Turbine blade break at Australia’s largest wind farm prompts investigation
A turbine blade has broken at Australia’s largest wind farm, prompting an investigation by officials. The incident at the southwestern Queensland-based MacIntyre wind farm occurred in late December, about just two months after the 162-turbine project was connected to the power grid.
Renewable energy infrastructure company Acciona developed the wind farm. The company confirmed that the damaged blade remains attached to the turbine. Company officials also stated no injuries were reported.
A spokesperson for Acciona said that the company is working with their turbine supplier, Nordex, to identify the cause of the failure and to determine a safe method for removing the blade.
“Our investigation team are working with our turbine supplier to review all records specific to the affected wind turbine and blade,” Acciona spokesperson Andrew Tshaikiwsky said. “The investigation and recovery process will take some time to conduct to ensure that gain a thorough understanding of what caused the blade failure.”
Officials established an exclusion zone around the affected turbine. The zone will remain in place until inspections are finished.
This incident in Australia follows another blade failure over the summer at the Vineyard Wind project off the coast of Massachusetts in the United States. In that case, debris from the turbine washed up on nearby beaches for more than a month.
Mosquitos with ‘toxic’ semen may be used to curb deadly diseases: Study
The World Health Organization (WHO) said mosquitos are responsible for millions of deaths globally each year through the spread of diseases like malaria, dengue fever and more. Now, a new effort is aiming to reduce bites from disease-spreading mosquitos, by genetically modifying male mosquitos to make their semen deadly to female mosquitos.
The experiment, from researchers with Macquarie University in Australia, is first using genetically modified fruit flies to produce toxic proteins in semen while mating. Dubbed the “toxic male technique,” the study found it cut female fruit flies lifespans by 60%, but researchers want to accelerate that result to 100%.
The study, published in Nature on Tuesday, Jan. 7, suggested the method would also work in mosquitos, and they’ll reportedly move onto them next.
Scientists said they are not trying to “eradicate” an entire species. Instead, they say they are just trying to reduce populations of mosquito species carrying deadly diseases and decrease how often they feed on human blood by 60%.
The study targeted female mosquitos because they are the only ones that bite and consume blood.
The lead author of the study said the plan is to mass-produce eggs from genetically engineered mosquitos. The eggs would then be frozen for transport, and eventually released into countries with a disease outbreak, or boom in mosquito populations. These new mosquitos could then begin to tackle the problem.
Researchers said they are confident the toxic male mosquitos will not harm animals feeding on them, but said they are conducting additional tests to make sure.
The research team added the study has a long way to go until it can be practically applied, but say it may eventually reduce the need for pesticides as well.
Virgin Australia crew attacked in Fiji on New Year’s Day: Police
Fiji police are investigating separate incidents of theft and sexual assault involving two Virgin Australia crew members during a layover in the early hours of New Year’s Day, according to statements from Fiji authorities and the airline. The incidents occurred in Nadi, a popular tourist destination and home to Fiji’s main international airport.
Acting Police Commissioner Juki Fong Chew said the two crew members were returning from a nightclub when the alleged theft and sexual assault took place. Virgin Australia confirmed it is aware of the incidents and sent personnel to provide support to the affected employees.
The Virgin Australia crew members are staying at a hotel commonly used by the airline for layovers and are expected to return to Australia after assisting local authorities with the investigation.
Tourism is a critical part of Fiji’s economy, with the country welcoming nearly 1 million visitors annually. Gavoka emphasized that incidents like these could happen anywhere, but urged tourists to exercise caution in nightclub areas and late at night.
The investigation follows recent reports of rising crime rates in Fiji. Police statistics from October 2024 showed a 6% increase in crime compared to 2023.
The country also faced other high-profile incidents involving foreign visitors. This included the hospitalization of seven tourists in December after they consumed cocktails at a resort bar. Authorities later ruled out poisoning by alcohol or illicit drugs, citing toxicology reports.
Former Marine accused of training Chinese pilots to be returned to US
Australia has approved the extradition of former U.S. Marine Daniel Duggan as of Monday, Dec. 23, over accusations he illegally trained Chinese pilots. The move, rubber-stamped by Australia’s Attorney General Mark Dreyfus, puts an end to Duggan’s nearly two-year attempt to avoid a return to the United States.
Dreyfus said he came to the decision that Duggan should be sent back to the U.S. to face prosecution after a New South Wales magistrate found him eligible in May for surrender to American authorities.
Dreyfus also contends that “given the opportunity” to argue against his surrender to the U.S., Duggan did not do so. Duggan, a 55-year-old naturalized Australian citizen, was arrested in rural New South Wales in 2022 after returning home from China, where he had lived since 2014.
U.S. authorities said that Duggan traveled to Australia, the U.S., China and South Africa between 2009 and 2012. They said Duggan agreed to provide services to a Chinese-owned company, including evaluation of Chinese military pilot trainees and instructions on landing on aircraft carriers.
U.S. prosecutors assert that Duggan reportedly received more than $60,000 for his services. However, Duggan denies the allegations leveled by U.S. law enforcement.
Meanwhile, his lawyers contend that there is no evidence the Chinese aviators trained were military. They also argue he was no longer an American citizen when the alleged offense occurred, and his actions are “not considered a crime in Australia.”
Duggan’s defense notes that their client renounced his American citizenship in 2016 at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, reportedly backdated to 2012 on a certificate. Duggan served in the U.S. Marines for 12 years, and he is a father of six.
His family told Reuters that they are “devastated by the decision,” and his wife told the news outlet that she received a letter from the government stating Duggan’s extradition will take place between Dec. 30, 2024, and Feb. 17, 2025.
If convicted in the United States, Duggan reportedly faces up to 60 years in prison.
Australia can now fire Tomahawk cruise missiles. Take note, China
For years, only the U.S. and British navies had the ability to launch Tomahawk cruise missiles. But thanks to China acting like it wants to take over the Pacific, Australia can fire them, too.
The HMAS Brisbane, a Royal Australian Navy Hobart-class destroyer, is taking part in what the RAN dubbed an “interchangeability deployment.” It’s happening off the coast of California, and that’s where the RAN joined the history books as one of three nations to launch a Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile from a naval vessel.
The Tomahawk struck a land-based target, and in doing so, Australia’s deputy prime minister says it showed the strength of the alliance between the U.S. and Australia. It will also change the calculus for any potential aggressor so that no state will ever conclude that the benefits of conflict outweigh the risks.
So what makes the Tomahawk so special? A number of things.
For starters, its range. The powerful engine and wings mean this cruise missile can hit targets at least 1,000 miles away. It also has a fairly stealthy profile and flies extremely low to avoid detection.
The missiles use advanced guidance systems, such as terrain mapping. They can get updated target information mid-flight and loiter, which means they can circle around in the air and wait for a target before striking.
Tomahawks can hit things on land or at sea. The missiles can also carry several different warheads, depending on the mission.
Australia is buying 200 Tomahawks, which will, of course, be deployed on the Hobart-class destroyers and its nuclear-powered submarines. These submarines have yet to be built but are part of the AUKUS defensive agreement between the U.S., UK, and Australia. We’ve reported on AUKUS before, so if you want more details, check out the Straight Arrow News archives and search “AUKUS,” or click here.
While the club of Tomahawk-toting navies sits at three right now, it will soon include a fourth: Japan.
The buildup in force by U.S. allies is part of a coordinated plan to try to deter Chinese military action or snuff it out if it comes to that.
So, let’s take a look at how that strategy is playing out. Here we have Australia with its new supply of Tomahawk missiles. In addition to its navy, Australia’s ground forces also train with their U.S. counterparts.
So does the Philippines. The relationship between the U.S. and Filipinos is very strong. The U.S. has several military bases there. The Philippines is called an aircraft carrier that you can’t sink because of all the islands that make up the nation.
Of course, we have Taiwan, which China wants to reunite with by force if necessary. Taiwan also produces most of the world’s microprocessors, which is part of what makes it so strategically important.
And then there’s Japan, which we just mentioned is buying Tomahawks. So Australia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea–together they form the first line of defense, so to speak, to keep China locked in what’s called the First Island Chain.
Backing up all those resources is Guam. The small but strategically vital island is home to all sorts of U.S. military personnel and technology. Those bases help monitor and coordinate any action against the Chinese, again, if it comes to that.
By arming themselves to the teeth, U.S. allies in the Pacific are hoping to show the Chinese any fight they want to start isn’t worth having.
Australia plans to tax digital platforms that don’t pay for news
Australia’s government is creating new rules that will force Big Tech companies to pay publishers for news or face fines. It’s set to be the first law of its kind in the world.
The “News Bargaining Incentive” measure will raise taxes on digital platforms that earn more than $160 million a year if they don’t enter into commercial deals with media organizations. That includes Meta, Google and TikTok.
The tax amount isn’t clear yet, but the government aims to make sharing revenue with media organizations cheaper.
Officials said the new structure would require tech companies to fund Australian journalism in exchange for the tax offsets, not to raise government revenue.
“Digital platforms receive huge financial benefits from Australia and they have a social and economic responsibility to contribute to Australians’ access to quality journalism,” Australia’s Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones said.
Meta responded to the new tax plan. The company said, “the current law is flawed,” and the company has “concerns about charging one industry to subsidize another.”
In 2021, Australia passed a different measure by which tech giants form deals with Australian news companies. However, companies were able to skirt the mandate by removing links to Australian news content from their platforms.
Meta announced earlier this year it would not be renewing its deals. The company argued that tech companies are not responsible for issues with the news industry.
Google also made deals with more than 80 Australian news companies since the 2021 code passed. Google previously committed to renewing those deals.
However, the company told the New York Post in a statement that it is uncertain how to proceed following the new tax announcement.
The new model begins in January and will officially go into law once Parliament returns in February.
Chris Rock leaves stage at party after attendees record surprise comedy set
Chris Rock abruptly left the stage during a private holiday comedy set on Saturday, Dec. 7, making headlines for cutting his performance short. Australian billionaire Anthony Pratt hosted the event, where Rock entertained an exclusive audience.
However, the comedian stopped his set halfway through after noticing some audience members were recording him, according to People magazine.
Strict no-filming policies in comedy
Recording during comedy shows is widely frowned upon, and Rock is no exception. He has enforced a strict no-filming policy since 2017.
Comedians like Kevin Hart and Dave Chappelle have also taken measures to prevent recording. They often require audience members to lock their phones in Yondr pouches, a tool used to create phone-free environments.
Yondr pouches use a magnetic lock mechanism and can only be unlocked at designated stations. They are commonly used at comedy venues, schools and concerts to reduce distractions.
Why comedians prohibit filming
Comedians implement no-recording policies to prevent jokes from circulating online out of context and to protect the surprise of their material.
Dave Chappelle explained the importance of this in an interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2017.
“If someone sees a joke I’m doing before I get to their city, I have to do all new jokes, and I can’t write fast enough,” Chappelle said.
Despite Chris Rock’s early exit, the party continued. Country music star Keith Urban performed a nearly two-hour concert for the guests.
Some reports claimed Rock stormed offstage and that children were present in the audience. However, a source told People magazine that neither of those claims is true.
Now, the government is calling for an investigation to prevent future incidents.
The vials, which included samples of Hendra virus, lyssavirus and hantavirus, went missing after a freezer storing the vials broke down.
The laboratory uncovered the breach of protocol in August 2023. Queensland Health said it is unsure whether someone removed the vials from secure storage or if someone destroyed them. Officials said there was a mistake in record keeping.
Even though 323 vials are still missing, Queensland Health Minister Tim Nicholls said there’s no risk to the public.
“I want to stress that there have been no public health incidents linked to these materials,” Nicholls said at a press conference Sunday, Dec. 8. “So, we have no evidence so far of any event occurring as a result of the loss or destruction of these materials.”
The investigation will look at internal policies and guidelines on how virus samples are kept in the lab, Nicholls said.
The Hendra virus can spread from animals to people, but its natural hosts are “flying fox” bats. In 1994, the virus swept through racing stables, killing a trainer and 13 horses. More than 60 known outbreaks occurred since then.
Hantavirus is spread from animals to people, but no human cases in Australia have been reported.
Lyssavirus is a deadly disease similar to the rabies virus.
FDA may soon ban artificial red dye used in candy, food and drinks
The Food and Drug Administration will decide whether to ban a common, artificial food dye often used in candy, snacks and beverages. The FDA said it has reviewed the safety of Red Dye No. 3, made from petroleum “multiple times” since its first approval in 1969.
However, there’s a petition asking the agency to investigate the controversial dye once more.
On Thursday, Dec. 5, the FDA’s deputy commissioner told the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee it’s hoping to act on the petition within the “next few weeks.”
More than 2,800 products contain the red dye, according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. It’s used in popular products advertised for kids, including Fruit by the Foot, Nerds and Peeps.
Red Dye No. 3 doesn’t add any nutritional value to the product. Public health groups also found links to behavioral problems in children, such as hyperactivity.
The FDA banned the dye in makeup and topical drugs in 1990. Researchers found it to be carcinogenic to animals in high doses. Yet, the FDA’s deputy commissioner said the agency believes there’s no risk to humans.
Last year, California banned Red Dye No. 3, along with three other food dyes. Several countries, including the U.K. and Australia, also banned the red dye.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for health secretary, has been critical of food dyes in the past, claiming they cause cancer. It’s uncertain whether he plans to do anything about the dyes should he be confirmed.
Massive Australian cocaine bust reveals smuggling routes growing in Pacific
Authorities on two continents have made significant strides in the fight against the global cocaine trade. Australia and Columbia seized record amounts of drugs and uncovering sophisticated smuggling operations.
In Australia, a disabled fishing boat led to the country’s largest-ever cocaine seizure. In Columbia, officials intercepted “narco subs,” highlighting a growing Pacific trafficking route aimed at high-demand markets.
Authorities said drug runners smuggled the drugs from South America aboard a fishing boat. Officials said the drugs are valued at 760 million Australian dollars ($494 million).
The operation followed a tip about the Comancheros motorcycle gang and a monthlong investigation. Police said the smugglers made two failed attempts to transport the drugs from a “mothership” stationed in international waters.
Authorities arrested 13 people, including two minors. Some were arrested at sea, while others were detained onshore. They said the arrest happened while the suspects were waiting to collect the shipment.
The suspects face charges of conspiring to import drugs by sea, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Police Commander Stephen Jay said Australia’s high demand and high street prices for cocaine make it a lucrative target for organized crime.
Columbia
In Colombia, police seized six “narco subs” carrying cocaine during the week of Nov. 25. Authorities said this was part of a six-week operation involving 62 countries.
“Operation Orion” resulted in the capture of 1,400 metric tons of drugs, including 225 tons of cocaine and 128 tons of marijuana.
One semisubmersible vessel, intercepted in the Pacific Ocean, carried five tons of cocaine destined for Australia. Officials said the craft could travel up to 10,000 miles without refueling, indicating new trafficking routes targeting Australia, where cocaine sells for up to $370,000 per kilogram.
Colombian authorities said cartels have evolved into global networks, collaborating across continents to smuggle drugs to Europe, the U.S., and Oceania. Authorities arrested more than 400 people during the operation. They said the operation also revealed increasingly sophisticated smuggling methods.
Narco subs, first used by Colombian cartels in the 1990s, remain a primary method for transporting large quantities of drugs. Colombia, the world’s largest producer of cocaine, set records last year in production and coca cultivation. Australia, with the highest per capita cocaine use globally, is a key destination for traffickers.