News you might have missed: Trump tell-alls and President Putin for life?
- Protests broke out in Ethiopia after the murder of a popular singer
- Teens in the US were exposed to Covid-19 after a giant party
President Donald Trump swings a baseball bat during the Spirit of America Showcase at the White House. Photo: APA LOT of stuff happened this week, and it's not possible to keep up with everything. Here's a few things you might not have read about:
Trump's niece reveals family secrets
Mary Trump, US President Donald Trump’s niece, has written a tell-all book about her uncle. The Trump family isn’t happy; in fact, Donald’s brother Robert tried to block the release of the book – set to be published July 28 – but a New York appellate court lifted the temporary restraining order against the publisher, Simon & Schuster. The book is called Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World’s Most Dangerous Man and many speculate it will talk about the Trump family’s history and the cutthroat, competitive nature Trump’s father, Fred Trump, pushed in his children.
Teens at risk of Covid after 300 person party
About 300 teenagers were exposed to Covid-19 at a “pong fest” party in Lakeaway, in the US state of Texas. At the time of the party, several teens who attended were awaiting their coronavirus test results and have since tested positive. Health officials are asking everyone who attended the party to get tested and self-isolate. As of now, it’s unclear as to whether the party led to a high number of cases in the area.
A simple explainer of the national security law for Hong Kong
Russia heads to the polls
Russians have spent the week voting on a new law that would reform their constitution and allow president Vladmir Putin to stay in power until 2036, if he chooses. Prize raffles were held to encourage people to vote, with polling stations set up on tree stumps and park benches. The new constitution also includes articles promoting a patriotic education, reiterating the ban on same-sex marriage and adding a mention of God.
Trump's sudden change of opinion
In a sudden change of opinion, US President Donald Trump says he is “all for masks” because they make him look like the TV show character the Lone Ranger. This follows months of statements from Trump in which he opposed face masks. He said the coverings shouldn’t be mandatory, however, because there are many places in the US where people stay “very long distance”. The White House defended Trump’s previous refusal to wear a mask, saying that he and everyone who came into close contact with him is frequently tested for Covid-19.
Protests in Ethiopia
Protests have broken out across Ethiopia after a popular singer was killed. Hachalu Hundessa’s songs focused on the rights of the country’s Oromo ethnic group and became anthems during protests that brought down Ethiopia’s former prime minister in 2018. He was shot dead while driving in the capital Addis Ababa on Monday, and police have not yet released a motive for the murder and charges haven’t been brought up against the suspects. Since then, armed gangs have been reported to be roaming around the capital, targeting rival ethnic groups. At least 81 people have been killed in protests as of Thursday.