News roundup, 6 Nov 2023

- Israel's military say they have surrounded Gaza City; they are expected to enter in force within 48 hours. The Americans have sent a nuclear submarine to the area, presumably to show everyone involved who's boss. The death toll in Gaza is now close to 10,000, and the endgame is still unclear. Meanwhile, in the US, pro-Palestinian demonstrators are warning that failure on the part of the Biden administration to restrain Israel could cost Biden the 2024 election. Realistically speaking, this may be an empty threat, as presumably most of these people do not want Trump in power either (it's not like Trump is going to be any better on this issue, after all, and if he's going to be just as bad on this issue and much worse on others the activists would be cutting off their nose to spite their face). And sadly (though not surprisingly) the conflict has set off the deranged bigots around the world.

- The Liberal government pledged in 2019 to phase out open-net salmon farms, which cause serious problems for wild salmon by allowing sea lice to flourish, by 2025. Unfortunately they may be backing away from this.

- Trump's civil fraud trial continues in New York. Some think that this could be especially damaging to Trump because it calls into question how wealthy he actually is, though this may be wishful thinking because his supporters probably won't believe anything coming out of the trial anyway.

- A whistleblower who revealed war crimes committed by Australian troops in Afghanistan is being tried for disclosing classified information; the maximum penalty he could face if convicted is a 100 year sentence.

- A man flying to Canada having finally obtained permanent resident status became ill during the flight. Air Canada refused to divert the flight despite his severe symptoms, and he died shortly after landing.

- Ever stood on a sidewalk waiting for the perfect cloud conditions to take a photo? This guy got handcuffed by police and fined for loitering for just that while trying to get the perfect shot of Château Frontenac in Quebec City; it seems that the American consulate is located in that building, and diplomats got antsy about what he was doing.