Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:35am on 26 Jun 2024,Wednesday International
A controversial protest dubbed the "Paris Poop Protest" has been delayed due to the River Seine's persistent pollution issues. The demonstration, which aimed to criticize the government's €1.5 billion cleanup efforts, involved protesters planning to defecate in the river. The event was slated to coincide with a swim by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and French President Emmanuel Macron, but the swim was postponed after a report revealed high levels of fecal bacteria in the water. The swim has been rescheduled for July 15, just before the Olympics. The protest's postponement comes as a relief, but the river's pollution status remains a pressing concern.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:49am on 26 Jun 2024,Wednesday International
Two NASA astronauts, Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams, are stuck on the International Space Station (ISS) with no set return date due to issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The spacecraft launched on June 5, but mechanical problems, including helium leaks and thruster issues, have delayed their return multiple times. NASA says the crew is safe with ample supplies on the ISS, which has a relatively open schedule until mid-August. The mission is part of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, testing Boeing's spacecraft for routine ISS missions. NASA is taking a cautious approach, prioritizing safety over a quick return.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:07am on 26 Jun 2024,Wednesday International
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has pleaded guilty to one count of espionage as part of a plea deal with US authorities. He appeared in court on the US territory of Saipan, where he admitted to breaking US law by encouraging classified leaks. The judge sentenced him to time already served in a British prison, allowing him to walk free. The US extradition request has been dropped, and Assange is heading to Australia to reunite with his family. He arrived at court in a suit and tie, after flying from London on a charter plane. The flight cost $500,000, which his wife had appealed for donations to cover.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:55am on 26 Jun 2024,Wednesday International
Four men were arrested at Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's home in northern England for suspected aggravated trespass. The arrests came after a group, Youth Demand, posted videos of a man entering the property and defecating in a lake as an act of protest. The group is demanding an end to new oil and gas licenses and a two-way arms embargo on Israel. Police responded swiftly, apprehending the individuals within minutes of them entering the grounds. The incident highlights the increasing tensions and unconventional methods used by protesters to draw attention to their causes.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:33pm on 25 Jun 2024,Tuesday International
British PM Rishi Sunak accused Labour leader Keir Starmer of lacking a strategy to address the migrant crisis, suggesting that illegal migrants in Calais are waiting for a Labour government to ease their entry into the UK. Sunak emphasized that a Labour victory would end current migration controls, including the Rwanda relocation policy. The UK has recorded 12,901 Channel migrants in 2024’s first half, a new high. Sunak argued this demonstrates the need for stringent policies, while Starmer warned the asylum backlog could double if Conservatives remain in power.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:53pm on 25 Jun 2024,Tuesday International
A Korean Air Boeing 737 Max 8 experienced a sudden cabin pressure failure, causing it to drop 27,000 feet in 15 minutes on a flight from Incheon to Taichung. The incident, which occurred near Jeju Island, left 17 passengers needing medical treatment for ear pain and hyperventilation, though none suffered severe injuries. Terrified passengers, including children, used oxygen masks as the plane descended. The flight resumed the next day on a different aircraft. Korean Air is investigating the incident and has apologized to affected passengers, providing accommodation and support.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:44pm on 25 Jun 2024,Tuesday International
Julian Assange, 52, founder of Wikileaks and an Australian citizen, has been freed from the UK’s Belmarsh prison after nearly five years. A deal with US authorities allows him to plead guilty to one charge under the Espionage Act but serve no further time. Assange, who had faced potential extradition to the US over leaked military documents, boarded a flight to Australia. His release follows years of legal battles and international controversies over his disclosures. His wife, Stella, expressed relief and highlighted their focus on family and recovery. The formal court approval of the deal is expected on June 26 in the Northern Mariana Islands.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:14am on 25 Jun 2024,Tuesday International
Gareth Jenkins, former chief IT architect for Fujitsu, is testifying at the Post Office inquiry. He designed the flawed Horizon system, which led to hundreds of wrongful prosecutions for theft. Jenkins confirmed he worked on Horizon from 2008-2015, starting with a team of 20-30 people that dwindled to six by his retirement. He was one of 100 employees dubbed "distinguished engineers," but claimed this title didn't impact his pay. Jenkins' testimony is crucial in understanding the development of the faulty system that caused widespread injustice. The inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind the Post Office scandal.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:50am on 25 Jun 2024,Tuesday International
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is facing a growing betting scandal. Five individuals linked to him and the Conservative party are under investigation for allegedly placing bets on the July election date. The list includes Sunak's former aide Craig Williams, Tory candidate Laura Saunders, and party officials Nick Mason and Tony Lee. A police officer has also been arrested. Labour is urging the Gambling Commission to name those under investigation, citing public interest. The scandal has sparked calls for suspensions and transparency, putting pressure on Sunak to act.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:02am on 25 Jun 2024,Tuesday International
After a years-long legal battle, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange has been released from a UK prison and has left the country. Assange, 52, reached a deal with US authorities to plead guilty to criminal charges related to disclosing national defense information. He will spend no time in US custody and receive credit for his time served in the UK. Assange was charged with conspiracy to obtain and disclose classified information related to the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He will return to Australia, according to a justice department letter. Assange spent 1,901 days in a small cell at Belmarsh prison before his release.