The Week Magazine (US)

1 day ago | theweek.com | Richard Windsor

The Labour government's Employment Rights Bill will amount to a "banter ban" if it's allowed to go ahead, critics have said. A particular passage of the bill, which addresses "harassment by third parties", is being seen in some quarters as an effective ban on "discussion of sensitive subjects such as religion or views on transgender rights", said Jessica Elgot in The Guardian. The government says that particular clause is designed to protect workers from sexual harassment by customers.

1 day ago | theweek.com | Chas Newkey-Burden

The last rites are being read for one of the internet's most controversial forums after it was hacked, reportedly by a rival internet faction. Some believe the development could "spell the end" of 4Chan, said Sky News, after more than 20 years of influence and notoriety. What is it? The concept of 4Chan is simple, said the broadcaster – it's an online forum where anonymous users share pictures and text.

3 days ago | theweek.com | Chas Newkey-Burden

The world's insatiable love of chocolate is facing a challenge as climate change threatens the rainforests where cocoa beans grow, but don't panic yet because scientists may have found a sweet solution. Lab-grown chocolate is providing a "glimmer of hope" for "chocolate aficionados", said The Mirror, and industry figures believe the products could be both healthier and tastier than conventional chocolate. "The idea of chocolate being created in a petri dish is intriguing", said Good Food on KCRW.

3 days ago | theweek.com | Peter Weber

Pope Francis, the first Jesuit pontiff and first pope from Latin America, died Monday morning. He was 88 and had been in poor health since an extended hospital stay for double pneumonia. Who said what"At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father," after a life "dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his church," said Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, or de facto administrator of the Holy See after a pope's death.

3 days ago | theweek.com | Devika Rao

Clobazam, a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety, has been found to affect Atlantic salmon in similar ways to humans. Exposure to the drug makes the fish less fearful and gives them more confidence to take risks, according to a new study. This boldness can both increase their chance of survival and increase their vulnerability to predators.