Where the jami lee ross crisis engulfing national and simon bridges goes today

Former National Party leader Simon Bridges is set to take the reins of the prestigious business lobby group Auckland Business Chamber. Outgoing CEO Michael Barnett is set to stand down in August after a 31-year reign that began in 1991. A media release put out by the chamber said Barnett would retain a role with the chamber in several of their initiatives, including mental health project First Steps . There was speculation that Bridges was taking over from Barnett after he made a high-profile leave from parliament and moved to Auckland, including landing an audio show with Stuff . READ MORE: Finalists announced for South Canterbury Business Excellence Awards Building more motorways is not the answer to traffic congestion Simon Bridges' new show on Stuff will 'possibly be a bit deep and meaningful' Bridges declined to comment on the speculation at the time. Barnett spoke to Stuff about stepping down, saying he’d had “on and off” conversations with … [Read more...] about Simon Bridges to replace Auckland Business Chamber CEO after 31-year reign

Wayne Rooney gave evidence in his wife Coleen's libel trial with Rebekah Vardy this morning. Appearing at the High Court on Tuesday (May 17), the former England captain, 36, told the court he had "no knowledge" of his wife's 'sting operation' on Rebekah, 40, which came to a head after the now-famous tweet in October 2019. Coleen Rooney famously claimed Rebekah's Instagram account leaked information from her private Instagram account to the press, a position she maintains, and Rebekah is now suing Coleen for libel. We look at the seven things we were told in court by the Derby County manager today: The effect of the trial on Coleen Wayne told the court his wife had become “a different mother and wife” since October 2019 and that the legal process had been “traumatic”. He said: “I don’t think anyone wants to be in court. For me and my wife we don’t want to be in court. I certainly don’t, I don’t think my wife wants to be in that situation. “I have watched my wife … [Read more...] about Everything Wayne Rooney said today in court from awkward chat to social media confession

It's no secret that New York City subways have made headlines in recent months, and it's not just because of the increasing ride fares. The subways have been the site of several crimes from riders being spit on, punched, to pushed onto the tracks . Last month, a shooter in a gas mask threw smoke grenades onto a Brooklyn subway before he open fired. This month, there were two back-to-back shootings in Buffalo , N.Y. and Laguna Woods, Calif . While some argue the shootings are a reminder for civilians to carry firearms, I believe that guns are not the answer to America's gun crisis—mental health services are what's needed. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has called for more police presence across the city. He places too much pressure on officers to fix a national issue. Others with the belief that civilians carrying guns will solve the epidemic are clearly misled; the subway shooter used smoke grenades. What good would a civilian unable to see their own hand be with shooting … [Read more...] about Guns won’t fix America’s gun crisis | Opinion

The head of the United Nations has said there is a looming global food crisis because of the impact of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Surging inflation - boosted by higher energy prices as the West disengages from Russian oil and gas supplies - has been exacerbated by rising food prices, leading to fears that many of the world's poorest will not be able to afford to feed themselves . Finance ministers from the G7 met on Thursday to deal with the immediate effects of Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine and also the COVID-19 pandemic, which is also to blame for causing prices to rise. And on Wednesday, officials from among others the US and the World Bank rolled out a multibillion-dollar plan to try to offset the dangers. But what is it that is making the situation so severe? Food The problem stems from the fact that Russia and Ukraine are huge exporters of some of the world's biggest staple foods. More on Food Parents of teenager Natasha Ednan-Laperouse who … [Read more...] about Ukraine war: Why is Putin’s invasion causing a worldwide food crisis and can anything be done?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke on the phone to his US counterpart Joe Biden on Sunday about the crisis at its border. The two leaders agreed to pursue "diplomacy" and "deterrence" against Russia in a telephone conversation lasting about 50 minutes, the White House reported. "The two leaders agreed on the importance of pursuing diplomacy and deterrence in response to the Russian military buildup on Ukraine's borders," the executive summary statement said. During the exchange, Biden again promised a "swift and decisive" US response, in coordination with its allies, in the event of a Russian attack. Earlier this weekend, Zelenskyy questioned the warnings from US officials in recent days that Russia could be planning to invade as soon as midweek, saying he had yet to see convincing evidence. “We understand all the risks, we understand that there are risks," he said in a live broadcast. "If you, or anyone else, has additional information regarding a 100% … [Read more...] about Crisis in Ukraine: Biden promises Zelenskyy ‘swift and decisive’ response in case of attack

Chancellor Rishi Sunak is under mounting pressure from business leaders, charities and MPs from across the political spectrum to produce a package of support after inflation hit a 40-year high, with food and energy costs among the main concerns. But wrangling continued within the Cabinet over the idea of using a windfall tax on oil and gas producers which have benefited from high global prices to fund measures to help with household bills. Ministers are “intrinsically opposed” to the levy, a senior member of Boris Johnson’s Government said, although it has not been ruled out. Mr Sunak appeared to acknowledge the need for further support for the poorest in a speech on Wednesday night as “right now, we have a collective responsibility to help the most vulnerable in our society”. But he wants to avoid inflicting further damage on the public finances, which have already been battered by the billions pumped in to the Covid-19 pandemic response, or introducing any … [Read more...] about Sunak faces calls for swift action to address cost-of-living crisis

Downing Street has denied blocking the Treasury from imposing a windfall tax on oil and gas giants as the Chancellor faced mounting pressure to help ease the cost-of-living crisis with a new package of support. The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said he had seen “lots of reports” on division between the departments, but insisted Boris Johnson and Rishi Sunak are “aligned” on the issue. Labour accused the Government of acting like “headless chickens” on the matter and suggested a U-turn is likely. Wrangling has continued within the Cabinet over implementing a windfall tax on the profits of oil and gas producers which have benefited from high global prices. The money raised could fund measures to assist with household bills. Ministers are “intrinsically opposed” to the levy, a senior member of Mr Johnson’s Government said, although it has not been ruled out. Recommended Live updates: PM ‘dithering’ on windfall tax, says Starmer … [Read more...] about No 10 denies blocking Treasury windfall tax to ease cost-of-living crisis

Moderate Democratic West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin blasted the Biden administration and Interior Secretary Deb Haaland for doing little, if anything, to help alleviate the ongoing energy crisis. Speaking at a hearing of the Senate Energy Committee on the Department of the Interior’s budget request for fiscal year 2023, Manchin hammered the Biden administration for failing to increase domestic oil, natural gas, and critical minerals production. He also took the Interior Department to task for canceling several large oil leases, and imposing a set of restrictions and costs on new oil and gas leases that would disincentivize new oil and gas development altogether. “We are holding this hearing during trying times,” Manchin began. “Putin’s horrific invasion of Ukraine, Russia’s weaponization of oil and gas, increasing energy and food prices worldwide, and the growing challenge of competition with China. Given the current global situation, it is essential for the United States to … [Read more...] about ‘My Frustration Is At An All-Time High’: Manchin Hammers Biden Admin For Not Doing Enough To Fix Energy Crisis | The Daily Wire

Russia: Europe oil embargo delay 'unacceptable' says Ustenko Sign up for our news briefing, including a daily special Russia-Ukraine edition SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Its strong energy trade links to Russia have seen the country reluctant to agree on a full embargo on oil and gas imports, despite pressure from other EU nations. On Wednesday (May 19), Berlin announced plans to work out alternative sources of energy and cut ties with Putin, as part of the sanctions to condemn the invasion of Ukraine. Related articles Russia handed hammerblow as Ukraine targets system - VID Putin health: Russian leader caught retching and coughing - VIDEO As it was announced, the plans include funding and … [Read more...] about Germany shame: ‘Repressed’ nation losing gloss on world stage after Putin drama

ELLA BATES-HERMANS/STUFF How does the government Budget work and what does that mean for you? As Budget day looms, Kiwis tell us how they are getting by as the cost of living soars – and what they want from the Government on Thursday. Charnae Pyke – the beneficiary Where Pyke could once afford 1kg of mince a week to feed her family of five over several meals, she is now able to afford only half that portion. When a child needs shoes, the solo mum has to use Afterpay , which she pays back in $10 instalments every fortnight. She relies on freebies, second-hand clothes from friends, and budgets to the last cent – but it’s still not enough. READ MORE: Budget 2022: Aged care providers want better funding for their nurses Business group wants urgent action on Government's $2.9b climate plan Emission Reduction Plan: Govt's 100km commitment to safe cycling 'unambitious' What you need to know about the country’s first-ever emissions plan Government invests … [Read more...] about Budget 2022: Everyday Kiwis on what they want from the budget