South African Unrest Continues

Violence and looting has raged in South Africa for the sixth day running, stoking fears of food and fuel shortages as disruption to farming, manufacturing and oil refining began to bite amid the country’s worst unrest in decades.

More than 70 people have died as grievances over the jailing of former President Jacob Zuma have widened into an outpouring of anger over the inequality that remains 27 years after the end of apartheid.

The deployment of 2,500 soldiers to support the overwhelmed South African police has so far failed to stop the rampant looting.

 

Spirit Bunny: Uncanny Valley

- It seems circuit-bending was just the beginning. Meanjin / Brisbane-benders Spirit Bunny are back and they seem like ...more. The same weird electronics and unstoppably positive energy produces strangely abrasive timbres in rollicking little pop songs, but it’s just ...more! It's never less, not even with all the political pot-shots that finger-point out of every number like this was an issue of Green Left Weekly, nothing can make this band seem mean-spirited or dried up.

Tkay Maidza: Last Year Was Weird Vol.3

- In 2018 when Adelaide born rapper Tkay Maidza released Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 1 she would’ve had no idea of the imminent success she’d uncover. Vol. 2 came in 2020, featuring a JPEGMAFIA collaboration and the best tracks of her career so far. With that success not in the rearview mirror just yet, Tkay has released Last Year Was Weird, Vol.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson Confirmed all Remaining COVID-19 Restrictions to be Lifted

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has confirmed that all remaining coronavirus restrictions will be lifted in England. 

Despite a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases in the past week, the Prime Minister has said it was "the right moment to proceed" as schools close for summer vacation but urged people to "proceed with caution."

Mr Johnson said although risks of the pandemic remain, legal restrictions will be replaced by a recommendation that people wear masks in crowded places and on public transport.

 

Liberal National MP, Under Pressure to Reconsider his Retirement

Liberal National MP, George Christensen, is said to be under pressure from Barnaby Joyce to reconsider his retirement which was announced in April.

Reports say Joyce is anxious about reinforcing the National's position in the party room. Christensen confirmed the calls from his co-workers to continue his political role but also said the situation would not change and he would not contest in the next election.

 

Katherine Vidgen as a Clean Energy Regulator to Help Reduce Emissions and Reduction Roals

Energy Minister Angus Taylor, has appointed a former Quadrant Energy Head, Katherine Vidgen as a clean energy regulator to help reduce emissions and reduction goals.

Quadrant Energy is one of the largest independent exporters of oil and gas in Western Australia and was sold in 2018 for 2.1 billion US dollars. 

The decision to allocate Vidgen as regular has been criticized by officials, especially after the 3 grants worth $51 Million were awarded to Beetaloo Basin, a political donor and known Liberal-linked company last week.

 

New Treatment developed at University of Queensland to Potentially Save Lives

A new treatment being developed at a Queensland University could potentially save lives by treating patients with a range of serious conditions.

University of Queensland researchers are developing a treatment that could potentially benefit critically ill patients with sepsis or acute respiratory distress syndrome.

If successful, it could reduce deaths and decrease the amount of time patients spend in the hospital.

 

Man Caught Evading Queensland's Border Restrictions

Co-founder of Atomos and former chief executive, Jeromy Young, has been identified as the man caught evading Queensland’s border restrictions after sailing in his super yacht from Sydney to the Gold Coast and attending a rugby game last Wednesday with 3 other people aboard. 

Queensland Health noticed inconsistencies with their border passes and have now placed the group in Quarantine and given each a $4000 fine.

 

Emmy history is made after First Transgender Person Nominated

Mj Rodriguez makes Emmy history as the first transgender person nominated in a lead acting category. Member from the Australian Transgender Association Queensland, Christine Johnson, stated that,

“It’s wonderful, a real boost for the whole community to see her on-screen, and hopefully she gets the Emmy”.