Pioneer of ‘extreme male brain’ theory of autism now says phrase unhelpful 05. July 2026 (16:02) Exclusive: Prof Simon Baron-Cohen says his language was misunderstood and it is a myth that autistic people lack empathyThe scientist who pioneered the “extreme male brain” theory of autism has said he regrets characterising the condition in this way because the phrase lends itself to misunderstandings.Prof Simon Baron-Cohen’s theory that autistic people tend strongly towards systemising over empathising has been hugely influential in shaping the popular perception of autism over the past two decades. The underlying science had stood the test of time, he said, but he now views the “extreme male brain” label as unhelpful. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Australian aged care firm accused in class action of charging residents for high teas and classes they couldn’t use 05. July 2026 (16:01) Arcare says it’s unable to comment on the federal court case in which it’s alleged it illegally charged feesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastResidents at one of Australia’s largest aged care providers have launched a class action lawsuit alleging fees for services such as high teas and exercise classes were illegally charged to clients who cannot use them due to immobility and other issues.The suit, filed in the federal court, alleges residents of more than 50 Arcare aged care facilities across four states were charged a daily “additional services fee” by Arcare embedded within a “signature package” between July 2020 and July 2026. This includes fees paid by residents who are immobile, unable to swallow, or cognitively impaired. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Cutting language courses puts social mobility at risk, say UK experts 05. July 2026 (16:00) Exclusive: University moves and falling exam entries fuel concerns about opportunities for working-class pupilsCutting language courses at universities and schools risks undermining social mobility and vocational skills, former education secretaries and experts in the UK have warned.More than 70 languages academics were among 500 staff at the University of Exeter to be told last week they were at risk of redundancy as it seeks to cut 150 full-time posts, predominantly in the humanities. The announcement followed the proposal by the University of Nottingham to become the first Russell Group university to offer no language degrees. Continue reading...(The Guardian)
Nancy Pelosi’s husband could face charge after hitting parked car in California 05. July 2026 (15:11) Paul Pelosi could face misdemeanor charges over crash that left car with ‘major’ damage, authorities sayThe husband of former House speaker Nancy Pelosi was involved in a hit-and-run car crash in California that left a parked vehicle with “major” damage, authorities said on Saturday – and he could face misdemeanor charges.Paul Pelosi was driving his brown convertible on Friday in Yountville, a town in the heart of wine country, when he struck a legally parked car on the side of the road, briefly stopped and then drove away, the Napa county sheriff’s office said in a statement. No injuries were reported.Guardian staff contributed reporting Continue reading...(The Guardian)
