The Guardian · 28 Jun, 05:27
The death toll from twin earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to 1,430, with 3,200 injured and 3,100 left homeless. The UN estimates the quakes caused $6.7bn in damage, equivalent to 6% of Venezuela's GDP.
Twin earthquakes with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela on Wednesday evening, flattening buildings in the north of the country. The earthquakes resulted in a significant loss of life and displacement, with many civilians involved in rescue efforts. Rescuers, including teams from various countries, are still searching for survivors. The earthquakes also caused significant damage to infrastructure, including Simón Bolívar International airport.
Why it matters: The earthquakes have had a devastating impact on Venezuela, with a significant loss of life and widespread destruction. The country's infrastructure has been severely affected, and international aid is being deployed to support rescue efforts. The economic impact of the disaster is also significant, with estimated damages of $6.7bn.
1,430 deaths, 3,200 injured, 3,100 homeless, 68,900 people unaccounted for, $6.7bn in damage, 6% of Venezuela's GDP, 14,000 military and police personnel deployed, 15 Portuguese, 7 Chinese, 2 Brazilians, 5 Spaniards, and 1 Italian-Venezuelan among the dead
At this moment, every life is a source of hope for Venezuela - Delcy Rodriguez, interim president of Venezuela
The Guardian · 28 Jun, 06:00
Andy Burnham is expected to expand on his economic priorities, potentially including greater public control or ownership of essential services like water, energy, and transport, in a speech on Monday. This could involve nationalization or other measures to increase public control.
Andy Burnham, the likely next Prime Minister, is set to give a speech outlining his economic priorities. He has previously expressed a desire for 'the essentials of life being run primarily for the public interest, not for the private interests.' Burnham's plans may include greater public control or ownership of essential services such as water, energy, transport, and housing. His choice of chancellor and approach to nationalization will be closely watched.
Why it matters: This is significant because it could represent a major shift in the role of the state in the economy, with potential implications for private sector businesses and investors. Greater public control or ownership could lead to changes in the way essential services are provided and funded. This could also have broader implications for the UK's economic model and relationship with the private sector.
96% (debt-to-GDP ratio), £137bn (debt interest bill due this year), 20 years (timeframe over which debt-to-GDP ratio has tripled)
Does Andy Burnham think he can go for 'control,' when all of the evidence suggests these things are uncontrollable, and can only be managed in the public interest by being owned in some innovative way by the public sector? - Neal Lawson, director of Compass
The Guardian · 28 Jun, 05:51
The Australian government has announced new legislation to double fines to $99m for social media platforms that breach the social media ban, and give the eSafety commissioner stronger information-gathering powers. Experts warn that the government needs to switch into 'enforcement mode' and take on tech giants to make the ban stick.
The Australian government has introduced new legislation to double fines for social media platforms that breach the social media ban to $99m and give the eSafety commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, stronger information-gathering powers. The ban, which was introduced on 10 December, aims to restrict access to social media for under-16s. According to the government, more than 5m accounts have been removed, deactivated or restricted since the ban was introduced. However, research suggests that the majority of under-16s are still bypassing age restrictions.
Why it matters: The new legislation is significant because it aims to hold tech giants accountable for the content they carry and protect young people from the harms of social media. Experts warn that stronger enforcement mechanisms are needed to make the ban effective, and that the government needs to take on tech giants to ensure compliance. The legislation is also seen as a step towards regulating social media algorithms and promoting online safety.
$99m: the doubled fine for social media platforms that breach the ban, 5m: the number of accounts removed, deactivated or restricted since the ban was introduced, 80%: the proportion of under-16s who still access social media despite the ban, 10 December: the date the ban was introduced
“It is still early days yet not much has changed for under-16s with about 80% still stating they remain on social media,” - Catherine Page Jeffery, senior lecturer in media and communications at the University of Sydney
NPR News · 27 Jun, 22:01
President Trump has nominated Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to lead Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The agency has been without a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration.
President Trump nominated Lance Schroyer, a former Oklahoma state trooper, to direct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This nomination comes as ICE has been without a Senate-confirmed director since the Obama administration. Schroyer's background includes serving as an Oklahoma state trooper.
Why it matters: This nomination is significant because ICE has been operating without a Senate-confirmed director for an extended period. The appointment of a new director may impact the agency's policies and operations. The nomination also comes at a time of ongoing debates about immigration policies in the United States.
NPR News · 27 Jun, 19:40
Firefighters battling the largest current wildfire in the US, burning in southern Utah, face challenges from critical fire weather conditions. Extreme wildfire behavior is expected to continue through the weekend.
The Cottonwood Fire, currently the nation's largest wildfire, is burning in southern Utah. Firefighters are encountering historic and critical fire weather conditions, which are complicating their efforts. The extreme weather is expected to persist through the weekend, leading to continued extreme wildfire behavior.
Why it matters: The critical fire weather conditions are significantly complicating firefighting efforts, posing a substantial challenge to containing the massive wildfire. The persistence of these conditions through the weekend suggests that the fire may continue to spread, potentially threatening more areas and resources.
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Ars Technica · 27 Jun, 11:07
A new European company, Amble, has launched a luxury electric vehicle called the Amble One, designed for use in areas where normal cars are not practical. The vehicle, priced at $25,000, has a design influenced by the cancelled Apple car project.
Amble, a company founded by alumni of Apple and Audi, has unveiled its first electric vehicle, the Amble One. The vehicle is a street-legal, stripped-down electric buggy designed for use in areas such as coastal paths, private estates, and luxury hotel villas. The Amble One is priced at $25,000 and is designed to be stylish and affordable. The company's design lead, Julian Hoenig, previously worked on the cancelled Apple car project.
Why it matters: The Amble One is significant because it offers a new option for luxury electric transportation in areas where traditional cars are not practical. The vehicle's design and price point make it an attractive option for those looking for a stylish and affordable electric vehicle. The involvement of former Apple and Audi employees also brings a high level of expertise and design credibility to the project.
$25,000
NPR News · 27 Jun, 13:45
Uzbekistan made its World Cup debut, becoming the first Central Asian nation to qualify for the tournament. The country's team has been hailed as a symbol of the "new Uzbekistan" by its president.
Uzbekistan participated in the World Cup for the first time, marking a historic moment for the country and the region of Central Asia. Uzbek fans have been enthusiastic about showcasing their country's culture and team. The Uzbek team played in the World Cup Group K soccer match against Portugal in Houston on June 23.
Why it matters: This is significant because Uzbekistan is the first country from Central Asia to qualify for the World Cup, representing a milestone for the region in international soccer. The team's participation has generated excitement and pride among Uzbek fans and is seen as a symbol of national progress.