The Australian government plans to introduce legislation setting a minimum age of 16 for social media use, holding platforms like X, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook accountable for compliance. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasized the need to protect children online, with the law expected to take effect 12 months after passing. Social media platforms will face penalties for violations, but not underage users or their parents. Meta’s Antigone Davis supports age limits but calls for broader discussions on effective protections and suggests enhanced parental controls in app stores. Penelope Kingsley 07/11/2024 2:00 pm
World leaders, including Xi Jinping, Emmanuel Macron, and Benjamin Netanyahu, congratulated President-elect Donald Trump after his victory over Kamala Harris. Despite past criticisms of Trump’s foreign policy, leaders adopted a conciliatory tone. Xi emphasized the benefits of U.S.-China cooperation, while Macron expressed a desire to work with Trump on global crises, highlighting Europe’s role. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged the importance of the U.K.-U.S. relationship. Trump surpassed the 270 electoral votes needed for another White House term, becoming the 47th president. Penelope Kingsley 07/11/2024 2:00 pm
Scientists have partly solved the mystery of sticky black balls washing up on Sydney beaches. Initially thought to be tar balls, they are actually a mix of decomposed cooking oils, hair, and food waste, likely from mixed waste sources. The exact origin remains unconfirmed due to their complex composition. Thousands appeared in mid-October, leading to beach closures. Further analysis revealed molecules typical of cooking oil and soap scum, with traces of recreational drugs and birth control medication. The investigation continues to trace the exact source. Penelope Kingsley 07/11/2024 2:00 pm
Donald Trump’s potential return to power raises concerns in Ukraine about future US support. His ‘America First’ policy could reduce US involvement in global conflicts. Ukrainian officials fear unpredictable actions, as Trump has criticized US military aid and claimed he could end the war swiftly. Some worry he might negotiate with Putin, risking future Russian advances, while others hope for increased US military support if Trump reacts strongly to Russian aggression. Noah Prescott 07/11/2024 2:00 pm
Indonesia’s Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki erupted again, sending ash columns 8,000 meters high, surpassing the eruption three days prior that killed nine and injured 64. No casualties were reported from the latest eruption. Over 10,000 people were affected, with 4,400 displaced. The eruption destroyed schools and homes. Authorities increased the volcano’s alert status and expanded the exclusion zone to 7 kilometers. The government is analyzing changes in eruption patterns to determine safe relocation sites. Noah Prescott 07/11/2024 10:30 am
Thousands of Israelis protested in Jerusalem and across Israel after Prime Minister Netanyahu fired Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Demonstrators demanded Netanyahu reverse the decision, citing political motives, including Gallant’s opposition to exempting ultra-Orthodox men from military service. Protests erupted, blocking highways, with organizers aiming for larger crowds. Key issues included hostages in Gaza, draft exemptions, and a State Commission of Inquiry into the October 7 Hamas attack. A poll showed 55% opposed Gallant’s firing. Rabbi Jeremy Stavisky urged Haredi enlistment, referencing his son-in-law’s military death. Ava Sinclair 07/11/2024 7:00 am
Donald Trump won a second term as U.S. president, surpassing 270 electoral votes. His victory raises concerns among American allies about potential destabilization. Trump promises a “golden age” for America, but his first term strained relations with allies. He plans to escalate tariffs with China and claims he will resolve the Israel-Hamas-Hezbollah conflicts and the Russia-Ukraine war, though details are unclear. NATO is uneasy, with Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressing cautious optimism. Trump previously criticized NATO, urging European allies to increase military spending. Ava Sinclair 07/11/2024 7:00 am
In response to record-breaking smog, authorities in Punjab, Pakistan, have ordered half the workforce to stay home and extended school closures. Lahore, with an Air Quality Index over 1,000, faces hazardous conditions affecting over 70 million people. The smog has strained hospitals, with over 900 respiratory cases reported. Lahore frequently ranks as one of the world’s most polluted cities, contributing to significant health and economic impacts in Pakistan. Penelope Kingsley 07/11/2024 7:00 am
Germany’s governing coalition is in crisis after Chancellor Olaf Scholz fired Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to a loss of parliamentary majority. Scholz plans a confidence vote early next year, potentially triggering early elections by March. The “traffic light” coalition, comprising Scholz’s Social Democrats, the Greens, and Lindner’s FDP, has faced internal tensions, exacerbated by economic challenges from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Scholz accused Lindner of prioritizing party interests over national needs, while Lindner criticized Scholz for creating uncertainty. The crisis has plunged Germany into political turmoil. Penelope Kingsley 07/11/2024 3:30 am
North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on October 30, reaching space for the first time in nearly a year. The launch, confirmed by the U.S. and Japan, occurred just before the U.S. federal election, suggesting possible political motives. The missile flew for 86 minutes, reaching a record altitude of 4,350 miles. North Korea’s support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has heightened tensions with the U.S. and its allies, prompting military exercises in the Pacific. The U.S. and NATO view North Korea’s deployment of 10,000 troops to Russia as a serious issue with potential global repercussions. Noah Prescott 07/11/2024 12:00 am
