UK PM Johnson Announces 2 Meter Social Distancing Rule

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Tue, 16/06/2020 - 17:06

British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has announced the two-meter social distancing rule will be reviewed amid falling cases of COVID-19 in the UK. 

The review will allegedly take evidence from both scientists and economists. 
    
The country’s two-meter distancing rule is further than the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of at least one meter. 
 

Philippines Journalist found Guilty of Cyber Libel faces 6 years in prison

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Tue, 16/06/2020 - 17:01

A prominent Philippines journalist, Maria Ressa, has been found guilty of cyber libel charges, and could potentially be sentenced to up to six years in prison.

The charges are one of many against Ressa who has been vocal in scrutinising the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The verdict has been seen as a setback for democratic rights and press freedom in the Philippines with Ressa vowing to continue fighting.
 

Victorian Labor Minister Sacked by Premier after Branch Stacking Allegations

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Tue, 16/06/2020 - 17:00

Victorian Local Government Minister, Adem Somyurek has been sacked by Victorian Premier, Daniel Andrews, following allegations of branch stacking and a recording of him using offensive language in reference to a colleague. 

Mr Andrews says Somyuerk’s conduct and comments are “completely deplorable”.

Branch stacking is a term used to describe the recruitment of members for local political party branches who are instructed how to vote on key internal party decisions. 
 

Second Black Lives Matter protested test positive for COVID-19 in Victoria

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Tue, 16/06/2020 - 16:58

A second Black Lives Matter protester has tested positive for COVID-19 in Victoria and is among 12 new confirmed cases in the state.

Victoria’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton says the second Black Lives Matter protester to test positive for the virus is unrelated to the first who was diagnosed last week. 

Sutton says it is unlikely the protester caught the virus at the demonstration.
 

Queensland Government Considers "Travel Bubble with NSW

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Tue, 16/06/2020 - 16:58

The Queensland Government is reportedly considering the possibility of creating a “travel bubble” with New South Wales.

Amid concerns around the level of community transmission in Victoria, the government has begun considerations on how the state can open up to New South Wales while maintaining restrictions for Victorian travellers. 
 

COVID-19 Restrictions Eased on Funerals

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Tue, 16/06/2020 - 16:55

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced Queenslanders will be permitted to have up to 100 people in attendance at funerals.

The announcement comes as the State Government moves to further ease COVID-19 restrictions with the Premier confirming no new cases of the virus had been recorded in Queensland over Sunday night.
 

Ziggy Ramo - Black Thoughts

Submitted by charlottec on Mon, 15/06/2020 - 12:29
??❤️ Article with Ziggy Ramo written by Emma Jones of Purple Sneakers: Ziggy Ramo's brand new album titled 'Black Thoughts' is vital listening for everyone right now as its release coincides with record-breaking protests around the country for #BlackLivesMatter. An extrapolation of his EP of the same name four years ago, Ramo took to social media to announce its release. Accompanied by a caption directing fans to the album, Ramo shared an image detailing some of his thoughts on Saturday (June 6th) morning. “Australia before we march today, I ask you to reflect why you are marching,” Ramo said. He went onto explain this album was actually written five years ago during a time when the rapper was in a “dark space,” and that while he wishes that the album had dated in terms of subject matter, it was sadly just as necessary now as it was half a decade ago, and maybe even more so. “I wanted to document my thoughts so that our stories could be heard after I was gone. With the love and support of family and friends I was able to rediscover hope. The album was very healing for me, but I never put it out because I knew as a country we weren’t ready to listen” he shared. “I wish it was dated. I wish there was no need for it. But unfortunately, it’s more relevant than ever and I refuse to wait any longer.” Across sixteen songs including three interludes, Ramo distills his experiences growing up indigenous in Australia. His anger and hurt is palpable as he generously details his life so far, while taking aim at the systems that have oppressed First Nations people for 230 years. As Ramo said on social media, Black Thoughts is necessary listening for white Australians. It’s rightly uncomfortable, confronting and not meant to be a gentle listen, but it is also powerful, educational and profound. With Black Thoughts, Ramo shares a deeply personal record that elevates him to a formidable artist and storyteller. We might only be in June, but Black Thoughts is already one of this year’s best albums. “This album is not the answer to the question,” He wrote. “It’s a starting point of continued conversation. A lot of you have been asking what you can do to support change during this time. You can start by listening.” Written by Emma Jones - Purple Sneakers with direct quotes from Ziggy Ramo's Twitter. Listen to the album of the week on 4ZZZ, 102.1fm, ZED Digital and streaming online at 4zzz.org.au and iHeartRadio

New York Airport Terminal Reopens after Renovations while COVID Impacts Airline Industry

Submitted by Zedlines Contributor on Sat, 13/06/2020 - 20:59

New York’s LaGuardia Airport will open its renovated Terminal B to the public today as COVID-19 continues to impact air travel around the world.

The terminal is the latest section to open in the airport’s $8 billion renovations designed to transform the airport from the “most stressful airport in America” to a transport hub for the 21st century.

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