MicroWave

joined 2 years ago
 

Summary

Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have disconnected from Russia’s power grid to prevent "geopolitical blackmail."

The move, decades in the making, was accelerated by fears of Russian pressure after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

The Baltic states will test their energy stability for 24 hours before integrating with Europe’s grid via Poland.

Officials warn of potential cyberattacks and sabotage, with increased security in place.

Estonia’s Kaja Kallas called the move "a victory for freedom and European unity."

 

Summary

A Canadian task force detected a "coordinated and malicious" online campaign linked to China, targeting Chrystia Freeland, a candidate to replace Justin Trudeau as prime minister.

The campaign was traced to a WeChat news account linked to the Chinese government, with over 30 accounts participating. China’s embassy has not responded, but Beijing has denied interference allegations.

This follows previous claims of Chinese election meddling.

Freeland stated she "will not be intimidated." Trudeau remains PM until a new Liberal leader is chosen on March 9.

 

Summary

Governments worldwide condemned Donald Trump’s sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) after it issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza war crimes.

Trump’s order imposed economic sanctions and travel bans on ICC staff, calling the warrants “illegitimate.”

The ICC and 79 nations, including Germany, France, and the UK, denounced the move as a threat to international justice.

Amnesty International called it “vindictive.” ICC officials fear the sanctions could disrupt their work, with Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan potentially targeted next.

 

Summary

The parents of four British teenagers are suing TikTok, alleging that its algorithm promoted the deadly "blackout challenge," leading to their children's deaths in 2022.

The lawsuit, filed by the Social Media Victims Law Center, claims TikTok deliberately pushed dangerous content to maximize engagement.

The case follows similar lawsuits and renewed scrutiny of social media’s role in child safety.

New UK laws now require platforms to prevent children from accessing harmful challenge videos.

 

Summary

French prosecutors have launched an investigation into Elon Musk’s X over allegations that it manipulated its algorithms to distort discourse.

The probe follows a report from a French lawmaker, citing "biased algorithms" that may have interfered with automated data processing.

Meanwhile, the EU is also investigating X for potential violations of the Digital Services Act, demanding internal algorithm documents by Feb. 15.

X has faced criticism for allegedly amplifying far-right content, with Musk publicly supporting Germany’s far-right AfD party.

 

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in a private meeting inadvertently broadcast via a hot mic, warned that Donald Trump is seriously considering annexing Canada to secure its critical mineral resources.

Speaking to business and labor leaders, Trudeau claimed Trump’s administration is keenly aware of Canada’s resource wealth and sees annexation as a means to control it.

The comments, cut off after staff realized they were audible, underscore growing economic and political tensions.

He also stressed the need to diversify trade, noting, “Geography means we’re always going to both benefit and be challenged by trade with the United States.”

 

Summary

Trump reiterated his proposal for the U.S. to take over Gaza after Israel’s military campaign, despite backlash from Republicans, international leaders, and human rights groups.

The plan, announced without consulting aides or conducting feasibility studies, suggests relocating Palestinians and rebuilding Gaza as a tourist hub.

The White House attempted damage control, calling relocation "temporary," but concerns persist over the plan’s implications and potential for escalating regional tensions.

 

Summary

North Korean troops deployed to Russia’s Kursk region in late 2024 have been withdrawn since mid-January after suffering heavy losses, according to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service.

About 300 North Koreans were killed and 2,700 wounded, with some captured soldiers unaware they were in combat.

The troops struggled with unfamiliar terrain and Ukrainian drone attacks. Pyongyang sent forces in exchange for Russian satellite technology and financial aid.

Analysts estimate casualty rates between 30–50%, making their deployment a costly gamble for North Korea.

 

Summary

Taiwan detected six Chinese balloons, nine military aircraft, and six navy ships near its main island, calling it a form of "grey-zone" harassment.

The balloons, flying at high altitudes, mark one of the highest daily sightings recorded. China has increased military activity around Taiwan, pressuring it diplomatically and militarily.

This follows similar incidents, including record balloon sightings after Taiwan’s 2024 elections.

Beijing, which views Taiwan’s government as separatist, has escalated drills since President Lai Ching-te took office, raising regional tensions.

 

Summary

Experts warn that Trump’s proposal for the U.S. to "take over" Gaza is fueling jihadist propaganda and could inspire terrorist attacks.

Security analysts say extremist groups will use his remarks to recruit, portraying the U.S. as an occupying force.

Critics, including Sen. Chris Murphy, argue Trump’s rhetoric directly aids terrorist recruitment.

Despite global backlash, Trump has defended his stance.

Former officials warn that, combined with recent cuts to intelligence agencies, these statements heighten the risk of terrorism targeting Americans at home and abroad.

 

Summary

Trump’s move to defund USAID is causing unintended consequences for American farmers and businesses.

The Washington Post reports that USAID purchases billions in U.S. agricultural products, with American farms supplying 41% of its food aid.

The funding freeze has already halted $340 million in food shipments, leaving tons of wheat stranded in Houston.

Experts warn this decision directly harms American jobs and businesses, as much of USAID’s aid is administered through U.S.-based organizations employing American workers.

 

Summary

The Senate confirmed Russell Vought as White House budget director in a 53-47 party-line vote despite Democratic opposition.

Vought, a key author of Project 2025, advocates aggressive budget cuts and expanding executive power.

Democrats warned he will slash programs like Medicare, Social Security, and veterans' benefits while promoting Trump’s policy agenda.

Republicans praised his confirmation, with Speaker Mike Johnson stating he will help dismantle the regulatory state.

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 42 points 3 weeks ago (15 children)

Literally what he did in the next paragraph:

The Biden administration has focused on revising and expanding federal student loan forgiveness programs that existed before Biden took office. That approach allowed the administration to expand loan forgiveness options despite its failure to implement new federal forgiveness programs after the Supreme Court struck-down Biden’s initial plan in 2023.

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 23 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (8 children)

From the article:

To come to this conclusion, the team tested tea bags made from nylon-6, polypropylene, and cellulose, all typical packaging for teas. They found that when brewing tea, "polypropylene releases approximately 1.2 billion particles per milliliter, with an average size of 136.7 nanometres; cellulose releases about 135 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 244 nanometres; while nylon-6 releases 8.18 million particles per milliliter, with an average size of 138.4 nanometres."

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 6 points 1 month ago

Thanks. I’ve fixed the link.

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 121 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago) (20 children)

Through reviewing posts on X, web archives, leak databases, and other social media profiles, the Observer identified the following individuals as the anonymous operators of neo-Nazi X accounts, which had a collective 500,000 followers at their peak:

Cyan Cruz (40 years old): Marketing professional who has lived in Austin and Amarillo, Texas, operating the X account TheOfficial1984.

Michael Gramer (42 years old): Retired mechanical engineer who has lived in New Hampshire, claimed to own a house in Galveston, Texas, and spent time in Dallas, operating the X account 9mm_SMG.

Robert “Bobby” Thorne (35 years old): Vice president at JP Morgan Chase in Plano, Texas, operating the account Noble1945 and previously Noble_x_x_.

John Anthony Provenzano (30 years old): Lives in Virginia, works at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Indian Head, Maryland, and operates the X account utism_ (formerly JohnnyBullzeye).

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 5 points 2 months ago

“Contrary to predictions” instead makes sense. I've updated the summary.

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 6 points 2 months ago

Thanks, I've updated the link.

[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 9 points 2 months ago (1 children)
[–] MicroWave@lemmy.world 73 points 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) (4 children)

The US Constitution already resolves this issue with federal preemption under the Supremacy Clause. Basically, Pennsylvania’s residency requirements apply to all elections within the state: local, state, and federal. However, in federal elections, federal law preempts and overrides any conflicting state laws. These challenges have been filed in bad faith.

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