News

Singapore on ‘knife’s edge’ amid COVID-19 flare-up

Published

5 years ago

May 12, 2021

Singapore is in the grips of its worst COVID-19 flare-up in months, prompting the co-chair of its coronavirus task-force to warn the city state is on a “knife’s edge”.

Lawrence Wong believes the number of community cases could go “either way over the next few weeks”.

Mr Wong, who is also the Education Minister, says “we have a chance of getting things under control by the end of the month”.

Your COVID-19 questions answered:

How effective is the COVID-19 vaccine? #vaccineqnsanswered #vaccinationSG pic.twitter.com/YGSDlPSOxm
— Singapore Government (@govsingapore) May 8, 2021

“PRUDENT DECISION”

Singapore recently tightened its restrictions, reducing the number of people allowed to gather, while also extending the quarantine period from 14 to 21 days for most inbound travellers.

Hannah Clapham is an Assistant Professor at NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health in Singapore.

The epidemiologist says it was a “prudent decision” to introduce these kinds of measures.

“I have been very impressed from the beginning of the commitment and determination to contact tracing that has gone on in Singapore,” Ms Clapham told Ticker News.

The infectious diseases expert says Singapore has a “really impressive” contact tracing and isolation program that swings into action when there is an uptick in cases.

AIRPORT CLUSTER

Ten new community cases were recorded in Singapore on Wednesday, including seven that are linked to a cluster at Changi Airport.

A number of the cases in this cluster are breakthrough infections, meaning the patient contracted the virus despite being fully vaccinated.

“So when we look at the numbers, when we see a lot of infections in vaccinated people, we have to remember that a lot of people have been vaccinated because we were worried about their risk of transmission,” Hannah Clapham told Ticker.

She says it is “really reassuring” that “we have seen much milder cases in vaccinated individuals”.

News

Trump declares US ready to support Iranian protesters

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

Published

15 hours ago

January 11, 2026

Ahron Young

Trump pledges US support for Iranian protesters as regime arrests 100 amid escalating crackdown on dissent

In Short:
– Trump supports Iranian protesters and promotes their quest for freedom amid government crackdowns.
– Iran reports arrests and increased military threats against protesters, with international demonstrations in solidarity emerging.

Donald Trump has warned Iran’s clerical regime that the US is “ready to help” anti-government protesters facing a crackdown. He stated on his social media platform, Truth, that the nation is witnessing a push for freedom like never before.On Saturday, Iran’s government reported the arrest of 100 “armed rioters” amid ongoing demonstrations. Rights groups claim at least 116 protesters have been killed, with unrest erupting over Iran’s currency collapse and demands for the overthrow of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.

The Iranian military has intensified threats against protesters, warning that anyone participating could be deemed “enemies of God”, carrying a potential death sentence. There have been claims of “terrorist agents” linked to the US and Israel stirring unrest.

Protester Responses

International protests have also emerged in solidarity with Iranian demonstrators.

In London, an individual was seen tearing down the Iranian flag from the embassy, drawing attention to the global dissent. Iranian state media has accused “rioters” of violence and targeting military bases, amidst a climate of increased government scrutiny and restrictions.

With the internet down in Iran, accurate assessment of the situation remains challenging. Reports indicate scattered protests continue, but fear of government retaliation complicates participation.

The Iranian government’s response highlights the volatility of the political situation, and the growing international pressure on Tehran.

News

Minneapolis protests erupt after fatal ICE shooting

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.

State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.

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News

Iran protests escalate as economy crumbles

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Published

3 days ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.

What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.

These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.

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#Iran #Inflation #GlobalEconomy #MiddleEast #Protests #CurrencyCrisis #WorldNews #Ticker