Deadly super-strength Chinese opioid epidemic gripping Britain's streets
The UK is facing a surge in deaths due to super-strength street drugs like nitazenes, prompting urgent government responses and highlighting challenges in detecting and addressing the crisis. [ more ]
The Prime Minister declined to identify the culprit behind the cyber attack on the MoD, emphasizing a robust policy towards Beijing and other potential risk-posing states. [ more ]
Shapps to update MPs on hack targeting defence payroll details
A cyber attack on a database of armed forces personnel by a third-party payroll system potentially linked to China raises concerns about security measures. [ more ]
55 years after Reagan took on Berkeley, Newsom stays in the background amid roiling campus protests
California politicians' responses to student protests at Berkeley in 1969 and recent unrest at universities reflect contrasting approaches towards handling demonstrations. [ more ]
Former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson Apologizes In Front of COVID-19 Inquiry Panel
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson apologized for the suffering experienced by COVID victims and their families during the Inquiry into the government's response to the pandemic.
The U.K. has had one of the highest death rates in Western Europe, with 325 COVID deaths per 100,000 citizens. [ more ]
Chris Stark: Rishi Sunak has set us back, head of climate change watchdog says
Rishi Sunak's approach on climate change has set the UK back, risking falling behind other countries in the global effort towards net zero emissions. [ more ]
Rep. Ted Lieu introduced a companion bill to Senate legislation that would codify federal guidelines for the adoption of artificial intelligence.
The bill would require federal agencies to use the AI risk management framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology when acquiring AI solutions. [ more ]
French farmers vow Paris 'siege' as tractor protest converges on capital
French farmers are launching protests in Paris to demand better working conditions and address grievances such as red tape and environmental policies.
The government plans to mobilize 15,000 police and paramilitary gendarmes to ensure that government buildings, airports, and the food market remain operational during the protests. [ more ]
France: Farmer protests edge closer to Paris DW 01/25/2024
French farmers protest against cheap imports, rising costs, and red tape by dumping vegetables on highways and blocking traffic with tractors.
Farmers are demanding greater protection for the agricultural sector, including tax-breaks, subsidies, insurance guarantees, and support for winemakers and organic farmers. [ more ]
Post Office scandal victims confront minister in heated exchange: It's a cop-out'
Victims of the Post Office scandal confronted Post Office minister Kevin Hollinrake over the government's response to the Horizon IT scandal.
The victims accused the government of a cop-out and doing nothing to help with the scandal.
An announcement on the Horizon scandal is expected soon, with the consideration of an emergency bill to overturn all 800 Horizon scandal convictions at once. [ more ]
Australia may ask tech companies to label content generated by AI platforms such as ChatGPT
Tech companies may be required to label content generated by AI as the government responds to public concerns about the technology.
The government plans to establish an expert advisory group, develop a voluntary AI safety standard, and consider mandatory safeguards and accountability measures. [ more ]
Australia may ask tech companies to label content generated by AI platforms such as ChatGPT
Tech companies may be required to label content generated by AI as the government seeks to regulate high-risk AI products.
The Australian government aims to address public concerns about AI technology and implement stricter regulations, particularly for applications like self-driving cars and job application assessment programs. [ more ]
Australia may ask tech companies to label content generated by AI platforms such as ChatGPT
Tech companies may be required to label content generated by AI as the government seeks to regulate high-risk AI products.
The Australian government aims to address public concerns about AI technology and implement stricter regulations, particularly for applications like self-driving cars and job application assessment programs. [ more ]
Sunak flood response too slow and not enough, says Starmer
Keir Starmer criticizes the government's response to flooding and vows to take pre-emptive action earlier in the year.
Starmer suggests creating a task force to bring together local authorities, emergency response, and local people to ensure prevention work is done. [ more ]
Hancock messages claimed Sunak would have pressured Johnson' to avoid lockdown
Matt Hancock accuses Rishi Sunak of pressuring Boris Johnson against an autumn lockdown in 2020, potentially hindering efforts to control the spread of COVID-19.
Simon Case's response suggests that Sunak favored tighter controls in schools rather than closing all shops. [ more ]
Scientists set to expose chaos and disagreement in UK government at Covid inquiry
Explosive evidence regarding tensions and disagreements between Boris Johnson, his ministers, and top scientific advisers during the Covid-19 pandemic will be made public at the official inquiry.
Key scientists, including Sir Patrick Vallance, Prof Chris Whitty, Prof Jonathan Van-Tam, and Prof Dame Angela McLean, will provide testimonies that are expected to shed light on the chaos in the government's response to the virus.
The inquiry will explore whether scientists were adequately consulted and if they faced political pressure to downplay the dangers and miscommunicate the extent of the crisis to the public. [ more ]
Why the biggest threat of bird flu is government disinformation
Bird flu and monkeypox are emerging threats with potential severe consequences, highlighting the importance of effective government responses and public awareness of health risks. [ more ]