The Australian government plans to ban social media use for children under 16, citing harm to kids. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a bill to be introduced in November, setting a 16-year age limit and making platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook responsible for enforcement. The age limit will take effect 12 months after the bill’s passage. Social media companies face penalties for violations, but not underage users or parents. Meta’s safety head, Antigone Davis, expressed willingness to comply and urged discussions on implementation.

Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 2:00 pm

Scientists discovered the world’s largest coral in the southwest Pacific Ocean, visible from space and over 100 feet long. Found during a National Geographic Pristine Seas expedition, this 300-year-old coral is three times larger than the previous record-holder in American Samoa. Unlike reefs, it’s a single specimen, resembling a massive brown rock from above. Marine biologist Manu San Félix described it as “close to the size of a cathedral.” The coral hosts diverse marine life and offers insights into centuries of ocean conditions.

Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 2:00 pm

Sri Lankans voted in a crucial parliamentary election to help President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s Marxist-leaning National People’s Power (NPP) party consolidate power. Dissanayake, who won the presidency with 42% of the vote, needs to secure at least 113 seats in the 225-member Parliament. The NPP faces challenges as a newcomer with many candidates new to politics, competing against established parties. The election uses a proportional representation system for 196 seats, with 29 national list seats allocated based on total votes.

Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 2:00 pm

Rescue workers had just left an Israeli air strike site in Aramoun, near Beirut, where eight bodies, including children and women, were found. Many injured were taken to hospitals, some critically. Observers spotted what seemed like a hand in the rubble, but it was a piece of bone. The building, in a residential area with many internally displaced people, was targeted due to Hezbollah’s presence, frequently hit by Israel in its conflict with the group.

Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 10:30 am

A Human Rights Watch report accuses Israel of war crimes and ethnic cleansing in Gaza, displacing nearly 1.9 million Palestinians since October 2023. The Israeli military’s actions, including demolitions for “buffer zones,” have destroyed homes and infrastructure, risking permanent displacement. Israel claims its evacuation orders aim to minimize civilian casualties, but reports indicate attacks on designated safe zones. Critics argue the term “evacuation” is misleading, as displaced Palestinians face repeated relocations without safety or the possibility of returning home.

Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 10:30 am

The Church of England faces a precarious moment following Archbishop Justin Welby’s resignation. His departure highlights internal divisions, especially regarding trust and safety, with abuse victims feeling relief. While some appreciate Welby’s efforts to modernize the Church, others criticize his handling of issues like women’s ordination and same-sex unions. The Church’s diverse views often lead to intense debates, reflecting broader societal polarization. Welby aimed to unify these factions amid declining Christian identification in England and Wales, but his tenure saw mixed success in addressing key social issues.

Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 10:30 am

Friedrich Merz is poised to lead Germany’s Christian Democratic Union (CDU) back into power, following a past defeat to Angela Merkel. With Germany’s center-left coalition faltering, snap elections are set for February 23, likely ending Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s tenure. Merz, advocating a stronger stance on Ukraine, proposes an ultimatum to Moscow and support for Taurus missiles. He aims to bolster European leadership amid potential U.S. policy shifts under Donald Trump. Merz’s leadership could significantly impact Germany’s role in the Ukraine conflict.

Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 7:00 am

Paris prosecutors have requested a 2-year prison sentence and a 5-year ineligibility to run for office for Marine Le Pen over alleged embezzlement of EU funds. Le Pen and her National Rally party, formerly the National Front, are accused of misusing funds meant for EU parliamentary aides to pay party staff from 2004 to 2016. Prosecutors also seek a 300,000-euro fine and additional suspended sentences. The trial concludes on Nov. 27, with a verdict to follow. Le Pen claims the charges aim to block her 2027 presidential bid.

Noah Prescott 14/11/2024 7:00 am

A man attempting to attack Brazil’s Supreme Court in Brasilia was killed by his own explosives. After two blasts, he was found dead outside the building. No one else was injured. The area is locked down, and a bomb disposal robot is examining the body. Police found a timer possibly linked to other devices. Solicitor General Jorge Messias condemned the attack and called for a full investigation. Images show the deceased outside the court, with police identifying additional explosives nearby. The Deputy Governor advised keeping parliament closed during the investigation.

Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 7:00 am

The Paris prosecutor has requested a five-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office for Marine Le Pen, accusing her and 24 others of embezzling EU funds. This trial could impact her National Rally party’s image ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The prosecutor also seeks a €300,000 fine and provisional execution, which would prevent Le Pen from running in elections even if she appeals. Le Pen denies wrongdoing, claiming the charges aim to limit voter choice. The alleged embezzlement involves using EU funds for party staff in France between 2004 and 2016.

Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 3:30 am