Tolerance.ca
Director / Editor: Victor Teboul, Ph.D.
Looking inside ourselves and out at the world
Independent and neutral with regard to all political and religious orientations, Tolerance.ca® aims to promote awareness of the major democratic principles on which tolerance is based.
Human Rights Observatory
Click on the article that you want to view.
The body as landscape: how post-war Japanese dance and theatre shaped performance in Australia Antarctica’s sea ice is changing, and so is a vital part of the marine food web that lives within it PCOS affects 1 in 8 women worldwide, yet it’s often misunderstood. A name change might help X-rays have revealed a mysterious cosmic object never before seen in our galaxy Behind the wellness industry’s scented oils and soothing music are often underpaid, exploited workers How a dogged researcher tracked down the original Sentimental Bloke – and found a different man to C.J. Dennis’s loveable larrikin ‘My husband died in my arms’: Russian drone attacks on Ukrainians amount to crimes against humanity, UN investigators report Hockey night in Belfast: How Canada’s sport could be bridging longtime sectarian divides The Phoenician Scheme: a fun watch even though it’s the same journey in a different vehicle Have sanctions against Russia backfired? What apartheid-era South Africa tells us about who may be profiting From soil to slugs to songbirds – how plastic is moving through ecosystems Why Islamic State is expanding its operations in north-eastern Nigeria What is AI slop? Why you are seeing more fake photos and videos in your social media feeds Anxious over AI? One way to cope is by building your uniquely human skills Ministerial Taskforce Should Speak Up on School-Related Sexual Violence Media groups call for repeal of Samoa’s defamation law Want an advanced AI assistant? Prepare for them to be all up in your business Guns bought in the US and trafficked to Mexican drug cartels fuel violence in Mexico and the migration crisis What a 120-year-old research station is telling us about the warming of the sea around the UK Why do we cry happy tears? The science behind this emotional paradox Nigerian and Kenyan farmers can be first step to making rural mini grids more profitable and affordable Initiation season in South Africa: why state regulation clashes with customary laws DRC’s plan for the world’s largest tropical forest reserve would be good for the planet: can it succeed? Most South African farmers are black: why Trump got it so wrong Record rainfall in the south, drought in the north: what’s causing Europe’s unusual spring weather? Do biases affect assessment in kindergarten? Educators discuss strategies for mitigation European Commission Endorses Exporting Asylum Seekers UN aid teams plead for access amid reports Gazans shot collecting food ‘Killing is part of their life’: the men raised on violence who are both perpetrators and victims as South Sudan faces return to civil war How diet can help prevent muscle injuries in over-50s Hockey night in Belfast? How Canada’s sport could be bridging longtime sectarian divides Sports hernias can cause severe pain in the groin region – and footballers may be at greatest risk Is the bar higher for scientific claims of alien life? Trump surrounds himself with sycophants. It’s a terrible way to run a business – and a country What I’ve learned from teaching philosophy in prisons Texas’ annual reading test adjusted its difficulty every year, masking whether students are improving Anti-trans measures don’t just target transgender men and women – a sociologist explains how ‘male’ or ‘female’ categories miss the mark for nonbinary Americans High electricity prices zapping your budget? Here are 5 ways to save Critical minerals don’t belong in landfills – microwave tech offers a cleaner way to reclaim them from e-waste Public health and private equity: What the Walgreens buyout could mean for the future of pharmacy care A common parasite can decapitate human sperm − with implications for male fertility When Elvis and Ella were pressed onto X-rays – the subversive legacy of Soviet ‘bone music’ Trump wants to cut funding to sanctuary cities and towns – but they don’t actually violate federal law The hidden power of cultural exchanges in countering propaganda and fostering international goodwill Chronic stress contributes to cognitive decline and dementia risk – 2 healthy-aging experts explain what you can do about it Billy Joel has excess fluid in his brain – a neurologist explains what happens when this protective liquid gets out of balance UN Security Council must renew the arms embargo on South Sudan Beyond Political Crisis: Building a Rights-Based Future in South Korea Sam George’s ministry presents a major threat to media freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana Gandang Ahung of the Dayak people: More than a gong ensemble, a way of life at risk Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why View from the Hill: Liberals and Nationals patch things up and announce a shadow ministry We’re criticising GDPR for all the wrong reasons Australia has elected its youngest senator. With Gen Z wielding more political power, is it a sign of things to come? Raining one week, dusty the next – how did a dust storm make it all the way to rainy Sydney? There’s a new COVID variant driving up infections. A virologist explains what to know about NB.1.8.1 Green light for gas: North West Shelf gas plant cleared to run until 2070 EU Commission President Receives Award for Green Deal Laws She is Undoing New Research on Extreme Heat Harm During Pregnancy South Korea: New Reform Party Addresses Rights Questions Being monitored at work? A new report calls for tougher workplace surveillance controls This rare alpine frog is fighting against a lethal fungus – by breeding faster and faster Is Vladimir Putin’s indiscriminate bombing of Ukrainian civilians ‘crazy’? It’s more a sign of impatience Australia must not become complacent to China’s aggression in the South China Sea Palestine: Hamas security services must stop targeting protesters in reprisal and respect freedom of peaceful assembly in Gaza ‘Chaotic, sometimes dangerous places’ – why successful rehab for prisoners on remand will be hard to achieve ‘Not a saint’: Florence Nightingale, heroic founder of modern nursing, is humanised in a new novel South Korea: New Reform Party Addresses Rights Questions Discovering new NZ music in the streaming age is getting harder – what’s the future for local artists? Uninformed comments on autism are resonant of dangerous ideas about eugenics How ongoing deforestation is rooted in colonialism and its management practices AI models might be drawn to ‘spiritual bliss’. Then again, they might just talk like hippies James Bradley’s thrilling, unsettling crime novel is set in a flooded Sydney in 2050 One couple, two apartments, different surnames for the children: how ‘two places to stay’ is shaping families in China From surprise platypus to wandering cane toads, here’s what we found hiding in NSW estuaries Girls with painful periods are twice as likely as their peers to have symptoms of anxiety or depression ‘No support, no housing, no job’ – the vicious cycle pushing more women into prison The ‘3 day guarantee’ for childcare starts next year. The challenge could be finding quality care Australia could tax Google, Facebook and other tech giants with a digital services tax – but don’t hold your breath US Congress Moves to Weaken Controls on ‘Super-Toxics’ Maduro consolidates hold on power as Venezuela’s opposition boycotts elections Nature writing can feed the myth of the outside as a cure – but my own work has helped me reframe my illness Regulating AI seems like an impossible task, but ethically and economically, it’s a vital one Borders and orders: How settler-government occupations violate Kashmiri sovereignty Trump’s West Point speech brought partisanship to the home of the US military − 3 essential reads Crop diversification is crucial to Canadian resilience in a changing world Canada has a chance to lead on AI policy and data governance at the 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit Iran: Execution Spree Continues Unabated IDF firing ‘warning shots’ near diplomats sets an unacceptable precedent in international relations Why Alberta’s push for independence pales in comparison to Scotland’s in 2014 Europeans are concerned that the US will withdraw support from NATO. They are right to worry − Americans should, too Why some towns lose local news − and others don’t For opioid addiction, treatment underdosing can lead to fentanyl overdosing – a physician explains Managing forests and other ecosystems under rising threats requires thinking across wide-ranging scenarios Air traffic controller shortages in Newark and other airports partly reflect long, intense training − but university-based training programs are becoming part of the solution Mountain chickadee chatter: Scientists are decoding the songbird’s complex calls Christianity has long revered saints who would be called ‘transgender’ today Pope Leo XIV is the first member of the Order of St. Augustine to be elected pope – but who are the Augustinians? Queer country: LGBTQ+ musicians are outside the spotlight as Grand Ole Opry turns 100 Could a bold anti-poverty experiment from the 1960s inspire a new era in housing justice? Trump v Harvard: why this battle will damage the US’s reputation globally Cashless card payments for public transport: Lagos commuters don’t trust the technology Not just talk: how dialogue can help address complex problems Sugary drinks, processed foods, alcohol and tobacco are big killers: why the G20 should add its weight to health taxes ‘Lived experience’ is valued in activism – but is it doing more harm than good? Why carrying spuds and playing sudoku could be good measures of your overall health How to create a thriving forest, not box-checking ‘tree cover’ Trying for a baby? Here’s why the father’s health is just as important as the mother’s Cartoon Network changed animation forever – Warner Bros shouldn’t let it die Western Australia Announces Reparations for the ‘Stolen Generations’ Land dispute escalates between palm oil company and Cameroon’s Apouh community 10 years ago Kenya set out to fix gender gaps in education – what’s working and what still needs to be done How vitamin B12 deficiency may disrupt pregnant women’s bodies What the hidden rhythms of orangutan calls can tell us about language – new research France-Indonesia Strategic Partnership Shouldn’t Neglect Rights Bangladesh: National Human Rights Commission must not be forgotten amid reform agenda The nostalgia of migration amid a life stolen in pieces Hate over love: conservative influencers have brought angrier anti-abortion politics to Australia Earth is heading for 2.7°C warming this century. We may avoid the worst climate scenarios – but the outlook is still dire The fast-tracking of Brisbane’s Olympic infrastructure plans could backfire Korean pear juice, IV drips, vitamin patches: do these trendy hangover cures actually work? Most car-ramming incidents aren’t terrorism – but they’re becoming more common and crowds need better protection Labor gains a Senate seat from the Liberals in South Australia, while Jacqui Lambie is re-elected DRC: M23 kill, torture and hold civilians hostage at detention sites – new investigation 6 ways live music could help combat the loneliness epidemic Faces you hear? Dolphin ‘signature whistles’ may transmit more than just identity information From strip searches to sexual harassment, Australian policing has long been plagued by sexism Is it OK to leave device chargers plugged in all the time? An expert explains No land, no future: The dilemma facing rural youth in Indonesia How can I improve my running? 5 top tips for every runner, from a biomechanics expert UN warns of ‘catastrophic’ human rights crisis in Myanmar as violence and economic collapse deepen Financial literacy is about more than personal responsibility – wealth and inequality should be part of the new curriculum MAHA report on children’s health highlights harms of ultraprocessed foods – a food scientist explains the research Your Say: week beginning 26 May UN rights chief calls for end to daily killings in Ukraine after deadly weekend attacks The Trump administration’s move to ban international students at Harvard escalates attacks on universities A 1980s cost-of-living crisis gave Australia a thriving arts program – could we do it again? Rather than blaming carbon, Paul Hawken argues we should recognise its role in animating life. This way, we can heal the planet Providing safe smoking kits could reduce harm from meth use – but NZ law won’t allow it As Australia’s carbon offset industry grapples with integrity concerns, how can companies genuinely tackle climate change? Boys are more resilient than girls to school setbacks. Here’s how you can help What makes somebody a narcissist? Mounting evidence suggests links to insecure attachment styles Heart attack or panic attack? Why young men are calling ambulances for unmanaged anxiety Türkiye: Thirty years of struggle for justice as the Saturday Mothers mark a sombre anniversary El Salvador deepens siege on civil society Artist celebrates 120 years of Aromanian National Day by publishing 120 portraits of eminent Aromanians What is modern monetary theory? An economist explains how it could help Canada Crypto platforms feel like gambling because they are: Users are drawn to high-risk behaviour Improving Arctic food security through DNA science and respectful collaboration with Indigenous Peoples Gazans’ suffering goes on amid intensifying Israeli strikes Seven Doors: sweeping Nigerian Netflix series masters the art of storytelling Do you live near a dam holding mine waste? 6 questions to ask Rock art and tomb discoveries in Morocco reveal ancient connections to the wider world Promoting social inclusion through pet companionship From markets to villages, the peace caravan ignites unity and inclusion across The Gambia Images of Gaza’s starving babies have gone round the world. This is what malnutrition does in the first 1,000 days of life Israel’s new aid delivery system for Gaza is sparking outrage. Why is it so problematic? A push for constitutional reform in Trinidad & Tobago as overturned ‘buggery law’ ruling heads for the Privy Council A not-so-modern epidemic: what 17th-century nuns can teach us about coping with loneliness Who really benefits from smart tech at home? ‘Optimising’ family life can reinforce gender roles Actually, Gen Z stand to be the biggest winners from the new $3 million super tax Bosnia and Herzegovina: Rights of Detained Migrants at Risk Uganda: Anti-LGBT Law Unleashed Abuse ICRC president: “It is possible to protect civilians in war” The drought is back – we need a new way to help farmers survive tough times What’s the difference between abs and core? One term focuses on aesthetics – and the other on function Australia’s first machete ban is coming to Victoria. Will it work, or is it just another political quick fix? What if Hitler was assassinated and World War II ended in compromise? Catherine Chidgey imagines a parallel reality Fourth time lucky? ACT’s regulatory standards law may finally pass, despite Treaty and legal doubts Urban rewilding has brought back beavers, hornbills and platypuses to city parks – and that’s just the start Cyclones drive people to buy health insurance, more so than some government campaigns Most of us will leave behind a large ‘digital legacy’ when we die. Here’s how to plan what happens to it Labor women make history by overtaking men in cabinet. So is the job done? Australia: Children Suffering Under Criminal Legal System UN rights mission deplores deadly Russian strikes in Ukraine How Mark Carney and King Charles understand the power of performance Setbacks but signs of progress: How gender parity fared in Canada’s federal election ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ reflects Margaret Atwood’s eerie talent for reading the palm of power Overlooking abusive leaders: The psychology of blind spots in the workplace Preventing exposure to intimate partner violence for mothers and children: A promising approach South Korean youth are continuing to pursue social justice after the president’s impeachment The political meaning of football: From Salazar’s playbook to Iran's stadiums Lagos fashion: how designers make global trends uniquely Nigerian Funding terror: how west Africa’s deadly jihadists get the money they need to survive Qatar: Authorities’ Religious Discrimination Against Baha’is Turkey's ruling party ramps up attacks on opposition-led Istanbul municipality Kendo 101: A beginner’s guide to Japanese sword fighting UN rights chief calls on South Sudan’s warring parties to end renewed fighting New: Your Say on our stories Daylight can boost the immune system’s ability to fight infections – new study WHO: New Pandemic Treaty a Landmark, but Flawed UN Meeting Connects North Korea’s Abuses and Military Programs Libya: Sudanese human rights defender disappeared and under imminent threat of forced return Tanzania: Torture and forcible deportation of Kenyan and Ugandan activists must be urgently investigated Can you upload a human mind into a computer? A neuroscientist ponders what’s possible What action can Israel’s allies take over its expansion of military operations in Gaza? Still Wakes The Deep deserves its three Baftas for superlative survival horror game thrills How the UK could monetise ‘citizen data’ and turn it into a national asset For many island species, the next tropical cyclone may be their last Trump’s proposed Golden Dome missile defence system – an expert explains the technical challenges involved As Trump’s ratings slide, polling data reveals the scale of Fox News’s influence on US politics Russia is facing fresh sanctions, but Putin is used to dealing with a struggling economy Freeze branding: the new body modification technique causes serious and irreversible harm History shows that Donald Trump is making a serious error in appeasing Vladimir Putin We found a germ that ‘feeds’ on hospital plastic – new study Linguistics could make language learning more relevant – and attractive – for school pupils Supreme Court’s one-sentence order closes the door to Catholic charter school – but leaves it open for future challenges 5 years after George Floyd’s murder: How the media narrative has changed around the killing and the protests that followed How does a person become famous when they’re just a kid? Harvard fights to keep enrolling international students – 4 essential reads about their broader impact Norway/OPT: Divesting pension fund a crucial step towards dismantling Israel’s unlawful occupation Women health workers in Kerala, India, demand fair wages and recognition of work How abortion laws focusing on fetal viability miss the mark on women’s experiences From furry friends to fish, turning up the heat helps animals fight germs − how Mother Nature’s cure offers humans a lesson on fever Like many populist leaders, Trump accuses judges of being illegitimate obstacles to safety and democracy US solar manufacturers lag skyrocketing market demand In 2025, Tornado Alley has become almost everything east of the Rockies − and it’s been a violent year Split Supreme Court blocks Oklahoma’s Catholic charter school − but future cases could hinge on whether charters are, at their core, public or private US gun trafficking to Mexico: Independent gun shops supply the most dangerous weapons Gun trafficking from the US to Mexico: The drug connection Here’s how we figured the number of guns illegally trafficked from the US across the border to Mexico Ethiopia: Authorities must engage in negotiations with striking healthcare professionals, unconditionally release detained medics Aid teams highlight growing anxiety in Gaza after food is looted Do shorter prison sentences make society less safe? What the evidence says Five ways to inspire ocean connection: reflections from my 40-year marine ecology career West Nile virus found in the UK for the first time – what you need to know What’s it like being a raven or a crow? Oscar Wilde’s The Ballad of Reading Gaol is a work of art activism beloved by Banksy View from The Hill: Coalition is being glued together again after crisis week A First Nations writer’s fellowship was withdrawn by Queensland’s government. What’s going on? Michelle de Kretser wins the Stella Prize with a genre-bending questioning of art and expectation Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok’s father is being prosecuted as a form of ‘collective punishment,’ according to rights groups Disaster or digital spectacle? The dangers of using floods to create social media content The death of Jelena Dokic’s father reveals the ‘difficult and complicated grief’ of losing an estranged parent Antarctica has its own ‘shield’ against warm water – but this could now be under threat The TGA has approved donanemab for Alzheimer’s disease. How does this drug work and who will be able to access it? El Salvador: Foreign Agents Law Targets Civil Society, Media DR Congo: Army-Backed Militias Abuse Civilians in South Kivu Russian political prisoner Grigory Melkonyants’s final speech in court is an ‘Ode to Joy’ Deaf President Now! traces the powerful uprising that led to Deaf rights in the US – now again under threat Corroboree 2000, 25 years on: the march for Indigenous reconciliation has left a complicated legacy KiwiSaver at a crossroads: budget another missed opportunity to fix NZ’s underperforming retirement scheme Why Donald Trump has put Asia on the precipice of a nuclear arms race How should central banks respond to US tariffs? The RBA provides some clues Half the remaining habitat of Australia’s most at-risk species is outside protected areas Vivid, thrilling and ghastly: new theatrical adaptation of The Birds evokes climate disaster, terrorism and lockdown Georgia: Women protesters are targeted with escalating violence and gender-based reprisals Israelis have a skewed view on extent of Gaza’s hunger plight − driven by censorship and media that downplay humanitarian crisis Golden Dome: An aerospace engineer explains the proposed nationwide missile defense system Head knocks and ultra-violence: viral games Run It Straight and Power Slap put sports safety back centuries NZ Budget 2025: funding growth at the expense of pay equity for women could cost National in the long run New research reveals Australian authors say no to AI using their work – even if money is on the table Uganda Passes Bill Allowing Military Trials of Civilians Ukraine: it’s clear right now there are no serious plans for peace Friday essay: ‘the Boy-Girl’, a crime journalist and a Black activist – meet the radical ratbags of 19th-century Melbourne From peasant fodder to posh fare: how snails and oysters became luxury foods There is a growing number of ‘super-sized’ schools. Does the number of students matter? Australian roads are getting deadlier - pedestrians and males are among those at greater risk Marathon runners rely on family and experts to succeed, while races rely on passionate volunteers The top Democrats leading the fight against Trump’s agenda Golden Dome: what Trump should learn from Reagan’s ‘Star Wars’ missile defence system plan Canada’s skills crisis is growing — here’s how we can fix it NOAA’s 2025 hurricane forecast warns of a busy season – a storm scientist explains why and what meteorologists are watching Heart Lamp by the Indian writer Banu Mushtaq wins 2025 International Booker prize – a powerful collection of stories inspired by the real suffering of women Mary Dorcey: queer Irish poet illuminates a form of sexuality even the law has overlooked Hay fever: why symptoms are so bad this year – and what to do if your usual remedies aren’t working Starmer’s winter fuel allowance ‘U-turn’ sets him on a tricky path with backbenchers and voters Just three nights of poor sleep might harm your heart – new study Why Ofcom wants to plug a legal loophole around politicians presenting news Why a ‘rip-off’ degree might be worth the money after all – research study Working women are too often left to deal with endometriosis alone. But big changes could be coming After 50 successful years, the European Space Agency has some big challenges ahead ‘We are all lumped under one umbrella of hate’: when social attitudes change, what is life like for people who don’t agree? V. Y. Mudimbe, Congolese philosopher, author of the renowned essay ‘The Invention of Africa’ dies at 83 Eight years after arena attack, Manchester bee commercialisation has unsettled some Mancunians Billions of cicadas are emerging, from Cape Cod to north Georgia – here’s how and why we map them A decade after the release of ‘The Martian’ and a decade out from the world it envisions, a planetary scientist checks in on real-life Mars exploration Lifecycle of a research grant – behind the scenes of the system that funds science Young food entrepreneurs are changing the face of rural America At Cannes, decency and dress codes clash with fashion’s red carpet revolution Empathy can take a toll – but 2 philosophers explain why we should see it as a strength Work requirements are better at blocking benefits for low-income people than they are at helping those folks find jobs WHO is finalizing a new treaty that prepares for the next pandemic − but the US isn’t signing M&S cyber-attack: how to protect yourself from sim-swap fraud Helen Chadwick: Life Pleasures – a rich and witty retrospective that smells like chocolate Anti-environmentalism is on the rise but it’s full of contradictions Why gait quality matters as you age Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council: A collaborative approach to strengthening food systems ‘Cows and plows:’ The settlement over a broken Indigenous treaty shows the urgent need for more transparent governance African footballers in China: what’s behind the sport migration trend Vaccines: why these young Africans are hesitant about them and what might change their minds South Africa’s honeybush sector must transform from its unjust past: what needs to change Colonial-era borders create conflict in Africa’s oceans – how to resolve them Mali: Investigation into executions of civilians in Diafarabé must be conducted urgently Global Voices News Quiz: Week of May 19 2025 Eight years after arena attack, the commercialisation of Manchester’s bee symbol has unsettled some Mancunians Grattan on Friday: if Ley and Littleproud find a way to cohabit, it will be a tense household It’s unlikely a magic bullet will ever cure Alzheimer’s – maybe a magic shotgun can Why Meta is in trouble in Nigeria and what this means for Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp users Why French students are choosing Canada, not the United States, for their North American adventure As the Million Paws Walk takes its last lap, other charity fundraising events face serious challenges Floods, fires and even terrorist attacks: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes? The deluge in NSW sounds a warning to rural and regional communities elsewhere Is every nationalist a potential fascist? A historian weighs in US: Asylum Seekers Expelled to Costa Rica Detail Abuses NZ Budget 2025 at a glance: follow the money here Australia is forecast to fall 262,000 homes short of its housing target. We need bold action NSW on alert: these maps show the areas at risk of flooding and storms In a flood, first responders balance helping others while their own families are at risk. It’s an impossible choice Too many people with back pain call ambulances or visit the ED. Here’s why that’s a problem Could cold sores increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease? A new study is no cause for panic Rule of Law in Italy Under EU Scrutiny Ukraine: Escalating Russian Attacks on Civilians The pipeline and the protest: Patience Nabukalu and the youth-led fight for climate justice in East Africa The authoritarian playbook: How governments in Georgia, Slovakia and Serbia employ same narratives and tactics against protests FDA will approve COVID-19 vaccine only for older adults and high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules ‘Perfect bodies and perfect lives’: how selfie-editing tools are distorting how young people see themselves Australia’s knowledge of Russia is dwindling. We need to start training our future experts now Compression tights and tops: do they actually benefit you during (or after) exercise? Bangladesh: Review Laws and Protect Human Rights Standards Vietnam: Macron Should Raise Rights during Visit FDA limits access to COVID-19 vaccine to older adults and other high-risk groups – a public health expert explains the new rules NZ Budget 2025: tax cuts and reduced revenues mean the government is banking on business growth Indian Officials Repress Dissent Following India-Pakistan Hostilities Chechen opposition activist fears deportation to Russia from Kazakhstan What does it mean for Biden’s prostate cancer to be ‘aggressive’? A urologic surgeon explains Clownfish shrink during marine heatwaves – new study How outdoor sports can support youth as they navigate climate change Worker-led programs are tackling gender-based violence in supply chains, but they’re at risk The distant dream of owning a home: Canada sees growing inequality in home ownership Drivers of SUVs and pick-ups should pay more to be on our roads. Here’s how to make the system fairer Evidence shows AI systems are already too much like humans. Will that be a problem? E-bikes for everyone: 3 NZ trials show people will make the switch – with the right support Please don’t tape your mouth at night, whatever TikTok says. A new study shows why this viral trend can be risky Truth-telling, originality and shame: your guide to the 2025 Stella shortlist Labor now has the political clout to reset Australia’s refugee policy. Here’s where to start Playing the crime card: do law and order campaigns win votes in Australia? 25th journalist arrested in Azerbaijan in continuing government campaign Did humans evolve to prefer religion? Research shows many atheists intuitively favour faith Why the UK government is opposing universities on immigration A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre explores what its like being human in relation to other human beings How the UK-EU deal turns the page on Brexit – and what happens next Continuing to seek Chinese investment in the UK comes at a heavy political price How male anatomy became the default in medicine – and why that’s a problem Universal vaccines could reshape how we fight future outbreaks – but a broad approach is needed Teachers knew what children needed to recover from the pandemic – but their insights were ignored Israel allows a ‘limited’ amount of aid back into Gaza, where the humanitarian situation is desperate Lilo & Stitch: can Disney’s latest live-action animation remake reignite interest in the genre after Snow White box-office disaster? Gaza: Aid trucks still waiting for Israeli green light inside enclave Politics with Michelle Grattan: Jim Chalmers on keeping Australia out of recession amid the ‘dark shadow’ of global instability Morabo Morojele: Lesotho’s swinging jazz drummer who became a literary star 19th-century Catholic teachings, 21st-century tech: How concerns about AI guided Pope Leo’s choice of name Making eye contact and small talk with strangers is more than just being polite − the social benefits of psychological generosity Aristotle would scoff at Mark Zuckerberg’s suggestion that AI can solve the loneliness epidemic Why your electricity bill is so high and what Pennsylvania is doing about it Rethinking engineering education: Why focusing on learning preferences matters for diversity Israel has promised ‘basic amount’ of food into Gaza − but its policies have already created catastrophic starvation risk for millions Russia’s invasion united different parts of Ukraine against a common enemy – 3 years on, that unanimity still holds Trump treats laws as obstacles, not limits − and the only real check on his rule-breaking can come from political pressure Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients – new research Windows are the No. 1 human threat to birds – an ecologist shares some simple steps to reduce collisions Universities face getting stuck with thousands of obsolete robots – here’s how to avoid a research calamity Small Boat: this slim, devastating novel about a real migrant shipwreck reminds us of the cruelty of indifference Why is it so hard for young people to get jobs? Men on social media are cutting their eyelashes to appear more ‘masculine’ – here’s why it’s a bad idea The psychology of climate traps and how to avoid them Malawi’s response to Cyclone Freddy offers lessons in managing disasters: first up, don’t leave people in the lurch Eldest daughters often carry the heaviest burdens – insights from Madagascar Why was St-Pierre-Miquelon targeted by both Donald Trump and a French politician? Germany: A democracy trying to protect itself Trump’s Afrikaners are South African opportunists, not refugees: what’s behind the US move From prototype to construction site: how innovative smart materials make it out of the lab and into our cities How pro-Europe, pro-US Poland offers the EU a model for how to handle Trump Is air travel about to get greener? Our study shows how ‘coopetition’ is helping aircraft companies tackle sustainability Counts in Bradfield and Calwell become clearer, while Jacqui Lambie faces a possible problem in the Tasmanian Senate Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it? NSW is copping rain and flooding while parts of Australia are in drought. What’s going on? View from The Hill: Coalition split puts Victorian and NSW Nationals Senate seats at high risk What’s the obscure Australian online safety standard Elon Musk’s X is trying to dodge in court? An expert explains A sculpture made from 80 tonnes of sand, Mirrorscape is remarkable – but too much is left unsaid Hungary: Bill Threatens To Eviscerate Democracy UN: Start Talks on Treaty to Ban ‘Killer Robots’ Semicolons are becoming increasingly rare; their disappearance should be resisted Interest rates are coming down. Here’s what homeowners should know about refinancing AI is now used for audio description. But it should be accurate and actually useful for people with low vision Australian para sport has issues everywhere – here’s what must be fixed ahead of the Brisbane Paralympics What’s the difference between skim milk and light milk? El Salvador: Government deepens authoritarian pattern in the face of social discontent ‘Silence is complicity,’ warns activist who fled DPR Korea Spotify continues to change music. What’s next – will AI musicians replace music made by humans? For making stars, it’s not just how much gas a galaxy has that matters – it’s where it’s hiding The Queensland melioidosis outbreak is still growing. What’s keeping this deadly mud bug active? ‘Outdated and irrelevant’: what do young Australians think of their schooling? The public service has a much smaller gender pay gap than the private sector. It’s a big achievement NZ Budget 2025: science investment must increase as a proportion of GDP for NZ to innovate and compete El Salvador: Prominent Human Rights Defender Arrested EU/ ISRAEL: Review of the EU’s relations with Israel welcome but devastatingly late Falling back into the shadows? How to keep internal displacement on the humanitarian agenda Biden is getting prostate cancer treatment, but that’s not the best choice for all men − a cancer researcher describes how she helped her father decide Azerbaijan: Jail sentence against opposition leader Tofig Yagublu upheld in “sham court hearing” Amid waning room for advocacy, Hong Kong LGBTQ+ groups cherish rare chance to raise awareness The Coin by Palestinian writer Yasmin Zaher wins the Dylan Thomas Prize – an expert from the judging panel explains why Independence Hall, Gettysburg and – Epcot? How Reagan helped elevate Disney to America’s roster of honored patriotic sites Is Donald Trump doing the world a favour by isolating the United States? Financial firms are driving up rent in Toronto — and targeting the most vulnerable tenants Recent spy scandals reveal how western allies are increasingly unreliable friends UK film and TV boom hides a crisis that threatens the whole industry – new report Feats of the human body behind Tom Cruise’s stunts in Mission: Impossible movies English schools to increase mental health support – why they need to get children involved in designing it For long-tailed tits, it really does take a village Starmer says migrants should speak English – but all of the UK’s languages are important for integration M&S cyberattack: how can retailers regain customers’ trust after a hack? A marketing expert explains EU: New ‘safe third country’ proposals cynical attempt to downgrade rights and offload asylum responsibilities The band is breaking up: has the Coalition stopped making sense? Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth’s history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse An 18th-century rebellion for liberty, equality and freedom − not in France or the United States, but Ireland Teens of any age who drink alcohol with their parents’ permission drink more as young adults, new research shows How 3D printing is personalizing health care Nonprofit news media leaders are struggling to stop leaning on the foundations that say they should branch out more The one-size-fits-all diversity training model is broken – here’s a better alternative Do photons wear out? An astrophysicist explains light’s ability to travel vast cosmic distances without losing energy How mindfulness therapy could help those left behind by depression treatment Labour governments have always struggled with immigration – here’s what Keir Starmer could learn from them After another call with Putin, it looks like Trump has abandoned efforts to mediate peace in Ukraine Why do protestors use disruptive, confrontational tactics? New research shows they’re not just a last resort The UK might have accepted the idea of youth mobility with the EU, but it’s not happening any time soon In ‘Paying For It,’ ex-lovers reimagine friendship, family and the meaning of sex work Is this bad for my health? Kenyan study tests three types of warning labels on food Armed groups are invading Benin’s forest reserves. Why and what to do about it Satellite images reveal the dark side of household solar power – South Africa’s green transition is only for a few Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency The DIY guide to checking how well you’re ageing How to tackle new strains of potato blight and avoid another great famine The Coin by Palestinian writer Yasmin Zaher wins the 20th Dylan Thomas Prize – an expert from the judging panel explains why International Booker prize 2025: six experts review the shortlisted novels CAR-T cell therapy is revolutionising cancer treatment – here’s how it works Libya: Civilians Caught in Militia Clashes Syria: New urgency to end unlawful detention system holding tens of thousands of people following Islamic State defeat Italy: Constitutional Court Hears Challenge to Law Penalizing Sea Rescue Mali: 22 Men Found Dead After Arrest by Soldiers Can Murray Watt fix Australia’s broken nature laws? First stop, Western Australia The government wants to contain NDIS growth. But ineligible people with disability also need support RBA cuts interest rates, ready to respond again if the economy weakens further The Coalition is on a break, but the Nationals risk finding their former partner doesn’t want them back Victorian budget has cash to splash on health, transport but new levies, job cuts, rising debt signal pain ahead There’s no country more important to Australia than Indonesia. Trouble is, the feeling isn’t mutual Follow the money: the organisations that spent the most on social media during the election Prosecutions For ‘Insulting the President’ Continue in Türkiye Can you treat headaches with physiotherapy? Here’s what the research says Why Netflix’s The Eternaut is one of the most important shows to come out of Argentina in recent years Nationals break the Coalition, in a major blow to Sussan Ley David Littleproud cites nuclear energy disagreement as major factor in Coalition split Labor’s second-term defence priorities – could they include a pact with Europe? AI may be exposing jobseekers to discrimination. Here’s how we could better protect them Drone strikes on civilian infrastructure in Port Sudan must end: UN expert 15 years ago, I urged the AFL to launch a mental health round. Now it’s time for action Does drawing on memory help us solve problems? Our experiment gave some surprising answers Boredom gets a bad rap. But science says it can actually be good for us Can cats drink milk? Despite the stereotypes, it’s actually a bad idea World News in Brief: Terror-crime link alarm, child detention in Australia, judiciary in Maldives, Protection of Civilians Week NZ Budget 2025: anything less than a 5% increase in health funding amounts to merely standing still Fish driving cars and chimps doing maths: what teaching animals ‘irrelevant’ skills reveals about our own minds Junk food is addictive. Drugs like Ozempic treat addiction. But when will we tackle Big Food like we did Big Tobacco? From the Liver King to ultramarathons, fitness influencers are glorifying extreme masculinity where ‘pain is the point’ ‘No pain, no gain’: why some primary students are following intense study routines Surviving swamps on South Australia’s parched Fleurieu Peninsula are a lifeline to wildlife – and farmers The federal government wants to boost productivity. Science can help Syria’s Transitional Justice Commission: A Missed Opportunity for Victim-Led Justice Are independent vets really better? The real issue isn’t necessarily who owns them Overshooting 1.5°C: even temporary warming above globally agreed temperature limit could have permanent consequences Batteries that absorb carbon emissions move a step closer to reality – new study What the strength of your grip can tell you about your overall health Disaster authoritarianism: how autocratic regimes deal with earthquakes Do we see colour the same way? What scientists can learn from artists Is it better to shower in the morning or at night? Here’s what a microbiologist says Britain is already becoming an ‘island of strangers’ – but immigration isn’t the driver Russia: Amnesty International declared “undesirable organization” amid escalating crackdown on dissent Protesters call for government action in alleged child rape in South Africa The environmental impact of Chinese cement plants in Tajikistan remains hidden Sex and disability: Nigerian women share their stories African islands under threat: what to do about Trump’s withdrawal from climate change agreement South Africa’s wattled cranes are no longer critically endangered: why the birds’ numbers are rising The new Carney government must tackle Canada’s outdated system of intergovernmental relations Covid-19 death tolls in Europe highlight stark regional differences in 2020 and 2021 Joe Biden has prostate cancer with bone spread – an oncologist explains what you need to know Governors are leading the fight against climate change and deforestation around the world, filling a void left by presidents UK and EU sign new trade, fishing and defence deal – what do economists think? Discriminatory Testing Blocks Migrant Children’s Right to Education in Russia Victims of Sri Lanka’s Civil War Seek Justice Peru: New Law Threatens Free Speech, Trans Rights India: Authorities should immediately terminate ‘unwarranted’ investigation and release Professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad Introducing The Conversation and the BBC’s Secrets of the Sea – my journey to meet six marine scientists pioneering ocean solutions Seven countries in Latin America where human rights are taking the biggest hit Tories get ghosted: new study shows dating app users are more likely to swipe right on Reform voters How aid cuts could make vulnerable communities even less resilient to climate change Moomin merchandise and fashion: 80 years of ultra-savvy marketing that taps into childhood nostalgia Growing up on a farm can prevent asthma and allergies For a Canadian in London, King Charles’ Royal Garden Party inspires sustainability education The rise of psychedelic capitalism: Work harder and be happy about it? When friendship is treated as essential, what happens to young adults who don’t have any?