The Guardian · 30 Jul, 05:05
New South Wales will send specialist nurses instead of police to some mental health emergencies as part of a reform aimed at reducing fatalities. The change is funded by $270m over ten years and will include a new team of mental health experts assessing mental health calls 24/7.
The New South Wales government has announced a reform to send specialist nurses rather than police to some mental health emergencies. This change is in response to multiple deaths at the hands of police, including the fatal shooting of 42-year-old Jesse Deacon who lived with schizophrenia. A new team of mental health experts will assess mental health calls 24/7, and eight new mental health teams will provide a health-led response to call-outs. However, this initiative will only operate 12 hours a day and won't be statewide.
Why it matters: This reform is significant as it aims to provide better support to individuals in mental health distress and reduce fatalities. The change is a response to pressure from advocates and families of victims, and it marks a shift towards a more health-led approach to mental health emergencies. However, concerns remain about the limited hours of operation and the need for more funding for community mental health support.
$270m, 10 years, 12 hours, 24/7
We're committing $270m as a first step. But I recognise that mental health crises don't happen within neat 12-hour windows. They're things that can occur any time of day, any day of the week.
The Guardian · 30 Jul, 05:00
A survey of young Africans found that a quarter believe USAID cuts could have a positive impact, forcing leaders to solve their own challenges. However, nearly half believe the cuts will have a damaging impact on their countries.
The US Trump administration announced in early 2025 that it was eliminating more than 90% of USAID's foreign contracts and $60bn in overall US assistance around the world. A survey of almost 5,000 young people across 16 African countries found that a quarter of respondents believed the aid cuts could have a positive impact, while 46% believed the cuts would have a damaging impact on their countries. The survey was conducted by the African Youth Survey. The cuts have caused the closure of vital services, including maternity clinics, and medicine shortages.
Why it matters: The USAID cuts are significant because they will impact poverty, hunger, and inequality worldwide. The cuts have caused public outrage and pushback from development and humanitarian organisations. The survey's findings highlight the complexities of foreign aid and the perspectives of young Africans on the issue.
2025, 90%, $60bn, 0.5%, 0.3%, 0.7%, 70%, 19 years and six months, 2030, 40%, 5,000, 16, 54, 41%, 40%, 37%, 11%, 46%, 76%, 63%, 63%
What they’re saying is that African governments need to take agency and responsibility for their own reality. - Ivor Ichikowitz
The Guardian · 30 Jul, 04:42
The death toll from a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Japan's Kumamoto prefecture has risen to 28, with 62 injured, as rescue efforts are complicated by aftershocks and heat. The earthquake has caused widespread damage, with thousands of homes without electricity or water.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck the Kumamoto prefecture on the island of Kyushu in Japan, causing widespread damage and loss of life. The earthquake, which occurred on Tuesday, has resulted in 28 deaths and 62 injuries. A significant magnitude 5.8 aftershock hit overnight, further complicating recovery efforts. Rescue workers are searching for trapped survivors in damaged buildings, including a shopping mall and collapsed houses.
Why it matters: The earthquake has significant implications for the region, with thousands of homes without electricity or water, and widespread damage to buildings and infrastructure. The area is a key base for Japan's automotive and semiconductor industries, with several major manufacturers halting production. The disaster comes as Japan is still recovering from two devastating earthquakes in 2016, which killed 273 people.
28 deaths, 62 injured, 5,000 SDF personnel, 35C temperatures, 6.8 magnitude earthquake, 5.8 magnitude aftershock, 3,000 customers, 12 people pulled from mall rubble, 6 deaths in mall, 23,000 homes without electricity, 75,000 homes without water, 15,000 people evacuated
It was the strongest quake I ever experienced - Kanzo Matsumoto, 73
Ars Technica · 29 Jul, 20:57
Elon Musk has settled a lawsuit with advertisers who boycotted his social media platform, X. The case has ended with a joint statement from X and the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) that they are putting the litigation behind them.
Elon Musk's social media platform, X, sued the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) in 2024 over a boycott by several brands that caused X's revenue to drop by $1.5 billion by the end of 2023. Musk had previously called for criminal prosecution of those involved in the boycott and declared 'war' on the advertising industry. The lawsuit has been settled with a joint statement from X and the WFA that they are putting the litigation behind them.
Why it matters: The settlement marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute between X and advertisers who boycotted the platform. The case highlights the challenges faced by social media platforms in attracting and retaining advertisers, particularly in the face of controversy and boycotts.
$1.5 billion
Ars Technica · 29 Jul, 22:07
A quantum-resistant cryptography algorithm called HAWK, which was under consideration as an official US standard, has been taken out of the running after a flaw was found that rendered it broken. The flaw was discovered with the help of an Anthropic security model.
The HAWK algorithm, a digital signature scheme designed to withstand future attacks from quantum computers, was in the third round of testing by NIST for evaluating the security of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms. An Anthropic security model, known as Mythos, helped find a flaw that rendered HAWK broken. Following the announcement of the results, the developer of HAWK withdrew it from consideration.
Why it matters: This is significant because HAWK was a potential candidate for an official US standard for quantum-resistant cryptography, and its removal highlights the importance of rigorous testing and evaluation of cryptographic algorithms. The discovery of the flaw also demonstrates the value of Anthropic's security model in identifying vulnerabilities in cryptographic schemes.
Ars Technica · 29 Jul, 20:03
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned foreign-made robots, citing cybersecurity vulnerabilities and national security risks. The ban covers a wide variety of robots, including humanoid robots, four-legged robots, and robot vacuum cleaners made abroad.
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has imposed a ban on foreign-made robots, including humanoid robots, four-legged robots, and robot vacuum cleaners. The ban was justified by referencing cybersecurity vulnerabilities previously discovered in robots made by Chinese companies. The FCC added 'foreign-produced advanced robotic devices' to its Covered List of technologies deemed to pose an unacceptable risk to US national security or safety. The agency acted on direction from a 'qualifying national security authority,' which determined that foreign-made robots present a national security risk.
Why it matters: This ban is significant because it highlights the US government's concerns about the potential risks associated with foreign-made robots, particularly those from China. The ban may impact companies that rely on foreign-made robots and could lead to a shift in the robotics industry. The ban also underscores the growing scrutiny of foreign-made technologies in the US.
NPR News · 30 Jul, 05:18
Summary not available.
NPR News · 30 Jul, 05:56
Summary not available.
NPR News · 30 Jul, 05:33
Summary not available.