Hi there. It's Thursday, November 24, and you're reading The Loop, a quick wrap-up of today's news.
One thing to know: The 'vast majority' of Ukrainians have been without power after new Russian strikes
Ukraine's Energy Minister says supplies were cut to "the vast majority of electricity consumers" after multiple regions reported Russian strikes and cascading power outages in quick succession.
Russia launched a new missile onslaught on Ukraine's battered energy grid overnight, robbing cities of power and some of water and public transport.
Some nuclear plants and internet links were also taken offline, and blackouts spilled into neighbouring Moldova.
All of Kyiv lost water, the capital's mayor said. Power also went out and public transport stopped in Ukraine's second-largest city Kharkiv, the mayor of that north-eastern city said.
Lviv's trams and trolleybuses stopped running as the city in western Ukraine lost both power and water, the mayor said.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed Ukraine's ambassador to the United Nations to request an urgent Security Council meeting.
Mr Zelenskyy later said Ukraine would put forward a resolution condemning "any forms of energy terror".
Referring to Russia's likely veto, he said "it's nonsense that the veto right is secured for the party that wages this war, this criminal war".
"We cannot be hostage to one international terrorist," he said.
News you might have missed
- The federal government announced it will legislate new protections for Indigenous heritage sites after Rio Tinto's destruction of a sacred rock shelter at Juukan Gorge in Western Australia. A parliamentary inquiry had recommended new protections for thousands of heritage sites and an overhaul of how native title operated after the mining company blasted 46,000-year-old sites despite warnings from traditional owners
- Actor Nicole Kidman will be the first Australian to receive a Life Achievement Award from the American Film Institute (AFI), which the organisation describes as "the highest honour" for a career in film. The award will be presented to Kidman in Los Angeles on Saturday, June 10, 2023
Here's what Australia has been searching for online
- Germany. The German men's soccer team protested FIFA's push to stop team captains from wearing OneLove anti-discrimination armbands in Qatar by covering their mouths when they posed for a team photo. It was just before their World Cup match against Japan, which Germany lost in a shock 2-1 result
- Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian Formula 1 driver is returning to Red Bull Racing after being let go by McLaren earlier this year. He will be Red Bull's third driver, which means he won't usually be on the grid, but will be helping the team with testing and simulator work, as well as commercial activities
- Wilko Johnson. The guitarist with British blues-rock band Dr. Feelgood, who had a career renaissance after being diagnosed with terminal cancer, has died aged 75. A statement on his Twitter account said the musician died at his home in south-east England
One more thing: A Mother and Son remake is coming
You might remember the Australian sitcom Mother and Son, which which was broadcast on the ABC from 1984 to 1994, and starred Ruth Cracknell and Garry McDonald.
You know — these two:
Well, the series is getting a remake in 2023, starring comedians Denise Scott and Matt Okine.
It will follow recently-single Arthur Gbeme (Okine) who moves back into his family home when his widowed mum Maggie (Scott) sets fire to the kitchen.
You're up to date!
We'll be back tomorrow with more.
ABC/wires
