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Controversial Beijing Winter Games start amid Covid and boycotts

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The most divided Olympic Games in decades is set to get under way in China on Friday as Beijing becomes the only city to host both the Summer and now the Winter Games

With tight COVID-19 controls in place, the Games have been fraught with political tensions over allegations of human rights abuses occurring within China and boycotts.

Beijing’s step into history as the first city to host both seasons of the games, will officially get underway with the opening ceremony on Friday night.

While it won’t look the same as in 2008, with far fewer people in attendance due to protocols over coronavirus, the event will take place at the Bird’s Nest national stadium.

The 2008 opening ceremony lasted over four hours but this year’s edition is expected to come in under two hours due to the colder weather, with temperatures hovering either side of zero in Beijing.

FILE PHOTO: A man is reflected in a mirror as he walks past the logo of the Beijing 2022 Olympics in Beijing, China, November 30, 2021. Picture taken November 30, 2021 REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Virus concerns have also impacted the amount of performers attending the competition

The number of performers involved has been slashed from 15,000 in 2008 to approximately 3000 to 4000.

Fireworks and a light show on Beijing’s skyline will feature alongside dancers, musicians, singers and choirs. The all-important parade of nations will have reduced numbers, with many athletes either yet to arrive in Beijing or opting out of the event to reduce the risk of infection.

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Shooting suspect not cooperating, motive still unclear

Tyler Robinson, suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting, uncooperative with authorities as motive investigation continues, says Utah governor

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Tyler Robinson, suspect in Charlie Kirk’s shooting, uncooperative with authorities as motive investigation continues, says Utah governor

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In Short:
– Utah authorities are investigating the shooting of commentator Charlie Kirk, allegedly killed by suspect Tyler Robinson during an event.
– Robinson is in custody, facing charges and showing no cooperation with investigators regarding his motive.
Utah authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, which occurred during an event at Utah Valley University.
The suspect, Tyler Robinson, 22, is not cooperating with investigators as they seek to determine his motive.
Governor Spencer Cox confirmed Robinson will face formal charges on Tuesday and remains in custody.

 

Robinson has not confessed to investigators, Cox told the ABC program “This Week.”

“He is not cooperating, but all the people around him were cooperating, and I think that’s very important,” the Republican governor said.

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Robinson allegedly fired a long-range shot that killed Kirk during a gathering attended by 3,000 people.

Investigators are speaking with his friends and family for insights, with reports suggesting Robinson had previously expressed disdain for Kirk and his views.

The shooting has sparked concern over rising political violence amid growing ideological divisions in the U.S.

Asked on CNN’s “State of the Union” program whether the roommate’s gender identity is relevant to the investigation, Cox said, “That’s what we’re trying to figure out right now. … It’s easy to draw conclusions from that, and so we’ve got the shell casings, other forensic evidence that is coming in – and trying to piece all of those things together.”

Investigation Continues

The investigation revealed messages inscribed on the bullet casings, suggesting a personal motive linked to Kirk’s controversial rhetoric.

While Robinson’s background indicates a more complex ideological stance diverging from his conservative upbringing, calls for calm and a reduction in political rhetoric have emerged in the aftermath of the shooting.

A memorial for Kirk is scheduled for September 21 in Glendale, Arizona.

Mike Johnson, the Republican speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, urged calm on Sunday.

“We’ve got to turn the rhetoric down,” Johnson said on the “Fox News Sunday” program.

In conversations he has had with Republican and Democratic House members since Kirk’s killing, Johnson said, “There’s this recognition that people have got to stop framing simple policy disagreements in terms of existential threats to our democracy.”


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Australia invests $12 billion in nuclear submarine facility

Australia allocates $12 billion for nuclear submarine facility in Western Australia, bolstering defense and job creation

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Australia allocates $12 billion for nuclear submarine facility in Western Australia, bolstering defense and job creation

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In Short:
– PM Albanese announced a $12 billion investment to develop Western Australia’s shipbuilding for nuclear submarines under AUKUS.
– The investment will create over 10,000 jobs and support local industries beyond iron ore exports.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a $12 billion investment to develop Western Australia’s shipbuilding industry, aiming to transform the Henderson shipyard into a facility for constructing and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines under the AUKUS partnership.
It is the largest peacetime defense investment in the region in nearly forty years, reducing dependence on mining exports.The Henderson Defense Precinct will support naval shipbuilding and maintenance for Australia’s future nuclear submarines, enhancing national self-reliance and creating over 10,000 jobs over the next two decades.

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International Trade

In parallel, Western Australia Premier Roger Cook is preparing for a trade mission to China and Japan.

The investment signifies efforts to diversify beyond the state’s significant iron ore exports, which total £100 billion annually.

The facility will also facilitate the construction of frigates and landing craft for the Australian Army, boosting local industries.

The Albanese Government has signed a Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement with Austal Defense Shipbuilding Australia Pty Ltd, focusing initially on delivering Landing Craft Medium and Heavy vessels, creating thousands of jobs.


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UK and US to finalise tech agreement during Trump’s visit

UK and US set to finalise major technology agreement during Trump’s three-day state visit, enhancing bilateral tech cooperation

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UK and US set to finalise major technology agreement during Trump’s three-day state visit, enhancing bilateral tech cooperation

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In Short:
– UK and US are finalising a major technology agreement during Trump’s state visit, enhancing collaboration in emerging technologies.
– Private investments over £20 billion are anticipated, with significant contributions from major companies like BlackRock and Citigroup.
The United Kingdom and the United States are finalising a significant technology agreement during President Donald Trump’s three-day state visit starting Tuesday.

This deal represents a notable enhancement of collaboration between the two major technology sectors.The agreement focuses on emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, and quantum computing.

UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall highlighted the potential of these technologies to transform lives.

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Alongside the agreement, private investments exceeding £20 billion in bilateral trade are anticipated. BlackRock plans to invest £500 million in UK data centres, while Citigroup will contribute £1.1 billion to enhance UK operations.

Bank of America is set to create up to 1,000 new jobs in Belfast, and PayPal has pledged £150 million for innovative projects.

Major Investments

Trump’s visit will include technology leaders such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

Both companies are expected to announce significant investments in UK data centres as part of the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure project introduced earlier this year.


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