Derek Chauvin found guilty of George Floyd’s murder
After a trial lasting less than a day, ex-police officer Derek Chauvin has been found guilty of murdering Black American George Floyd. He has been charged with second degree murder, third degree murder, and manslaughter, and could spend up to 40 years in prison. Moreover, a federal investigation has now been launched into policing practices in the city of Minneapolis, and it is hoped that the verdict will contribute to an overhaul of police policies. US President Joe Biden has welcomed the verdict as a ‘step forward’, despite being ‘much too rare.’ Last May, footage of Chauvin kneeling on Floyd’s neck for 9 minutes sparked protests worldwide causing for justice and reform of the policing system.
English football clubs leave new super league
The new European Super League, only recently formed but met with great opposition, was initially meant to consist of 12 clubs from England, Italy and Spain, along with 3 joining later, which included many of Europe’s biggest football clubs. Plans for the Super League to go ahead were announced on Sunday, but since then, its operations have officially been suspended as protests ensued and clubs pulled out. By the 21st April, 10 of the 12 original clubs had withdrawn, and statements from the Premier League, UEFA, the Prime Minister, and Sir Keir Starmer also condemned the plans.
The Queen turns 95
The Queen’s birthday this year (one of two birthdays, with official celebrations being held in June), has been celebrated more privately this year, as the official mourning period for Prince Philip continues. As a result of the circumstances, the usual image of the Queen on her birthday won’t be taken, and at Westminster Abbey, bells are not being rung. Due to COVID-19, her official celebration in June, which is marked by Trooping The Colour, has been cancelled for a second consecutive year. At present, the Queen is the world’s longest reigning monarch, having ascended to the throne in 1952 aged 25—though it was never expected she would become Queen!
India experiences record COVID cases
India has measured a new record of daily COVID cases, with 314,835 in 24 hours. Overall, India has 16 million confirmed cases of coronavirus, second only to the US, and is struggling to cope with a lack of oxygen supply and an overwhelmed healthcare system. The country is experiencing a second wave of the virus, and many other nations have implemented stricter travel restrictions to and from the country. The oxygen supply crisis has now been taken to court, and the Government has held a meeting to discuss measures to end the shortage. Each region has imposed its own restrictions on its population, with Delhi announcing a week-long lockdown at the weekend in order to combat spread and support the vaccination drive.
Pocket-sized deer born at Bristol Zoo
A miniature mouse deer, measuring just 20cm, has been born at Bristol Zoo, only the second to be born there in the last decade. Mouse deer are native to South East Asia, and a breeding programme to preserve the species is taking place within zoos. They usually feed on flowers and vegetables, and forage within forests in their native countries, though due to extensive deforestation they are currently classed as endangered. The sex of this new arrival isn’t yet known, but its height is estimated to be around the size of a pencil and once fully grown, it will weigh roughly 1.5 kilograms!
