Sunday, October 1 — 3 significant news stories

Hey!

Quick poll.

I don’t affect the ChatGPT scores in any way and my prompt to it is intentionally as vague as possible to not introduce human bias. But the weights of the score factors are defined by your feedback. For example, what should have a higher score: a science article with scale 5 and novelty 9, or a natural disaster article with scale 9 and novelty 5?

Previously I adjusted the weights based on individual emails from some of you. But I think it’s time to do it properly and get the feedback from the entire audience.

So over the next week or so I will be asking you the same question about different news categories: economy, environment, science, etc. Let me know what you think — your answers will define what you read here every day. I’ll analyze and share the results after we cover all categories.

Let’s start with the economy:

Thank you! Back to news:

Today ChatGPT read 1060 top news stories. After removing previously covered events, there are 3 articles with a significance score over 7.

[7.5] Global framework sets targets to improve chemical management and reduce pollution. — UN News

The Global Framework on Chemicals, agreed upon at the fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management, sets 28 concrete targets to improve the responsible management of chemicals and waste. The framework aims to reduce chemical pollution by 2030, phase out highly hazardous pesticides in agriculture by 2035, and establish stronger connections with other global agendas such as climate change and human rights. The Bonn Declaration, also adopted at the conference, aims to prevent exposure to harmful chemicals, enhance safe management, and support the transition to circular economies.

[7.3] EU launches carbon tariffs on imported goods to promote greener production. — Reuters

The European Union has launched the first phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which aims to impose CO2 emissions tariffs on imported steel, cement, and other goods. The CBAM will require EU importers to report greenhouse gas emissions embedded in imported products, and from 2026, importers will need to purchase certificates to cover these emissions. The goal of the CBAM is to encourage greener production worldwide and prevent European manufacturers from relocating to countries with lower environmental standards.

[7.0] Protests in Portugal against high rents and housing crisis. — Reuters

Thousands of Portuguese citizens, including migrants and precarious workers, took part in protests against soaring rents and house prices in Portugal, which has been exacerbated by growing gentrification and record tourism. Since the start of the tourism boom in 2015, Lisbon rents have increased by 65%, making apartments unaffordable for many, while sale prices have skyrocketed by 137%. The housing crisis has particularly affected migrants, with nearly 38% of Portugal's foreign population living in overcrowded households, and many facing discrimination in access to housing.

(not a 7+ article, but concludes the government shutdown story)

[4.8] Biden signs bill to keep government funded and avoid shutdown. — The Hill

President Biden signed a Continuing Resolution on Saturday night, effectively preventing a government shutdown just before the midnight deadline. This temporary measure, which received broad support in both the House and Senate, extends the government's current spending levels until mid-November. The bill includes $16 billion for disaster relief but omits aid for Ukraine or modifications to border policy.

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Thanks for reading us and see you tomorrow,

Vadim