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Showing posts from August, 2021

ASX 200 down in early trades

Sky News Business Reporter Ed Boyd says the ASX 200 is down about 0.8 of a per cent in early trades on Wednesday. "So almost down one per cent –it's really after the US markets fell, there's fears over there of the Delta strain shutting down the economy again," Mr Boyd told Sky News Australia. "So, investors are a bit concerned." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Republicans torch Joe Biden for ‘predictable’ blame shifting onto Trump

Republicans and Trump allies have taken to social media to slam Joe Biden for shifting partial blame for the Afghanistan crisis onto his predecessor Donald Trump with one congressman saying the president “failed” and should resign. "How many times did he blame Trump?” Congressman Ronny Jackson tweeted. “Mr. Biden, YOU ARE THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF! STOP blaming Trump for your FAILURES! You're a FAILED President and you need to RESIGN!” The president addressed the nation today to discuss Afghanistan and mentioned his predecessor's conversations with the Taliban. "The previous administration’s agreement said that if we stuck to the May 1st deadline that they had signed on to leave by, the Taliban wouldn’t attack any American forces,” Mr Biden said. “But if we stayed all bets were off, so we were left with a simple decision. “Either follow through on the commitment made by the last administration and leave Afghanistan or say we weren’t leaving and commit another tens of tho

‘I’m in tears’: Aussie’s classy sportsmanship

The Aussie tennis champion described his semi-final win over Dutch teenager Niels Vink as the best match of his life as he kept his “golden slam” dream alive.Alcott’s performance was exceptional, but his sportsmanship following the match is what the sporting world will remember.At the end of a marathon match that lasted almost three hours, Alcott moved to his opponent’s side of the net before the pair of exhausted players shared an emotinal embrace.Vink, 18, was particularly overcome by the special moment he was sharing with the man he idolised growing up.The pair hugged it out for several seconds with Vink clutching at Alcott’s back and the Aussie 30-year-old patting his opponent’s head.The live TV commentator for the Tokyo Paralympics host broadcast - shared around the world - said the moment left her in tears.“Great show of sportsmanship that is from both of them,” she said.“Huge amount of respect there. It’s making me come to tears here. What a great, great show of sportsmanship.”A

‘Fantastic news’: Premier Berejiklian applauds ‘huge day’ of vaccinations in NSW

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says there has been another “huge day” after 148,000 people were vaccinated in the state on Tuesday. Premier Berejiklian said yesterday was another day “we’re deeply grateful for”. “It’s really assisting us in getting to that 70 per cent double-dose figure sooner than we had anticipated. “So that’s fantastic news. “We also had over 170,000 people come forward for testing – so huge numbers coming out to get the jab and also to get tested.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Home values record lowest rise since January

CoreLogic’s latest Hedonic Home Values Index shows the city’s combined house and unit values grew 1.2 per cent in August – down slightly from 1.3 per cent in July, in good news for budding buyers battling “worsening affordability”.House prices increased 1.4 per cent to reach a $954,496 median, while the typical unit also recorded a slight rise of 0.5 per cent to a $615,909.RELATED: Heat reducing in Melbourne’s hot market as Australian home values rise by fastest rate in 17 yearsSigns Melbourne property market is cooling: CoreLogic home valuesRecord home value rise as regional Victoria outpaces recovered MelbourneThe impact of Victoria's lockdown on propertyCoreLogic research director Tim Lawless said the August report provided further confirmation the rate of price growth was moderating in Melbourne after the market peaked in March.“The previous rapid rise in housing values wasn’t sustainable, so this is something that’s very organic,” Mr Lawless said.He said the slowing rate of gr

Child seriously injured in three-car crash

A total of four adults and three children were involved in the collision on the Sunshine Motorway southbound at Peregian Springs just before 8am. One child was taken in a serious but stable condition to the Sunshine Coast University Hospital with head injuries, alongside two other children and one adult with unknown injuries.Three adults were taken to Nambour Hospital.Police are investigating, and traffic controls are expected to remain in place throughout the morning. More to come Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

In Argentina, giant rodents vie with the rich for top real estate

Nordelta is a 1,600 hectare (3,950 acre) luxury private urban complex built on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, on a wetland from the Parana river that is the capybara's natural habitat.Also known as a carpincho or chiguire, the capybara is the largest rodent in the world and can measure up to 1.35 meters (53 inches) in length and reach 80 kilograms (176 pounds) in weight."Now that the damage has been done, the residents need to reach a certain level of coexistence with the carpinchos," said Di Martino.But since work to build a clinic began on the last remaining piece of natural land, many residents have noted a sudden capybara "invasion."Nordelta and similar luxury developments on wetlands have also been a controversial topic in Argentina.In politically polarized Argentina, leftists have long attacked Nordelta as an example of elite exploitation, while jokingly presenting the capybara as a hero of the working classes.Di Martino says the proliferation of capybaras

New iPhone 13 ‘leaked’ in TV show

In a recent episode of Apple TV Plus sitcom Ted Lasso, a character wields an iPhone without the intrusive cutout at the top of the display.The show stars Jason Sudeikis as an American football coach in charge of fictional soccer team AFC Richmond and often depicts Apple products.Macs, iPhones and even software like Face Time have featured on the show before, which is currently streaming its second season.In an episode that aired August 27, a character sported an iPhone without the notch that houses the device’s selfie camera and Face ID sensors.The handset features the iPhone 12 camera array and the yellow and orange default wallpaper that came with iOS 14.Apple is heavily rumoured to be unveiling four new iPhones during a virtual event in mid-September.While it would be unusual for the company to reveal details of a product ahead of a launch - the notchless handset feels like a strange coincidence.The notch has been a staple of the iPhone’s design since 2017’s iPhone X and is a source

Teens escape injury in horrific taxi crash

Just after 2am on Wednesday, emergency services responded to the crash on the corner of Seaford Rd and Main South Rd in Old Noarlunga.One occupant needed to be cut from the taxi after being trapped, while paramedics treated the five other people at the scene.Two 16-year-old girls and an 18-year-old woman were taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, and a 14-year-old boy and 26-year-old man were taken to the Flinders Medical Centre. Miraculously, all sustained non-life threatening injuries.The 20-year-old male driver was taken to the Flinders Medical Centre with minor injuries and will undergo mandatory blood tests.A portion of Main South Rd has been closed to northbound traffic between Griffiths Drive and Seaford Rd while investigations begin and the site is cleared. Anyone who witnessed the crash or saw the taxi prior is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Victoria records first COVID-19 fatalities of 2021

Victoria has recorded its first COVID-19 deaths in 2021, with a woman in her 40s and a woman in her 60s died of the disease last night. Despite the deaths, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews is expected to announce revised restrictions for the state later today after admitting zero COVID-19 cases is no longer a target. Emergency meetings were held last night with the premier and Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton discussing what measures could be eased and how many cases it would be safe to reopen with. The restrictions set to be reviewed are the ban on playgrounds, the five-kilometre travel limit, and the curfew – but schools will remain closed. There has also been a spike in cases as they have hit triple digits for the first time since Melbourne’s deadly second wave in September last year. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘Ask Scott Morrison’: Labor MP slams PM over pandemic leadership

Shadow Minister for Women Tanya Plibersek has slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison for a profound lack of national leadership during the pandemic. The remarks come after an open letter was penned in major newspapers across the country, signed by the nation's leading businesses who urge state premiers to stick to the national plan of reopening. "Yes, we need to get life back to normal but ask Scott Morrison why there's not enough vaccine to go around," Ms Plibersek told Sky News Australia. "Ask Scott Morrison why we don't have safe quarantine facilities, ask Scott Morrison why we're not making the Pfizer-style vaccine here in Australia like he promised months ago. "Ask Scott Morrison why we don't even have aged care or disability workers vaccinated yet despite the fact that aged care workers were supposed to be vaccinated by Easter. "This is firmly a problem caused by Scott Morrison's lack of planning. "It's a profound lack of n

Exciting new channel set to launch

Fox Docos will be the home of newly-released documentaries as well as existing content from the Australian pay TV company’s vast library, which includes more than 600 hours of HBO content.The channel, which launches today, September 1, was created by Foxtel* amid an increasing demand among Aussies for gripping true story viewing.It will kick off with a bang with the premiere of Spike Lee’s bold documentary, NYC Epicenters 9/11-2021½, a four-part docuseries about the infamous New York terror attack, which will have its global premiere on Wednesday at 7.30pm, AEST.An inspirational locally-made Foxtel original documentary featuring Australian of the Year Grace Tame, titled Walking with Hope, is also set premiere the following day, on September 2.Foxtel General Manager, Factual, Jim Buchan said: “We know there’s a huge appetite for premium, nonfiction storytelling in Australia, and the popularity of true and unforgettable stories with audiences continues to grow. “In our mission to bring w

Survey: Majority of Australians want preferential treatment for the fully vaccinated

A clear majority of Australians want fully vaccinated people to receive preferential treatment, survey finds. The second part of the landmark YouGov/News Corp poll has found a clear majority of Australians want fully vaccinated people to receive preferential treatment. The revelation is part of broader findings of the survey revealing attitudes towards interstate borders are shifting. Australians were asked whether state borders should stay open once the vaccine rollout is complete. 62 per cent of respondents said yes – if people are vaccinated. 30 per cent said yes – even if unvaccinated. Meanwhile, eight per cent said borders should not be open while COVID is still around. Further, 66 per cent of respondents said they would support a vaccine passport, similar to the French scheme, to access venues – while 21 per cent opposed the idea. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Masked Singer airdate revealed

Channel 10 has announced the popular reality series will air on September 13 at 7.30pm.The first trailer, which was released last month, featured a baby, a fish with a mullet, a kebab, a piñata, a vampire and something known only as ‘Atlantis’.The baby is particularly creepy.RELATED: How Ten pulled off ‘bananas’ Masked Singer grand finale“For the last time, my name’s not Baby, baby,” the character tells a bartender in the opening scenes of the promo as the masked cast starts to perform the Ting Tings hit That’s Not My Name.Osher Günsberg is set to return as host, with Urzila Carlson, Jackie O, Dave Hughes and Dannii Minogue back on the judging panel.Posting beneath the teaser on Instagram, Dannii shared her excitement about the upcoming season.“Season Three – can’t wait to watch this with my family and live tweet with you all #partytime #InspectorMinogue” she wrote.RELATED: Ten boss spills on Masked Singer line-upAs expected, there’s already speculation surrounding who could be lurking

Daniel Andrews to announce ‘modest changes’ to lockdown tomorrow

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says a plan will be delivered tomorrow detailing when restrictions in the state can be lifted, which will be in keeping with the national plan. Mr Andrews said the state “will deliver the national plan,” and this Victorian one will not differ from what Prime Minister Scott Morrison and the premiers had agreed to. “The chief health officer and the government will today, and throughout this evening, finalise a detailed plan that will include thresholds,” Mr Andrews said. “If we can’t achieve zero despite our best efforts, how many cases can we tolerate? It will need to be a low number; it cannot be hundreds because it won’t be in the hundreds for long. Mr Andrews also said announcements about things which "can be eased” will be made based on the thresholds in the Victorian plan but it will not be “freedom day”. “It will not be an opening up type day, it will be modest changes that can hopefully be meaningful in people’s lives,” he said. Via news.com.

‘The situation is deteriorating’ in Afghanistan: Morrison

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says Afghanistan is a place in which the “situation is deteriorating”. “The US has now completed their mission there, and so they move into the same phase as Australia does, as does the United Kingdom and many other countries,” Mr Morrison said during a media conference on Tuesday. “So, we will work together to continue to provide as many people, who we've worked with closely, the opportunity for a new life in Australia under those official arrangements." Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘Insolent’ AFL star banned for season

The GWS bad boy had created controversy during his side’s elimination final win over Sydney after TV replays showed he had bumped into umpire Matt Stevic.The incident had the footy world melting down in recent days after he was charged and sent straight to face the tribunal.The scandal was decided on Tuesday afternoon after a dramatic, marathon tribunal hearing which ultimately resulted the jury of Shane Wakelin, Stephen Jurica and Richard Loveridge finding Greene guilty.Greene has been handed a three-match ban which ends his season even if the Giants were able to win through to the grand final.Watch every 2021 Toyota AFL Finals Series match before Grand Final. Live & Ad-Break Free on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free >The panel returned after a deliberation of more than 45 minutes to announce they had agreed Greene’s act was “aggressive, demonstrative and disrespectful”.After further deliberation the panel agreed on a three-week suspension after a request from AFL legal couns

Mercedes to make bombshell F1 call

Russell will become Lewis Hamilton‘s teammate for the 2022 season to create an all-British line up for the first time in F1 since 2012.Stream Every Practice, Qualifier & Race of the 2021 FIA Formula One World Championship™ Live & On-Demand on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >Russell, 23, was second in last weekend’s ill-fated Belgian Grand Prix, finishing ahead of Hamilton in third.The racer from Kings Lynn won the GP3 title in 2017 and the Formula 2 championship the following year.He has been on loan from Merc at Williams for the past three years, helping the team in their battle from the back of the grid.However, he will now earn his promotion to the Brackley-based team where he will go up against Hamilton.Last weekend, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff confirmed that a decision had been made regarding his driver pairing.When quizzed on two occasions if he had made his decision, Wolff simply said “yes”.“If it would have been an easier decision, we would have made it earlier

Mike Pompeo reacts to Joe Biden’s handling of Afghanistan

Former secretary of state Mike Pompeo says he would have made sure to get "every American out" of Afghanistan and Donald Trump would have never left "$80 billion of equipment" behind. The US completed the final withdrawal of its forces and evacuees from Afghanistan today as the head of US Central Command confirmed the final plane with the last remaining US troops left Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul. General Frank McKenzie said "there's a lot of heartbreak associated with this departure". "We did not get everybody out that we wanted to get out," he said. "But I think if we'd stayed another 10 days, we wouldn't have gotten everybody out." Mr Pompeo told Fox News the Trump administration was always "determined" to get every American out and to make sure equipment wasn't left behind. "President Trump wanted to make sure we didn't leave $80 billion of equipment left behind as well," he sai

‘Get ready’: NSW on track to hit vaccination targets amid extended wait between doses

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian has told residents and businesses to “get ready”, reiterating the state is on track to ease restrictions mid-October despite extended timeframes between first and second doses. Sixty-seven per cent of the state’s eligible population have now received at least one jab of the COVID-19 vaccine as NSW closes in on the seven million total doses administered since the commencement of the vaccination program. Ms Berejiklian denied the eight-week wait for second doses would affect the state’s march towards 70 per cent vaccination. “The timing between the doses is based on what is going to give the maximum number of people maximum coverage in the shortest possible of time,” she said. “We are still estimating that we will hit 70 per cent double dose somewhere in October. Previously, it was the end of October. “If we keep the current rates of vaccination going, we could hit that in mid-October.” “So my message very strongly during September will be to ev

Premier Berejiklian reveals her ‘absolute goal and dream’ for Australians

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian says her “absolute goal and dream” is to have every Australian “be home for Christmas”. “Whether it’s Aussies within Australia, visiting loved ones, or whether it’s Aussies overseas coming back home,” Premier Berejiklian said during a media conference on Tuesday. "Once we hit that 80 per cent double dose vaccination, New South Wales will continue what we’ve done during the entire pandemic (which) is do more than our fair share of reuniting families. “Of having a compassionate approach – accepting we’re all Australians.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Government not following through with promises to small businesses ‘unforgiveable’

Shadow Treasurer Jim Chalmers says it is "unforgiveable" that so many small businesses are being "left in a lurch" amid the federal government failing to deliver on its promises. "It beggars belief that small businesses are still being left in a lurch," Mr Chalmers told Sky News Australia. "They cant quite understand why the Prime Minister and the Treasurer, they pop up and they make these big announcements and then they don't follow through." He said it is the small businesses who "wear the costs" of the mistakes of the federal government. "It's unforgivable, as Chris Minns has said in New South Wales, that so many businesses are still being left in a lurch, weeks and weeks into this lockdown. "What we need to see is not just the announcement made by prime ministers and premiers, but the actual follow-through because the costs of getting that wrong are diabolical for too many people in Sydney and further afield."

REVEALED: the 23 latest suburbs to get NBN rollout

Long-suffering Redland Bay residents have been told they will soon be able to stream movies and upload and download videos faster after the suburb was named one of the newest areas in Queensland to be connected to the National Broadcasting Network Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Kyrgios’ response to ‘cheating’ accusation

During the blockbuster first round clash between two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray and world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, the British veteran accused his opponent of “cheating” following a lengthy toilet break.Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Try 14-Days Free Now >The thrilling contest was headed for a decisive fifth set when Tsitsipas retired to the sheds, returning almost 20 minutes later.“He’s cheating,” Murray was overheard saying, according to several reports.“What, for 20 minutes every time? There’s a toilet right there, what’s he doing? What’s he doing in there?“It’s never once taken me that long to go to the toilet ever. And it’s right there.” The Greek star broke serve early in the fifth set and ultimately claimed a 2-6, 7-6, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory in a match that lasted almost five hours.“It’s a f***ing joke, every f***ing week, f***ing under-12,” Murray muttered after the d

Tenpenny’s gospel: How an indebted US physician sells Covid falsehoods

From a $240 premium podcast annual membership to $165 webinars on why people "should not take the shot," health supplements and ticketed public speaking, Tenpenny runs a sprawling enterprise based on anti-vaccine activism, disdain for masks and testing, and denials that Covid-19 is real.Earlier this year, Tenpenny was named one of the worst known spreaders of falsehoods, myths and misleading statements about vaccines -- a group the non-profit Center for Countering Digital Hate dubbed the "Disinformation Dozen."But in comments to AFP, Tenpenny stood by her claims, maintaining that she is not spreading misinformation and is simply making "a living."While US President Joe Biden's administration pleads with the vaccine-hesitant to take the shot, Tenpenny brands Covid-19 a manufactured crisis and a means of government control."They put a key on their forehead, it sticks. They can put spoons and forks all over them, and they can stick," she said in

Hicks kickstarts bumper day for Aussies in Tokyo

South Australia’s Darren Hicks has won gold in road cycling.Pedalling furiously, the one-legged former truck driver won the 24 km C2 time trial at Fuji International Speedway in 34mins 3978 seconds, more than a minute ahead of the rider, Belgium’s Ewoud Vrmont.The win gave Hicks his first Paralympic gold medal after he had earlier won a silver in track cycling.The Aussies won three gold medals in track cycling and already have one on the road but are expected to keep adding to their stockpile throughout today and the next few days.Australia also won silver and bronze in the women’s Class 4 time trial.Emily Petricola, who lapped her opponent in the final of the individual pursuit to win gold on the track last week, took silver after finishing just 10 seconds behind American Shawn Morelli.Meg Lemon won the bronze.BUMPER TUESDAY PREDICTED FOR AUSSIES IN TOKYO The data experts who correctly predicted the record breaking performances by Australia‘s Olympic team have made another fearless fo

Australia not listed as part of America’s diplomatic mission in Middle East

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken has listed the governments and organisations America collaborated with to continue diplomatic missions in the Middle East but Australia was not among those. Australia has not played a major role in the Afghanistan withdrawal and it is reported Australian officials were not even notified the August 31 deadline had been set. Australia’s minimised role in the withdrawal is indicative of the diplomatic relationship with the US, who only engage on matters of climate change. The exclusion of Australia from the end of a critical issue like the end of the Afghanistan mission highlight the relationship has changed and is likely to set the tone for the remainder of Joe Biden’s presidency. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘Stark figures’ reveal mental health toll of lockdowns

Australians are more concerned about job losses and their mental health than the health implications of COVID-19, according to a landmark survey. The survey conducted by YouGov and News Corp reveals Australians’ attitudes towards the pandemics and lockdowns are shifting. Associate Editor at The Australian Cameron Stewart told Sky News Australia the survey captures the mood about lockdowns and the tradeoffs. “If you dwell into these figures, they are pretty stark, one in three people say they are financially worse off,” he said. “With mental health, it is even more stark, in Victoria and New South Wales more than 50 per cent of people say they are emotionally worse off in the past three months. “These are pretty stark figures and I think they reflect the changing mood in the country.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Actress’ regret after fat suit backlash

The 46-year-old Golden Globe winner plays White House whistleblower Linda Tripp in FX’s upcoming series, Impeachment: American Crime Story, which has its global premiere on Binge on September 8.Tripp, who died in April last year aged 70, famously exposed the affair between former US President Bill Clinton and White House intern, Monica Lewinsky, with the global scandal having been dramatised for the 10-part show, the third instalment of the anthology series by Ryan Murphy.Immediately after the trailer’s release two weeks ago, Paulson copped heavy backlash on social media for wearing prosthetics and a fat suit to resemble Ms Tripp, with many pointing out the role could have gone to someone more physically appropriate. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times, Paulson said she was initially torn about wearing the suit, and admitted she probably wouldn’t do it for a role again.“It’s very hard for me to talk about this without feeling like I’m making excuses,” Paulson told the publication. “There

Murray needs new shoes!

US Open: Andy Murray is awaiting a delivery of fresh shoes after supposedly sweating through his other pair and slipping around the court. Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

No Aussie boycott for England star

Talks between Cricket Australia and English officials are continuing over the quarantine arrangements for the five-Test series, with the ability for families to travel set to determine whether some star players make the trip. Vince, who smashed 95 in the Sixers’ BBL final win last summer, has committed to coming and the benefit could be a return to the Test team. The 30-year-old, who has played all three forms for England, played all five Tests on England‘s last Ashes tour four years ago.He hasn’t played Test cricket since 2018 but was reportedly considered for a recall for last week’s third Test against India.That puts him close to a call-up and a spot in the England Lions squad to face Australia A in Brisbane on December 9-13 could be another opportunity to press his claims. It would, however, put a dent in his availability for the Sixers, with the BBL set to start on December 5 for the reigning champs. Vince committed to the Sixers again after feeling the highs of last year’s succes

Late drug test drama in Jake Paul fight

Woodley is the biggest threat Paul has faced in his boxing career, which has exploded this year on the back of a series of knockout wins.The rivalry has been drama-filled in the lead up to the fight with tempers boiling over twice during the official fight week press conference and the weigh-ins this weekend.The drama continued on Monday morning just hours before the fight with revelations both fighters will be drug tested after the contest.Watch Jake Paul vs Tyron Woodley live on Main Event, available on Foxtel and Kayo on Monday 30th August at 10am AEST. ORDER NOW >It had previously been reported that the Ohio State Athletic Commission did not have the resources to conduct tests for performance enhancing substances.ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, however, revealed just hours before the start of the undercard that Paul and Woodley will be subject to standard regulations for a professional fight. The cruiserweight fight is not an amateur exhibition match.“Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley will be

Fire rips through 20-storey tower

The blaze started on the upper floors of the tower on the southern outskirts of the capital of the Lombardy region.“The flames then spread to the lower levels,” causing thick smoke, the fire services said on a Twitter account.Residents of the building which houses around 70 families were being contacted but no one had so far been identified as missing, they added.“The firemen are going from apartment to apartment, knocking down doors to make sure no one remains inside,” Milan mayor Giuseppe Sala told the Corriere della Sera newspaper.“But we are optimistic because people had time to get out,” he added. The daily said about 20 residents suffered slight smoke inhalation. According to Milano Today the flames spread up the building “like a torch” because of the cladding used on the property. One resident told the Milano Cronaca: “We were told that the panels that covered the building were fireproof, but instead they burned quickly like butter.”The Central Emergency Department for Milan con

‘Run don’t walk’: Frenzy over Ikea item

The Swedish retailer’s “Saxborga” container and mirror has gained a cult following on the app after it was shared by overseas TikTok accounts earlier this month who praised the cheap storage fix.The product comes with a cork mirror which acts as a lid and inside there are three different storage containers that can all be stacked to fit together. “Fellow makeup users, run don’t walk to Ikea,” UK TikTok video @hellfroggy shared a video that’s been viewed 5.9 million times. Now Aussies are jumping on the trend, with TikTok star @cookingwithayeh sharing how she was able to fit all her makeup and skincare in the “practical” container.“Where was this all my life,” she captioned the video, adding: “TikTok made me buy it.” Another Australian TikToker, beauty and makeup account @thebrontemarie, also said she had purchased the mirror and storage set to help her organise her products as she was often “overwhelmed by choice”.@thebrontemarie said the storage box was “very lightweight” and came wit

Health officials should do ‘targeted interventions’ on hotspot areas

“full attention” and intervene in hotspot areas where the virus spreads more readily – but not with more rules and restrictions. “This is an important example for all of Australia that the Delta variant is extraordinarily difficult to keep the lid on,” he told Sky News Australia. Dr Coatsworth said the emphasis of the interventions should be to help the affected communities access vaccine as vaccination is “the absolute key” to getting out of the pandemic. “We know that there are Australian communities where the virus spreads more readily and they’re the communities we have to focus on and give our full attention,” he said. “Not with more rules and restrictions but with the support to get vaccinated and the support to be able to stay home and abide by the restrictions while we get the numbers under control.” Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

‘Please Pray For Us’: Hurricane Ida Snaps Trees in Half in Southern Louisiana

Intense gusts lashed southern Louisiana on August 29, as Hurricane Ida made landfall as a category 4 storm with sustained winds of 150 mph. Flash flood warnings were in effect across the region, where authorities urged residents to take shelter. This footage, taken in Houma, Louisiana, by Chad Ducote, shows damage to trees and structures caused by the force of the hurricane. One large tree is seen snapped in half, the top having fallen on a building. Ducote asks anyone watching to pray for the local community. “My city is going to be decimated,” said Ducote. “Please, if you can, after the storm… we are going to need everything.” Credit: Chad Ducote via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Reporters slammed for insane footage

The powerful Category 4 storm slammed into the coast on Sunday, local time, 16 years to the day after deadly Hurricane Katrina devastated the southern city of New Orleans.“Extremely dangerous Category 4 Hurricane Ida makes landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana,” the National Hurricane Centre wrote in an advisory.Ida struck the port, approximately 160km south of New Orleans, packing maximum sustained winds estimated at 240km per hour.President Joe Biden called Ida “a life-threatening storm” that “continues to rage and ravage everything it comes in contact with.” Speaking after a briefing with federal emergency managers, he urged anyone on the storm’s path to hunker down immediately and heed official warnings.Despite those warnings, journalists were still determined to put themselves in the thick of the danger, with social media slamming their behaviour.Al Roker, the host of the US version of the Today Show, was filmed standing just metres away from the ocean, with huge swell smashing t

Hurricane Ida Lashes New Orleans With Wind and Rain

Hurricane Ida moved inland in Louisiana after making landfall as a category 4 storm on Sunday, August 29, maintaining sustained winds of 130 mph into the afternoon. Extreme wind warnings were in effect for swaths of southern Louisiana, where several hundred thousands of residents were without power. This footage, taken on Sunday in New Orleans, shows wind and rain from the hurricane lashing the city. Credit: Kendall J Washington via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Biggest day for discounted fashion approaches

And it’s not a single day shopping event either, with plenty of sales and deals traditionally on offer throughout the weekend.From Aussie brands like THE ICONIC, Country Road and Cotton On; to the newcomers you’ll be glad to discover, there isn’t a personal style or lifestyle that isn’t accounted for during this particular sales season.WHAT IS BLACK FRIDAY?Black Friday is Friday, November 26 this year - the Friday after Thanksgiving in the United States.First renowned throughout the US as an opportunity for avid shoppers to get the best deals before the gifting season, Black Friday - and its sister shopping event, Cyber Monday - has now grown to become a global event and a fixture on every retailer’s annual calendar.LAST YEAR’S BEST BLACK FRIDAY FASHION DEALSBefore the party gets started - Friday, November 26, mark it in your diary - here’s what we got from last year’s deals, to prepare you for this year’s sales. THE ICONICAustralia’s biggest online fashion retailer is slashing up to 5

Kuwait aims to transform ‘tyre graveyard’ into new city

The 2-square-kilometre (0.7-square-mile) dump in the north of the oil-rich Gulf country was where tyres went to die -- a total of more than 40 million at the end. "We have moved from a difficult stage that was characterised by great environmental risk," Oil Minister Mohammed al-Fares said at the now empty landfill some five kilometres (three miles) from Al-Jahra province.In past months, trucks loaded with tyres had made more than 44,000 trips from the landfill to Al-Salmi region, near Kuwait's industrial area, where Fares said they will be temporarily stored.  According to Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sabah, director general of the Environment Public Authority, Kuwait plans to recycle all the tyres and avoid the need for another landfill. Alaa Hassan, head of EPSCO Global General Contracting, told AFP her firm extracts raw materials from tyres, including elements used to pave roads and sidewalks. sl/dm/hc... Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Macron visits IS former stronghold in Iraq’s Mosul

He also visited a church and the site of a mosque IS destroyed in 2017 in a gesture towards all the communities in Iraq."We will bring back a (French) consulate and schools," he pledged, while criticising the pace of reconstruction in Mosul, where IS fought its last urban battle, as "too slow".Macron made the commitment for France to stay in Iraq during a regional summit in Baghdad largely devoted to the fight against terrorism and the impact of the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan as the US withdraws.On Sunday he said France and Britain will urge the United Nations on Monday to work for the creation of a "safe zone" in Kabul to protect humanitarian operations in Afghanistan.His visit to Mosul, a melting pot of Iraq's diverse ethnic and religious communities, symbolised France's support for Christians in the Middle East.Before the 2003 US-led invasion that ousted dictator Saddam Hussein, Iraq had a sizeable minority of 1.5 million Christians,

Tree Roots Lifted as Hurricane Ida Leaves Hundreds of Thousands Without Power in Louisiana

Several hundred thousand customers were without power in the New Orleans area on the evening of August 29, hours after Hurricane Ida made landfall in the state. Ida made landfall near Port Fourchon, Louisiana, as a Category 4 storm, bringing maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported. This footage, taken in the Algiers area of New Orleans, shows heavy winds pulling up a tree, along with the soil bed it’s been planted in. Credit: Mike Bradley via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

Racing world stunned by horse’s savage acts

The six-year-old horse was seen on video replays lashing out against Yaupon in the $600,000 Group 1 Forego Stakes as they made their final run to the line.Jokes about the incident have been flying around the internet ever since the Saturday incident, making Firenze Fire the most talked about horse in the world right now.Racing at Saratoga Race Course in the United States, Firenze Fire left TV commentators staggered as they watched a replay with the live callers using terms such as “savage”, “holy cow” and “scary”.The live race caught a glimpse of the incident. But it was the front on replay that showed just how brutal Firenze Fire was.Firenze Fire lashed out at the moment it became clear Yaupon had too much speed in the final few hundred metres having raced up alongside the favourite around the turn.Yaupon jockey Ricardo Santana said after the race it was something he had never seen before as his ride showed pressure under fire to win the race by a head.“That was kind of scary,” Santan

Victoria records 73 new local cases

The state’s health department announced the new local cases just before 8.30am on Monday, which included another 21 mystery infections.The department said 52 of the 73 new cases could be linked to existing outbreaks.They said the number of cases that were in isolation throughout their infectious period would be provided later in the day.It comes after 92 locally acquired cases were recorded on Sunday, the highest daily increase since September 2 last year during Victoria’s deadly second wave.Victoria has recorded more than 50 local cases on nine of the past 11 days.The rising cases despite tough lockdown measures have prompted Premier Daniel Andrews to extend the state’s sixth shutdown beyond the planned end this Thursday.Mr Andrews said too many cases had been out in the community while they were sick, which meant the lockdown could not end on September 2.But he said there was not yet any advice from the chief health officer as to what the next date would be for a possible end date to

Hurricane Ida Rips Apart Carport in Houma, Louisiana

Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on August 29 as a category 4 storm, with maximum sustained winds of 150 mph, the National Hurricane Center reported. Flash flood warnings were in effect across the region, where authorities urged residents to take shelter. This footage, taken in Houma, Louisiana, shows wind gusts from Ida ripping apart the carport attached to a home. Credit: Paulette Ristine via Storyful Via news.com.au — Australia’s leading news site https://www.news.com.au

20yo mauled to death by pack of dogs

Simona Cavallaro, a 20-year-old Italian, was walking with a male friend at a popular picnic spot in Calabria when she was savagely run down by at least a dozen dogs.Reports from Italy said an autopsy revealed major bites to her body, particularly her legs, and dog hair under her fingernails suggesting she attempted to fight back while trying to run back to a car.Cavallaro’s friend managed to escape and hide from the dogs in a nearby building in the southern Italian town of Satriano, where he called authorities.Emergency services arrived at the scene and transported Cavallaro to a local hospital but she died shortly after arriving.“Our lives are destroyed,” Cavallaro’s father Alfio wrote on Facebook. “My beloved daughter Simona passed away on this earthly life, my pain is immense as if half of my body had been removed. … It’s not fair, our lives will be destroyed knowing that you have gone to heaven. God didn’t need another angel.”Authorities immediately began rounding up the dogs, whic

How guard’s love letter exposed jail romance

“Please be so careful what you say to (London’s Mother) about me over the phone and make sure she is too,” she said.“I don’t know if you truly understand the risks and consequences I am taking for you.She pondered: “I hope I am right this time.”But the path she was already travelling down almost landed her in jail.She was this week convicted and sentenced, having pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in a relationship with an inmate.What started as a jailhouse romance almost ended up with her behind the very bars she used to patrol as a NSW Correctives Services Officer.Sporting brown hair – newly dyed from the blonde locks she had shown off at previous court proceedings – she looked up at the sky and tears fell from her eyes to the ground as she was told that she would serve her sentence in the community.Her relationship with London – and its ultimate undoing – can be traced in evidence which was presented to the court and reveals the depth of the feelings they shared for each other.

Inside the sick cult devoted to mass shooter

Roof — who killed nine members of the Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina — has been ordered to be put to death for the 2015 shooting.Despite the horrific shooting that took place in South Carolina, which led to a court’s decision to uphold the death sentence for Roof on Wednesday, the 27-year-old white supremacist has inspired people across the internet.The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) explains that Roof supporters “refer to themselves as the ‘Bowl Gang,‘ the ‘Bowl Patrol’ and ‘Bowlwaffen’ or ‘Bowlwaffen Division.’“The international Jewish non-governmental organisation said the “Bowl Gang” group of Roof supporters has around 40 to 50 active members.Fans of Roof have taken to social media platforms like Gab and Discord to praise him for his violence.For instance, one meme shared to 4chan, an anonymous imageboard website, in March 2018 referred to Roof as “the hero of Charleston … who single-handedly … took down 9 wild dindu nuffins … at their weekly racist rally dis