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⏳ Monday Fix: A Tragedy in Wisconsin

⏳ Monday Fix: A Tragedy in Wisconsin

Morning all,

All eyes have been on Wisconsin this weekend - first as Kyle Rittenhouse was acquitted on all charges, and secondly after at least five were killed during a Christmas parade.

Until tomorrow,

Your Fixers


GOOD LISTENER?

Here's the audio version of today's newsletter.


WHAT HAS HAPPENED IN WISCONSIN?

At least five people have been killed, and 40 were injured, when a person drove through a Christmas parade in the city of Waukesha, Wisconsin.

According to CBS News, the incident is not being treated as terrorism at the moment, and the suspect - who is now in custody - was apparently fleeing from another scene, "possibly a knife fight".

Multiple children were injured, and police reportedly shot at the suspect's vehicle to stop them.

Worth noting: At this point, there is nothing to suggest this incident is connected to the outcome of Kyle Rittenhouse's trial on Friday.

There are many graphic videos of the incident online that we have chosen not to include in the newsletter. The video below captures the moment the red SUV passed a crowd at the parade, before it hit civilians.


WHY ELSE HAS WISCONSIN BEEN IN THE NEWS?

On Friday, a jury acquitted Kyle Rittenhouse on all counts following a two-week trial. Rittenhouse faced a possible life sentence after shooting and killing two people during protests against racism last summer, and injuring a third.

What's the background here? In the summer of 2020 - weeks after the murder of George Floyd by police officer Derek Chauvin - another Black man called Jacob Blake was shot in the back seven times by an officer. The police were responding to a domestic incident, and at the time there was an arrest warrant for Blake relating to charges of other domestic violence incidents and a sexual assault.

Blake was left paralysed from the waist down, and the incident - at a time of racial reckoning in the US - sparked widespread protests. In particular, there were protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where it happened.

What has this got to do with Kyle Rittenhouse? Kyle and a friend crossed state lines in what he says was an effort to protect businesses from the looting that occurred during some protests. Rittenhouse, who was 17 at the time, was armed with an AR-15-style weapon. During that night, he shot three men, killing two of them.

Okay, back to Kyle's trial: The jury deliberated for more than 25 hours before delivering the not guilty verdicts. While many were shocked by the outcome, many legal experts over the weekend said they were not surprised.

Here is an excellent article outlining the key moments, and determining factors in the outcome of the trial.


OLE OUT

In expected news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left his role as Manchester United's football manager on Sunday, following a few disastrous results in recent weeks.

The statement from the club made it clear Ole "will always be a legend," adding "his place in the club’s history will always be secure". Michael Carrick now takes charge for forthcoming games, with the club looking for an interim manager by the end of the season.

Ole gave an emotional departing interview, that has been viewed more than 3.4 million times.


What else is going on in sport?

The president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) spoke via video call to Peng Shuai - the Chinese tennis player who raised concerns recently.

In a 30-minute call, Peng reportedly said she is safe and well "but would like to have her privacy respected at this time".


PANDEMIC

In light of the reintroduction of some coronavirus restrictions, a number of protests occurred across Europe over the weekend.

Where? while the protests varied in size, and over slightly different reasons, there were anti-lockdown and anti-vaccine demonstrations reported in Belgium, the Netherlands, Austria and Italy, Switzerland, Denmark and Croatia.

In some instances, police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse crowds.

What's happening, and where?

From today, Austria re-enters a national lockdown amid a surge in infection rates. The country also announced mandatory vaccinations by February 2022.

Also from today, in Croatia only people with vaccine certificates can enter public and government buildings.

The Netherlands is in a partial lockdown. As CNN noted, it is now planning to limit access to certain venues for those not vaccinated.

CNN headline: it's beginning to look a lot like... lockdown. The article also referred to Ireland as a 'Cinderella state,' for its midnight curfew.


MOST READ


ROLLING IN THE DEEP

An Australian reporter has apologised and was reportedly left 'mortified' following a disastrous interview with Adele. According to widespread the reports, the interview cost the network $1m.

They flew reporter Matt Doran to London for the interview, only for him to admit to the singer he had not listened to her new album. According to The Guardian, Sony is refusing to release footage of the interview.

Anyway, below is a sweet reunion between Adele and an influential teacher.


ON A LIGHTER NOTE...

Skillz.