ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 23, 2026.
How retirees, beachcombers and communities help scientists track everything from threatened species to algal blooms
Scientists and authorities are increasingly calling for help from citizen scientists to track species and changes.
‘Like someone whacking a piñata’: orcas explode sunfish by ramming them at high speed
This never-before observed behaviour can tell us a lot about whale intelligence.
China has cracked down on AI companions. What can we learn from this?
Chatbots that relieve loneliness have a major downside, and we must safeguard against it.
OpenAI’s models autonomously hacked a tech startup. It signals a seismic shift in cybersecurity
OpenAI described the attack as “unprecedented”.
The US is issuing billions in tariff refunds. That won’t unwind the damage to the global trading system
Refunds on US$160 billion of tariffs are slowly flowing back to businesses. But they won’t restore lost customers or lost confidence in trading with the US.
Politics with Michelle Grattan: Paul Kelly on why Albanese is ‘misunderstood’ and Taylor needs to stay
In more than 50 years of covering federal politics, The Australian’s editor-at-large says he has ‘never seen a crisis’ like the one facing the Liberal Party today.
More than half of Earth’s migratory bird species are declining – here’s how we can still save them
A new global assessment of the world’s migratory species finds reason for alarm, but also hope – and a road map for helping them survive.
New ferry names: Winston calls it woke, but debating Cook’s legacy is nothing new
Christening the new interisland ferries Kupe and Cook is a reminder that what we name things matters, shaping our sense of ourselves over time.
The Commonwealth Games are here, with fewer sports, more nations and an uncertain future
The Commonwealth Games’ future will depend on affordable hosting, strong stories and benefits that remain after the podiums are packed away.
Nauru’s government announces plans for embassy in Israel
By Christina Persico of RNZ Pacific Nauru’s government has announced plans to set up an embassy in Israel. The government said Cabinet had endorsed the deployment of a scoping mission to Israel, to assess the diplomatic, operational, and logistical requirements to establish the embassy. “A diplomatic presence in Israel will serve as an essential platform
80-million-year-old snake fossil sheds light on why lizards lost their limbs and started slithering
Snakes lost their limbs millions of years ago to become undulating, scaly tubes of muscles. Scientists are finally figuring out why.
How telehealth is fuelling a surge in ADHD scripts in a business model that benefits the rich
Yes, telehealth has improved access for people seeking ADHD treatment. But a new study suggests it’s also a money spinner.
Victorian teachers are striking again. Money alone won’t get them back to school
This is the latest escalation in a dispute with the state government that has been running since mid-2025.
As missiles fly, Iranians are turning to art, culture and memes to find community
Despite ongoing security concerns and threats against infrastructure, the Iranian public has maintained a noticeable presence in public and online.
‘A river is our life force’: why Indigenous cultural values must be visible in conservation
An animal, plant, landscape or waterway may be culturally vital even if not rare or threatened.
As the games begin, what does the Commonwealth mean and what purpose does it serve?
The British Empire has long since folded. But the Commonwealth of Nations remains a global collective of like-minded countries.
The brain rewires itself for motherhood. We now know more about how
A study in mice reveals how pregnancy hormones influence the brain’s reward system, helping explain why newborns become a mother’s priority.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s removal of two top defence officials highlights the role of morale in long wars
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has dismissed Defense Minister Fedorov and Gen. Syrskyi amid military tensions. What does it mean for the country’s war effort?
Strange Health wins best health and wellbeing podcast award
Strange Health video podcast wins podcast award.
Christopher Nolan’s Odyssey reveals a darker, less triumphant heroism
Nolan’s Odysseus is a traumatised hero who survives but must live with the cost others have paid for his actions.