Glass Wings Blog: September 2026

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/pakistans-citizen-led-solar-rush-where-panels-power-education-and-health-and-are-gifted-in-dowries/>

"You might have listened to a podcast or read an article about Pakistan’s solar
rush. Seeing it on the ground and on rooftops and being able to speak with
experts in Pakistan gave me a fuller picture of how a country with 250 million

Languages are disappearing, and the problem is political

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:11:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/languages-are-disappearing-and-the-problem-is-political-288917>

"Review: How to Kill a Language: Power, Resistance, and the Race to Save Our
Words – Sophie Smith Galler (HarperCollins)

The ex-oil executive trying to wean us off fossil fuels

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:12:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.positive.news/environment/life-after-oil/

"If it’s tough for a society to transition away from oil, it’s tougher still
for those whose entire livelihood is tied up with the stuff. Yet as the costs
of our addiction to it begin to bite – on our pockets and our planet – an

Why the $2.5 billion Tomago aluminium deal is no ordinary bailout

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:15:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-the-2-5-billion-tomago-aluminium-deal-is-no-ordinary-bailout-289629>

"On Thursday, the federal and New South Wales governments jointly announced a
deal to bail out the Tomago aluminium smelter, at a cost of A$2.5 billion over
ten years.

Why Meta is paying for controversial content – and what that means for the posts you see

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:16:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-meta-is-paying-for-controversial-content-and-what-that-means-for-the-posts-you-see-289603>

"In recent days, media reports have revealed several instances where Facebook
has paid for content that could be deemed controversial.

How rewilding could help stop the spread of Britain’s wildfires

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:17:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/how-rewilding-could-help-stop-the-spread-of-britains-wildfires/>

"Fire is natural in some ecosystems, but almost all British “wildfires” are
started by people. Whether they become catastrophic increasingly depends on the
landscapes they burn through. That’s why wildfire policy can’t only focus on

Pauline Hanson calls Australia ‘Judeo‑Christian’. But the term is a meaningless modern invention

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:45:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/pauline-hanson-calls-australia-judeo-christian-but-the-term-is-a-meaningless-modern-invention-289381>

"One Nation leader Pauline Hanson argues Australia is “predominately a
Judeo-Christian society” and should live under “one cultural umbrella”.

Putting slugs on the map: farmers pioneer precision crop protection

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:53:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/environment/putting-slugs-on-the-map-farmers-pioneer-precision-crop-protection/>

"Slugs are the slimy bane of many a farmer’s life, but their days of munching
on precious crops could be numbered thanks to a new tool that predicts where
the pests will strike.

Liux’s Big microcar bets on sustainability to take on Chinese rivals

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:54:27 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://techcrunch.com/2026/08/30/liuxs-big-microcar-bets-on-sustainability-to-take-on-chinese-rivals/>

"Cars in European cities are smaller than ever. But as Europe’s appetite for
microcars has grown, the cute Italian ‘yoghurt pots’ have largely given way to
small Chinese EVs. Even Smart, the the iconic ultracompact car brand, has moved

The media has made Donald Trump look more coherent than he is. It’s called ‘sanewashing’

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:55:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-media-has-made-donald-trump-look-more-coherent-than-he-is-its-called-sanewashing-289616>

"On September 5 2024, after giving a speech about his economic plans for the
United States, Donald Trump was asked what he would do, if re-elected
president, to make childcare more affordable.

Denmark joins Norway at EV pinnacle as 97 per cent of private buyers opt for electric cars in latest month

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:58:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/11/denmark-joins-norway-at-ev-pinnacle-as-97-per-cent-of-private-buyers-opt-for-electric-cars-in-latest-month/>

"Norway has long been the world’s leading adopter of electric vehicles (EVs),
with a well established market share in the high 90s, and now another Nordic
neighbour has joint it at the pinnacle of the EV transition.

DW users on life in Russia: 'People are mad as hell'

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:59:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.dw.com/en/russia-ukraine-war-putin-economy-inflation-fuel-shortages-energy-crisis-jobs/a-78523454>

"Fuel shortages are disrupting daily routines. Discontent over pay is rising as
job prospects weaken. Planning for the future has given way to short-term
coping as anxiety spreads in Russia.

Inside the gift card tampering scam spreading nationally

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:35:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-31/inside-the-gift-card-tampering-scam-spreading-nationally/107074588>

"An ABC investigation has discovered gift cards that have been tampered with
are being sold by Australia’s biggest supermarkets, with charges even being
laid over the issue.

This Brand Wants You to Compost Its Clothes

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:38:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reasonstobecheerful.world/regenerative-fashion-california-cloth-foundry/>

"The clothes hanging in Lydia Wendt’s loft atelier in Los Angeles’ Fashion
District shimmer in earthy tones: an orange sleep set dyed with California
poppies, a coral lounge set colored with madder root, undyed tees in off-white

Safe havens protect Australian mammals from invasive predators. Why aren’t they working for other animal groups?

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:43:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/safe-havens-protect-australian-mammals-from-invasive-predators-why-arent-they-working-for-other-animal-groups-289228>

"Feral cats and foxes now roam across almost all of Australia. These predators
are a major reason why many species have been driven to extinction.

The solar electric car designed to generate more energy than it consumes

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:45:46 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/12/the-solar-electric-car-designed-to-generate-more-energy-than-it-consumes/>

"A team of graduate students from Clemson University in South Carolina in the
US have designed a solar-integrated, energy-positive electric vehicle (EV)
prototype that has been designed to generate more energy than it consumes

Friday essay: we’re all ‘political’ now – but can that lead to real change?

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:48:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/friday-essay-were-all-political-now-but-can-that-lead-to-real-change-289208>

"Review: Hyperpolitics by Anton Jäger (Verso Books)

It was the summer of 2024 in Carindale, Queensland. I had gone to a salon for

Northern Hemisphere extreme heat records just a warm up for the full El Niño theatre

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:50:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/northern-hemisphere-extreme-heat-records-just-a-warm-up-for-the-full-el-nino-theatre/>

"I had Claude identify some key weather records as they pertain to the Northern
Hemisphere summer this year. It’s quite likely it missed some, but I think the
general picture is fairly clear.

Two subsea cables off Perth suffer ‘concerning’ damage. Lasers could help protect them

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:13:21 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/two-subsea-cables-off-perth-suffer-concerning-damage-lasers-could-help-protect-them-289601>

"Earlier this week, Bevan Slattery, the chief executive of subsea cable company
SubCo, announced that two cables had experienced faults over the weekend. He
deemed it a “concerning development” because these “submarine cables are the

Fertiliser from thin air? How farmers can make their own fertiliser from air, water and on-site renewables

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:14:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/fertiliser-from-thin-air-how-farmers-can-make-their-own-fertiliser-from-air-water-and-renewables/>

"Reliable and affordable fertiliser supply was high on the agenda at this
week’s Renewables in Agriculture conference, as events in the Middle East
provide another reminder of just how exposed Australian farmers are to global

Storms of dust and sand are another sign our climate is changing. Two experts explain

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:15:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/storms-of-dust-and-sand-are-another-sign-our-climate-is-changing-two-experts-explain-288204>

"Imagine you wake up one morning and look out your window. You see a sky of
red, hear a ferocious blast of wind and watch as tree branches creak and crack.

Quitting gas, going electric could save public hospitals millions

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:16:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/quitting-gas-going-electric-could-save-public-hospitals-millions/>

"Electrifying Australia’s public hospitals could save $59 million a year in
energy costs, cut carbon emissions, and ultimately keep more people out of
hospital, a study has found.

Indigenous people want violence out of their communities. Here’s a new approach

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:17:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/indigenous-people-want-violence-out-of-their-communities-heres-a-new-approach-285798>

"Violent crime in Indigenous communities is often the subject of media
headlines. It usually results in governments adopting “tough on crime”
responses, including increased policing and restricting bail.

What five Fijian sparkies taught me about remote, off-grid solar and battery systems

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:18:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/what-five-fijian-sparkies-taught-me-about-remote-off-grid-solar-and-battery-systems/>

"When I was sent to the Yasawa Islands in Fiji to commission a 1.6
megawatt-hour off-grid solar battery installation across three remote island
resorts, I thought I had a good handle on what the job required.

Trump Is a Liar. That’s Bad. But He’s Delusional—and That’s Even Worse

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:32:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://newrepublic.com/article/214916/trump-venezuela-oil-deal-delusional>

"Here we go again. The new oil deal with Venezuela, Donald Trump bragged over
the weekend, will “substantially lower” gas prices and won’t cost the America
taxpayer a dime. It’s historic. It’s yuge. It’s miraculous. So much winning.

Fiji’s HIV outbreak is a public health emergency. Pacific neighbours must step up

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:33:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/fijis-hiv-outbreak-is-a-public-health-emergency-pacific-neighbours-must-step-up-286066>

"Delegates attending the Pacific HIV Symposium in Fiji next week will be
confronting one of the region’s most urgent health challenges: the fastest
growing HIV outbreak in the world.

Petrol station converted into flash charging hub as Chinese oil giant partners with EV and battery giant BYD

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:34:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/13/petrol-station-converted-into-flash-charging-hub-as-chinese-oil-giant-partners-with-ev-and-battery-giant-byd/>

"Chinese state-owned oil and gas giant Sinopec has completely gutted one of its
petrol stations in Shanghai of its fuel infrastructure so that it could be
converted into a BYD Ultra-Fast Charging Flagship Station.

Russia is cutting off Ukraine’s grain exports again, threatening a critical harvest and global food security

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:35:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/russia-is-cutting-off-ukraines-grain-exports-again-threatening-a-critical-harvest-and-global-food-security-289718>

"While the world’s attention is fixated on the US blockade of Iranian ports and
the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Russia has been subjecting Ukraine to a
blockade of its own in the Black Sea, imperilling Ukraine’s summer grain

Home battery rebate hits 500,000 milestone as households “take control” and deliver grid benefits

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:35:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/from-niche-technology-to-500000-households-taking-control-cheaper-home-batteries-hits-half-million-milestone/>

"The number of home batteries installed under federal Labor’s rebate scheme has
passed the half-million mark, a huge new milestone for the hugely successful
policy that is further slashing household electricity bills while also

Is bird flu infecting humans? How would we know?

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:36:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/is-bird-flu-infecting-humans-how-would-we-know-289489>

"Bird flu is circulating among birds on the Australian mainland. So with the
confirmed number of detections growing, you may be wondering about the risk of
birds infecting humans.

AI agents aren’t legally responsible for any harm that they cause, experts say. So who is?

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:40:34 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/aug/13/ai-agents-arent-legally-responsible-for-any-harm-that-they-cause-experts-say-so-who-is>

"The law is clear, says Prof Jeannie Paterson. “If I deploy an AI agent and it
causes harm to someone else, I am responsible for that harm.

GPS Glitched Across The US by as Much as 33 Feet. Scientists Have Never Seen This Before.

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:43:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.sciencealert.com/gps-glitched-across-the-us-by-as-much-as-33-feet-scientists-have-never-seen-this-before>

"In November 2025, Earth was buffeted by several massive eruptions of solar
material that slammed into the magnetosphere.

Seneca Nation requests reversal on ‘Lake America’ executive order

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:45:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/6058846-seneca-nation-challenges-lake-america-order/>

"Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca called Friday for President Trump to
rescind his order to rename Lake Ontario to “Lake America,” citing a
centuries-old treaty between Native Americans and the U.S. government.

The Mole at the Table: How Orbán’s Hungary Gave Putin a Seat in Every EU Council Meeting

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:47:21 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@jens_sorensen_geopol./the-mole-at-the-table-how-orb%C3%A1ns-hungary-gave-putin-a-seat-in-every-eu-council-meeting-91eb04eafa00>

"At the European Union summit held in Brussels in late March 2026, Hungary's
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán once again positioned himself as a victim of
international pressure.

UK records hottest day of year as fifth summer heatwave reaches peak

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:48:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/13/uk-records-hottest-day-of-the-year-fifth-summer-heatwave-peak>

"The UK has recorded its hottest day of the year so far with a provisional
temperature of 38.1C in southern England as Europe sweltered under a major heat
dome.

One Day in the Life of Putin’s Soldier

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 03:51:52 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/one-day-in-the-life-of-putins-soldier-db6e2872dc78>

"Who are these men? What brings them to the recruitment office? Do they believe
Ukraine is ruled by Nazis? Do they still believe Putin after seeing the front?
Or are they there because the state found the one pressure point they could not

“It’s a commercial system. And it has a customer:” Sodium-ion battery sale hailed as a first for Australia

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:11:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/its-a-commercial-system-and-it-has-a-customer-sodium-ion-battery-sale-hailed-as-a-first-for-australia/>

"The sale of a 100 kilowatt and 200 kilowatt-hour battery system wouldn’t
usually make the news, but an announcement posted on LinkedIn earlier this week
is attracting attention for its claim as a potential first in Australia, given

New EU laws make AI content labels compulsory – but might just make it harder to spot deepfakes

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:17:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/new-eu-laws-make-ai-content-labels-compulsory-but-might-just-make-it-harder-to-spot-deepfakes-289597>

"As the world is increasingly flooded with deepfakes, the European Union is
taking action to help people distinguish what is real and what is not.

Researchers “froth” over new solar recycling method that recovers 99 pct of silver from used panels

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:18:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/researchers-froth-over-new-solar-recycling-method-that-recovers-99-pct-of-silver-from-used-panels/>

"A new take on a widely used mining technique called froth flotation can
recover “virtually all” of the metallic silver contained within an end-of-life
solar panel, researchers from the University of Newcastle say.

AI is ruining the internet.

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:19:20 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvTJTTUK8cg

"Does the internet seem a lot worse lately? Here's why."

Poor genetic health threatens many species – but it’s fixable

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:20:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/poor-genetic-health-threatens-many-species-but-its-fixable-288091>

"By the early 1990s, there were only around 20 Florida Panthers left on the
planet.

Women have always ‘method acted’ – they just don’t get called geniuses for it

Thu, 3 Sep 2026 23:21:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/women-have-always-method-acted-they-just-dont-get-called-geniuses-for-it-289396>

"In a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, actor Anya Taylor-Joy
offered an explanation for why so few women are “method actors”: women, in her
words, “can’t completely lose our minds”.

S-curve modelling says renewables can kick coal out of Australia by 2032. But is this soon enough?

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:53:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/s-curve-modelling-says-renewables-can-kick-coal-out-of-australia-by-2032-but-is-this-soon-enough/>

"In 1972 when I was supposed to be studying for my A levels I was completely
distracted by the book Limits to Growth. This book was roundly castigated,
especially by industry who scoffed at the predictions of peak oil and gas and

ICE Worked With Iran To Deport Iranians Back To A Country Trump Repeatedly Claimed Was Harming Iranians

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:54:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/31/ice-worked-with-iran-to-deport-iranians-back-to-a-country-trump-repeatedly-claimed-was-harming-iranians/>

"The Trump administration has been working steadily to remove protected status
for asylum seekers that even Trump admits are deadly “shitholes.” Trump makes
claims about countries that seem to indicate they’re too dangerous to live in,

Smashing Yesterday’s Croissants for a Better Tomorrow

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:55:52 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/demain-bakery-upcycling-food/

"From the outside, Demain looks like any other bakery in Paris. The bright blue
storefront, featuring huge glass vitrines, frames a bready feast for the eyes.

Would The Next George Floyd Video Survive Meta’s New Teen Safety Rules?

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:57:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/31/would-the-next-george-floyd-video-survive-metas-new-teen-safety-rules/>

"Earlier this year, one of the smartest internet rights people around, Heather
Burns, suggested the “Darnella Test” regarding any kind of “kid safety” rule
online. It’s named after Darnella Frazier. You might not recognize her name,

The City That Doubled Down on Listening to Its Youth

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:58:49 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://reasonstobecheerful.world/masaka-youth-desk/

"On most mornings, the line in front of Masaka City Hall forms before the door
opens.

RFK Jr. Goes Full Anti-Vaxxer Conspiracy Theorist Over 2 PA Measles Deaths

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 07:59:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.techdirt.com/2026/08/31/rfk-jr-goes-full-anti-vaxxer-conspiracy-theorist-over-2-pa-measles-deaths/>

"When we just discussed the two recent deaths in Pennsylvania that came as a
result of measles infections, we noted that there was very little information
about the deceased. Some additional information has since been released, in

The Server Called Paranoia: Defend Autistici/Inventati

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:33:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://sabot.media/post/the-server-called-paranoia

"For twenty-five years, an Italian hacker collective has built communications
infrastructure designed to survive censorship, surveillance and police raids.
On August 26, the United States designated it a terrorist organization. On

Workers built an Arizona solar farm to generate electricity beneath the desert sun, but tiny burrowing owls moved into the landscape and turned part of the energy project into an unexpected nursery for their chicks

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:45:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.ecoticias.com/en/workers-built-an-arizona-solar-farm-to-generate-electricity-beneath-the-desert-sun-but-tiny-burrowing-owls-moved-into-the-landscape-and-turned-part-of-the-energy-project-into-an-unexpected-nursery-fo/35959/>

"At a 10,000-acre solar farm in the west of Phoenix, thousands of panels were
built to turn desert sunlight into electricity. But what happened? At the same
time, a second underground project took shape, where 36 baby owl chicks were

I asked 100 companies for my data. Some deleted it instead.

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:46:59 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2026/08/i-asked-100-companies-for-my-data-some-deleted-it-instead/>

"I filed a request with McDonald’s earlier this month to access all of the
personal data the fast food company collected about me, and I received a
stunning 515-page report a few days later that detailed my app interactions in

Tesla paid Elon Musk 2.5m times more as CEO than its average worker in 2025

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:48:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/aug/13/elon-musk-tesla-pay-workers>

"Elon Musk received over 2.5m times as much compensation at Tesla as the
company’s average worker, according to a new report on the growing gap between
top corporate executives and their workers.

Fake US thinktank set up and funded by Israel sought to game AI for propaganda

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:50:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/26/fake-thinktank-israel-ai-propaganda>

"A pro-Israel messaging website badged with the name of a thinktank that does
not exist has published more than half a million words in nine days, built on a
commercial platform that promises to optimize content so that AI chatbots will

The decades‑old ‘AI alignment problem’ has finally become a reality. Solving it won’t be easy

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 16:50:53 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-decades-old-ai-alignment-problem-has-finally-become-a-reality-solving-it-wont-be-easy-289812>

"Human beings have long told versions of the same warning: be careful what you
wish for.

Misogynistic views are biggest red flag for violent extremism, report finds

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:21:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-25/rising-misogyny-in-young-people/107053640>

“Hostile and violent attitudes toward women are the clearest warning sign of
violent extremism, a study has found.

Curfews and weight limits: EV lobby hails heavy vehicle reform package to ease path for electric trucks

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:24:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/17/curfews-and-weight-limits-ev-lobby-hails-heavy-vehicle-reform-package-to-ease-path-for-electric-trucks/>

"The federal government has committed to invest $400 million as part of a new
heavy vehicle reform package designed to improve productivity, reduce red tape,
and increase the uptake of zero-emission vehicles.

Australia needs more people who think like scientists. Here’s what that means

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:25:45 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australia-needs-more-people-who-think-like-scientists-heres-what-that-means-288734>

"How we think and feel about science develops from an early age – and we never
know where that early interest might take us.

Abbas fought the Taliban alongside US and Australian troops. Now exiled in Iran, he feels abandoned

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:26:38 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/15/afghan-soldier-iran-war-abandoned-by-australia-us-british-troops-taliban>

"War is Abbas’s* earliest memory.

As a child, the first iteration of Taliban rule forced his family to flee –

A new class of metals could transform Africa’s clean energy economy – scientists explain

Fri, 4 Sep 2026 23:27:55 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/a-new-class-of-metals-could-transform-africas-clean-energy-economy-scientists-explain-282572>

"For centuries, useful metals have been developed by starting with one core
element and adding small amounts of other elements. Steel, for example, is
composed primarily of iron; carbon is added in varied amounts to produce

Wildfire‑damaged historic buildings may not be as ruined as they appear, but saving them means acting fast

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:42:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/wildfire-damaged-historic-buildings-may-not-be-as-ruined-as-they-appear-but-saving-them-means-acting-fast-289429>

"In a summer of wildfires severe enough to trigger Spain’s first-ever national
emergency for a forest fire, a historic stone structure called the Nevera de
Castro stands in a landscape burned bare in the Castellón region. Its walls are

Bird flu has been evolving and migrating for 30 years. It is a far more deadly virus that has now arrived in Australia

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:44:16 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/15/bird-flu-h5n1-mutation-more-deadly-virus-australia>

"In 1996, geese in poultry farms in the Guangdong province of southern China
started to get sick with a virus causing “bleeding and neurological
dysfunction” and then death.

Are zoos ready for the changing climate?

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:45:16 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/are-zoos-ready-for-the-changing-climate-289757>

"When people think about climate change and animals, they might picture melting
sea ice, drought-stricken landscapes or species struggling in the wild. Far
less attention is given to the animals living in our care. Yet as heatwaves

‘We are still here’: a day in the life of 12 Afghan women

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:45:58 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/ng-interactive/2026/aug/11/day-in-the-life-of-12-afghanistan-women-taliban>

"In the five years since the Taliban’s return to power, the walls have been
closing in on the women and girls of Afghanistan.

Freelancers are getting buried with ‘soulless’ AI slop cleanup: ‘It’s a shame we need to do it’

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 06:46:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2026/sep/02/ai-jobs-freelance-cleanup>

"Lisa, a freelance graphic designer based in Spain, noticed a shift in her work
after the release of ChatGPT in 2022. She went from receiving slow one-off jobs
creating logos and packaging to an onslaught of requests asking her to fix

NZ has spent years preparing for H5N1 bird flu. For some species, it may not be enough

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:22:52 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nz-has-spent-years-preparing-for-h5n1-bird-flu-for-some-species-it-may-not-be-enough-289204>

"The arrival of the highly pathogenic H5N1 strain of bird flu in Aotearoa New
Zealand last month triggered a national response years in the making.

“It’s literally life changing for us:” The drought-stricken farmers looking to wind and solar to secure their future

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:23:46 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/its-literally-life-changing-for-us-the-drought-stricken-farmers-looking-to-wind-and-solar-to-secure-their-future/>

"The Sutherlands, sixth-generation farmers near Uralla in northern NSW, are
among landholders hoping the region’s dry spell this year won’t develop into a
repeat of the “tinderbox drought” of 2019 that turned their farms into

Why a vote on taxing California’s billionaires is being watched around the world

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:24:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-a-vote-on-taxing-californias-billionaires-is-being-watched-around-the-world-289302>

"In November, California will vote on a proposal to levy a one-off 5% tax on
the wealth of all billionaires in the state.

Victoria Coalition says it may keep old coal clunkers running, and will scrap plans to move away from gas

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:25:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/victoria-coalition-says-it-may-keep-old-coal-clunkers-running-and-will-scrap-plans-to-move-away-from-gas/>

"Victoria’s Coalition opposition has stopped just short of pledging to extend
the life of the state’s remaining coal-fired power stations, announcing that it
will not shut any of them down early – something literally no one is proposing

You’re Not Hallucinating: The Amount of Recalled Food Is Skyrocketing

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:26:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://newrepublic.com/post/214946/food-recall-fda-list-august-skyrocket>

"For Americans, it’s been a real tough summer for figuring out what foods are
safe to eat.

From the coasts to the plains, bird flu could threaten not just birds – but their homes

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 16:26:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-the-coasts-to-the-plains-bird-flu-could-threaten-not-just-birds-but-their-homes-289709>

"Yesterday, I woke to a cold, damp Canberra morning – and silence. The trees
around my home were empty of feathered silhouettes. Even the usual bright-eyed,
warble-voiced magpies were absent.

Flock Taught Cops How to Surveil No Kings Protesters

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 22:58:00 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.404media.co/flock-taught-cops-how-to-surveil-no-kings-protesters/>

"Flock taught cops how they could surveil the No Kings protests and “small
parades” using a mix of Flock’s technology and law enforcement’s own databases
in a webinar last year. As Flock publicly downplays the power of its automated

Australian beekeepers can’t tackle Varroa mite alone. Here’s how we can help

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 22:59:04 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australian-beekeepers-cant-tackle-varroa-mite-alone-heres-how-we-can-help-287865>

"For decades, Australia was the last inhabited continent free of the
bee-killing Varroa mite (Varroa destructor).

The Corruption Trap: Why Putin Needs Bribes to Rule Russia

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 23:00:11 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/the-corruption-trap-why-putin-needs-bribes-to-rule-russia-997a22988371>

"Officials are arrested. Criminal cases make the news. Putin regularly demands
that state money be protected from theft. Every few years, another
anti-corruption campaign begins.

First Documented Cases of Avian Influenza in U.S. Captive Minks Require Swift Legislative Action to Protect Public Health & Safety

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 23:02:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bornfreeusa.org/2026/08/31/first-documented-cases-of-avian-influenza-in-u-s-captive-minks-require-swift-legislative-action-to-protect-public-health-safety/>

"Last week, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) published
several confirmed cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in captive
minks in Utah. This marks the first time H5N1 has been documented in captive

The Taliban has brought Afghanistan close to collapse, but resistance is growing

Sat, 5 Sep 2026 23:02:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-taliban-has-brought-afghanistan-close-to-collapse-but-resistance-is-growing-289880>

"Five years after returning to power in Afghanistan, the Taliban’s rule remains
as ultra-extremist as ever.

Reforestation in Ferlo Senegal changes lives

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:55:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=On1FaEIZOuo

"Picture this. You wake up before dawn, you walk for hours across dry, dusty
land. You're looking to feed your animals. By the time you find it, the sun is
high and you've walked over 40 kilometers.

Retro smartphone accessories are trending, but ‘untethering’ isn’t for everyone

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:56:20 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/retro-smartphone-accessories-are-trending-but-untethering-isnt-for-everyone-288733>

"There’s a gadget doing well in Australian online stores at the moment that
retrofits a smartphone into a landline.

Australia Confirms Its First Known Bird Flu Death in a Dolphin

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:57:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://gizmodo.com/australia-confirms-its-first-known-bird-flu-death-in-a-dolphin-2000804742>

"Australia spent decades blissfully free from highly pathogenic H5 strains of
bird flu, which have spread chaos (and occasionally killed human beings) across
the world’s more interconnected continents. That is until this June, when five

Fix The News 352: The Knowledge. Dark oxygen. Gabon. Census.

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 07:58:55 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://substack.fixthenews.com/p/352-the-knowledge-dark-oxygen-gabon

"Last year, we put a callout in this newsletter: who should we talk to about
Indigenous fire? We got 20 responses from around the world, and 18 of them came
back with the same name: Victor Steffensen.

Bird flu could devastate Macquarie Island. Why are we removing the scientists we need to understand it?

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 08:00:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/bird-flu-could-devastate-macquarie-island-why-are-we-removing-the-scientists-we-need-to-understand-it-290816>

"Australia’s Macquarie Island lies deep in the Southern Ocean, about 1,500
kilometres southeast of Tasmania. This World Heritage-listed sanctuary is a
haven for species such as elephant and fur seals, penguins, albatrosses and

The Made-to-Order Cancer Vaccine

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 08:01:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theprogressnetwork.substack.com/p/the-made-to-order-cancer-vaccine>

"November, 2016. Donald Trump had just defeated Hillary Clinton to become the
45th president of the United States. The British monarchy drama The Crown
began streaming on Netflix. And a bioinformatician you’ve never heard of named

‘Everyone seems to have forgotten’: In Tibet, flood-hit families search for the missing and grapple with China’s silence

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 21:59:33 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/04/nepal-tibet-floods-disaster-search-for-missing-china-censorship>

"Fan Hong last heard from her husband on the morning of the Nepal-Tibet
disaster. More than a week later, the 31-year-old is desperately searching for
information about Lin Bo, who was working on a Chinese highway project in

10 Literary Science Fiction and Fantasy Novels That Offer Hope for the Future

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:02:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://lithub.com/10-literary-science-fiction-and-fantasy-novels-that-offer-hope-for-the-future/>

"During graduate school, I finished the novel that found me an agent—but when
my agent submitted it to publishers, all twenty of them turned the manuscript
down. Truthfully, it was closer to a collection of loosely-linked short

Boys are rarely taught to be caring. If they were, we could better prevent domestic violence

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:06:11 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/boys-are-rarely-taught-to-be-caring-if-they-were-we-could-better-prevent-domestic-violence-288698>

"Following another series of alleged killings of women across Australia, the
country has once again found itself asking familiar questions: how many more
women have to die before we act? What more should governments do? Why does this

“Electric Saul:” Rewiring Australia launches AI-backed tool to help households electrify

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:06:53 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/electric-saul-rewiring-australia-launches-ai-backed-tool-to-help-households-electrify/>

"Australian electrification advocacy group and consumer energy champion
Rewiring Australia has launched a new AI-powered advisor tool to provide people
across the country with free and personalised advice on how to electrify your

Extreme heat is altering when, where and how we travel: new research

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:07:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/extreme-heat-is-altering-when-where-and-how-we-travel-new-research-289498>

"Before booking a holiday, it pays to check the weather.

Rain can turn a joyful trip into a glum stretch of days. Soaring temperatures

We’re trying to win a drag race with the handbrake on: Here are three reforms to deliver the energy transition

Sun, 6 Sep 2026 22:08:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/were-trying-to-win-a-drag-race-with-the-handbrake-on-here-are-three-reforms-to-deliver-the-energy-transition/>

"Australia’s energy transition has reached an uncomfortable point.

Energy demand is growing, electrification and data centres are coming, and coal

Want to fully electrify your house? Don’t start with a battery

Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:28:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/want-to-fully-electrify-your-house-dont-start-with-a-battery-287963>

"Many Australians want to go fully electric. But it’s often hard to know where
to start. Solar? A home battery? Or quitting gas?

World’s largest battery-electric aircraft completes first flight – for the price of a coffee

Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:30:04 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/17/worlds-largest-battery-electric-aircraft-completes-first-flight-for-the-price-of-a-coffee/>

"The world’s largest battery-electric aircraft has completed its first flight
out of an airport in upstate New York in a journey that lasted 27 minutes.

Concerns grow over increased global ties with Taliban in Afghanistan

Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:32:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/15/concern-grow-global-ties-taliban-afghanistan-human-rights>

"The Taliban in Afghanistan have launched a diplomatic effort to end their
isolation as major regional and international powers show a readiness to engage
more closely with the repressive regime despite its systematic human rights

The use of AI in biotechnology is changing faster than the rules governing either technology

Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:33:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-use-of-ai-in-biotechnology-is-changing-faster-than-the-rules-governing-either-technology-289796>

"The recent announcement of novel, viable viruses created by artificial
intelligence (AI) was celebrated as a major advance in the fight against
antibiotic resistance. But it also raised urgent concerns about regulation.

Is the US ready for President Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez?

Mon, 7 Sep 2026 23:34:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/15/will-aoc-run-for-president>

"“They assume that my ambition is positional. They assume that my ambition is a
title or a seat. And my ambition is way bigger than that. My ambition is to
change this country.”

Meet the 2026 Ig Nobel Prize winners

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:34:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://arstechnica.com/science/2026/09/meet-the-2026-ig-nobel-prize-winners/>

"It’s that time of year again, when we learn which lucky scientists are among
the winners of the Ig Nobel Prizes. This year, the prizes honor research on
designing the perfect splash-free urinal; using mosquito proboscises to

Jason Arday’s death: Black academics need to feel they belong in higher education

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:35:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/jason-ardays-death-black-academics-need-to-feel-they-belong-in-higher-education-289913>

"The death of Professor Jason Arday has left many of us with a profound sense
of sadness. For Black academics in particular, his loss feels deeply personal.
Jason represented possibility – a reminder of what could be achieved despite

Conservatives Demonized UBI as Programmable Currency. Then They Proposed Exactly That.

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:38:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/rise-pilots-programmable-currency-not-ubi>

"There’s a new white paper circulating in conservative policy circles called
“Reforming the Safety Net through RISE Pilot Programs.” RISE stands for
Resources for Independence, Stability, and Employment. If that sounds familiar,

"How to Sell a Genocide" has been removed from a library near Bondi – but libraries represent freedom of thought

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:40:00 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-to-sell-a-genocide-has-been-removed-from-a-library-near-bondi-but-libraries-represent-freedom-of-thought-289988>

"Sydney’s Waverley Council, which includes Bondi Beach within its boundaries,
has removed a book on the war on Gaza, titled How to Sell a Genocide, from
its library shelves, pending review. This followed a complaint from a survivor

Microfinance was supposed to save Asia’s poor. Why has it failed to live up to its promise?

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:41:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/microfinance-was-supposed-to-save-asias-poor-why-has-it-failed-to-live-up-to-its-promise-289887>

"Microfinance was once celebrated as Asia’s tool to lift people out of poverty.
From Bangladesh to India, Cambodia and the Philippines, the promise was simple:
provide small loans to low-income households, help them start businesses,

Five years into Taliban rule, Afghanistan plunges into a state of collapse – visualised

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 05:41:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/aug/15/five-years-taliban-rule-afghanistan-collapse-visualised>

"‘I married off my daughter so that none of us would die of hunger.” Malika
hesitated before saying the words aloud. The 46-year-old lives with her husband
and four youngest children (three girls and a boy) in Chihil Dukhtarān, one of

During eruptions, misinformation can spread further than ash. How can we spot it?

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:47:12 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/during-eruptions-misinformation-can-spread-further-than-ash-how-can-we-spot-it-289799>

"Erupting or silent, volcanoes have always captured our imagination.

As volcanologists, we have seen how that fascination can collide with rolling

‘My life-changing career break happened because I was wearing a second hand coat’

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:48:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/richard-e-grant-fronts-second-hand-september-as-britons-try-to-buy-fewer-clothes/>

"Richard E Grant has revealed that one of the most consequential pieces of
secondhand clothing he ever bought was a Burberry trench coat from Oxfam –
because it helped him land the role that made his name.

The world's mysterious mangrove forests captured in 13 striking images

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:49:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260825-the-best-mangrove-photography-of-2026>

"Found where tropical plants meet saltwater, mangrove forests hang in the
balance between land and sea. These eerie ecosystems are home to some of the
world's most fascinating wildlife. For some rare species, mangroves provide

China’s Water Bomb Has Exploded in Nepal — and the World Is Silent

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:53:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/southern-winds/chinas-water-bomb-has-exploded-in-nepal-and-the-world-is-silent-760a989e4907>

"903 dead. 4,247 missing. 933 workers sealed inside hydropower tunnels.

This is obviously a climate-change catastrophe.

Offloading work tasks to AI comes with a cost – to our brains

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:58:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/offloading-work-tasks-to-ai-comes-with-a-cost-to-our-brains-289384>

"Imagine your team has been tasked to deliver a high-stakes policy paper under
intense time pressure. Everyone turns to generative artificial intelligence
(AI) and within minutes, it delivers a full draft complete with structured

ICE vehicle owners more concerned with fuel prices than EV owners are with range and charging, motoring group says

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 12:59:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/19/ice-vehicle-owners-more-concerned-with-fuel-prices-than-ev-owners-are-with-range-and-charging-motoring-group-says/>

"A new survey from the NRMA motoring group of over 40,000 of its members has
revealed that owners of conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles
are more concerned with current fuel prices than electric vehicle (EV) owners

Some parents want to see primary schools go ‘device free’. There could be unintended consequences

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:21:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/some-parents-want-to-see-primary-schools-go-device-free-there-could-be-unintended-consequences-289884>

"Some Australian parents are pushing for a return to “pen-and-paper learning”
amid concerns about children’s attention spans and academic achievement. An
online petition calling for primary schools to be “device free” has collected

Destroyed crops, riverbed cyclists and a ‘Rock of Starvation’: how drought has devastated the Danube

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:22:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/16/danube-drought-destroyed-crops-rock-of-starvation-climate-crisis>

"For centuries, the rock was seen as a warning. When it began to emerge from
the Danube, beneath Gellért Hill in Budapest, it meant the river had fallen so
low that floating mills could no longer operate, crops were probably failing,

An alternative health treatment killed Hannah’s cousin. Now she’s on a mission to warn others

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:23:55 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/an-alternative-health-treatment-killed-hannahs-cousin-now-shes-on-a-mission-to-warn-others-286758>

"Review: Wormhole: My journey into the dark heart of alternative medicine by
Hannah McElhinney (Affirm Press)

The unlikely rise of the sea shanty band

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:24:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/lifestyle/the-unlikely-rise-of-the-sea-shanty-band/>

"Sitting on the top deck of the RNLI station at Newhaven on England’s south
coast, Tony Lewis is surrounded by atmospheric charts, historic photos and
models of old lifeboats. He is chatting to me with half an eye on the harbour,

Kermit the Frog Was Just Trying to Put on a Variety Show. Fifty Years Later, the Muppets Are Some of the Biggest Stars in Television History

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:25:51 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smithsonian-institution/kermit-the-frog-was-just-trying-to-put-on-a-variety-show-fifty-years-later-the-muppets-are-some-of-the-biggest-stars-in-television-history-180989451/>

"The curtain opens on a Muppet named Gonzo, framed by a ladder and a ghost
light. The scruffy blue creature has decided to leave “The Muppet Show” to
become a movie star, and this is his farewell act. As he performs a wistful

Why is NZ spending far more on responding to climate disasters than on reducing future risk?

Tue, 8 Sep 2026 20:26:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/why-is-nz-spending-far-more-on-responding-to-climate-disasters-than-on-reducing-future-risk-289485>

"New Zealand is not on track to adapt to growing climate risks, nor is it
cutting emissions quickly enough, according to the latest reports issued by the
Climate Change Commission.

How London’s low emissions zone is helping children breathe easier

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:43:38 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/environment/londons-ulez-linked-to-healthier-lung-growth-in-children/>

"When London introduced its ultra-low emission zone (Ulez) in April 2019, the
aim was to cut traffic pollution and protect the health of the people breathing
it. For years, evidence of its impact has largely come from roadside monitors,

Can the Israeli military be trusted to investigate itself? Evidence shows genuine accountability is rare

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:44:33 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/can-the-israeli-military-be-trusted-to-investigate-itself-evidence-shows-genuine-accountability-is-rare-290142>

"Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says it’s an “outrage” the Israeli
Defense Forces (IDF) have decided not to open a criminal investigation into the
Israeli strikes that killed an Australian aid worker, Zomi Frankcom, and six of

What Brazil’s supercentenarians can teach us about living to 120

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:45:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/what-brazils-supercentenarians-can-teach-us-about-living-to-120/>

"It’s 8am on Rio de Janeiro’s Ipanema beach, and another day in the ‘Marvellous
City’ is stirring.

Nearly impossible? How Fairphone built the ethical, repairable Fairphone Gen 6+

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:46:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2026/09/nearly-impossible-how-fairphone-built-the-ethical-repairable-fairphone-gen-6/>

"Smartphone longevity didn’t used to matter. In the past, before you could wear
out or break a phone, there was always some shiny new thing to buy. Today, we
expect our smartphones to go the distance, but they’ve also become less

SolarWindow launches 0.85 mm-thick, self-adhesive solar film

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:47:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/27/https-www-pv-magazine-com-2026-08-27-solarwindow-launches-flexible-self-adhesive-solar-film/>

"US-based SolarWindow Technologies has announced the commercial launch of
ElectroFlex, an ultra-thin, flexible solar product designed to generate
electricity on flat and curved surfaces.

Jamaican delegates arrive in UK to hand slavery reparations petition to King Charles

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 03:48:50 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/2026/sep/06/jamaica-slavery-reparations-petition-king-charles>

"A landmark petition is to be handed to King Charles by Jamaica over slavery
reparations, aiming to confront historical crimes that still disadvantage
former British colonies, the Caribbean nation’s culture minister has said.

‘Britain’s Yellowstone’: restoration project aims to take the greed out of land acquisition

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:36:27 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/06/britain-yellowstone-restoration-project-take-greed-out-land-acquisition>

"It is difficult to find the most remote place in England. There is no public
transport, no roads and no sign of any human habitation. Online route finders
mistakenly direct cars up a grassy track. But miles along gravel forest roads

Twenty Years of Pandoc

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:37:21 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://pandoc.org/twenty-years-of-pandoc.html

"On August 3, 2006, I uploaded the first version of pandoc to my website,
releasing it under the free GPL license. Pandoc 0.1 consisted of about 3000
lines of Haskell code, with no dependencies aside from GHC’s standard library.

Honest Government Ad | Bulls*it™

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:38:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IW1J2_masg

"The Australien Government has made an ad about carbon offsets and it’s
surprisingly honest and informative."

Anti‑abortion rhetoric is becoming entrenched in Australian right‑wing politics

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:39:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/anti-abortion-rhetoric-is-becoming-entrenched-in-australian-right-wing-politics-289977>

"Earlier this week, Queensland Nationals MP Llew O’Brien introduced a so-called
“born alive” bill into the House of Representatives.

NSW judge says anti-Israel graffiti case went ‘haywire’ when vandalism was labelled antisemitic

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:39:51 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/19/justice-desmond-fagan-sydney-anti-israel-graffiti-incorrectly-labelled-antisemitic-supreme-court-ntwnfb>

"For almost two years, Mohommed Farhat has been in prison after he pleaded
guilty to 15 offences in connection with property damage, including
spray-painting “Fuk Israel” on cars in Sydney’s east and setting another

China is launching a Moon mission to find water ice. It’s unlike anything NASA has done

Wed, 9 Sep 2026 23:41:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/china-is-launching-a-moon-mission-to-find-water-ice-its-unlike-anything-nasa-has-done-289710>

"How do you explore a place where the Sun never shines? China’s space programme
will soon embark on one of the most innovative lunar exploration missions in
recent years.

European farmers face ‘unprecedented crisis’ after successive heatwaves

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:56:40 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/17/european-farmers-unprecedented-crisis-successive-heatwaves>

"Successive intense heatwaves and an increasingly severe, continent-wide
drought have left many of Europe’s farmers in an “unprecedented” crisis, with
vegetable and grain growers in particular warning of “catastrophic” harvests.

What Sanae Takaichi’s popularity among women says about gender equality in Japan

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:57:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/what-sanae-takaichis-popularity-among-women-says-about-gender-equality-in-japan-288599>

"Politicians don’t often find themselves on packages of cookies. Nor do their
bags tend to go viral, sparking a fashion craze.

Reform’s Tice accused of misinformation after urging people to enjoy heatwaves

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:58:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/17/reform-uk-richard-tice-stop-tackling-climate-crisis-enjoy-heat>

"Reform’s deputy leader has been accused of spreading misinformation after he
dismissed efforts to tackle the climate crisis and urged British people to
enjoy the warmth of the recent heatwaves.

Plastics Companies Are Writing Lesson Plans. What Could Go Wrong?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 04:59:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.wired.com/story/plastics-companies-writing-lesson-plans-what-could-go-wrong/>

"This fall, 54 million K-12 students are headed back to the classroom for
another year of lessons in all the classic subjects: math, English, history,
biology. But there’s another subject that’s been sneaking into school

Obfuscated, self-evaluating bash script by CDN Akamai being supplied to consumers via retail stores

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:01:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://tris.sherliker.net/blog/obfuscated-self-evaluating-bash-script-by-cdn-akamai-being-supplied-to-consumers-via-retail-stores/>

"When my wife said to me “Let me show you a t-shirt I saw…”, I wasn’t sure what
to expect, but it definitely wasn’t an obfuscated bash script printed on the
back designed to print a happy Easter egg message.

If Putin Wins: A “Victory” No One Really Wants

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 05:02:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@elvirabary/if-putin-wins-a-victory-no-one-really-wants-ec7d43e9838d>

“Russian television interrupts its programming. Putin addresses the nation.
Fireworks explode over Moscow. Commentators announce that Russia has defeated
not only Ukraine, but the entire collective West.

We’re building a New York‑sized city every month. That’s worrying for our climate

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:03:53 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/were-building-a-new-york-sized-city-every-month-thats-worrying-for-our-climate-289702>

"Each of us needs of a roof over our head, classrooms to learn in and offices
or space to work from.

Can an entire Arctic ecosystem evolve to adapt to the climate crisis?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:04:39 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/09/arctic-ecosystem-evolve-adapt-climate-crisis-aoe>

"On Alaska’s North Slope, scientists tread carefully across clumps of tussock
grasses toward a fast-flowing stream draining the imposing Brooks Range of ice
and snow. Near Galbraith Creek, they string out a mist net for white-crowned

Letters from an American: September 8, 2026

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:05:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/september-8-2026

"On Sunday, Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (Alternativ für
Deutschland, or AfD) party won 43.8% of the vote in a legislative election in
the small state of Saxony-Anhalt, formerly part of Soviet-dominated East

Jason Arday and the new politics of plagiarism

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:06:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/jason-arday-and-the-new-politics-of-plagiarism-290020>

"After a meteoric rise to the top ranks of British academia, scholar Jason
Arday was found dead at his London home on Aug. 14, 2026.

‘Low carb’, ‘gluten-free’, with collagen or electrolytes: is it really possible for alcohol to be healthy?

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:06:58 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/18/low-carb-gluten-free-with-collagen-or-electrolytes-is-it-really-possible-for-alcohol-to-be-healthy>

"Premixed alcoholic drinks are not known for their health benefits. But that
hasn’t stopped a boom in products being marketed with “better for you” claims
designed to appeal to younger, more health-conscious drinkers.

Cherokee youth win legal rights for waterway in first all-female U.S. effort

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 20:08:16 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://news.mongabay.com/2026/09/cherokee-girls-win-legal-rights-for-waterway-in-first-all-female-u-s-effort/>

"Before the proceedings began, the young women carried Longperson into the room
with them, water gathered from the mountain headwaters and held in traditional
pottery. The chamber filled beyond capacity, supporters spilling into the

A Virginia school district pioneers solar and battery microgrids

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:46:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/solar/virginia-school-district-solar-battery-microgrids>

"As climate change intensifies, communities around the country are looking for
ways to better prepare for extreme weather, from ice storms to heat waves. In
Roanoke, Virginia, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, that starts with the

First bird flu death in an Australian mainland mammal is a grim milestone. We know how bad this can get

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:47:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/first-bird-flu-death-in-an-australian-mainland-mammal-is-a-grim-milestone-we-know-how-bad-this-can-get-290305>

"Australia has crossed another grim threshold in its H5N1 bird flu outbreak.
For the first time, the virus has infected an Australian mainland mammal: a
long-nosed fur seal found dead at Beachport on South Australia’s Limestone

A piece of cake? Australian researchers turn to baking for improvements in solar cell efficiency

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:48:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-piece-of-cake-australian-researchers-turn-to-baking-for-improvements-in-solar-cell-efficiency/>

"When it comes to analogies to explain how solar cells are manufactured, cake
baking is not one that immediately jumps to mind. But according to a group of
engineers from the University of New South Wales (UNSW), that’s exactly the

Australia’s bird flu response: too little, but it’s not too late

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:49:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australias-bird-flu-response-too-little-but-its-not-too-late-290045>

"When news broke over the weekend that Australia’s first mainland bird flu case
in a mammal – the death of a long-nosed fur seal – had been detected, I felt
deep sadness and dread for what’s likely to come next. We should expect large

Australia’s marine parks protect ‘places no one goes’ rather than fragile waters near the mainland, scientists say

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 02:50:20 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/24/australias-marine-parks-protect-places-no-one-goes-rather-than-fragile-coastal-zones-scientists-say>

"The Australian government has been accused of leaving waters near the mainland
largely unprotected by establishing the bulk of highly protected marine parks
in remote areas.

How well do COVID antivirals actually work? Not as well as we thought

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:07:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-well-do-covid-antivirals-actually-work-not-as-well-as-we-thought-289309>

"If you’re aged over 70, or over 50 with underlying health conditions, and have
tested positive for COVID, you might have been offered free or subsidised
antivirals.

The end of Latrobe Valley coal – in pictures

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:08:12 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/gallery/2026/aug/24/the-end-of-latrobe-valley-coal-in-pictures>

"Once the economic lifeblood of the region, Latrobe Valley’s coal industry is
in terminal decline. Jesse Thompson’s photographic project aims to document
this period of rapid change and examine its legacy"

Rewilding the upper Klamath River Basin: rapid recolonization of Chinook salmon following the world’s largest dam removal

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:09:39 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-65437-0

"Habitat fragmentation is a global driver of decline in biodiversity, yet
evaluations of ecological response following re-connection remain rare. In
2024, four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River were removed, reconnecting

Four out of five of Turkey's lakes have vanished. Scientists are racing to save what's left

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:11:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20260909-the-quest-to-save-turkeys-lake-of-birds>

“In the middle of an icy drizzle on a cold day in October, Çağan Hakkı
Şekercioğlu stands at the edge of Lake Aktaş with his binoculars, watching the
birds. The lake sprawls across the Turkish-Georgian border. On this grey and

For these Midwest farmers, regenerative agriculture is about more than soil health. It’s spiritual

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:12:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/regenerative-farming-agriculture-indigenous-minnesota-guatemala-b011617808411935f0df6f3abcd2207a>

"NORTHFIELD, Minn. (AP) — The towering maple trees and native hazelnut bushes
on Salvatierra Farms break up the surrounding corn and soybean fields that
sprawl across southern Minnesota.

More phones may soon let us prove photos are real – but will it solve the AI fake image crisis?

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:15:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/more-phones-may-soon-let-us-prove-photos-are-real-but-will-it-solve-the-ai-fake-image-crisis-290051>

"“Pics or it didn’t happen” was a thing people used to say online when they
wanted to verify a claim. Technology has changed this.

The lesson from Canada’s collapsed trade talks with the US: negotiation may be futile

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:16:20 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/23/canada-us-collapsed-trade-talks-negotiation-breakdown-analysis>

"The calamitous collapse of trade negotiations between Canada and the United
States is a warning to nations worldwide that pursuing any kind of dialogue
with the current US administration is doomed at the outset, according to

Why Poor White People Support Politicians Whose Policies Harm Them

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:17:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@2ndhalfoflife/why-poor-white-people-support-politicians-whose-policies-harm-them-c7a59a76234c>

“"Thank God for Mississippi."

Our teammate, Leo, who hailed from West Virginia, used to say this every now

Listening to the bush: how AI can help NZ rid its wilderness of ‘hold‑out’ pest possums

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:18:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/listening-to-the-bush-how-ai-can-help-nz-rid-its-wilderness-of-hold-out-pest-possums-289800>

"Possums are among New Zealand’s most destructive introduced mammals. They
damage native forests, prey on wildlife and remain a major target of the
country’s Predator Free 2050 programme.

Is The US Becoming An Economic Outcast?

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:19:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@impure/is-the-us-becoming-an-economic-outcast-44eb49aee000>

"Over a year ago the US put Karim Khan on the Specially Designated Nationals
(SDN) sanctions list. This means that Karim Khan's US assets are now frozen, US
companies are prohibited from doing business with him, and even some non-US

Backyard bird feeding could be a bird flu ‘superspreader’. An expert explains

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 17:20:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/backyard-bird-feeding-could-be-a-bird-flu-superspreader-an-expert-explains-290317>

"Backyard bird feeding is one of our country’s most popular pastimes. Research
reveals about half of Australian households feed wild birds, with many people
doing so daily.

Something Much Bigger is Happening Between Russia and Germany

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:26:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://freedium-mirror.cfd/https://medium.com/@rajk100/something-much-bigger-is-happening-between-russia-and-germany-24d70bdb269f>

“It seems that the tit-for-tat actions between Russia and Germany keep
increasing continuously. Recently, another round of tit-for-tat actions between
Russia and Germany has been seen.

An AI job boom? Here’s what the tedious, temporary work in data labelling is actually like

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:28:25 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/an-ai-job-boom-heres-what-the-tedious-temporary-work-in-data-labelling-is-actually-like-289234>

"Amid all the talk about artificial intelligence (AI) both creating and
destroying jobs, a troubling reality flies under the radar.

‘We are not in a safe place’: women reveal being abused while producing the food Australians eat

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:30:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/we-are-not-in-a-safe-place-women-reveal-being-abused-while-producing-the-food-australians-eat-289617>

I just worked two weeks in a farm in New South Wales and one of my friends
stayed with my kids at home. With rent, sometimes I pay on time. Sometimes I
call the landlord and say I will pay in two weeks. I really need my work

Bird flu 'hoax' claims spread online

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:33:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/science-and-technology/1245674/bird-flu-hoax-claims-spread-online>

“As biosecurity and conservation groups work to shield the country's wildlife
from any spread of bird flu, researchers say some New Zealanders are embracing
false narratives about the virus on social media.

There’s rarely accountability for the deaths of aid workers. It’s time that changed – and Australia can help

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 02:34:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/theres-rarely-accountability-for-the-deaths-of-aid-workers-its-time-that-changed-and-australia-can-help-290173>

We are now told by the same IDF [Israeli Defense Force] that there is no
wrongdoing worth referring to a criminal investigation. As a family, we do
not believe this to be accurate, and we continue to call for an independent

The Marine Sanctuary Protecting the Gulf’s Coral Life

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:58:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://texashighways.com/outdoors/water/the-marine-sanctuary-protecting-the-gulfs-coral-life/>

"About 15 years ago, 100 miles off the Texas coast, Houston scuba diver Andy
Lewis jumped off a boat and into the gentle waves. As he descended into clear
blue water, he found himself surrounded by hammerhead sharks.

Week in wildlife: a sea turtle hatchling, baby orangutans and flying ibises

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 10:59:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/gallery/2026/sep/11/week-in-wildlife-sea-turtle-hatchling-baby-orangutans-and-flying-ibises>

"This week’s best wildlife photographs from around the world"

Via Susan ****

One in nine migratory birds threatened with extinction, global report says

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:00:35 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/11/migratory-birds-species-threatened-extinction-decline-global-report>

"One in nine migratory birds are threatened with extinction and 45% of
migratory species such as cuckoos, turtle doves and Arctic terns are in
decline, according to a global report.

Insurers have a lot of data about us. Where do they get it, and how do they use it?

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:01:11 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/insurers-have-a-lot-of-data-about-us-where-do-they-get-it-and-how-do-they-use-it-290053>

"How much does your insurer really know about you? It could be more than just
what’s on your application form for the policy.

Valerie Brown met the queen, was arrested – and led Greenpeace Australia

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:02:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/valerie-brown-met-the-queen-was-arrested-and-led-greenpeace-australia-284371>

"Review: The Girl on the Roof: the life of a change-maker – Valerie A. Brown
(Scribe)

Burnham accuses Russia of ‘outrageous threats’ against UK as he visits Kyiv

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 11:03:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/aug/24/uk-adding-fuel-to-the-fire-by-giving-weaponry-blueprints-to-ukraine-says-russia>

"Andy Burnham has accused the Kremlin of “outrageous threats” against the UK as
Russia warned of an escalation in tensions after the UK’s decision to present
Ukraine with newly declassified blueprints to allow Kyiv to improve its

Europe will go it alone on Venus mission after NASA yanks radar instrument

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:18:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://arstechnica.com/space/2026/09/europe-will-go-it-alone-on-venus-mission-after-nasa-yanks-radar-instrument/>

"The European Space Agency is moving “full steam ahead” with development of a
robotic mission to Venus after NASA officials determined they were unlikely to
fulfill a commitment to provide a US-built radar instrument for the spacecraft,

Lilly Wachowski on Her New Studio Anarchists United, the Black Power Origins of ‘The Matrix’ and How ‘Harry Potter’ Fans Are ‘Supporting Trans Genocide’

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:20:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://variety.com/2026/tv/features/lilly-wachowski-jk-rowling-harry-potter-trans-the-matrix-1236858104/>

"In 2014, Laverne Cox made history as the first transgender person to appear on
the cover of Time magazine under the headline “The Transgender Tipping
Point.” The accompanying story, written by Katy Steinmetz, positioned the fight

A Russian disinformation campaign is doctoring celebrity videos to meddle in the midterms

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:22:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.ms.now/news/russia-election-influencing-campaign-targeting-democrats>

"A Russian disinformation campaign is targeting the midterms, and specifically
Democrats, in what seems to be the first attempt by the Kremlin-backed
operation to meddle in this year’s elections.

Antarctic bacteria share ‘life‑support’ genes to survive extreme conditions

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:23:16 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/antarctic-bacteria-share-life-support-genes-to-survive-extreme-conditions-289150>

"Antarctica is one of the driest, coldest places on Earth. Very little life
survives its extremes.

How growing up in ‘Chemical Valley’ inspired lawyer to sue industry she used to work for

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:24:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/24/chemical-valley-inspired-lawyer-sue-industry-france-helene-duguy>

"The factories were just part of the landscape for Hélène Duguy growing up in
the heart of an area known as France’s “Chemical Valley”.

Los Angeles to memorialize late mountain lion P-22 with sculpture in Griffith Park

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 18:25:21 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/11/los-angeles-mountain-lion-griffith-park-sculpture>

"The city of Los Angeles will memorialize its most famous mountain lion with a
bronze sculpture at Griffith Park, the 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) stretch of
land the cougar once roamed.

Hide and chic: are clothes and apparel made from alternative leathers better for the environment?

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 02:52:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/sep/12/hide-and-chic-are-clothes-and-apparel-made-from-alternative-leathers-better-for-the-environment>

"In sustainable fashion, breathless promises about vegan leather have arrived
thick and fast for over a decade. Innovations promise mushroom and cactus
alternatives that look and feel like real leather – minus the negative

‘They’re lifesavers’: the Birmingham clinic giving hope to traumatised asylum seekers

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 02:55:48 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/11/theyre-lifesavers-the-birmingham-clinic-giving-hope-to-traumatised-asylum-seekers>

"Azad*, an asylum seeker from Iran, recounts his story in a gentle and mild
manner, seated in the stillness of a therapy room at a trauma clinic in
Birmingham.

Cancer vaccines could transform treatment and prevention – but misinformation about mRNA vaccines threatens their potential

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 02:56:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/cancer-vaccines-could-transform-treatment-and-prevention-but-misinformation-about-mrna-vaccines-threatens-their-potential-276809>

"For the first time, an mRNA cancer vaccine has succeeded in a late-stage
clinical trial, a significant advance that could reshape how cancer is treated.
On Aug. 19, 2026, Moderna and Merck announced that their personalized vaccine,

It’s time for a plug-in revolution: The harsh reality of trying to drive electrification and PV for apartments

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 02:58:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/its-time-for-a-plug-in-revolution-the-harsh-reality-of-trying-to-drive-electrification-and-pv-for-apartments/>

"The recently released report of the Victorian parliamentary inquiry into
‘Renewable and Affordable Energy for Apartments’ provides extensive evidence
for the need to switch our focus from grid-sourced energy supply and to

Nearly every Australian engages with arts and culture. Politicians should pay attention

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 02:59:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nearly-every-australian-engages-with-arts-and-culture-politicians-should-pay-attention-289514>

"Culture is a vital part of many people’s lives. This is the view afforded by
the latest data on cultural participation from the Australian Bureau of
Statistics (ABS), Creative Australia and Screen Australia.

“Trucks, chargers, batteries and green energy:” Fortescue throws AI and data centres into mix in pursuit of real zero

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 03:00:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/trucks-chargers-batteries-and-green-energy-fortescue-throws-ai-and-data-centres-into-mix-in-pursuit-of-real-zero/>

"Fortescue says AI is playing an increasingly important role as it rolls out
its fleet of electric trucks and mining equipment, EV charging, big batteries
and green energy to power its own iron ore operations and third party data

Using thunderquakes to X‑ray Earth – a new study shows urban seismology in action

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:42:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/using-thunderquakes-to-x-ray-earth-a-new-study-shows-urban-seismology-in-action-289961>

"When lightning strikes, it superheats the air around it and creates a shock
wave that we hear as thunder. But thunder doesn’t just travel through the
atmosphere to our ears.

Is this the world’s biggest electric mining truck? A 350-tonne monster unveiled in China

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:43:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/21/is-this-the-worlds-biggest-electric-mining-truck-a-350-tonne-monster-unveiled-in-china/>

"Chinese environmental technology firm Zijin Longking has unveiled its latest
battery electric mining truck, a 350-tonne behemoth that the company proudly
boasts is the largest-tonnage battery electric mining truck in China – and so

DR Congo’s riverboat economy – how a floating transport system tells the country’s story

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:44:33 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/dr-congos-riverboat-economy-how-a-floating-transport-system-tells-the-countrys-story-288941>

"Road transportation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has received much
scholarly attention. Some studies have examined the urban landscape. Others
have studied transportation in the context of armed conﬂict in the east of the

“A Trojan horse for communism!” More big batteries head for review as familiar long distance objectors pile in again

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:46:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/a-trojan-horse-for-communism-more-big-batteries-head-for-review-as-familiar-long-distance-objectors-pile-in-again/>

"Another two big battery projects in New South Wales are destined to head to
the state’s independent panel for review after being swamped with letters of
opposition, almost entirely from long distance opponents – many of them

Colombia’s Indigenous guardians adapt as pressures mount on the ‘Heart of the World’

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:47:33 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://news.mongabay.com/2026/09/colombias-indigenous-guardians-adapt-as-pressures-mount-on-the-heart-of-the-world/>

"RIOHACHA, Colombia — Amid the low slopes of a tropical dry forest, families
from the Wiwa community of Gomke are building a new home.

Balcony solar is this year’s clean energy superstar in the US

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 15:48:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.canarymedia.com/articles/balcony-solar/clean-energy-plug-in-solar-panels>

"Summer is only just coming to a close, but this year’s top clean energy
trendsetter is already clear.

Solar Panels Can Cool Crops—and Workers

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:17:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://eos.org/research-spotlights/solar-panels-can-cool-crops-and-workers>

"Photovoltaic technology, most commonly seen as the bulky solar panels used on
solar farms, is expected to become a dominant energy source by 2050. But these
panels are often installed on land that might otherwise be used to grow crops

Empty North Sea oil fields could store enough green hydrogen to power the country for seven years

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:27:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/empty-north-sea-oil-fields-could-store-enough-green-hydrogen-to-power-the-country-for-seven-years-289422>

"Every time Britain has a still, grey week in winter, something invisible
happens behind our plug sockets: gas power stations fire up to keep the lights
on. That gas is often imported, with prices set by volatile global markets.

Why Solar Sharer has become the solar shocker, with the costliest of retail offers

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:28:29 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/solar-sharer-has-become-the-solar-shocker-with-the-costliest-of-retail-offers/>

"It could have been a very smart, exciting and world-first energy policy
initiative. But now we can see the results, it’s clear that Solar Sharer has
gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Australia’s lobbying rules ignore most lobbyists. It’s time for an overhaul

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:29:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australias-lobbying-rules-ignore-most-lobbyists-its-time-for-an-overhaul-290141>

"The secret world of political lobbying has been thrown into the spotlight by
ABC Four Corners this week. The program examined the loopholes in lobbying
regulations in the context of the Albanese government’s recent gambling

‘In war, children lose control over their lives, play can bring some of that back’

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:30:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/peace/the-right-to-play-displaced-by-conflict/>

"Hamza, a 10-year-old Palestinian boy who had spent his whole life in the
overcrowded Nahr el-Bared refugee camp in northern Lebanon, used to be
withdrawn and shy. He rarely spoke and avoided interacting with other children.

this $15K EV KEI camper is unreal...

Sun, 13 Sep 2026 22:31:04 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zv0InEViKWE

"If you love Kei cars (I know you do) - this EV Kei Car Camper from Vala and
Wuling might be the car for you. At the moment its limited to China-market
only, but give them enough pressure (write your comments below) then they might

Developers eye Native nations, tribal communities for new data center projects

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:08:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://ictnews.org/news/developers-eye-native-nations-tribal-communities-for-new-data-center-projects/>

"Officials in Page, Arizona, a small city near the Glen Canyon Dam, passed a
land sale agreement last fall that establishes a framework for future
construction of a data center.

From nightlife to life at night: cities must stay open later to beat the rising heat

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:09:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-nightlife-to-life-at-night-cities-must-stay-open-later-to-beat-the-rising-heat-287967>

"Summer in Europe is normally cause for celebration. Not this one, however,
which will rank as one of the hottest on record. Wildfires have broken out
everywhere from France to Greece, while intense drought has turned the grass in

We’re likely to breach 1.5C. What happens next is still in our hands

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:10:35 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/environment/were-likely-to-breach-1-5c-what-happens-next-is-still-in-our-hands/>

"For almost a decade, keeping global warming below 1.5C has been one of the
defining goals of global climate action. Now, for the first time, the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP) has concluded that the world is likely to breach

How will this year’s record‑breaking El Niño affect NZ and the world? 5 things to know

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:11:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/how-will-this-years-record-breaking-el-nino-affect-nz-and-the-world-5-things-to-know-290159>

"Months out from its projected peak, El Niño is already helping push ocean
temperatures into record territory.

In pictures: 10 years of the Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:12:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/environment/celebrating-10-years-of-the-nikon-comedy-wildlife-photography-awards/>

"Wildlife photography is usually associated with majestic landscapes, rare
encounters and moments of quiet drama. But nature has a funny side, too. This
autumn, new immersive art experience Frameless is turning the spotlight on

The universe is full of strange ‘little red dots’. A new study shines light on their real nature

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:13:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-universe-is-full-of-strange-little-red-dots-a-new-study-shines-light-on-their-real-nature-290164>

"In 2023, the James Webb Space Telescope revealed something strange: the
distant reaches of the universe are filled with “little red dots” that
astronomers still can’t quite explain.

They’re resilient, low-effort and beautiful: how to plant a rubble garden

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:17:52 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/environment/theyre-resilient-low-effort-and-beautiful-how-to-plant-a-rubble-garden/>

"London’s Horniman Museum and Gardens is located just off a busy A road; buses
thunder past at all times of day, while commuters pass on their walk to and
from the Overground. With its original 1901 building and clock tower, it’s hard

Climate change may halve omega‑3 fatty acids in fish and the organisms they eat

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:23:49 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/climate-change-may-halve-omega-3-fatty-acids-in-fish-and-the-organisms-they-eat-290151>

"You’ve probably heard eating fish and other seafood is good for your health.
One of the main reasons is that seafood is an excellent source of two important
omega-3 fats called EPA and DHA.

From pumps to power systems: Guide launched to help farmers go electric and assess renewable and storage

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:25:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/from-pumps-to-power-systems-guide-launched-to-help-farmers-go-electric-and-assess-renewable-and-storage/>

"RE-Alliance and Farmers for Climate Action have published a new guide to help
farmers and other rural and regional small-business owners assess
electrification options in the face of rising power bills, soaring diesel

Ageing with HIV: global report highlights the need to prepare health systems

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:39:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ageing-with-hiv-global-report-highlights-the-need-to-prepare-health-systems-289168>

"The Lancet HIV Commission on Ageing’s 2026 report highlights how profoundly
the global HIV epidemic is changing.

Ditching diesel for renewables could save Pacific nations nearly $1 billion a year, study finds

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:43:04 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/ditching-diesel-for-renewables-could-save-pacific-nations-nearly-1-billion-a-year-study-finds/>

"Australia’s Pacific neighbours could save almost $1 billion a year by swapping
fossil fuel imports for renewable energy – and cover the cost of the transition
in just over a decade.

The ‘wonder material’ graphene can be made using a kitchen blender, a mobile phone and a newspaper

Mon, 14 Sep 2026 19:44:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-wonder-material-graphene-can-be-made-using-a-kitchen-blender-a-mobile-phone-and-a-newspaper-290360>

"There is something slightly ridiculous about using a kitchen blender to make
graphene. This is, after all, the “wonder material” associated with futuristic
technologies. You might reasonably expect its production to involve equally

“Ideal for EVs:” Miner is operating 120-tonne battery-electric trucks, more than kilometre underground

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:57:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/25/ideal-for-evs-miner-is-operating-120-tonne-battery-electric-trucks-more-than-kilometre-underground/>

"Swedish mining company LKAB has quietly begun revolutionising underground
mining, operating two battery electric Scania heavy tippers 1,250-metres
underground.

This High Schooler Invented a Plant-Based Plastic That Removes Microplastics From the Environment as It Biodegrades

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 04:58:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/this-high-schooler-invented-a-plant-based-plastic-that-removes-microplastics-from-the-environment-as-it-biodegrades-180989254/>

"Arya Satheesh, an 18-year-old student from Letterkenny in County Donegal,
Ireland, has spent the past couple of years studying microplastics. The spread
of these plastic fragments measuring less than five millimeters (1/5 inch) in

As Australia faces an AI-generated future, a human rights act is needed more than ever

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:02:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/law/commentisfree/2026/sep/13/as-australia-faces-an-ai-generated-future-a-human-rights-act-is-needed-more-than-ever>

"As we hurtle towards a post-human future, the absence of a human rights act in
Australia will put us all at ever greater risk.

The far right is becoming normalised in Germany – and winning. Australia should take heed

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:04:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/13/the-far-right-is-becoming-normalised-in-germany-and-winning-australia-should-take-heed-ntwnfb>

"The recent win for the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) in Germany is
shocking, except it’s not shocking. The writing has been on the wall for quite
some time.

Benin bets on turning its cotton crop into clothes at home

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:05:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/benin-cotton-producer-garments-economy-hope-ecbe1fde7244e1530bc9403d7c26f86c>

"PARAKOU, Benin (AP) — The “Made in Benin” tags on Fatoumata Dosso’s fabrics
represent an ambition much bigger than her fashion business: keeping more of
the value of Africa’s largest cotton producer at home.

Electric mobility brings Africa’s energy transition into the wild

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 05:09:46 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://apnews.com/article/ev-bikes-wildlife-maasai-safari-africa-253ef3b8b0d37e1c20fd30bcf1589e3a>

"MAASAI MARA, Kenya (AP) — Joshua Kijape eases his motorcycle through the
tall grass, listening for movement in the bush. There is no engine rumble, no
exhaust and little warning for anything ahead.

Airport runway collisions and near‑misses are happening more frequently, 22 years of data show

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:29:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/airport-runway-collisions-and-near-misses-are-happening-more-frequently-22-years-of-data-show-290158>

"Four close calls on Sydney Airport runways in as many weeks have put air
traffic management in the spotlight.

The dirty word missing from the debate over how to power the data centre boom

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:30:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/the-dirty-word-missing-from-the-debate-over-how-to-power-the-data-centre-boom/>

"The Albanese government’s determination to set rules on new data centres,
especially a requirement they source additional renewable energy, is a thing of
wonder for a sector that has struggled to secure power deals that make their

Israel is cementing its control over the West Bank and East Jerusalem while the world is distracted

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:33:55 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/israel-is-cementing-its-control-over-the-west-bank-and-east-jerusalem-while-the-world-is-distracted-288607>

"With the world’s attention focused on the ongoing US-Iran conflict and the
delicate negotiations over the fate of Gaza, it’s easy to overlook what’s
happening in the other occupied Palestinian territories.

Cheaper Home Batteries is not a story of risk ignored. It is one of risk understood

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:34:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/cheaper-home-batteries-is-not-a-story-of-risk-ignored-it-is-one-of-risk-understood/>

"The Cheaper Home Batteries Program (CHBP) is not simply subsidising battery
installations; it is safely empowering households to become active participants
in Australia’s energy transition through a mature, risk-aware and

Parents are increasingly abusive towards teachers and principals. How can schools respond?

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:35:35 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/parents-are-increasingly-abusive-towards-teachers-and-principals-how-can-schools-respond-290237>

"Some private schools have begun asking parents to sign a code of conduct to
try and stop abusive behaviour towards teachers.

Electric hydrofoiling boat maker raises $27 million to meet strong demand from Australian cities

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 12:36:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://thedriven.io/2026/08/27/electric-hydrofoiling-boat-maker-raises-27-million-to-meet-strong-demand-from-australian-cities/>

"New Zealand marine company Vessev has secured $A27 million in financing to
help it scale production of its electric hydrofoiling vessels, with Australia
quickly cementing itself as a promising market for the technology.

‘Tidal wave’ of Pfas being launched to satisfy AI industry, campaigners warn

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:24:51 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/14/pfas-firms-tidal-wave-forever-chemicals-ai-industry-demand-datacentres>

"Pfas companies are launching a “tidal wave” of forever chemicals production to
meet demand from the AI industry, a campaign organisation has warned.

Scientists find nine new sponge species in glimpse of Alaska’s deep-sea diversity

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:27:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/14/deep-sea-sponges-discovery-mining-fishing>

"Scientists have discovered nine new deep-sea sponge species off Alaska,
offering new insights into the region’s largely unexplored marine biodiversity.

The British Museum got the Bayeux Tapestry. The Natural History Museum got the sheep version

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:28:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.londonxlondon.com/baa-ewe-tapestry-natural-history-museum/

"The British Museum spent the summer preparing to show the Bayeux Tapestry for
the first time in nearly a thousand years. Across town in South Kensington, the
Natural History Museum has answered with a seven-metre knitted version starring

‘Carbon fever’ threatens hard-won Indigenous rights in Bolivian Amazon

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:29:50 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/sep/14/bolivia-amazon-environment-climate-carbon-credit-market-indigenous-rights-hecker>

"In the village plazas of Pando, a remote northern Amazonian region of Bolivia,
the main talk is no longer just about the next harvest. One pressing issue is
the “invisible air” being sold to foreigners who regularly visit their

Beyond origami: New algorithm designs expandable 3D lattices

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:31:58 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://newatlas.com/materials/hoberman-spheres-scissor-jointed-collapsible-shapes/>

"Chances are you’ve seen Hoberman spheres, those kinetic lattices made of
joint-connected rods that, with a little manual effort, can contract or expand.
Inspired by the ancient Japanese arts of origami (paper-folding) and kirigami

We finally have some encouraging news on Great Barrier Reef water quality

Tue, 15 Sep 2026 23:33:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/we-finally-have-some-encouraging-news-on-great-barrier-reef-water-quality-289723>

"Imagine a plume of brown sediment is washed off the land into Queensland
rivers and carried out to sea. Here, it can settle on seagrass and inshore
corals, potentially smothering them. River water often also carries nitrogen

“Intimidation and bullying:” As some anti-wind farmers stage a “fightback,” others are counting the cost

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:55:27 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/intimidation-and-bullying-as-some-anti-wind-farmers-stage-a-fightback-others-are-counting-the-cost/>

"“Come for the fight, stay for the night.” So reads the invitation to a $50
a-head fundraising event being held this Saturday at Marnoo Cricket Ground by
Farmers Fightback – a “proper country get together” that will be headlined by

Can you teach yourself to detect AI writing? Maybe

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:56:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/can-you-teach-yourself-to-detect-ai-writing-maybe-289236>

"AI is quietly reshaping writing. It’s not just that prose is changing — the
very structure of written language is genuinely changing too.

Construction starts on network of community-scale batteries to help suburbs power through extreme heat

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:57:04 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://reneweconomy.com.au/construction-starts-on-network-of-community-scale-batteries-to-help-suburbs-power-through-extreme-heat/>

"Work is underway on a $65 million rollout of eight community-scale batteries
across the Western Sydney grid, where they will soak up plentiful household
solar and help some of the hottest suburbs in Australia – and in the world – to

Floating wetlands a promising way to decrease wastewater emissions: new research

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:57:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/floating-wetlands-a-promising-way-to-decrease-wastewater-emissions-new-research-289502>

"Treating dirty waste water solves one environmental problem but creates
another by releasing large amounts of climate emissions. As microorganisms
break down sewage, they release carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide –

Australia has just 12,000 sea lions left – and ‘carnage’ may await them as bird flu takes hold, scientists warn

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:58:25 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/25/australia-has-just-12000-sea-lions-left-and-carnage-may-await-them-as-bird-flu-takes-hold-scientists-warn>

"Scientists have warned deadly H5 bird flu could cause “carnage” for
Australia’s seal and sea lion populations after detection of the virus in
long-nosed fur seals in South Australia.

OzAsia Festival to end after 20 years, in a huge blow for Asian‑Australian art and culture

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:59:10 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ozasia-festival-to-end-after-20-years-in-a-huge-blow-for-asian-australian-art-and-culture-290342>

"Adelaide has spent decades building its identity as a “festival city”, yet
2026 will be the final OzAsia Festival after 20 years. Since 2007, OzAsia has
showcased Asian and Asian-Australian art, literature, music and public debate.

How do you vaccinate 1,000 tiny penguins against bird flu in the wild? It’s ‘really tricky’ but there is a way

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:39:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/24/little-penguins-bird-flu-vaccination-phillip-island-australia>

"More than 1,000 little penguins have received their first dose of bird flu
vaccine in Victoria, in what is believed to be the world’s largest vaccination
program involving wild birds.

Australian children’s classics: Shaun Tan’s essential migrant story still mesmerises, 20 years on

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:40:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australian-childrens-classics-shaun-tans-essential-migrant-story-still-mesmerises-20-years-on-288110>

"Holding Shaun Tan’s 2006 book The Arrival, you get the immediate impression
of holding a found object – a family album or personal archive held together by
hopes and dreams.

Two planned datacentres will have higher UK carbon emissions than ExxonMobil, analysis finds

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:41:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/aug/25/planned-datacentres-carbon-emissions-uk-exxonmobil>

"The carbon emissions from just two planned datacentres in England will exceed
all of the fossil fuel company ExxonMobil’s UK emissions, analysis has
revealed.

A 4-Day Workweek, Medicare for All, and the Tax That Gets Us There

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:43:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://scottsantens.substack.com/p/pigovian-automation-tax-4-day-workweek-medicare-for-all>

"A recent economics paper laid out what I and others have been saying for years
about how companies are facing an automation arms race, and how they can’t stop
it on their own even when they know it’s going to hurt them. The solution,

Dolly Parton’s philanthropic Imagination Library had a proven effect in Australia, and around the world

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:44:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/dolly-partons-philanthropic-imagination-library-had-a-proven-effect-in-australia-and-around-the-world-290518>

"Dolly Parton had first-hand experience of the effects of limited literacy. Her
father could not read or write. He was, she once said,

Effective Altruism Is a Dangerous Cult — Here's Why

Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:46:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.realtimetechpocalypse.com/p/effective-altruism-is-a-dangerous>

"Since 2022, I have spoken with a large number of journalists about Effective
Altruism and its Bay Area-sibling, Rationalism. For those new to the subject,
these communities constitute the “EA” and “R” in “TESCREAL,” which denotes a

A near extinct plant in Galápagos is now recovering

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:24:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1141314

"Once on the brink of silent extinction, the Galápagos snapdragon is showing
encouraging signs of recovery, thanks to a long-term partnership between the
Charles Darwin Foundation and the Galápagos National Park Directorate"

Revealed: ICE lost count of miscarriages, while detaining a record number of pregnant women

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:25:45 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/sep/15/ice-detention-miscarriages-pregnancy>

"ICE is arresting a record number of pregnant women and teenagers – placing
them in detention centers where they say it can be exceedingly difficult to
access medical care. At the same time, the agency appears to have lost count of

On Democrats Who Cave in Response to Anti-Trans Attack Ads

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:27:25 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://juliaserano.substack.com/p/on-democrats-who-cave-in-response

"Necessary background: In October 2024, I published Trans People and Sports:
Everything You Need to Know, an in-depth essay countering all the
misinformation and disinformation regarding this topic. In it, I pointed out

I know why many east Germans vote AfD. And no, it’s not an inherited longing for dictatorship

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:37:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/sep/15/germany-vote-afd-politics-elections-dictatorship>

"The fear that a fascist, far-right movement would rise to power again in
Germany has been with me since my youth. On 6 September, the far-right,
anti-immigrant, pro-Kremlin Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) won a landslide

There’s a 100% Chance AI Agents Are Already Ruining the Internet

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:39:40 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.404media.co/theres-a-100-chance-ai-agents-are-already-ruining-the-internet/>

"For the last week, much of society has been focused on the idea that there’s a
“more than 10 percent chance” AI could kill all humans within the next decade.
This has spawned thousands of takes about the potential existential risk of AI

Nepal‑Tibet floods: when disaster strikes before communities recover from previous climate extremes, crisis escalates

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 02:41:07 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nepal-tibet-floods-when-disaster-strikes-before-communities-recover-from-previous-climate-extremes-crisis-escalates-290484>

"Major flash floods on the Nepal-Tibet border have destroyed homes, roads,
bridges and local hydropower projects. The flooding of the Bhote Koshi river is
affecting 50,000 residents. More than 100 people are dead, with hundreds more,

The end times fascists are plotting their escape from our world. Our mission is clear

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:39:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-interactive/2026/sep/13/end-times-fascists-essay>

"When Jeff Bezos announced his plan for an opulent Venetian wedding in early
2025, many locals found the idea offensive, even obscene. A growing number of
residents were struggling to find secure and affordable housing in a city

American Prairie Challenges BLM’s Proposed Revocation of Bison Grazing Permits

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:40:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://americanprairie.org/the-latest/american-prairie-challenges-blms-proposed-revocation-of-bison-grazing-permits/>

"American Prairie today challenged a U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
proposal that, if approved, will revoke grazing permits used to sustain the
group’s bison herd in north-central Montana. The federal agency’s January

The ‘robot Olympics’ were spectacular – but will this technology end up helping humans?

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:41:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-robot-olympics-were-spectacular-but-will-this-technology-end-up-helping-humans-290320>

"In the past few days your social media feeds may have been full of videos of
humanoid robots sprinting, jumping and performing various incredible (and not
so incredible) feats.

From Australia to the Andes, we’re discovering new biodiversity hotspots worldwide

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:42:00 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/from-australia-to-the-andes-were-discovering-new-biodiversity-hotspots-worldwide-288723>

"We share our planet with millions of plants and animals.

This variety of life is known as biodiversity, a term encompassing everything

I’m not usually patriotic. But Pauline Hanson’s cheap nationalism has me rooting for multicultural Australia

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:42:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/aug/25/im-not-usually-patriotic-but-pauline-hansons-cheap-nationalism-has-me-rooting-for-multicultural-australia-ntwnfb>

"Patriotism is always stubbornly absent in me on days of official national
commemoration.

Australia’s lizards and snakes are in far more trouble than we thought. It’s time to act

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:43:19 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australias-lizards-and-snakes-are-in-far-more-trouble-than-we-thought-its-time-to-act-289303>

"Australia is a land of lizards and snakes. From common blue-tongues in
suburban gardens to rare shovel-nosed snakes in the desert, reptiles are a
defining part of the continent’s wildlife.

‘The whole world is becoming rightwing and anti-gay’: William Yang on 60 years of capturing LGBTQ+ life

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:27:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2026/aug/25/sydney-photographer-william-yang-on-60-years-capturing-lgbtq-life-ntwnfb>

"As a young adult, William Yang discovered that his family’s story was actually
a murder mystery. His uncle, William Fang Yuen, was killed by an employee on
the family’s farm in far north Queensland in 1922, but his mother refused to

Working with nature can help NZ adapt to climate change. Where is the plan to do it?

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:28:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/working-with-nature-can-help-nz-adapt-to-climate-change-where-is-the-plan-to-do-it-289206>

"Two major reports released in recent weeks help illustrate the scale of New
Zealand’s climate adaptation challenge – and some of the biggest barriers to
tackling it.

Scientists Successfully Test Underwater Solar Cells 32 Feet Below The South China Sea

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:29:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-successfully-test-underwater-solar-cells-32-feet-below-the-south-china-sea>

"Under the ocean, things aren't quite so bright.

Much of the Sun's rays bounce right off the ocean's surface, and the ones that

European Union invites Canada to become first ever ‘associate member’

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:30:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/16/von-der-leyen-mark-carney-canada-eu-first-associate-member>

"Canada has been invited to become the first “associate member” of the EU by
the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen.

The women saving Borneo: battling fire, patriarchy and super El Niño on Indonesia’s peatland frontlines

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:38:49 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/sep/16/indonesia-fires-borneo-el-nino-women-haze>

"Irma puts on her heavy rubber boots as she prepares for a volunteer
firefighting shift in her village of Sungai Putri, on the Indonesian side of
Borneo island.

MAGA Is Making the World Safe for Corruption

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 02:40:49 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/2026/10/maga-foreign-policy/688352/

"In the summer of 2025, the government of Brazil suddenly found itself in a
deep crisis. The Trump administration had unexpectedly imposed 50 percent
tariffs on the country’s products, threatening everyone from coffee planters to

Are earthquakes becoming more common? Here’s what the numbers say

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:12:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/are-earthquakes-becoming-more-common-heres-what-the-numbers-say-290236>

"Whenever there’s a series of destructive or notable earthquakes, scientists
get asked the same question: are earthquakes becoming more frequent?

Flash floods on Nepal-Tibet border leave scores dead and hundreds missing

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:13:14 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/26/major-casualties-feared-after-flash-floods-along-nepal-tibet-border>

"At least 157 people have been killed and hundreds, including large numbers of
foreign tourists, are missing after flash floods ⁠hit the Himalayan border
areas of ⁠Nepal and Tibet in China, police have said, with parts of India also

Nepal’s flash floods show the devastating power of ‘cascading hazards’

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:13:56 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nepals-flash-floods-show-the-devastating-power-of-cascading-hazards-290611>

"A catastrophic flash flood has struck northern Nepal on the Tibetan border,
killing at least 157 people and leaving hundreds missing, including at least 34
Australians. The death toll is expected to rise.

Farewell, Dr Frank-N-Furter: why Tim Curry’s Rocky Horror Show will go on

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:15:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/film/filmblog/2026/aug/26/dr-frank-n-furter-tim-curry-rocky-horror-picture-show>

"Over the past decade, the issues of trans identity and gender fluidity
couldn’t have been more contemporary, and Tim Curry was an integral part of
what might be called their pre-history in pop culture. He was an icon – though

Tsunami of dirt: what caused Nepal’s deadly glacial flood?

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:17:16 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/tsunami-of-dirt-what-caused-nepals-deadly-glacial-flood-290615>

"More than 150 people are dead and hundreds more missing after an enormous wave
of water, ice, mud and rock cascaded more than 170 kilometres down the Bhote
Koshi River valley in Nepal. The valley is the main link between Kathmandu in

This is not a natural calamity: it is being done to us knowingly

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:17:50 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/membership/2026/aug/24/this-is-not-a-natural-calamity-it-is-being-done-to-us-knowingly>

"Well, there’s no getting around it now. What many of us once feared has become
a reality.

Open source semi: Windrose puts its electric truck online, for free

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:34:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://electrek.co/2026/09/17/open-source-semi-windrose-puts-its-electric-truck-online-for-free/>

"This week, Windrose founder and CEO Wen Han made heavy truck history by
putting the CAD models for all 1,023 parts from the X9D01 base model of his
Windrose E700 Class 8 electric truck online. For free.

New wild cat species is identified for first time in 100 years, researchers say

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:36:00 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/new-wild-cat-species-identified-rcna598113>

"For the first time in a century, researchers say they’ve identified a new
species of wild cat previously unknown to science.

‘It bloody works’: why the world’s oldest cheddar-maker uses a ‘milk-source’ heat pump

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:37:16 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/17/milk-source-heat-pump-barbers-cheesemakers>

"In many ways, the world’s oldest cheddar-maker hews to tradition. Since 1833,
Barber’s Farmhouse Cheesemakers has operated from the rolling green pastures of
south-west England, milking grass-fed cows and fermenting the milk with

Fifty billion trees by 2030: how Ethiopia is recruiting citizens across the country to plant, plant, plant

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:38:10 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/sep/17/i-see-them-like-my-own-children-reforesting-ethiopia-with-50bn-trees-one-step-at-a-time>

"When Halima Kedir first began planting trees, she was met with scepticism and
even mockery. “My neighbours discouraged me,” she recalls, sitting on a wooden
chair in her garden, which is lush with the trees and fruits she has planted –

Human harps, massive bananas and dogging: the 20 best Busby Berkeley dance routines – ranked!

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:38:52 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/film/2026/sep/17/human-harps-massive-bananas-and-dogging-the-20-best-busby-berkeley-dance-routines-ranked>

"To mark 50 years since the director and choreographer’s death, we count down
his best fantastical, kaleidoscopic numbers, from erotic silhouettes to
sinister tap dancers"

Australia’s backdown on data centres allows them to use energy from coal and gas. Here’s what that means

Fri, 18 Sep 2026 19:39:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/australias-backdown-on-data-centres-allows-them-to-use-energy-from-coal-and-gas-heres-what-that-means-290613>

"It’s official: Australia’s data centre boom will not be solely powered by
renewables.

Fix The News 354: I ❤ New York. Cambodia landmines. Ebola. Gaza schools.

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:55:00 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://substack.fixthenews.com/p/354-i-new-york-cambodia-landmines

"This week’s top stories

* Speaking of New York… it just had its safest summer ever

The fight over AI data centres is becoming Australia’s next Indigenous policy challenge

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:55:45 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-fight-over-ai-data-centres-is-becoming-australias-next-indigenous-policy-challenge-289623>

"In July 2026, more than 200 community members gathered at Mandoon Bilya
(Helena River) in Perth’s eastern suburbs. They planted more than 3,000 native
flora as part of a wetland restoration project. The hopeful scene was a stark

Cutting edge clean air: Ngā Mokopuna - The Living Building

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:56:27 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

https://www.patreon.com/violetblue/posts/cutting-edge-air-169850089

"I recently got a tour of the multi-award-winning Ngā Mokopuna - The Living
Building at Te Herenga Waka/Victoria University of Wellington in Aotearoa New
Zealand. It is quite literally one of the world’s most environmentally

Six months into the US‑Iran war, will there be any accountability for potential war crimes?

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:57:26 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/six-months-into-the-us-iran-war-will-there-be-any-accountability-for-potential-war-crimes-289593>

"The Trump administration has consistently viewed itself as being above
international law. Not only does it claim international law doesn’t apply to
the United States, it has imposed sanctions on officials of the International

What will we get out of the AI boom? The data suggests lots of noisy, energy-hungry datacentres and not much else

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:58:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/business/grogonomics/2026/aug/27/ai-boom-noisy-energy-hungry-datacentres-construction-economy>

"The debate around AI and datacentres is such that, to paraphrase Paul Keating,
if you walked into any pet shop in Australia, the resident galah will be
talking about it.

The Economic Case for Pandemic Preparedness and Response

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 02:59:18 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/the-economic-case-for-pandemic-preparedness-and-response_b7b3852e-en.html>

"Pandemics are rare but severe shocks for the health of populations and
economies. The frequency and intensity of smaller outbreaks have been
increasing over the past decades and the risk of local outbreaks escalating

NZ’s fastest growing town was once the future of urban planning. What happened?

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:56:59 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nzs-fastest-growing-town-was-once-the-future-of-urban-planning-what-happened-289701>

"Travel 25 kilometres south from Christchurch on the new 110
kilometre-per-hour, multi-million-dollar “road of national significance” and
you’ll reach New Zealand’s fastest growing town.

Repeat COVID infections tied to higher odds of new health conditions

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:58:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/repeat-covid-infections-tied-higher-odds-new-health-conditions>

"Adults who reported having COVID-19 at least twice were significantly more
likely to be diagnosed as having a new medical condition than those who
reported never having been infected, according to a study published this week

China’s AI and tech breakthroughs are built on decades of work. Here’s what other nations can learn

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:58:51 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/chinas-ai-and-tech-breakthroughs-are-built-on-decades-of-work-heres-what-other-nations-can-learn-289989>

"In the late 1940s and early 1950s, the United States and the Soviet Union were
locked in a race for technological and ideological supremacy.

Wear It Purple Day is about more than a T‑shirt. Here’s how schools can really include gender and sexuality diverse youth

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 10:59:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/wear-it-purple-day-is-about-more-than-a-t-shirt-heres-how-schools-can-really-include-gender-and-sexuality-diverse-youth-286555>

"Today is Wear it Purple Day – when students and staff across high schools and
universities are invited to wear purple items of clothing to recognise and
celebrate gender and sexuality diverse (GSD) young people. Workplaces are also

Climate crisis could be destabilising mountain areas like Nepal, experts warn

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:00:37 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/27/climate-crisis-mountain-areas-glaciers-nepal-tibet>

"The devastating flash flood that has ripped through the border communities of
Nepal and Tibet has heightened fears that the climate crisis is destabilising
the geology of mountain and polar regions, threatening millions of people.

Iconic Australian mammals could be at real risk from bird flu. Could we protect them using vaccines in baits?

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 11:03:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/iconic-australian-mammals-could-be-at-real-risk-from-bird-flu-could-we-protect-them-using-vaccines-in-baits-290059>

"The deadly rabies virus was once common across Europe. A bite from an infected
dog, wolf or fox could be fatal.

Queensland concedes law imposing mandatory jail on some offenders as young as 10 breaches human rights

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:34:59 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/aug/27/queensland-concedes-law-imposing-mandatory-jail-on-some-offenders-as-young-as-10-breaches-human-rights-ntwnfb>

"The Queensland government’s latest law and order crackdown – subjecting some
children as young as 10 to a mandatory sentence of a year behind bars – could
lead to “cruel outcomes”, according to human rights lawyers.

Mexico reintroduced bison in 2025 after more than 100 years: Just months later, the ecosystem is restoring itself

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:36:33 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://en.as.com/latest_news/mexico-reintroduced-bisons-in-2025-after-more-than-100-years-just-months-later-the-ecosystem-is-restoring-itself-f202609-n/>

"In northern Mexico, the reintroduction of dozens of bison in part of the
Chihuahuan Desert is positively impacting the surrounding ecosystem in several
major ways, says the body that is the driving force behind the initiative.

Private jets pollute up to 14 times as much as commercial planes and are undertaxed in US, report says

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:37:58 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/18/private-jets-pollution-undertaxed>

"A new report has put a spotlight on the rapid expansion of private jet travel
in the US, revealing that owners are not paying their fair share of aviation
tax despite the average owner’s wealth being $190m and private jets being up to

‘Forcing a reckoning’: How Asia is preparing for a ‘supersized’ El Niño

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:38:56 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/18/how-asia-is-preparing-for-supersized-el-nino-global-warming>

"Asian governments are rushing preparations for the most severe El Niño weather
event on record, with hundreds of millions of people bracing for multiple
crises at once as extreme heat, heavy rain and food shortages hit the region.

Videos capture humpback whales stopping to snack as they migrate along Australia’s coast

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:39:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/videos-capture-humpback-whales-stopping-to-snack-as-they-migrate-along-australias-coast-290521>

"The southern humpback whale migration is in full swing. Tens of thousands of
whales are now making their journey from warm Australian waters in the north to
their cold feeding grounds in Antarctica.

Exclusive: US military had close call after using AI for false intelligence report, sources say

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 22:40:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://edition.cnn.com/2026/09/18/politics/us-military-ai-false-intelligence-china-ship>

"The intelligence report, circulated across the US military this spring in the
midst of the war with Iran, immediately set off alarm bells: A Chinese ship in
the Middle East was transporting components of a nuclear weapons program.

No more book bans: how Florida students are pushing rightwingers out of school boards

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:15:17 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/sep/18/florida-activists-rightwing-school-boards>

"Jimmy Glover’s youngest children were in high school when he noticed their
Florida school district taking an unsettling turn. Beloved books were being
pulled from shelves. Teachers were scared of being targeted.

It’s finally here: Porsche puts wireless EV charging into production [video]

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:23:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://electrek.co/2026/09/18/its-finally-here-porsche-puts-wireless-ev-charging-into-production-video/>

"Buried in a press release titled, “Even more colours and even greater
convenience for the Cayenne Electric” was news that Porsche, for the first
time, would be offering electrically wireless inductive charging on its

$71 to $9 million: how a mocked Chinese animation became an unlikely box‑office hit

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:23:51 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/71-to-9-million-how-a-mocked-chinese-animation-became-an-unlikely-box-office-hit-290343>

"Niu Lai (牛来) (2026), meaning “Here Comes the Cow/Bull”, is an 86-minute,
crudely animated feature made by a self-taught mother-son duo from China.

Nepal’s devastating floods reveal the danger of ‘cascading hazards’ in Himalayas

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:29:44 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nepals-devastating-floods-reveal-the-danger-of-cascading-hazards-in-himalayas-290655>

"The devastating floods that have swept through the Nepal–Tibet border region
are first and foremost a human tragedy. Hundreds of people have died or remain
missing.

Faster, higher, funnier: what we learned from China’s robot games

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:30:56 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/news/ng-interactive/2026/aug/29/hilarity-unease-and-relief-games-show-china-is-not-over-the-finish-line-in-humanoid-robot-race>

"With exploding pelvises, enough comic pratfalls for a Buster Keaton show reel
and the odd moment of ruthless violence, the World Humanoid Robot Games in
Beijing gripped the world this week with an unsettling mixture of hilarity,

Emergency warnings weren’t enough to save Nepal’s flood‑ravaged villages. An expert explains

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 10:31:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/emergency-warnings-werent-enough-to-save-nepals-flood-ravaged-villages-an-expert-explains-290718>

"A flash flood can transform a river within minutes. This is what communities
near the Nepal-Tibet border witnessed on Wednesday.

Canada erects giant ‘Lake Ontario’ sign as spat with Trump over name escalates

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:54:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/30/canada-trump-lake-ontario-name>

"Donald Trump and Canada continued a verbal duel on Saturday over the US
government’s administrative renaming of Lake Ontario, with the Ontario premier
erecting a giant sign saying “Lake Ontario. Now and Always” – and the American

Nepal’s devastating floods: 10 seconds could save lives

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 17:58:58 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nepals-devastating-floods-10-seconds-could-save-lives-290725>

"At around 8:45am on August 26, Karbir Gaire, a customs and information officer
at Nepal’s Rasuwa Customs Office, suddenly felt what seemed like an earthquake.
He went outside, looked towards China and saw a huge flood accompanied by dust.

Malcolm Knox: ‘Trump’s name will turn to dust, just as every other dictator’s name has’

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:01:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/aug/31/malcolm-knox-interview-trumps-name-will-turn-to-dust-just-as-every-other-dictators-name-has>

"When we think of great Russian storytellers, a few familiar names come to
mind: Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, Chekhov. In his two most recent novels, the
Australian writer Malcolm Knox nominates two more compelling contenders – men

American revolution 2.0: how Trump has changed the US, and why it was powerless to stop him

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:02:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/american-revolution-2-0-how-trump-has-changed-the-us-and-why-it-was-powerless-to-stop-him-289811>

"America’s system of government, and the constitution on which it is built, was
created in different times and for different circumstances and purposes, and it
has changed very little since then.

How ‘housing first’ is helping people leave rough sleeping behind

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:03:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/how-housing-first-is-helping-people-leave-rough-sleeping-behind/>

"When Michael became homeless in Plymouth in 2022, he struggled to find the
support he needed, and made what he describes as an “impulsive” decision to
come to London.

The threat of nuclear weapons is greater than ever. Here’s how international law can help

Sun, 20 Sep 2026 18:03:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/the-threat-of-nuclear-weapons-is-greater-than-ever-heres-how-international-law-can-help-290523>

"The outlook for nuclear arms control is desolate in all three of its
dimensions – risk reduction, non-proliferation and outright elimination. The
important agreements of the past are dead or on life support. And the recent

What if giving away a day’s revenue was the best day of your year?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:00:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/what-if-giving-away-a-days-revenue-was-the-best-day-of-your-year/>

"It’s just after 1pm on 11 September, and former England international
footballer Jamie Redknapp is standing in the middle of the trading floor of
brokerage firm BGC, phone pressed to his ear, trying desperately to hear above

Brazil’s wind farms have been a huge success. So why isn’t everybody reaping the benefits?

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:01:36 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2026/sep/19/brazils-wind-farms-have-been-a-huge-success-so-why-isnt-everybody-reaping-the-benefits>

"Beneath the power lines cutting across Antonio de Souza’s property in Serra do
Mel, in north-east Brazil’s Rio Grande do Norte state, rows of cashew trees
once stood – until the clean energy company ordered them to be cut down.

Burning forests, emptying rivers, €180bn in damage: Europe’s politicians face reckoning after ‘summer of truth’

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:03:05 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/19/summer-of-truth-will-political-leaders-act-as-climate-chaos-comes-knocking>

"It was, according to the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen,
the “summer of truth”. Climate chaos ripped through Europe and the northern
hemisphere, sending heat records tumbling, scorching crops in the fields,

New Zealand Welcomes a Record 90 Kakapo Chicks, Helping the World’s Chunkiest Parrot Species Rebound From the Brink of Extinction

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:07:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/new-zealand-welcomes-a-record-90-kakapo-chicks-helping-the-worlds-chunkiest-parrot-species-rebound-from-the-brink-of-extinction-180989511/>

"A record 90 chicks have been added to New Zealand’s kakapo population this
year, raising hopes that the critically endangered parrots can bounce back from
the brink of extinction.

Nepal floods: China’s strict control of Tibet makes it harder to prepare for Himalayan disasters

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:08:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/nepal-floods-chinas-strict-control-of-tibet-makes-it-harder-to-prepare-for-himalayan-disasters-290659>

"Within the space of a few minutes on August 26, the border crossing between
Nepal and China – Rasuwagadhi on the Nepali side and Gyirong on the Chinese –
was destroyed by a flash flood caused by a collapsed glacier. Villages, bridges

51 ways to get the planet tipping the right way

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 04:08:57 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.positive.news/society/51-ways-to-get-the-planet-tipping-the-right-way/>

"In a timely intervention, academics have identified 51 ready-to-go
environmental solutions which they say, with the right support, could trigger
an “unstoppable” wave of positive change.

NATO allies foil Russian subsea cable sabotage plot

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:05:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/nato-allies-foil-russian-subsea-cable-sabotage-plot-2026-09-10/>

"LONDON/WASHINGTON, Sept 10 (Reuters) - Deep in Arctic waters near the remote
Svalbard archipelago this spring, NATO allies caught Russian subs training to
unleash a secret weapon designed to disable critical undersea cables without

AI is eating website traffic, websites are blocking AI – and reliable information is getting harder to find

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:06:08 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/ai-is-eating-website-traffic-websites-are-blocking-ai-and-reliable-information-is-getting-harder-to-find-289817>

"For 30 years, the world wide web has run on a surprisingly profound social
contract: most sites are free for search engines to access, but if you use
their content you give credit by linking to the source.

Sea dragon populations decimated in ‘mind-blowing’ mass mortality event caused by South Australian algal bloom

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:08:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/sep/20/sea-dragon-populations-decimated-mind-blowing-mass-mortality-event-south-australia-algal-bloom>

"Thousands of sea dragons, pipefishes and seahorses died during South
Australia’s devastating algal bloom, in what ecologists say is the worst mass
mortality event for the fish family globally.

Sea‑level rise, fuel shortages and missile tests top the agenda as Albanese heads to Palau for Pacific talks

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:10:39 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/sea-level-rise-fuel-shortages-and-missile-tests-top-the-agenda-as-albanese-heads-to-palau-for-pacific-talks-289979>

"Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Palau’s capital Koror this week for the
annual Pacific Islands Forum, and regional security is expected to top the
agenda.

‘My fear was too great’: the Pussy Riot member recruited by Russian spies to inform on fellow activists

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:11:58 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/19/pussy-riot-russian-spies-fsb-activists-rita-flores>

"First came the blackmail and death threats to secure cooperation, then came a
series of tasks, each more sinister than the last: to inform on fellow
activists, to elicit personal information from protest-minded artists and –

Critics claim trans people ‘defy biology’. New research suggests otherwise

Mon, 21 Sep 2026 22:13:41 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

<https://theconversation.com/critics-claim-trans-people-defy-biology-new-research-suggests-otherwise-283982>

"Public debate surrounding transgender and gender diverse (trans) people often
centres on one fundamental question: what makes someone trans?

Glass Wings Blog: September 2026

Pakistan’s citizen-led solar rush: Where panels power education and health – and are gifted in dowries

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:09:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Languages are disappearing, and the problem is political

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:11:02 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

The ex-oil executive trying to wean us off fossil fuels

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:12:54 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Why the $2.5 billion Tomago aluminium deal is no ordinary bailout

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:15:47 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Why Meta is paying for controversial content – and what that means for the posts you see

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:16:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

How rewilding could help stop the spread of Britain’s wildfires

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 10:17:03 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Pauline Hanson calls Australia ‘Judeo‑Christian’. But the term is a meaningless modern invention

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:45:31 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Putting slugs on the map: farmers pioneer precision crop protection

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:53:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Liux’s Big microcar bets on sustainability to take on Chinese rivals

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:54:27 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

The media has made Donald Trump look more coherent than he is. It’s called ‘sanewashing’

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:55:30 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Denmark joins Norway at EV pinnacle as 97 per cent of private buyers opt for electric cars in latest month

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:58:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

DW users on life in Russia: 'People are mad as hell'

Tue, 1 Sep 2026 18:59:01 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Inside the gift card tampering scam spreading nationally

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:35:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

This Brand Wants You to Compost Its Clothes

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:38:06 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Safe havens protect Australian mammals from invasive predators. Why aren’t they working for other animal groups?

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:43:23 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

The solar electric car designed to generate more energy than it consumes

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:45:46 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Friday essay: we’re all ‘political’ now – but can that lead to real change?

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:48:28 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Northern Hemisphere extreme heat records just a warm up for the full El Niño theatre

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 03:50:24 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Two subsea cables off Perth suffer ‘concerning’ damage. Lasers could help protect them

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:13:21 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Fertiliser from thin air? How farmers can make their own fertiliser from air, water and on-site renewables

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:14:43 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Storms of dust and sand are another sign our climate is changing. Two experts explain

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:15:22 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Quitting gas, going electric could save public hospitals millions

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:16:42 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Indigenous people want violence out of their communities. Here’s a new approach

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:17:32 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

What five Fijian sparkies taught me about remote, off-grid solar and battery systems

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:18:15 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Trump Is a Liar. That’s Bad. But He’s Delusional—and That’s Even Worse

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:32:09 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Fiji’s HIV outbreak is a public health emergency. Pacific neighbours must step up

Wed, 2 Sep 2026 18:33:13 +1000

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Petrol station converted into flash charging hub as Chinese oil giant partners with EV and battery giant BYD