The Guardian · 18 May, 06:00
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is a mid-range Android smartphone with a unique design, featuring a large 6.83in OLED screen, an aluminium body, and a distinctive camera cluster with a dot-matrix LED screen on the back. It offers solid performance, good cameras, and a long-lasting battery, but its high price and limited software updates may deter some buyers.
The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is a new smartphone from UK-based company Nothing, featuring a large 6.83in OLED screen, a solid aluminium body, and a unique camera cluster with a dot-matrix LED screen on the back. The phone is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 chip, has 8 or 12GB of RAM, and comes with 128 or 256GB of storage. It runs on Nothing OS 4.1, based on Android 16, and offers a range of features, including a 50MP main camera, 50MP 3.5x telephoto camera, and 8MP ultra-wide camera.
Why it matters: The Nothing Phone 4a Pro is significant because it offers a unique design and a range of features that set it apart from other mid-range smartphones. Its aluminium body and dot-matrix LED screen on the back give it a distinctive look, while its solid performance, good cameras, and long-lasting battery make it a compelling option for those looking for a mid-range Android phone. However, its high price and limited software updates may make it less appealing to some buyers.
Price: £499 (€479/$499/A$949)
The Guardian · 18 May, 05:00
The UK's next ambassador to Japan, Corin Robertson, may be called to give evidence in an inquiry into the decision to award Peter Mandelson security clearance despite vetting officials advising against it. Robertson was involved in the decision and has not yet been questioned by parliament.
Corin Robertson, the UK's next ambassador to Japan, may be called to give evidence to the foreign affairs select committee investigating Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US. Robertson was the Foreign Office's chief operating officer when the decision was made to grant Mandelson security clearance in late January 2025, despite vetting officials recommending against it. The committee is nearing the end of its investigation and is waiting for further documents to be released before reaching any conclusions. Robertson's appearance could help resolve unanswered questions about the decision-making process.
Why it matters: This is significant because it could shed more light on the decision-making process behind Mandelson's security clearance, which has been criticized for being awarded despite vetting officials' concerns. The inquiry is also examining the roles of other officials involved in the decision, including Olly Robbins and Ian Collard. Robertson's evidence could help clarify the events surrounding Mandelson's appointment and provide further insight into the vetting process.
29 January 2025: The date when UKSV advised that there was 'high' concern about Mandelson and security clearance should be 'denied'. August: The month when Robertson is due to take up her post in Tokyo.
The Guardian · 18 May, 05:41
The Australian government is facing criticism over its decision to scale back the inland rail project, with NSW MP Roy Butler calling for local councils to be compensated for their expenses. Meanwhile, the government is introducing new trust rules, which opposition MP Taylor claims is a 'death tax by stealth'.
The federal government's plan to scale back the inland rail project has sparked criticism from NSW MP Roy Butler, who represents areas affected by the decision. Butler stated that local councils had spent significant amounts of ratepayer funds preparing for the project, only to be left with nothing. He plans to seek details on the costs incurred by councils, including Narrabri Shire, Warrumbungle Shire, Gilgandra Shire, and Lachlan Shire. The government's decision to scale back the project has raised concerns about the financial impact on regional communities.
Why it matters: The scaling back of the inland rail project has significant implications for regional communities, which had invested in preparing for the project. The government's decision has raised concerns about fairness and the financial impact on local councils. The issue has sparked debate about the government's commitment to regional development and infrastructure projects.
Local councils stepped up and did the work to prepare for Inland Rail — only to be left with nothing to show for it. That is simply not good enough. These communities should not be financially penalised for a project the federal government has failed to deliver.
NPR News · 18 May, 05:50
Peru's electoral board has confirmed that Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez will face off in a presidential runoff election on June 7.
Peru's electoral board confirmed the official results of the first round of the presidential elections, which took place in early April. The results show that Keiko Fujimori and Roberto Sánchez received the most votes and will advance to a runoff election. The runoff is scheduled to take place on June 7.
Why it matters: The runoff election is significant because it will determine Peru's next president. The election is closely watched as it will impact the country's future policies and direction.
June 7 (runoff election date), early April (first round of elections)
NPR News · 18 May, 05:37
A drone strike caused a fire at the edge of the United Arab Emirates' only nuclear power plant, which authorities described as an 'unprovoked terrorist attack'.
On Sunday, a drone strike sparked a fire on the edge of the United Arab Emirates' sole nuclear power plant. The incident occurred at the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi's Western desert. Authorities described the attack as 'unprovoked' and labeled it a terrorist attack.
Why it matters: This incident highlights the risk of renewed conflict in the region and raises concerns about the security of critical infrastructure. The UAE has been involved in regional tensions and this attack may escalate tensions further.
NPR News · 17 May, 23:11
Two military jets collided during an air show performance at Idaho's Mountain Home Air Force Base, and the aircrew involved are in stable condition.
A midair collision occurred between two jets during a performance at the Gunfighter Skies Air Show at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. The crews of the jets ejected following the incident. The aircrew involved are in stable condition. The incident happened during an air show featuring a variety of military aircraft.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the risks involved in high-performance military aviation, even during peacetime displays. Fortunately, the aircrew's ability to eject and their current stable condition likely owes to the advanced safety measures in place for such events.
Ars Technica · 17 May, 11:00
A patient with multiple sclerosis was treated with CAR T cell therapy, a treatment originally designed for cancer, in a clinical trial at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This therapy is being explored for its potential to treat autoimmune diseases by eliminating cells that target the body's own tissues.
Jan Janisch-Hanzlik, a 49-year-old patient with multiple sclerosis, was enrolled in a clinical trial for CAR T cell therapy at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. This therapy, initially developed to target cancer cells, is being tested for its ability to treat autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis by reprogramming the patient's immune cells to eliminate self-targeting cells. The goal is to essentially reset the body's immune defenses to a state before the disease took hold.
Why it matters: This development is significant because it offers new hope for patients with autoimmune diseases who have not responded well to existing treatments. If successful, CAR T cell therapy could provide a revolutionary approach to treating a range of autoimmune conditions, including multiple sclerosis, lupus, and others.