The Guardian · 22 Aug, 05:55
The Coles website and app went offline after a viral Reddit post highlighted a nearly 80% discount on 24-packs of premixed alcoholic drinks. The issue was caused by a technical error that incorrectly priced select products.
A viral Reddit post on Friday highlighted a nearly 80% discount on 24-packs of premixed alcoholic drinks on the Coles website. The post, which received over 180,000 views, showed a 24-pack of Jack Daniel's & Cola 330ml bottles marked down from $130 to $27. The Coles website and app went offline on Saturday due to a technical issue, and some users reported that their orders had been cancelled. The website and app came back online briefly before going down again.
Why it matters: The incident is significant because it highlights the potential risks of technical errors in online shopping platforms, particularly when it comes to pricing and inventory management. The fact that the error was caused by a possible AI integration issue also raises questions about the role of automation in online retail. The incident may also lead to scrutiny of Coles' pricing and promotional practices, particularly in light of a recent court ruling that found the company's 'Down Down' promotions were misleading.
24-packs of premixed alcoholic drinks at nearly 80% discount, $130 to $27, 180,000 views on Reddit, 20 24-packs of beer and 46 cases of premixed drinks affected
If the AI was deeply integrated into the system it might explain why they had to take the entire site offline
The Guardian · 22 Aug, 04:01
The Victorian Labor government has promised to provide free dental care to all Victorians if re-elected in November. The plan involves opening 10 public dental clinics across the state, with a budget of $230m.
The Victorian Labor government has announced a plan to provide free dental care to all Victorians if re-elected in November. The plan involves opening 10 public dental clinics across the state, with 7 in Melbourne and 3 in regional areas. The clinics will operate on a walk-in basis, with priority given to those with urgent needs. The government will spend $230m on the plan, which aims to treat more than 100,000 Victorians a year.
Why it matters: This plan is significant because it addresses the issue of unaffordable dental care for many Australians. Currently, free or low-cost dental care is only available to specific eligible groups, and millions of Australians have to choose between paying for dental care or skipping treatment. The plan also highlights the cost-of-living pressures faced by Victorians, with dental costs being a major burden.
230 million, 10, 100,000, 7 months, 1 month, $12 billion, 61%, 19%, 11%, 8%, 195 billion
Only Labor will deliver free dental care for all Victorians.
The Guardian · 22 Aug, 03:14
Russian attacks on Ukraine have killed at least 22 people and wounded over 130, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to vow a response and condemnation from international leaders.
On Friday, Russian drones attacked a shopping centre in Kryvyi Rih, Ukraine, killing at least 16 people and wounding over 130. Another strike in the Mykolaiv region killed four people, including three minors. On Saturday, Russian strikes killed at least two people in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. The attacks have been widely condemned, including by the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, who called it 'terror by design'.
Why it matters: The attacks demonstrate the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, and have prompted calls for increased support and pressure on Russia. The international community, including the EU and allied countries, are set to meet on Monday to reaffirm support for Kyiv.
16 killed, 130 wounded, 4 killed (including 3 minors), 2 killed
“An absolute Russian atrocity. They’re just monsters. We will definitely respond.” - Volodymyr Zelenskyy
NPR News · 22 Aug, 04:36
The U.S. has imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products, prompting Canada to vow retaliation. The move comes after last-ditch negotiations between the two countries failed.
The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products, effective early Saturday. This decision was made after last-ditch negotiations between the U.S. and Canada failed to reach an agreement. In response, Canada has stated that it will retaliate with its own measures.
Why it matters: This development escalates trade tensions between the U.S. and Canada, two significant trading partners. The imposition of tariffs and the planned retaliation by Canada could have substantial impacts on the economies of both countries and their bilateral trade relations.
$20 billion, 50%
Ars Technica · 21 Aug, 19:32
Motorola's GrapheneOS phones are set to launch in 2027 with a price tag higher than Google's Pixel phones. The devices will be premium flagships with enhanced security and privacy features.
Motorola has partnered with the makers of GrapheneOS to bring the privacy-centric operating system to its phones. The first GrapheneOS phones from Motorola are expected to launch in 2027. They will be premium flagship devices with support from both Motorola and the GrapheneOS team. These phones will not ship with GrapheneOS pre-installed but will be fully supported by the project.
Why it matters: This launch is significant because it expands the availability of GrapheneOS, which is known for its strict hardware requirements and enhanced security features, beyond Google's Pixel phones. The partnership brings more options to consumers seeking high-security and privacy-focused smartphones.
2027, $900, $1,300
Ars Technica · 21 Aug, 23:32
President Donald Trump signed a new national space transportation policy that aims to develop more spaceports to support over 1,000 launches and reentries per year by 2030.
President Donald Trump signed a new national space transportation policy on Thursday, replacing a 2013 policy signed by former President Barack Obama. The policy calls for the development of more spaceports to support a significant increase in launches and reentries. The US space industry has grown rapidly since 2013, with 176 orbital launch attempts from US soil last year, nearly 10 times the number in 2013. SpaceX was a major player in 2023 with 165 orbital launches of its Falcon 9 rocket and five suborbital test flights of the Starship.
Why it matters: This policy is significant because it underscores the importance of assured access to space and aims to secure America's continued superiority in space. The policy recognizes the rapid growth of the commercial space industry and seeks to support it by developing more spaceports.
1,000 launches and reentries per year by 2030, 176 orbital launch attempts from US soil in 2023, 10 times the number in 2013, 165 orbital launches of Falcon 9 rocket, 5 suborbital test flights of Starship
By 2030, our space transportation ranges must grow to support more than 1,000 launches and reentries every year.
Ars Technica · 21 Aug, 20:26
Scientists at Penn State have developed a model to use seismic signals generated by thunderstorms, known as 'thunderquakes,' to study the Earth's subsurface. This method provides a new way to gather data on the Earth's interior without relying on earthquakes or artificial seismic sources.
Researchers at Penn State have created a model to interpret the complex seismic signals produced by thunder, which can be used to study the Earth's subsurface. These signals, called 'thunderquakes,' are generated when the energy from thunder enters the Earth's upper crust. The team successfully used their model to reconstruct the terrain beneath the Penn State campus. This development offers a new method for seismic imaging that doesn't require waiting for earthquakes or creating artificial seismic events.
Why it matters: This new method is significant because it provides an additional tool for studying the Earth's interior, which is crucial for understanding geological processes and structures. By using thunderquakes, scientists can gather more data on the Earth's subsurface without relying solely on earthquakes or artificial sources, potentially leading to better seismic imaging and more accurate geological models.
NPR News · 21 Aug, 16:40
Representative Joyce Beatty has filed an emergency request to prevent the Kennedy Center from displaying President Trump's name in three locations.
Democratic Representative Joyce Beatty from Ohio has filed an emergency request with a federal judge to stop the Kennedy Center trustees from displaying President Trump's name in three places at the arts complex. The Kennedy Center had previously been ordered by a federal judge to remove signage that included President Trump's name. The entryway of the Washington, D.C. arts complex remains covered with a tarp.
Why it matters: This is significant because it is part of an ongoing dispute over the display of President Trump's name at the Kennedy Center. The emergency request aims to prevent the Kennedy Center from putting up new signage with Trump's name.
NPR News · 21 Aug, 18:47
The Supreme Court has allowed Trump's ballroom construction to continue for now, following months of disputes with the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of allowing the construction of Trump's ballroom to proceed, at least for the time being. This decision comes after an extended period of debate and legal maneuvering between the Trump administration and the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The construction project has been a point of contention due to its potential impact on historical preservation.
Why it matters: This ruling is significant because it affects the balance between development and historical preservation in Washington D.C. The construction of Trump's ballroom has been a contentious issue, with preservationists concerned about the potential impact on the historical character of the area.