The Guardian · 20 Jun, 06:00
Illustrator Stanley Chow created an image of Andy Burnham that has become a widely recognized symbol of the mayor's anti-establishment sentiment. The image has been used by Burnham and others, but was also used without permission by Reform UK, leading to legal action from Chow.
Illustrator Stanley Chow created an image of Andy Burnham in October 2020, shortly after Burnham's speech outside the Manchester Central Library. Chow posted the image on Twitter, where it was quickly shared by Burnham and others. The image has since been used on various merchandise and has become a recognizable symbol of Burnham's mayoral campaigns. However, it was also used without permission by Reform UK, who doctored the image to advance an anti-immigration sentiment.
Why it matters: The image has become a significant symbol of Burnham's anti-establishment sentiment and has been widely recognized. The unauthorized use of the image by Reform UK highlights the complexities of image usage and ownership in the digital age.
I don't know why it works but he's quite a modern guy, and my style is quite similar, so maybe it helps to humanise him?
The Guardian · 20 Jun, 06:00
The European Commission plans to rewrite the EU's flagship water protection law to speed up the development of critical minerals mines, many of which are located in water-stressed regions. This move has sparked alarm among environmental groups, who warn that it could weaken protections and undermine Europe's water resilience.
The European Commission is planning to revise the EU's water framework directive (WFD) to accelerate the development of critical minerals mines. Many of the 33 planned new or expanded mines designated as 'strategic projects' under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act are located in drying and water-stressed regions. Over half of these mines are in areas that have been drying over the past two decades, and nearly half are in zones that experienced drought conditions in the past three months. The mines are expected to require significant amounts of water, adding pressure to already stretched rivers, aquifers, and water supplies.
Why it matters: This move is significant because it could undermine Europe's water resilience and have long-lasting or irreversible damage to people, rivers, aquifers, and ecosystems. The mining industry's demand for water could exacerbate water scarcity in regions that are already experiencing drought conditions and water stress. Environmental groups are concerned that the proposed changes could weaken protections and leave taxpayers, farmers, and communities to pay the costs.
33: number of planned new or expanded mines designated as 'strategic projects' under the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act
Fast-tracking mining in water-stressed regions by weakening safeguards is a form of Russian roulette. It may look like an economic booster in the short term, but one serious failure in the wrong location can neutralise many of the promised gains – especially when the damage to people, rivers, aquifers and ecosystems is long-lasting or irreversible. - Prof Kaveh Madani, director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health
The Guardian · 20 Jun, 05:29
Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a ceasefire in Lebanon after a 24-hour flareup that killed at least 51 people, including four Israeli soldiers. The violence disrupted the start of talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland.
A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon was breached on Thursday, leading to a wave of retaliatory airstrikes by Israel that killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley. Hezbollah had launched several salvoes of rocket fire and drones at Israeli forces near the city of Nabatieh, killing four Israeli soldiers. The violence led to the cancellation of talks between the US and Iran in Switzerland, which were scheduled to discuss the implementation of a new deal to end the conflict between the two countries.
Why it matters: The renewed violence between Israel and Hezbollah poses a significant challenge to the new agreement between the US and Iran, which aims to negotiate a permanent understanding over Iran's nuclear programme and end hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The escalation also raises concerns about the potential for a wider regional conflict and its impact on global economic stability.
4 (Israeli soldiers killed), 47 (people killed in Israeli airstrikes), 7,000 (people killed in regional war), 60 (days for negotiations), 3,900 (people dead in Lebanon since 2 March), 32 (Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah in Lebanon), 3 (Israeli civilians killed by Hezbollah)
If Hezbollah does not attack us, then for us it is not a time of war - Israeli official
Ars Technica · 19 Jun, 13:36
Isar Aerospace's test flight of its Spectrum rocket was scrubbed due to off-nominal behavior in the vehicle's fluid systems. The company has raised nearly $1 billion but lacks flight experience.
Isar Aerospace, a European rocket startup, had to scrub a test flight of its Spectrum rocket due to detecting off-nominal behavior in the vehicle's fluid systems. The company is analyzing the data to isolate the root cause of the issue. This is not the first delay for the test flight, and the Spectrum rocket has only flown once before, on a failed launch last year that lasted less than 30 seconds.
Why it matters: Isar Aerospace is a key player among new European rocket startups, and the success of its Spectrum rocket is crucial for the company's growth and validation of its technology. The repeated delays and lack of flight experience raise concerns about the company's ability to deliver on its ambitions.
$1 billion (funding raised by Isar Aerospace to date)
NPR News · 19 Jun, 21:16
James Burrows, a renowned television director known for his work on classic sitcoms such as 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' has died at the age of 85. Burrows had a prolific career directing numerous popular comedies.
James Burrows, a veteran television director, has passed away at the age of 85. He was known for his work on many iconic sitcoms, including 'Cheers' and 'Friends.' Throughout his career, Burrows specialized in situation comedies, often going unrecognized by audiences despite his significant contributions to popular television shows.
Why it matters: Burrows' death marks the end of an era for television comedy, as he played a crucial role in shaping the genre. His work on beloved shows such as 'Cheers,' 'Friends,' and others has left a lasting impact on the television industry. His legacy will be remembered through the many classic sitcoms he directed.
85 (age at death)
NPR News · 19 Jun, 21:01
A luxury Boeing 747 gifted to former US President Donald Trump by Qatar has arrived at Joint Base Andrews. The $400 million jet has caused controversy as one of the largest foreign gifts ever received by the US government.
A luxury Boeing 747, valued at $400 million, was gifted to former US President Donald Trump by Qatar and has arrived at Joint Base Andrews. The jet's arrival was ahead of schedule, on a Friday. The gift has caused controversy due to its significant value and status as one of the largest foreign gifts ever received by the US government.
Why it matters: This gift is significant because of its substantial value and the scrutiny it has raised regarding the acceptance of large gifts by government officials. The controversy surrounding the gift may have implications for transparency and ethics in government.
$400 million
NPR News · 19 Jun, 20:32
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni claims that former US President Donald Trump made up a story about her. The alleged remarks led to Italy's top diplomat cancelling a visit to the US.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni posted a video rebuke on social media, claiming that former US President Donald Trump fabricated a story about her. In response, Italy's top diplomat cancelled a visit to the US. Meloni stated, 'Italy and I do not beg.' The exact details of Trump's alleged remarks are not specified in the article.
Why it matters: This incident highlights a rift between Meloni, once considered Trump's closest ally in Europe, and the former US President. The cancellation of the visit by Italy's top diplomat suggests diplomatic repercussions. The incident may impact Italy-US relations.
Italy and I do not beg.
Ars Technica · 19 Jun, 11:15
Scientists are searching for coral reefs that can withstand rising ocean temperatures caused by global warming. Researchers, like Anne Cohen, are using technology such as unmanned surface vehicles to explore and study coral reefs.
Rising ocean temperatures due to global warming are threatening coral reefs. Scientists, including Anne Cohen from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, are using unmanned surface vehicles like Yellowfin to explore and study coral reefs in search of those that can tolerate higher temperatures. Cohen recently used the robot to navigate to a specific location in the Majuro lagoon in the Central Pacific.
Why it matters: This search is significant because coral reefs are crucial ecosystems that support a vast array of marine life. Finding reefs that can withstand warmer ocean temperatures could help in conservation efforts and understanding how to protect these ecosystems from the impacts of global warming.
“She’s the best dive buddy,” said Cohen, referring to the unmanned surface vehicle Yellowfin.