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All you need to know about the world this morning, curated by 95bFM and VICE NZ.Whistleblowers who Spoke Out About Ministry of Transport Vindicated by Inquiry
A State Services inquiry into the Ministry of Transport has left those who blew the whistle on fraudster Joanne Harrison feeling vindicated. An investigation into the event has found that the staff who raised concerns about Harrison's conduct were humiliated, hurt, and forced out of their jobs. The whistleblowers have been given a payout and personal apology from the head of public services, Peter Hughes, who says they did the right thing. Last November, Harrison admitted to stealing $725,000 from the Ministry to pay off her mortgage and credit card bills. The whistleblowers acknowledged the roles Radio New Zealand and Labour MP Sue Moroney played in bringing this to matter to light.Labour to Ditch School Donations
The Labour Party is pledging to cut down on voluntary donations in schools as part of its new education policy, offering schools who abolish voluntary donations an extra $150 per student. The policy will cost about $70 million, with mid- to low-decile schools seen as most likely to accept the offer. Labour leader Andrew Little says schools should be free and accessible to all, and not financially dependant on donations. However, schools have argued they need the extra money to supplement government funding. Labour's new education policy will be released later today.Earthquake Hits West Coast
The South Island's West Coast was shaken this morning by a magnitude 4.3 earthquake. The quake struck at 1.39am about 50 kilometres south of Hokitika at a depth of 12 kilometres, and was described as "light" or "weak" by those on the West Coast, but it was also felt as far away as Blenheim and Wellington. No significant damage has been reported.Appendicitis in Older Adults May Be the First Sign of Bowel Cancer
Appendicitis among older adults could be the first sign of bowel cancer, according to a new study. The study observed over 600 patients between the ages of 45 and 60 who were diagnosed with appendicitis, revealing they were 17 times more likely to face bowel cancer. New Zealand has some of the highest bowel cancer rates in the Western world, and it is the country's second-highest cause of cancer death. Bowel Cancer NZ welcomes the research as another option for possible early detection of bowel cancer, and encouraged anyone with any concerns, whether they had had appendicitis or not, to seek medical advice.Cameroon Military Accused of Mass Torture
The human rights NGO Amnesty International has accused Cameroon's security forces of torturing suspected supporters of the Islamist group Boko Haram. A report by Amnesty details more than 100 cases of alleged abuse against both men and women. Some victims reported being struck by electrical cables and wood studded with nails.Army Officer Guilty of Trafficking Offences in Thailand
A top general in Thailand has been convicted of charges relating to a human trafficking network targeting Muslims from abroad. Lieutenant General Manas Kongpaen was among the 62 people found guilty Wednesday. The massive trial followed the discovery of graves in southern Thailand in 2015, and the subsequent revelation that Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar had been held captive for ransom.Former Brazilian President Has Assets Frozen
The popular former president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has had his assets frozen after being found guilty of accepting bribes. Judge Sergio Moro ruled that some $190,000 in his bank accounts—along with three apartments, two cars, and and land—should be blocked from him. Lula is appealing the conviction and is still widely expected to run for president next year.Radiohead Play Controversial Show in Israel
Radiohead performed at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv Wednesday in defiance of calls from pro-Palestine campaigners to boycott. "A lot of stuff was said about this, but in the end, we play some music," Thom Yorke reportedly told the crowd during a massively long set.—SPINMcCain Diagnosed with Brain Cancer
Arizona US senator John McCain's office revealed he's been diagnosed with cancer. A glioblastoma brain tumor was discovered around the same time the senator had a blood clot removed above his left eye. McCain's doctors said he is now looking at options, including chemotherapy and radiation, to treat the condition. Barack Obama tweeted a message of support that concluded: "Give it hell, John."Additional reporting by Lucy Austin, Ally Su'a, Reuben McLaren.
LOCAL NEWS
A State Services inquiry into the Ministry of Transport has left those who blew the whistle on fraudster Joanne Harrison feeling vindicated. An investigation into the event has found that the staff who raised concerns about Harrison's conduct were humiliated, hurt, and forced out of their jobs. The whistleblowers have been given a payout and personal apology from the head of public services, Peter Hughes, who says they did the right thing. Last November, Harrison admitted to stealing $725,000 from the Ministry to pay off her mortgage and credit card bills. The whistleblowers acknowledged the roles Radio New Zealand and Labour MP Sue Moroney played in bringing this to matter to light.Labour to Ditch School Donations
The Labour Party is pledging to cut down on voluntary donations in schools as part of its new education policy, offering schools who abolish voluntary donations an extra $150 per student. The policy will cost about $70 million, with mid- to low-decile schools seen as most likely to accept the offer. Labour leader Andrew Little says schools should be free and accessible to all, and not financially dependant on donations. However, schools have argued they need the extra money to supplement government funding. Labour's new education policy will be released later today.
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The South Island's West Coast was shaken this morning by a magnitude 4.3 earthquake. The quake struck at 1.39am about 50 kilometres south of Hokitika at a depth of 12 kilometres, and was described as "light" or "weak" by those on the West Coast, but it was also felt as far away as Blenheim and Wellington. No significant damage has been reported.Appendicitis in Older Adults May Be the First Sign of Bowel Cancer
Appendicitis among older adults could be the first sign of bowel cancer, according to a new study. The study observed over 600 patients between the ages of 45 and 60 who were diagnosed with appendicitis, revealing they were 17 times more likely to face bowel cancer. New Zealand has some of the highest bowel cancer rates in the Western world, and it is the country's second-highest cause of cancer death. Bowel Cancer NZ welcomes the research as another option for possible early detection of bowel cancer, and encouraged anyone with any concerns, whether they had had appendicitis or not, to seek medical advice.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The human rights NGO Amnesty International has accused Cameroon's security forces of torturing suspected supporters of the Islamist group Boko Haram. A report by Amnesty details more than 100 cases of alleged abuse against both men and women. Some victims reported being struck by electrical cables and wood studded with nails.Army Officer Guilty of Trafficking Offences in Thailand
A top general in Thailand has been convicted of charges relating to a human trafficking network targeting Muslims from abroad. Lieutenant General Manas Kongpaen was among the 62 people found guilty Wednesday. The massive trial followed the discovery of graves in southern Thailand in 2015, and the subsequent revelation that Rohingya Muslims from Myanmar had been held captive for ransom.Former Brazilian President Has Assets Frozen
The popular former president of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, has had his assets frozen after being found guilty of accepting bribes. Judge Sergio Moro ruled that some $190,000 in his bank accounts—along with three apartments, two cars, and and land—should be blocked from him. Lula is appealing the conviction and is still widely expected to run for president next year.Radiohead Play Controversial Show in Israel
Radiohead performed at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv Wednesday in defiance of calls from pro-Palestine campaigners to boycott. "A lot of stuff was said about this, but in the end, we play some music," Thom Yorke reportedly told the crowd during a massively long set.—SPINMcCain Diagnosed with Brain Cancer
Arizona US senator John McCain's office revealed he's been diagnosed with cancer. A glioblastoma brain tumor was discovered around the same time the senator had a blood clot removed above his left eye. McCain's doctors said he is now looking at options, including chemotherapy and radiation, to treat the condition. Barack Obama tweeted a message of support that concluded: "Give it hell, John."Additional reporting by Lucy Austin, Ally Su'a, Reuben McLaren.