The Guardian · 28 Apr, 05:52
The UK's assisted dying bill, which aimed to legalize assisted dying for terminally ill adults in England and Wales, has stalled in the House of Lords, with over 1,000 amendments introduced, effectively blocking the legislation. This follows a similar setback in Scotland, where MSPs rejected a bill by 69 votes to 57.
The assisted dying bill in England and Wales, which would have allowed terminally ill adults with a life expectancy of six months or less to request medical assistance to end their own life, has stalled in the House of Lords. The bill's passage was blocked after over 1,000 amendments were introduced, many of which were deemed unworkable by supporters of the bill. This outcome has sparked anger among campaigners, who argue that the unelected House of Lords has thwarted democracy by blocking legislation that had already passed the Commons. A similar bill was rejected in Scotland in March.
Why it matters: The stalling of the assisted dying bill has significant implications for terminally ill individuals in England, Wales, and Scotland, who will continue to face restrictions on their ability to end their lives with medical assistance. The issue highlights the complexities and challenges of balancing individual autonomy with concerns about coercion, disability rights, and the role of the medical profession. The outcome also underscores the difficulties of achieving consensus on this contentious issue in a deeply divided UK.
1,000+ amendments introduced to the bill, 69 votes to 57 (Scotland's rejection of a similar bill), 6 months (life expectancy threshold for eligibility), 31 (age of Cole Tomas Allen, the suspected gunman at the White House correspondents' dinner), 2024 (year of Conservative leader election)
I don't believe anyone should suffer unnecessarily. - Lucy Webster
The Guardian · 28 Apr, 05:50
Jimmy Kimmel defended his joke about Melania Trump, saying it was a lighthearted roast and not a call to violence, after Donald Trump and Melania Trump called for him to be fired from ABC.
Jimmy Kimmel made a joke about Melania Trump on his show, describing her as glowing 'like an expectant widow'. The Trumps responded by accusing Kimmel of 'hateful and violent rhetoric' and calling for him to be fired from ABC. Kimmel defended his joke, saying it was a lighthearted roast about the age difference between Melania and Donald Trump and not a call to violence. He also pointed out that he made the joke three days before the alleged assassination attempt at the White House correspondents' dinner.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the ongoing tension between Kimmel and the Trump administration, as well as the debate over free speech and the limits of comedy. The Trumps' call for Kimmel's ouster has sparked a wider conversation about the role of satire in American politics.
3 days (the time between Kimmel's joke and the alleged assassination attempt), 80 (Donald Trump's age, referenced in Kimmel's joke)
"I understand that the first lady had a stressful experience over the weekend, and probably every weekend is pretty stressful in that house... I agree that hateful and violent rhetoric is something we should reject. I do, and I think a great place to start to dial that back would be to have a conversation with your husband about it." - Jimmy Kimmel
The Guardian · 28 Apr, 04:58
A specialist police taskforce has been set up to investigate a wave of arson attacks on inner Melbourne hospitality venues, with 12 people arrested and 15 incidents reported since April 14. The motive behind the attacks remains unclear, but police suspect organised crime syndicates are involved.
A series of arson attacks has targeted inner Melbourne hospitality venues over the past three weeks, with 15 incidents reported since April 14. The attacks, mostly fires and alleged arson attempts, have occurred at restaurants, nightclubs, and bars in the city's CBD, South Melbourne, South Yarra, and Prahran. Police have arrested 12 people in relation to the incidents and suspect organised crime syndicates are involved. The investigation has been expanded to include other related crimes, such as kidnappings, vehicle theft, and a factory fire.
Why it matters: The arson attacks have caused significant concern and disruption to the hospitality industry in Melbourne, and police are working to determine the motive behind the attacks. The involvement of organised crime syndicates and the use of youth offenders to commit the crimes are of particular concern. The police taskforce aims to prevent further attacks and hold those responsible accountable.
12 (arrests), 15 (incidents), 14 April (start date of incidents)
"While there has been a lot of speculation as to why these attacks are occurring and which serious and organised crime groups may be involved, this is something that we are still working to determine and we have to keep an open mind." - Det Supt Jason Kelly
NPR News · 28 Apr, 05:20
Archaeologists have used AI to digitally reconstruct the face of a man killed in the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius, providing a new way to understand the historic natural disaster.
Archaeologists have used AI for the first time to digitally reconstruct the face of a man killed in the AD 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This technology offers a new way to understand one of history's most famous natural disasters. The reconstruction provides a unique glimpse into the life of a victim of the eruption, which destroyed the ancient city of Pompeii.
Why it matters: This technology is significant because it provides a new way to understand the victims of the historic eruption and can potentially be used to learn more about other archaeological sites. The use of AI in archaeology can help to recreate the lives of people from the past and provide a more detailed understanding of historical events.
AD 79
Ars Technica · 28 Apr, 00:14
NASA's Artemis III mission is now expected to launch no earlier than late 2027. The mission will involve an Orion capsule with astronauts rendezvousing and potentially docking with lunar landers in Earth orbit.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman informed lawmakers that SpaceX and Blue Origin, the agency's lunar lander contractors, anticipate their spacecraft will be ready for the Artemis III mission in late 2027. This mission will not go to the Moon but will instead involve an Orion capsule with astronauts launched to rendezvous and potentially dock with one or both landers in Earth orbit. The mission details, including the orbit's altitude and the Space Launch System rocket configuration, are still under review.
Why it matters: The Artemis III mission is significant as it marks a crucial step towards returning humans to the Moon. The mission's success will depend on the development and readiness of the lunar landers and the configuration of the Space Launch System rocket. A launch into Earth orbit allows for testing in a Moon-like environment without using up resources that could be allocated to a subsequent lunar landing mission.
Late 2027 (expected launch time for Artemis III mission)
Ars Technica · 27 Apr, 17:36
Valve has released a new Steam Controller designed for PC gaming, but its $99 price may not be justified given its similarity to existing controllers. The controller is well-made with a sturdy build quality.
Valve has introduced a new Steam Controller, designed specifically for PC gaming and the upcoming Steam Machine. The controller has a solid build quality and is designed to offer an alternative to the Xbox controller and other gamepads. It features rear buttons and a shoulder trigger design. The controller is priced at $99.
Why it matters: The Steam Controller is significant because it is Valve's attempt to create a controller specifically designed for PC gaming, which could potentially offer a better gaming experience for PC gamers who prefer controllers over keyboard and mouse. However, its high price may be a barrier for some gamers.
$99, not specified dates
Ars Technica · 27 Apr, 20:10
OpenAI and Microsoft have ended their exclusive partnership, allowing OpenAI to provide its products to customers across any cloud provider, while Microsoft will continue to have a license for OpenAI's IP and models through 2032.
OpenAI and Microsoft have announced an amended agreement that ends their exclusive partnership. Microsoft invested $1 billion in OpenAI in 2019 and had an exclusive partnership with the company. Under the new agreement, OpenAI can now make its models available through other major cloud providers, while Microsoft will remain a primary cloud partner for OpenAI through 2032. Microsoft's license for OpenAI's IP and models will be non-exclusive, and the revenue share payments from OpenAI to Microsoft will be capped and guaranteed only through 2030.
Why it matters: This change is significant because it allows OpenAI to expand its reach and provide its products to customers across multiple cloud providers, increasing its flexibility and potential for growth. It also marks a shift in the AI industry, as one of the strongest partnerships is now non-exclusive. This could have implications for the development and deployment of AI technologies.
$1 billion, 2019, 2032, 2030, 20 percent
NPR News · 27 Apr, 23:17
South Carolina's measles outbreak has ended, but over 20 active outbreaks are ongoing across the US, with nearly 1,000 people infected in the state before it was declared over.
South Carolina's measles outbreak has been declared over. The outbreak infected nearly 1,000 people in the state. Meanwhile, more than 20 measles outbreaks are currently active across the US. Strict public health measures and increased vaccination helped curb the outbreak in South Carolina.
Why it matters: The ongoing measles outbreaks across the US are significant because they indicate a continued risk of measles transmission, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates. Measles outbreaks can be prevented with high vaccination rates, making it crucial to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure access to the vaccine.
1,000 (people infected in South Carolina), 20 (active outbreaks across the US)
NPR News · 27 Apr, 20:48
The US Supreme Court heard a case on how to label the risks of the popular weed killer Roundup, which could have implications for tens of thousands of lawsuits against the manufacturer, Monsanto. The court's decision may impact the labeling of Roundup and potentially thousands of cancer-related lawsuits against the company.
The US Supreme Court heard a dispute over the labeling of Roundup, a popular pesticide produced by Monsanto, which is now owned by Bayer. Thousands of plaintiffs blame Roundup for their cancers, and the court's decision could have significant implications for these lawsuits. The case centers on how to label the risks associated with Roundup.
Why it matters: The Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching consequences for Monsanto and potentially thousands of plaintiffs who claim that Roundup caused their cancers. The ruling may set a precedent for how to label similar products in the future.