The Guardian · 23 Aug, 04:38
Two police officers, Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, were among seven people killed in a car crash in North Yorkshire. The officers were serving with Cleveland police and died while on duty.
Police constables Matthew Blades and Tom Clough were killed in a car crash near Middlesbrough on Saturday. Their marked police car collided with a Volkswagen Passat travelling the wrong way along the A66 in North Yorkshire. Seven people were killed in total, with all occupants of both vehicles pronounced dead at the scene. The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), has launched a mandatory investigation into the incident.
Why it matters: The incident is significant as it marks the first time in 14 years that more than one police officer has died on duty while responding to the same incident. The loss of the two officers has been felt across the communities they served, and the incident has prompted an outpouring of tributes from officials and the public.
7 (people killed), 3:39am (time of accident), 14 years (time since multiple police officers died on duty in same incident), 2012 (year of previous incident), 2023
The loss has been felt across our communities, by our police family and by our partner agencies. The two officers were brave officers protecting our communities and serving our residents who didn’t return home to their families at the end of their shift - Victoria Fuller, chief constable of Cleveland police
The Guardian · 23 Aug, 05:00
The North Sea oil basin, once a driving force of the British economy, is in decline, but it remains a symbol of national power and sovereignty. The UK government's plans to ban new oil and gas licences have sparked a political storm, with some parties and leaders calling for an expansion of drilling.
The North Sea oil basin was discovered in 1969 and became a significant contributor to the British economy, peaking in output at the turn of the century with 4.4m barrels of oil equivalent a day. However, the basin has been in decline since 2000, and by 2030, it is expected to produce only 15% of its peak output. Many oil and gas corporations have left the basin, and the number of direct employees has dropped from 120,000 to 27,000. Despite this, the idea of North Sea oil remains a powerful symbol of British sovereignty and power.
Why it matters: The North Sea oil basin's decline has significant implications for the UK's economy, energy security, and climate goals. The debate over new oil and gas licences has become a political issue, with some arguing that it would help with energy security and economic growth, while others argue that it would hinder the transition to renewable energy and exacerbate the climate crisis.
120,000; 27,000; 4.4m; 2030; 15%; 500; 2050; 97%; 99%
God has given Britain her best opportunity for 100 years in the shape of North Sea oil.
The Guardian · 23 Aug, 04:00
The Liberal party in Victoria has proposed splitting the Court of Appeal into two separate courts, one for criminal appeals and one for civil appeals, in an effort to increase sentences. The proposal has been criticized by legal and human rights groups, who warn it would politicize the judiciary.
The Liberal party in Victoria, led by opposition leader Jess Wilson, has announced a plan to split the Court of Appeal into two separate courts: a Court of Criminal Appeal and a Court of Civil Appeal. The new Court of Criminal Appeal would have additional judges with expertise in criminal law, and would be introduced alongside tougher bail and sentencing laws. The proposal aims to set new legal precedents that would lead to tougher sentences for serious offenses. The plan has been met with criticism from legal and human rights groups, who argue that it would politicize the judiciary and undermine its independence.
Why it matters: The proposal is significant because it could potentially alter the way justice is administered in Victoria, and could lead to increased sentences for serious offenses. However, critics argue that the plan would compromise the independence of the judiciary and politicize the courts, which could have far-reaching consequences for the rule of law in the state.
Governments shouldn’t choose judges to get the outcomes they want. This is a move that would politicise the criminal courts, and it must be rejected. - Gemma Cafarella, president of Liberty Victoria
NPR News · 22 Aug, 20:53
A US judge has ruled that the Trump administration's policy banning visas for citizens of 75 countries was illegal, as it discriminated based on nationality.
The Trump administration had stopped issuing visas for citizens of 75 countries, citing that they were likely to need public assistance. A judge has since ruled that this policy was illegal, as it discriminated against individuals based on their nationality. The policy was therefore deemed unlawful.
Why it matters: This ruling is significant as it challenges the Trump administration's efforts to restrict immigration from certain countries. The decision also upholds the principle that US immigration policy should not discriminate based on nationality.
75
Ars Technica · 22 Aug, 11:22
Researchers induced a hibernation-like state in mice, causing a significant loss of synapses, yet the mice apparently retained their memories.
A team of researchers led by Kazumasa Tanaka at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University in Japan induced a hibernation-like state in mice by activating the neural circuit that triggers hibernation. This caused a major loss of synapses, erasing the state of more than half of them. Despite this, the mice seemed to have kept their memories. The study suggests that memories can be stored in a more stable form than previously thought.
Why it matters: This study challenges the current understanding of how memories are stored in the brain. If memories can persist even after significant changes to the neural connections, it could have implications for our understanding of long-term memory storage and retrieval.
If you compare the arrangement of these connections on day one with the same on day four or five, it's very, very different
Ars Technica · 22 Aug, 11:08
The proposed rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule threatens to disrupt wildlife and water in US roadless areas, including the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska.
The Trump administration has proposed a rollback of the 2001 Roadless Rule, which could affect the remaining roadless areas in the US, including the Tongass National Forest in southeast Alaska. The US has over 4.2 million miles of public roads, leaving only about 5 percent of the contiguous US as inventoried roadless areas or wilderness. The Tongass National Forest is one of the areas that could be impacted, and it is home to a variety of species, including eagles, bears, and salmon.
Why it matters: The proposed rollback of the Roadless Rule is significant because it could disrupt the wildlife and water in these protected areas. The Tongass National Forest, for example, is home to old-growth coastal forests along the Inside Passage, which support a variety of species. The rollback could have negative impacts on these ecosystems.
4.2 million, 5 percent
NPR News · 22 Aug, 12:00
Catcher Jake Rogers has been traded to the Chicago White Sox after previously being with the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox.
Catcher Jake Rogers has been traded to the Chicago White Sox. He had previously been with the Detroit Tigers, Baltimore Orioles, and Boston Red Sox. This is Rogers' fourth team in several weeks.
Why it matters: This is significant as it marks Rogers' fourth team change in a short period, indicating a high level of activity in his career. The frequent trades may impact his performance and stability in his new role with the White Sox.
NPR News · 22 Aug, 11:43
Flock, a police surveillance company, is facing public scrutiny and losing contracts with dozens of cities, creating an opportunity for other companies in the industry.
Flock, a police surveillance company, has lost contracts with dozens of cities due to public scrutiny. Some of these cities are switching to other surveillance companies. However, privacy experts argue that these alternative companies are no better than Flock in terms of privacy concerns.
Why it matters: This development is significant because it highlights the growing scrutiny of police surveillance companies and the challenges they face in balancing public safety with individual privacy rights. The fact that other companies in the industry are seeing an opportunity in Flock's struggles suggests a shift in the market for surveillance technologies.
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