Chile overwhelmingly votes against new constitution

Published

3 years ago

September 5, 2022

Nearly 13 million Chileans have rejected President Gabriel Boric’s ‘progressive’ constitution in a landmark vote

Chileans have voted against President Gabriel Boric’s proposed constitution.

Nearly 62 per cent of voters rejected the changes, which proposed a shifted away from Chile’s dictatorial past with a suite of new policies.

“We have to listen to the voice of the people. Not just today, but the last intense years we’ve lived through,” Boric said.

The proposed changes focussed on increased social rights, gender parity, and recognition for Indigenous peoples.

“That anger is latent, and we can’t ignore it,” Boric said.

The original constitution was published in 1981, and ties the South American nation to free-market policies, which removes any intervention or regulation from the government.

The vote was a crucial test for Boric’s leftist government, as he eyes off a new cabinet in response to the overwhelming vote.

The 36-year-old leader has been in charge of the nation since March, after a 55 per cent majority.

Karol Cariola, who is a spokesperson for the ‘yes’ campaign said change is still on the cards.

“We are committed to creating conditions to channel that popular will and the path that leads us to a new constitution,” Cariola said.

Meanwhile, ‘no’ voters raised concerns about wealth distribution and so-called ‘progressive’ policies.

The mandatory vote follows 80 per cent of Chileans choosing to draft the constitution in 2020, and several years of national protests.

Oil prices surge as U.S.-Iran tensions escalate

Published

9 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Crude oil prices jumped over 3% on Wednesday as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks showed signs of faltering, pushing WTI futures above $65 per barrel. Axios reported disagreements over the venue and scope of Friday’s talks, while President Trump warned Iran’s supreme leader to “be very worried,” stoking fears of military escalation.

Tensions in the Persian Gulf added to the volatility. A U.S. F-35C shot down an Iranian drone near the USS Abraham Lincoln, and Iranian vessels threatened a U.S.-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz. The USS McFaul escorted the tanker to safety, highlighting the region’s fragile oil supply routes.

Despite the clashes, nuclear talks will go ahead on Friday in Oman, but uncertainty continues to drive oil market volatility, with traders closely watching both diplomatic and military developments.

#OilPrices #IranUS #NuclearTalks #PersianGulf #WTI #EnergyMarket #Geopolitics #OilSupply

News

Washington Post layoffs: Hundreds of journalists cut as Bezos faces criticism

Published

11 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Washington Post has laid off hundreds of employees, marking what former executive editor Martin Baron calls “one of the darkest days” in the paper’s history. Approximately one-third of the newsroom staff were affected, as the company undertakes a so-called “strategic reset” to compete in a crowded media landscape.

The cuts hit key areas, including the sports desk, local coverage, international reporting, the books desk, and the flagship daily news podcast. Editor-in-Chief Matt Murray said the changes aim to prioritise national security, politics, science, health, technology, climate, and business coverage while positioning the Post for the future.

Critics have called out owner Jeff Bezos for his silence during the layoffs and alleged efforts to influence the paper’s political stance. Former editor Baron warned that the newspaper’s ambitions would be sharply diminished and its credibility could suffer.

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Amazon launches AI tools to change film and television production

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Published

16 hours ago

February 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Amazon MGM Studios tests AI to streamline production, reduce costs, enhancing but not replacing human creativity, says AI Studio team.

Amazon MGM Studios is stepping into the future of entertainment by developing artificial intelligence tools designed to reduce production costs and streamline filmmaking processes. This closed beta, launching in March, will let industry partners test how AI can enhance creativity and efficiency on set.

Amy Cheng, leading the AI Studio team, emphasises that while AI can accelerate workflows, it will never replace the unique contributions of human creativity. The initiative represents Amazon’s push to innovate in content creation while maintaining the art of storytelling.

The use of AI in Hollywood is expanding rapidly, sparking discussions about its impact on jobs and the future of the industry. As studios explore automation, the balance between efficiency and human artistry remains a central concern.

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