The Guardian · 19 Jun, 05:54
Israel launched airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, killing at least 16 people, amid ongoing conflict and a new US-Iran agreement to end the war. The US-Iran talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland have been cancelled.
Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah in several areas across southern Lebanon on Thursday, resulting in at least 16 deaths, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency. The Israeli military stated that the strikes were in response to 'repeated violations of the ceasefire' by the Iran-backed group. Hezbollah reported intense fighting in southern Lebanon. These actions occur despite a new US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the war, which includes a halt in military operations 'on all fronts, including in Lebanon'.
Why it matters: The escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon threatens the newly agreed-upon US-Iran deal to end the war. The deal's success is crucial for regional stability, and its potential failure could lead to further conflict. The cancellation of US-Iran talks in Switzerland adds to the uncertainty.
16 (people killed in Israeli airstrikes), 14 (points in the US-Iran agreement), 60 (days to reach a final agreement), 17 August (deadline for final agreement), 13 April (start of US naval blockade in the Hormuz strait)
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said: 'In principle, I had a different view [about the memorandum of understanding], but I issued my permission due to the commitment that the honourable [Iranian] president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the resistance front.'
The Guardian · 19 Jun, 05:54
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield byelection with a significant victory for Labour, increasing the party's vote share by nearly 10%. This win sets up a possible leadership bid for Burnham, potentially challenging Keir Starmer's leadership.
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Manchester, won the Makerfield byelection with 24,927 votes (55%) for Labour. The turnout was 58.75%, the highest for a byelection in seven years. Burnham's victory was seen as a significant win for Labour, with an increased vote share of nearly 10%. Robert Kenyon for Reform came second with 15,696 votes (35%), and Rebecca Shepherd for Restore Britain came third with 3,111 votes (6.84%).
Why it matters: Burnham's win is significant as it sets up a possible leadership bid for him, potentially challenging Keir Starmer's leadership. The win also shows that Burnham can unite the progressive vote behind him, with Labour's vote share increasing despite concerns about the Greens eating into Labour support. The result has sparked speculation about Starmer's future as Labour leader.
24,927 (Burnham's votes), 55% (Labour's vote share), 58.75% (turnout), 10% (increase in Labour's vote share), 15,696 (Reform's votes), 3,111 (Restore Britain's votes)
The people of Makerfield have voted for change, they have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster. Labour has a final chance for change, and must act upon it.
The Guardian · 19 Jun, 05:10
Andy Burnham has won the Makerfield byelection with a huge majority, paving the way for a potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership. Burnham secured 54% of the vote, beating the Reform UK candidate by 9,231 votes.
Andy Burnham, the Greater Manchester mayor, won the Makerfield byelection with 54% of the vote, securing 22,537 votes. He beat the Reform UK candidate, Robert Kenyon, by 9,231 votes. The turnout was 58.75%, with 45,510 votes cast. Burnham's win is seen as a significant boost to his potential challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership.
Why it matters: The Makerfield byelection is significant because it could pave the way for a challenge to Keir Starmer's leadership. Burnham's huge majority and high vote share will strengthen his credentials among Labour MPs and members. The result also highlights the challenge Labour faces in competing with Reform UK, which secured 35% of the vote.
9,231: the margin by which Andy Burnham won the byelection; 54%: Labour's share of the vote; 35%: Reform UK's share of the vote; 7%: Restore Britain's share of the vote; 58.75%: the turnout; 45,510: the number of votes cast; 22,537: the number of votes secured by Andy Burnham
This result could be a turning point... People have voted for change, they have voted for more power for the north and everywhere forgotten by Westminster. This is Labour's final chance to change... We must now take this up and put this country back on the right path and bring people back together and get things working properly. - Andy Burnham
Ars Technica · 18 Jun, 23:28
Microsoft has discovered a new self-propagating malware called Crypto Clipper that spreads through USB drives to steal cryptocurrency credentials. The malware sends stolen credentials and screenshots to attacker-controlled servers through Tor.
Microsoft detected a new malware, named Crypto Clipper, which spreads through USB drives and searches for cryptocurrency credentials. The malware monitors device clipboards for wallet addresses or seed phrases and takes five screenshots over a 10-second period. Both the credentials and screenshots are sent to attacker-controlled servers through Tor. The malware establishes a Tor connection using a SOCKS5 proxy.
Why it matters: This malware is significant because it can propagate without a traditional installer or exposed IP-based infrastructure, making it harder to detect. It also combines data theft with remote code execution, turning it into a lightweight backdoor. This allows attackers to maintain persistence and control over infected devices.
The execution of this clipper is notable because it does not depend on a traditional installer or exposed IP-based C2 infrastructure. Instead, it deploys a portable Tor client, routes traffic through a local SOCKS5 proxy, and blends data theft with remote code execution, turning a financially motivated stealer into a lightweight backdoor.
Ars Technica · 18 Jun, 21:21
Taiwan is boosting its domestic production of military drones to enhance its defense capabilities amid growing tensions with China. The Taiwanese government has proposed a $6.6 billion budget to purchase over 208,000 drones and other unmanned systems over six years.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has proposed a special budget of $6.6 billion to purchase drones made in Taiwan over six years. The budget proposal, presented on June 18, aims to acquire more than 208,000 coastal attack drones, 1,400 coastal reconnaissance drones, and 1,320 uncrewed surface vessels between 2026 and 2031. Currently, the Taiwanese military has around 5,000 US-made attack drones and domestically produced drones. Taiwanese companies are also forming international partnerships to sell more drones to the US military and other overseas buyers.
Why it matters: Taiwan's efforts to boost its drone production and acquisition are significant as the island's existence as a self-governing democracy may depend on its ability to deter potential invasion by China's military. The acquisition of drones is expected to enhance Taiwan's military capabilities and provide a stronger defense against potential threats. The partnership with international companies, including US-based Anduril Industries, also highlights the growing cooperation between Taiwan and its international allies in the defense sector.
$6.6 billion, 208,000, 1,400, 1,320, 5,000, 2026, 2031, June 18
Ars Technica · 18 Jun, 22:08
The FDA's advisory committee unanimously voted to approve Moderna's mRNA flu vaccine, mFlusiva, with a 9-0 vote. The vaccine showed a 27% increased effectiveness compared to a standard flu shot in a Phase 3 trial.
The FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) met to review Moderna's seasonal mRNA flu vaccine, mRNA-1010, also known as mFlusiva. The committee voted 9-0 in support of approving the vaccine. The decision came after a review of data from Phase 3 trials, which included over 40,000 adults aged 50 and older. The trials showed the vaccine was 27% more effective against seasonal flu than a standard flu shot.
Why it matters: This is significant because it marks a step forward in the development of mRNA flu vaccines, which could provide better protection against seasonal flu. The approval of mFlusiva could offer an alternative to traditional flu vaccines, particularly for older adults. The unanimous vote also suggests strong confidence in the vaccine's safety and efficacy.
9-0 (vote in favor of approval), 40,000 (number of adults in Phase 3 trial), 27% (increased effectiveness compared to standard flu shot), 3,000 (number of people in smaller Phase 3 trial), 50 (minimum age of participants in larger trial), 65 (minimum age of participants in smaller trial)
NPR News · 19 Jun, 01:49
Summary not available.
NPR News · 19 Jun, 00:43
Summary not available.
NPR News · 19 Jun, 00:00
Summary not available.