The Guardian · 16 Apr, 06:00
The Australian government has secured 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea to address supply issues. Meanwhile, a New South Wales court has struck down anti-protest laws that restricted the right to protest.
The Australian government has secured 100 million liters of diesel from Brunei and South Korea, with two ships carrying 50 million liters each expected to arrive in Australia in May. This comes as the country's energy minister, Chris Bowen, addressed a fire at a Geelong refinery that has impacted petrol production. In a separate development, the New South Wales Supreme Court has ruled that anti-protest laws, introduced after a terror attack, are unconstitutional.
Why it matters: The securing of diesel imports is significant as it helps address supply issues in Australia, particularly with 136 service stations currently without diesel. The court's decision to strike down the anti-protest laws is a win for free speech and the right to protest, with implications for democracy in New South Wales.
100 million liters (diesel secured), 136 (service stations without diesel), 56 (service stations without diesel in New South Wales), 35 (service stations without diesel in Queensland), May (expected arrival of diesel shipments)
Today we've had a really resounding win in the court of appeal to strike down Chris Minns's latest batch of anti-protest laws as unconstitutional. This is a big win for everyone who cares about the right to protest, who cares about democracy in New South Wales and, of course, who cares about a free Palestine.
The Guardian · 16 Apr, 06:00
An explosive fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Corio, Geelong, on Wednesday night, but was extinguished about 13 hours later. The fire has raised concerns about petrol supplies to Victoria and Australia, but the refinery continues to produce diesel and petrol at reduced levels.
A fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Corio, Geelong, on Wednesday night, with multiple explosions reported. The fire was mainly fed by hydrocarbon fuels, including liquid petrol, gas, and vapours. About 50 firefighters attended the scene, and the fire was extinguished shortly after midday on Thursday. The cause of the fire is believed to be a small leak related to a failure in some valves of mechanical equipment. The refinery continues to produce diesel and petrol, but at reduced levels for safety reasons.
Why it matters: The fire has raised concerns about petrol supplies to Victoria and Australia, as the Corio refinery supplies about 50% of Victoria's fuel and 10% of Australia's total fuel. The refinery is one of only two remaining in Australia, and its operation is critical to the country's fuel supply. The fire has also highlighted the importance of the refinery, which employs over 1,100 people.
50: number of firefighters who attended the scene; 10: number of fire trucks that attended the scene; 1: number of boat that attended the scene; 11pm: time the fire broke out; 13: number of hours the fire burned; 50%: proportion of Victoria's fuel supplied by the Corio refinery; 10%: proportion of Australia's total fuel supplied by the Corio refinery; 120,000: number of barrels of oil the refinery can produce per day; 1,100: number of people employed by the refinery; 100m: litres of diesel in two new shipments secured by Viva Energy; 2: number of remaining refineries in Australia
The fire was 'quite ferocious', with 'several explosions' turning it into 'quite a large intense fire' - Michael McGuinness, Fire Rescue Victoria assistant chief fire officer
The Guardian · 16 Apr, 05:19
The South Australian electoral commission has discovered over 80 unopened ballots in the Narungga seat, prompting a recount in the seat won by One Nation's Chantelle Thomas by just 58 votes. The recount may change the outcome of the election result.
The South Australian electoral commission discovered more than 80 unopened ballot papers in the Narungga seat, which was won by One Nation's Chantelle Thomas by a margin of 58 votes. The commission had already conducted a recount in the closely contested seat. A further recount will be held on Friday to ensure the integrity of the result. The unopened ballots were part of over 600 uncounted ballots found in three sealed boxes returned to the commission.
Why it matters: The discovery of unopened ballots and the subsequent recount may change the outcome of the election result in the Narungga seat, which was won by One Nation. This is significant as it could potentially alter the party's seat tally and impact the overall result of the South Australian election. The incident has also raised questions about the electoral commission's processes and has prompted calls for an independent review.
58 (margin by which One Nation won the seat), 80 (number of unopened ballots discovered), 600 (total number of uncounted ballots found), 21 March (date of the South Australian election), 2026 (year of the next state election)
"Elections are incredibly complex things to undertake. There are thousands of employees, hundreds of polling booths, over a million votes to count," - Kyam Maher, Deputy Premier and Special Minister of State
Ars Technica · 15 Apr, 19:46
Google has officially released its search app for Windows and a native Gemini app for MacOS, providing users with new options for accessing Google's search and AI products. The apps offer features such as searching the web and local files, with the Google app for Windows allowing users to open it with a keyboard shortcut.
Google has released its search app for Windows, which was in beta form since last September, and a native Gemini app for MacOS. The Google app for Windows allows users to search the web and their local files and apps, with features such as AI Overviews and AI Mode. The app can be opened with the keyboard shortcut Alt + Space, and its compact search UI floats on top of other tasks. The Gemini app for MacOS has the same features as the Gemini web interface.
Why it matters: This release is significant because it provides users with new and more convenient options for accessing Google's search and AI products. The apps offer a more integrated experience, allowing users to search their local files and apps in addition to the web. This could potentially change the way users interact with Google's services, making it more seamless and accessible.
Ars Technica · 15 Apr, 22:06
A US federal jury has ruled that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary operate an illegal monopoly, overcharging fans for concert tickets. The jury found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in ticketing services at major concert venues and that Live Nation has a monopoly in large amphitheaters.
A federal jury has ruled that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster subsidiary operate an illegal monopoly in the ticketing industry. The jury found that Ticketmaster unlawfully maintains a monopoly in the market for ticketing services at major concert venues and that Live Nation has a monopoly in the market for large amphitheaters used by artists. The jury also determined that Live Nation unlawfully requires artists who use its amphitheaters to also use its event promotion services. This verdict was the result of a five-week trial held in the US District Court for the Southern District of New York.
Why it matters: This verdict is significant because it marks a major victory for US states that pursued the case against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, even after the Trump administration dropped out. The ruling also has implications for fans who have been overcharged for concert tickets at major venues across the country. The verdict may lead to changes in the ticketing industry and potentially lower costs for consumers.
$1.72 per ticket (the amount by which Ticketmaster overcharged states per ticket)
A Live Nation regional director boasted of gouging ticket buyers and 'robbing them blind' with fees for ancillary services such as slight parking upgrades.
Ars Technica · 15 Apr, 20:36
A security researcher has found a side entrance to Windows 11's Recall database, despite Microsoft's security overhauls. The 'TotalRecall Reloaded' tool highlights potential vulnerabilities in the feature.
Microsoft launched its 'Copilot+' Windows PCs with a feature called Recall, which tracks PC usage via screenshots. Initially, Recall stored its data in unencrypted files, making it vulnerable to data breaches. After discovering these flaws, Microsoft delayed the rollout and overhauled its security, encrypting locally stored data and requiring Windows Hello authentication. However, a security researcher has now found a side entrance to Windows 11's Recall database using the 'TotalRecall Reloaded' tool.
Why it matters: This discovery highlights potential vulnerabilities in Windows 11's Recall feature, despite Microsoft's efforts to improve its security. The existence of a side entrance to the Recall database raises concerns about the feature's ability to protect user data.
NPR News · 16 Apr, 05:26
Summary not available.
NPR News · 16 Apr, 05:35
Summary not available.
NPR News · 16 Apr, 04:01
Summary not available.