AUSTRALIA
AUSTRALIA
Lucy Arundell, Reporter
Politics: Barnaby Joyce, the deputy prime minister, has been under fire as it emerged he is expecting a child with his former media adviser turned girlfriend. Labour has also raised concerns over the creation of jobs for Mr Joyce's now partner.
Economics: Drastic falls in the American stock exchange this week led Australia's worst week on the exchange for two years. However the market had clawed back half its losses when it closed on Friday.
Cultural: Sydney sisters have built a Brooklyn based fashion empire centered on modesty. Their Orthodox Jewish background inspired them to create clothes for women looking for a more modest look.
NEW ZEALAND
Tuhin Chakraborty, Copy Editor
Politics: There is now debate over whether or not the New Zealand census should include questions regarding sexual orientation. On the forefront of this effort is statistics minister James Shaw, whose own history over harassment regarding the sexual orientation of this family has led him to take measures to confront the stigma towards LGBT individuals in New Zealand.
Economics: After the American stock market’s precipitous fall during the first week of February, the ripple effects are threatening to affect the stock market in New Zealand as well.
Culture: Perpetual Guardian, a New Zealand financial consulting firm, is embarking on a significant project regarding the employee work week. It's employees now can work only 4 days a week but get paid for the last regular work day in an effort to get employees to put in better quality work in a short period of time.
SOUTH AFRICA
Yolian Ogbu, Senior Reporter
Politics: After almost a decade of Zuma in power, South Africa is facing numerous crises that need more immediate attention. After years of drought, Cape Town, South Africa’s coastal metropolis of 4 million, is about to run out of water. But does Zuma’s deposition after years of scandals earn South Africa will get real electoral reform?
Economics: By the end of South Africa’s economy was still roughly the same size it was in 2009, according to the World Bank, which anticipates growth of about 1.1 percent this year. That makes the county one of the weakest economies on earth in a time of global expansion.
Culture: South Africans are gearing up for the release of Marvel’s Black Panther - the first superhero of African descent as it hits the cinema February 16, 2018. The film has received positive excitement in South Africa as it was announced that isiXhosa is the official language of Wakanda, the city in the film.
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