The Guardian · 14 Sept, 05:05
Sydney mayor Matthew Blackmore allegedly received threats and had his children secretly recorded after refusing to step down, according to the NSW corruption watchdog. The threats were made by former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene.
Sydney mayor Matthew Blackmore appeared before the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (Icac) inquiry, codenamed Operation Rosny. Blackmore claimed that after he refused to honour an agreement to step down as mayor, he was allegedly threatened and followed by former Labor councillors Sharangan Maheswaran and Karen Pensabene. Blackmore stated that Maheswaran made threats against him, including saying it would take six weeks to take him down. Blackmore also claimed that his children were secretly recorded and that he had been surveilled.
Why it matters: The allegations made by Blackmore are significant as they involve potential corruption and intimidation by elected officials. The Icac inquiry aims to investigate accusations of blackmail and surveillance against Blackmore, which could have serious implications for the councillors involved and the integrity of local government in NSW.
20,000, 6 weeks, 2022, 2023, 10%
What you’ve got to understand, Matthew … I’ve got a reputation in the party that if I don’t like someone, they don’t get away with crossing me. It would take me about six weeks to take you down.”
The Guardian · 14 Sept, 05:01
A 71-year-old motorcyclist, Peter Mason, died after hitting a pothole on a Victoria road, renewing debate over the state's deteriorating roads. The incident has put pressure on the government ahead of the November state election.
A motorcyclist, Peter Mason, 71, died on Sunday after hitting a pothole on the Western Highway near Trawalla Road in Victoria. Emergency services were called to the scene, and Mason was pronounced dead. The circumstances of the crash are still under investigation by police. Mason was a well-respected member of the motorcycle community and president of the Eureka Social Riders club.
Why it matters: The incident has reignited concerns about the condition of Victoria's roads, which have been described as 'deteriorating'. The issue is a key concern in the lead-up to the November state election, with the opposition criticizing the government's handling of road maintenance. The auditor general's report found that 48% of the state's road network is in poor or very poor condition, and the gap between recorded and repaired road defects is growing.
71 (age of motorcyclist), 23,000km (length of state roads examined), 48% (proportion of road network in poor or very poor condition), 39% (proportion in 2021), $3bn (annual needed to maintain road pavement), $1.04bn (allocated in 2026-27 budget), $352m (additional allocated), 250,000 (original number of potholes to be fixed in 2026), 500,000 (new target), $5bn (pledged by Victorian Coalition), 1m (potholes to be plugged by Coalition)
The buck does stop with us.
The Guardian · 14 Sept, 05:00
A new register has been created detailing the involvement of Britain's monarchy, parliament, and financial elites in the transatlantic slave trade, revealing the extent of their participation in the trafficking of enslaved African people.
A team of historians has created the Register of British Slave Traders, a comprehensive record of the investors in Britain's transatlantic slave trade from the 1560s to 1807. The register documents the involvement of 10,500 investors, including British kings and queens, over 100 MPs, and dozens of directors and original financiers of the Bank of England. The slave trade, which lasted for nearly 250 years, resulted in the trafficking of more than 3 million enslaved African men, women, and children to colonial plantations in the Americas and Caribbean.
Why it matters: The publication of the register provides further evidence for the growing global movement calling on European governments to acknowledge their perpetration of enslavement, issue a full, formal apology, and engage positively with discussions for reparatory justice. The register's findings highlight the significant role of Britain's monarchy, parliament, and financial elites in the slave trade, and how their wealth was used to fund various institutions and cultural endeavors. The register's publication is significant as it sheds light on a dark period in British history and its ongoing impact on society today.
10,500 investors, 3 million enslaved people, 1560s-1807, 45 Church of England clergymen, 100+ MPs, 1,000+ women
Heysham took the opportunity to outfit his own ships, making human trafficking his core concern
NPR News · 14 Sept, 05:46
A Russian drone struck a train near the Ukraine-Poland border shortly after senior visiting officials, including the former prime ministers of the U.K. and Sweden, passed through.
A Russian drone hit a train near the Ukraine-Poland border. The attack occurred shortly after senior visiting officials, including former prime ministers of the U.K. and Sweden, had passed through. The train was damaged in the attack, which took place at Yahodyn railway station. The incident was reported by the Ukrainian Ukrzaliznytsia Railway Company.
Why it matters: This incident is significant because it highlights the ongoing security threats near the Ukraine-Poland border and the risks faced by high-profile visitors to the region. The proximity of the attack to the passage of senior officials suggests a potential targeting of important personnel.
NPR News · 14 Sept, 05:26
Amazon has suspended the use of 21 Air, a cargo carrier, after one of its planes veered off a runway at Miami International Airport. The suspension is in place while an investigation into the incident continues.
A cargo plane operated by 21 Air, a North Carolina-based carrier, veered off a runway at Miami International Airport. In response, Amazon has suspended its use of 21 Air while an investigation into the incident is conducted. 21 Air has been flying packages for Amazon since 2024.
Why it matters: This incident and subsequent suspension may impact Amazon's delivery operations and highlight potential safety concerns with 21 Air. The suspension also underscores the importance of thorough investigations into aviation incidents to ensure safety standards are met.
Ars Technica · 13 Sept, 21:56
A 40-year-old unvaccinated woman in Pennsylvania died from measles complications, marking the third vaccine-preventable measles-linked death in the US this year.
A 40-year-old woman in Jefferson County, Pennsylvania died from complications due to measles. The county's coroner confirmed the cause of death. This incident is part of a larger outbreak in Pennsylvania that has resulted in over 670 cases and 124 hospitalizations across 37 counties. This is the third vaccine-preventable measles-linked death in the US this year, all occurring in Pennsylvania.
Why it matters: This death highlights the severity of measles as a potentially life-threatening disease, especially for those who are unvaccinated. The occurrence of three measles-linked deaths in Pennsylvania this year, a state that had not reported a measles death in 35 years, underscores the importance of vaccination in preventing such outcomes.
40 (age of deceased), 670 (cases), 124 (hospitalizations), 37 (counties), 35 (years since last measles death)
a heartbreaking loss for the family and an unfortunate reminder that measles can be a serious and potentially life-threatening disease.
NPR News · 13 Sept, 23:23
A 40-year-old unvaccinated woman in Pennsylvania has died from measles-related complications, marking the state's third measles-related death in less than three weeks.
Pennsylvania has reported its third measles-related death in less than three weeks. The victim is a 40-year-old woman who was unvaccinated, according to a local coroner. This incident highlights the severity of measles outbreaks and the importance of vaccination.
Why it matters: This death underscores the risks associated with measles, particularly for those who are unvaccinated. It also emphasizes the need for increased vaccination efforts to prevent such outbreaks. The rapid succession of measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in recent weeks is a concerning trend.
Ars Technica · 13 Sept, 11:00
The author used John Deere's self-repair service to fix a tractor's water-in-fuel sensor issue. However, farmers are skeptical about the effectiveness of this service.
The author, not a mechanic or farmer, used John Deere's self-repair service to diagnose and fix a disconnected water-in-fuel sensor on a 5130ML tractor. The service provided instructions and images from the user manual specific to the tractor's serial number. The author was able to fix the issue using the service.
Why it matters: This is significant because it shows that John Deere's self-repair service can be effective in fixing equipment issues. However, the article also mentions that farmers are not sold on the service, suggesting that there may be concerns about its usability or limitations.