The Guardian · 15 Aug, 05:00
London is experiencing a strong, unpleasant smell due to its outdated sewage system being overwhelmed by the hot and dry summer weather.
London is currently experiencing a strong, unpleasant smell due to its sewage system being overwhelmed by the hot and dry summer weather. The smell is caused by the buildup of untreated human waste in the sewers, which is exacerbated by the lack of rainfall. Experts say that the current system, which is based on the work of Victorian civil engineer Joseph Bazalgette, is outdated and in need of an overhaul.
Why it matters: The current stench highlights the need for a radical overhaul of London's sewage system, which is struggling to cope with the changing climate. The issue is not just a matter of public wellbeing and pleasantness, but also a risk to public health if not addressed. The situation is prompting calls for a national conversation about the need to modernize the system to prevent similar problems in the future.
People don’t want to talk about it, they want to flush it away and forget about it as they have for 150 years. But it’s the foundation of a civilised world – if you don’t manage it, it’s disgusting and dangerous.
The Guardian · 15 Aug, 04:00
France's rural swimming pools are in crisis due to high running costs and lack of funds, but local communities are fighting to save them as they provide crucial shelter from heatwaves and teach children to swim.
Rural swimming pools in France are struggling due to high running costs and limited budgets, with many at risk of closure. These pools serve as essential community spaces, offering affordable leisure activities and swimming lessons. In the village of Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe, the local pool has become a daily refuge for families during heatwaves. A campaign, Touche Pas à Ma Piscine (Hands Off My Pool), has formed to defend the pool and advocate for more government support.
Why it matters: The rural swimming pools are significant as they provide a vital service to communities, especially during heatwaves, and offer swimming lessons to children. With 274 drowning deaths in France between May 1 and July 15, the pools play a crucial role in water safety. The closure of these pools would leave residents, particularly those on low incomes, without access to affordable leisure facilities.
274, 100,000, 1970, 1969, 3,200, 20, 75%, 1,000, 600, 1968
There's a wonderful feeling of wellbeing in the water. We'll fight to make sure this pool survives and stays open. This pool is a treasure that we have to protect. There's a sword of Damocles hanging over our head. The pool is part of our village's identity, and in the heatwaves it has become a crucial place to cool down. The pool's impact on mental health and physical health is considerable.
The Guardian · 15 Aug, 05:00
The Taliban in Afghanistan is launching a diplomatic effort to end its isolation, with several countries renewing ties or scaling up diplomatic contacts despite human rights abuses. This has raised concerns among campaigners that individual country contacts risk undermining demands for human rights improvements.
The Taliban, who took power in Afghanistan in 2021, are increasing diplomatic ties with various countries, including India, Qatar, China, Iran, and several Central Asian states. These countries have welcomed Taliban officials or opened new channels of communication. Russia, which recognized the Taliban government last year, recently signed a military cooperation agreement. The European Union also held talks with Taliban officials about returning failed asylum-seekers to Afghanistan.
Why it matters: The growing diplomatic ties with the Taliban have raised concerns among human rights campaigners, who fear that individual country contacts may undermine demands for improvements in human rights in return for diplomatic concessions. The Taliban have been accused of systematic human rights abuses, including banning women from universities and most employment, denying teenage girls education, and persecuting minorities. The international community's engagement with the Taliban may be seen as legitimizing the regime, despite its repressive policies.
You cannot condemn Taliban abuses in one breath and then announce talks on immigration in the next … The Taliban are telling their constituency back home that they are now accepted by the international community.
Ars Technica · 14 Aug, 18:32
A high-severity macOS vulnerability, CVE-2026-65400, is under active exploitation, allowing attackers to execute malicious code and gain full control of Macs. The vulnerability was patched by Apple last week for macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma.
A high-severity macOS vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-65400, has been under active exploitation by attackers. The vulnerability allows attackers to execute malicious code and gain full control of Macs. Dutch officials from the Netherlands National Cyber Security Centrum (NCSC) reported that multiple systems with port 5900 accessible from the Internet were compromised, with root access gained and a Monero crypto miner installed. The vulnerability stems from a bug in the macOS screen sharing capability and was patched by Apple last week for macOS Tahoe, Sequoia, and Sonoma.
Why it matters: This vulnerability is significant because it allows attackers to gain full control of Macs, potentially leading to data breaches, malware installations, and other malicious activities. The fact that it is under active exploitation highlights the importance of applying the patch as soon as possible. The vulnerability's severity rating of 7.1 out of 10 emphasizes its potential impact.
CVE-2026-65400, 7.1, 5900
Ars Technica · 14 Aug, 17:13
A Washington state court has ordered Kalshi to stop offering sports bets and other wagers on its prediction market. The company is not licensed by the state Gambling Commission and is not registered to conduct business in Washington.
A state court in Washington issued a preliminary injunction ordering Kalshi to stop offering sports gambling and other wagers on its prediction market. The company is not licensed by the state Gambling Commission and is not registered to conduct business in Washington. The court found that Kalshi ads claiming to offer 'legal betting' in Washington state are likely to mislead consumers. Kalshi must implement an IP address and residency-based geofence by August 19 and a multi-source geofencing solution by September 2.
Why it matters: This is significant because Kalshi was operating without a license and was misleading consumers about the legality of its betting activities in Washington state. The injunction aims to protect consumers and enforce state regulations.
August 19, September 2
The order requires Kalshi to stop offering, accepting, or facilitating wagers on sports, elections, politics, entertainment, culture, tech and science, or mentions in Washington
Ars Technica · 14 Aug, 16:11
A live discussion was held by Ars about the Stop Killing Games movement, which aims to ensure games remain playable after their publishers shut down online servers. The movement's organizer, Ross Scott, discussed the issue of publishers discontinuing game access.
Ars hosted a live discussion with Ross Scott about the Stop Killing Games movement. The movement seeks to ensure games remain playable even after publishers shut down their online servers. Scott discussed the issue of long-term game access and how it has been a problem for a long time. He expressed his frustration with the situation and the lack of action taken by others.
Why it matters: The issue of game preservation is significant because it affects the accessibility of games for players. When publishers shut down online servers, games can become unplayable, which can be frustrating for those who have invested time and money into them. The Stop Killing Games movement aims to change this practice and ensure that games remain playable for their communities.
I kept hoping someone else would kick this off, [someone] more experienced or knowledgeable, but it felt like nothing was happening.
NPR News · 14 Aug, 18:13
Author Clint Smith discusses his work on slavery and its representation in education and personal narratives.
Clint Smith, author of 'How the Word Is Passed', explores how slavery is taught and perceived in America. He also wrote 'Above Ground', a collection of poems to his children about their ancestors' experiences with slavery. Smith has been interviewed on 'Fresh Air' in both 2021 and 2023.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights the ongoing conversation about how slavery is represented and understood in American society. The work of authors like Clint Smith helps to shed light on the complexities of this history and its continued impact.
NPR News · 14 Aug, 16:54
Speed cameras are being installed in more states across the US, leading to a growing backlash from drivers who are encountering them for the first time. Advocates argue that the cameras make roads safer.
Speed cameras are being installed in more states across the US. Millions of drivers are encountering these cameras for the first time or will soon. The cameras are often installed in school zones, such as in Broward County, Florida. Some drivers are expressing dissatisfaction with the cameras.
Why it matters: The spread of speed cameras is significant because it reflects a growing trend towards using technology to enforce traffic laws and improve road safety. Advocates of speed cameras argue that they are effective in reducing speeding and making roads safer.
NPR News · 14 Aug, 16:37
COVID-19 cases are increasing again in the U.S., marking another summer surge of the virus since the pandemic began.
Public health experts have confirmed that COVID-19 cases are rising in the United States, continuing a pattern observed in previous summers since the pandemic started. This increase is occurring alongside other health concerns that are currently making headlines. The rising cases are being referred to as a growing summer surge of COVID-19.
Why it matters: The resurgence of COVID-19 cases is significant as it indicates a continued challenge in managing the pandemic, even as attention is focused on other health issues. This pattern of increased cases during the summer months highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and public health measures.