• WWW.VOX.COM
    The right is cooking up a surprising legal fight against Trumps tariffs
    On Thursday, one day after President Donald Trump announced sweeping new tariffs, what appears to be the first lawsuit challenging those tariffs was filed in a federal court in Florida. That alone isnt particularly surprising. The tariffs are expected to drive up the costs of goods in the United States, and have already sent the stock market into a nose dive. That means that a lot of aggrieved potential plaintiffs have standing to challenge the tariffs in court.What is surprising is that the plaintiff in this particular case, known as Emily Ley Paper v. Trump, is represented by the New Civil Liberties Alliance (NCLA), a right-wing legal shop that previously backed Trumps efforts to expand executive power.NCLA is part of what appears to be a growing effort among prominent right-leaning intellectuals and commentators to challenge Trumps tariffs. At the Volokh Conspiracy, an influential right-libertarian legal blog, George Mason law professor Ilya Somin is actively recruiting plaintiffs to file a similar lawsuit challenging the tariffs (Somin has long been a principled libertarian critic of Trump). Ben Shapiro, the one-time Breitbart writer who is also a lawyer, criticized Trumps tariffs as a massive tax increase on American consumers, and has gently advocated for Trump to change course. Richard Hanania, a writer best known for his baroque criticisms of wokeness, responded to a pro-Trump member of Congress praise of the tariffs with were ruled by morons.All of this matters because conservative-minded judges, including the six Republicans who dominate the Supreme Court, are often highly responsive to public statements from conservative legal and media elites.During President Barack Obamas first term, for example, liberal lawyers and legal scholars were often flabbergasted by how quickly conservative judges rallied behind a weak legal case against the Affordable Care Act eventually persuading four Republican justices to vote to repeal the law altogether. Their mistake one I made as well was assuming that judges would be persuaded by the kind of careful, precedent-focused legal reasoning that earns you top grades in law school, rather than by what they were hearing from legal and political elites that they viewed as ideological allies.As Yale law professor Jack Balkin wrote about that error, a legal argument can move from off the wall to on the wall because people and institutions are willing to put their reputations on the line and state that an argument formerly thought beyond the pale is not crazy at all. In the end, many judges cared more about what they heard on Fox News or at an event hosted by the Federalist Society, than they did about what the Supreme Court said in Gonzales v. Raich (2005).If you take the Courts recent precedents seriously, there is a very strong legal argument against the tariffsAt least on the surface, anyone who wants to challenge Trumps tariffs faces a far more favorable legal landscape than Obamacare opponents faced in 2010. During the Obama and Biden administrations, Republican justices fabricated novel new legal doctrines, such as the so-called major questions doctrine, in order to strike down Democratic policies they deemed too ambitious. They also threatened to revive old, once-discredited ideas like the nondelegation doctrine, which was used to frustrate President Franklin D. Roosevelts New Deal.Both of these doctrines are grounded in the idea that the judiciary has broad power to strike down policies established by the executive branch of the federal government, even if the executive can point to an act of Congress that explicitly gives them the power to do what they want to do.The primary reason to be skeptical that the Supreme Court will actually apply one of these doctrines to strike down Trumps tariffs is that the Republican justices rollout of their new approach to executive power has been so partisan that it is hard not to suspect that they are acting in bad faith. The same six Republican justices who said that Democratic President Joe Bidens student loan forgiveness program was an egregious power grab, despite the fact that that program was authorized by a federal statute empowering the executive to waive or modify any statutory or regulatory provision applicable to the student financial assistance programs, also said that Republican President Donald Trump is allowed to use the powers of the presidency to commit crimes.Similarly, the best legal argument against Trumps tariffs is rooted in the Courts major questions doctrine, which holds that judges should cast a skeptical eye on executive branch actions of vast economic and political significance According to the Budget Lab at Yale, the tariffs are expected to reduce the average American households real annual income by nearly $3,800. That seems like a matter of vast economic and political significance.But the short history of this major questions doctrine would give any serious legal scholar great pause. The idea that programs of vast economic and political significance are suspect was first articulated in Utility Air Regulatory Group v. EPA (2014), in order to criticize a hypothetical Environmental Protection Agency regulation that was never enacted, that no one ever proposed, and that likely would have shut down all construction of hotels in the United States if it had ever actually existed. A year later, the Court used the major questions doctrine again to repudiate an imaginary health regulation that would have collapsed the individual health insurance markets in most states.Having used these strawmen to invent a completely new legal doctrine that appears nowhere in the Constitution or in any statute, the Court let this major questions doctrine lay dormant for Trumps entire first term only to revive it with a vengeance once a Democrat became president. To date, the doctrine has only been used to strike down actual, rather than theoretical, policies during the Biden administration.One of the most important questions looming over Trumps second term is whether a Republican Supreme Court will apply the same rules it invented to thwart Democratic administrations to Trump and his subordinates. We do not know yet how the justices will answer this question. But, as Balkin writes, the answer is likely to be shaped by how elite conservatives in the legal profession, the media, and in elected office urge the justices to behave.One of the most important questions is whether elected Republicans join groups like NCLA or commentators like Shapiro in criticizing the tariffs. What really accelerates the movement of constitutional arguments from off the wall to on the wall is neither intellectuals nor social movements, Balkin wrote about the Obamacare fight. Instead, the most important factor is often what Republicans in political office want the courts to do. When establishment politicians who, after all, have to stand for election and dont want to be thought out-of-touch to their constituents get behind a constitutional argument, they often help move it forward quickly, Balkin wrote.For now, it remains to be seen whether members of Congress, governors, and other top elected Republicans will speak out against the tariffs once their constituents start to experience the pain of higher prices. But if you are hoping to see these tariffs go away, you should take the fact that the first spear targeting the tariffs was thrown by a prominent right-wing legal shop as a very positive sign.See More:
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  • METRO.CO.UK
    Nintendo fans demand Switch 2 game price cut as they spam livestream
    Nintendo fans demand Switch 2 game price cut as they spam livestreamAdam StarkeyPublished April 4, 2025 5:52pmUpdated April 4, 2025 5:52pm Mario Kart World isnt cheap (Nintendo)For the second consecutive day, Nintendos Treehouse livestream has been flooded with outrage over the prices for the Switch 2.Nintendos huge Switch 2 Direct may have delivered big game reveals, impressive third party support, and lots of GameCube games, but since then the prevailing conversation around the system has been about pricing.While few are complaining about the consoles 395.99 price tag (429.99 when bundled with Mario Kart World) the price of its games has become a major point of contention. The main issue is Mario Kart World, which costs 74.99 for a physical edition and 66.99 for the digital version.Its unclear whether this price will become the norm, but fellow Switch 2 exclusive Donkey Kong Bananza is cheaper, at 66.99 for a physical copy and 58.99 for digital. Prior to this, The Legend Of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom was the most expensive Switch game at 59.99, although no other game on the system cost that much.While Nintendo clearly knew there might be some blowback against the prices, as it omitted them from the Switch 2 Direct, it probably didnt expect fans to flood the comments of its livestream and demand a price cut during its Nintendo Treehouse livestream for two days straight.During the Nintendo Treehouse broadcasts on YouTube across Thursday April 3 and Friday April 4, the comments were relentlessly inundated with drop the price messages with zero acknowledgment from Nintendo the entire time. A drop the price revolt (Nintendo/YouTube)Its an interesting situation because the price of Mario Kart World, while expensive, is in line with the cost of other triple-A games. Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 sold for 69.99 digitally at launch, along with EA Sports FC 25. Not only is that slightly more expensive than Mario Kart World but both franchises release new sequels every year; while theres unlikely to be a new Mario Kart until the Switch 3.The backlash against the price appears to be a combination of factors. Firstly, Nintendo is seen as the affordable family-friendly option, and rather than prices increasingly slowly over the years this is a sudden leap forward, even if it is still similar to other big name games.What also hasnt helped is the impression that Nintendo is being stingy with the Switch 2 elsewhere. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, which looks like a free pack-in game, is actually a paid-for title, while the systems GameChat online social features will, sometime next year, be locked behind a Nintendo Switch Online membership.At the same time, Nintendo has done little to highlight the fact that the console bundle effectively means youre buying Mario Kart Word for just 34, which is an amazing bargain that may have helped to dispel the outrage if it had been a more central part of the Nintendo Direct.Youll need to buy a camera separately too for 49.99 to capitalise on GameChat features and any camera functionality in games, such as Super Mario Party Jamborees new TV mode (this is on top of the price of an upgrade for the Switch 2 Edition).More TrendingWhile the lack of in-built camera is perhaps understandable to keep the cost of the system down, when combined with everything else, the Switch 2 doesnt exactly (at this point, at least) give the impression of a generous, consumer-friendly package overall.Ironically, based on what weve played during hands-on previews, Mario Kart World might be the one part of this which justifies the lofty price tag. The game is set to be shown off again in a special Direct on April 17, so it might appease some concerns then.It remains to be seen if Nintendo will attempt to address the fury, but considering GTA 6 is expected to sell for an even higher price, this might just be the shock of a new reality for game prices moving forward. This joy comes at a price (Nintendo)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralSign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy
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  • GIZMODO.COM
    DOGE Orders Layoffs at Social Security, Plans to Gut IT Team as Website Continually Breaks: Report
    Despite Trumps promises not to touch Social Security, Elon Musks DOGE has asked for serious cuts to the agency. Critics have accused the billionaire and his team of attempting to cripple Americas retirement system. Now, a new report states that, per DOGEs orders, the Social Security Administration has plans to fire potentially thousands of staffers as soon as next week, in an effort to further downsize the agency and align it with Trumps efficiency mandate. The Washington Post reports that Musks government efficiency team has demanded an extensive reduction of workforce throughout the agency. The newspaper describes the effort thusly: The cuts have been ordered by leaders of Elon Musks cost-cutting team, the U.S. DOGE Service, which reviewed the agencys plans to shrink its workforce last week, according to four agency officials familiar with the conversations, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the plans. DOGE determined that the 7,000 jobs eliminated since February under acting commissioner Leland Dudek through early retirements, buyouts, resignations and firings were not enough, the officials said. The DOGE team, which has amassed unprecedented power throughout the federal government, has demanded significantly deeper cuts to ensure that Social Security meets President Donald Trumps goal to shrink federal agencies, officials said. According to the newspaper, the cuts being demanded by DOGE are across the board. It writes: The DOGE team did not provide a specific number of jobs that must be eliminated, officials said, but asked for staff reductions to broad areas of operation, including communications, personnel, legislative and congressional affairs, retirement and disability policy, and other support components. Among other things, DOGE has asked for severe cuts to the administrations IT team, the report states. That team is presumably already under a severe amount of strain due to the agencys recent decision to downsize its phone operationsa highly controversial move that has forced an influx of traffic to the SSA website. The strain of that traffic has reportedly caused the website to crash multiple times. A senior department official told the Post that as many as 800 people could be laid off from the IT team, which currently has about 4,000 members. DOGE has already announced lease terminations for dozens of SSA field offices across the country. This policy threatens retirees ability to get in-person help when signing up for retirement benefits. Under DOGE, the SSA has also cut phone operations, and, now, will also apparently cut web operations. At the same time, DOGE has claimed that it will re-write the SSAs entire codebase in a matter of months, a move that critics worry could lead to serious digital dysfunction. Social Security activists say its pretty clear that DOGEs ultimate goal is to hobble the agencys operations and destroy its ability to function.When reached for comment by Gizmodo, a White House spokesperson told us this: With a resounding mandate from the American people, President Trump is moving quickly to fulfill his promise of making the federal government more efficient. He has promised to protect Social Security, and every recipient will continue to receive their benefits. While failing to dispute anything specific in the Post report, the government further stated that there are currently no finalized RIF (reduction in workforce) plans and that the SSA was merely evaluating the next steps. If the Trump administration manages to cripple Americas Social Security system while also yanking trillions of dollars out of Americans 401ks via an ill-advised, stock-market-killing trade war, it will have effectively nullified the entire concept of retirement for the foreseeable future.
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  • WWW.ARCHDAILY.COM
    JHA Corporate Boutique / PSA Arquitetura
    JHA Corporate Boutique / PSA ArquiteturaSave this picture!Architects: PSA ArquiteturaAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:37674 ftYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2021 PhotographsPhotographs:Nelson Kon Lead Architects: Pablo Slemenson, Lucas Rodrigues, Daniel Tesser More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture! Nelson KonDevelopment of the JHA Corporate Boutique: Inspirations and Concepts - The JHA Corporate Boutique, designed by PSA Arquitetura, was conceived with the goal of reimagining corporate spaces, promoting not only functionality but also the quality of life for users. The main inspiration came from the need to integrate the work environment with the urban surroundings, creating a visual and functional connection. The design prioritizes visual permeability, with floor-to-ceiling windows and interspersed balconies that provide better natural lighting and a harmonious interaction with the external environment.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Initial Challenges and Obstacles - During the development of the JHA Corporate Boutique, some initial difficulties included adapting the project to the urban regulations of Itaim Bibi and meeting sustainability requirements. The pursuit of LEED Silver certification required careful planning to ensure that construction practices and materials used minimized environmental impact. Coordination among different teams of professionals, such as architects, engineers, and landscapers, also presented challenges but was essential for the project's success.Save this picture!Save this picture!Construction Techniques and Materials Used - The building, with 8 floors, was constructed using modern building techniques that ensure flexibility and adaptability to different market segments. The use of aluminum frames and a cross-ventilation system are some of the key technical aspects that allow natural light to enter and fresh air to circulate. The materiality of the project is marked by finishes in sober and wood-like tones, chosen to reflect sophistication and sustainability. The landscaping incorporates native species, contributing to integration with nature and the project's environmental commitment.Save this picture!Save this picture!Spatial Configuration and Justification - The spatial configuration of the JHA Corporate Boutique was carefully planned to maximize functionality and productivity. The floor plates, ranging from 605 m to 826 m, were designed to be versatile, allowing adaptation to different work arrangements. The arrangement of balconies and interspersed windows not only creates a dynamic visual effect on the facade but also enhances occupants' connection with the outdoors, promoting a healthier and more stimulating work environment. The ground floor, with "V"-shaped columns and an internal garden, offers areas for decompression and social interaction, reinforcing the proposal for a corporate space that values the quality of life and social engagement.Save this picture!Save this picture!These elements, combined with the contemporary aesthetic of the building, highlight the JHA Corporate Boutique as an example of excellence in design and functionality, recognized with awards such as Best Corporate Project at the GRI Awards 2024 and the Gold Winner at the Urban Design & Architecture Design Awards 2024.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Itaim Bibi, Sao Paulo - SP, BrazilLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officeMaterialsMaterials and TagsPublished on April 04, 2025Cite: "JHA Corporate Boutique / PSA Arquitetura" [Edifcio JHA Corporativo Boutique / PSA Arquitetura] 04 Apr 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028306/jha-corporate-boutique-psa-arquitetura&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • WWW.YOUTUBE.COM
    A Free & Simple Tree Generator For All!
    This free tree creator is super awesome and anyone can now make trees easily. Join The Renderhub Contest: https://www.renderhub.com/3d-contests/renderhub-graffiti-contest-2 Explore this Free Tree Tool: https://www.eztree.dev Get Lazy Forest (25% OFF): https://blendermarket.com/products/lazy-forest-generator-addon?ref=110 Get Fluid Kit (25% OFF) : https://blendermarket.com/products/fluid-kit?ref=110 Get All True VFX Addons & Assets (50% OFF): https://blendermarket.com/creators/true-vfx Valid till 2nd April 2025 50% OFF Coupon Code: WORLD50 Get Premium Blender Addons: https://bit.ly/3jbu8s7 Learn to Animate in Blender: https://bit.ly/3A1NWac Get Character Creator 4 - https://bit.ly/3b16Wcw Get Iclone 8.5 - https://bit.ly/38QDfbb FiberShop - Realtime Hair Tool: https://tinyurl.com/2hd2t5v Big Ref Database: https://bit.ly/3PLtaQ8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Join Weekly Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3lpfvSm Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/asknk Discord: https://discord.gg/G2kmTjUFGm Twitter: https://bit.ly/3a0tADG ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Blender Premium Tutorials Blender Tutorials #1: https://bit.ly/3nbfTEu Blender Tutorials #2: https://tinyurl.com/yeyrkreh Learn HardSurface In Blender: https://bit.ly/3E5nP2T 3D Cars Building, Rigging & Animation: https://bit.ly/4h5HXEq Cinematic Car Animation Course: https://bit.ly/3ORFccG Alive! - Animation Course: https://bit.ly/3AEFvyA Human - Realistic Portrait Creation: https://bit.ly/2XvMT1j ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#asknk #free3D #free3Dmodels #free3Dresources #freetextures #freematerials #freefriday #premium #b3d #blender3d #free #addons #blenderaddons #new #3dnews #release #update Thumbnail Art:**Artworks used on thumbnails are to support artists who used the principal or third-party tools discussed within the video.** #SupportsArtist
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  • WWW.YOUTUBE.COM
    Nondestructive Gun Model in Blender! #b3d
    Non-destructive sci-fi gun modelled in Blender using the Random Flow add-on.Shops:blendermarket.com/creators/blenderguppygumroad.com/blenderguppyPatreon:patreon.com/blenderguppy#b3d #conceptart #blender3d #blenderaddon #blendermarket
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  • WWW.YOUTUBE.COM
    Blender Studio Log 14 - Playtesting and Playgrounds
    Subscribe to Blender Studio to access invaluable production knowledge from Blender Studio, while securing Blender's future. Learn more at https://studio.blender.org/welcome/ Camera & EditingHarukaze LegougeMusicnymano - untitledsaib - mellowlakey inspired - flightFollow Blender Studio:* Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/studio.blender.org * Mastodon: https://mastodon.social/@BlenderStudio * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blender.studio.official/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/blender-studio-official/ * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlenderStudioOfficial/ * X: https://x.com/BlenderStudio_--#BlenderStudio #b3d
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  • WWW.YOUTUBE.COM
    Cascadeur 2025.1 JUST Got a LOT Faster animation with AI Inbetweening | CGMeetup
    Cascadeur 2025.1 released - Faster animation workflows with AI Inbetweening. https://cgmeetup.com/news/cascadeur-20251-released-faster-animation-workflows-with-ai-inbetweening-978 Cascadeur 2025.1 introducing a powerful new AI tool today that automatically generates smooth, natural animation between two poses - making the animation workflow faster and more intuitive than ever. With this new Inbetweening feature, seamless transitions are now just a click away! What's New in Cascadeur 2025.1?Brand-New Inbetweening Tool: Create fluid, natural motion with ease! Powered by AI, the new Inbetweening Tool generates motion between poses.Improved AutoPosing: Enhanced AutoPosing ensures greater stability and improved pelvis control.Improved AutoPhysics: Improved original pose preservation via Geometrical Constraints logic and added a new slider for controlling the Physics Corrector.Upgraded Ragdoll System: New Ragdoll interaction with characters and props. Support for custom Kinematic mesh colliders.New GLTF/GLB Import Format & FBX Improvements: Extended compatibility with Blender, Daz3d and other software.New Right-Click Context Menu: Right-clicking now opens a menu for setting the pivot and accessing other functions. Can be reverted to the old behavior in viewport input settings.Additional Enhancements: Various UI changes, improved Unbaking functionality, added Roblox Sample characters, optimized Copy Tools and much more!Learn More:For a complete list of changes, check out the 2025.1 release notes. https://cascadeur.com/help/category/279&amp ;#13;
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  • WWW.DISCOVERMAGAZINE.COM
    Wildfire Smoke Harms Not Just Lungs, But Impacts Mental Health, Too
    Its a given that we associate higher exposure to wildfire smoke with decreased lung health. But a new study, for the first time, links breathing in fine particulate air pollution (labelled by public health scientists as PM2.5) to mental health issues as well.The study published in JAMA Network Open connected increased exposure to wildfire smoke with a spike in visits to emergency departments for mental health conditions.Wildfire smoke isnt just a respiratory issue it affects mental health, too, Kari Nadeau, a researcher at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and an author of the paper, said in a press release. Our study suggests that in addition to the trauma a wildfire can induce smoke itself may play a direct role in worsening mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders.Smoke Affects Mind and LungsThe study focused on California between July 2020 and December 2020 a period covering the states worst wildfire season on record, up to that date. The researchers analyzed data on wildfire-specific PM2.5 levels and emergency department visits for mental health conditions, by zip code, according to the release.They essentially linked emergency mental health visits with PM2.5 levels. The data analyzed treatment for mental health conditions including psychoactive substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, mood-affective disorders, depression, and anxiety.The study recorded 86,588 such visits. The average concentration of PM2.5 particle specific to wildfires during that period was 6.95 micrograms per cubic meter of air (g/m3). As the particulate concentrations worsened, the number of emergency mental health visits increased, with exposures at or above 10 micrograms per cubic meter of air leading to substantially increased emergency mental health visits, according to the press release. The PM2.5 concentration levels reached 11.9 micrograms per cubic meter during peak wildfire months, with a high of 24.9 g/m3 in September 2020. Read More: What Was the Deadliest Wildfire in U.S. History?Estimating Wildfire Smoke ExposureIt's difficult to estimate how many people each year are exposed to wildfire smoke, because acres burned doesnt necessarily translate directly to population affected; smoke moves beyond burn boundaries. Estimates range from over 100 million people in the U.S., if you use the most indirect measures of exposure, to about 10 million if the data only includes people directly impacted by wildfires near their homes. The American Lung Associations 2024 State of the Air report said that about 65 million people were exposed at least once to unhealthy spikes of exposure to the kinds of particles often found in wildfire smoke over the three years of the study. Such exposure is trending up. According to the report, about 131 million Americans breathed in at least one kind of unhealthy air during the study period.In the three years covered by this report, individuals in the U.S. experienced the highest number of days when particle pollution reached 'very unhealthy' and 'hazardous' levels in the 25 years of reporting the 'State of the Air,' according to an ALA press release. Larger Fires, More Health RisksAlthough the number of wildfires per year, at around 70,000 per year, hasnt increased substantially over the past few years (following a period of growth earlier), the area affected is on the rise. In 2024, the U.S. saw an increase of 122 percent in terms of acres burned compared to the 10-year average, according to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services data. Other studies have already linked the increase in wildfires to physical health concerns, including one that attributes over 11,000 deaths a year to long-term exposure to wildfire pollutants.Given the dramatic rise in western [U.S.] wildfires and the tremendous amount of smoke emitted by these events, prolonged smoke exposure is impacting communities both near and distant from the actual wildfires, according to a report in the journal Environmental Justice, Health, and Policy.That trend refers to physical health issues. We now know to monitor wildfires effects on mental health as well.This article is not offering medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only.Article SourcesOur writers at Discovermagazine.com use peer-reviewed studies and high-quality sources for our articles, and our editors review for scientific accuracy and editorial standards. Review the sources used below for this article: American Lung Association. 2024 State of the Air reportU.S. Health and Human Services. Wildfire Outlook for December 2024Environmental Justice, Health, and Policy. Wildfire, Smoke Exposure, Human Health, and Environmental Justice Need to be Integrated into Forest Restoration and ManagementBefore joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues. He began his career in newspapers, but switched to scientific magazines. His work has appeared in publications including Science News, Science, Nature, and Scientific American.
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    Mass grave of over 120 Roman soldiers found under soccer field
    Potentially over 150 Roman soldiers' bodies were buried in the mass grave near Vienna. Credit: A. Slonek / NovetusGet the Popular Science daily newsletterSoccer field renovations near Vienna, Austria recently revealed a significantif grimarcheological find: a mass grave dating back to the first century CE and Roman empire. The gravesite contained the skeletons of potentially over 150 soldiers. According to archeologists, the discovery is as dark as it is unique, and may provide unexpected new insights into life on the Roman frontier at the height of the nations power.The city of Vienna has existed for hundreds of years, but its history extends even further into the past. Roughly 2,000 years ago, Romes forces stretched into present-day Austria and established multiple military outposts across the region. One of the largest garrisons constructed was a settlement known as Vindobona on the Danube River, and it eventually grew to include 16,000 to 20,000 residents. Rome ultimately left Vindobona to the Huns in 433 CE, and the outpost was subsequently abandoned for centuries. However, experts only have historical accounts of combat in the region prior to this and t no direct evidence.The gravesite may relate to conflicts with Germanic tribes around 100 CE. Credit:A. Slonek / Novetus In October 2024, a construction team came across a sea of skeletal remains while working on renovations to a soccer field in Viennas neighboring town of Simmerling. Archeologists from the Vienna Museum soon visited the site and confirmed the extraordinary: a mass grave of at least 129 individuals, but likely many more. Further analysis confirmed that the bodies belonged almost exclusively to 20 to 30 year old Roman legionnaires, all of whom appear to display evidence of fatal battle injuries from spears, swords, daggers, and bolts.But as surprising as this discovery is from an everyday perspective, it also proved hard for archeologists to believe. As history shows, Rome wasnt known for its lack of military campaigns. But until the fourth century CE, Romans didnt even bury bodies.Instead, they cremated them.In the Roman Empire, there were strict burial rituals, and precise rules had to be followed for the time after death, Kristina Adler-Wlfl, Viennas head of archeology, said in a city announcement. Since cremations were common in the European parts of the Roman Empire around 100 AD [CE], inhumations are an absolute exception. Finds of Roman skeletons from this period are therefore extremely rare.Within the context of Roman acts of war, there are no comparable finds of fighters, dig leader Michaela Binder added on April 4 in Arkeonews.Vindabona was abandoned to the Huns in 433 CE. Credit: Pavel Cuzuioc Historical accounts report multiple battles between Roman forces and Germanic tribes on the Danube border during the reign of Emperor Domitian (81-96 CE). These led his successor, Emperor Trajan (98-117 CE), to expand the Vindabona fortification borders, later known as the Danube Limes.The mass grave in Simmering is the first physical evidence of fighting from this period and indicates the location of a battle in the area of present-day Vienna, said archeologist Martin Mosser.According to Mosser, the mass gravesite may directly relate to Emperor Trajans decision to bolster defenses in the area following the Germanic conflict.Get the Popular Science daily newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday.Archeologists plan to further excavate the gravesite, as well as conduct DNA and isotopic analyses to better understand the warriors living conditions. In time, the unique discovery may also expand and clarify what we know about Roman history during the first century.In Vienna, one is always prepared to encounter Roman traces as soon as one opens up a pavement or opens the earth, said Veronica Kaup-Hasler, Viennas Executive City Councillor for Culture and Science. After all, Vindobona laid the foundation stone of our city.
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