The Guardian · 17 Aug, 05:47
Dan Tehan was removed from question time after using inappropriate language towards Chris Bowen, while the Nationals leader Matt Canavan introduced a controversial anti-abortion bill to federal parliament.
Dan Tehan was booted from question time after telling Chris Bowen to 'cut the crap' regarding the capacity investment scheme. The Coalition focused on housing and the capacity investment scheme, while the government addressed questions on veterans' affairs and the NDIS. The Nationals leader Matt Canavan introduced a 'born alive' anti-abortion bill to federal parliament, which has been previously introduced and debunked.
Why it matters: The 'born alive' bill has caused controversy within the Coalition and may be seen as an attempt to divide the community. The bill's introduction and the debate around it may have implications for the government's stance on abortion and the Coalition's unity. The removal of Dan Tehan from question time highlights the importance of maintaining respectful language in parliament.
I welcome debate on this because it is a matter of life and death. I am proudly pro-life.
The Guardian · 17 Aug, 05:00
A new study has found that the public in England and Wales overestimates the number of minority ethnic people who are killers and foreign national offenders, with voters of the Reform party having the most inaccurate perceptions. The study suggests that these misperceptions are driven by emotions and what people are told, rather than facts.
A survey of 1,800 people in England and Wales found that people significantly overestimate the number of minority ethnic people who are convicted killers and foreign national offenders. The public estimated that 55% of convicted killers were from ethnic minorities, when in fact the figure is 35%. They also estimated that 25% of the prison population are foreign national offenders, compared to the actual figure of 12%. The survey also found that people overestimated the number of foreigners committing sexual offences and the number of crime victims.
Why it matters: The study's findings are significant because they suggest that the public's perceptions of crime are driven by emotions and misinformation, rather than facts. This can have implications for trust in the justice system and for the spread of misinformation by far-right groups. The study's authors warn that these misperceptions can lead to unnecessary and ineffective actions.
35% (actual percentage of convicted killers from ethnic minorities), 55% (public's estimate of convicted killers from ethnic minorities), 64% (actual percentage of homicides committed by white people), 45% (public's estimate of homicides committed by white people), 12% (actual percentage of foreign national offenders in prison population), 25% (public's estimate of foreign national offenders in prison population), 15% (actual percentage of foreign nationals committing sexual offences), 30% (public's estimate of foreign nationals committing sexual offences), 1,800 (number of people surveyed), 52% (people who think ethnic or religious minorities are sentenced differently for crimes), 9.7% (actual percentage of people who experienced crime between 2024 and 2025), 27% (public's median guess of people who experienced crime)
There are two buckets of explanations for our misperceptions: how we think and what we’re told. On the former, it’s vital to recognise that misperceptions are partly driven by what we’re worried about. Cause and effect run in both directions, where we inflate the scale of an issue if it’s something we’re concerned about.
The Guardian · 17 Aug, 05:00
The UN's 17th Conference of the Parties (Cop17) on desertification has begun in Mongolia, with a focus on allocating $12bn to vulnerable countries to combat drought and land degradation. The conference aims to put into action pledges made two years ago to support developing countries in addressing these issues.
The UN's bi-annual talks on desertification, Cop17, have started in Mongolia, bringing together scores of countries to discuss how to allocate over $12bn to vulnerable countries to help them deal with drought and land degradation. The conference, which runs until August 28, aims to put into action pledges of billions of dollars made two years ago to support developing countries. The talks are taking place as the world faces record heat, wildfires, and heatwaves, with the World Food Programme predicting that 50 million more people could be pushed into hunger due to the 'super El Niño' weather system. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was signed in 1992 and has been working to address desertification and land degradation.
Why it matters: The conference is significant because it highlights the growing importance of addressing desertification and land degradation, particularly in the face of climate change. The allocation of $12bn to vulnerable countries is a major step forward in supporting developing countries to combat drought and land degradation, which can have significant impacts on food security, biodiversity, and climate resilience. The conference also marks a shift in the recognition of the risks associated with desertification and land degradation, with countries like Saudi Arabia and the US showing increased engagement and support.
$12bn, 50 million, $2.6tn, 17, 28, 1992, 2015, 2024
At the heart of our discussion is the topic of food security. The more you work on restoring land, the more you have productive soil to ensure food security. That kind of narrative should be part of our finance [initiatives]. - Yasmine Fouad
NPR News · 17 Aug, 05:21
President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his good relationship with North Korea's leader and South Korea's lack of assistance with Iran's denuclearization.
President Trump has ordered the Pentagon to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea. The decision was explained by Trump as a result of South Korea's lack of assistance with the denuclearization of Iran and his positive relationship with North Korea's leader. This move comes as part of a broader shift in international relations and military cooperation.
Why it matters: This decision is significant as it reflects a change in the dynamics of military cooperation between the United States and South Korea, potentially impacting regional security and international relations. The scaling back of joint exercises may have implications for the readiness and preparedness of allied forces in the region.
NPR News · 16 Aug, 20:20
Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, met with Hamas leadership in Egypt to push for progress on the stalled Gaza ceasefire plan. This meeting is part of a new diplomatic effort ahead of Kushner's talks with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law and a U.S. negotiator, held a rare meeting with Hamas leadership in Egypt on Sunday. The meeting was part of a new diplomatic effort to make progress on the stalled Gaza ceasefire plan. Kushner's talks with Hamas came ahead of his scheduled meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The meeting was seen as an attempt to revive the stalled Gaza ceasefire plan.
Why it matters: This meeting is significant because it shows a renewed U.S. effort to address the longstanding conflict in Gaza. The involvement of Hamas, a group that has been at odds with Israel, suggests that the U.S. is trying to engage with all parties to find a solution. The talks with Netanyahu will likely focus on finding a way forward for the Gaza ceasefire plan.
NPR News · 16 Aug, 18:58
Tommy John, the MLB pitcher who gave his name to a pioneering elbow surgery, has died at 83. The surgery, developed by Dr. Frank Jobe, allowed John to continue his career after tearing his ulnar collateral ligament in 1974.
Tommy John, a left-handed MLB pitcher, died at the age of 83. In 1974, at the age of 31, John suffered a career-threatening injury, tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. At the time, this type of injury often ended a pitcher's career. However, John underwent a revolutionary surgery developed by Dr. Frank Jobe, which allowed him to recover and continue pitching.
Why it matters: Tommy John's story is significant because the surgery that bore his name, performed by Dr. Frank Jobe, revolutionized the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament injuries in pitchers. This surgery has since become a standard procedure, allowing many pitchers to extend their careers. John's legacy extends beyond his own career, as his name became synonymous with the procedure that saved his career and many others.
83, 31, 1974
Ars Technica · 16 Aug, 10:00
Despite significant reductions in air pollutants from vehicles and industrial sources since the Clean Air Act of 1970, wildfire smoke has become a greater threat to air quality, particularly for prenatal health.
Since the Clean Air Act of 1970, emissions of six harmful air pollutants from vehicles and industrial sources have decreased by nearly 80 percent. However, pollution from wildfire smoke is now eclipsing those air-quality gains. The increasing intensity and destructiveness of wildfires, fueled by climate change, are blanketing communities in toxic smoke that is more harmful than pollution from other sources.
Why it matters: This shift in pollution sources is significant because wildfire smoke poses a greater threat to prenatal health than human sources of air pollution. The change highlights the need to address the root causes of wildfires and their impact on air quality.
80 percent