United Kingdom

The government is suggesting that it might ban some Apple security updates. Under the latest plans, tech companies would need to notify the British government before rolling out a security fix but might be refused permission if it blocks a vulnerability that’s being exploited by security services.

Our new research has found that such natural barriers intentionally increase water levels upstream to slow down river flow. These flood barriers are made of materials like logs, branches, mud and leaves. They reduce downstream water levels by deliberately blocking the river and storing the water. They then slow down the river flow during a storm.

Using natural processes to temporarily store water above and below ground is called natural flood management. It essentially involves using nature as a sponge to soak up rainwater.

Not only does this protect communities further down the river from flooding, but it has other benefits too. It helps to enhance habitat diversity for river insects and animals, trap pollutants, and enhance the supply of sediment to the floodplain.

It also adds resilience to the river during spells of dry and hot weather by preventing it from drying up entirely. That was a big issue during the summer of 2022, which was the UK’s warmest on record.

cross-posted from: https://kbin.social/m/[email protected]/t/373660

More than half a century ago, the British and the Americans established the Diego Garcia military base, breaking international law in the process. The locals were forcibly exiled. But now, after decades of court battles, the people who once called the Chagos Archipelago home are closer to returning than ever before.

I'm glad to see more action is being taken on this.

Over a decade ago, I worked in a shop that involved handling phone numbers, and at the time there were constant stories of co-workers starting relationships by initiating a conversation as a "customer satisfaction follow up" to their experience that day.
Keeping those people in line was a tale of someone getting decked by a customer's father after doing this.

Sweary owner four days ago, but not been posted.

Thousands of asylum seeker children will be sent postcards with bright and cheerful cartoons on them after ministers recently ordered murals at two reception centres to be painted over last month.

We haven't had any Crooked House news for a few minutes, so here's some more.

Good job bruv, all that TALENT coming in on the boats. Channel 4 interviewer didn't even bring up the boats. Either media incompetence, or corruption.

cross-posted from: https://radiation.party/post/79673

[ comments | sourced from HackerNews ]

I think this is a contender for the worst opinion column I've read this year - completely pointless, irrelevant and come on Matt couldn't you think of anything a bit more interesting that happened this week?

Paywall free version https://tinyurl.com/47m2een8

“In four years Mike van Erp has filmed 1,400 drivers using their phones, leading to 1,800 penalty points, £110,000 of fines — and him being assaulted by disgruntled motorists. Is he a road safety hero or just a darned nuisance? Nick Rufford joins him on patrol”

I’ve watched a few of his videos. I should be surprised that he catches so many drivers in their phones, but in and around London? Not surprised at all.