The Guardian · 29 Jun, 05:48
The fossil fuel industry has been found to have a significant presence in Australian schools, sports clubs, and educational institutions, sparking concerns about 'petro-grooming' of children. The Greens and David Pocock have backed calls for a parliamentary inquiry into the matter.
A report by climate advocacy group Comms Declare found at least 260 industry-backed programs or sponsorships that reach children and teenagers from early childhood centers to sporting clubs, museums, and career pathway programs. These programs often accentuate personal steps to reduce emissions while underplaying the role of major corporations in producing and selling fossil fuels. The report has sparked concerns about the influence of fossil fuel companies on children's education and has led to calls for a Senate inquiry and a national ban on advertising and sponsorships from coal, oil, and gas companies.
Why it matters: The presence of fossil fuel companies in educational institutions and sports clubs raises concerns about the potential for biased information and the promotion of fossil fuel interests to children. This could undermine the integrity of education and potentially influence children's perceptions of energy and climate issues. The issue is significant because it highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the relationship between fossil fuel companies and educational institutions.
260: the number of industry-backed programs or sponsorships identified by Comms Declare that reach children and teenagers
“Get your dirty hands off our kids, that is our message to the fossil fuel industry, who have no place in early-learning centres, in schools, or in our cultural institutions in this country,” - Steph Hodgins-May, Greens resources spokesperson
The Guardian · 29 Jun, 05:17
Victorian Liberal MP Moira Deeming has stated she misunderstood the term 'headlock' in her allegation against colleague Matthew Guy, but will not apologize for making the complaint. The police investigation found no offense had been detected, based on CCTV footage.
Moira Deeming, a Victorian Liberal MP, alleged that her colleague Matthew Guy assaulted her at a community event in May, claiming he put her in a headlock. However, after police investigated and released CCTV footage, they found no offense had been detected. Deeming's lawyer stated that she misunderstood the technical meaning of 'headlock' but maintains she used the term in good faith to describe the incident. Deeming will not apologize for making the complaint, which she made after attempting to resolve the issue through the Liberal party's internal processes.
Why it matters: This incident is significant as it involves allegations of assault and misconduct within the Victorian Liberal Party. The case has sparked debate about how such allegations are handled within the party and the broader implications for those involved. The incident has also raised questions about the leadership of the Liberal party and the handling of similar situations in the future.
My family name, my reputation is not a political toy. No one’s is. So I want – and my family deserve – those apologies, particularly from Moira Deeming. There was no ambiguity. I did not do what was alleged, the CCTV proves this. It did from the start, and Victoria police agree. - Matthew Guy
The Guardian · 29 Jun, 05:00
The Resolution Foundation thinktank has recommended that the UK government reject calls to reverse employment tax increases as a way to boost jobs for young people, instead suggesting extra funding for apprenticeships and youth support grants.
The Resolution Foundation thinktank has published a report suggesting that reversing employment tax increases would do little to help young people find jobs. The report, entitled 'Take a chance on me', found that cutting employers' national insurance contributions (NICs) and reducing the minimum wage for under-21s would have a limited effect on employment levels. The thinktank recommends targeted workplace subsidies, extra funding for apprenticeships, and increasing the number of youth support grants instead.
Why it matters: The number of young people not in employment, education, or training (Neets) has passed 1 million, and the thinktank warns that unless action is taken, this could 'scar' the living standards of a generation. The report's recommendations are expected to influence the government's policy on youth employment.
1 million (number of Neets), £5.1bn (cost of scrapping employer NICs for under-25s), 38,000 (additional jobs created by scrapping employer NICs for under-25s), £132,000 (cost per job created), 15,000 (additional young people in work if minimum wage rates for younger workers are reversed), £379m (annual cost to 16- to 20-year-olds if minimum wage rates are reversed), 2,800 (additional jobs created by increasing youth jobs grant), £36,700 (cost per job created by youth jobs grant), 11,200 (additional jobs created by increasing youth jobs grant to 80,000 annual places), £13-£15 (public benefit per £1 spent on apprenticeships for workers aged 19-24), £7 (public benefit per £1 spent on apprenticeships for workers aged 24 and over), £1.55bn (amount that could be freed up by ringfencing apprenticeship levy for under-25s), 145,000 (number of young apprenticeships that could be funded by ringfencing apprenticeship levy)
The increase in Neets to more than 1 million was 'a sobering milestone'. But reaching for employer tax cuts to resolve this doesn't add up. Instead, the government should scale up their most cost-effective programmes: more youth jobs grants, a broader jobs guarantee, and reforming the growth and skills levy so that it supports young people who would benefit from it the most. - Lindsay Judge, Resolution Foundation research director
Ars Technica · 28 Jun, 18:49
The scientific journal Naturwissenschaften (now known as The Science of Nature) retracted two papers by Max Planck from the 1940s, removing the papers entirely and leaving only a brief note stating they were 'withdrawn due to article violation.'
Two papers by Max Planck, a pioneer of quantum mechanics and 1918 Nobel Prize winner, were retracted by the journal Naturwissenschaften. The journal typically marks retracted papers with a 'RETRACTED' notice, but instead removed the Planck papers entirely, leaving blank pages and PDFs. The retraction notice stated the articles were 'withdrawn due to article violation.' The retraction was discovered by physics historians Yves Gingras and Mahdi Khelfaoui while investigating a list of Nobel Prize winners who have had papers retracted.
Why it matters: The retraction of Planck's papers is significant because Planck was a highly respected physicist with no known history of scientific misconduct. The unusual nature of the retraction, including the complete removal of the papers, has raised questions about the reasons behind it.
NPR News · 28 Jun, 23:37
A 'heat dome' is driving dangerous heat across large parts of the U.S. as the country approaches the July 4 weekend. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for the hazardous conditions.
A 'heat dome' is causing dangerous heat across large swaths of the U.S. The National Weather Service has warned of hazardous conditions. The heat is expected to persist through the July 4 weekend. No specific areas were mentioned in the provided text.
Why it matters: This is significant because the heat poses a risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. The hazardous conditions are expected to continue through a major holiday weekend, which may lead to increased risks for people engaging in outdoor activities.
NPR News · 28 Jun, 21:00
In Venezuela, rescue crews are using silence to locate survivors trapped under rubble. They are stopping all noise and listening for any signs of life.
Rescue crews in Venezuela have adopted a new tactic to locate survivors trapped under rubble. They are stopping all noise and asking people to remain silent so they can hear any sounds that might indicate someone is still alive. This approach is being used in the port city of La Guaira. The crews are making a concerted effort to listen for any signs of life.
Why it matters: This tactic is significant because it shows the resourcefulness and desperation of rescue crews in Venezuela. The use of silence to locate survivors highlights the challenging conditions and limited resources they are working with.
NPR News · 28 Jun, 20:17
The Trump administration may block the opening of the Gordie Howe bridge, a major border crossing between the US and Canada.
The Gordie Howe bridge, which spans the Detroit River, is a crucial border crossing between the US and Canada. However, President Donald Trump has expressed concerns about opening it. The bridge's status is uncertain due to Trump's comments.
Why it matters: The Gordie Howe bridge is a significant border crossing, and its closure could impact trade and travel between the US and Canada. The bridge's opening is important for both countries' economies.