The Guardian · 5 May, 05:57
The Victorian state budget for 2026-27 has recorded a $727m operating surplus, the state's first post-pandemic surplus, but debt is forecast to near $200bn in coming years. The budget projects surpluses in the next few years, but also warns of uncertainty due to global factors.
The Victorian state budget for 2026-27 has recorded a $727m operating surplus, marking the state's first surplus in seven years. This is a slight improvement on the December pre-budget update of $710m and the $611m forecast last May. The budget projects a $1.05bn surplus in 2026-27, then surpluses of $1.86bn in 2027-28, $1.94bn in 2028-29, and $1.97bn in 2029-30. However, when infrastructure and other capital spending are factored in, Victoria is forecast to have a cash deficit of $7.7bn in 2026-27.
Why it matters: The budget's surplus is significant as it marks a turnaround in Victoria's financial health after the pandemic. However, the state's debt is forecast to grow to $199.3bn by 2029-30, and interest payments on state debt are expected to total $11.82bn by then. The budget's assumptions, including economic growth and inflation rates, are subject to 'elevated' uncertainty amid a 'highly uncertain geopolitical backdrop'.
Key numbers mentioned in the article include: $727m operating surplus in 2025-26, $1.05bn surplus in 2026-27, $199.3bn debt forecast by 2029-30, $11.82bn interest payments on state debt by 2029-30, 1.5% economic growth in 2026-27, 2% economic growth in 2027-28, 24.4% of gross state product (GSP) debt-to-GSP ratio by 2029-30, $41.13bn public sector wage bill in 2026-27, $41.52bn tax revenue in 2025-26, and 5.1% average growth in tax revenue over the forward estimates.
The treasurer, Jaclyn Symes, said: 'We join Western Australia and South Australia as the only jurisdictions in surplus. But of course, South Australia's is smaller than ours, and Western Australia can rely on things that other states can only dream of in terms of royalties and the sweetheart GST deal.'
The Guardian · 5 May, 05:45
The UK police forces are increasingly using live facial recognition technology to scan members of the public in real-time, despite concerns about its accuracy and potential for misuse. The technology has sparked debate about its effectiveness, risks, and the need for clear regulatory frameworks.
Police forces in the UK are rapidly deploying live facial recognition technology to scan faces in public spaces and compare them against watchlists. This technology has led to arrests and is claimed to deter shoplifting, but it also raises concerns about mistaken identities and mass surveillance. The Metropolitan police in London have scanned over 1.7 million faces so far this year, an 87% increase from the same period in 2023. Critics argue that the technology's rapid adoption has outpaced the development of clear regulatory frameworks.
Why it matters: The use of live facial recognition technology by police forces and retailers raises significant concerns about individual privacy, accuracy, and potential misuse. The technology's effectiveness in preventing crime must be weighed against its potential risks, including mistaken identities and mass surveillance. Clear regulatory frameworks are needed to ensure that the technology is used responsibly and with adequate safeguards.
1.7 million: The number of faces scanned by the Metropolitan police in London so far this year, up 87% from the same period in 2023. 2021: The year against which food prices are expected to be 50% higher by November. 7,000: The number of Just Eat couriers taking legal action against the food delivery company.
It was like a trap snapping shut... Within seconds, officers converged on the individual – a kind of net closing – often before the person had any idea they had been identified.
The Guardian · 5 May, 05:05
Google DeepMind workers in the UK have voted to unionize, citing concerns about the company's deal with the US military and the potential misuse of AI technology. The unionization effort aims to pressure Google to meet workers' demands, including a commitment not to develop technology that causes harm or injury to people.
Google DeepMind workers in the UK have voted to unionize, with at least 1,000 workers expected to be represented. The unionization effort was driven in part by concerns about a deal between Google and the US military, announced last week. Workers are also concerned about the company's provision of AI tools to the Israeli military and its potential use in harmful or inhumane ways. The workers have requested recognition of the Communication Workers Union and Unite the Union as joint representatives of the lab's UK-based staff.
Why it matters: The unionization effort by Google DeepMind workers in the UK is significant because it marks the first time workers in a 'frontier' AI lab have sought union recognition. The workers' concerns about the potential misuse of AI technology and the company's deal with the US military highlight the need for greater transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems. The unionization effort also reflects a growing trend among tech workers to challenge management over the use of technology they have helped develop.
1,000 (number of workers expected to be represented by the union), $1.2bn (value of Google's cloud-computing contract with the Israeli government), 50 (number of Google workers fired for protesting against Project Nimbus), $2.2bn (value of Alphabet shares owned by a coalition of shareholders who have raised concerns about Google's AI deployments)
I have joined the union due to concerns about AI being used to empower authoritarianism, whether through military or surveillance applications, both foreign and domestic. By unionizing, we are taking the traditional route for workers to organize and have a say.
NPR News · 5 May, 05:49
A cruise ship with nearly 150 people on board is waiting for help off the coast of Cape Verde after three passengers died in a suspected hantavirus outbreak.
The MV Hondius cruise ship, carrying almost 150 people, is currently anchored off the coast of Cape Verde in the Atlantic Ocean. Three passengers on board have died in a suspected outbreak of the rare hantavirus. The ship is waiting for assistance.
Why it matters: This incident is significant because hantavirus is a rare and potentially deadly virus, and an outbreak on a cruise ship can spread quickly due to the close living quarters of passengers and crew. The situation highlights the challenges of managing and responding to health emergencies in remote locations.
150 (number of people on board), 3 (number of deaths), May 4, 2026 (date)
NPR News · 5 May, 05:47
Russia has declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for two days to mark Victory Day, but warned Kyiv not to disrupt festivities.
Russia declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday to mark the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II. The ceasefire is set to allow for celebrations of Victory Day. However, Russia threatened to strike back at Kyiv if it tries to disrupt the festivities.
Why it matters: This is significant as it shows Russia's effort to observe a major national holiday despite ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The move could potentially provide temporary relief to affected areas.
Ars Technica · 4 May, 17:47
The Miami Grand Prix was held over the weekend, marking a return to action for Formula One after a five-week break. The event featured a new upgrade to the cars' hybrid power units, which seemed to improve racing.
The Miami Grand Prix took place at a temporary circuit around Hard Rock Stadium, featuring high ticket prices and a focus on luxury and entertainment. The event marked the first running of the new hybrid power unit rules, which limit the amount of energy that can be regenerated and deployed via the electric motor. The new rules aim to reduce the potential for huge speed differentials and 'yo-yo' racing. The Miami circuit's layout, with its many braking zones, helped to alleviate energy management issues.
Why it matters: The Miami Grand Prix is significant as it showcases the new hybrid power unit rules and their impact on racing. The event's focus on luxury and entertainment also highlights the Liberty era of F1's emphasis on marketing and spectacle. The success of the new rules in improving racing could have implications for the future of the sport.
$95,000 (highest ticket price), 7 MJ (energy allowed to be regenerated each lap), 5 weeks (length of break before the event)
Ars Technica · 4 May, 16:26
AMD is adding HDMI 2.1 support to its Linux amdgpu driver, enabling features like higher resolutions, dynamic HDR, and Variable Refresh Rate. This development is significant for the Steam Machine, which was previously unable to support HDMI 2.1 due to licensing and driver issues.
AMD is making progress on adding full HDMI 2.1 compliance to its Linux amdgpu driver. The company is adding HDMI FRL (Fixed Rate Link) support, which allows for higher bandwidth on compatible HDMI cables. This update is still a partial implementation, missing Display Stream Compression (DSC) support, but a full compliance run for HDMI 2.1 is in the works.
Why it matters: This development is significant for the Steam Machine, which was previously unable to support HDMI 2.1 due to licensing and driver issues. HDMI 2.1 support enables features like higher resolutions, dynamic HDR, and Variable Refresh Rate, making it a crucial update for users who want to take full advantage of their display hardware.
a representative subset of HDMI compliance... is still being tested and will be sent out later
Ars Technica · 4 May, 21:38
The creator of Notepad++, Don Ho, has disavowed a recently released 'Notepad++ for Mac' port, claiming it uses the Notepad++ trademark without permission. The port was created by Andrey Letov, not affiliated with Ho or the original Notepad++ project.
A 'Notepad++ for Mac' port was recently released, claiming to bring the popular Windows text editor to macOS. However, Don Ho, the creator and primary author of Notepad++, has stated that this port was created without his permission and uses the Notepad++ trademark without authorization. The port was created by Andrey Letov, who is not affiliated with the original Notepad++ project. Notepad++ has always been a Windows-exclusive app since its creation in 2003.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights issues of trademark infringement and unauthorized use of a well-known software brand. The original creator's disavowal may impact users who were expecting an official Notepad++ release for Mac, and may also lead to confusion about the authenticity of the unofficial port.
I'm not a devoted user of the app, but I was aware of its history, which is why I was surprised to see news of a "Notepad++ for Mac" port making the rounds last week, as though it were a port of the original available from the Notepad++ website. However, a direct quote from the article is: "using the Notepad++ trademark (the name) without permission." - Don Ho
NPR News · 5 May, 04:01
Summary not available.