Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been barred from public office for eight years by a panel of judges who voted that he had abused his power and cast unfounded doubts on the country's electronic voting system. Four of the seven judges on the nation's highest electoral court agreed that Bolsonaro had abused his authority by using government communication channels to promote his campaign and sowing doubts about the vote when he summoned ambassadors to vent unfounded claims about the electronic voting system. Bolsonaro plans to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been declared ineligible to run for office again following a ruling by a panel of judges. The decision, which will be confirmed once all judges have voted, would prevent Bolsonaro from running until 2030. Bolsonaro was found to have abused his power by using government channels to promote his campaign and casting unfounded doubts on the country's electronic voting system. The ruling is expected to end Bolsonaro's chances of returning to the presidency. He can appeal to the Supreme Court, though he is facing other legal issues, including criminal investigations.
Sarah Dyke, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the seat of Somerset and Frome, has been criticised for promoting veganism and meeting with radical environmentalists. Opponents have accused her of hypocrisy, claiming that her self-promotion as a candidate sympathetic to farmers and rural communities contradicts her support for groups like Extinction Rebellion and her advocacy for a reduction in meat consumption. The Conservative Party has issued a "dossier" of material to expose her as an "extreme environmentalist." Dyke denies actively promoting veganism and argues that the Conservatives are trying to distract from their own record on supporting farmers.
There has been a significant increase in the number of children and teenagers diagnosed with type 1 diabetes since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a study by researchers at the University of Toronto. While some of the rise can be attributed to catch-up from backlogs and delays in healthcare services during lockdowns, scientists believe there may be other factors at play. Some theories suggest that COVID-19 can trigger a reaction that increases the risk of diabetes, while others propose that reduced exposure to germs during lockdowns may have affected children's immune systems.
The US Supreme Court's decision to allow the resumption of student loan payments will likely result in a wave of delinquencies and defaults, according to Constantine Yannelis, associate professor of finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Many borrowers are in no position to resume payments, having been told by the Biden administration that they would not have to repay their loans. Yannelis predicted that most borrowers would work out repayment plans with their lenders, but the terms would be challenging and many may face wage garnishment.
The Yukon is waiting for federal funding to help build climate-mitigation infrastructure following severe flooding. Premier Ranj Pillai said ministers from the Yukon and other provinces recently met with the federal government to discuss infrastructure plans following recent floods and wildfires. Pillai said there may be programs in place where the Yukon can partner with the Canadian government to future-proof areas. The Yukon government has launched an $8m financial assistance program for flood victims and is also preparing for the wildfire risk this summer. Pillai said the territory has been lucky so far with wildfires, but the fire season is not over yet.
This article features a two-story, four-bedroom brick house in Melbourne, Australia. The owners, Sammy Willis and Tom Bernadou, have made various updates to the home, including patching walls, painting, and updating bedrooms and bathrooms. Their favorite room is the big living room, where they combine contemporary furniture and art with the original cornices and fireplace. Willis also mentions that they run a gallery from their home, so the art is always changing. The couple loves the neighborhood and enjoys walking their dog around the streets. They currently have no plans for future renovations and advise others to buy what they love and stay true to their own style.
Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, UK, hosted a silent disco in an effort to attract younger worshippers. The medieval cathedral is seeking to raise money for its £1m annual maintenance bill through a range of events, including lectures, concerts and craft fetes. The cathedral also relies on income from visitor tours and donations. The Very Rev Mark Bonney, the 35th Dean of Ely, said he didn't expect the disco attendees to return for worship the next day, but hoped the events would help to bridge the gap between the cathedral and younger audiences.
Tens of thousands of middle-aged punk fans gathered in south London on Saturday to watch performers from the 1970s and 1980s, including Billy Idol, Debbie Harry of Blondie and Iggy Pop. The bands were described as a "dissolute old rockers" on stage, rehashing past hits to the delight of the crowd. Debbie Harry was celebrating her 78th birthday and Iggy Pop, who started his career with The Stooges in 1967, brought the festival to a close. The septuagenarian Pop threw himself around the stage with "reckless energy" and used his ageing body as performance art.
It’s time for theatres to stop ghosting the playwrights they have commissioned
Guardian
23-07-02 11:00
Playwrights in the UK are becoming increasingly frustrated with the way they are treated by theatres, particularly in terms of communication and support. Many playwrights have shared stories of being ghosted by theatres after years of working on a play, with little to no explanation or feedback. This has led to a sense of disrespect and disposability among playwrights, who feel undervalued and unappreciated. These issues have been exacerbated by the recent wave of artistic directors leaving their positions, leaving playwrights unsure of what the future holds for their work. As a result, many playwrights are turning to television, where they feel they are treated with more respect and have better opportunities for creative freedom. The success of playwrights such as Michaela Coel and Lucy Prebble in television has further fueled this trend. While there are still successful and thriving playwrights in the UK, the overall treatment of playwrights in the industry is a cause for concern. The culture of disrespect and disregard for playwrights needs to change in order to support and nurture the next generation of talent. Theatres need to prioritize the needs and interests of playwrights, and provide them with the support and opportunities they deserve. This includes timely and respectful communication, as well as meaningful engagement with their work. The current trend of ghosting and ignoring playwrights is not only detrimental to their careers, but also to the overall health and vitality of the theatre industry. A change in leadership at theatres should be seen as an opportunity to reevaluate and improve the way playwrights are treated, and to recenter their importance and value within the theatre culture.
Ely Cathedral in Cambridgeshire, UK, hosted a silent disco in an effort to attract younger worshippers. The medieval cathedral is seeking to raise money for its £1m annual maintenance bill through a range of events, including lectures, concerts and craft fetes. The cathedral also relies on income from visitor tours and donations. The Very Rev Mark Bonney, the 35th Dean of Ely, said he didn't expect the disco attendees to return for worship the next day, but hoped the events would help to bridge the gap between the cathedral and younger audiences.
Tipping point in decline of magazines as one large printer remains in UK
Guardian
23-07-03 05:00
All but one of the UK's top-selling magazines are now being printed by Walstead, the last remaining UK-based operation with the scale to handle them. Several companies, including Rupert Murdoch’s News UK and the German magazine giant Bauer, have recently struck new printing deals with Walstead. This comes ahead of the closure of Liverpool-based Prinovis, owned by the German media conglomerate Bertelsmann, which told clients in November that it was shutting due to the “significant decline” in the UK magazine market and the soaring cost of paper. This has resulted in a de facto monopoly for Walstead, which now prints nine of the top 10 magazines in the UK. The closure of Prinovis has raised concerns about the lack of competition and protection for publishers. The pressures of maintaining a print product in a declining market are becoming increasingly fraught with risk and encumbered with cost, including logistical strains and soaring costs for publishers.
Why you shouldn’t always try to live in the moment
Guardian
23-07-03 11:30
The concept of being present, or mindfulness, has become a popular practice in modern society. It originated from the Buddhist concept of "sati" and was later popularized in the West as a means of stress reduction and self-care. Mindfulness is often associated with various health benefits, such as reduced stress, improved memory, better sleep, and increased compassion. It has even become a marketable commodity, with meditation apps and fitness trackers catering to the demand for mindfulness practices. However, the author questions whether the emphasis on being present at all times is truly beneficial.
The author argues that focusing solely on the present can lead to a neglect of the past and future. Nostalgia and fantasy, for example, can be sources of inspiration and creativity. The author suggests that rumination, or deep thinking about past experiences, can also be healthy if approached with caution and critical thinking. By disconnecting the present from the continuum of cause and effect, the author believes that we may be avoiding responsibility and consequence.
The author provides a personal example of how the past and future can influence the present. In the midst of hazardous air caused by forest fires, the author recalls the fear and alarm of the 9/11 attacks. This connection to the past adds depth and urgency to the present moment. The author argues that an ethical life requires a thoughtful consideration of the past, present, and future.
In conclusion, the author questions the extent to which mindfulness is understood and used in today’s society. While being present has its benefits, the author warns against neglecting the past and future. The author suggests that a balance between being present and engaging with other temporal zones can lead to a more thoughtful and meaningful life.
PGA Tour Chief Operating Officer Ron Price and board member Jimmy Dunne have agreed to testify before a Senate panel reviewing the tour's agreement with the Saudi backers of LIV Golf. However, LIV CEO Greg Norman and Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of the Saudi Arabian national wealth fund behind the rival circuit, have cited scheduling conflicts and will not be able to appear. The Senate panel expressed regret over their absence as they have valuable information to share. The hearing will focus on the details and background of the deal and its implications for the future of golf and Saudi Arabia's influence in the United States.
The leaders of NATO countries are meeting in Vilnius, Lithuania, on 11 and 12 July to discuss international security and make important decisions that will have long-term implications. One of the key issues to be addressed is finding a replacement for Jens Stoltenberg, the current NATO secretary general. The summit will also discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and European security, and decisions will be made regarding support for Ukraine. The article also suggests that Sweden should be allowed to join NATO and that nuclear issues, particularly Russia's withdrawal from the New START treaty, should be addressed.
President Biden will spend the next 10 days focused on the NATO alliance and its role in assisting Ukraine in its fight against Russia. One of the key questions for Biden is whether he can convince Turkey and Hungary to drop their objections to Sweden joining NATO. The US believes that Sweden has taken sufficient steps to allay concerns raised by Turkey and is hopeful that Sweden will be welcomed into the alliance during next week’s NATO summit. However, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Sweden has not done enough to address his concerns about groups such as the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) and those he accuses of supporting a failed coup in 2016. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused Swedish officials of spreading lies about Hungary and is a historic ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Irish Deputy Premier Micheal Martin has called for a “root and branch” examination of how public service broadcaster RTE is run. Martin expressed concerns that a “culture of the agent” had become predominant within the broadcaster, to the detriment of the collective organisation. His comments follow revelations that RTE, which operates on a dual funding model through licence fees and commercial advertising, under-reported additional payments to presenter Ryan Tubridy. The crisis has been exacerbated by revelations about the broadcaster’s internal financial, accounting and governance practices. Cabinet is expected to sign off on the terms of reference for a government-commissioned external review into RTE’s culture and governance, while an auditor will examine the broadcaster’s accounts. Martin also expressed concern about the use of “zero hours” contracts at the broadcaster and the pay and conditions of lower earners. He added that the issue of dividing RTE’s funding streams between public and commercial money also needed to be examined.
Canada should establish a sovereign wealth fund to manage its wealth derived from critical minerals and other natural resources, according to Matthew Bianco, former managing director and head of capital markets risk optimization at Canada Pension Plan Investments, and Elena Mantagaris, senior adviser with public affairs firm StrategyCorp. They argued that a sovereign wealth fund would ensure that wealth generated from finite natural resources is collected, invested and developed to serve the long-term needs of the population, supporting social programs and reducing taxpayer burdens.
The biggest delusion money can buy? The Musk v Zuckerberg cage match
Guardian
23-07-04 10:00
The author expresses frustration and anger towards the obsession with billionaires like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. They criticize the triviality of knowing details about their personal lives, such as Zuckerberg's performance in a Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament or Musk's height advantage. The author questions the significance of these billionaires' actions and accomplishments, suggesting that they seek attention and validation without considering their impact on society. The author also critiques the hypermasculinity and delusions of grandeur that often accompany extreme wealth. However, the author acknowledges that ignoring these billionaires is not a solution, as they continue to hold significant power and influence.
Governments should prioritize the development of intelligent chatbots and digital agents to enhance public services, according to Peter Loewen, director of the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, and Gillian Hadfield, director of the Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society. They argue that advancements in language models and speech technology mean digital agents can provide seamless, real-time conversations that are indistinguishable from interactions with humans. While there are challenges to overcome, such as accountability and auditing, the authors believe governments should establish principles and guidelines for deploying digital agents to deliver services.
