The Guardian · 17 Jul, 05:45
Violence and intimidation against politicians and public figures in the UK is increasing, with many experiencing abuse, rape threats, and even physical attacks. This has led to concerns about the impact on democracy and the need for a broader societal change to address the issue.
The article discusses the growing concern of violence and intimidation against politicians and public figures in the UK. The killing of Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe at her home in Devon has highlighted the issue, with many MPs and staff experiencing abuse, rape threats, and physical attacks. The problem is not limited to online threats, with MPs and staff also facing offline aggression, including in-person threats and vandalism. The article cites various examples, including the murder of Labour MP Jo Cox in 2016 and the recent arrest of a man over an alleged threat to shoot Reform UK leader Nigel Farage.
Why it matters: The increasing violence and intimidation against politicians and public figures is significant because it can have a chilling effect on democracy. Many MPs and candidates are self-censoring, avoiding in-person meetings, and not engaging with the public online due to fear of abuse. This can lead to a lack of diversity in politics and a decrease in civic engagement. The issue also highlights the need for social media companies to take responsibility for the content on their platforms and for broader societal change to address the root causes of this problem.
Over a quarter of candidates experienced harassment, intimidation, or abuse at least four times during the 2024 general election; 300 threats per month received by Nigel Farage; More than a third of girls deterred from careers in politics due to online abuse; 90% reduction in bilateral foreign aid support to some African countries; Five people killed in the 2017 Houses of Parliament terrorist attack; Hundreds of rape and death threats received by MPs
Everybody who's ever attacked me has read a load of untrue stuff online that they had been fed by their algorithm - Jess Phillips
The Guardian · 17 Jul, 06:00
A Senate inquiry heard that mobile networks are not infallible, while a NSW Independent Planning Commission hearing considered a proposed coal development in the Hunter Valley. Former Australian chief scientist Penny Sackett testified that the project would make meeting NSW emissions targets more difficult.
A NSW Independent Planning Commission hearing considered a proposed coal development in the Hunter Valley, with experts testifying about its potential impact on climate change and emissions targets. Former Australian chief scientist Penny Sackett said the project would make meeting NSW emissions targets 51% more difficult in 2030 and 68% more difficult in 2035. The commission also heard from Greg Mullins, a former commissioner of Fire and Rescue NSW, who called for the project to be rejected. In a separate development, Telstra boss warned a Senate inquiry that mobile networks are not infallible.
Why it matters: The proposed coal development in the Hunter Valley is significant because it could impact NSW's ability to meet its emissions reduction targets. The project's potential effects on climate change and public safety are also important considerations. The Senate inquiry into mobile networks highlights the importance of reliable communication infrastructure.
51%, 68%, 2030, 2035, 430m tonnes, 800m tonnes, 19 years, 2045, A$700m
The illusory and short-term benefits of approving this extension will help a small number, but will eventually harm everybody, particularly those who have no voice, those who have not yet been born. This is too high a price to pay for an industry that is in terminal decline.
The Guardian · 17 Jul, 04:41
Gina Rinehart, an Australian billionaire, may have lost around A$700m in paper profits after SpaceX's share price fell below its debut price. The company's stock price has been declining, wiping out Rinehart's estimated profit from the initial public offering.
Gina Rinehart's company, Hancock Prospecting, invested in SpaceX during its initial public offering (IPO) in mid-June. The company's share price initially soared, briefly making Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. However, SpaceX's stock price has since declined, closing at $131.11 on Thursday, below its debut price of $135. This decline may have resulted in Rinehart losing around A$714m in paper profits. Hancock Prospecting declined to comment on the value of its initial stock purchase and whether it had bought or sold more shares since the listing.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights the risks associated with investing in high-profile tech companies like SpaceX. The decline in SpaceX's share price may have resulted in substantial losses for investors, including Rinehart, who had a significant stake in the company. The incident also underscores the volatility of the tech stock market and the importance of long-term investment strategies.
A$700m, US$1bn, US$135, US$131.11, US$2.6tn, US$1.72tn, 28,000, US$838bn, US$3.88bn, A$5.55bn
You’re looking to invest in SpaceX for the long term, you’re backing the man. She knows Elon personally. - Tony Sycamore, market analyst at IG Australia
Ars Technica · 17 Jul, 00:02
SpaceX scrubbed the launch of its Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster due to issues with the engine startup sequence. The launch was called off just as the countdown clock reached zero.
SpaceX attempted to launch its Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster from its spaceport in South Texas on Thursday. The countdown proceeded smoothly until the engine startup sequence of the Super Heavy booster, at which point the computers controlling the countdown called an abort. As a result, the launch was scrubbed and engineers began draining the rocket's propellant tanks. The rocket was loaded with over 11.5 million pounds of liquid methane and liquid oxygen in preparation for launch.
Why it matters: This launch was significant as it was a test flight for the powerful Starship rocket and Super Heavy booster. The scrubbed launch may delay further testing and potentially impact future planned missions. The Starship program is an important part of SpaceX's ambitions for space exploration.
11.5 million pounds (propellant loaded), 400 feet (height of the rocket), 5:45 pm (planned launch time in local time), 6:45 pm EDT, 22:45 UTC
Ars Technica · 16 Jul, 20:41
The European Commission has announced new measures under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will force Google to share search data and open up access to competing AI platforms on Android phones. These changes aim to increase competition and give users more choices in the European Union.
The European Commission has announced new 'specification measures' under the Digital Markets Act (DMA) that will require Google to support interoperability and competition in the European Union. Specifically, Google will have to open up access to competing AI platforms on Android phones, currently dominated by Google's Gemini AI. Additionally, Google will have to share search data, although the article does not provide specifics on how this will be implemented. These decisions are legally binding, and Google claims they will undermine privacy and security.
Why it matters: These changes are significant because they aim to increase competition and give users more choices in the European Union. By opening up access to competing AI platforms on Android phones, users may have more options for AI assistants and services. Similarly, sharing search data could potentially allow other companies to develop more competitive search services.
Ars Technica · 16 Jul, 19:18
Linus Torvalds, creator of the Linux kernel, has stated that he supports the use of AI-powered coding tools in the Linux project and told critics to 'fork it or just walk away' if they disagree. This stance has sparked discussion about the role of AI in open-source software development.
Linus Torvalds, the creator and top-level maintainer of the Linux kernel, has expressed his support for using AI-powered coding tools in the Linux project. In a post on the Linux kernel mailing list, Torvalds stated that Linux is not an anti-AI project and that those who disagree can fork the project or leave. This statement was made in response to a discussion about the use of Sashiko, an AI-powered code review system that can independently find bugs in the Linux kernel code.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights the debate about the role of AI in open-source software development, particularly in a high-profile project like Linux. Torvalds' stance may influence the direction of the Linux project and has implications for the broader open-source community.
53.6% (the percentage of bugs that Sashiko can independently find), 20% (the estimated rate of false positive reports sent by Sashiko)
Linux is not one of those anti-AI projects, and if somebody has issues with that, they can do the open-source thing and fork it. Or just walk away.
NPR News · 17 Jul, 05:29
Summary not available.
NPR News · 17 Jul, 01:38
Summary not available.
NPR News · 16 Jul, 21:30
Summary not available.