Lists
1968 was an inflection point for the US. Is another one coming in 2024?
There are many parallels between 1968 and today: an unpopular war, a vulnerable Democratic presidential candidate and a divided America.
What is it about Gaza? Wars are raging around the world, so why are young people so passionate about this one?
The situation in Gaza undoubtedly requires urgent international attention and a peaceful resolution. Yet it is not the only armed conflict or humanitarian crisis in the world.
AI-assisted writing is quietly booming in academic journals. Here’s why that’s OK
ChatGPT and other AI writing tools can make researchers more productive – but quality control is essential.
“A budget for mums and middle Australia’: Jim Chalmers
Holding up Labor’s female vote will be vital, Treasurer Jim Chalmers has declared Tuesday will bring “a budget for mums and middle Australia”.
Budget to pledge billions more in funds and fresh effort to tackle intractable housing crisis
The budget will respond to the deepening public agitation over Australia’s housing shortages by pouring new money into crisis accommodation for women and children, social housing and infrastructure.
Confused or playing for time? 3 possible reasons NZ is taking so long to make a call on AUKUS
The protracted deliberations over joining AUKUS pillar two suggest New Zealand is hoping questions of security, trade and domestic opinion will be solved in time. That’s unlikely.
Women in rich countries are having fewer kids, or none at all. What’s going on?
A declining population can have big implications for society down the track. To make parenting easier, governments need to take a more nuanced approach.
‘We do not want to be like Russia’: a first-hand account of Georgia’s fight for democracy
Tens of thousands have taken to the streets to protest a new bill they claim was taken straight from Russian President Vladimir Putin’s playbook.
‘City deals’ are coming to NZ – let’s make sure they’re not ‘city back-room deals’
City deals are being touted as the answer to NZ’s local infrastructure problems. Lessons from the UK and Australia suggest greater transparency and more coherent planning should be on the table too.
AI companions can relieve loneliness – but here are 4 red flags to watch for in your chatbot ‘friend’
AI chatbots offer unconditional support, but this could lead users to develop an inflated self image – and impede their chances of positive social interactions with real people.
Gas is good until 2050 and beyond, under Albanese gas strategy
The new strategy sees gas as crucial to the new Future Made in Australia policy, which includes support for manufacturing and refining critical minerals.
Why are algorithms called algorithms? A brief history of the Persian polymath you’ve likely never heard of
Our modern lives are influenced by algorithms at every step. We can trace this influence back more than 1,200 years ago – to a Muslim mathematician.
First Nations imprisonment is already at a record high. Unless government policy changes, it will only get worse
Lowering Indigenous incarceration rates is a key aim of the Closing The Gap targets, but there are more First Nations people behind bars than ever. How did this happen and what can fix it?
Coalition demands amendments to government’s deportation bill, as crucial High Court judgement set for Friday
In the dissenting report to the deportation bill, the Coalition says it supports the policy intent of the legislation but has significant concerns about potential unintended consequences.
Iran is gaining credibility in the Muslim world and feeling emboldened. This doesn’t bode well for the region
The United States and Israel are gifting Iran and its message of defiance enormous appeal, well beyond the imagination of Iranian authorities.
Curious Kids: what stops meteors hitting Earth and hurting people?
When rocks from space fall towards Earth, they usually don’t do any damage – here’s why.