff to return to work before Christmas as nationwide restart of international travel begins
Qantas is preparing for a nationwide restart from December 21, with all its crews to be back to work before Christmas.
22/10/2021
9 News
Tasmania to throw open borders to COVID hotspots December 15
All vaccinated interstate and international arrivals can enter Tasmania without a need for quarantine from December 15, as long as they have returned a negative COVID-19 test, the state government has announced.
22/10/2021
9 News
Tornado touches down in Brisbane as 'supercell thunderstorm' sweeps through
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has confirmed a tornado touched down in Queensland after a severe storm warning was issued for Brisbane.
21/10/2021
BBC News
Covid: WHO warns pandemic will drag on into 2022
The Covid pandemic will "go on for a year longer than it needs to" because poorer countries are not getting the vaccines they need, the World Health Organization (WHO) says.
21/10/2021
ABC News
Slow vaccination rollout in non-COVID states means they miss 'maximum protection period', experts say
International research suggests the effectiveness of the vaccines on offer in Australia can wane after the 10-week mark. The vaccines still provide very high levels of protection, especially against hospital admission and death. But experts say the states with slow rollouts and a reluctance to open borders are missing out on that peak period of protection.
21/10/2021
ABC News
COVID-19 pandemic drove flu to historic lows, and may have eliminated one virus type completely
Historically low global flu rates during the pandemic may have eradicated one flu type. Australia's 2022 flu vaccine will still include it, but it may be dropped the year after. As the country opens borders, vaccination against flu will be more important than ever.
21/10/2021
ABC News
Pfizer has power to 'silence' governments and 'maximize profits', consumer group alleges
The company is able to change its vaccine delivery schedule (without penalty). Brazil can't accept COVID vaccine donations from other nations, without Pfizer's consent. Pfizer raised the annual sales forecast for its COVID-19 vaccines to $US33.5b (up 29 per cent).
21/10/2021
Sky News
Millions of residents to be freed as Victoria hits 70 per cent COVID-19 vaccination milestone
Lockdown-fatigued residents across Victoria, who have spent a total of 263 days in lockdown, are hours away from freedom as Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed the state has reached its first double dose vaccination milestone.
21/10/2021
News.com.au
Delta plus AY.4.2: Australia being vigilant of new Delta mutation surging through Britain
Australia is being “vigilant” about a new mutation of Delta which is thought to be more transmissible and could be partly to blame for a new surge.
20/10/2021
ABC News
70 per cent of Australians 16 and older have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, reaching national milestone
Australia has reached the national milestone to enter the next phase of reopening. 70 per cent of people 16 and older have received two vaccine doses. The government has also foreshadowed booster doses for the general population.
20/10/2021
ABC News
Australia's path from pandemic to endemic, and what 'living with COVID' could mean
Most experts agree eradicating COVID-19 is now almost certainly out of the question. But even in the absence of herd immunity, vaccines considerably reduce severe disease. Over time COVID-19, like other infectious diseases such as the flu, will become endemic.
20/10/2021
News.com.au
N. Korea tested new 'submarine-launched ballistic missile': KCNA
A proven submarine-based missile capability would take the North's arsenal to a new level, allowing deployment far beyond the Korean peninsula.
20/10/2021
News.com.au
N. Korea tested new 'submarine-launched ballistic missile': KCNA
A proven submarine-based missile capability would take the North's arsenal to a new level, allowing deployment far beyond the Korean peninsula.
20/10/2021
BBC
The shortages hitting countries around the world
Around the the world, people and businesses are facing shortages of everything from coffee to coal. Disruption caused by the Covid pandemic is mostly to blame - but there are many factors, and effects are being felt in different ways.
20/10/2021
9 News
Price of groceries set to increase amid global container shortage
Every single thing you buy is at risk of becoming more expensive. From toilet paper to pet food, mayonnaise to butter, a blowout in global commodity prices along with a severe container shortage and dramatically rising freight costs are putting suppliers under unprecedented pressure.
18/10/2021
News.com.au
Inflation fears for Australia as US hits 5.4 per cent
The pandemic might be almost over but shortages and price rises are coming this way. Consumer prices in America are rising the fastest they have in ten years and Aussies may have to get used to something similar.
18/10/2021
9 News
White House says fully vaccinated foreign visitors can start entering US on November 8
Foreign visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 will be able to travel to the United States starting on November 8, the White House said Friday.
18/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Visualizing The Global Silver Supply Chain
Although silver is widely known as a precious metal, its industrial uses accounted for more than 50% of silver demand in 2020.
18/10/2021
7 News
Federal Government reveals how Australians can access their vaccine passport to travel overseas
Australians will be able to apply for an international proof of COVID-19 vaccination from Tuesday, bringing them a step closer to safe overseas travel, the federal government says.
18/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Alabama School District Says It Can't Feed Its Students Due To "Supply Chain Issues" With Food Vendors
How bad are the shortages across the country getting? One Alabama school district is literally running out of food. Alexander City Schools have started asking parents to feed their children breakfast at home or to send them to school with snacks because the district hasn't received its normal food deliveries from vendors, according to AL.com. "Alexander City Schools, like many schools across the nation, is experiencing supply chain issues with our food vendors," the district wrote on Facebook.
17/10/2021
9 News
Major storable food supplier Augason Farms ceases operations for 90 days, citing collapsing supply chain
Storable food mega-supplier Augason Farms has ceased operations for 90 days, citing, “global raw-material shortages” and “substantial delays” in procurement and production.
15/10/2021
9 News
Tornado rips through regional NSW city of Armidale
A clean-up is underway after a storm ripped through the NSW town of Armidale overnight.
15/10/2021
9 News
Fresh hail, storm warning for Brisbane
Queensland residents are bracing for more wild weather today, with a severe warning issued for large parts of the state.
15/10/2021
SBS News
Home COVID-19 tests approved in Australia, available from November
Rapid home tests are a few weeks away, as Australia recorded its worst-ever day of COVID-19 cases but authorities expressed hope of making lockdowns history.
15/10/2021
Reuters
U.S. FDA advisers back Moderna COVID booster shots for older and high-risk people
Oct 14 (Reuters) - A panel of expert advisers to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration unanimously voted on Thursday to recommend booster shots of Moderna Inc's (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine for Americans aged 65 and older and those at high risk of severe illness or occupational exposure to the virus.
15/10/2021
Nasdaq
New Zealand food prices rise in September
WELLINGTON, Oct 13 (Reuters) - New Zealand food prices rose 0.5 percent in September, data from Statistics New Zealand showed on Wednesday, while the index rose 4.0 percent from the same month last year.
15/10/2021
South China Morning Post
WHO says global Covid-19 cases decline, but Europe deaths rise
The World Health Organization said the number of global coronavirus cases fell in the last week, continuing a downward trend that began in late August.
14/10/2021
News.com.au
‘Double whammy’ supercell storm alert for Queensland and Northern NSW
Forecasters are bracing for flash flooding as a monster storm batters parts of one state, with rain drenching much of the east coast.
14/10/2021
Sky News
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt 'pleased' as Pfizer set to be approved for children aged five to 11
The Health Minister is "confident" Pfizer will be approved for children aged five to 11 as vaccination rates across the country continue to exceed expectations.
14/10/2021
ABC News
Australian gas producers rake in profit windfall as global energy crises send prices rocketing
Australian gas producers are making up to $200 million on single cargoes of liquefied natural gas. Energy crises in Europe and Asia are driving gas markets to record highs ahead of the northern winter. Industry experts say the situation points to the role of gas as a balancing fuel in switch to green energy.
14/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Kemp: Beset By Coal Shortages, India's Power Grid Struggles To Meet Demand
India has experienced persistent electricity shortages since the start of October as power generators have proved unable to meet resurgent demand as the economy rebounds from last year's coronavirus-driven recession. The country's power crisis stems from the same mismatch between rapidly growing demand and lagging supply that is also causing electricity shortages in China and soaring gas prices across much of Europe and Asia.
14/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Now A US Govt Official Is Telling Us That Supply Chain Nightmares Could Potentially Last For "Years"
The truth is starting to come out, and a lot of people aren’t going to like it. When the supply chain problems and the shortages began, government officials repeatedly assured us that they would just be temporary, and most of us believed them. But now it has become clear that they aren’t going to be temporary at all.
13/10/2021
9 News
China-Australia tensions: Warning 'worst is to come' on trade sanctions
Australia should brace for further China trade sanctions amid the diplomatic fallout from former prime minister Tony Abbott's visit to Taiwan, state-controlled media has warned. In an editorial, China Daily said Mr Abbott's private trip to Taiwan last week damaged further the already fraught relations between Canberra and Beijing. It also warned that "the worst is probably yet to come", flagging more trade hits against Australian exporters.
13/10/2021
9 News
Global supply chain and shipping nightmare about to get worse
Computer chip shortages, epic port congestion, and a serious lack of truck drivers. The world's delicate supply chains are under extreme stress. And the supply chain nightmare is jacking up prices for consumers and slowing the global economic recovery.
13/10/2021
BBC News
What we know about Covid-19 jabs for kids
In Israel, more than half of those over 12 years old and some younger children have had a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine – with a few already onto booster jabs. What can we learn from this?
13/10/2021
Al Jazeera
Gaza’s undrinkable water ‘slowly poisoning’ Palestinians
The water crisis in the Gaza Strip affects every one of the coastal enclave’s two million inhabitants. Many people in Gaza must resort to buying their drinking water from private suppliers as municipal tap water often does not work because of long power outages, and is usually too salty to drink even when it does.
13/10/2021
Al Jazeera
The IMF warns of growing threats to global economic recovery
The IMF is warning that threats to the global eocnomic recovery are growing along with a ‘dangerous divergence’ in recoveries between richer and poorter nations.
13/10/2021
ABC News
BOM declares La Niña alert as the east braces for storms this week
BOM declares an alert indicating a 70pc chance of a La Niña forming in the coming months. La Niña is typically associated with wetter-than-average conditions for northern and eastern Australia. Heavy rain and severe storms are forecast for the south-east by week's end.
13/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Vaccine Effectiveness In New York Dropped As Delta Variant Surged During Summer, Study Shows
The effectiveness of the three COVID-19 vaccines dropped significantly over the course of 10 weeks this summer when the Delta variant exploded to become the dominant strain of the CCP virus, according to a preprint study
12/10/2021
7 News
NSW COVID cases PLUMMET after residents get first taste of freedom
New South Wales has recorded another significant drop in new coronavirus cases after the state’s lockdown ended for vaccinated residents on Monday.
12/10/2021
ABC News
Republican Texas governor Greg Abbott bars all COVID-19 vaccine mandates in state, calls Biden's policies 'bullying'
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has barred all COVID-19 vaccine mandates in his state — by any entity, including private employers — describing the Biden administration's call for mandatory vaccines as "bullying".
12/10/2021
BBC News
Kraft Heinz says people must get used to higher food prices
People will have to get used to higher food prices, the boss of Kraft Heinz has told the BBC. Miguel Patricio said the international food giant, which makes tomato sauce and baked beans, was putting up prices in several countries.
8/10/2021
ABC News
ATAGI says immunocompromised people should get a third COVID-19 vaccine shot
Australia's expert panel on vaccines has recommended a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine for people who are "severely" immunocompromised.
8/10/2021
ABC News
Transport union threatens national delivery strike as Christmas approaches
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) has warned that thousands of workers from major Australian transport operators will walk off the job nationwide, if their companies fail to agree to secure work arrangements in ongoing enterprise bargaining negotiations.
8/10/2021
ABC News
Extra COVID-19 restrictions lifted for Mount Gambier, Wattle Range and Grant council areas
Extra COVID-19 restrictions in South Australia's South East will be lifted and the 70 kilometre border bubble with Victoria will be reinstated, except for the Victorian town of Portland.
7/10/2021
Daily Mail
Bombshell as court hears no one in NSW HAS to get Covid jab
Teachers and aged care workers are not being forced to get a Covid vaccine, government lawyers have insisted, but are simply left unable to take advantage of exemptions to the stay-at-home orders afforded to the double jabbed.
7/10/2021
ABC News
WA school leavers COVID vaccination mandate declared a sign of future for vaccine passports
At the end of November, thousands of high school graduates will head to Western Australia's South West tourist region to take part in rite-of-passage school leavers celebrations.
7/10/2021
Reuters
Sweden, Denmark pause Moderna COVID-19 vaccine for younger age groups
STOCKHOLM, Oct 6 (Reuters) - Sweden and Denmark said on Wednesday they are pausing the use of Moderna's (MRNA.O) COVID-19 vaccine for younger age groups after reports of possible rare cardiovascular side effects.
7/10/2021
News.com.au
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet accused of being ‘disrespectful’ toward chief health officer
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has been grilled in his first significant press conference as the state’s leader, with a TV reporter asking if it was “disrespectful” that he did not invite the chief health officer.
6/10/2021
Al Jazeera
As UK cracks down on protests, surveillance tech market grows
From mobile phone trackers to facial recognition software, a range of spying tools were on sale at a recent London exhibition.
6/10/2021
ABC News
SPC cleared in Australian-first investigation, back on track to have all staff vaccinated for COVID-19
Fruit producer SPC has been cleared of any wrongdoing by WorkSafe Victoria after the company decided to mandate the COVID-19 vaccine for its staff. SPC's CEO says concerns were raised that the company had not properly consulted with staff before making the decision. More than 99 per cent of SPC staff have now either had a first jab, second jab or booked an appointment. Worksafe says it made inquiries to ensure occupational health and safety obligations were being met.
6/10/2021
Sky News
Queensland police officers and NSW Health workers quit over COVID-19 vaccine mandate
More than 130 NSW Health workers and an unknown number of Queensland police officers have resigned from their positions over the vaccination mandate set for their sectors.
6/10/2021
ABC News
Surging farmland prices squeeze locals of profitability and hopefuls of ownership
High land prices are squeezing established local farmers and young families out of ownership.
6/10/2021
ABC News
Brisbane company Ellume recalls some COVID-19 at-home rapid antigen test kits in US over false positives
Some of the Australian-developed home COVID test kits have been recalled in the United States after an increase in false-positives. Brisbane-based Ellume developed the test and earlier this year signed a $300 million deal with the US to supply the rapid at-home antigen tests. It received US Food and Drug Administration emergency use authorisation.
6/10/2021
Zero Hedge
China Folds, Unloads Australian Coal Despite Import Ban Amid Power Crunch
China appears to have folded and unloaded Australian coal shipments despite an unofficial import ban, according to FT, citing multiple commodity analysts. The move emphasizes China's dire need for coal supplies amid a power crunch with more than half of the country's provinces rationing power.
6/10/2021
Perth Now
Up Late with Ben Harvey: Nightmare scenario if WA resource sector shuts down revealed
“Don’t worry about the $27 billion in LNG sales we put at risk by closing them down… we can’t make a cup of tea, we can’t have hot showers, we can’t even turn the lights on because Synergy uses that gas to fire its power stations.” Harvey says if WA was forced to shut down the mining industry it would cost the State government dearly. “The royalties those (mining) companies pay totalled $12.1 billion last year… its cash in the bank and pays for pretty much everything.” On Tuesday, Mr McGowan would not commit to exempting mine sites from lockdown even with high vaccination rates.
4/10/2021
ABC News
Israel tightens COVID-19 ‘green pass’ rules, requires Pfizer booster shot, sparking protest
Israel's Ministry of Health has raised the bar on what it considers full immunisation . Citizens will be required to have a Pfizer booster shot to be eligible for a "green pass". In recent months, cases of COVID-19 have surged in Israel's unvaccinated population.
4/10/2021
News.com.au
China Evergrande’s collapse, iron ore price drop could hurt Australia’s economy
With one of China’s biggest property developers on the brink of collapse, its crash could have huge consequences for Australia.
4/10/2021
Sky News
Melbourne passes Buenos Aires' record as the world's most locked-down city
The Victorian capital has officially hit a world record as the most locked down city across the globe since the start of the pandemic with infection rates soaring to unwanted highs.
4/10/2021
ABC News
Facebook pages fall quiet as administrators fear legal action over defamatory comments
A Facebook defamation High Court ruling exposes pages to new legal risk. In response, MPs, councils and government agencies are disabling Facebook comments. There are fears the ruling will have a "chilling effect" on community-run Facebook pages.
4/10/2021
Al Jazeera
US condemns ‘provocative’ Chinese military activity near Taiwan
US State Department spokesman called on Beijing to cease its ‘military, diplomatic’ coercion against Taiwan.
1/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Northrop, Raytheon's Hypersonic Missile Conducts First Successful Test Flight
Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman completed the first test flight of an air-breathing hypersonic weapon last week for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Air Force (USAF), according to a press release from Raytheon.
1/10/2021
NBC News
Ethiopia crisis a 'stain on our conscience,' U.N. says as thousands face starvation
The crisis in Ethiopia is a "stain on our conscience," the United Nations humanitarian chief said, as children and others starve to death in the Tigray region under what the U.N. has called a de facto government blockade of food, medical supplies and fuel.
1/10/2021
9 News
Patients potentially injected with saline instead of Pfizer vaccine at Melbourne GP clinic
A GP clinic in Melbourne's east has potentially injected dozens of patients with saline solution instead of the Pfizer vaccine by mistake.
1/10/2021
7 News
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns amid probe by anti-corruption watchdog
Gladys Berejiklian has resigned as New South Wales Premier amid a probe by the state’s anti-corruption watchdog.
1/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Erdogan Alarms NATO Allies: 'Putin Agreed To Jointly Produce Jet Engines, Warships & Submarines'
There were some unexpected, surprising agreed-upon initiatives to come out of Wednesday's Sochi summit between Russia's Vladimir Putin and Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan which will be sure to catch the attention of the West, given Turkey comprises NATO's second largest army - also given the prior S-400 and F-35 standoff with Washington.
1/10/2021
Zero Hedge
Authorities Threaten Jail Time For Unvaccinated Aussies Who Try To Enter Businesses
Authorities in New South Wales are threatening to jail Australians who don’t show a COVID-19 vaccination pass when they enter businesses.
1/10/2021
the most important news
Even The Liberal Media Is Warning Of A “System Collapse” Due To The Failure Of Global Supply Chains
If CNN starts sounding like The Economic Collapse Blog, what does that mean? Unfortunately, the truth about what is in our immediate future is becoming apparent to everyone. Global supply chains are in a state of complete and utter chaos, and this is driving up prices and causing widespread shortages all over the country. Over the past couple of weeks, I have written five articles with either “shortage” or “shortages” in the title, and some have accused me of being a little alarmist. If that is the case, then CNN is being alarmist too, because one of their top stories today openly warned of a “global transport system collapse”…
30/9/2021
CNN
The workers who keep global supply chains moving are warning of a 'system collapse'
Seafarers, truck drivers and airline workers have endured quarantines, travel restrictions and complex Covid-19 vaccination and testing requirements to keep stretched supply chains moving during the pandemic. But many are now reaching their breaking point, posing yet another threat to the badly tangled network of ports, container vessels and trucking companies that moves goods around the world.
30/9/2021
News.com.au
Forget Evergrande, power crisis is the next big economic shock for China
China is in the middle of a power crisis that has turned critical – slowing production in factories and threatening economic growth.
30/9/2021
Sky News
Victoria soars past its own pandemic record with 1,438 local COVID-19 cases and five deaths
Victoria has recorded another grim day with its highest daily infection numbers since the coronavirus pandemic hit Australian shores.
30/9/2021
Sky News
Australia's postal system under more pressure as FedEx delivery drivers go on strike
Thousands of employees from a major parcel delivery service will hold a 24-hour strike from midnight tonight over job security, poor pay and working conditions.
30/9/2021
ABC News
Ridges mine to close off back of plummeting iron ore prices, hundreds of Kimberley workers laid off
The Ridges iron ore mine is being placed into care and maintenance. The Kimberley miner is responding to plummeting iron ore prices. It's estimated the closure will see around 200 staff laid off and lose local businesses up to $3.5 million each month.
29/9/2021
WA Today
Low vaccination rates in eastern Europe risk entire Continent’s efforts to end pandemic
Around 72 per cent of adults in the 27-nation European Union have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, but a stubbornly low uptake of the shots in some eastern EU nations now risks overwhelming hospitals amid a surge of infections due to the more contagious delta variant.
29/9/2021
ABC News
A small number of fully vaccinated people with COVID-19 in NSW have died — here's why
Between March 1 and September 11, 4 per per cent of the people who contracted COVID in NSW were fully vaccinated. The vaccines are effective at helping people avoid serious illness. However, some people remain vulnerable despite being fully vaccinated.
29/9/2021
ABC News
Triple-0 emergency calls spike across Victoria as COVID cases rise
On Monday, the highest volume of triple-0 calls were made since the thunderstorm asthma event in 2016. The Northern Hospital in Epping is under pressure due to COVID, with concerns about ambulance ramping. The ambulance union says paramedics are burnt out and more staff are needed.
29/9/2021
Zero Hedge
T-Shirt And Jean Inflation Coming With Decade High Cotton Prices
In New York, the contract for December delivery climbed as high as $1.01 per pound, the highest since November 2011. In the last six sessions, prices have surged more than 14% on news of heavy rains damaged crops in Texas and Mississippi, the top growing regions in the U.S., according to Maxar Technologies Inc.'s senior meteorologist Donald Keeney who spoke with Bloomberg.
29/9/2021
CNN
China's growing power crunch threatens more global supply chain chaos
A growing power supply crunch in China is triggering blackouts for households and forcing factories to cut production, threatening to slow the country's vast economy and place even more strain on global supply chains.
29/9/2021
ABC News
Victoria records 950 COVID-19 cases and seven deaths as some restrictions ease slightly
Victoria has recorded 950 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and seven further deaths. The deaths of seven people with COVID-19 is the worst day for fatalities of the current outbreak, and brings the number of deaths from the third wave to 38.
28/9/2021
Al Jazeera
Energy crunch: How high will oil prices climb?
Surging demand coupled with supply shortages has sent crude prices to a near three-year high.
28/9/2021
Reuters
China power crunch spreads, shutting factories and dimming growth outlook
Widening power shortages in China have halted production at numerous factories including many supplying Apple and Tesla, while some shops in the northeast operated by candlelight and malls shut early as the economic toll of the squeeze mounted.
28/9/2021
Zero Hedge
North Korea Launches "Unidentified Projectile" Into Sea Of Japan
Just days after Pyongyang said they're open to "constructive" talks with South Korea, and two weeks after the rogue nation fired a "new type long-range" cruise missile, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reports North Korea fired at least one unidentified "projectile" from its eastern coast Tuesday. The latest tick-up in missile firings comes as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to boil, and a US British warship sailed through the Taiwan Strait on Monday.
28/9/2021
BBC News
UK Fuel supply: Army put on standby to ease pressure on petrol stations
The Army has been put on standby to help ease pressure on petrol stations and deliver fuel after days of long queues and pump closures. Military tanker drivers will be trained so they are ready to be deployed if necessary, the government said.
24/9/2021ABC News
International students to return before Christmas in NSW but vaccine requirements lock some out
Hundreds of international students will be welcomed back to NSW before the end of the year but students from China and Nepal will likely be excluded from the pilot plan announced by the state government.
24/9/2021BBC News
Migrants freezing to death on Belarus-Poland border
The BBC has obtained first-hand accounts from migrants who say they’ve been illegally deported from the European Union by Polish border troops.
24/9/2021Reuters
Australia treasurer warns of financial risks if net zero not adopted
SYDNEY, Sept 24 (Reuters) - Australia must brace for higher borrowing costs if the country fails to match other developed nations in efforts to cut carbon emissions to net zero by 2050, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will say on Friday.
24/9/2021Zero Hedge
US Meat Prices To Remain Elevated Amid Depleted Reserves
Beef, pork, and chicken in US cold storage warehouses have yet to recover from pandemic lows and could continue to support higher prices.
24/9/2021Zero Hedge
COVID-19 In Norway Can Now Be Compared To The Flu, Says Health Chief
Coronavirus can now be categorised as one of several respiratory illnesses with seasonal variation, Geir Bukholm, assistant director of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), has said.
23/9/2021Freight Waves
Record shattered: 73 container ships stuck waiting off California
The number of container ships at anchor or drifting in San Pedro Bay off the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach has blown through all previous records.
23/9/2021Business Insider
The verdict is in: Pregnant women pass COVID-fighting antibodies to their unborn children
A new study found high antibody levels in newborns whose mothers had received the Pfizer or Moderna shots. Studies have also shown that mothers can transfer antibodies to infants through breast milk.
23/9/2021Zero Hedge
Stunning Interview Sees China Warn "23 Million Australians" That US Pact Now Makes Them "Target" For Nuclear Attack
Gao bluntly warned that the deal which will see Washington give Canberra nuclear submarine technology now makes all of Australia a target for nuclear strike: "The watershed moment will be if Australia is armed with nuclear submarines to be locally produced in Australia, Australia will lose that privilege of not being targeted with nuclear weapons by other countries," Gao warned.
23/9/2021Zero Hedge
Wuhan Scientists Planned To Release 'Chimeric Covid Spike Proteins' Into Bat Populations Using 'Skin-Penetrating Nanoparticles'
18 months before the pandemic, scientists in Wuhan, China submitted a proposal to release enhanced airborne coronaviruses into the wild in an effort to inoculate them against diseases that could have otherwise jumped to humans, according to The Telegraph, citing leaked grant proposals from 2018.
23/9/2021ABC News
After Victoria's earthquake, here's how to check if your home has been damaged and what you should do about it
If your home is hit with a quake, here are some of the things you should look for when it's safe to do so — and what you should do if you spot something that doesn't look right.
23/9/20219 News
Retired healthcare workers called back to bolster NSW COVID-19 response
Thousands of retired or temporarily unemployed health care workers are being asked to come back to bolster the COVID-19 pandemic response in New South Wales. The call to arms comes as the state grapples with an ongoing Delta outbreak and the threat of a surge in hospitalisations in October.
23/9/20219 News
Victorians bracing for more aftershocks in the coming 'days' after 'rare' earthquake
Victorians are being warned to prepare for more aftershocks in the coming "days, if not weeks" after a 5.9 magnitude earthquake struck. The force of the event was felt across the state and into South Australia and New South Wales. It is the largest recorded earthquake in Victoria since such events were measured.
23/9/20217 News
PM doubles down on plan to open international travel by ‘Christmas at the latest’
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has backed the federal tourism minister’s prediction international travel will resume by Christmas “at the latest”. Speaking in Washington on Thursday morning AEST, Morrison said the national reopening plan “provides for people to travel again”.
23/9/2021Sky News
Locked down Greater Sydney on track to reopen to the fully vaccinated earlier than expected
New South Wales is on track to immunise 70 per cent of the eligible population with two doses of a coronavirus vaccine two weeks earlier than first predicted.
23/9/2021Zero Hedge
US & Israel Restart Secret 'Plan B' Talks On Iran As Alternative To Nuke Deal
During their respective addresses to the UN General Assembly meeting this week, Biden and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi both expressed a desire to continue talks focused on the restoration of the JCPOA nuclear agreement in Vienna. This even as Raisi blasted the "hegemonic United States" and its nation-building efforts abroad in places like Iraq and Afghanistan as having "failed miserably".
22/9/2021Zero Hedge
OECD Warns Of Higher Inflation For Next Two Years
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) released its quarterly report Tuesday and warned about increasing inflation risks for the next two years as the growth rate of the economic recovery has stalled.
22/9/2021ABC News
Evergrande's collapse could be very bad news for Australia and the world. Here's why
For the first time since the collapse of Lehman Brothers in late 2008, there is a serious risk of global financial contagion. That is, there is a possibility that investors, en masse, will withdraw their cash from major institutions around the world and those banks in turn will not be able to meet their own funding or lending obligations. It's colloquially known as a "credit crunch".
22/9/2021Business Insider
Air Force commandos are preparing for war with Russia or China by rethinking what a ‘runway’ really is
The US military is preparing for a potential conflict for a capable adversary, namely Russia and China. Part of that preparation is finding ways to distribute forces so they can keep operating if fighting starts. For the Air Force, that means using new airfields, and its special operators have been crucial to that.
22/9/2021ABC News
Christmas ham shortage looms due to abattoir restrictions, warn supermarkets and meat industry
Supermarket owners and the red meat industry are calling for meatwork restrictions to be removed ahead of the Christmas rush. COVID-19 workforce restrictions in abattoirs and a lack of seasonal workers in horticulture are likely to result in higher prices for produce. The red meat industry is forecasting more than 250,000 surplus spring lambs will not be processed this year.
22/9/2021News.com.au
Victoria hit by magnitude 6 earthquake
Victoria has been hit by an earthquake, with residents from Melbourne and Gippsland to as far away as Sydney, Canberra and Tasmania reporting shudders.
21/9/20219 News
Father claims Victoria's vaccine rules mean he'll have to sack his son
A man claiming to be a Victorian construction business owner has said he will have to sack his son due to the state government's vaccine mandate.
21/9/2021Breibart News
No Vaccine Rules for Big U.N. Meeting: Free Pass for World Leaders
Presidents, premiers, monarchs, dignitaries, diplomats and their traveling staff members have been told by organizers they won’t have to show coronavirus vaccination passports or other proof of inoculation on arrival at U.N. headquarters on Turtle Bay, Manhattan.
21/9/2021Breibart News
Hollywood Elite Privilege: LA County Dept. of Public Health Says Mask-Less Emmys Covered Under Filming Exemption
In response to the controversy over the images of maskless celebrities partying at the Emmys while staffers huddled behind their face-coverings, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health defended the display by touting Hollywood filming and television production “exceptions” put in place a year ago.
21/9/20219 News
Pfizer says COVID-19 vaccine safe for children aged five to 11
Pfizer said Monday its COVID-19 vaccine works for children ages five to 11 and that it will seek US authorisation for this age group soon, marking a key step toward beginning vaccinations for youngsters.
21/9/20219 News
Jetstar launches $20 flight sale between NSW and Victoria
Jetstar is offering flights between Victoria and NSW for as little as $20 once the states reopen.
21/9/2021CNN News
Stocks tumble as Wall Street's fears turn to China
New York (CNN Business)The Dow and the broader US stock market fell to close sharply lower Monday as Chinese real estate conglomerate Evergrande's debt crisis made American investors uneasy.
21/9/2021BBC News
Covid: US opens up to fully vaccinated travellers
The US is easing its coronavirus travel restrictions, re-opening to passengers from the UK, EU and other nations.
17/9/2021Sky News
NSW announces home quarantine trial for returning travellers
Returning overseas travellers may be able to quarantine at home as NSW embarks on a trial program in preparation for international borders reopening.
17/9/2021Zero Hedge
US Pork Exports To Dominican Republic Spike Amid Pig Ebola Outbreak
The first outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the Western Hemisphere in four decades began on July 28 in the Dominican Republic and was confirmed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
17/9/2021ABC News
Vaccine passports could be mandatory for WA events and air travel by year's end
West Australians could require COVID-19 vaccine passports to go to football matches, concerts and fly interstate and overseas by late this year.
17/9/2021ABC News
Pfizer COVID vaccine available for over 60s in WA from next week, Mark McGowan announces
West Australians aged 60 and over will be eligible to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine from Monday next week, Premier Mark McGowan has announced.
17/9/2021SBS News
Why Australia's new defence pact with the US and Britain is so significant
ANALYSIS: While ditching a $90 billion deal with the French is a massive diplomatic move by Australia, the real underlying consequence of the new US-UK pact surrounds our highly conflicted relationship with China.
17/9/2021SBS News
South and North Korea fire missiles hours apart, raising prospect of arms race
South Korea successfully test-fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile Wednesday, becoming only the seventh country in the world with the advanced technology and raising the prospect of a regional arms race.
16/9/2021South China Morning Post
Singaporeans, whether vaccinated or refusing to be jabbed, feel a social divide over coronavirus
When the Singapore government announced strict segregation measures in August for those who were not yet vaccinated against Covid-19, it had an immediate desired effect. Vaccination numbers surged, from 70 per cent who had completed the two-shot regimen as of August 8, to 78 per cent just two weeks later.
16/9/2021The Guardian
Australia nuclear submarine deal: Aukus defence pact with US and UK means $90bn contract with France will be scrapped
Australia has scrapped its strife-torn $90bn submarine deal with France and entered a new pact with the United States and the United Kingdom to acquire nuclear-powered submarines.
15/9/2021News.com.au
Australia urged to find new trading markets in face of China’s aggressive behaviour
One of the world's most powerful international organisations has issued a grim warning to Australia about relying on trade with China.
15/9/2021CNN
Chile overcame the Delta variant. Now it's racing to vaccinate kids
The high immunization coverage has led to decreasing infection rates, but Chile doesn't plan to cut back precautions, or ease its vaccination drive. Last week, the government announced that Chile would become one of the few countries in the world to approve vaccination with CoronaVac for children between the ages of 6 and 11.
15/9/2021BBC News
Boeing says air travel to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2024
The plane maker Boeing says it expects that it will take another two and a half years for global aviation to return to pre-pandemic levels. Its vice president of commercial marketing, Darren Hulst, said: "The industry recovers to 2019 levels of traffic by the end of 2023, early 2024" and domestic flying would be at the forefront of any recovery.
14/9/2021Al Jazeera
COVID-19 vaccine boosters not widely needed, say scientists
Booster doses for general population ‘are not appropriate at this stage in pandemic’, international scientists say.
14/9/20217 News
Home Affairs Minister issues Karen Andrews warn extremists radicalised online during pandemic
Home Affairs Minister Karen Andrews has issued a chilling terror warning to Australians. She told Sunrise the threat of an attack may have risen during the COVID-19 pandemic as potential extremists are radicalised on the dark web during lockdown.
14/9/2021ABC News
Epidemiologists and infection data indicate COVID-19 curve is flattening in Sydney
The seven-day average for infections has fallen to 1,395 from 1,430. An epidemiologist said the reproduction rate of the virus was closing in on 1. But a spike in cases in Redfern and Waterloo have health authorities anxious.
14/9/2021ABC News
Port operators accused of price-gouging, ACCC boss Rod Sims unhappy with them
ACCC is investigating whether there is price-gouging at Australian ports by big stevedore firms. Importers and exporters have welcomed the regulator's inquiry into dramatic price increases on the waterfront. Rates to unload import containers have risen by fivefold over the past four years, from nearly $25 to $122 per container.
14/9/2021ABC News
Australia's farmers on track for record-breaking season easily surpassing $70bn worth of produce
Australian farmers are expected to grow and sell a record $73 billion of produce in 2021-22. Good weather conditions and high prices are driving returns for livestock, grains, fruit and vegetable farmers. Freight and labour costs, a mouse plague, COVID-19, and foreign trade are challenges for the farm sector.
10/9/2021ABC News
Tasmania to make masks mandatory at events of 1,000 people or more
Masks will be mandatory in Tasmania at large events from next Saturday, Premier Peter Gutwein has announced.
10/9/2021News.com.au
ACT records 24 new local Covid-19 infections; Child under 12 hospitalised
Canberra has recorded 24 new locally acquired Covid-19 cases, bringing the national capital’s total outbreak to 463.
10/9/20217 News
NSW COVID press conferences will no longer be held every day, premier confirms
NSW COVID press conferences will no longer be held every day, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed.
10/9/2021Reuters
Explainer: Beyond Delta, scientists are watching new coronavirus variants
CHICAGO, Sept 8 (Reuters) - The continued spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spawned a Greek alphabet of variants - a naming system used by the World Health Organization (WHO) to track concerning new mutations of the virus that causes COVID-19. Some have equipped the virus with better ways of infecting humans or evading vaccine protection.
9/9/2021Radio Free Asia
Amid Food Shortage, North Korea Orders Army to Shoot Crop Thieves on Sight
With food shortages driving hungry North Koreans to steal crops from fields, authorities have deployed military units to guard farmland during harvest season with orders to shoot crop thieves on sight, sources in the country told RFA.
9/9/2021Al Jazeera
Think disasters are isolated? Think again, warns the UN
The Interconnected Disaster Risks report analyses 10 disasters of 2020 and 2021, including the Amazon wildfires, the Beirut explosion, and the cold wave in Texas in the United States among others, and makes the case that solving such problems will require addressing their root causes rather than surface challenges.
9/9/2021News.com.au
Victoria records 324 local cases of coronavirus
More than 200 mystery infections have emerged in Victoria as the state braces for a new surge in daily infections.
9/9/2021Sky News
Federal government's ban on Australians travelling overseas to be lifted as early as November
Australians looking to leave the country have been required to apply for a travel exemption since the international borders were snapped shut in March last year but that could change in coming months.
9/9/2021ABC News
Israel is struggling with COVID-19, despite high vaccination rates. What lessons can Australia learn?
While overall adult vaccination rates are high, there are pockets of Israel's population that remain unvaccinated, including some ultra-orthodox Jewish communities. Making things more challenging is the fact that 25 per cent of Israel's population is younger than 12, meaning only 68 per cent of its whole population is fully vaccinated — a threshold too low to achieve herd immunity.
7/9/2021BBC News
Chip shortage could last into 2023, says car boss
The chip shortage that is disrupting global car production could continue into 2022 and even 2023, a leading German car industry figure has said. Covid had been a stress test for the industry, which needed a thorough review of its supply chains, Daimler chairman Ola Källenius said. Supplies of semiconductor chips have been failing to meet demand in a wide range of industries. These include carmaking, which staged a quick recovery from the pandemic.
7/9/2021ABC News
Severe winds bring down power lines, trees, cut roads, damage property across Tasmania
More than 6,500 homes were without power this morning and at least one house lost a roof in the Hobart suburb of Lenah Valley.
7/9/2021ABC News
Severe winds bring down power lines, trees, cut roads, damage property across Tasmania
More than 6,500 homes were without power this morning and at least one house lost a roof in the Hobart suburb of Lenah Valley.
7/9/2021Sky News
Coles and Woolworths shelves left 'empty' as thousands of workers isolate amid Sydney's COVID-19 outbreak
The COVID-19 outbreak in New South Wales – which topped a total of 29,253 cases on Monday – has forced thousands of supermarket workers into self-isolation after being deemed close contacts by NSW Health contact tracers. As a result, the supply chain at Coles and Woolworths has suffered. CEO Woolworths Group Brad Banducci last week said there are currently more than 3,300 team members in isolation due to COVID-19 outbreaks in NSW and Victoria.
7/9/2021Sky News
Scott Morrison granted travel exemption by ACT Health Officer to fly from Canberra to Sydney
Prime Minister Scott Morrison was granted a travel exemption to travel to Sydney over the weekend for Father's Day before returning back to Canberra for a national security meeting. His office confirmed Mr Morrison flew on a taxpayer-funded flight to the Harbour City on Friday afternoon to celebrate with his family before returning on Monday morning.
7/9/2021Zero Hedge
The Great Computer Chip Shortage Of 2021 Is Just Heating Up
The great computer chip shortage of 2021 will likely get worse before it gets better. This conclusion was reached following brief study and anecdotal review. Moreover, while COVID lockdowns may have initially triggered the shortage, several decades of shortsighted decisions and simmering geopolitical tensions make it much more than a matter of fixing a few broken links in the supply chain.
6/9/2021Sky News
Western Australia border to stay shut to eastern States until 2022
Western Australia does not plan to reopen its borders to coronavirus virus-hit eastern states until 2022. Premier Mark McGowan wants to see vaccination rates of between 80 and 90 per cent before setting a date to allow NSW, Victoria and the ACT back in.
6/9/2021Sky News
Sky News Australia CEO Paul Whittaker delivers opening remarks at Senate Inquiry into media diversity
Sky News Australia chief executive officer Paul Whittaker has told a Senate inquiry into media diversity that YouTube is a publisher which escapes all "regulatory or legal burdens" traditional publishers face.
6/9/2021SBS News
Will state borders have to stay open if Australia reaches its 80 per cent vaccination target?
As Australia slowly approaches its 80 per cent COVID-19 vaccination target, several states and territories have indicated they may not be willing to throw open borders once the target is reached, potentially setting up a constitutional standoff.
6/9/2021Reuters
Israel to reopen for small foreign tour groups
Tour groups of between 5 and 30 people from countries on Israel's green, yellow and orange lists will be allowed to enter the country provided all group members have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, the tourism ministry said.
6/9/2021Reuters
Elite Guinea army unit says it has toppled president
Soldiers say on TV they've dissolved government. Fighting near presidential palace earlier Sunday. President's whereabouts unknown. Conakry residents begin to celebrate on streets.
6/9/2021Zero Hedge
World Food Prices Jump In August To Near Decade High
In a new report via the Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), global food prices are on the rise, once again, and back to near-decade highs. FAO released a statement Thursday that detailed after two consecutive months of declines, world food prices in August jumped due to solid gains in sugar, vegetable oils, and cereals.
3/9/20219 News
Four million Pfizer doses in Australia this week under swap with UK
Four million additional doses of Pfizer will be sent to Australia this month under a vaccine swap deal with the United Kingdom.
3/9/2021Al Jazeera
S Korea developing missile as powerful as nuclear weapon
Three-tonne missile designed to destroy underground facilities by penetrating tunnels to effectively nullify nuclear launches.
3/9/2021Zero Hedge
Australia Could Force Citizens To Report Their Location On-Demand Via Government Tracking App
The government of South Australia is running a trial for a system that could eventually force citizens to take a photo of themselves via a government app to report their location on demand within 15 minutes of authorities requesting it, or face a police investigation.
3/9/2021ABC News
Australia records near-record warmth during the wettest winter since 1996
Australia has just experienced its fourth hottest winter since 1910, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
3/9/2021ABC News
Adelaide Hills winery Bird in Hand to require patrons to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19
An Adelaide Hills winery will become one of the first businesses in South Australia to require its patrons to be fully vaccinated.
3/9/20219 News
Premier's warning: Unvaccinated Victorians will be 'locked out' of venues
Unvaccinated Victorians will be prevented from going to "many venues" once the state reopens and the COVID-19 vaccine threshold has been met.
3/9/20219 News
Spike in exposure sites in Melbourne's north as 128 new cases recorded in area
A childcare centre, apartment tower and multiple food stores are among a series of new Tier One sites in Melbourne's north added to Victoria's list of COVID-19 exposure sites.
2/9/2021Al Jazeera
Weather disasters becoming more frequent and costly: UN
Number of extreme weather disasters shot up nearly fivefold from 1970s to most recent decade due to global warming. The number of weather disasters – such as floods and heatwaves – driven by climate change has increased fivefold during the past 50 years, killing more than two million people and costing $3.64 trillion in total losses, a UN agency says.
2/9/2021Al Jazeera
Solar ‘boom’ times as Lebanon’s fossil fuels run dry
Because of the government’s failure to secure heavy fuel oil for power plants, electricity provided by the state-owned Electricité du Liban has dwindled to two hours per day, and has been shut off completely in some areas of the country.
2/9/2021SBS News
Victoria reports 176 new local coronavirus cases - its biggest daily jump this year
It is the state's highest daily jump in cases this year. Of the new infections reported in the 24 hours to midnight on Wednesday, only 83 were linked to previous cases.
2/9/2021ABC News
Sydney could be subjected to Australia's longest lockdown despite surging vaccination rates
NSW is on course to fully vaccinate 70 per cent of people aged 16 and over by about October 18. Greater Sydney has had two lockdowns compared to Victoria's six. About 46,000 people on average are receiving their second vaccination in NSW each day.
2/9/2021ABC News
Australia Post, with 500 staff in COVID isolation, will pause parcel pick-up from e-commerce retailers in locked down states for four days
Post offices will remain open, deliveries will continue and post boxes will also continue to be cleared. Collections from e-commerce retailers will be temporarily paused. It comes as organisation is processed a record volume of mail in August.
1/9/2021Perth Now
Brazilian viper venom possible COVID cure
A study published in the scientific journal Molecules this month found that the molecule produced by the jararacussu pit viper inhibited the virus’s ability to multiply in monkey cells by 75 per cent.
1/9/20217 News
Warning from Paris: Australia faces a ‘reckoning’, as France learns to ‘live with COVID’
Over the last week, France has averaged more than 17,000 cases a day. During the country’s third wave in March 2021, more than 42,000 people were testing positive every 24 hours. Deaths from COVID are beginning to rise again, but remain well below previous waves. Hospital statistics appear to show the vaccines are working, with the vast majority of those requiring treatment unvaccinated.
1/9/2021ABC News
Premier relaxes hotel quarantine ban on returning Queenslanders as state records zero new COVID-19 cases
The Queensland government will begin allowing residents from interstate hotspots back into the state from Saturday. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said 50 rooms would initially be made available, with more spaces offered as hotel rooms open up.
1/9/2021CNN
China's economy is being rattled by the Delta variant and supply chain woes
China's economy stalled this month as the country tried to stamp out a surge in coronavirus cases and contended with the ongoing shipping crisis.
1/9/2021Sky News
Business community publishes open letter calling for the end of COVID-19 lockdowns in Australia
The business community said coronavirus lockdowns have taken their toll on the mental health of Australians as they declared the country will need to follow in the footsteps of other nations in opening back up once vaccination rates increase.
31/8/2021BBC
Hurricane Ida: One million people in Louisiana without power
Louisiana residents may be in the dark for weeks as officials take stock of the damage from Hurricane Ida.
31/8/2021Al Jazeera
South African scientists monitoring new coronavirus variant
Scientists yet to establish whether the new variant is more contagious or able to overcome immunity provided by jabs.
31/8/2021ABC News
South Australia lifts restrictions for people travelling from Katherine and 11 LGAs in South East Queensland
South Australia will lift all restrictions on people travelling from Katherine in the Northern Territory, and the 11 local government areas in South East Queensland. People arriving from those regions had been required to undertake COVID-19 tests and self-isolate until returning a negative result.
31/8/2021Perth Now
BHP considers making Covid vaccines compulsory for workers, now trialling workplace jabs
BHP has become the first resources company to begin trialling workplace-based COVID-19 vaccinations and is seriously considering mandating jabs among workers. The mining giant said the trial would begin this week at the Mt Arthur coal mine near Muswellbrook in NSW’s Upper Hunter region.
31/8/2021Ron Clutz
Greenlight for Ivermectin in Japan
Article at gnews reports on announcement by Dr. Ozaki, chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Medical Association Greenlight for Ivermectin in Japan.
31/8/2021ABC News
Singapore the country most fully vaccinated against COVID-19, tracker finds
Authorities say they will soon announce further easing of COVID-19 restrictions. Singapore has been planning an exit strategy that involves "learning to live with COVID-19". Fifty-five people have died from the virus overall.
31/8/2021ABC News
Australian Electricity Market Operator predicts stable supply despite closures of coal-fired power stations
The manager of the country's electricity markets has dropped its warning that Australia faces a power supply shortage. AEMO says the closure of coal plants in coming years will be shored up by new battery and gas plants. Possible flooding at Yallourn station in Victoria remains the biggest short-term risk to supply.
31/8/2021Zero Hedge
FDA Issues Warning About Increased Risk Of Heart Inflammation Caused By Moderna Jab
Earlier this month, we reported on leaked data from a Canadian study which arrived at a disturbing conclusion: the risk of rare side effects like myocarditis and pericarditis - types of heart inflammation that are potentially deadly in some patients - was at least 2.5x higher in the Moderna jab than in its main competitor, produced by Pfizer-BioNTech.
30/8/2021Al Jazeera
WFP calls for urgent aid as millions of Afghans face starvation
Qatar, Doha – Millions of Afghans face the risk of starvation and a “catastrophe on top of a catastrophe” the head of the United Nations’ World Food Programme has warned, saying the agency needs $200m by the end of the year to continue its operations in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover.
30/8/2021Zero Hedge
Twitter Permanently Bans Alex Berenson After Viral COVID Tweets
It was never a matter of if, but when. Science journalist Alex Berenson has been permanently suspended from Twitter, just one day after a viral series of tweets spotlighting an Israeli preprint study which showed that natural immunity from a prior Covid-19 infection is 13 times more effective than vaccines against the delta variant.
30/8/2021News.com.au
Virgin Australia plans to order all staff members to be vaccinated
Virgin Australia has revealed a new vaccine rule in a bid to ‘protect the health and safety of our workforce, and in turn the wider Australian community’.
30/8/2021ABC News
WA hospital elective surgeries postponed amid severe strain on system, despite lack of COVID-19
WA's Health Department has confirmed some elective surgery at public hospitals will be postponed for a month to cope with increasing pressure on the system, despite the lack of COVID-19 in the community.
30/8/2021ABC News
Queensland truckie convoy heads for NSW to protest mandatory vaccine
After blocking a major Gold Coast highway, Queensland truckies protesting mandatory coronavirus vaccines are now heading to form a blockade in northern New South Wales.
30/8/20219 News
SA patients forced to wait 15 hours at public hospital emergency rooms
The maximum time a patient spends waiting in South Australia's public hospital emergency departments before being seen is almost 15 hours, it has been revealed.
27/8/2021News.com.au
Exporters told International Freight Assistance Mechanism subsidy to continue until mid-2022
Thousands of Toll truck drivers will launch strike action on Friday after crisis talks between the transport union and the logistics giant failed to reach an agreement.
27/8/2021ABC News
Exporters told International Freight Assistance Mechanism subsidy to continue until mid-2022
The federal government will extend until June next year a subsidy that helps exporters deliver fresh food to countries around the world.
27/8/20219 News
Staggered return-to-school plan for NSW students
The NSW Government has announced a staggered return to school for all students from late October.
27/8/2021ABC News
COVID-19 vaccines will soon be available to under-16s. For some, they can't come soon enough
The things Isla Ayoub misses most during lockdowns are her friends and face-to-face learning.
27/8/2021ABC News
Japan suspends 1.6 million Moderna COVID-19 vaccine doses after contamination reports
Japan has suspended the use of 1.63 million doses of Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine, more than a week after the domestic distributor received reports of contaminants in some vials.
26/8/2021SBS News
Qantas expects to resume international flights from December to highly-vaccinated countries
The airline says it is preferencing destinations with high vaccination rates such as North America, the UK, Singapore and Japan.
26/8/2021ABC News
NSW records 1,029 COVID-19 cases, three deaths, some restrictions eased
Some freedoms for fully vaccinated people will begin from September 13. The changes come as authorities are concerned for people's mental health. Investigations will take place into three COVID deaths at private homes in in Western Sydney.
26/8/2021ABC News
Hay fever grass pollens have tripled in Brisbane, study shows, and it could be related to climate change
Researchers say the significant grass pollen increase affected public health. But they couldn't say climate change directly increased pollen levels. Experts want more research into the impact of climate change on allergies.
26/8/2021Reuters
COVID vaccine protection wanes within six months - UK researchers
Protection against COVID-19 offered by two doses of the Pfizer/BioNTech and the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccines begins to fade within six months, underscoring the need for booster shots, according to researchers in Britain.
26/8/2021Zero Hedge
Scientists Race To Unlock Mysteries Of "COVID Resistance" Seen In Small Number Of People
Like with virtually every other virus (including HIV), it appears a tiny fraction of the human population are mysteriously immune to the virus. And after a nearly two-year pandemic, scientists are starting to confirm cases of this type of resistance as they seek to study it and learn more about the virus.
26/8/2021ABC News
Western Sydney health clinic says not enough vaccines sent to protect Indigenous community
More than 13,000 Indigenous people in West and south-west Sydney need to be vaccinated. So far, the health service has jabbed just 1,000 people, or 40 people a day. Health experts say the community is willing to be vaccinated but doses aren't available.
26/8/2021Business Insider
Rapid testing and ‘work cells’: Here’s how Australian supermarket giants plan to stay open as the Delta variant breaks daily case records
As daily coronavirus case numbers reach record levels in New South Wales, Australian supermarkets say they are prepared to stay open. COVID-19 exposure has rattled stores across the nation, forcing countless workers into self-isolation and disrupting operations. But separated shifts, additional break rooms, and targeted department closures will keep stores operating, according to Coles, Woolworths, and ALDI Australia.
25/8/2021Business Insider
15,000 workers are threatening to shut down Australian supply chains as Transport Workers Union industrial action escalates
The Transport Workers Union (TWU) is looking at bringing its fight to Linfox and its subsidiary Bevchain as it escalates threats of industrial action against logistics companies. The Union filed applications with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) on Wednesday, with a strike against Toll already scheduled for Friday. If the new applications are successful, it would open the door for as many as 15,000 truck drivers to walk off the job in the coming weeks, potentially shutting down food and fuel supply chains.
25/8/20217 News
Queensland halts ALL interstate hotel quarantine because state is ‘overwhelmed’
Queensland will pause its hotel quarantine system for two weeks, with the state government claiming it’s “overwhelmed” by people trying escape COVID-19 lockdowns.
25/8/2021SBS News
NSW shatters Australia's COVID-19 daily case record again, reporting 919 new infections
New South Wales has shattered another coronavirus case record, reporting 919 new infections in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. One new death, a man in his 80s from Sydney's north, has also been recorded in addition to a 30-year-old western Sydney mother of three whose death was announced yesterday.
24/8/2021ABC News
Doherty Institute director says reopening the country is safe once 70-80 per cent COVID vaccination rate achieved
Reopening the country despite high numbers of new infections will be safe when Australia reaches its vaccine target of 70 to 80 per cent, the head of the Doherty Institute says.
24/8/2021Business Insider
Toll drivers will strike from Friday, shutting down Australia’s road transport for the first time in a decade
As many as 7,000 Toll workers will go on strike this week after crisis talks failed on Monday, the first in the company’s history.
24/8/2021Zero Hedge
Peak Retail Season: Let The Chaos Commence
Freight markets have entered their second year of extreme dislocation, brought on by record consumer spending and a transportation network that doesn’t have the labor or equipment to fill the need.
24/8/2021Sky News
Gale force winds, heavy rain, flooding: NSW residents told to brace for possible 'weather bomb'
After a record-breaking hot spell in Sydney, meteorologists warn conditions are changing dramatically as a cold front blasts New South Wales.
24/8/20219 News
'We can't stay in the cave': PM hits back at state opposition to COVID-normal
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has hit back at opposition from state premiers over the country's roadmap back to pre-pandemic life, saying the days of pursuing an elimination strategy for COVID-19 are over.
20/8/2021The Guardian
The Guardian view on famine in Ethiopia: food must not be a weapon
In the early 1980s, as a terrible famine claimed between 400,000 and 1 million lives in Ethiopia, the international community responded to what was widely misunderstood and misreported as a natural disaster. Famines are never just a matter of drought. Human Rights Watch later noted that Ethiopia’s repeated crises – especially the devastating one of 1983-85 – “were in large part created by government policies, especially counter-insurgency strategies”. Tigray was “the very nadir of the famine”, as a destructive army offensive was accompanied by the deliberate blocking of aid.
20/8/20219 News
Permit system for travel between regional NSW and Greater Sydney
Anyone travelling from Greater Sydney to regional New South Wales must have a permit or they will face fines of up to $5000.
20/8/20219 News
'This will get away from us': Victoria Premier's warning as state records 55 new COVID-19 cases
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews says health authorities may look at further restrictions after the state recorded 55 new local COVID-19 cases, within only 10 of those in isolation for the entire time they were infectious.
20/8/2021
9 NewsSydney lockdown extended, mask mandate and curfews for hotspot LGAs after 644 new local COVID-19 cases
New South Wales has recorded 644 new local coronavirus cases and four deaths, with at least 41 of the cases were infectious in the community.
20/8/2021
Zero HedgeSenators "Horrified" To See Black Hawk Helicopters In Taliban Hands
A group of senators led by Republican Marco Rubio of Florida is demanding answers to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, writing in a letter: "As we watched the images coming out of Afghanistan as the Taliban retook the country, we were horrified to see U.S. equipment – including UH-60 Black Hawks – in the hands of the Taliban."
20/8/2021
Zero HedgeLandmark Study Proves COVID Vaccines Much Less Effective Than Advertised
The largest study yet to examine the efficacy of COVID vaccines in the wild has just been published by the University of Oxford and UK Office for National Statistics, and unsurprisingly it found that the efficacy rates for the Pfizer and Moderna are significantly lower than the 90%+ rates first advertised from the initial controlled trials.
19/8/2021
Zero HedgeIron Ore Futures Crash After Miner BHP Warns Of Peak Prices
Iron ore futures in Singapore have crashed 9.5%, steel futures plunged 7%, and copper is down 3.5% Wednesday afternoon after Anglo-Australian miner BHP warned of peak iron ore prices.
19/8/2021
ABC NewsNew Zealand in nationwide lockdown as link between Delta case and NSW evades authorities
Cases of the Delta variant have been climbing in New Zealand this week. One case has a connection to the border, but authorities suspect that is a separate infection, not linked to the outbreak . Genomic sequencing has linked the first case found in Auckland to the outbreak in New South Wales.
19/8/2021
9 NewsVictoria has recorded 57 new local coronavirus cases
Victoria has recorded 57 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, out of almost 50,000 tests. The surge in infections comes as Victoria marks 200 days of lockdown in total during the coronavirus pandemic. Of the new local cases, the health department said 54 are linked to known outbreaks and 44 were in isolation during their infectious period.
19/8/2021
9 NewsTroops to arrive in Queensland to stop illegal entry from NSW along the border
Queensland is stepping up its strict border with New South Wales by calling on the Australian Defence Force to patrol entry points. From tomorrow, an additional 100 troops will arrive in the sunshine state to keep those trying to enter from the south out.
18/8/2021
9 NewsUS ready to help Australia evacuate citizens, vulnerable Afghans from Kabul
The Biden Administration said the United States will help Australia evacuate its citizens, former embassy guards and interpreters from Afghanistan.
18/8/2021
ABC NewsNew Ebola case in Ivory Coast sparks mass vaccinations of health workers
Ivory Coast has begun vaccinating health workers against Ebola after a case of the deadly virus was confirmed.
18/8/2021
ABC NewsHordes of mice threaten WA crops as farmers prepare for bumper harvest
Growing numbers of mice are spreading across Western Australia's grain belt, damaging valuable crops that have been forecast to produce a record harvest this season.
18/8/2021
Zero Hedge"Unprecedented" Police Operation Underway In Sydney To Enforce COVID Restrictions
New South Wales (NSW) Police have issued nearly 600 infringement notices, or fines, on individuals found breaching public health orders on the first day of a three-week crackdown on COVID-19 non-compliance.
18/8/2021
Zero HedgeUSDA Crop Tour Warns: Megadrought Impacting Corn And Soybean Yields
Crop conditions for soybeans and corn have worsened in the latest crop tour findings in the US which confirmed hot and dry weather this summer has taken a toll on yields.
17/8/2021
BBCHow water shortages are brewing wars
Unprecedented levels of dam building and water extraction by nations on great rivers are leaving countries further downstream increasingly thirsty, increasing the risk of conflicts.
17/8/2021
ABC NewsAlbany farmers still seeding crops after six months of wet weather
While WA as a whole is forecasted to harvest a record crop in 2021, some south coast farmers are still reseeding crops lost to water damage. Reseeding in August is extremely rare on WA farms, almost six months after the start of the growing season. If paddocks are left bare over summer they risk erosion, moisture loss and weeds.
17/8/2021
AP NewsKabul airport plunges into chaos as Taliban patrol capital
Thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul’s main airport Monday, some so desperate to escape the Taliban that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths. At least seven people died in the chaos, U.S. officials said, as America’s longest war ended with its enemy the victor.
17/8/2021
SBS News'We all need to get out': Crisis-hit Lebanon reels from latest deadly explosion
The country's latest tragedy comes as it grapples with an economic crisis described by the World Bank as one of the world's worst since the 1850s.
17/8/2021
ReutersU.S. declares first Western reservoir water shortage, triggering cuts
U.S. officials for the first time on Monday declared an official water shortage for the massive Lake Mead reservoir, triggering supply cuts to parts of the drought-stricken Southwest, as 10 Western governors appealed for federal drought disaster aid.
17/8/2021
News.com.auNSW records hundreds of new cases
New South Wales has recorded 452 new cases and one new death. A woman in her 70s from western Sydney died at Westmead Hospital.
16/8/2021
ABC NewsFire crews contain Lake Bennett blaze as unpredictable bushfire conditions threaten across NT
Northern Territory firefighters have managed to contain a bushfire that has been burning since yesterday afternoon at Lake Bennett — but the watch and act alert will remain until at least this evening.
16/8/2021
ABC NewsNT records new case of COVID-19, triggering snap three-day lockdown
The Northern Territory has a recorded one new case of COVID-19, a man in his 30s who spent time in the community while infectious.
16/8/2021
ABC NewsHobart wakes to low-altitude snow as 'vigorous cold front' hits Tasmania
Tasmania has been transformed into a winter wonderland.
16/8/2021
ABC NewsPfizer COVID vaccination available for 16-29 age group in WA as border restrictions row flares up
The WA government has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination program to include anyone aged 16 to 29.
16/8/2021
7 NewsNSW records 478 COVID-19 cases, a pandemic high, and eight further deaths
New South Wales has recorded another 478 locally acquired COVID-19 cases, in another record-breaking day for the state’s escalating Delta outbreak.
13/8/2021
Zero HedgeShippers Frantic After China's Busiest Port Shuts Container Terminal Due To Covid
We recently discussed how already astronomical container shipping costs are set to rise even higher should China lock down one or more shipping terminals to contain the spread of the delta variant in provinces that have direct exposure to global commerce ("Shipping Rates From China To US Hit Record $20,000 With No Drop In Sight" and "Brace For Astronomical Shipping Costs As China Goes Into Lockdown Mode") with Goldman Sachs explicitly warning that "port closures or stricter control measures at ports could also put further upward pressure on shipping costs, which are already very high."
13/8/2021
Zero Hedge"Wakeup Call": Pfizer Vax Only 42% Effective Against Infection In July
This week, Dr. Fauci confirmed that "at some time in the future" everyone will likely need a booster shot for the Covid-19 vaccine due to "fading efficacy."
13/8/2021
News.com.auVaccination hubs to open to over 18s in Victoria
Victoria will open all its state vaccination hubs to over 18s as the state pushes for younger people to take up the jabs.
13/8/2021
ABC News
NSW travellers entering WA must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination under tighter border rules
Western Australia is further tightening its border restrictions for people arriving from New South Wales, requiring they show proof of having had least one COVID-19 vaccination.
12/8/2021
ABC News
ACT enters lockdown for seven days as four cases of COVID-19 recorded
At midday, ACT authorities confirmed a man in his 20s from Gungahlin in Canberra's north had tested positive to the virus and had been infectious in the community since Sunday. Just after 5:00pm, Chief Health Officer Kerryn Coleman announced live on ABC Radio Canberra that three others had since tested positive in the ACT, all of them close contacts of the first case.
12/8/2021
Financial Review
Beware fairy tales about inflation
We are not heading towards the wage and price spirals of the 1970s, but recent data does point towards a future in which we need to worry more about inflation than in recent years.
12/8/2021
SBS
More western NSW areas awake to lockdown as COVID-19 spreads further out of Sydney
Eight local government areas in western NSW have been added overnight to a growing list of locked-down areas as COVID-19 spreads further out of Greater Sydney.
12/8/2021
Sky News
Tensions grow over ‘no jab, no job’
The fight of mandatory vaccination at work continues to heat up and Prime Minister Scott Morrison and National Cabinet have been urged to clear up the confusion. Businesses have argued they are being left at the mercy of the courts when it comes to decisions to make the jab mandatory.
12/8/2021
9 News
South Australia to offer Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines to over 16s in Australian first
South Australia has announced a major step forward in its vaccination rollout, offering both Pfizer and AstraZeneca to anyone aged over 16. The two vaccines will be available at state-run clinics from Monday.
11/8/2021
News.com.au
China will likely succeed in crashing Australia’s iron ore price
You could be mistaken for thinking that it’s a good time to buy iron ore. After all, Australia’s magic dust has gone down a quarter in price in the past month. Isn’t the idea to buy low (and sell high?)
11/8/2021
The Guardian
Global food supplies will suffer as temperatures rise – climate crisis report
Food production around the world will suffer as global heating reaches 1.5C, with serious effects on the food supply in the next two decades, scientists have warned, following the biggest scientific report yet on the climate crisis.
11/8/2021
CNN
Guinea confirms West Africa's first case of rare, Ebola-like Marburg virus disease
A patient with the rare, but highly infectious Marburg virus disease has died in Guinea, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) statement on Monday. It's the first case of the Ebola-like virus in West Africa.
11/8/2021
News.com.au
NSW on edge as infections near 6000, cases spread through regions
It’s now apparent that NSW has all but lost control of the outbreak, with infectious disease expert Professor Peter Collignon telling Today earlier he now expected restrictions to remain in place until “well into next year” as authorities scramble to stop the spread.
11/8/2021
Zero Hedge
90% Of Patients Treated With Experimental Israeli COVID Drug Discharged Within 5 Days
Some 93% of 90 seriously ill coronavirus patients treated in several Greek hospitals with a new drug developed by a team at Tel Aviv’s Sourasky Medical Center were discharged in five days or fewer during the Phase II trial of the new therapeutic.
11/8/2021
ABC News
Farming on the edge
If the climate becomes drier, farmers in some parts of the Eyre Peninsula could find it harder to make a living. But they’re already adapting to an uncertain future of climate change and dwindling townships.
10/8/2021
SBS News
Parliamentary report warns of 'persistent skill shortages' as half a million migrants leave Australia
It warns a lack of skilled migrants and near-record-low unemployment has resulted in major labour shortages, in areas including engineering and agricultural technology.
10/8/2021
9 News
Severe weather warnings for Victoria and WA as cold fronts slam opposite sides of Australia
The wild weather continues for Western Australia today as a pair of cold fronts trigger damaging winds, hail and snow in the south west of the state. Across the country in Victoria, a cold front will bring damaging winds to the Central, East Gippsland, South West, North Central, North East and West and South Gippsland.
10/8/2021
AP News
‘Code red’: UN scientists warn of worsening global warming
Earth is getting so hot that temperatures in about a decade will probably blow past a level of warming that world leaders have sought to prevent, according to a report released Monday that the United Nations called a “code red for humanity.”
10/8/2021
Huffington PostCovid Or Brexit? Here's What's Behind 'Food Shortages' In The UK
The hashtag #foodshortages seemed to trend following news the Army has been put on standby to deliver supermarket supplies, as the UK is struggling with a huge shortage of truck drivers. This does not mean there is not enough food in the UK, but that there are difficulties with getting food to the right destination.
10/8/2021
Zero HedgeChina Starts Constructing $17 Billion Nuclear Power Plant
The Xudabao 3 unit is the first of four units at the plant to see the beginning of construction. Russia’s Rosatom will design the nuclear island and will provide equipment. The Russian firm will also provide commissioning services for the equipment it will have supplied. The Russians will also provide the construction and equipment for the Xudabao 4 unit, whose construction is expected to begin in 2022. The two units are currently expected to be commissioned in 2027 or 2028.
10/8/2021
News.com.auIceland deals with growing Delta outbreak as high vaccination rates stop deaths
Some 96 per cent of all Icelandic women over 16 have received at least one vaccine dose. The figure for men is about 90 per cent. And even with a significantly reduced rate of severe illness, the explosive outbreak is seriously straining the tiny nation’s health system.
9/8/2021
ABC NewsChinese fertiliser factories 'focusing on local market' as international prices skyrocket
International fertiliser prices are at record highs this year, with farmers now nervously watching manufacturers in China.
9/8/2021
ABC NewsNSW construction workers allowed back on site amid COVID lockdown if they 'meet vaccination conditions'
Construction workers in Sydney are ready to pick up the tools with the latest announcement around COVID-19 safe workplaces.
9/8/2021
9 NewsWarnings as severe weather to slam parts of WA today
Severe and dangerous weather is forecast to slam the southwest of Western Australia today as a trough and cold front crosses the state.
9/8/2021
ABC NewsModerna names Australia among potential locations for COVID vaccine trial on children aged 6 months to 12 years
Australian babies as young as six months old could be part of a trial by vaccine manufacturer Moderna, if a plan flagged by the company goes ahead.
9/8/2021
ABC NewsCOVID vaccine eligibility checker updated to include pregnant women in phase 1b
The federal government has updated the national vaccine eligibility checker to include pregnant women, two weeks after they were made a priority in the rollout and were put in phase 1b.
9/8/2021
Zero Hedge14 Israelis Have Caught COVID-19 Even After Booster Shot, Some Hospitalized
The population of Israel has been looked upon of late as a global guinea pig of sorts given it was the first country out of the gate to implement a large-scale booster shot program for people 60 and up who've already been vaccinated with two rounds of the COVID-19 shot. This was announced only at the end of July, and the early data is beginning to trickle in.
9/8/2021
ReutersExplainer: Beyond Delta, scientists are watching new coronavirus variants
CHICAGO, Aug 8 (Reuters) - The continued spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus has spawned a Greek alphabet of variants - a naming system used by the World Health Organization to track concerning new mutations of the virus that causes COVID-19. Some have equipped the virus with better ways of infecting humans or evading vaccine protection.
5/8/2021
ABC NewsIndia building secretive base in Mauritius as it strengthens military ties with Australia
Agaléga, located about 1,100 kilometres from Mauritius' main island and home to about 300 people, is likely to facilitate maritime patrols over the Mozambique Channel — now a popular passage for large commercial ships, particularly oil tankers. The strategic outpost would also allow India's navy to observe shipping routes around southern Africa, which now account for a significant portion of China's energy imports.
5/8/2021
Zero HedgeRising Production Costs Undercut "Transitory" Inflation Narrative
An application to increase the supply charge of water from $92 a quarter to $722 for residents of a South Australian town has been lodged just months after an application by the private provider to increase annual bills by about 260 per cent was rejected.
5/8/2021
ABC NewsPrivate provider lodges application to hike Mount Compass water supply charge by 682 per cent
An application to increase the supply charge of water from $92 a quarter to $722 for residents of a South Australian town has been lodged just months after an application by the private provider to increase annual bills by about 260 per cent was rejected.
5/8/2021
ABC NewsShepparton food processor SPC is the first company in Australia to mandate COVID-19 vaccination of all staff
Shepparton food processor is the first Australian company to mandate COVID-19 vaccines for staff. All of SPC's 450 onsite workers will receive paid vaccination leave and up to two days of special leave to recover.
5/8/2021
ABC NewsThe COVID-19 'vaccine passport' is coming. Here's how it could work and how it's legal
Health authorities are currently pleading with Australians to get vaccinated if they can. But at some point later this year, once vaccines have been widely available for some time, that approach is expected to shift.
4/8/2021
Zero HedgeAirports From Nantucket To California Suffer Jet Fuel Shortages
A shortage of tanker truck drivers has caused fuel delivery disruptions at airports from Nantucket to California. The Federal Aviation Administration issued a "Notice to Airmen" warning that some airports would not have enough jet fuel through Monday.
4/8/2021
Zero HedgeIsrael's Defense Chief Urges Military Action Against Iran "Right Now"
On Monday, Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz threatened Iran and said Israel must take action against the Islamic Republic "right now" over last week’s drone attack on an Israeli-operated ship near Oman. Israel, the US, and the UK have blamed Tehran, but Iran denies the accusation, calling the allegations "baseless".
4/8/2021
ABC NewsBeirut was the 'Paris of the Middle East'. Now it's in the midst of one of the world's worst economic collapses in 150 years
Lebanon's crisis is largely a result of decades of corruption, waste and mismanagement, with previous governments having spent vast sums of money, leaving the country deeply in debt with little to show for their efforts.
4/8/2021
Sky NewsWuhan to undergo mass testing after COVID cases emerge
After Wuhan recorded its first infections in more than a year, 11 million people in the Chinese city will undergo mass testing.
4/8/2021
ABC NewsNorth Korea feeds war rations to the poor after heatwave ravages food supply
North Korea is about one million tonnes short of food for its people according to South Korean intelligence. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un admits his country is facing its "worst ever crisis" during the pandemic.
4/8/2021
Sky NewsEvidence suggests timeline of COVID outbreak ‘much earlier’ than thought
‘What Really Happened in Wuhan’ author Sharri Markson says “a lot of evidence” suggests the timeline of COVID-19 is “much earlier” than most people think.
3/8/2021
Zero HedgeDrought, Frost Plunge Brazil's Second Corn Yields To Decade Low
An agriculture nightmare plays out in Brazil as drought and frost cause second corn yields in the country's center-south to hit their lowest level in 10 years. Crop losses due to unfavorable weather may result in shortages and persistent food inflation due to Brazil is a top player in global corn production.
3/8/2021
Zero HedgeObama Risks Superspreader Event As 700 Expected To Attend 60th Birthday Party At Martha's Vineyard Mansion
Less than two weeks go, the Daily Mail reported on Australian socialite Anthony Hess, who 'unknowingly spread the Delta strain of coronavirus to at least 60 people in a single weekend' despite being fully vaccinated.
3/8/2021
7 NewsQantas temporarily stands down 2500 staff as COVID-19 crisis causes border closures and travel standstill
About 2500 Qantas and Jetstar employees will be stood down for two months because of domestic coronavirus border closures.
3/8/2021
ABC NewsPfizer vaccine bookings open to Canberrans aged 30 to 39 as ACT pushes towards vaccination target
From today, Canberrans aged 30 to 39 can book appointments to receive a Pfizer vaccine, as the ACT pushes to be the first jurisdiction to reach the 70 per cent vaccination threshold.
3/8/2021
ABC NewsWA COVID vaccination 'blitz' to target people in their 30s as state lags behind others
Western Australia will start a "vaccination blitz" in two weeks' time to boost the number of people protected against COVID-19, Premier Mark McGowan has announced, with people in their 30s able to book appointments.
30/7/2021
Zero HedgeOver 10,000 Troops To Take Part In Major Joint China-Russia War Drills
China's defense ministry on Thursday unveiled that the PLA military is set to host major joint military drills with Russia in early August - to include more than 10,000 troops from both countries in China's Ningxia Hui autonomous region, in the north-central part of the country.
30/7/2021
News.com.auMystery as record number of frogs die across Australia
People around Australia are reporting a “truly unusual outbreak” of dead frogs, with “shrivelled” creatures turning up across the nation.
30/7/2021
New.com.auHealth care clinic in Campsie shamed after charging $250 for Covid vaccine
A health care clinic in Sydney’s southwest is charging hundreds of dollars for residents to get their hands on a Pfizer vaccine.
30/7/2021
News.com.auMystery as record number of frogs die across Australia
People around Australia are reporting a “truly unusual outbreak” of dead frogs, with “shrivelled” creatures turning up across the nation.
30/7/2021
Zero HedgeContainers Are Being Built At A Record Pace. It's Still Not Enough
When will the container capacity crunch finally ease? For an early indicator, keep an eye on production of the humble 40-foot dry cargo box. If the volume and cost of new containers pull back, supply chain pressures are abating. Unfortunately for beleaguered cargo shippers, these bellwethers now imply the opposite: that the scramble for container capacity is growing even more intense.
30/7/2021
9 NewsQueensland school shut after student tests positive to COVID-19
A Brisbane school has been closed after a student at the campus tested positive to COVID-19.
29/7/2021
The ConversationNow that Australia’s inflation rate is 3.8%, is it time to worry?
Suddenly, Australia’s annual inflation rate is 3.8%, having jumped from 1.1% for the twelve months to March.
29/7/2021
SBS NewsNSW reports record 239 COVID-19 cases and two new deaths as authorities further tighten restrictions
New South Wales has reported a record 239 local cases of coronavirus and two new deaths, with Premier Gladys Berejiklian warning things are “likely to get worse before they get better”.
29/7/2021
7 NewsCOVID-19 case flew between Brisbane, Qld and Perth,WA
Queensland authorities are on alert over a flight from Brisbane to Perth last week after a passenger tested positive for COVID-19.
29/7/2021
ReutersAustralia's largest city posts record daily rise in COVID-19 cases, seeks military help
SYDNEY, July 29 (Reuters) - Australia's biggest city Sydney posted a record one-day rise in local COVID-19 cases on Thursday and warned the outbreak would get worse, as authorities sought military help to enforce a lockdown of 6 million people poised to enter its sixth week.
29/7/2021
Al JazeeraSoaring tortilla prices hit struggling Mexican households hard
Mexico City, Mexico – For 69-year-old Maria Eugenia Aguilera, her weekly shop has come with nasty sticker shocks over the last year.
29/7/2021
Al JazeeraThousands of scientists warn climate tipping points ‘imminent’
Thousands of scientists have repeated calls for urgent action to tackle the climate emergency, warning that several tipping points are now imminent.
29/7/2021
BBC NewsChina expanding its nuclear capabilities, scientists say
Satellite images from Xinjiang province in the west of the country suggest it is building a nuclear missile silo field, a report from the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) says.
28/7/2021
The West AustralianLikely inflation spike won't unsettle RBA
The latest annual inflation figures are expected to show a huge jump in prices, particularly for fuel, growing well above the Reserve Bank of Australia’s two to three per cent target band.
28/7/2021
Yahoo FinanceLike prices, inflation talk is going through the roof
After all, prices across the economy rose at the fastest pace since 2008 in June — and between labor, materials and shipping, it's gotten more expensive and challenging to get just about anything done in the business world.
28/7/2021
9 NewsWarnings for several states as intense winds slam opposite sides of Australia
Severe weather warnings are in place for three states and the ACT again today as gale force winds slam opposite sides of Australia. A strong cold front generates powerful winds, rain, and large surf over southern Australia.
28/7/2021
News.com.auNew covid variant discovered as Delta continues to spark Australia’s lockdowns
The UK may have freedom but they’re also brewing up a potentially fatal disaster that could see Australia suffer further.
28/7/2021
News.com.auEye-watering cost of Greater Sydney lockdown extension revealed
The eye-watering cost of Sydney’s strict stay-at-home extension has been revealed as the city is set to be locked down for another month.
28/7/2021
South China Morning PostNo entry: the trouble ahead in China for the WHO’s Covid-19 origins hunt
The UN body wants to investigate the possibility that the coronavirus could have leaked from a laboratory in China. But Beijing is blocking the path and any progress could be months away.
28/7/2021
Al JazeeraIMF warns of growing poverty, unrest and geopolitical tensions
The global economic recovery continues, but with a widening gap between advanced economies and many emerging market and developing economies thanks to vaccine inequity and a lack of fiscal support, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned on Tuesday.
27/7/2021
Sky NewsEconomic benefit of China’s rise is now a ‘substantial risk’ with increasingly complex COVID-19 dynamic
Australian political and business leaders once championed China as it rose to the economic superpower that it is today, but the intertwined and complex dynamics caused by the COVID-19 pandemic puts Australia between a ‘rock and a hard place’, writes David Scutt.
27/7/2021
ABC NewsBlacktown apartment block under police guard after six residents test positive to COVID-19
Residents have been told they can't leave the apartments for two weeks. Residents were tested yesterday and there are six positive cases across three associated households. The building is taped off and police are ensuring compliance with public health orders.
27/7/2021
Perth NewsPerth weather: Wild storm uproots trees and halts train services causing peak hour chaos
Perth and the South West have been lashed by wild weather overnight, with wind gusts of more than 135km/h uprooting trees, plunging roads into chaos and grinding trains to a halt. More than 18,000 homes and businesses have been left without power after a strong storm cell barrelled through WA, bringing with it a “twice in a year” weather system, huge downpours and even hail in parts.
27/7/2021
7 NewsVictoria’s Tuesday COVID cases promising ahead of lockdown ending announcement, with all 10 new infections in isolation
Victoria has recorded another promising sign the state-wide lockdown will end as planned, with all of the new COVID-19 cases in isolation for their entire infectious period.
26/7/2021
9 NewsAustralian government secures 85 million Pfizer booster shots for 2022 and 2023
The federal government has secured an additional 85 million doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine to provide Australians with booster doses in the next two years.
26/7/2021
9 NewsHow Taiwan is trying to defend against a cyber 'World War III'
As China steps up military pressure on Taiwan, the self-governing island is preparing for the next big frontier of warfare: crippling cyberattacks.
26/7/2021
ABC NewsSouth Australian COVID–19 lockdown to end on Tuesday night after one new local case
The case is an 87-year-old man linked to the Modbury cluster who has been in quarantine, bringing the total number of cases to 19.
26/7/2021
7 NewsCalls for welfare recipients in lockdown to automatically receive higher COVID-19 disaster relief payments
Labor wants welfare recipients living in lockdown areas automatically bumped onto higher COVID-19 disaster relief payments.
26/7/2021
7 NewsWA on COVID alert over flu-like symptoms on SECOND cargo ship off Perth
Western Australia is again on COVID-19 alert after a bulk carrier in waters off Perth reported it was carrying crew members with flu-like symptoms.
26/7/2021
Perth NowPerth weather: Bureau tells people to leave work early as heavy rainfall, damaging winds forecast
Four days — that’s all Perth residents got before the blanket of grey clouds and soaking showers we’ve been trapped under almost every day this month returned.
26/7/2021
Hellenic Shipping NewsChina crackdown could knock crude oil import growth to 20-year low
Beijing’s crackdown on the misuse of import quotas combined with the impact of high crude prices could see China’s growth in oil imports sink to the lowest in two decades in 2021, despite an expected rise in refining rates in the second half.
26/7/2021
Zero HedgeWhy Is The CDC Quietly Abandoning The PCR Test For COVID?
We have detailed (most recently here and here) the controversy surrounding America's COVID "casedemic" and the misleading results of the PCR test and its amplification procedure in great detail over the past few months.
23/7/2021
9 NewsNumerous websites briefly go down in widespread outage
Major websites went down Thursday in what appeared to be a brief but widespread outage.
23/7/2021
Zero HedgeHere We Go Again: Toyota Shutters Factory In Thailand Due To COVID 'Delta' Variant
Today in "are we going to do the entire lockdown again for the Delta variant despite the entire world having access to vaccines" news...
23/7/2021
ReutersDeadly floods in Germany, China and North America’s sizzling heatwaves have one common link: jet stream
Devastating floods destroyed towns in Germany and Belgium. A ruthless heatwave broiled the Western US and Canada. Heavy rains paralysed a Chinese industrial hub home to 10 million people. These recent weather phenomena are being intensified by the changing climate.
23/7/2021
9 NewsGusty winds and rain heading for Australia's east after cold snap
There's been some relief from the cold snap this morning with temperatures climbing slightly higher after much of the country experienced its chilliest day of the year.
23/7/2021
9 NewsPfizer COVID-19 vaccine to be approved for children aged 12 to 15
Health Minister Greg Hunt has confirmed the approval of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine for children aged 12 to 15.
22/7/2021
ReutersUK food supply chains ‘on the edge of failing', meat industry warns
The British Meat Processors’ Association (BMPA) said the shortage of skills was so critical, some plants had reported vacancies of 10% to 16% of permanent positions, discounting the impact of the pandemic. “On top of the underlying worker shortage, we’re also hearing from some members that between 5% and 10% of their workforce have been 'pinged' by the (health service) app and asked to self-isolate,” BMPA CEO Nick Allen said.
22/7/2021
SBS NewsSouth Australian COVID-19 cluster doubles to 12 cases as list of exposure sites grows
South Australia has recorded another six local COVID-19 cases in addition to the one announced earlier on Wednesday.
22/7/2021
News.com.auVictoria records 26 new local Covid-19 cases as lockdown remains in place
The state’s health department confirmed the new local virus cases about 9am but in a positive sign for the Victoria’s lockdown, they said all 26 were linked to existing outbreaks that have stemmed from NSW.
22/7/2021
Al JazeeraUK to permanently deploy two warships in Asia Pacific
Plans for the high-profile visit by the UK carrier strike group come as London deepens security ties with Tokyo amid tensions in the South China Sea.
22/7/2021
ABC NewsAt least 25 killed, 200,000 displaced by evacuations as torrential rain floods China's Henan province
Heavy rains have lashed Henan province since the weekend and more is forecast. The equivalent of a year's average rain hit Zhengzhou city in just three days. Rainstorms submerged the city's metro, killing 12 people and injuring five.
22/7/2021
Zero HedgeAmerican Life Expectancy Sees Biggest Drop Since WWII, Erasing 20 Years Of Progress
Life expectancy in the US fell by 1.5 years in 2020, the biggest decline since at least World War II, as COVID killed indiscriminately, while the numbers of overdoses, homicides and other "deaths of despair" climbed.
21/7/2021
News.com.auVictorian Premier hints at future where vaccinated Aussies granted more freedoms
The Victorian Premier has hinted at a future where Aussies vaccinated against Covid-19 would be granted more freedoms than those who haven’t received the jab. When questioned about the possibility, Daniel Andrews said there was “genuine interest” in the idea. But he warned no coronavirus vaccine developed anywhere in the world completely prevented people from contracting the virus.
21/7/2021
Al Jazeera‘It cannot be contained’: Indonesia COVID deaths go unreported
More people are being forced to isolate at home as overwhelmed hospitals turn patients away. Many are dying.
21/7/2021
ABC NewsConsumers lose confidence, and those in states not affected by COVID lockdown feel it most
Consumer confidence is down sharply in data collected on the weekend. It’s down most in cities and states not in lockdown.
20/7/2021
ABC NewsBOM declares negative Indian Ocean Dipole, tipping the odds towards more wet weather
The IOD climate driver is associated with wetter than average conditions for most of southern Australia and parts of the west coast. Farmers in some areas are already enjoying a wet year, but more rain will be welcome for some. Researchers say positive IOD phases may become more common in the future, but negative events are harder to predict.
20/7/2021
Sky NewsStates close borders as more than 13 million Australians go into lockdown amid COVID outbreaks
As Greater Sydney, Victoria and South Australia all go into lockdown, states and territories across the country slam shut their borders.
20/7/2021
ABC NewsRussia tests hypersonic Tsirkon missile, leaving NATO concerned about potential escalation
The missile flew at seven times the speed of sound. It hit a target more than 350 kilometres away. NATO allies say they will respond in a measured way to Russia's growing capabilities.
15/7/2021
News.com.auWhat it‘s like for Sydney Covid patients in St Vincent’s ICU
For the first time, cameras have been allowed inside a Sydney ICU, where patients are fighting for their lives.
15/7/2021
Zero HedgeSouth African Army 'Activates' All Reserve Members Amid Worsening Social Unrest
As social unrest nears the 7th day in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, the South African Army Reserve has ordered "all Reserve Members" for duty on Thursday morning.
15/7/2021
Sky NewsCOVID-19 update: Face masks return to Melbourne as Sydney outbreak grows, lockdown considered
Masks will become mandatory in all indoor settings - including workplaces and secondary schools - as the state tries to overcome the outbreak from Sydney that has jumped the border.
15/7/2021
Sky NewsCOVID-19 update: Face masks return to Melbourne as Sydney outbreak grows, lockdown considered
Masks will become mandatory in all indoor settings - including workplaces and secondary schools - as the state tries to overcome the outbreak from Sydney that has jumped the border.
15/7/2021
SBS NewsIndonesia posts record daily COVID-19 infections as it becomes new 'epicentre of Asia'
Taliban fighters in Afghanistan seized control of a major border crossing with Pakistan on Wednesday, one of the most important objectives they have achieved so far during a rapid advance across the country as U.S. forces pull out.
15/7/2021
SBS NewsIndonesia posts record daily COVID-19 infections as it becomes new 'epicentre of Asia'
Taliban fighters in Afghanistan seized control of a major border crossing with Pakistan on Wednesday, one of the most important objectives they have achieved so far during a rapid advance across the country as U.S. forces pull out.
15/7/2021
ReutersAfghan Taliban seize border crossing with Pakistan in major advance
Taliban fighters in Afghanistan seized control of a major border crossing with Pakistan on Wednesday, one of the most important objectives they have achieved so far during a rapid advance across the country as U.S. forces pull out.
14/7/2021
ABC NewsKim Jong Un grapples with the worst crisis in his reign so far: A crippled economy, no COVID-19 vaccines and food shortages
Its virus control strategy to date has been simple and effective: strict quarantine measures have kept the virus from coming in by keeping everything else out. But while North Korea may not have the virus within its borders, its pandemic defence has come at a cost. Along with crippling its economy, the closure has also meant there is no clear strategy on how the regime will vaccinate its population to protect it against a wave of the coronavirus.
14/7/2021
ABC NewsChinese spy ship returns to waters off Queensland ahead of Defence's largest war-fighting exercise
The ADF says it has been monitoring the approach of the vessel for "several days". The ship is expected to remain outside Australian territorial waters. Similar Chinese spy vessels watched Australia's war games in 2017 and 2019.
14/7/2021
South China Morning PostSouth China Sea: US-Philippines treaty covers Chinese attack, Blinken says
China says international ruling regarding the resource-rich waterway are a ‘waste of paper’ containing obvious errors and its sovereignty will not be affected Statement coincides with anniversary of 2016 international tribunal ruling in favour of Manila’s territorial claims.
14/7/2021
Zero HedgePortions Of Mississippi River Nearing Record Low, May Jeopardize Barge Traffic
In another sign, the megadrought is wreaking havoc across the Western half of the US. There are multiple portions of the Mississippi River that are nearing record low water levels that may inhibit commercial or private vessels from traversing the critical waterway.
14/7/2021
Zero HedgeGoldman Says Economic Impact From Delta Will Likely Be "Modest"
In heavily vaccinated countries like the US and UK, the analysts pointed out a newfound discrepancy: while Delta is driving new cases higher in places where restrictions on movement and business have recently been lifted, the number of new hospitalizations and deaths have remained subdued, and shown little correlation with any rise in confirmed cases.
13/7/2021
Sky NewsDelta variant ‘seemingly less severe’ but ‘more transmissible’
The Menzies Research Centre’s Nick Cater says it seems clear the chance of dying if you contract the Delta variant is “considerably smaller” than the Alpha variant. “Basically, if you’re under 50 it’s virtually zero – that’s according to public health UK,” he told Sky News host Cory Bernardi.
13/7/2021
SBS NewsVictoria records one new COVID-19 case, as Melbourne apartment complex told to quarantine
A Melbourne apartment complex is in lockdown as authorities work to track the movements of a group of infectious removalists from NSW who visited the state.
13/7/2021
ABC NewsDeputy Premier hints at new restrictions for parts of Sydney
Deputy Premier John Barilaro has hinted at new restrictions for parts of Sydney, admitting NSW has "lost control" of the outbreak.
13/7/2021
ABC NewsSydney's COVID-19 lockdown may cost Australia $7 billion, economist warns
Greater Sydney's lockdown could cost the national economy $1 billion per week, according to a prominent Australian economist. "We’re already into the third week. But if it gets extended for, say, another four weeks, we’re looking at a $7 billion cost," AMP Capital's chief economist Shane Oliver said.
12/7/2021
Perth NowCoronavirus crisis: Mark McGowan posts epic video celebrating the end to mandatory masks
It’s masks off Monday and Mark McGowan has celebrated with an epic face reveal.
12/7/2021
G News[Inquisitive Minds] Spontaneous Abortion Rate is Shockingly High After Vaccine
Dr. Tom T. Shimabukuro’s research group from the Immunization Safety Office at the CDC, studied 827 cases if pregnant women in different trimesters, in which 700 of the 827 women were vaccinated in the third trimester, the rest of 127 supposed to be in their 1st or 2nd trimester. Their conclusion of this study as stated, “The preliminary findings did not show obvious safety signals among pregnant persons who received mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.”
12/7/2021
9 NewsAstraZeneca vaccine to become available to over-40s in NSW in desperate bid to suppress outbreak
The AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine will be made available to all residents in NSW aged 40 and over, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced.
12/7/2021
9 NewsQueensland to ease restrictions after zero new local COVID-19 cases
Coronavirus restrictions will ease across Queensland after the state recorded zero new local COVID-19 cases overnight.
12/7/2021
G NewsBig Tech Platforms’ Censorship Has Violated Many Global Citizen’s Freedom of Speech， Congress Is Introducing a Plan To End This
House Republican members are pushing a plan to regulate social media companies, in part, by allowing users who have been censored to sue the Big Tech firms who “monopolies.”
12/7/2021
Perth NowPerth weather: Reports of flooding in southern suburbs as huge storm hits WA
A "twice-in-a-year" supercell storm event has crossed the coast and begun battering WA, with rainfall totals already topping 30mm in some areas just hours after it began.
12/7/2021
Zero HedgeWhat If The Next Major Cyberattack Targeted The Internet?
Over the past few months I have been writing analysis on a planned crisis war game organized by the World Economic Forum called “Cyberpolygon.” The event will be held this week on July 9th, and it’s allegedly designed to simulate a massive cyberattack that somehow disrupts the global supply chain, or at the very least disrupts the supply chain of multiple large economies.
9/7/2021
Al JazeeraDemand for bush food is booming, so why are so few Indigenous people involved in the sector?
The demand for native food in Australia continues to outstrip supply, but only a small percentage of people in the industry are actually Indigenous.
9/7/2021
Al JazeeraDeath of WA woman, 61, linked to vaccine
The death of a 61-year-old West Australian woman last month was likely linked to the AstraZeneca vaccine, the Therapeutic Goods Administration has confirmed.
9/7/2021
Al JazeeraPfizer developing COVID-19 vaccine booster after waning immunity
Pfizer will develop a booster dose to protect people from variants of COVID-19 after seeing waning immunity from its vaccine.
9/7/2021
Sky NewsCrowds for Olympic Games scrapped as Tokyo enters state of emergency
The Games will be held without crowds due to Tokyo entering a state of emergency, Olympics minister Tamayo Marukawa has confirmed.
9/7/2021
SBS NewsHeavy rain for NSW to last into weekend
New South Wales can expect heavy rain today and high winds in some areas, with wet conditions continuing into the weekend.
8/7/2021
Al JazeeraOil prices stay volatile amid ongoing OPEC+ clash over output
Oil has soared in 2021 as the rollout of coronavirus vaccines permits major economies to reopen, spurring a revival in global consumption. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies have returned some of the production they took offline at the height of the pandemic, but they’re struggling to agree on a way forward.
8/7/2021
Sky NewsQLD records two new cases as Sunshine Coast University Hospital staff isolated
Queensland has recorded two new cases of local transmission. It comes as ten hospital staff from Sunshine Coast University Hospital have been forced into 14-day quarantine after saving the life of a COVID-19 infected patient.
8/7/2021
SBS NewsNSW braces for COVID-19 cases spike as authorities flag possible harsher restrictions for Sydney's southwest
Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned the virus was spreading rapidly in the local government areas of Fairfield, Liverpool and Canterbury-Bankstown.
8/7/2021
ABC NewsFarmers on the New South Wales–Queensland border have gone from one extreme to the next, with the wettest start to the winter cropping season in a decade.
Farmers on Queensland's border are reporting the best start to winter in a decade. Some paddocks are so soggy that some are seeding by plane. However, heavy rain has halted sowing operations in northern NSW.
8/7/2021
ReutersHaiti may slip deeper into lawlessness after president's killing
Haitian President Jovenel Moise was shot dead overnight on Wednesday, stoking fears of deepening chaos in an impoverished Caribbean nation already reeling from rampant gang violence and facing a constitutional crisis.
7/7/2021
ReutersIran begins process of making enriched uranium metal; U.S., E3 dismayed
Iran has begun the process of producing enriched uranium metal, the U.N. atomic watchdog said on Tuesday, a move that could help it develop a nuclear weapon and that three European powers said threatened talks to revive the 2015 Iran nuclear deal.
7/7/2021
SBS NewsVictoria to reveal new 'COVID-normal' rules as businesses push to ease mandatory masks
Victoria's next step toward 'COVID-normal' restrictions is set to be announced, with business groups lobbying for an end of mandatory masks in offices.
7/7/2021
ABC NewsNSW records 27 new COVID-19 cases as Greater Sydney lockdown extended
NSW recorded 27 new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8:00pm yesterday. The source of nine of those remain under investigation. Greater Sydney's lockdown has been extended for another week — until 12:01am on July 17.
6/7/2021
ABC NewsFlooded south coast WA farmers to lose out on potential record grain harvest
Farmers may expect to harvest a record 20 million tonnes of grain in Western Australia. Excessive rain drowned some crops in the Great Southern and south coast regions. Some south coast WA farms are too waterlogged to sow or spray.
6/7/2021
ABC NewsSecond severe WA weather warning for state's south as barrage of cold fronts head for coast
Thunderstorms and showers with strong winds are set to hit WA's south. There is a warning about possible damage to homes and property. Perth is not in the warning zone but is still set to get decent rainfall.
6/7/2021
Sky NewsPfizer boss suggests third COVID-19 vaccine dose needed after efficacy rates drop in Israel
While efficacy rates have fallen, the vaccine is still proving to be strong barrier against any severe symptoms. Hospitalisation prevention was sitting at 93 per cent from June to July, slipping slightly from earlier reports of 98 per cent and there have been no deaths in the last 12 days.
6/7/2021
SBS NewsMasks and distancing rules to be scrapped in England as part of shift to 'personal responsibility'
That variant now accounts for nearly all new COVID-19 cases in Britain, and infection rates have soared, sparking concern. But mass vaccinations have stopped a resultant surge in hospital admissions or deaths.
5/7/2021
Al Jazeera NewsUN World Food Programme says 41 million on verge of famine
Some 41 million people in 43 countries are at imminent risk of famine, with nearly 600,000 others in four countries already experiencing famine-like conditions, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned.
5/7/2021
ABC NewsAustralia Post launches new parcels marking traditional place names
Australians will now be prompted to include traditional place names when addressing letters and parcels, after a community campaign.
5/7/2021
7 NewsNew Sydney COVID cases confirmed as city waits for lockdown announcement
NSW has recorded another 35 cases of COVID-19 as Greater Sydney awaits a decision on whether lockdown will be extended.
5/7/2021
7 NewsWA records another COVID-19 case as household contact tests positive
Western Australia has recorded one new local COVID-19 case days after more than two million residents were freed from lockdown.
5/7/2021
ReutersFace masks to become a personal choice in England, minister says
LONDON, July 4 (Reuters) - The wearing of face coverings in England will become a personal choice and the data that will determine if lockdown restrictions can be lifted this month was looking "very positive", Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said on Sunday.
5/7/2021
9 NewsWarnings as severe storms lash Western Australia
Residents in Western Australia are being warned of destructive winds and dangerous surf as a severe strong cold front moves across the state.
5/7/2021
9 NewsQueensland records four new local COVID-19 cases, all linked to known infections
Queensland has recorded four new local COVID-19 cases.Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the new cases were linked to known infections and had been confirmed as the Alpha strain of the virus.
2/7/2021
Zero HedgeMark McGowan reveals Perth and Peel’s COVID-19 lockdown will be lifted from 12.01am Saturday amid one new case
The Perth and Peel lockdown will be lifted at midnight as planned despite WA recording one new locally-acquired case overnight.
2/7/2021
Zero HedgeNew Study Links "Acute Chest Pain" In Male Soldiers To mRNA Vaccines
More research has been published highlighting more problematic side effects linked to COVID-19 shots. Last week, we published our latest update on rare cases of heart inflammation that have been linked to the mRNA COVID jabs, including the jabs from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna. After a hurried secret meeting with its advisory board on vaccine safety, the FDA reluctantly release a warning asking patients experiencing these symptoms to seek help immediately.
2/7/2021
9 NewsWA enters its final day of lockdown after 'amazingly encouraging news'
Residents in Western Australia's Perth and Peel regions are hoping they have woken to their final day of lockdown.
2/7/2021
Perth NowUS warns on China's nuclear build-up
The United States says China's rapid build-up of its nuclear forces is concerning and is calling on Beijing to engage with it "on practical measures to reduce the risks of destabilising arms races".
2/7/2021
G NewsFauci: "There Are Now Two Americas, The Vaccinated & The Unvaccinated"
America’s favourite Chinese lab funding coronavirus doomonger doctor Anthony Fauci announced Tuesday that there are now two Americas, a vaccinated America and an unvaccinated America.
30/6/2021
G NewsMortality Rate 8 Times Higher Among Fully Vaccinated Than Unvaccinated If Infected by Delta Variant – UK Data Shows
Delta variant (B.1.617.2) of CCP virus is spreading like wildfire all over the world. Because of the super high infectivity of this variant, a lot of countries have taken full advantage of this “opportunity” to persuade (or scare) people to get vaccinated, claiming that vaccination will offer a significant level of protection.
30/6/2021
ABC NewsFrustrated West Australian-Northern Territory border families feel pain of COVID-19 rules
Residents relying on essential services across the WA-NT border call for a long-term solution. Alana Hunt worries about her family's access to emergency care and her partner was unable to say goodbye to his sister before she died. The family now faces a 500km trip to the doctor or the shops.
30/6/2021
SBS NewsTemperature records tumble again in US, Canada as heatwave enters uncharted territory
The "statistically freaky" heatwave is affecting western Canada and the north-west US. Lytton in British Columbia set a new Canadian record of 47.9C on Monday. The heatwave is being driven by high pressure, climate change and drought.
30/6/2021
SBS NewsQueensland hospital worker confirmed to have Delta coronavirus variant as millions wake up in lockdown
The 19-year-old tested positive on Monday but is believed to have been infectious in the community for about 10 days, and in that time worked two shifts at the hospital and went on a family holiday to Townsville. Late on Tuesday, authorities confirmed she has the highly contagious Delta variant of the virus.
30/6/2021
SBS NewsQueensland announces three more local COVID-19 cases on first full day of new lockdown
All three local cases are close contacts of existing cases. The new numbers came from 18,447 tests.
29/6/2021
Perth NowPerth lockdown: FIFO flights grounded as miners told to stay put
More than 20 FIFO charter and scheduled passenger flights have been cancelled within WA today as the four-day Perth and Peel lockdown kicks in.
29/6/2021
Perth NowPerth coronavirus restrictions: Everything you need to know about the mutant COVID-19 Delta variant
A new COVID-19 case that has led to phase one restrictions in Perth and Peel is “probably” the highly infectious Delta strain, Health Minister Roger Cook has revealed.
29/6/2021
Zero HedgeSyria's Largest US-Occupied Oil Field Comes Under Missile & Mortar Attack
A US military base at Syria's occupied Omar oil field in Deir Ezzor province has come under attack by unknown groups following last night's Biden-ordered airstrike on militia bases along the Syria-Iraq border. Western sources are reporting it as "revenge" by "Iran-backed militias" for the Sunday night US military action against pro-Iranian encampments along Syria's eastern border, which left multiple militia members dead.
29/6/2021
9 NewsNSW records 19 new COVID-19 cases amid record testing numbers
New South Wales has recorded 19 new cases of COVID-19 to 8pm yesterday. A staggering 67,000 people were tested for the virus in the 24-hour reporting period as the number of exposure sites around Sydney continues to grow.
29/6/2021
ABC NewsAustralia-New Zealand travel bubble set to resume with some states
The New Zealand government has announced that the travel bubble with Australia will resume with South Australia, ACT, Tasmania and Victoria on July 5.
29/6/2021
ABC NewsQueenslanders heading for three-day lockdown as state records two locally acquired COVID-19 cases
Parts of Queensland will go into a three-day lockdown after the state recorded two new locally acquired cases of COVID-19.
29/6/2021
ABC NewsWhy are fully vaccinated people subject to COVID-19 restrictions, and is that likely to change?
Millions of Australians are grappling with fresh COVID-19 lockdowns and enhanced social distancing measures as the country faces multiple unfolding outbreaks.
29/6/2021
Zero HedgeIsrael Sees Explosion Of Cases In Vaccinated Patients Caused By "Delta" Variant
More evidence is emerging to suggest that the Delta COVID variant poses a very real threat, even to patients who have already been fully vaccinated.
28/6/2021
News.com.auSingapore’s surprising new plan to ‘live with covid’ revealed
No quarantine, no icky tests and no daily numbers – one nation that Australians know well is taking a controversial course out of the pandemic.
28/6/2021
ABC NewsUS launches air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria, after drone attacks
The United States has carried out another round of air strikes against Iran-backed militia in Iraq and Syria in response to drone attacks.
28/6/2021
9 NewsThe highly contagious Delta strain explained
The highly contagious Delta variant of COVID-19 will ambush countries which have slow vaccination rollouts and a weak uptake in preventative strategies, scientists have warned.
28/6/2021
ReutersAustralia says pandemic will hit gov't budget, population over next 40 years
SYDNEY, June 28 (Reuters) - The coronavirus-induced border closures and lockdowns in Australia will have an enduring impact on government coffers and population growth, according to official forecasts released on Monday.
25/6/2021
Sky NewsBusiness confidence falls in Victoria after fourth lockdown
Melbourne restaurant owners pushed to the edge by Victoria’s fourth lockdown say they are being forced to invest interstate.
25/6/2021
Sky NewsChina lodges trade complaint against Australia
China has lodged a complaint with the World Trade Organisation over Australia’s anti-subsidy and anti-dumping measures against Chinese exports.
25/6/2021
Zero HedgeFootage Of Bats Kept In Wuhan Lab Fuels Scrutiny Over Its Research
Official Chinese state-approved footage from years ago showing bats being kept at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has further fueled scrutiny of the research being conducted at the secretive facility.
25/6/2021
9 NewsQ&A explainer: Everything you need to know about new lockdown for Sydney COVID-19 hotspots
Four Sydney Local Government Areas will plunge into a seven-day lockdown from 11.59pm tonight in a bid to stamp out the state's escalating coronavirus outbreak.
24/6/2021
Sky NewsAstraZeneca use to be phased out by October
The federal government is now projecting the AstraZeneca vaccine will be phased out by the end of the year since it is expected all those 60 years and older will be fully vaccinated by then. The recent changes to the medical advice surrounding the AstraZeneca jab - due to blood clot concerns - means people aged 60 and older are now the only ones eligible to receive the vaccine.
24/6/2021
ABC News'Super' heat tolerant kelp restores hope for underwater forests battling climate change
Heat tolerant giant kelp identified in the wild has been bred and replanted. Climate change has caused giant kelp forests to decline by 95 per cent. Trials of the "super" kelp have been successful with some growing more than four metres in nine months.
24/6/2021
Zero HedgeChina Denounces US Navy Warship Transiting Taiwan Strait
China called the U.S. Navy's latest sail of a warship through the Taiwan Strait the region's most significant security "risk creator." The narrow waterway that separates Taiwan from China is a highly contested region. The U.S. Pacific Fleet said Tuesday the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur "conducted a routine Taiwan Strait transit June 22 (local time) through international waters in accordance with international law."
24/6/2021
Perth NowInflammation and Pfizer, Moderna link: US
Rare cases of heart inflammation in adolescents and young adults is likely linked to vaccination with the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna COVID-19 shots, a group of doctors advising the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say in a newly-released presentation.
23/6/2021
SBS NewsAustralia's trust in China has fallen to a record low
The 2021 Lowy Institute Poll has revealed record low levels of trust in China, high levels of praise for Australia's handling of the coronavirus pandemic, and a desire to do more on climate change.
23/6/2021
SBS NewsNew Zealand coronavirus lockdown 'on the table' after Australian travels while likely infectious
New Zealand health authorities are considering options after an Australian travelled to Wellington, only to test positive for COVID-19 on their return.
23/6/2021
ABC NewsAtmospheric river set to deliver a deluge from coast to coast
An atmospheric river is set to bring widespread rain from the north-west to the south-east this week. Rain has started in South Australia and is expected to reach Melbourne Wednesday, Canberra and Sydney Thursday and Brisbane Friday. Recent flood-hit parts of Gippsland are not expected to receive significant falls but the Bureau is watching a cut-off-low behind the system.
22/6/2021
ABC NewsIndian Ocean Dipole developing off WA likely to spell wet winter and spring for much of Australia
The Indian Ocean Dipole influences Australia's weather patterns. A negative IOD phase it brings more rain, especially in south-eastern states. Despite forming off the WA coast, the state's South West will likely miss out.
22/6/2021
Zero HedgeVaccines Exhibit "Reduced Efficacy" Against "Delta" Variant, WHO Doctor Warns
As the mutant COVID-19 strain known as "Delta" picks up steam across Europe and the US, one of the WHO's leading doctors has just expressed concern about recent research published in the Lancet showing that the first generation of COVID-19 vaccines aren't as effective at protecting against "Delta".
22/6/2021
News.com.auCMO says Brisbane hotel quarantine transmission could be ‘world first'
The country’s chief medical officer said it would appear as though the transmission of Covid-19 throughout a Brisbane hotel could be the first of its kind.
22/6/2021
ABC NewsCalifornia's rapid descent into extreme drought is a climate detective story — and the outcome could be disastrous
The drought in California has rapidly intensified as dry soils soak up snowmelt, leaving dams dry. California suffered record heat last summer.
21/6/2021
ReutersAustralian PM promises more COVID-19 shots to states amid rollout delays
SYDNEY, June 21 (Reuters) - Australian states and territories will get more doses of COVID-19 vaccines soon, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday, as authorities look to avoid further delays in an immunisation drive that has hit several roadblocks.
21/6/2021
ABC NewsQueensland authorities trace source of Emirates flight attendant's COVID-19 infection after ruling out Delta variant
A major contact tracing effort is underway to determine how a member of an international flight crew could test positive to COVID-19 just hours after finishing 14 days of mandatory hotel quarantine in Queensland.
21/6/2021
Zero HedgeIran's Only Nuclear Power Plant Undergoes "Emergency Shutdown"
Multiple reports indicate Iran's only nuclear power plant has "undergone a temporary emergency shutdown," according to AP's Jon Gambrell, citing local reports via state television.
18/6/2021
News.com.auScammers target residents in Dandenong Ranges who will be without power for three more weeks
Distraught Victorians are being scammed by fake workers being paid upfront to clear debris caused by a massive storm but never returning to complete the job.
18/6/2021
9 NewsMasks mandatory on Sydney public transport after new COVID-19 case linked to cluster
Masks will be mandatory on public transport in Sydney for the next five days after a new local COVID-19 case was linked to the cluster in the city's east.
18/6/2021
ABC NewsVictorian Covid-19 patient transferred to ICU as condition deteriorates
The condition of one of Victoria’s positive Covid-19 patients has deteriorated as the state emerges from it’s latest local outbreak.
18/6/2021
ReutersStung by pandemic and JBS cyberattack, U.S. ranchers build new beef plants
CHICAGO, June 17 (Reuters) - U.S. cattle ranchers and investors are sinking hundreds of millions of dollars into new beef plants after temporary closures of massive slaughterhouses at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic left farmers with nowhere to send animals destined to be turned into meat.
17/6/2021
ABC NewsUnemployment is back near pre-pandemic levels. A CBA economist says missing foreign workers are one reason why
The monthly labour force data is excluding a vital element of Australia's labour force: foreign workers who've been working in Australia for less than 12 months. He says once you take those "short-term" workers into account, the employment picture changes dramatically. It could help explain why job vacancies are at record highs and why employers are complaining that it's difficult to find workers.
17/6/2021
News.com.auFears new Covid-19 cases could spark restrictions for Sydney
Last time NSW had a locally acquired covid case restrictions were reinstated, with fears two new infections could see rules tightened once more.
17/6/2021
ABC NewsVictoria records no new local cases of COVID-19 with lockdown restrictions set to ease
Victoria has recorded no new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 as the state prepares for a further easing of lockdown restrictions. Health authorities are trying to contain a cluster of cases that emerged at an apartment complex in Southbank, which had grown to eight cases by Wednesday.
16/6/2021
ABC NewsMelbourne communities urged not to drink tap water potentially contaminated after storms
Yarra Valley Water says boiling the water may not remove all contaminants Residents should take care to not ingest water when showering or bathing The water directive is likely to be in place for three days while testing takes place.
16/6/2021
CNNIsraeli military launches airstrikes in Gaza in response to incendiary balloons launched from the coastal enclave
The Israeli military struck targets in Gaza overnight Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement, citing incendiary balloons launched from Gaza earlier in the day. According to reports in Israeli media, incendiary balloons launched from Gaza sparked multiple fires in southern Israel.
16/6/2021
Zero HedgeUS Indo-Pacific Commander Requests More Spending To Contain China
Facing the Chinese communist regime’s increasing aggression in the Asia-pacific region, the newly appointed Indo-Pacific Commander John Aquilino has recently requested an additional $890 million in spending from Congress to strengthen military equipment in Guam, Alaska, and Hawaii for possible military confrontations.
16/6/2021
SBS NewsVictoria records three new locally acquired COVID-19 cases, all linked to known outbreaks
Victoria has recorded three new locally acquired COVID-19 cases overnight, as authorities plan to further ease restrictions. The Health Department confirmed five new local COVID-19 cases were recorded in the 24 hours to Wednesday morning, two of which had already been announced.
15/6/2021
News.com.auVictoria records zero new locally acquired Covid-19 cases
Victoria has recorded zero new locally acquired cases in a promising sign restrictions will be eased again this week.
15/6/2021
Sky News'These are uncertain times' as Taiwan issues Australia warning of Beijing 'grey zone' war
Executive Director of the IPA John Roskam says Australians need to be made "aware" of stark warnings from the Taiwanese foreign minister about Beijing's "grey zone war" sending in armed fishing boats into Australian waters.
15/6/2021
BBC NewsNato warns of military challenge posed by China
Nato leaders meeting for a summit in Brussels have warned of the military threat posed by China, saying its behaviour is a "systemic challenge". China, they said, was rapidly expanding its nuclear arsenal, was "opaque" about its military modernisation and was co-operating militarily with Russia.
15/6/2021
SBS NewsNovavax says its COVID-19 vaccine is more than 90 per cent effective
Novavax says late-stage data from its US-based clinical trial shows its vaccine is more than 90 per cent effective against COVID-19.
14/6/2021
Zero HedgeAstraZeneca's COVID Jab Should Be Halted For People Over 60: EMA
On Friday, the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) safety committee identified another rare blood condition after people taking AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine and said it was examining cases of heart inflammation after inoculation. By Sunday, the head of the EMA health threats said people over 60 should avoid the Astrazeneca vaccine, according to Reuters.
14/6/2021
Zero Hedge/p>CDC To Hold "Emergency Meeting" After 100s Suffer Heart Inflammation Following COVID Vaccines
The new details about myocarditis and pericarditis emerged first in presentations to a panel of independent advisers for the Food and Drug Administration, who are meeting Thursday to discuss how the regulator should approach emergency use authorization for using COVID-19 vaccines in younger children.
10/6/2021
News.com.auEvacuation order for Victorians living in Traralgon Creek area due to flooding
People living near a Victorian creek have been told to evacuate immediately as floodwaters rise rapidly.
10/6/2021
News.com.auQld outbreak grows after case travelled from Melbourne
Queensland has recorded two Covid-19 cases after a Melbourne couple breached lockdown, putting three states on high alert.
10/6/2021
ABC NewsShipping cost surge raises retail price pressures and inflation risks
Soaring demand for physical goods has increased congestion and delays at the world's ports and pushed up shipping costs. The price of products like canned food, shoes, clothes, and computers could increase if retailers start to pass on the higher freight and input costs. The cost of shipping a 40 foot container from Shanghai to Sydney on the spot market has doubled.
10/6/2021
ABC NewsMother and son rescued, major power outages as wild weather batters Victoria
More than 200,000 homes and business suffered power outages and thousands remain without electricity. The State Emergency Services has received more than 3,600 calls for help. A mother and son were injured by a tree which fell on their house at Olinda, in the Dandenong Ranges.
9/6/2021
Zero HedgeOne Bank Goes Apocalyptic: Inflation Is About To Explode "Leaving Global Economies Sitting On A Time Bomb"
As excerpted from "Inflation: The defining macro story of this decade" a must-read report written by Deutsche Bank's global head of research, David Folkerts-Landau, co-authored by Peter Hooper and Jim Reid.
9/6/2021
News.com.auQantas delays start to international travel as national vaccine rollout time frame slips
Australia’s biggest airline has flagged yet another delay to the highly-anticipated restart of international travel.
9/6/2021
Al JazeeraPfizer to expand tests of COVID-19 vaccine in children below 12
New study to enroll thousands of children below 12 years at dozens of sites across the US, Finland, Poland and Spain.
8/6/2021
ABC NewsRecord national winter crop sown, but mouse plague could take drastic toll in NSW
A record 23.2 million hectares of winter crops have been sown. The yield is forecast to be lower than 2020-2021, but still higher than average. NSW farmers fear the mouse plague will devastate their harvest.
8/6/2021
South China Morning PostSouth China Sea: US military gives tacit backing to Malaysia’s claim 16 Chinese planes neared airspace
A Chinese military source had said only two planes were involved in last week’s incident, but a US Pacific Air Forces spokesman disputed that account. The ‘intrusion’ has sparked concerns that China seeks to test other claimant countries’ reactions – though some see a possible nod to international law.
8/6/2021
News.com.auTwo new Covid-19 cases as Melbourne’s lockdown set to end this week
Despite a rise in cases, government insiders believe Melbourne’s lockdown will end as planned.
4/6/2021
Al JazeeraGlobal food prices surge again, stoking inflation fears
Concerns are growing over surging food prices, which climbed for the 12th month straight in May, according to a United Nations gauge.
4/6/2021
News.com.auSydney veterinarian warns of infectious and deadly leptospirosis in Collaroy
A Sydney veterinarian has reported a case of a dangerous and infectious disease that can be fatal for dogs, warning pet owners to be vigilant with vaccinations.
4/6/2021
ReutersIMF and World Bank urge G7 to release surplus vaccines
The heads of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank on Thursday urged the Group of Seven advanced economies to release any excess COVID-19 vaccines to developing countries as soon as possible, and called on manufacturers to ramp up production.
3/6/2021
Zero HedgeChina's "Artificial Sun" Sets World Record Running At 120 Million Degrees For 101 Seconds
China’s goal is to develop clean energy sources through next-generation nuclear fusion technology.
3/6/2021
ABC NewsAudit finds WA remote communities exposed to E Coli, uranium in water supply
The report found safe water delivery has improved in WA since 2015. But contaminants were still found in 37 regional communities. The Department is supplying bottled water to 24 areas.
3/6/2021
ABC NewsLocal production of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines could take up to four years, government says
mRNA technology is used in the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, both of which need to be imported. The federal government is exploring Australia's capacity to produce mRNA vaccines locally. Officials say it could be up to four years away, depending on the chosen site.
3/6/2021
Sky NewsPM announces COVID payments for lockdowns over seven days
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has introduced the temporary COVID disaster payment for circumstances where there are lockdowns imposed by states that are longer than seven days and are deemed hotspots. “So the first seven days, they are matters entirely for state and territory governments, as they wish to provide support,” Mr Morrison said.
2/6/2021
9 NewsLockdown extended in Melbourne for seven days, restrictions ease in regional Victoria
Melbourne's lockdown has been extended for a further seven days, but stay-at-home measures will lift in regional Victoria.
2/6/2021
7 NewsJWA COVID scare as Allegra ship crew member and man in hotel quarantine test positive
Health authorities in Western Australia are on high alert after two major COVID scares on Tuesday.
2/6/2021
ABC NewsMelbourne COVID-19 case travels to NSW South Coast and Goulburn for camping trip
Health authorities say a confirmed COVID-19 case from Melbourne travelled to several areas of NSW while potentially infectious, including Jervis Bay on the south coast and Goulburn in the southern tablelands.
2/6/2021
Zero HedgeJBS Shutters All US Meat Plants As Cyber Attack Jeopardizes Food Supply
Update (2002 ET): The USDA has released an important update about the Biden administration's steps to mitigate potential supply constraints and price surges following JBS' ransomware attack.
2/6/2021
ReutersU.S. says ransomware attack on meatpacker JBS likely from Russia
Brazil’s JBS SA told the U.S. government that a ransomware attack on the company that has disrupted meat production in North America and Australia originated from a criminal organization likely based in Russia, the White House said on Tuesday.
1/6/2021
South China Morning PostCambodia’s Ream Naval Base upgrade sparks worries of China link before US diplomat’s visit
A new port and a ship repair facility are likely to have been built just north of where US-funded facilities were demolished last year, a think tank says. US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman is visiting the Southeast Asian nation, which counts Beijing as a close ally, as part of an Asean tour.
1/6/2021
South China Morning PostMach 30 wind tunnel to ‘put China decades’ ahead in hypersonic race
Leading researcher reveals new facility capable of simulating flight at 30 times the speed of sound will be ready ‘soon’
1/6/2021
SBS NewsVictoria records three new local COVID-19 cases as list of Melbourne exposure sites grows
The new cases come as pressure grows on the government to introduce greater protections for the aged care system.
1/6/2021
ABC NewsFears napalm-like mouse bait bromadiolone could have 'huge' impact on native species if approved
There are fears Murray cod and native birds could be poisoned by mouse baits. NSW is seeking urgent approval to distribute a poison called bromodiolone to deal with the plague. The regulator wants more detail before it decides whether the poison can be used for the first time since 2016.
1/6/2021
ABC NewsQueensland grazier says it's time to rethink our attitude towards drought
65 per cent of Queensland remains in drought. South-west grazier Kenton Peart says drought is a normal part of life.
1/6/2021
ABC NewsAged Care Services Minister Richard Colbeck says government doesn't have exact figures on how many workers have had COVID vaccines
The government is now asking aged care providers to tell them which staff have had the COVID vaccine. Richard Colbeck says people's occupation is not recorded when they get the jab.
1/6/2021
News.com.auChina’s irate response to Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern’s joint presser
Scott Morrison and Jacinda Ardern appeared to stand together on issues about China yesterday, and Beijing does not like it one bit.
1/6/2021
Zero HedgeIntel CEO Pat Gelsinger Says Semi Shortage Could Last "A Couple Years"
Intel is now going on the record and doubling down on statements that its CEO made on 60 Minutes earlier this year, stating that it could take "several years" for the current supply shortage of semiconductors to be resolved.
31/5/2021
The Gateway PunditThousands of attorneys and doctors have joined forces to sue the CDC, WHO and the Davos Group for crimes against humanity.
1,000 Lawyers and 10,000 Doctors Join Together and File Lawsuit to Prosecute the “2nd Nuremburg Tribunal” Against Corona Fraud Scandal.
31/5/2021
ReutersAustralian farmer counts the cost of mouse plague after drought
Australian farmer Norman Moeris lifts a protective tarpaulin covering his valuable grain harvest on a cool evening - only to reveal a seething mass of rodents.
31/5/2021
ABC NewsMillion-dollar cash prizes and free eggs offered to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations
As winter creeps closer, Australia's top doctor is urging more people to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated against coronavirus.
28/5/2021
ABC NewsCyclone Seroja damage report calls for WA area around Kalbarri to be classified as cyclonic
An area only 250 kilometres north of Perth could be classified as "cyclonic" after Cyclone Seroja tore through part of Western Australia's Mid West, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
28/5/2021
Zero HedgeUS Sitting On 'Raft' Of Unexamined Virus Intel; Former Official Says 'Almost No Evidence' Of Natural Origin
Hours after President Biden promised to release the 'full report' from US Intelligence community's 90-day examination of where COVID-19 originated - unless there's something he's unaware of...
28/5/2021
News.com.auVictorians face phone delays, huge queues in rush to get Covid-19 vaccine
Victorians rushing to get a Covid-19 vaccine are facing frustrating delays over the phone and huge queues at vaccination hubs.
28/5/2021
SBS News'Numbing. Surreal': Businesses in Victoria brace for impact of fourth coronavirus lockdown
Businesses in Victoria say they fear the impact of the fourth and latest lockdown, which will be the first lockdown without any JobKeeper wage subsidy for workers.
28/5/2021
ReutersSouth Asia crosses 30 million COVID-19 cases as India battles second wave
Coronavirus infections in the South Asia region surpassed 30 million on Friday, according to a Reuters tally of official data, led by India which is struggling with a second COVID-19 wave and a vaccine shortage across the region.
27/5/2021
Zero HedgeGlobal Chip Hub Taiwan Hammered By Triple Blow Of Drought, Blackouts And COVID Surge
After the two massive power outages, Taiwan endured another small-scale power suspension in Taipei City on Friday and experienced temporary power generator malfunctions at two separate coal-fired power plants on Sunday and Monday respectively. Maintaining production is crucial at a time of global chip shortage, with political tensions and pandemic-induced lockdowns affecting supply chains and remote working increasing demand for electronic devices.
27/5/2021
News.com.auMelbourne residents report fleeing state ahead of feared lockdown
Melbourne residents have reported fleeing the state as Victoria braces for a likely fourth lockdown amid a growing Covid-19 outbreak.
27/5/2021
ABC NewsQueensland government responds to failure at coal-fired Callide power station by turning to battery power
About 80 per cent of Queensland's energy comes from coal-fired power stations. The state government is connecting the state's largest battery to the power transmission network. The Lowy Institute's annual climate poll shows 63 per cent supported a ban on new coal mines opening in Australia.
27/5/2021
ABC NewsVictoria to enter a COVID-19 lockdown as cases from Melbourne outbreak grow
China has imposed tariffs on a number of Australian products in the past year, but few expect it to do that with iron ore. According to global financial services firm UBS, China buys about 70 per cent of the iron ore Australia exports, which in turn makes up about 60 per cent of all the iron ore China imports. Any cuts to Australia's iron exports would have a significant impact on the economy and government budgets.
27/5/2021
ABC NewsRecord iron ore prices boost Australia's economy, but will the China trade war end the boom?
China has imposed tariffs on a number of Australian products in the past year, but few expect it to do that with iron ore. According to global financial services firm UBS, China buys about 70 per cent of the iron ore Australia exports, which in turn makes up about 60 per cent of all the iron ore China imports. Any cuts to Australia's iron exports would have a significant impact on the economy and government budgets.
26/5/2021
Murray Watt - Senator for QueenslandMoney for the govt, not disaster victims
Have you heard the one about the Government’s $4 billion disaster fund that’s earned more interest for the Government than it’s helped disaster victims? Watch Amanda Stoker try to explain it. They love an announcement, but they never deliver.
26/5/2021
ABC NewsQueensland blackout to be investigated after fire at Callide Power Station cuts power to large parts of the state
CS Energy's power stations at Callide, Kogan and Gladstone deliver about 30 per cent of Queensland's electricity. The outage at the Callide station had a domino effect, tripping other plants in the network. Energex spokesman Danny Donald says he has not seen such a bad blackout in his 15 years in the industry.
26/5/2021
ABC NewsMelbourne COVID-19 outbreak grows as Victoria records six new local cases
Victoria has recorded another six local COVID-19 cases, bringing the cluster in Melbourne's north to 15.
26/5/2021
Zero HedgeIran Kicks Off Large-Scale Electronic Warfare And Air Defense Exercise
On May 25th, the Iranian Army kicked off a large-scale military drill to practice electronic warfare tactics, this drill on electronic warfare is dubbed ‘Separ-e-Aseman 1400’ (Sky Shield 1400).
26/5/2021
ABC NewsConfirmed COVID-19 case attended Collingwood-Port Adelaide match at the MCG
Victoria has recorded nine cases in the current coronavirus cluster. One of those cases attended the MCG for the AFL match between Collingwood and Port Adelaide. A crowd of 23,415 people attended the match, won by Port Adelaide.
26/5/2021
Sky NewsGovernment withholding vaccine dose information: Independent senator
A prominent independent senator has claimed the federal government is deliberately keeping people in the dark over the national vaccine supply. Senator Rex Patrick is on the Senate’s COVID Committee and believes the government is deliberately putting off boosting the ad campaign to encourage people to get the jab because there are so many questions about how many vaccines are available.
26/5/2021
News.com.auChina’s warning could wipe $32 billion from Australian economy
China has warned Australia it is in for economic “pain” in the near future — saying plans to hit our highest export are already taking effect and could wipe billions from our economy. According to CommSec, iron ore prices are down sharply again this morning, dropping US$11.85 a tonne or 5.9 per cent to US$188.25 a tonne — after hitting a record high of more than $US230 a tonne earlier this month.
25/5/2021
ABC NewsQueensland scientists develop peptide-based drugs that could reduce severity of COVID-19
Queensland scientists have developed two new drugs that could prevent COVID-19 infection and stop further spread of the virus in patients who have already contracted it.
25/5/2021
ABC NewsHope for wallabies so endangered they were thought to be extinct
Bridled nailtail wallabies are regularly preyed upon by feral cats and foxes when they are juveniles. UNSW scientists have taken young wallabies and raised them in a protected shelter before releasing them, which saw an 89 per cent success rate.
25/5/2021
ABC NewsMelbourne COVID-19 restrictions return as cluster grows in northern suburbs
A new case identified this morning is being treated as a potential source case for the cluster in Melbourne's north. Masks will be mandatory indoors in Melbourne from 6:00pm Tuesday and limits on gatherings will be introduced.
25/5/2021
Sky NewsThe era of the Americans dominating the world 'has just about gone'
The era when Australia could always know the Americans were going to dominate the world is just about gone, according to Liberal senator Jim Molan. "We have got the best defence force at the moment that I've seen in 50 years exposure to the defence force," he told Sky News host Paul Murray. "But it all belongs to another era. It belongs to that era when the Australian Defence Force could always know that the Americans were going to dominate the world - now that period has just about gone.
25/5/2021
Sky News‘Destructive’ Hawkesbury flood likely within four years
The next Hawkesbury flood is likely within the next four years with “every chance” it will be higher and more destructive than it was in March. NSW experienced its third wettest week on record in early 2021 – averaging a state-wide rainfall average of 102 millimetres.
21/5/2021
Zero HedgeSurvey Shows Half Of Non-Mask Wearers Will "Definitely Not" Consent To Being Vaccinated
This looks like bad news for the CDC and the Biden Administration, which are desperate to entice more Americans to get vaccinated before international pressure forces the president to give away the entire US stock of vaccines (Biden announced yesterday that the US would send 20MM doses of vaccine that are authorized for emergency use in the US abroad for the first time as pressure from the international community grows).
21/5/2021
9 NewsVax and scratch: New York offers $6.4m lottery for newly vaccinated
Anyone who gets vaccinated at select state-run vaccination sites in New York next week will receive a lottery scratch ticket with prizes potentially worth millions, as Governor Andrew Cuomo tries to boost slowing vaccination rates.
21/5/2021
News.com.auPeter Dutton says transparency on COVID vaccine blood clot cases is important, but risk is very low
Peter Dutton says it is important the government is transparent about cases of rare blood clots associated with the AstraZeneca vaccine, while urging people to keep the figures in perspective.
21/5/2021
News.com.auCommonwealth Bank has bumped up its three and four year fixed rates on home loans
Ultra-low home loans could be on the way out, with the nation’s biggest lender hiking rates for the second time.
21/5/2021
ABC News
Sydney news: Mice-killing chemical rollout, investigation into baby death in Oran Park
Twenty towns in NSW will host grain treatment sites to distribute the poison bromadioline to farmers affected by the mouse plague.
21/5/2021
9 News
Smishing: The new scam fleecing Aussie victims of thousands
Australians are being inundated by a new form of scam whereby victims are sent text messages asking for them to share personal details which are then on-sold.
21/5/2021
9 News
Six new blood clotting cases linked to AstraZeneca vaccine, including SA man in ICU and 18-year-old in Queensland
A South Australian in a "very serious" condition in hospital is among six new cases of a rare but serious blood clotting condition likely linked to the AstraZeneca COVID-19 jab.
20/5/2021
Zero Hedge
Chip Shortage Enters "Danger Zone" As Lead Times Reach New Record
Semiconductor lead times, the time it takes for a company to order a chip and taking delivery, increased to 17 weeks in April, indicating shortages of these critical components are intensifying, according to Bloomberg.
20/5/2021
Sky News
Mouse plague to hit Sydney by August
A destructive mouse plague is closing in on Sydney with experts predicting rodents could begin invading homes by August.
20/5/2021
Sky News
Australians' COVID-19 vaccine reticence might be due to 'complacency'
RACGP President Dr Karen Price says complacency due to Australia’s success in handling the pandemic is one possible reason why some members of the Australian public are reticent to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
20/5/2021
News.com.au
Australian retail icons risk a Debenhams style ‘failure’
A catastrophic retail failure similar to the closure of Debenhams in the UK is a possibility in Australia, an expert has warned.
20/5/2021
ABC News
Does Argentina's beef exports freeze open fresh opportunity in China for Australian producers?
The Argentine government wants to lower domestic beef prices with a 30-day export ban. Argentina exported about 750,000 tonnes of beef last year, mostly to China. Australian exporters have diversified export markets due to trade tensions with China.
20/5/2021
ABC News
Sunshine Coast farmer putting pot plants in freezer to grow raspberries in winter
Piñata Farms managing director Gavin Scurr says they have been growing raspberries for five years. Mr Scurr says they use long-cane production to trick the plant about the weather. Raspberries are becoming more popular with Australian consumers.
19/5/2021
Zero Hedge
China Furious As Japan Refuses To Address Its Radioactive Fukushima Water Dumping Concerns
Angry that Japan has yet to respond directly to the concerns of the international community, China again urged Japan on Monday to face up to its responsibility and refrain from "wantonly" disposing the radioactive, polluted Fukushima water before reaching consensus with all stakeholders and international agencies through consultations.
19/5/2021
News.com.au
Sobering graph exposes Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout failure
While Australia has been lauded for its response to COVID-19, a sobering graph has exposed just how far behind the nation is in one key battleground.
19/5/2021
South China Morning Post
US exports to China grow at ‘expense’ of Australia after Beijing’s trade ban
Following Beijing’s ban on a range of Australian products, the US has been steadily ‘backfilling’ the void left by its ally. Political observers say the US will prioritise its own economic needs ahead of its allies, including Australia, despite close ties
19/5/2021
SBS News
UN says more than 52,000 Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli airstrikes as conflict enters ninth day
The UN aid agency says more than 52,000 Palestinians have been displaced by Israeli airstrikes that destroyed or damaged nearly 450 buildings in Gaza.
19/5/2021
ABC News
Yellow crazy ant eradication plan puts paws in the paddock as Far North Queensland fight ramps up
Yellow crazy ants can quickly create super-colonies because they are not aggressive towards their own species. The Wet Tropics Management Authority says efforts to eradicate them from Far North Queensland are working. A detection dog is helping locate the remaining pockets of infestation in the far north.
19/5/2021
ABC News
Argentina bans beef exports for 30 days in effort to reduce domestic prices
The Argentinian government is attempting to lower local beef prices with 30-day export ban. One analyst believes ban will put a lot of pressure on China. Argentina exported about 750,000 metric tonnes of beef in 2020, the bulk of which went to China.
19/5/2021
ABC News
Epidemiologists explain how a COVID case flew undetected from India to Howard Springs
A new coronavirus case in international quarantine in Darwin this week shows the virus is still able to overcome hurdles designed to keep COVID-19 out of the country.
18/5/2021
News Corp
UN agencies call for urgent action to avert famine risk in 20 ‘hunger hotspots’
Famine is already on the doorstep of millions of families in 20 countries, two UN agencies warned on Tuesday in a report that calls for urgent action to avert rising hunger due to factors such as conflict, climate extremes and the COVID-19 pandemic.
18/5/2021
Bloomberg
The World Economy Is Suddenly Running Low on Everything
‘It is anything but efficient or normal.’ Surging corporate demand is upending global supply chains.
18/5/2021
SBS News
US to send 20 million vaccine doses abroad
US President Joe Biden says the US will share an additional 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines with the world in the coming six weeks.
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