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Category: News
November 13, 2024
Election 2024
News

Mark Cuban Steps Back from Politics Following Trump Victory.

Mark Cuban has announced a temporary retreat from the political area. On Tuesday, the Democrat billionaire shared on the social media platform Bluesky—a refuge for many leftists rage quitting X (formerly Twitter) following President-elect Donald J. Trump’s election victory—that he plans to step back from politics for the foreseeable future.

“Just an FYI. Don’t expect any politics or speculation about what might happen for a while. I’m sure there will be plenty to comment on when the time comes,” he wrote.

Cuban, a staunch supporter of Vice President Kamala Harris during the campaign, had criticized Donald Trump, labeling him a “threat” with “fascist tendencies.” However, he acknowledges Trump had won “fair and square,” and congratulated X owner Elon Musk, a notable Trump supporter, for influencing the election outcome.

Cuban may have contributed to Trump’s election win himself, angering many conservative women and their friends and relatives by suggesting that Trump only has stupid, weak women in his orbit while acting as a Harris surrogate.

In a post-election Bluesky post seemingly aimed at X, Cuban wrote “Hello Less Hateful World,” highlighting his preference for the alternative platform’s more censorious atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Cuban has been frantically removing pro-Harris posts on his X account, claiming he routinely deletes old posts.

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Mark Cuban has announced a temporary retreat from the political area. On Tuesday, the Democrat billionaire shared on the social media platform Bluesky—a refuge for many leftists rage quitting X (formerly Twitter) following President-elect Donald J. Trump's election victory—that he plans to step back from politics for the foreseeable future. show more
November 13, 2024
Lawfare
Media
TECH

Court Dismisses News Outlets’ Lawsuit Against OpenAI.

A federal judge in New York has dismissed a lawsuit by news outlets Raw Story and AlterNet against OpenAI. The media organizations accused the company of misusing their copyrighted material to train its AI language model, ChatGPT. Last week, U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon granted OpenAI’s request to dismiss the lawsuit entirely, citing the plaintiffs’ failure to establish a tangible injury under Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution, necessary for legal standing.

Judge McMahon stated the plaintiffs did not demonstrate any actual harm from the alleged violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). She noted that they failed to provide specific instances of ChatGPT reproducing their content without acknowledgment, labeling the likelihood of such occurrences as “remote.”

The case, initiated by Raw Story Media, the parent company of Raw Story and AlterNet, alleged OpenAI contravened Section 1202(b)(1) of the DMCA. The complaint claimed the AI company removed copyright management details from numerous articles during the ChatGPT training process. Raw Story sought damages of at least $2,500 per violation and demanded the removal of their content from OpenAI’s datasets.

The judge pointed out that the plaintiffs’ grievance seemed to revolve around their articles being used without compensation rather than the lack of proper attribution. Despite the ruling, Raw Story and AlterNet can replead their case, although the judge was skeptical about their prospects of proving concrete injury.

OpenAI asserted its use of publicly accessible data is protected under fair use rules. The dismissal may influence similar cases, as OpenAI and other AI firms face numerous lawsuits over the data utilized in training generative AI systems. These include actions from prominent publishers like The New York Times, alleging unauthorized use of articles for AI development.

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A federal judge in New York has dismissed a lawsuit by news outlets Raw Story and AlterNet against OpenAI. The media organizations accused the company of misusing their copyrighted material to train its AI language model, ChatGPT. Last week, U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon granted OpenAI's request to dismiss the lawsuit entirely, citing the plaintiffs' failure to establish a tangible injury under Article 3 of the U.S. Constitution, necessary for legal standing. show more
November 13, 2024
News
World

Turkey Severs Ties with Israel: Reports.

Turkey’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that his country has officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel. The Turkish leader made the announcement to journalists on his plane after visiting Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan.

“The government of the Republic of Turkey, under the leadership of Tayyip Erdogan, will not continue or develop relations with Israel,” the Turkish president said. “[Our ruling coalition] is resolute in its decision to cut ties with Israel, and we will maintain this stance in the future as well.”

Erdogan has been openly critical of Israel, particularly over recent conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon. He described these events as genocided and reiterated the necessity for an immediate ceasefire and delivery of humanitarian aid.

Erdogan’s remarks highlight Turkey’s ongoing commitment to the Palestinian cause, which has been a consistent aspect of his foreign policy. Over the years, Erdogan’s government has frequently condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza.

“As you know, intense efforts are being made to keep the pressure on Israel alive and to take coercive measures against this country on the basis of international law,” Erdogan said. The Turkish leader emphasized the arms embargo effort being pushed by his country at the United Nations (UN), claiming 52 nations and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have expressed their support.

Erdogan’s decision signifies Turkey’s intention to assert a stronger presence in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The NATO leader’s diplomatic realignment may also impact his ongoing role in the Syrian conflict and other regional hostilities.

Despite Erdogan’s announcement, the Turkish embassy appears to be continuing to operate in Tel Aviv for the time being.

Image by United Nations Alliance of Civilizations.

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Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that his country has officially severed diplomatic relations with Israel. The Turkish leader made the announcement to journalists on his plane after visiting Saudi Arabia and Azerbaijan. show more
November 13, 2024
Crime
Immigration

Skulls Discovered Near U.S.-Mexico Border Raise Alarms.

Authorities in Lea County, New Mexico, have launched an investigation following the discovery of numerous human skulls at a residence in Jal, a city near the Texas border. The initial report came on November 5 from a local resident who reported an unsettling encounter with a man he had given a ride. This individual allegedly made alarming statements and disposed of what appeared to be human remains from the vehicle, according to the Lea County Sheriff’s Office.

Following this report, officers conducted a search near a convenience store and the man’s last reported whereabouts, leading to the discovery of bone fragments. On November 6, law enforcement officials executed a search at a property on South 4th Street, reportedly linked to rumors of human remains. Additional bone pieces, including a skull and jawbone, were found.

A subsequent search on November 9 yielded evidence of 10 to 20 human skulls, which have been sent to the Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque for further analysis. The investigation is currently focusing on identifying these remains and establishing any potential connection to Angela McManes, 43, who was last seen in the area on May 14, 2019.

Authorities have urged people with information to contact the Lea County Sheriff’s Office or Lea County Crimestoppers. This case is gaining attention amid reports of charred bones found in suspected cartel sites in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, where a volunteer group discovered skeletal remains.

The gruesome sites, often associated with cartels, are alleged to be used for burning or dissolving bodies to eliminate evidence.

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Authorities in Lea County, New Mexico, have launched an investigation following the discovery of numerous human skulls at a residence in Jal, a city near the Texas border. The initial report came on November 5 from a local resident who reported an unsettling encounter with a man he had given a ride. This individual allegedly made alarming statements and disposed of what appeared to be human remains from the vehicle, according to the Lea County Sheriff's Office. show more
November 13, 2024
Media
TECH

The Guardian Rage Quits ‘Toxic’ X After Trump’s Election Win.

The Guardian has decided to cease posting on Elon Musk‘s social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. The British newspaper group, which endorsed Kamala Harris in her failed bid for the U.S. presidency, complains, “The U.S. presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse.”

The Guardian claims it has been considering exiting the platform “for a while given the often disturbing content promoted or found on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and racism.” However, The Guardian itself boasts close to 11 million followers on the platform, and leftist politicians such as Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) also own large followings and regularly receive tens of thousands of likes for their posts—suggesting X is not biased against the left, it simply declines to censor users who lean right at scale.

The Guardian concedes that it will continue embedding X posts in its news coverage and that its journalists will still use the platform for news-gathering.

In a report covering its own exit announcement, The Guardian complains that users banned by X’s previous ownership, including Alex Jones, Andrew Tate, and Tommy Robinson, have been allowed back on the platform.

Other social media platforms are gaining new users from leftists’ post-election abandonment of X. Meta’s Threads is experiencing growth, while Bluesky, founded by former Twitter head Jack Dorsey, saw a surge in downloads recently. Both are far more censorious than X.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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The Guardian has decided to cease posting on Elon Musk's social media platform X, previously known as Twitter. The British newspaper group, which endorsed Kamala Harris in her failed bid for the U.S. presidency, complains, "The U.S. presidential election campaign served only to underline what we have considered for a long time: that X is a toxic media platform and that its owner, Elon Musk, has been able to use its influence to shape political discourse." show more
November 13, 2024
Crime
News

Diddy Can Spy on Women in Detention Center: Report.

Music producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, as he awaits trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Sources familiar with the facility indicate Combs is in the 4 North unit, a dorm-style section that typically houses high-profile inmates. This unit offers more privileges compared to the general population, including recreational activities such as air hockey.

Gene Borrello, a former Bonanno crime family enforcer, confirmed that the unit includes a room with grates, allowing a direct view into the women’s unit below. According to Borrello, these conditions provide male inmates with opportunities to interact with female inmates.

The allegations against Combs include orchestrating events termed “freak-offs,” which prosecutors say involved underage victims and coercive activities. The indictment details the use of substances and prostitutes at these gatherings. Combs asserts his innocence, claiming the activities were consensual.

Communication is restricted, with Combs allowed 300 minutes per month for phone calls. Despite the constraints, Combs is reportedly adjusting to life in custody. Meanwhile, his legal team continues efforts to secure bail, recently proposing increased supervision and financial guarantees.

Combs was heavily involved in Democratic politics. He even helped the founder of the far-left MeidasTouch network, Ben Meiselas, get his start in the sector.

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Music producer Sean 'Diddy' Combs is currently held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, as he awaits trial on charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. Sources familiar with the facility indicate Combs is in the 4 North unit, a dorm-style section that typically houses high-profile inmates. This unit offers more privileges compared to the general population, including recreational activities such as air hockey. show more
November 13, 2024
NatSec
News

Jury Awards $42M to Iraqi Detainees for Abu Ghraib Abuse.

A jury in Alexandria, Virginia, has awarded $42 million to three former detainees of Abu Ghraib prison, linking their abuse to the actions of a Virginia-based military contractor. The decision holds CACI, the Reston, Virginia-based company, accountable for the mistreatment and torture the plaintiffs endured nearly 20 years ago. The verdict follows a previous jury’s failure to reach a consensus earlier in the year.

The plaintiffs—Suhail Al Shimari, Salah Al-Ejaili, and Asa’ad Al-Zubae—were each granted $3 million in compensatory damages and $11 million in punitive damages. They testified to experiencing beatings, sexual humiliation, forced nudity, and other forms of abuse while detained. They contended that CACI’s civilian interrogators conspired with military personnel to improperly “soften up” detainees.

CACI’s representative, John O’Connor, did not disclose whether there would be an appeal. Meanwhile, Baher Azmy, representing the Center for Constitutional Rights, highlighted this verdict’s significance to the U.S. treatment of terrorism detainees.

The trial and subsequent retrial mark the first instance in two decades where a U.S. jury considered claims from Abu Ghraib detainees. Al Shimari reported sexual abuse and beatings, while Al-Ejaili described enduring stress positions and sleep deprivation.

CACI maintained its stance that its employees bore no responsibility and attributed any potential misconduct to the Army. The jury faced challenges in deciding responsibility between CACI and the Army. Nonetheless, evidence, including reports from retired Army generals, suggested complicity by some CACI interrogators.

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A jury in Alexandria, Virginia, has awarded $42 million to three former detainees of Abu Ghraib prison, linking their abuse to the actions of a Virginia-based military contractor. The decision holds CACI, the Reston, Virginia-based company, accountable for the mistreatment and torture the plaintiffs endured nearly 20 years ago. The verdict follows a previous jury's failure to reach a consensus earlier in the year. show more
November 13, 2024
William Upton
Media

Olivia Nuzzi’s World is Still Collapsing, FYI.

Disgraced journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s career continues into a tailspin after it emerged she attempted to seduce Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. through suggestive and erotic text messages. The former New York Magazine scribe has withdrawn a protective order against her ex-fiance, Ryan Lizza, who alleges her claims against him were motivated as part of a public relations campaign.

“Olivia shamelessly used litigation with false allegations as a public relations strategy. When required to do so, she refused to defend her claims in court last month,” Lizza wrote in a statement on Tuesday. “She then sought to hide my response to her claims from the public by seeking to seal the proceedings that she began. Now, on the eve of a hearing at which she knew her lies would be exposed, she has taken the only course available to her and withdrawn her fabricated claims,” he continued.

“Olivia lied to me for almost a year. She lied to her editors. She lied to her readers,” Nuzzi’s ex-finance claims. He added: “She lied to her colleagues. She lied to reporters. And she lied to the judge in this case… I’m pleased this matter is closed.”

Nuzzi has sought to frame her attempt at engaging in an affair with Kennedy Jr. as a professional hit job against her. Consequently, she insinuated that Lizza leaked her communications with the former independent presidential candidate with malicious intent. However, she has produced no evidence to support the allegations.

Meanwhile, addressing the decision to withdraw the protective order, a statement from Nuzzi’s attorney reads: “Ms. Nuzzi has no interest in fighting a public relations battle. For insight into her decision, you can refer to the statements in her motion.”

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Disgraced journalist Olivia Nuzzi’s career continues into a tailspin after it emerged she attempted to seduce Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. through suggestive and erotic text messages. The former New York Magazine scribe has withdrawn a protective order against her ex-fiance, Ryan Lizza, who alleges her claims against him were motivated as part of a public relations campaign. show more
November 13, 2024
Jack Montgomery
News

Boris Johnson Floats UK Boots on the Ground in Ukraine.

Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is saying Britain will have to send troops to Ukraine if President-elect Donald J. Trump reduces U.S. aid to the Eastern European country. “[F]or people watching, thinking ‘Why are we supporting the Ukrainians?’ It’s because otherwise, our collective security will be really degraded by a resurgent Russia threatening all sorts of parts of Europe, and we will then have to pay to send British troops to help defend Ukraine,” he insists.

Johnson, who has honored Ukrainian neo-Nazis in London, argues Western support for Ukraine is an “investment” against potential Russian and Chinese expansionism. “If Ukraine goes down, then we face an even bigger threat on our borders, the borders of the European continent wherever the democracies butt up against Russia,” he argues. “So, it’ll be the Baltic States. It’ll be in Georgia. You’ll see the impact of a Ukrainian defeat in the Pacific theatre. You’ll see it in the South China Sea.”

The U.S.-born Briton says there are anti-war factions in the Republican Party close to Trump “who take the wrong line on Ukraine and who are, frankly, a bit entranced by Vladimir Putin and they have a kind of weird sort of fanboy thing about Putin.”

“You know, taking his shirt off. And it’s creepy, It’s bonkers, it’s wrong. [Trump is] listening to some of those people,” Johnson said—although he acknowledged that Russian forces may have overrun Kiev in 2022 if Trump had not authorized Javelin missiles for Ukraine.

Direct British military intervention in Ukraine, while a serious escalation of the conflict, would likely make little difference on the battlefield. Britain’s armed forces faced sustained cutbacks under Johnson’s Conservative Party over the past 14 years and the prior Labour government. There are fewer than 20,000 British infantrymen and fewer than 160 operational British main battle tanks in service—forces that would likely be insufficient to defend any frontline town in Ukraine.

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Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is saying Britain will have to send troops to Ukraine if President-elect Donald J. Trump reduces U.S. aid to the Eastern European country. "[F]or people watching, thinking 'Why are we supporting the Ukrainians?' It’s because otherwise, our collective security will be really degraded by a resurgent Russia threatening all sorts of parts of Europe, and we will then have to pay to send British troops to help defend Ukraine," he insists. show more
November 12, 2024
NatSec
News

Jack Teixeira Gets 15-Year Sentence for Leaked Documents.

A federal judge has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman for disseminating classified intelligence reports online. Jack Teixeira, 22, was sentenced by Judge Indira Talwani at the Federal District Court in Massachusetts.

In court proceedings, the government depicted Teixeira as one of the most prominent figures in the unauthorized release of sensitive information in U.S. history. They suggested a nearly 17-year sentence, citing the severity of the breach. Teixeira’s defense sought a lesser sentence of 11 years, highlighting his youth and potential for rehabilitation.

During the hearing, Judge Talwani acknowledged Teixeira’s age but underscored the gravity of his actions. “You are young, and you have a future ahead of you, but it is such a serious crime,” she stated.

The case has sparked discussion regarding how individuals at Teixeira’s level acquired access to top-secret information, raising concerns about security measures within the National Guard.

Teixeira expressed remorse over his actions, stating, “I’m sorry for all the harm that I’ve wrought and that I’ve caused.”

“I understand all the responsibility and consequences falls on my shoulders alone. And I accept whatever that may bring,” he added.

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A federal judge has handed down a 15-year prison sentence to a Massachusetts Air National Guardsman for disseminating classified intelligence reports online. Jack Teixeira, 22, was sentenced by Judge Indira Talwani at the Federal District Court in Massachusetts. show more