The Guardian · 1 Jun, 06:00
A rock formation in Wales initially thought to be prehistoric cave art in 1912, but later dismissed as a natural phenomenon in 1928, has been reclassified as the UK's oldest cave art, dated to 17,100 years ago. The discovery was made using modern scientific techniques, including uranium-thorium dating.
In 1912, professors William Sollas and Henri Breuil discovered a painted panel in Bacon Hole, a cave near the Mumbles in south Wales, which was initially hailed as the first specimen of prehistoric cave painting in England. However, by 1928, the authenticity of the panel was dismissed, and it was believed to be a natural phenomenon. Recently, an international team of archaeologists led by Dr. George Nash used modern scientific techniques, including uranium-thorium dating, to re-examine the rock art. The team found that the rock art was created 17,100 years ago, making it the oldest example of cave art in Britain and north-western Europe.
Why it matters: This discovery is significant because it provides new insights into the lives of early humans in Britain during the Upper Palaeolithic period. The fact that the rock art was created during a time when Wales was emerging from a severe cold phase of the Devensian glaciation makes it an important find. The discovery also highlights the need to protect the site, with the archaeologists arguing that it should become a scheduled monument.
17,100 years ago (date of the rock art), 1912 (initial discovery), 1928 (dismissal of authenticity), 14,500-12,500 years ago (date range of another nearby rock art discovery)
This is the earliest prehistoric art we have in Britain. We've used uranium-thorium dating for the pigments. We've got data 17,100 years before present, which makes it the oldest rock art in the British Isles. - Dr. George Nash
The Guardian · 1 Jun, 06:00
A study found that while the total area burned by wildfires globally decreased in 2025, devastating fires still occurred in wealthier regions such as California, Canada, Europe, and South Korea. The study highlights a growing disconnect between the total area burned and the real-world impacts of wildfires.
The study found that 335 million hectares were burned by wildfires in 2025, which is the second-lowest since 2002. Despite this, catastrophic blazes occurred in California, Canada, Europe, and South Korea, causing loss of life, homes, and jobs. A 'megafire' in Scotland burned over 100,000 hectares, and record-breaking blazes in Spain and Portugal burned over half a million hectares. South Korea also experienced its biggest and deadliest wildfire season on record.
Why it matters: The study highlights the growing disconnect between the total area burned and the real-world impacts of wildfires. Changes in land use have led to fewer wildfires globally, but global heating is creating conditions that allow them to spread, increasing the danger at the wildland-urban interface. The study also notes that adverse weather, fueled by carbon pollution, turned some fires into explosive infernos.
335 million hectares (area burned in 2025), 100,000 hectares (area burned by Scottish 'megafire'), 38% (insured losses from weather disasters attributed to fires in 2025), 4 billion tonnes (CO2 emissions from boreal forests in North America since 2023), 82,000 (number of people who died from breathing dirty air due to Canadian wildfires in 2023), 39 (number of times more likely extreme weather fuelling flames in Portugal and Spain was made by climate breakdown)
2025 shows that a 'quiet' fire year globally can still be devastating. We are seeing a growing disconnect between total area burned and real-world impacts. - Matthew Jones, climate scientist at the University of East Anglia
The Guardian · 1 Jun, 05:46
The Trump administration has created a $1.8 billion fund to provide financial restitution to people subject to 'weaponised lawfare' from the federal government, sparking criticism of cronyism and corruption. The fund, established as part of a settlement in a case brought by Trump against the IRS, has been widely opposed by both Democrats and Republicans.
The Trump administration has established a $1.8 billion fund as part of a settlement in a case brought by Trump against the IRS. The fund is intended to provide financial restitution to people subject to 'weaponised lawfare' from the federal government. Critics argue that the fund is a slush fund of taxpayer cash to benefit Trump allies, and that it stinks of cronyism and corruption. A federal judge has reopened the case, citing concerns over collusion and fraud.
Why it matters: The creation of this fund has significant implications for the rule of law and the use of taxpayer money. The fund's administration has been criticized for lacking transparency and accountability, with a five-member commission appointed by the attorney general, rather than a court or jury, deciding on the merit of applications. This has raised concerns about the potential for abuse of power and corruption.
$1.8 billion (size of the fund), $750 (Trump's federal income tax in 2016 and 2017), $10 billion (Trump's lawsuit against the IRS), $4 billion (estimated profits of the Trump family by leveraging his presidential position), $620 million (loan requested from the Pentagon), $500 million (UAE investment in Trump family cryptocurrency firm), 2024 (year of supreme court ruling)
The level of graft and self-enrichment is truly unprecedented. I say this in a journalistically neutral way: there is no modern parallel.
NPR News · 31 May, 20:29
A United Airlines flight to Palma de Mallorca diverted back to Newark due to security concerns over an onboard Bluetooth device name.
A United Airlines flight to Palma de Mallorca made a U-turn and diverted back to Newark late on Saturday. The diversion was apparently caused by an onboard Bluetooth device that raised security concerns. Air traffic audio and social media posts indicated that the device's name sparked the issue.
Why it matters: The incident highlights the strict security protocols in place for air travel, where even seemingly minor issues can cause significant disruptions. The diversion ensured the safety of passengers and crew, but also caused inconvenience to travelers.
NPR News · 31 May, 21:11
Foreign aid cuts are hindering the response to the Ebola crisis in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Aid workers are struggling to prepare for an increase in cases due to reduced funding.
Aid workers in Uganda are preparing for a potential increase in Ebola cases, particularly with the crisis ongoing in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. However, they are facing challenges due to cuts in foreign aid. These cuts are affecting their ability to respond effectively to the crisis. The situation is being closely monitored, with efforts to prepare for any potential uptick in cases.
Why it matters: The aid cuts are significant because they impact the ability of aid workers to respond effectively to the Ebola crisis. Reduced funding can lead to shortages of essential resources, including medical supplies, personnel, and equipment, which are critical in containing and treating the disease. This can ultimately lead to more severe outcomes, including increased mortality rates and a wider spread of the disease.
NPR News · 31 May, 21:04
Former President Trump is considering hosting a MAGA rally instead of a concert at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. after several musicians dropped out.
Several artists, including country singer Martina McBride, have withdrawn from performing at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., also known as the Freedom 250. As a result, former President Trump is now considering hosting a MAGA rally at the event instead of a concert. The Freedom 250 is an event celebrating American independence.
Why it matters: This development is significant because it highlights the challenges of organizing large events and the potential impact of artist withdrawals on event programming. Additionally, Trump's involvement and consideration of hosting a MAGA rally may draw attention and controversy.
Ars Technica · 31 May, 10:00
Research has shown that extreme heat can impair the cognitive abilities of animals, affecting their ability to learn, find food, and avoid predators. This could have significant consequences for ecosystems and species survival, particularly in the context of climate change.
A study on southern pied babblers in South Africa found that the birds were unable to think clearly and solve a simple problem to access food on hot days. The experiment involved the birds trying to get at mealworms behind a see-through barrier, which they could easily access on cooler days but not on hot days. This is part of a growing body of research showing that heat waves can impair the cognitive abilities of animals.
Why it matters: The impact of heat on animal cognition could have significant consequences for ecosystems and species survival. If animals are unable to find food, avoid predators, or adapt to changing environments, their chances of survival decrease. This is particularly concerning in the context of climate change, which is making heat waves more common.
A changing climate means that your ability to behaviorally adapt is even more important. - Amanda Ridley, behavioral ecologist at the University of Western Australia
Ars Technica · 31 May, 11:15
The article reassesses the 1986 film SpaceCamp on its 40th anniversary, reflecting on the Space Shuttle program's ambitions and limitations. The shuttle was envisioned as a reusable vehicle for frequent space flights, but its performance fell short of expectations.
The Space Shuttle program was launched in the 1980s with ambitious plans for frequent, monthly, or even weekly flights to low Earth orbit. The shuttle was designed to be fully reusable, unlike the Apollo-era capsules. However, the loss of the Challenger in January 1986, carrying educator Christa McAuliffe, set back the program. Despite its advanced technology, the shuttle's flight frequency never met expectations, with a maximum of nine flights in 1985 and five or six flights per year in the 1990s.
Why it matters: The Space Shuttle program's limitations and lack of progress towards making human space flight mundane and frequent are significant. The program's failure to meet its ambitious goals had implications for the future of space exploration and the involvement of civilians in space travel.
40 (anniversary year), 1986 (year of Challenger loss), 9 (maximum shuttle flights in 1985), 5-6 (shuttle flights per year in the 1990s)