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The editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, Lisa Davies, has resigned after five years in the role and will step down immediately.

Davies did not reveal her plans, telling staff only that the time feels right for me to look towards whats next and handing her editing tasks to her deputy Cosima Marriner from Tuesday.

The resignation leaves both the Herald and the Sun Herald without an editor, following Marriners move from editing the sister paper to deputy editor of the Sydney Morning Herald a fortnight ago. Both positions will be advertised.

It has been an immense privilege to lead this newsroom, which is full of talented and passionate individuals wholly committed to delivering news our readers can trust day in, day out, Davies said.

The last two years in particular have tested us all in ways we couldnt have imagined so as things return to a more even keel, the time feels right for me to look towards whats next. Im going spend the next month finishing up a few projects.

The sudden resignation of Davies from the helm of the Herald has surprised and saddened staff who say she is a straight shooter and a good manager of people.

Davies, and her equivalent at the Age, Gay Alcorn, have two layers of management above them and little control over the national editorial agenda under the editorial structure.

Davies and Alcorn report to Tory Maguire, who was promoted in July to executive editor of the Age, the Sydney Morning Herald, WAtoday and Brisbane Times, by Nine managing director of publishing James Chessell.

Maguire, whose new role was not advertised, joined the Fairfax/Nine group after Fairfax Medias joint venture with the Huffington Post came to an end in 2017.

Davies led the celebration of the Sydney Morning Heralds 190th anniversary this year and drove the papers coverage of Indigenous affairs, including securing a partnership with the Judith Neilson Institute to hire more Indigenous storytellers.

Five years ago there were conversations about whether the print products would still be around in five years, Davies told industry publication Mumbrella on the papers 190th anniversary. They are, and they are still huge revenue drivers. I think its a really encouraging sign. I cant see a time when there wont be a print product.

Maguire paid tribute to Davies as someone who has put her heart and soul into the masthead.

Over her five years as editor she led her team through the major disruption of the restructure, held the newsroom together during the biggest challenges of the pandemic, and was a crucial part of the huge team effort to ensure the long term success of the Sydney Morning Herald, Maguire said.

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Sydney Morning Herald editor Lisa Davies resigns after five years in the role - The Guardian

October 18, 2021

PRESS RELEASE

Apple introduces HomePodmini in new bold and expressive colors

HomePodmini delivers impressive sound, works seamlessly with iPhone, features the intelligence of Siri, and is the foundation for any smart home

CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIAApple today introduced HomePod mini in three bold new colors yellow, orange, and blue giving users more ways to express their personality and style in any space. At just 3.3 inches tall, HomePod mini offers a great music-listening experience, the intelligence of Siri, and smart home capabilities, with privacy and security built in. Its seamless integration across Apples products and services make HomePod mini the ultimate smart speaker for anyone with an Apple device. HomePod mini will be available in these new colors, along with white and space gray, with color-matched details throughout, including the tinted touch surface, mesh fabric, volume icons, and woven power cable, starting in November for just $99.

HomePod mini sounds incredible, and with access to more than 90 million songs in the global Apple Music catalog and deep integration with your Apple devices, its the must-have smart speaker for iPhone users, said Bob Borchers, Apples vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. With new vibrant colors, HomePod mini fits in even more places and delivers amazing sound, the power of Siri, and simple and secure smart home controls, all while protecting your privacy.

Big Sound in a Compact Speaker

HomePod mini uses computational audio to provide a rich and detailed acoustic experience and deliver peak performance. To achieve big sound out of such a compact design, the Apple S5 chip runs advanced software to analyze the unique characteristics of the music. It also applies complex tuning models to optimize loudness, adjust the dynamic range, and control the movement of the driver and passive radiators, all in real time. HomePod minis full-range driver, premium neodymium magnet, and pair of force-cancelling passive radiators enable it to produce deep bass and crisp high frequencies.

An Apple-designed acoustic waveguide directs the flow of sound down and out the bottom of the speaker for an immersive 360-degree audio experience. This design not only preserves richness and clarity, but makes it easy to place HomePod mini anywhere in a room and enjoy amazing sound from every angle. When placed in multiple rooms, HomePod mini speakers allow users to play the same music throughout the house, all in perfect sync, or a different song in every room. Placing two HomePod mini speakers in the same room creates a stereo pair for an even more immersive experience when listening to music. A three-microphone array listens for Hey Siri, and a fourth inward-facing microphone helps cancel out sound coming from the speaker to improve Siris ability to hear voice requests when music is playing.

Apple Music Voice on HomePodmini

HomePod mini is designed to work with Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, thousands of radio stations including the award-winning Apple Music 1 station, and popular music services like Pandora, Deezer, and others, providing entertainment for everyone.1 Apple Music offers more than 90 million songs, all curated by world-class experts and tastemakers; thousands of curated playlists, including hundreds created specifically for the Apple Music Voice Plan; and more than 25,000 exclusive radio episodes and other original content. With the introduction of this new subscription tier, even more people will have access to this incredible catalog, hands-free, just by asking Siri.2

Ultimate Smart Speaker for iPhone Users

When listening to music or podcasts, or taking a phone call, users can seamlessly hand off the audio without missing a beat by bringing their iPhone close to HomePod mini. The experience gets more magical with any U1-equipped iPhone with visual, audible, and haptic effects that make it feel like the devices are physically connected as sound flows from one to another. If nothing is playing on HomePod mini, personalized listening suggestions will automatically appear on iPhone when it is near the speaker, and instant controls are available without needing to unlock iPhone.3

Powerful Intelligent Assistant

With the intelligence of Siri, HomePod mini delivers a personalized and deeply integrated experience for iPhone customers. Siri can recognize the voices of up to six different household members, tailor music and podcasts to their preferences, and respond to personal requests, like reading their messages, reminders, notes, and calendar appointments, or making and answering phone calls.4 Siri also provides users a personal update for a quick snapshot of their day. Users can ask Hey Siri, whats my update? to hear the latest news, weather, traffic, reminders, and calendar appointments with a single request.

Effortless Smart Home Control

HomePod mini makes controlling smart home accessories effortless with simple voice commands for Siri to turn off the lights, change the temperature, lock the doors, set a scene, or control devices at specific times. Users can also get hands-free help by talking directly to various smart home accessories enabled with Siri. By design, Siri-enabled accessories will relay requests through a users HomePod mini on the same network, providing the level of privacy customers expect from Apple.

Intercom gives people a quick and easy way to connect at home. Users can send an Intercom message from one HomePod mini to another whether in a different room, a specific zone, or multiple rooms throughout the home and their voice message will automatically play on the designated HomePod mini. Intercom even works with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, AirPods, and CarPlay, so everyone in the household can get Intercom notifications and send Intercom messages from the backyard, on their way home, or while out and about.

Designed with Privacy and Security in Mind

Privacy and security are fundamental to the design of Apple hardware, software, and services. With HomePod mini, only after Hey Siri is recognized locally on the device, or the user activates Siri by touch, will any information be sent to Apple servers. Requests are not associated with the users Apple ID, nor is personal information used for Apples advertising purposes or sold to other organizations. HomePod mini works with iPhone to complete requests for messages and notes on the device without revealing that information to Apple.

Additional Features

HomePod mini and the Environment

HomePod mini was designed with the environment in mind and supports Apples plans to have net-zero climate impact across the entire business, which includes manufacturing supply chains and all product life cycles, by 2030. HomePod mini utilizes 99 percent recycled rare earth elements, with the neodymium magnet in the speaker driver utilizing 100 percent recycled rare earth elements. The seamless mesh fabric is made with more than 90 percent recycled plastic, and all of the packaging wood fibers are from responsibly managed forests or recycled sources. HomePod mini is also free of mercury, BFRs, PVC, and beryllium.

HomePod mini uses power-efficient components and software that can intelligently power them down during periods of inactivity. For example, through optimized power management features and a high-efficiency power supply, HomePod mini has been designed to be efficient in its Low Power Mode, where the majority of time is spent. HomePod mini consumes 75 percent less energy than the stringent requirements for ENERGY STAR.

Pricing and Availability

About Apple

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and Apple TV. Apples five software platforms iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, and tvOS provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, and iCloud. Apples more than 100,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth, and to leaving the world better than we found it.

Press Contacts

Jacqueline Roy

Apple

jacqueline_roy@apple.com

(408) 862-4386

Nadine Haija

Apple

nhaija@apple.com

Apple Media Helpline

media.help@apple.com

(408) 974-2042

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Apple introduces HomePod mini in new bold and expressive colors - Apple Newsroom

Please let me know if you see anything that should be added, changed, tweaked, wrote Schefter, in an e-mail from a June court filing regarding the Washington Football Team that was first reported Tuesday by the Los Angeles Times. Thanks, Mr. Editor, for that and the trust. Plan to file this to espn about 6 am . . .

No matter whether the Mr. Editor line was tongue-in-cheek or not, Schefter committed a major violation of journalism ethics by sending Allen the story in full and encouraging him to make changes. It is good form to be forthcoming with sources about the tone and contents of a story, let them know which quotes are being used, and give them an opportunity to add further context.

But giving them editing power to make additions, changes, and tweaks is not journalism. Its stenography, and for some reporters it would be career-ending. Any reporter suggesting this is an OK practice such as prominent media and brands reporter Darren Rovell is probably revealing the truth about their own ethics, or willingness to set them aside for access.

Schefter, with his 8.6 million Twitter followers, is too valuable to ESPN to be hit with real consequences, which was evident in the networks statement about the situation: Without sharing all the specifics of the reporters process for a story from 10 years ago during the NFL lockout, we believe that nothing is more important to Adam and ESPN than providing fans the most accurate, fair and complete story.

Unless further Schefter-Allen interactions get leaked from the trove of 650,000 e-mails reviewed by the NFL as part of the workplace misconduct case with the Washington Football Team, we may never get the accurate, fair, and complete story about this. Did Allen, ol Mr. Editor, suggest changes? Did Schefter make them?

The satirical website The Onion was, as usual, on point with all of this, posting a story titled: Adam Schefter Waiting On Final Edits From NFL Before Issuing Apology.

Eventually, in his own statement, which was tweeted out by ESPNs PR account, Schefter said it was rare for him to send stories to sources before publication and did in this case because the topic, regarding the leagues collective bargaining talks with the NFL Players Association, was so complex.

In no way did I, or would I, cede editorial control or hand over final say about a story to anyone, ever, Schefter said, calling it basically common practice to run information past sources.

That last part is true. It will remain uncertain whether any other part of it is until we know Allens response, and Schefters reaction to his response. Perhaps some real, honest-to-goodness reporting from other outlets will reveal those truths.

We know its not coming from ESPN and the highest-profile NFL info-swapper around.

A couple of scattered thoughts as ESPN and Turner Sports drop the puck on their NHL coverage . .

It struck me the first couple of nights how familiar everyone is, even if theyre new to NHL coverage. TNTs studio coverage is hosted by Liam McHugh, known to most from his good work with NBC Sports for so many years. Anson Carter, also formerly of NBC, is an analyst. Fellow analyst Paul Bissonnette was one of the first athletes to use social media to cleverly enhance his profile. Rick Tocchet played 18 seasons in the NHL and coached another six. And the other analyst? Some guy named Gretzky.

Oh, and there has been further proof that Charles Barkleys presence, even in a sport he knows nothing about, makes any studio show better. It wasnt much different on ESPN, where Chris Chelios and Mark Messier, the newcomer analysts, begin the gigs with massive name recognition.

ESPN has hit occasional patches of rough ice in the early going, which is probably to be expected after pretending hockey barely existed for 15 years. Most notably: The broadcasters voices on the Knights-Kraken opener were difficult to hear.

But the joy of the longtime hockey diehards at ESPN among them Linda Cohn, Steve Levy, and John Buccigross has been evident. And the network paid thoughtful homage to some of its hockey voices of the past, including the late Tom Mees.

It was interesting to hear NHL commissioner Gary Bettman acknowledge on John Ourand and Andrew Marchands sports business podcast that, yes, ESPN did neglect to pay much attention to the league when it didnt have broadcast rights.

With my tongue in my cheek, said Bettman, Ive said a number of times that if ESPN is half as good at promoting us as they were at freezing us out when they didnt have our rights, this is going to be great.

Chad Finn can be reached at chad.finn@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeChadFinn.

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Adam Schefter, Mr. Editor, and the disregarding of journalism ethics - The Boston Globe

The logo of Russia's state communications regulator, Roskomnadzor, is reflected in a laptop screen showing Google start page, in this picture illustration taken May 27, 2021. REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/Illustration/File Photo

MOSCOW, Oct 19 (Reuters) - Russia said on Tuesday it would this month seek to fine U.S. tech giant Google a percentage of its annual Russian turnover for repeatedly failing to delete content deemed illegal, Moscow's strongest effort yet to rein in foreign tech firms.

Communications regulator Roskomnadzor said Google had failed to pay 32.5 million roubles ($458,100) in penalties levied so far this year and that it would now seek a fine of 5-20% of Google's Russian turnover, which could reach as much as $240 million, a significant increase.

Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Russia has ramped up pressure on foreign tech companies as it seeks to assert greater control over the internet in the country, slowing down the speed of Twitter (TWTR.N) since March and routinely fining others for content violations.

Opposition activists have accused Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) Google and Apple (AAPL.O) of caving to Kremlin pressure after they removed an anti-government tactical voting app from their stores.

Roskomnadzor earlier in October said it would ask a court to impose a turnover fine on social media firm Facebook(FB.O), citing legislation signed by President Vladimir Putin in December 2020.

"A similar case will be put together in October against Google," Roskomnadzor said in emailed comments to Reuters on Tuesday, noting that the company also owned video-hosting site YouTube.

The SPARK business database showed that Google's turnover in Russia in 2020 was 85.5 billion roubles. A 5-20% fine would amount to between 4.3 and 17.1 billion roubles.

Google is currently fighting a court ruling demanding it unblock the YouTube account of a sanctioned Russian businessman or face a compounding fine on its overall turnover that would double every week and force Google out of business within months if paid.

($1 = 70.9450 roubles)

Additional reporting and writing by Alexander Marrow; Editing by Kirsten Donovan

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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Google faces a fine of up to 20% of Russian revenue this month - Reuters

Harrisburg, PA - The Wolf Administration today announcedchanges toChild Care Works(CCW), Pennsylvanias subsidized child care program, that will decrease costs to families who qualify for subsidized care and add incentives for child care providers to participate in the program.

We cannot miss an opportunity to invest resources where they will make a positive and lasting impact on our children. By targeting investments to our subsidized child care system, we are investing in equitable quality child care for all Pennsylvanians, no matter where they live or their income, said Gov. Wolf. Pennsylvanias economy, its families, and its future depend on a strong child care and early learning system, and I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the dedicated child care providers and professionals who choose to invest in our children and families every day. Our economic recovery from the pandemic will be possible because of you.

Pennsylvania received more than $1 billion from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support the commonwealths child care industry, child care providers, and the children and families that rely on this system. Beginning January 1, 2022, $352 million in Child Care Development Fund federal ARPA funding will also support:

Nearly two-thirds of children whose families are eligible for CCW are enrolled in a STAR 1 or 2 rated facility. By investing in base rates to providers participating in CCW, Pennsylvania is investing in quality across the child care industry for the children and families served by this program. In March 2021, the Wolf Administration raised base rates from the 25thpercentile to the 40thpercentile.

Prior to the pandemic, the Keystone Command Center for Economic Development and Workforce recommended expanding availability of licensed child care before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. what is normally considered traditional child care hours in order to give flexibility and security for working parents. These rate incentives will support providers that offer care outside of traditional hours, giving parents a safe place for their children and the security necessary to help parents return to work.

For our youngest Pennsylvanians, an early childhood education experience can shape their educational, social, and emotional development throughout their lives, said DHS Acting Secretary Meg Snead. Beyond its necessity for a thriving economy today, investments in quality early learning and child care programs carry into PreK-12 education and throughout adulthood. This funding will give our youngest Pennsylvanians a strong start they deserve and supports the dedicated educators and professionals that make this possible.

The Wolf Administration is committed to supporting Pennsylvanias child care industry and its devoted professionals and educators as they weather the ongoing challenges created by the public health and economic crises. Since March 2020, more than $1.1 billion of aid has been made available directly to providers to offset financial losses, assist with added infection control and safety costs, and invest in staff recruitment, retention, and higher, livable wages.

Additionally, $600 Pandemic Relief Awards were extended to approximately 38,000 child care professionals for their service through the pandemic. The stabilization grants are the largest one-time funding Pennsylvania has been able to extend thus far. To date, approximately 3,150 applications have been approved, while 367 are in-process and 269 are under review. More than $382 million has been obligated to approved providers.

For more information on child care providers operating in Pennsylvania, visitwww.findchildcare.pa.gov. Providers seeking to apply for Child Care Stabilization Grants can learn more and applyhere.

MEDIA CONTACT: Ali Fogarty - ra-pwdhspressoffice@pa.gov

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Wolf Administration Announces Enhancements to Subsidized Child Care Program to Lower Costs for Families and Incentivize Participation by Providers -...