The Guardian · 20 Aug, 05:47
The state of Victoria has established a royal commission into the construction sector, with broad powers to investigate allegations of wrongdoing, including corruption, criminal conduct, and serious misconduct. The inquiry will examine the activities of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU), construction companies, and government agencies.
The Victorian government has established a royal commission into the construction sector, with former South Australian Chief Justice Chris Kourakis appointed as commissioner. The inquiry will investigate allegations of corruption, criminal conduct, and serious misconduct on major public and civil infrastructure construction projects in Victoria. The commission has been given coercive powers to compel the production of information and the attendance of witnesses, including cabinet documents. The inquiry follows allegations of wrongdoing by the CFMEU and others connected to the Big Build, first reported by Nine newspapers in 2024.
Why it matters: The royal commission is significant because it aims to uncover and address allegations of wrongdoing in the construction sector, which has been plagued by reports of 'grift', 'thuggery', and 'violence' on taxpayer-funded building sites. The inquiry will provide Victorians with answers and help to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used effectively. The commission's findings and recommendations may also lead to the recoupment of misappropriated funds and the implementation of measures to prevent similar instances of wrongdoing in the future.
20 August 2027, $50m
Nothing is off limits.
The Guardian · 20 Aug, 05:46
The Australian government has condemned Israel's decision not to pursue criminal proceedings in the killing of aid worker Zomi Frankcom, while over 1,000 birds have been found dead in South Australia due to suspected H5 bird flu.
During a question time session, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed outrage over Israel's decision not to pursue criminal proceedings in the killing of aid worker Zomi Frankcom. Albanese stated that the government will continue to press Israel for justice. Meanwhile, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas reported that over 1,000 crested terns were found dead across three remote islands in South Australia, with the cause of death presumed to be H5 bird flu.
Why it matters: The Australian government's condemnation of Israel's decision highlights the country's commitment to holding Israel accountable for the killing of aid workers. The outbreak of H5 bird flu in South Australia is a significant concern for the state's wildlife and ecosystem.
1,000
Israel’s decision to close their investigation without criminal proceedings is an outrage and it falls far short of the accountability that we expect and consistently called for on behalf of Australia.
The Guardian · 20 Aug, 04:52
Prince Harry and his family are reportedly moving back to the UK for an extended period, but will not return to royal duties. The family, including children Archie and Lilibet, will live in a private residence outside London.
Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, along with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet, are expected to relocate to the UK this month. They will reportedly live at a private, non-royal residence outside London, while maintaining their homes in California and Portugal. The move comes after a period of strained relations with the royal family, which began when the couple announced they would step down as working royals in 2020.
Why it matters: This move is significant as it marks a change in the family's relationship with the royal family and their life in the US. The couple's decision to step down as working royals in 2020 triggered a period of tension and controversy, including public criticisms of the royal family and media scrutiny.
2020, $14.7m, 7, 5, 100m, 78m, 50m
I can’t see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the UK at this point … I miss the UK. And it’s really quite sad I won’t be able to show my children my homeland.
NPR News · 20 Aug, 05:50
The Israeli military has launched criminal investigations into the killings of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl and her family, as well as 15 Palestinian paramedics in Gaza.
The Israeli military has initiated criminal probes into two incidents in Gaza. The first incident involves the killing of a 5-year-old Palestinian girl named Hind Rajab and her family. The second incident involves the killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics. These investigations mark the first time the Israeli military has pursued criminal investigations into troop conduct in Gaza.
Why it matters: These investigations are significant as they indicate a rare instance of the Israeli military taking internal action regarding troop conduct in Gaza. The incidents under investigation involve civilian and medical personnel casualties, which are sensitive areas under international law and scrutiny.
Ars Technica · 20 Aug, 00:18
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies have canceled a robotic mission to rescue the Swift gamma-ray telescope, citing ongoing attitude control issues with the rescue satellite Link.
NASA and Katalyst Space Technologies announced the cancellation of a robotic mission to rescue the Swift gamma-ray telescope. The mission, which launched on July 3, aimed to use a satellite named Link to capture Swift with three robotic arms and boost its orbit. However, Katalyst stated that 'ongoing attitude control issues' will prevent Link from completing its rescue mission. Despite this, Link is still operational and may still be used to demonstrate its close-in navigation system near Swift.
Why it matters: This mission cancellation is significant because it means the Swift gamma-ray telescope will likely fall out of orbit without a rescue. The Swift observatory is an important scientific instrument, and its potential loss could impact astronomical research.
Ars Technica · 19 Aug, 22:02
Amazon plans to expand its Prime Air delivery drone service to nearly 500 US cities and towns by the end of 2026. The service currently operates in 10 cities across seven states.
Amazon announced plans to expand its Prime Air delivery drone service to reach nearly 500 cities and towns across the United States by the end of 2026. The service will soon launch in metropolitan areas including Chicago, Cleveland, Atlanta, Syracuse, New York, and Boise, Idaho. Each Prime Air site offers delivery drone service within an area of about 175 square miles, with delivery times ranging from half an hour to an hour. Prime Air currently operates out of Amazon warehouses in 10 cities across seven states.
Why it matters: The expansion of Amazon's Prime Air delivery drone service could make the convenience of delivery drone services available to tens of millions more people. However, it will also test communities' tolerance for increased noise from daily drone flights. The planned expansions from Amazon and its rivals could have a significant impact on the delivery industry.
500, 2026, 175
Ars Technica · 19 Aug, 19:45
The FCC has abolished its gigabit speed goal for broadband, citing that it was not 'technologically neutral' and unfair to slower technologies. The decision was made in the FCC's latest broadband deployment report.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has eliminated the gigabit speed goal that was established during the Biden administration. The goal, which was set in 2024, aimed for 1Gbps download speeds paired with 500Mbps upload speeds. The FCC stated that the gigabit speed goal was not 'technologically neutral,' suggesting that it was unfair to other, slower technologies. The decision was finalized on August 14 in the FCC's latest broadband deployment report.
Why it matters: This decision is significant because it changes the way the FCC evaluates broadband deployment in the US. By abolishing the gigabit speed goal, the FCC is effectively lowering its expectations for broadband speeds. The FCC had previously raised its broadband benchmark to 100Mbps downstream and 20Mbps upstream in 2024.
100Mbps, 20Mbps, 1Gbps, 500Mbps
NPR News · 19 Aug, 23:19
Summary not available.
NPR News · 19 Aug, 21:27
Summary not available.