🚀7.4-magnitude Taiwan earthquake, strongest in 25 years
🚀7.4-magnitude Taiwan earthquake, strongest in 25 years
Good Evening .
This is our post-evening wrap-up. The broadcaster allegedly paid for "illicit drugs and prostitutes" in order to obtain an exclusive sit-down interview with Bruce Lehrmann, according to a former Seven Network producer.
We continue to miss the Instagram-famous Molly the magpie.
Two Gold Coast residents who illegally reared a magpie chick with their Staffordshire terrier claim they have no idea if the bird will ever return to their house, one week after the Premier of Queensland expressed support for their case.
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The S&P/ASX 200 fell 105.4 points, 1.34%.
The S&P/ASX 200 (XJO) fell 105.4 points to 7,782.5, 1.45% from its session high and 0.15% from its low. Ascending stocks outnumbered declining stocks 41 to 235 in the S&P/ASX 300 (XKO).
So, it was a large, broad-based move that closed near the session low. This usually means more selling.
Only Utilities (XUJ) (+0.16%) and Energy (XEJ) (+0.05%) avoided the carnage today, but neither was up much, and these sectors overlap.
Uranium and coal stocks were top performers. Uranium stocks are following global sector leader Cameco (NYSE: CCJ), while coal stocks are rising in key coal futures contracts.
More broadly, rising crude oil prices at 5-month highs and a third straight session of natural gas price gains are helping the sector.
💡Evening’s Headlines
Sam Mostyn appointed as Australia's upcoming governor general
Anthony Albanese has announced the appointment of Samantha Mostyn as Australia's next governor general.Following the deaths of six coworkers and an Australian aid worker, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese conveyed his "anger and concern" to his Israeli counterpart, Australian Zomi Frankcom and other aid workers in Gaza were killed, and Israeli ambassador Amir Maimon is “deeply saddened” by the deaths.
🗳️ AUS POLITICS
Rosie Batty wants federal family violence funding consistency.
Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty is an advocate for ending family violence and has asked the federal government to make gender-based violence prevention more consistent and get more money for it.
She told the Albanese government at the National Press Club that they should learn from how they responded to the pandemic and treat violence against women and children with the same level of urgency.
Luke, the son of Ms. Batty, was killed on February 12, 2014, by his father.
Ten years later, a partner, either past or present, murders one woman every week.
Men make up over 94% of those who commit crimes.
Ms. Batty stated that teaching men empathy, consideration, and kindness instead of encouraging behaviours that result in abuse is a crucial step in preventing such violence before it occurs.
📠 BUSINESS
Honda recalls more than 52,000 cars in Australia
Due to a possible fuel pump issue, Honda has recalled over 52,000 Civic, CR-V, HR-V, Jazz, City, Civic Type R, NSX, Odyssey, and Accord models in Australia.
In Australia, Honda has now released three recall notices for the fuel pump issue, which has impacted over 4.5 million vehicles worldwide.
The Japanese automaker employed a "improper manufacturing process" that could lead to engine failure over a four-year period, from 2017 to 2020.
The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, and the Arts (DITRDCA) at the federal level in Australia stated:
Due to an improper manufacturing process, a component within the fuel pump could swell causing the fuel pump to become inoperative.
If the fuel pump stops working, this could stop the engine from starting or stall the engine while driving. This may increase the risk of an accident and may result in serious injury to vehicle occupants and/or other road users.
[Continue reading]
🚨 Science
Taiwan earthquake: an earthquake scientist on what we know so far and what may happen next
Earthquake Scientist, Monash University
Earlier today, a major earthquake of magnitude 7.4 struck the central east coast of Taiwan, roughly 20 kilometres south of the city of Hualien.
Locals near the epicentre described severe to violent ground shaking during the quake – strong enough to make standing and driving a vehicle difficult. It was reportedly felt across the country, as well as in neighbouring China.
So, what do we know so far about the quake and what the impacts may be?
Death and damage
News outlets have reported at least four people have died and dozens were injured as a result of the quake.
While much of Taiwan’s population lives on the west coast of the country, Hualien City is one of the largest population centres on the east coast. Its population is roughly 100,000.
Building damage has been reported in the region near the epicentre of the earthquake, including in Hualien City.
Landslides also occurred along the mountainous central east coast.
A tsunami warning was issued for Taiwan and nearby countries including Japan and the Philippines. At the time of writing, a 30 cm tsunami was reported along the south coast of Japan. This would have shown up as a noticeable swell on the shore but is unlikely to cause significant damage.
The biggest surge in a tsunami is not always the first surge so it is possible a larger tsunami wave may eventuate, but as time passes this becomes increasingly unlikely.
Was there any warning?
Although earthquakes cannot be predicted, Taiwan has an early warning system.
This system detects ground shaking as it happens in the epicentral region, and immediately sends an alert which travels faster than the seismic energy and associated ground shaking.
It likely provided crucial seconds of warning for those living away from the epicentre to take cover. [ Source ]
🖥️ Technology
A first look at Europe’s alternative iPhone app stores
By Callum Booth
Almost a month after Apple’s begrudging capitulation to the Digital Markets Act (DMA), only one third-party iOS app store is currently live in Europe. It’s the B2B-focused Mobivention marketplace that allows companies to distribute their own apps internally. While that’s fine and all, things won’t stay this way for long — and it’s what’s coming soon that’ll really pique the interest of Verge readers.
Both the Epic Games Store and MacPaw’s Setapp have been announced, but it’s AltStore that’s likely to hit EU users’ phones first. This new app marketplace from developer Riley Testut is a version of AltStore, an App Store alternative that launched in 2019 that doesn’t require users to jailbreak their devices. The primary drive for its creation was Delta, a Nintendo emulator that Testut and his business partner Shane Gill are now bringing to the iPhone through their European app marketplace.
Currently, the new version of AltStore is deep in Apple’s approval process and will be ready to go live once it gets the thumbs up from the company. Thankfully, we’ve already had a chance to preview the marketplace and spend some time kicking its tires. [ Source - Callum Booth ]
🌎 World Tonight
The killing of seven aid workers from the NGO World Central Kitchen in Israeli military airstrikes in central Gaza has been strongly condemned by senior UN humanitarian officials who on Tuesday reiterated repeated concerns that "there is no safe space left in Gaza.
The Israeli air strike that killed seven aid workers in Gaza, including Australian Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom, was a "mistake that followed a misidentification," the Israeli military says.
A magnitude-7.2 earthquake has hit Taiwan, collapsing buildings and trapping residents in some areas. The strong earthquake has triggered a tsunami warning for the islands of southern Japan and the Philippines.
🏅 Fact Check
Research exposes alarming impact of 'manfluencer' culture on Australian schools
Monash University research has revealed alarming information about the spread of toxic masculinity and the return of male supremacy in Australian schools.
The research indicates a concerning change in gender dynamics in school settings by pointing to a troubling pattern of persistent sexual harassment, sexism, and misogyny committed by boys.
The study, written by Dr. Stephanie Wescott and Professor Steven Roberts from Monash University's Faculty of Education, examines the influence of "manfluencers," particularly the well-known self-described misogynist Andrew Tate, and how it affects boys' attitudes towards female peers and teachers.
The paper follows the Federal Government’s announcement in October of a three-year trial project to combat toxic masculinity on social media.
The research draws on qualitative interviews with 30 women teachers across public and private schools in Australia, and delves into the implications of Andrew Tate’s ubiquitous social media presence, including how young people’s interactions with Tate’s content shape their views and subsequently their interactions in the classroom. [ Continue reading]
📰 Good News, Inspiring, Positive Stories
Three decades of bunny hops - Easter tradition brings smiles across Sydney and Central Coast
In a heartwarming tradition spanning over three decades, Mounties Group once again spread joy throughout local communities with their annual Bunny Run. This special initiative, which unfolded last week across the Central Coast, Northern Beaches and Western Sydney regions, delivered Easter treats to children and the elderly in need.
Mounties Group made visits to various locations throughout the past week, reaching out to organisations dedicated to assisting vulnerable individuals. These included special education schools, aged care facilities, hospitals and support charities. Dedicated volunteers surprised children and the elderly with chocolate and plush toys, lifting the spirits of the community's most vulnerable members.
This year's Bunny Run covered three regions, with volunteers distributing gifts and treats to more than 300 children and elderly locals. The central message of the Bunny Run is to spread positivity and bring joy to those who have faced challenges.
"The Bunny Run holds a special place in our hearts as it reflects our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. Witnessing the joy and smiles it brings to both children and the elderly during these visits is truly heartwarming.”
"For the past 30 years, the Bunny Run has been a symbol of unity and compassion, showcasing the strength of our community when we come together to make a positive difference," explained John Dean, Mounties Group President.
Mounties Group President, John Dean, reiterated the enduring spirit of compassion and community that defines the Bunny Run.
"As we continue this tradition, it is a testament to our unwavering dedication to supporting those with special needs and disabilities within the community. This event not only brings smiles to the faces of the recipients but also unites volunteers, staff and community members in the shared joy of giving," concluded John.
The Bunny Run tradition began over 30 years ago, driven by the initiative of Mounties staff member Maria Pullen. Over the years, the event has evolved, growing in scale and impact, symbolising Mounties Group's unwavering dedication to supporting those with special needs and disabilities within the community.
As the Bunny Run tradition continues to thrive, it serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and community that defines Mounties Group. This event not only brings smiles to the faces of the recipients but also unites volunteers, staff, and community members in the shared joy of giving.