Gareth Ward, an Australian politician convicted of sexually assaulting two young men, is attempting to remain in the New South Wales state parliament despite his guilty verdict. Ward, who was found guilty last month and is currently in custody pending sentencing, has refused to resign, prompting the NSW House of Representatives to plan his expulsion. His lawyers are seeking a Supreme Court injunction to prevent his removal from parliament while he appeals his conviction. NSW Premier Chris Minns has condemned Ward’s actions and reiterated calls for his resignation, highlighting the unconscionable situation of a convicted sex offender demanding to remain in office.
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In a significant win for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), the Australian government has selected the Japanese company’s Mogami frigate to build the nation’s new warship fleet, beating out German rival ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems. The initial contract for the first three vessels is valued at $10 billion, with the remaining eight ships to be built in Western Australia. This decision, which includes Japan giving Australia priority access to the warships and the backing of the United States, marks a major defense industry agreement between Australia and Japan, ensuring a more capable and modern naval fleet. The first of these frigates is expected to be in service by the end of the decade, replacing the older ANZAC-class ships and filling a critical capability gap.
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In a move reflecting the administration’s disregard for factual reporting, President Trump fired the Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner after the agency reported a slowdown in job growth. This decision followed Trump’s social media accusations of the commissioner manipulating jobs data. The president’s actions highlight his intolerance for unfavorable facts, particularly those concerning tariffs, mass deportations, and their impact on the economy. While a few GOP members criticized this authoritarian action, the incident underscores a broader pattern of prioritizing the president’s feelings over objective truth, which has been a hallmark of this administration.
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As part of a multinational effort to address the escalating hunger crisis in Gaza, Canada deployed a CC-130J Hercules aircraft to airdrop approximately 9,800 kilograms of humanitarian aid on Monday, marking the first time the Canadian Armed Forces participated in such operations. The airdrop, part of a broader initiative involving several countries, aimed to alleviate the severely restricted access to essential aid within the Palestinian territory. While the aid was a symbolic gesture, humanitarian organizations acknowledge that airdrops are less effective than land-based deliveries. Canada’s move comes amid increasing international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis, and is working towards a two-state solution.
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During a land speed record attempt at Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats, driver Chris Raschke lost control of the Speed Demon, a rocket-like vehicle, and died from injuries. The Southern California Timing Association, organizer of the event, confirmed the incident approximately two and a half miles into the run. The event, which has occurred for decades, draws drivers and spectators seeking to set new land speed records. The cause of the accident is under investigation by the association and the Tooele County Sheriff’s Office.
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Scientists have finally identified the bacteria, *Vibrio pectenicida*, as the cause of the devastating sea star wasting disease that has killed billions of sea stars along the Pacific coast since 2013. After years of research, the bacteria was found in the sea stars’ coelomic fluid. This discovery offers the opportunity to intervene and aid in the recovery of sea star populations, which are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, particularly in kelp forests. Researchers are now exploring methods like relocating healthy sea stars, captive breeding, and assessing potential immunity or treatments like probiotics.
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A United Airlines Boeing 787, Flight 108, experienced a suspected engine failure shortly after takeoff from Washington Dulles International Airport, prompting the pilot to declare a mayday. The flight, carrying 219 passengers and 11 crew members, was en route to Munich, Germany when the pilot reported the left engine failure. The plane then circled back and safely landed at Dulles approximately 30 minutes later, with all passengers deplaning normally. The flight was subsequently canceled and passengers were rebooked on alternative travel arrangements.
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Brazil’s Supreme Court Places Bolsonaro Under House Arrest, and it’s understandable that this news sparks a range of reactions. Some feel this is a positive step, a necessary measure to hold someone accountable. Others see it as a prelude to a more substantial reckoning, a recognition that actions have consequences, and perhaps justice is finally on the horizon. It’s a moment that captures attention and prompts reflection, doesn’t it?
Brazil’s Supreme Court Places Bolsonaro Under House Arrest is essentially a holding action, a way to curb certain behaviors. The core of the legal proceedings remains ongoing, and a final verdict and sentencing are still to come.… Continue reading
On Sunday, nine individuals, including an Irish missionary and a three-year-old child, were abducted from the Sainte-Hélène orphanage in Kenscoff, Haiti, a facility that houses over 240 children. The attackers, believed to be gang members, entered the property by breaching a wall and then targeted the building where the orphanage director, Gena Heraty, was staying. Irish authorities have confirmed they are actively working to secure the release of Heraty and the others, while no ransom demands have been made public. This incident highlights the ongoing violence and kidnapping crisis plaguing Haiti, where armed gangs control a significant portion of the country, including the capital city.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood