9AM ZEDLINES
Zora and Ally present your 9am Zedlines.
[Image: Mike Bowers/The Guardian]
Uber CEO compares Jamal Khashoggi to ‘mistakes’ with driverless cars
The CEO of ride-sharing company Uber Dara Khosrowshahi, has compared the death of Saudi Arabian journalist Jamal Khashoggi to ‘mistakes’ made with driverless cars.
In an interview on US television, Mr Khosrowshahi said the Saudi government made a mistake by killing Mr Khashoggi, like they had in developing self-driving cars.
Hong Kong universities close amid violent protests
Police have accused a Hong Kong university of being a “manufacturing base for petrol bombs and a refuge for rioters and criminals” following overnight clashes with anti-government protesters.
The city was paralysed on Wednesday, with much of its public transport suspended and all universities closed after a night of violent clashes at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
Police had fired multiple shots and rounds of teargas at the campus on Tuesday night and used water cannon on students, who retaliated with petrol bombs and bricks.
ABC apologies for #MeToo privacy blunder
The ABC has apologized for unintentionally revealing the names and faces of three sexual abuse and harassment survivors in an coming documentary about the #MeToo movement.
Journalist and presenter of the documentary Tracey Spicer apologised for the mistake and said she was assured no one would be identified in the broadcast version.
Australia’s media bosses optimistic about press freedom
Media bosses say they are encouraged by their latest negotiations with the government over press freedom, expressing optimism they will secure support for reforms to restrict secrecy and protect journalists and whistle-blowers.
The “Australia’s Right to Know” coalition of media organisations is pushing 6 recommendations, including public interest exemptions from a series of national security laws, protections for whistle-blowers, freedom of information reform and the right to contest search warrant,
Queensland bushfires may face slight reprieve
The firefighters in Queensland will focus on strengthening containment lines and extinguishing the existing 75 bushfires before the weather gets worse over the weekend.
The Bureau of Meteorology’s senior forecaster Michael Kneep says today’s cooler temperatures and easing winds could minimise fire danger.
Mr Kneep also warned the severe fire danger is likely to return again on Friday as temperatures will rise about eight degrees above average.
Defence investigates cause of Gold Coast fire
Investigations are underway into whether a fire that broke out during a military training exercise is connected with damaging three houses in the Gold Coast hinterland.
On October 24th, a fire was sparked during an exercise at Kokoda Barracks field training area, and again two days later.
A spokesperson from the Department of Defence said Defence has not confirmed if these fires are connected with the military training exercise of October 24th.
8AM ZEDLINES WITH ZORA AND ALLY
Zora and Ally present your 8am Zedlines.
[Image: Sam Mooy]
New Zealand MPs approve 'End of Life Choice' bill
New Zealand MPs have approved an ‘End of Life Choice’ bill, paving the way for a referendum on euthanasia to take place next year.
The bill passed 69 to 51 last night and was met with protest both inside and outside of Wellington’s Parliament.
A number of MPs expressed personal experiences in favour of the bill, including Labour MP Willie Jackson, who says many high profile Maori leaders support the decision.
Venice mayor blames climate change for historic flooding
The mayor of Venice is blaming climate change for the island’s historic flooding this week.
The Italian canal city experienced the second-highest levels ever recorded, with financial costs expected to be in the millions of euros.
Venice’s mayor Luigi Brugnaro says the flood was 'a wound that will leave a permanent mark', which he blamed on climate change.