The Guardian · 21 May, 06:00
Schools in the UK have become a 'pipeline' to joblessness for many young people, according to Peter Hyman, a former Labour adviser. He calls for urgent action, including banning social media for under-16s and radical education reform, to tackle the 'national scandal' of young people not in education, employment, or training.
Peter Hyman, a former adviser to Tony Blair and Keir Starmer, has published a report stating that schools in the UK have become a 'pipeline' to joblessness for many young people. The report, 'Inside the Mind of a Young Neet', highlights that the UK has the third-highest rate of young people not in education, employment, or training (Neet) among Europe's richest countries, with almost one million young people in this category. Hyman attributes this to a flawed education system and the negative impact of social media.
Why it matters: This is significant because it highlights a pressing issue in the UK, where a large cohort of young people are being failed by the education system and are at risk of long-term unemployment and social exclusion. The issue is considered a 'national scandal' and requires urgent action to prevent a 'lost generation'. The report's findings and recommendations are expected to influence government policy on Neets in the UK.
Almost one million young people in the UK are not in education, employment, or training (Neet). The UK has the third-highest rate of Neets among Europe's richest countries. The rate of 16- to 24-year-olds who are Neet is 12.8%. In 2012, the rate peaked at 16.8% amid soaring unemployment after the banking crash.
From our conversations with young people it's clear the government needs to ban social media for the under-16s.
The Guardian · 21 May, 05:44
English football is experiencing a surge in prices, with 19 out of 20 Premier League teams raising season ticket prices this summer, leading to concerns that loyal fans are being priced out. The rising costs are part of a broader trend of 'remorseless commercialisation' in the sport.
The cost of being a men's football fan in England is reaching a breaking point, with rising prices for season tickets, streaming services, and matchday experiences. Premier League clubs are increasing prices, with some season tickets costing as much as £2,367. The Football Supporters' Association has launched a campaign to combat the 'coordinated attack' on match-going fans, highlighting the scrapping of concessions for children and senior citizens.
Why it matters: The trend of rising prices and 'remorseless commercialisation' threatens the core of English football, potentially losing the atmosphere and loyalty of long-term fans. The changes may lead to a shift towards more affluent, one-off visitors, altering the sport's culture and community. This could have long-term consequences for the sport's popularity and fan engagement.
£2,367: the cost of a season ticket at Tottenham's stadium; 800%: the increase in Liverpool's ticket prices since 1990; 19 out of 20: the number of Premier League teams raising season ticket prices this summer; $10,000: the cost of tickets for the 2026 World Cup final; 60%: the increase in broadcast costs for fans over the past five years; 5bn litres: the potential daily water shortage in the UK by 2055; 2055: the year by which the UK may face water shortages
It feels like fans are being price-gouged left, right, and centre. Clubs have to be really careful. Part of the Premier League's attraction is the atmosphere of the English crowd, and you risk losing that by chasing the one-match-a-season transactional fan.
The Guardian · 21 May, 05:01
The Natural History Museum has opened an exhibition called Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, showcasing fossils and sculptures of prehistoric marine creatures that ruled the oceans over 66 million years ago. The exhibition highlights the similarities between ancient and modern oceans, and the impact of climate change on marine life.
The Natural History Museum has launched an exhibition featuring fossils, casts, and 3D-printed sculptures of marine creatures that dominated the oceans during the Jurassic era. The exhibition, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, includes a 23ft plesiosaur skeleton, ancient crocodile-like creatures, and colossal squid tentacles. The exhibition's curator, Marc Jones, explains that the Jurassic era had a warmer and more humid climate, with no permanent ice caps and higher sea levels. The exhibition also showcases how marine ecosystems have changed over time, with sharks being middle predators 200m years ago and ichthyosaurs being vicious long-snouted marine reptiles.
Why it matters: The exhibition highlights the parallels between ancient oceans and today's deep blue depths, particularly in terms of climate change. The curator notes that the oceans are getting warmer, which is benefiting certain species like squids, just as it did in the Jurassic era. However, the exhibition also warns that the rapid pace of climate change today poses a significant threat to marine life, with ocean warming, acidification, and deoxygenation threatening phytoplankton and the food chain.
66m years ago (time period when marine creatures ruled the oceans), 23ft (length of the plesiosaur skeleton), 2% (less powerful sun during the Jurassic era), 200m years ago (time when sharks were middle predators), 2,000 gigatons (amount of CO2 added to the atmosphere in less than 200 years), 90% (amount of heat trapped by carbon emissions absorbed by the ocean), 66m years ago (end of the Cretaceous period)
There is lots of evidence of the climate changing during the prehistoric era and that being associated with changes in the fauna, the ecosystem and the environments. Some of those changes took place over millions of years and yet they still had a big impact on what was alive then and the type of ecosystem that was around. It's the speed of the changes happening today that is the problem. Many animals can't keep up.
Ars Technica · 20 May, 19:53
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the all-electric GT 4-Door, a high-performance electric vehicle that marks a significant shift away from internal combustion power. The new car features advanced technology, including axial motors from YASA and F1-derived battery cells.
Mercedes-AMG has unveiled the next generation of performance electric vehicles, the all-electric AMG GT 4-Door. The car was presented at a star-studded event in downtown Los Angeles and features advanced technology, including new axial motors from YASA and F1-derived battery cells. The new design is more aerodynamic and sleek, with a jutting front grille, reclined headlights, and Kamm-tail rear end. The car is expected to be released in the 2027 model year.
Why it matters: This unveiling is significant as it marks a major shift away from internal combustion power for Mercedes-AMG. The all-electric GT 4-Door brings to production many of the technologies seen in the Concept AMG GT XX, including advanced motors and battery cells. This move is part of Mercedes-AMG's effort to develop high-performance electric vehicles.
Ars Technica · 20 May, 20:29
Amazon MGM Studios has released the final trailer for 'Masters of the Universe', a live-action film reboot of the popular Mattel franchise. The trailer features 1980s nostalgia and Easter eggs, showcasing the film's epic adventure and He-Man's journey.
The final trailer for 'Masters of the Universe' has been released by Amazon MGM Studios. The film, directed by Travis Knight, is a reboot of the 'He-Man and the Masters of the Universe' series and its spinoffs. The story follows Prince Adam, played by Nicholas Galitzine, as he discovers his home, Eternia, is under the rule of Skeletor, played by Jared Leto. Adam must join forces with his allies to save his family and world, and embrace his true destiny as He-Man.
Why it matters: This film is significant as it brings back a beloved franchise from the 1980s, with a star-studded cast including Nicholas Galitzine, Camila Mendes, Idris Elba, and Jared Leto. The film's release is expected to generate excitement among fans of the original series and newcomers alike.
Ars Technica · 20 May, 18:59
President Trump is seeking $1 billion in taxpayer funding to secure his White House ballroom project, which includes a rooftop hardened against drone strikes and a potential drone base. The project, funded by private donors, aims to protect the ballroom from various threats.
President Donald Trump gave a tour of his White House ballroom project on May 19, showcasing a rooftop made from 'impenetrable steel' that he claimed would be 'drone-proof'. The project involves a rooftop hardened against drone strikes and a potential 'drone port' that could house military drones operated by the US military. Trump is seeking $1 billion in taxpayer funding for various security adjustments and upgrades for the project, separate from the $400 million construction cost funded by private donors.
Why it matters: This development is significant as it highlights Trump's efforts to enhance security measures for his White House ballroom project, which has been funded by prominent private donors. The proposed use of taxpayer dollars for security upgrades raises questions about the allocation of public funds for a project primarily funded by private entities.
$1 billion (requested taxpayer funding), $400 million (construction cost funded by private donors), May 19 (date of Trump's tour)
NPR News · 21 May, 04:01
Summary not available.
NPR News · 21 May, 03:01
Summary not available.
NPR News · 20 May, 21:43
Summary not available.