Irish doctor’s testimony seen as crucial in securing conviction of Derek Chauvin

The testimony of Irish pulmonologist Professor Martin Tobin was pivotal in the conviction of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd. Tobin's detailed analysis and expert opinion on the cause of Floyd's death countered the defense's claims, leading to a unanimous guilty verdict. The case has reignited anti-Black racism protests and bolstered the Black Lives Matter movement.

Bessborough survivor questions commission’s findings

Mari Steed, a survivor of the Bessborough mother and baby home in Co Cork, questions the findings of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes. She disputes the commission's claims that there was no evidence of injury from experimental vaccines given to children and no evidence of forced entry or physical abuse in the institutions. Steed, now a US-based advocate, calls for an investigation into the adoption practices from these homes, labeling them as 'trafficking.' Despite her mixed feelings, she acknowledges the importance of the report in Irish national history.

No fairytale Christmas for Irish forced to remain in New York

Irish emigrants in New York face a challenging Christmas due to the pandemic and travel restrictions. Molly Thompson-Tubridy, among others, will spend the holiday alone, relying on virtual communication to connect with family. The New York Irish Center and Aisling Irish Community Center are making efforts to support the community through online events. Many Irish have returned home due to job losses, but those remaining are finding it difficult to navigate the restrictions and separation from family. The pandemic has also led to a renewed appreciation for the comforts of home.

Mixed views about conviction of Aaron Brady in his old New York stomping ground

Woodlawn Heights, a tight-knit Irish community in New York, is divided over the conviction of Aaron Brady for the 2013 murder of Detective Garda Adrian Donohoe. Brady, who moved to New York shortly after the crime, was known for his inability to stay silent about his involvement, which led to his conviction. Key testimonies came from locals who heard his confessions, but many others were too afraid to testify. Opinions in the community range from seeing Brady as a fool to believing in his innocence, reflecting a complex and divided local sentiment.

Environmentalists voice concerns as Covid-19 crisis deepens

Environmental defenders are adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic's effects on their communities, with a particular focus on women who are disproportionately affected. The Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) is collecting testimonies and highlighting the differentiated impact on women, especially regarding access to water and food security. In India, the Dhaatri Trust is addressing the needs of Indigenous women and those affected by the mining industry, while in Indonesia, ECOTON and Gemawan are working on empowering women and addressing health risks and PPE shortages. The pandemic has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities but also presents an opportunity to amplify the voices of women environmental defenders.

Environmental defenders voice concerns as COVID-19 crisis deepens

Environmental defenders, particularly women, are facing significant challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations like the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) are highlighting the disproportionate impact on women, who are often responsible for managing essential resources like food and water. In India, the Dhaatri Trust is addressing issues faced by Indigenous women and those affected by the mining industry, while in Indonesia, ECOTON is focusing on women in palm oil-impacted areas. The pandemic has exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, but it also presents an opportunity to amplify the voices of women environmental defenders and leverage their traditional knowledge.

Mangrove collapse ‘inevitable’ unless emissions curbed

Mangrove forests are at risk of collapse within the next 30 years if sea level rise and greenhouse gas emissions continue at the current rate. Mangroves serve as buffers against severe weather and are significant carbon sinks. Research indicates they can withstand up to 7mm of sea level rise per year, but surpassing this threshold will lead to their inevitable collapse. The study, involving sediment samples from mangroves dating back 10,000 to 7,000 years, suggests that controlling emissions could prevent reaching a critical rate of sea level rise. Mangroves also face threats from erosion, deforestation, and coastal development that hinders their ability to migrate inland.

Irish nurses in NY: ‘I’ve seen more dead bodies in two months than in 20 years’

Rockaway in New York, home to about 130,000 people, has been severely impacted by Covid-19, with St John’s Episcopal Hospital at the forefront of the battle. Irish nurses Siobhán Kates, Carmel Mangan, and Elizabeth Gallo have faced unprecedented challenges, with Kates noting she has seen more dead bodies in two months than in her entire 20-year career. The hospital, which added 100 beds to its usual 257, dealt with 900 cases since the first was confirmed on March 6th. Despite the decline in Covid-19 inpatient numbers, fears of a second wave persist. The nurses commend Ireland's stricter measures and smaller population for better handling the pandemic. The article highlights the emotional and physical toll on healthcare workers, the community's response, and the ongoing vigilance required to combat the virus.

Gerry Adams asks Irish-Americans to lobby for unity referendum

Former Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams has urged Irish-American supporters to lobby for a referendum on Irish unification. In an online event with ex-congressman Joe Crowley, Adams highlighted the crucial role of Irish America in past Irish issues, including the Good Friday Agreement. He emphasized the opportunity presented by the Agreement for a peaceful path to ending the union with Britain. The call to action comes as complacency among Irish-Americans may be challenged by Brexit concerns. Crowley, along with other Irish-American political figures, echoed the need for re-engagement on the issue, seeking bipartisan support in the US.

World lost forest ‘the size of Libya’ since 1990, FAO says

The world has lost 178 million hectares of forest cover over the past 20 years, equivalent to the size of Libya, according to the U.N.'s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The Global Forest Resources Assessment (GFRA) will be published in June, highlighting that Africa and South America experienced the highest rates of net forest loss, while Asia saw the highest net gain. The rate of deforestation has slowed due to afforestation and natural forest expansion. Currently, global forest coverage stands at 4.06 billion hectares, with Russia, China, Brazil, the U.S., and Canada accounting for more than half. Despite significant forest loss, the rate of deforestation has declined substantially in recent years.