It’s Friday! Here are this week's big stories and some you might have missed.
The Big Headlines
- On Wednesday, the deadly Hurricane Melissa, classified as a Category 5 storm, hit Caribbean countries including Jamaica and Haiti, causing widespread damage.
- The Australia government ruled out a copyright exemption for tech companies seeking to use local content to train AI without the creators' consent or compensation.
- Authorities are reviewing 172 Queensland schools after Year 12 students were taught about the wrong Roman Empire in a final history exam.
What else happened this week?
NuvaRing added to PBS, making it more affordable
From 1 November, the NuvaRing contraceptive ring will be available through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It's one of a host of contraceptives that have been added to the PBS this year in a bid to make them more affordable.
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Bill Gates shifts his view on climate crisis
Philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates says the climate crisis won’t cause “humanity demise” and called out the “doomsday view of climate change” which focuses “too much on near-term emission goals”.
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Mass killings and atrocities in Darfur as Sudanese civil war worsens
The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces have killed at least 1,500 people during their recent takeover of the city of El Fasher in Sudan’s Darfur region, as evidence of atrocities emerges.
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Rio police raids on favelas turn deadly
At least 64 people have reportedly been killed after more than 2,500 officers stormed into an area of favelas near Rio’s international airports. This area is believed to be the headquarters of Brazil's powerful organised crime group, and the deadly dawn raids sparked intense gunfights.
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More Louvre jewel heist suspects arrested
Five new suspects have been arrested in connection with the theft of the French crown jewels, worth an estimated $156.6m, from Paris' Louvre museum earlier this month. These arrests came after two people were arrested for the heist earlier this week.
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Japan's first female prime minister strengthens ties with Donald Trump
Japan’s first female Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, met with US President Donald Trump in Tokyo this week. According to the White House press secretary, the new PM is reportedly planning to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.
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Puberty-blocker ban reinstated in Queensland
The Queensland health minister, Tim Nicholls, reinstated a ban on the prescription of puberty blockers for new transgender patients. The order came in just hours after the state's supreme court overturned the previous ban.
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NSW justice system urged to protect young children from criminal conviction
A NSW review recommends that the justice system prioritises protection and rehabilitation over criminal conviction for children. Advocates say that the presumption that those aged between 10 and 14 cannot fully grasp the difference between right and wrong should become law.
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Lily Allen's divorce album a smash hit with critics and fans
Actor and singer Lily Allen has released West End Girl, a 14-track album that allegedly chronicles the breakdown of her marriage to actor David Harbour. The singer has said the songs reference events she experienced in her marriage but “that’s not to say that it’s all gospel”. The first album in seven years from Allen has been well-received by critics and fans alike.
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And now for some good news:
Japan Airlines' viral dance video
Japan Airlines' TikTok dance video went viral with commenters praising the inclusivity of crew members across all airport roles.
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