New York puts mask mandate to bed

Published

3 years ago

September 8, 2022

New York state is officially putting its 28-month-old Covid mask mandate to bed

Governor Kathy Hochul has confirmed face masks will no longer be required on public transport, in airports or in ride-share vehicles.

The mandate was first introduced back in April 2020, as the virus spread rapidly throughout New York City.

Of course, who can forget those scenes of the famous Big Apple becoming the epicentre of the pandemic.

The Governor says this change follows recent guidance from the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention… as the state aims to restore some sense of normalcy.

Hochul says New York is in a far stronger position than ever before, as both infections and hospitalisations continue to fall.

Masks are still required in nursing homes, hospitals and other health-care facilities licensed by the state.

Bondi Beach shooting: Chaos at Hanukkah Festival – What we know

Published

14 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gunmen open fire at Bondi Beach Hanukkah Festival; chaos ensues, raising safety concerns for public events.

What started as a joyful summer Sunday at Bondi Beach quickly descended into chaos when a gunman opened fire during a Hanukkah festival, leaving multiple dead and injured. The attack prompted an immediate counter-terrorism response as authorities scrambled to contain the situation. Witnesses described the horror unfolding in a busy public space, with brave bystanders and first responders stepping in to help.

The attack raises serious questions about the safety of major public events and religious gatherings. Why are such spaces increasingly vulnerable to violence, and how do authorities assess and prepare for these risks? Experts point to growing concerns about radicalization and the challenges of protecting open, high-profile locations.

In an exclusive interview, we speak with Tim Harcourt from UTS to explore the bigger picture. He discusses the role of bystanders, the impact of such incidents on public safety, and how authorities balance immediate response with long-term safety measures. Tune in for insights into how our communities can stay safer in an unpredictable world.

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#BondiBeach #HanukkahFestival #TerrorAttack #PublicSafety #CounterTerrorism #FirstResponders #AustraliaNews #PublicEvents

News

Trump and Albanese sign rare-earth deal: What it means for U.S.-Australia relations

Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.

Published

15 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Trump and Albanese’s rare-earth deal reshapes U.S.-Australia relations amid rising geopolitical challenges.

In a groundbreaking meeting in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese signed a historic rare-earth deal that marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two nations. This agreement signals a potential alignment amid growing concerns over defense, technology, and foreign policy. As both countries face shifting geopolitical dynamics, this deal could redefine their strategic collaboration.

The U.S. and Australia have long been key allies in countering China’s influence, especially in the Indo-Pacific region. This deal, which focuses on rare-earth materials crucial for defense and technology sectors, demonstrates how both nations are looking to strengthen their ties. Australia’s role as a strategic partner is now more critical than ever, with the growing influence of China posing a shared challenge.

Chris Berg, an expert from RMIT University, discusses the implications of this partnership, including its impact on Australia’s security needs and its relationship with the U.S. regarding Taiwan, the Middle East, and the broader Indo-Pacific. From the AUKUS agreement to the U.S.-Australia approach to Palestine, these issues are shaping the future direction of bilateral relations.

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#AustraliaUSRelations #RareEarthDeal #TrumpAlbanese #USAlliance #Geopolitics #IndoPacific #AUKUS #MiddleEastEurope

News

Bondi Beach terror attack: Hanukkah celebrations turned tragic

Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.

Published

17 hours ago

December 15, 2025

Harvey Vargas

Gunmen attack Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach, resulting in 16 deaths and outrage over rising anti-Semitism in Australia.

In a devastating and unexpected attack, two gunmen opened fire on crowds celebrating Hanukkah at Bondi Beach, leading to at least 16 deaths and numerous injuries. This horrific act of terror has shocked the nation, igniting widespread outrage and calls for unity against anti-Semitism. The Jewish community, along with the public, is grappling with the unimaginable loss and trauma caused by the attack.

Government officials have condemned the violence, and law enforcement agencies are intensifying their efforts to prevent further incidents. While details about the gunmen are still emerging, the bravery of bystanders who intervened to stop the shooting has been widely praised. This act of terror has sparked a crucial conversation about safety, security, and the ongoing issue of anti-Semitism in Australia.

As the nation mourns, leaders from both religious and community sectors are calling for solidarity, urging authorities to take stronger action against hate-driven violence. Rabbi Abraham Cooper from the Simon Wiesenthal Center joins us to share his perspective on the impact of this tragedy on the Jewish community and how Australia can address the rise of anti-Semitism in the country.

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#BondiBeach #HanukkahAttack #AntiSemitism #AustraliaTerror #JewishCommunity #GunViolence #SydneyTragedy #PublicSafety