DRIVER PLOWS THROUGH CHRISTMAS PARADE: United States
On Nov. 21, people were left running in terror after a man drove through their gathering at high speed.
Hours after, authorities arrested 39-year-old Darrell Brooks, Jr. for the crime. In all, five people died, while dozens more were wounded, including children. According to Waukesha Police Chief Dan Thompson, Brooks could be facing “five counts of first-degree intentional homicide, with additional charges based on the investigation.”
The incident occurred in the town of Waukesha, Wisconsin, along the parade route of West Main Street in the afternoon. It is said that Brooks was driving on the parade route in order to flee a previous crime. Many had fears that the run-down was domestic terrorism linked to the Kyle Rittenhouse case.
The crime was so heinous that it got the attention of President Biden, who made these remarks:
“Last night the people of Waukesha were gathered to celebrate the start of a season of hope and togetherness and Thanksgiving. This morning Jill and I and the entire Biden family, and I’m sure all of us pray that that same spirit is going to embrace and lift up all the victims of this tragedy, bringing comfort to those recovering from their injuries and wrapping the families of those who died in support of their community.
“We’re all grateful to the extraordinary work of first responders from law enforcement to the emergency room doctors, who are working around the clock to deal with the terrible consequence of what happened last night. My administration is monitoring the situation very closely.”
RITTENHOUSE FOUND NOT GUILTY: United States
One of the most polarizing court cases in the nation has reached its conclusion – and while some people are thrilled, others are incensed.
In the case of the State of Wisconsin vs. Kyle H. Rittenhouse, a jury found the 18-year-old not guilty on counts of 1st Degree Intentional Homicide, 1st Degree Reckless Homicide, 1st Degree Reckless Endangerment of Safety, and Attempted 1st Degree Intentional Homicide. Judge Bruce Schroeder dismissed charges of Use of a Dangerous Weapon by a Person Under 18 and Failure to Comply with an Emergency Order from State or Local Government.
The case stems from protests in Kenosha after the police shooting of Jacob Blake. On Aug. 25, 2020, Rittenhouse was in the city to defend a car dealership and provide aid to wounded people, as per his story. Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, came from Antioch, Illinois, with an AR-15 for “self-defense.”
Right before midnight, Rittenhouse was approached by Joseph Rosenbaum. A struggle for the rifle occurred, with Rittenhouse shooting Rosenbaum four times, resulting in his death. Anthony Huber then made his own attempt to take the AR-15, but was shot once, fatally. Finally, Gaige Grosskreutz approached Rittenhouse with a Glock, but was shot in the biceps, and survived his injuries.
The trial grabbed the intrigue of the nation for a slew of questions leading up to and during it. First, why would someone looking to provide aid travel from another state with an AR-15? Secondly, why did the judge seemingly do everything in his power to aid the defense? Last but not least, how did the jury not find him guilty on at least one count?
As for public reaction, people who are pro-gun applauded the jury’s decision, while those on the opposite end were none too pleased. Meanwhile, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced that 500 national guard troops were activated in case there is any unrest concerning the verdict.
DEATHS OF PROTESTORS CONDEMNED: AFRICA
At least 39 people have been killed by security forces in Sudan since the 25 October military coup, 15 of whom were reportedly shot dead on Nov. 17, according to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
On Nov. 18, Michelle Bachelet condemned the killings, saying it is “utterly shameful” that live ammunition keeps being used against protesters.
“Shooting into large crowds of unarmed demonstrators, leaving dozens dead and many more injured, is deplorable, clearly aimed at stifling the expression of public dissent, and amounts to gross violations of international human rights law,” she said.
According to reliable medical sources, more than 100 people were wounded during protests on Wednesday in Khartoum, Khartoum-Bahri and Omdurman. Of the injured, 80 sustained gunshot injuries to their upper bodies and heads. Tear gas was also used heavily.
Arrests were reported to have been made before, during and after the demonstrations. Police issued a statement saying that 89 police officers had also been injured.
From around noon local time yesterday, the military imposed a total shutdown of phone and mobile communications across the country, in addition to the continued shutdown of internet services, effectively cutting off Sudan from the world. Only satellite links continued to function.
Mrs. Bachelet explained that people are “unable to call for ambulances to treat injured protesters, families are unable to check on the safety of their loved ones, and hospitals are unable to reach doctors as emergency rooms filled up, to name just a few very real and serious consequences.”
For the High Commissioner, “blanket internet and telecommunications shutdowns violate core principles of necessity and proportionality and contravene international law.”
Since the military coup, journalists, particularly those perceived to be critical of the authorities, have been targeted.
Journalists have been arbitrarily arrested, attacked while reporting, and had their homes and offices raided by security forces. There have also been disturbing reports of their attempted abduction by armed assailants in plain clothes.
“With the internet shutdowns, the role of journalists in getting essential information out on the current situation is particularly crucial, but I fear the increasingly hostile environment against them may lead to self-censorship, and further threaten media pluralism and independence,” the High Commissioner said.
STEPS TAKEN TO REACH NET ZERO: EUROPE
A new guide to decarbonizing public sector buildings and creating a net zero public estate has been launched by the Cabinet Office.
The Net Zero Estate Playbook will ensure consistent approaches, such as using solar panels, LED lighting and greener building materials, are applied across public buildings as they help decarbonize Britain’s largest property portfolio.
The UK was the first major country to legislate for net zero, and as the host of COP26 which concluded earlier this month has been leading the way in securing global action to tackle climate change. The guidance will make national infrastructure greener by giving departments, the public sector, and government property professionals clear guidance on the design, implementation, and monitoring of Net Zero strategies and delivery programs.
Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Steve Barclay said, “The public estate generates 2% of the UK’s total emissions. So decarbonizing public buildings is absolutely crucial if we’re going to meet our environmental targets. Property Professionals should use the Playbook to turn best-practice into standard-practice. It will put the public estate in a stronger position to deliver a 78% reduction in emissions by 2035, and fully net zero by 2050.”
One example of a current site which follows the principles of the Playbook is the recently opened DWP hub in Tŷ Taf, Wales. The new site is leading the way in sustainability with energy efficient solar-powered technology. The site also has electric vehicle charging points for staff, putting it at the forefront of the UK Government’s commitment to using Ultra Low Emission transport.
The guidance, which will be applied to both existing and new properties, will also help the Department of Health and associated public bodies improve sustainability of their hospitals through the use of low carbon materials and improved understanding of a building’s environmental impact over its entire lifespan.
The Playbook can be used as a guide by anyone responsible for managing government property across the public sector.
The Net Zero Estate Playbook supports existing policies designed to drive the UK towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050, including the 25-Year Environmental Plan, the Greening Government Commitments, and the Net Zero Strategy, which was published in October 2021.
This announcement comes after COP26 concluded with 197 Parties agreeing the Glasgow Climate Pact to urgently keep 1.5°C alive and finalize the outstanding elements of the Paris Agreement.
The pact will speed up the pace of climate action this decade, with all countries agreeing to return improved emissions targets in 2022, as well as doubling climate finance for action on adapting to climate change by 2025.
