The Guardian · 7 Jun, 05:00
Peruvians are set to vote in a presidential runoff election between right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori and leftist congressman Roberto Sánchez, with the two candidates statistically tied in the polls. The election comes amid rising crime, chronic political instability, and voter apathy in Peru.
Peru is holding a presidential runoff election between Keiko Fujimori, a right-wing candidate and daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, and Roberto Sánchez, a leftist congressman and former trade and tourism minister. The two candidates are vying to become Peru's ninth president in a decade, with the country facing rising crime, chronic political instability, and corruption scandals. Fujimori won 17% of the vote in the first round in April, while Sánchez took 12%. The election campaign has been marked by voter apathy, with a record 35 candidates initially running and over 6 million Peruvians not turning out to vote in the first round.
Why it matters: The election is significant because it represents a polarised left-right choice for Peruvian voters, with the two candidates statistically tied in the polls. The outcome will have a major impact on the country's future, with Fujimori promising a tough-on-crime stance and Sánchez pledging to restore the government 'to the people' and draft a new constitution. The election also comes amid a period of record instability in Peru, with eight presidents since July 2016, only three of whom were elected.
43.8% (Sánchez's poll rating), 43.2% (Fujimori's poll rating), 17% (Fujimori's first-round vote share), 12% (Sánchez's first-round vote share), 6 million (Peruvians who did not turn out to vote in the first round), 3 million (Peruvians who spoiled their ballots in protest), 11 years and 5 months (sentence given to former President Pedro Castillo for rebellion)
“Politicians have lost a lot of credibility, and very few people trust them any more,” said Santiago Pedraglio, a sociologist and professor at Lima’s Pontifical Catholic University.
The Guardian · 7 Jun, 05:56
The Australian Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has backed plans to increase the volume and capacity at the Sydney Opera House, saying he is part of the 'fun faction'. A man was hospitalised after an alleged attack in Bondi.
The New South Wales government has announced plans to increase the maximum capacity for outdoor events at the Sydney Opera House from 5,000 to 6,000 people for low and medium-scale events, and from 6,000 to 7,000 for major events. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, has welcomed the move, saying he is part of the 'fun faction'. The changes also include extending event hours across all days of the week and increasing late-night sound levels for major events. In a separate incident, a man was hospitalised after an alleged attack in Bondi.
Why it matters: The changes to the Sydney Opera House are significant as they will allow for more people to attend events and enjoy the cultural and entertainment offerings of the venue. The prime minister's endorsement of the plans highlights the government's support for the arts and cultural sector. The alleged attack in Bondi is a concerning incident that highlights the need for public safety measures.
I'm a member of the fun faction.
The Guardian · 7 Jun, 01:11
Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on Russia, targeting St. Petersburg and other locations, after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The attack resulted in one death, several injuries, and a fire at an oil depot.
On Saturday, Ukraine fired hundreds of drones at Russia, targeting St. Petersburg and other locations. Many drones were shot down, but some hit their targets, including a naval base and an oil depot. One person was killed, and several others were injured. The attack came after Putin rejected Zelenskyy's proposal for a meeting, with Zelenskyy accusing Putin of 'choosing war again'.
Why it matters: The drone attack is significant because it shows Ukraine's ability to strike deep into Russian territory and respond to Russian aggression. The attack also comes at a time of heightened tensions, with Putin rejecting Zelenskyy's proposal for talks and Ukraine's allies, including the UK, France, and Germany, preparing to discuss support for Ukraine.
376 drones shot down over various regions, 140 drones shot down over the Leningrad region, 1 person killed, 3 injured (discharged), 64-year-old man killed in Mykolaiv region, 10-year-old boy and his father wounded in Zaporizhzhia region, 1 person killed and 3 others wounded in Dnipropetrovsk region
Any manifestation of injustice against Ukraine will receive a just response. - Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ars Technica · 6 Jun, 20:53
Five leading scientists were ejected from the American Diabetes Association conference in New Orleans for distributing reprints of an editorial criticizing the Trump administration's attacks on scientific research.
Five prominent scientists, including Steven Kahn, Desmond Schatz, Aaron Kelly, Justin Ryder, and Irl Hirsch, were removed from the American Diabetes Association (ADA) conference in New Orleans. They were handing out copies of an editorial published in Diabetes Care, which criticized the Trump administration's attacks on scientific research. The scientists were ousted while distributing the reprints outside a room where NIH director Jay Bhattacharya had been scheduled to speak, although he cancelled and another official spoke instead.
Why it matters: This incident highlights concerns about censorship and the suppression of scientific discourse, particularly in the context of government criticism. The ejection of prominent scientists from a major conference raises questions about academic freedom and the ability of researchers to express their views.
They physically grabbed us, forced us out of the conference center, and now are telling us we can no longer attend this meeting. They're taking our lanyards. It really has come to this in America. Censorship is real. America needs to stand up. Scientists, stand up. Physicians, stand up.
NPR News · 7 Jun, 00:39
Workers at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles have voted to authorize a strike ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with negotiations between the union, stadium management, and FIFA set to continue.
Workers at SoFi Stadium, represented by a union, have voted to authorize a strike. The stadium is set to host events for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Negotiations between the union, the hospitality group at the stadium, and FIFA are ongoing and scheduled to continue on Monday. The workers' union is seeking to reach an agreement with the stadium's management and FIFA.
Why it matters: The potential strike by workers at SoFi Stadium could impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup events scheduled to be held there, which is a significant international sporting event. The World Cup will bring massive attention and large crowds to the stadium, making any labor disputes a critical issue.
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NPR News · 6 Jun, 21:05
Historian Alex Kershaw is using social media to commemorate D-Day by posting updates in real-time, live-tweeting the events of June 6, 1944.
Historian Alex Kershaw has found a unique way to keep the memory of D-Day alive by using social media. He posts live updates on social media platforms, timed to the events that occurred on June 6, 1944, the day of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II. This approach allows him to share the history of D-Day with a wider audience in real-time.
Why it matters: This approach is significant because it allows people to experience and understand the events of D-Day in a more immersive and engaging way. By sharing live updates, Kershaw is able to bring history to life and make it more accessible to a wider audience. This can help to keep the memory of D-Day and its significance alive for future generations.
NPR News · 6 Jun, 18:48
Israel has reportedly used white phosphorus near Lebanese cities and towns. White phosphorus is a chemical that can cause severe burns and is not banned under international law.
Israel has reportedly used white phosphorus near Lebanese cities and towns. White phosphorus is a chemical that can cause severe burns. It is not banned under international law but can create cruel injuries and indiscriminate harm in civilian areas.
Why it matters: The use of white phosphorus in populated areas can lead to severe harm to civilians. This has raised concerns due to its potential to cause indiscriminate damage. The chemical's use near cities and towns highlights the risks to civilian populations.
Ars Technica · 6 Jun, 11:15
Researchers have found that Ötzi the Iceman's body still hosts a variety of microbes, some of which have been alive for thousands of years. These microbes include cold-adapted yeast species that have likely been with Ötzi since shortly after his death.
Scientists have discovered that Ötzi the Iceman, a 5,300-year-old mummy found in the Ötztal Alps in 1991, still has a variety of microbes living on and inside his body. Researchers sampled material from Ötzi's stomach, meltwater from inside his body, and his skin, as well as airborne microbes from his storage room and a block of frozen alpine soil taken from next to his body. The samples revealed a range of microbes, including some that are long dead, some that are still alive, and some that are modern.
Why it matters: This discovery is significant because it provides insight into the microbial environment that Ötzi was exposed to during his lifetime and after his death. The presence of cold-adapted yeast species that have survived for thousands of years is particularly interesting, as it suggests that these microbes have been able to survive in a frozen state for extended periods of time.
5,300 years: the length of time Ötzi the Iceman has been frozen in the Ötztal Alps; 1991: the year Ötzi's body was discovered by a group of hikers