Biden unveils $6–trillion spending plan
President Joe Biden has released his 2022 budget proposal: a six-tillion-dollar plan that would add more than a trillion dollars annually to the federal deficit. Wall Street Journal reports the plan promises infrastructure upgrades and an expanded social safety net. The proposal will be presented to Congress and needs approval to be implemented. If passed, it will bring the US to spending levels not seen since World War Two.
EU citizens refused UK entry
As many as 3,294 EU citizens were refused entry at the UK border in the first three months of 2021, representing a major surge in cases despite a decline in travel due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to new data published by the British Government. Euronews says the figure represents a major increase from the first quarter of last year, when fewer than 500 EU citizens were denied entry, despite travel rates being significantly higher. Experts have linked it to Brexit taking effect on January 1.
Five new COVID-19 cases hit Melbourne
The Age says that the COVID-19 outbreak that started in Melbourne’s north this week has grown to 35 after five new cases were recorded overnight. The cases include a food distribution worker who visited multiple grocery stores while infectious. Authorities said significant contact tracing work was underway to identify all close contacts of this positive case.
Unique COVID-19 case for Kenya
Kenya has recorded the first unique COVID-19 case after a patient in Kisumu contracted both the Indian and British variants. Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe told The East African that from 39 samples, 28 contained the Indian variant, six the British variant, one South African and three B.1.612 first confirmed in India.
More jail time for Jimmy Lai
South China Morning Post reports Hong Kong media tycoon and outspoken pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to more jail time over his role in an anti-government protest in 2019. Lai and nine others were charged with incitement to take part in an unauthorised assembly when they walked down a road with thousands of residents to protest against dwindling political freedoms. All 10 pleaded guilty to organising an unauthorised assembly.
Oscars posponted… again!
Hollywood Reporter reveals the Oscars have been postponed for a second consecutive year, and relaxed eligibility rules allowing films to skip movie theaters will be kept in place due to the pandemic. The 94th Academy Awards will now take place on March 27, 2022, exactly a month later than originally planned, and are set to return to their traditional venue at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. Movies wishing to contend for next year’s Oscars must be released by December 31.
Manchester City favourites to win Champions Cup
Manchester City and Chelsea go into the Estadio do Dragao in Porto this evening in an all-English Champions League final. British media says Premier League champions City look to win the prestigious competition for the first time, even if Chelsea, European champions in 2012, have beaten Pep Guardiola’s side twice in the league and FA Cup in 2020-21. Up to 16,500 people will be allowed inside the stadium.
