The Guardian · 28 Sept, 05:48
Large swarms of bogong moths have been spotted in New South Wales, Australia, in what experts say may be a sign of the species' recovery. The sightings are cause for excitement as the moths were previously listed as endangered due to a catastrophic population collapse.
Swarms of bogong moths have been spotted in New South Wales, Australia, with hundreds of sightings reported over the weekend. The moths migrate up to 1,000 km to the Australian Alps each year, and experts say the high numbers of sightings are cause for excitement. The bogong moth population collapsed by up to 99.5% between 2017 and 2019, but sightings have increased over the last two years. In September alone, more sightings were reported than in all of last year.
Why it matters: The bogong moth is an important species, both culturally and ecologically, playing a critical role as pollinators and a key food source for the critically endangered mountain pygmy possum. The increase in sightings may indicate a stronger recovery of this endangered species. Experts are hopeful that the moths will continue to thrive, despite concerns about the impact of climate change.
1,000 km, 4 billion, 99.5%, 2021, 2017-2019, 2000
We're absolutely thrilled with what we're seeing.
The Guardian · 28 Sept, 05:46
The New South Wales government has announced it will reopen part of Sydney's Silverwater jail to provide an additional 1,000 prison beds amid a surge in prisoners on remand, driven by tightened domestic violence bail laws. The move has been criticised by the prison officers' union, which argues that arresting people is not the solution to domestic violence.
The New South Wales government has announced plans to reopen the 515-bed Dawn de Loas correctional centre at the Silverwater complex, which will add nearly 1,000 beds to the state's prison capacity. The centre is expected to reopen in early 2027, with around 150 staff to be recruited to support it. The government has also fast-tracked the delivery of more than 360 additional beds at Parklea correctional centre, which will be managed by the Corrective Service from next month.
Why it matters: The additional prison beds come amid a surge in prisoners on remand, driven by tightened domestic violence bail laws. The prison officers' union has warned that arresting people is not the solution to domestic violence, and has called for the government to provide more support for domestic violence services and rehabilitation programs. The issue is significant as it highlights the challenges faced by the government in addressing domestic violence and the need for a more comprehensive approach.
1,000 (additional prison beds), $47.1m (spending to recommission Dawn de Loas), 515 (beds at Dawn de Loas), 360 (additional beds at Parklea), 6,398 (prisoners on remand as of September), 46% (percentage of NSW's adult prison population on remand), 28 years (sentence for Daniel Billings), 2027 (anticipated reopening of Dawn de Loas)
We can’t just arrest our way out of domestic violence. Prison can contain someone who poses a serious risk. It cannot, by itself, protect a person before violence occurs or stop an offender returning to violent behaviour after release. - Stewart Little, PSA general secretary
The Guardian · 28 Sept, 05:45
A German hacker has released confidential documents, known as the 'Casino Secrets leak', exposing the inner workings of thousands of unregulated gambling sites. The leak reveals the opaque ownership and offshore licences of these sites, which are often used by organised crime and corruption.
A German hacker, Lilith Wittmann, accessed and released tens of thousands of confidential documents related to unregulated online gambling sites. The documents, known as the 'Casino Secrets leak', provide insight into the ownership and operations of these sites, which are often licensed in offshore jurisdictions with looser regulations. The leak includes information about the owners of some of the world's largest offshore casinos and details about the source of their wealth. The documents also reveal the lack of oversight and regulation in the industry.
Why it matters: The leak is significant because it exposes the inner workings of the unregulated online gambling industry, which is estimated to be worth tens of billions. The industry's opaque ownership and lack of regulation make it an attractive hunting ground for organised crime and corruption. The leak could also lead to increased scrutiny and regulation of the industry, which could impact the profits of unlicensed casinos and the governments that allow them to operate.
25.7 million active accounts on licensed gambling sites in the UK, £2.7bn staked annually on illegal, unregulated gambling sites in Britain, $5.9tn in bets made on the global illicit gambling market in 2025, 8,000 online casinos registered in Curaçao, and £4bn in betting and gaming duties to be raised in 2025/26
What’s already clear is that these are global networks, all gravitating to Curaçao, as a gateway to millions of wallets.
NPR News · 27 Sept, 22:31
Scientists have discovered two new species of sea spiders along the Canadian coastline. The discovery adds to the over 1,300 known species of sea spiders.
Scientists have identified two new species of sea spiders along the Canadian coastline. The species are part of a group of marine arachnids that have been studied for their unique characteristics. One of the new species, Tanystylum kiixin, has been described with round eggs inside its legs. This discovery contributes to the growing knowledge of sea spider diversity.
Why it matters: The discovery of these new species is significant because it expands our understanding of the diversity of life in marine environments. Sea spiders, despite their name, are not actually spiders but rather a distinct group of arachnids that live in the ocean. The identification of new species can provide insights into the evolution and ecology of these marine arachnids.
NPR News · 28 Sept, 00:30
A Nor'easter storm uncovered the remains of a shipwreck off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts. The wreck is believed to date back to 1884.
A Nor'easter storm recently hit the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts, causing erosion that uncovered the remains of a shipwreck. A local resident tipped off the local newspaper about the discovery. The shipwreck is believed to have been from 1884.
Why it matters: The discovery of the shipwreck provides a unique glimpse into the maritime history of Nantucket. The shipwreck's age and condition could provide valuable insights for historians and archaeologists. Further investigation and analysis of the wreck will likely shed more light on its origins and significance.
I found what I believe to be a shipwreck uncovered by the storm.
Ars Technica · 27 Sept, 11:00
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History released an exhibit on Benjamin Franklin's contributions to electrical science, which included speculation that he may have used enslaved people in his research. The exhibit was criticized in a White House report, which accused the museum of 'ideological capture' and 'extreme political activism'.
The Smithsonian's National Museum of American History opened an exhibit called 'The Electric Dr. Franklin' in November 2021, which described Benjamin Franklin's contributions to electrical science. The exhibit noted that Franklin had enslaved people in his household before becoming an abolitionist and speculated that he may have used enslaved people in his electrical research. The exhibit closed in 2025 but is still available online. A White House report released in July criticized the exhibit, arguing that the museum had moved away from 'straightforward historical education and scholarship' and towards 'extreme political activism'.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights the ongoing culture war in the US, with the White House criticizing the Smithsonian for perceived ideological bias. The controversy reflects a broader debate about how historical figures and events should be presented and interpreted in public institutions.
NPR News · 27 Sept, 13:01
A series of mass shootings occurred in South Africa, resulting in the deaths of 38 people within a week. The shootings happened near the country's two largest cities.
In South Africa, a spate of mass shootings took place near the country's two largest cities, Johannesburg and another unmentioned city, within a week. On Saturday night, multiple shootings occurred, including one at a bar in Wedela township, southwest of Johannesburg. These incidents resulted in a significant loss of life. The shootings are a recent example of the ongoing issue of gun violence in South Africa.
Why it matters: This series of mass shootings is significant because it highlights the ongoing problem of gun violence in South Africa. The fact that 38 people were killed in just one week underscores the severity of the issue and the need for effective measures to address it. The frequency and deadliness of such incidents have a profound impact on communities and the country as a whole.
38, 1 week