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Showing posts from December, 2020

Milan Residents Celebrate Start of 2021 with Fireworks

Residents of Milan celebrated the end of a year that saw the Lombardy region become one of Europe’s coronavirus epicenters, taking to the streets to launch fireworks in the early hours of January 1. This video, taken by a local resident, shows fireworks being launched near the San Siro stadium on Friday morning. Credit: @dorigo1899 via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

PM’s warning on border spat

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has suggested he wants “greater consistency” when it comes to border closures, but stopped short of criticising state premiers who have slammed their borders shut in recent days. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Positive COVID-19 Test at Dallas Airport Control Facility Causes Flight Delays

Dallas airports delayed incoming and outgoing flights on Wednesday, December 30, after a positive COVID-19 test and severe weather forced a group stop by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). An airplane announcement said there would be a delay due to a “COVID issue” relating to the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) air traffic control causing a two-hour delay. This video posted by Shannon Self shows the announcement on a flight from Houston to Dallas Love Field (DAL) airport. The FAA said, air traffic delays in and around Dallas-Fort Worth were due to an air traffic control employee testing positive for COVID-19 as well as convective weather. A ground stop was called and controllers were evacuated from the control facility while cleaning was undertaken. The DFW had also announced its airspace closure due to a required sanitization cleaning of offsite FAA facilities. Air traffic at the DFW resumed at 5 pm, and the stoppage was lifted for DAL at 5.20 pm, according to statements released by t...

Year in Review: Black Summer Bushfires

This time last year, Australia was battling a challenge like no other. High temperatures and prolonged drought enabled an unprecedented number of bushfires to burn more than 18 million hectares across the country. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Aftermath of Earthquake Leaves Petrinja, Croatia in Ruins

At least seven people were reportedly killed after a magnitude-6.4 earthquake struck central Croatia on December 29. The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) said the earthquake struck southeast of the nation’s capital Zagreb at 11.20 am local time. The earthquake was felt in neighboring countries including Slovenia, where lawmakers were forced to evacuate the Slovenian National Assembly. This footage shows the nighttime aftermath of structural damage in Petrinja. Credit: Anonymous via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

The Struggle is Real: Dog Attempts to Walk in Snow Booties in Blaine, Minnesota

A dog struggled with his snow booties during icy weather in Blaine, Minnesota on December 28, trotting down the street while attempting to maneuver his new footwear. Video taken by Katelyn Lubbers shows dog, Stanley Tucci, scampering down an icy sidewalk in his booties. “Come on,” Lubber coaxes repeatedly, until Stanley comes to a standstill with his tail wagging. Credit: Katelyn Lubbers via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Tomic enters open qualifying

The tennis comeback trail for Bernard Tomic will next head to Dubai where he will be one of 11 Australians trying to qualify for the Australian Open off-shore for the first time. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

10-to-1 top Aussie trainers of 2020

There will no doubt be a fair bit of debate surrounding the 10-to-1 of 2020 Australian trainers with the training teams of David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig missing out along Anthony and Sam Freedman and Tony and Calvin McEvoy. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Citizen journalist held in brutal conditions

A Chinese citizen journalist held since May for her livestream reporting from Wuhan as the COVID-19 outbreak unfurled was set for trial Monday, almost a year after details of an “unknown viral pneumonia” surfaced in the central China city. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Delta Goodrem debuts Christmas Album

Australian singer Delta Goodrem is focusing on the festive season after a tough year for the music industry. She's released her debut Christmas album "Only Santa Knows" which features two new songs and a famous friend. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Snow Falling at ‘Crazy Rate’ Covers Knoxville, Tennessee

Snowfall covered Knoxville, Tennessee on December 24, turning from rain to snow just in time for Christmas Eve. Footage taken by Twitter user @wxjeffrey shows snow in Knoxville. “An hour ago it was 38° and raining!” wrote @wxjeffrey on Twitter. “Crazy snowfall rate here in Knoxville. With a high of 27° tomorrow, it looks like this is sticking around for a while.” The National Weather Service had reported the switch from rain to snow at 12.30 pm on December 24, with snow having started to accumulate around 4:30 pm. Credit: @wxjeffrey via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

UK and EU on brink of a Brexit deal

Britain and the European Union appeared close to clinching a long-elusive trade agreement on Wednesday, raising hopes that they were now set to avoid a turbulent economic rupture on New Year's Day. Flora Bradley-Watson reports. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Coach gets a… chip bath?!

College Football: Given it was the 'Famous Idaho Potato Bowl' Nevada players thought it would be fitting to cover their winning coach with a giant bucket of chips. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Protesters Enter Oregon Capitol Building Calling for State Reopening

Protesters broke inside the Oregon State Capitol in Salem during a COVID-19 relief special session on December 21, as State Police declaring an unlawful assembly. Oregon Police also reported at least one of the protesters used chemical agents against the police, with the police using inert pepper balls in return. “On December 21, 2020 around 8.30 am during the third special session protesters were able to gain access to the Oregon State Capitol,” wrote the police in a press release. “The Oregon State Capitol is closed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Oregon State Police and Salem Police were able to get everyone out of the building. Two individuals refused to leave the building and were taken into custody.” The anti-lockdown rally was organized by right-wing group Patriot Prayer. “Get your city and county officials to open up their jurisdictions in keeping with your CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS,” wrote the group in an event post. “Show that we will no longer tolerate the lockdown and will act to...

Long Lines of Traffic Form Near New South Wales and Queensland Border Amid COVID-19 Restrictions

Queensland Police reinstated checkpoints at the New South Wales border as the Queensland Government introduced new travel restrictions to prevent the spread of the Greater Sydney COVID-19 outbreak in mid-December. Anyone entering Queensland by road or air from New South Wales, including Queensland residents, were required to complete a border declaration pass online prior to travelling. Queensland residents returning from a hotspot location in New South Wales were required to complete a 14-day quarantine process at home, provided they underwent a COVID-19 test. Footage shows traffic backed up along the Pacific Highway at Kingscliff, New South Wales, close to the Queensland border. Credit: Lisa Cameron via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Christmas Tree Made Out of Lobster Traps Twinkles in Key West, Florida

An unique Christmas “tree” composed of lobster traps lit up in Key West, Florida, with the tree honoring the town’s maritime history. Footage taken by Twitter user @CoachKrysiak shows the twinkling tree on the Key West Historic Seaport. “Nothing says Christmas like a tree of lobster traps,” wrote @CoachKrysiak on the post. According to local news reports, the tree, made out of 45 lobster traps, celebrates both the holiday season and Florida’s history of commercial fishing. Credit: @CoachKrysiak via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘I’m F—ing Hitting People With the Car’: Boston Police Officer Filmed on Bodycam Discussing Running Over Protesters

A Boston police officer was filmed on bodycam discussing running over protesters on June 1, during demonstrations against the police killing of George Floyd. Bodycam footage provided to Storyful on December 19, by Carl Williams, reportedly an attorney representing arrested demonstrators shows an officer during the early hours of June 1. “Dude, dude, dude, I f—-ing drove down Tremont—there was an unmarked state police cruiser they were all gathered around,” the officer says. “So then I had a f——- keep coming, f—-ing running,” he continues. “I’m f—-ing hitting people with the car, did you hear me, I was like, ‘get the f—- -’”. The officer wearing the body camera walks away from the man before returning and saying “it’s on”. The other officer seen in the footage continues: “Oh, no no no no no, what I’m saying is, though, that they were in front, like, I didn’t hit anybody, like, just driving, that’s all…my windows were closed, the s—- was coming in.” According to The Appeal, Williams coll...

NSW begged ‘don’t panic buy’

New South Wales residents are being implored to wear masks outside the home and resist the urge to panic buy as the ballooning COVID-19 cluster prompts the resumption of strict social distancing rules. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

How NBA icon Bryant helped Cambage

There was once a time, as recently as last year, when Liz Cambage irritated her teammates with her lack of on-court knowledge, but the influence of NBA legend Kobe Bryant has the Southside Flyers superstar in the form of her life. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Hospital Staff Protest Stanford’s Vaccine Rollout Plan for Leaving Out Frontline Workers

Healthcare workers at Stanford Medical Center protested the vaccine rollout plan at the Palo Alto, California-based university on December 18, claiming frontline workers and those who work directly with COVID-19 patients were not prioritized. Video taken by Twitter user @drdrdippy shows demonstrators marching, chanting “First in the room, back of the line.” Stanford Medical Center had planned to leave out 1,300 frontline workers from the first round of the COVID-19 vaccinations, the San Francisco Chronicle reported. An email was sent to staff following the demonstration, stating a revised distribution plan was in the works. Credit: @drdrdippy via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Steam power: Heritage train at the Tasmanian Transport Museum

Independent Member for Clark Andrew Wilkie and Glenorchy City Council Mayor Kristie Johnston aboard a steam train at the Tasmanian Transport Museum. Volunteers are fearful their heritage trains might be stranded at the station as they claim government red tape threatens the future of rail operations in Tasmania. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Federal budget update ‘assumes China trade disputes won’t ramp up’

InvestSMART’s Evan Lucas says the numbers revealed in Thursday’s budget update don't account for the likely occurrence of "hiccups" and instead assumes trade tensions with China won’t ramp up and household consumption will continue at a steady rate. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘The Empire State Building Has Disappeared’: Snowstorm Blankets New York City

The Empire State Building disappeared amid white-out conditions in New York City on December 16, as a nor’easter covered the tri-state region. Footage uploaded to Instagram by @duluoz_cats shows snowfall in Manhattan, blocking out views of the Empire State Building. “The storm, she is here, the Empire State Building has disappeared,” wrote @duluoz_cats. Areas near New York City were expected to see eight to 12 inches of snowfall on Wednesday evening and into Thursday, the NWS reported. Travelers were warned of dangerous road conditions as snowfall was forecast to increase throughout Wednesday evening. Credit: @duluoz_cats via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Aussie watchdog sues Facebook over ‘spyware’

Hundreds of thousands of Australians downloaded an app from Facebook promising to keep their private information “secret” even though it was actually harvesting “significant amounts of users’ personal activity data” for the social network’s “commercial benefit,” Australia’s consumer watchdog claimed today. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Government announces $1 billion boost to aged care

Minister for Aged Care Richard Colbeck announced the government’s investment of a further $1 billion into the aged care sector to support its reform and to grow its capacity, to reach over 195,000 home care packages by the end of this financial year. Under the spend, $850 million will be used for 10,000 aged care packages, with more money also allocated to nurses and services. The boost comes on top of the $1.6 billion - for 23,000 packages - already committed in the nation's latest budget, with the government's overall spending on aged care projected to exceed $27 billion by 2023-2024. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Australia taking China to the WTO will have ‘very little material effect’

Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says Australia’s reference of with China to the World Trade Organisation will have “very little material effect” and simply marks another days it’s come out with “megaphone diplomacy against China”. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

King Tides Lash Byron Bay Beach After Severe Storms

High tides hit the New South Wales town of Byron Bay on Tuesday December 15, after days of heavy rain and strong winds. This footage uploaded to Facebook shows a Byron Bay beach swallowed by intense waves. Coastal areas of northern NSW and Queensland’s south braced for “cyclone-like conditions” through Monday amid continued flooding over the weekend. Beaches in Queensland’s Southeast were closed in anticipation of the severe weather. Gold Coast beaches remained closed on Tuesday and hazardous surf warnings were issued. Credit: Grant Gregor via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Strong Winds Whip Up Waves and Sea Foam in Queensland

Strong winds whipped up waves and sea foam on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia on December 14, as storms battered the region. The Bureau of Meteorology issued severe weather warnings on December 13 after a storm cell caused heavy rain and damaging winds in Southeast Queensland and Northeast New South Wales. The City of Gold Coast closed all beaches on Monday December 14, as severe weather warnings remained in place. Sea foam is typically formed in the aftermath of a storm. Wind agitates the ocean water, which is filled with dissolved organic matter such as dead algae and pollutants, creating bubbles and pockets of air. Credit: @lifesavingqld via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘You will own nothing, and you will be happy’: Warnings of ‘Orwellian’ Great Reset

A terrifying coalition of big business and big tech are so confidant and brazen they are promising the public “you will own nothing, and you will be happy” in an advertising campaign for a global reset, according to Sky News host Rowan Dean. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au