Ever since the killing of George Floyd, the city of Portland has witnessed consistent protests and civic action demanding police reforms. However, recently, camouflaged federal authorities without identification badges have begun arresting protesters in the city, while the Department of Homeland Security has deployed unmarked SUV’s to detain protesters. The White House has confirmed its order to send federal authorities to Portland and is threatening to send them to other American cities. Local elected officials, including the Mayor of Portland, have demanded that federal agents leave the city. Doug Becker speaks with Jennifer L. Selin, Nadine Strossen, and David S. Meyer about the legal and political implications of this, as well as the implications for democracy and civil liberties.
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Justin and Zoe chatted about the federal government's decision to ban mobile phones from migrant detention centres, the state of Victoria making victims of sexual violence getting a court order before speaking out, and Melbourne prosecuters not pressing charges on two police officers responsible for the death of an Aboriginal woman.
Justin talked to Health Minister Andrew Little about mental health advocate Mike King returning his Order of New Zealand Merit (ONZM) medal saying the mental health system is still "broken", and updates to the Waikato DHB cyberattack and nurses pay negotiations.
A new report has detailed the importance of the 1987 Montreal Protocol, which prohibited the use of chlorofluorocarbons in order to protect the Ozone layer. Noah Ferguson-Dudding spoke to one of the author's of the report, Olaf Morgenstern from the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, about what lessons can be taken to combat future climate change.
The government announced their ideal route for the new Auckland city light rail last week. The light rail is intended to connect the Auckland Airport with other parts of the city in order to improve public transport efficency. However, out of the three route options proposed the governments top choice is garnerning criticism from many with regards to it's practicality. The Public Transport Users Association was apart of the inital conversations between the government and the Auckland Light Rail Project as to what would be the best way to link the Auckland Airport with other parts of the city. Emily Bell spoke to the National Coordinator for the Public Transport Users Association about the government's light rail route choice and what other alternatives could be put in place instead.
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