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June 13, 2025
Politics

Coinbase Hires Ex-Obama, Harris Adviser to Expand Political Influence.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: A senior adviser to Kamala Harris’s presidential campaign, David Plouffe, has joined Coinbase’s global advisory council.

👥 Who’s Involved: David Plouffe, Chris LaCivita, Kyrsten Sinema, and Faryar Shirzad are among those involved, alongside other political figures from both parties.

📍 Where & When: Coinbase’s global advisory council, ongoing legislative developments in Congress, Washington, D.C., 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Coinbase’s Faryar Shirzad described the advisers’ role as a “sound board” for policy and strategy discussions.

⚠️ Impact: Cryptocurrency legislation is advancing rapidly in Congress, with bipartisan support for measures regulating stablecoins and broader market structures.

IN FULL:

David Plouffe, a senior adviser to Kamala Harris’s failed 2024 presidential campaign and a prominent Democratic strategist, has joined Coinbase’s global advisory council. The council, formed by the cryptocurrency exchange, includes several high-profile figures from both major political parties, such as Chris LaCivita, a former co-campaign manager for President Donald J. Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, and former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ).

Plouffe, widely recognized for his role in Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, previously served on the global advisory board of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange. His addition to Coinbase’s council comes as the cryptocurrency industry intensifies its efforts to influence the regulatory landscape in Washington.

Coinbase Chief Policy Officer Faryar Shirzad explained the purpose of the advisory council, stating it serves as a “sound board” for discussing policy initiatives and business strategies. This development reflects the growing political involvement of the cryptocurrency sector as Congress moves to address digital asset regulation.

On Capitol Hill, lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at creating a comprehensive regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. A bipartisan group in the House recently approved a bill regulating stablecoins—digital currencies typically tied to the U.S. dollar. The legislation is expected to proceed to the Senate as early as next week. Meanwhile, broader measures addressing the structure of cryptocurrency markets are under review in House committees.

The legislative push coincides with President Donald J. Trump’s commitment to establishing the United States as a global cryptocurrency hub. Trump and his family have been expanding their interests in the sector, including investments in Bitcoin, the creation of a stablecoin, and the promotion of a Trump-themed cryptocurrency.

Chris LaCivita, who joined Coinbase’s advisory council in January, played a key role in Trump’s 2024 presidential election victory.

By Popular Demand.
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25 minutes ago
Corruption
Crime

Calls for Walz’s Resignation Intensify Amid Somali Fraud Scandal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Minnesota Governor and failed 2024 vice presidential candidate Tim Walz (D) is facing calls to resign amid allegations of widespread fraud in federal programs managed by the state.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Governor Walz, Republican lawmakers, Somali community members, and federal prosecutors.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Ongoing investigations in Minnesota, with significant developments reported in November and December 2025.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Tim Walz is 100 percent responsible for massive fraud in Minnesota.” – Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

🎯IMPACT: The scandal could derail Walz’s 2026 reelection campaign, and has heightened political tensions in Minnesota.

IN FULL

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D) is facing mounting calls to resign amid revelations of widespread fraud in state-administered federal programs. Federal authorities have alleged that fraud schemes targeting these programs could involve billions in losses for the American taxpayer, with many cases reportedly involving members of the Somali community.

The scandal has prompted criticism from both parties. On December 19, five Republican members of the Minnesota House and Senate released a joint statement calling for Walz to resign, declaring, “For the good of the state, Gov. Walz should step aside.”

U.S. Representative Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican and House Majority Whip, told the media: “He should resign. He’s a total embarrassment.” Emmer stressed that concerns about these problems had been flagged for years.

Fraud cases have resulted in more than 60 convictions of Somali-background criminals, with Minnesota’s acting U.S. attorney having suggested that more than $9 billion in federal funds could have been misused since 2018. Notably, whistleblowers have said they flagged issues with the Walz administration years ago, but no action was taken, and they were threatened with retaliation.

Reports indicate that Somalis account for 89 percent of those charged across these fraud investigations. Nevertheless, Walz has stood by his administration’s efforts, even claiming that he has “worked for years to crack down on fraud.” Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee posted on X, “It’s absurd for [Tim Walz] to dismiss the corruption that happened right under his nose. He should resign. Minnesotans deserve better.”

The issue has emerged as a key topic in Minnesota politics, potentially affecting Walz’s prospects for reelection in 2026. So far, he appears intent on appeasing the Somali community, even suggesting that ongoing probes into their activities by citizen journalists have white supremacist motivations.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel previously confirmed that federal assets have been deployed to Minnesota to tackle the fraud scandal.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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By Popular Demand.
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1 hour ago
Crime
NatSec
News

U.S. Military Sinks Another Cartel Boat Amid Escalating Venezuela Operations.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The U.S. military conducted a strike on a suspected drug-trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific, killing two.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: U.S. Southern Command, Pentagon officials, and narco-traffickers.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday in the eastern Pacific, along known drug-trafficking routes.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations.” – U.S. Southern Command

🎯IMPACT: This marks the 30th strike since September, with the total number of casualties now estimated at 107.

IN FULL

The U.S. military carried out another strike against a drug-trafficking vessel on December 29 in the Pacific Ocean, killing two people aboard, according to U.S. Southern Command. “Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations,” U.S. Southern Command said on X.

The strike was conducted by a military aircraft and was partially documented in a black-and-white video released by the Department of War. The footage shows the vessel being targeted and then erupting in an explosion.

The operation is part of a broader U.S. campaign launched in September targeting drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and Pacific. The Trump administration says 30 strikes have been carried out so far, resulting in a reported 107 deaths.

President Donald J. Trump recently revealed that U.S. operations have expanded beyond maritime targets. In a recent interview, he referred to a strike on a land-based drug facility in Venezuela, describing an explosion at a dock area used to load narcotics.

Tensions between Washington and Caracas have continued to escalate alongside the anti-narcotics campaign. In recent weeks, U.S. authorities have seized multiple Venezuelan oil tankers sanctioned under U.S. law, with the administration describing the actions as part of a full blockade on illicit oil shipments. Reports have also indicated that the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has been authorized to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela as part of broader pressure on the Venezuelan government.

Venezuela has condemned the strikes and tanker seizures, accusing the United States of using counter-narcotics efforts as a cover for a regime change operation.

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2 hours ago
News
UK

Poll Finds Racism Allegations Against Nigel Farage Have Backfired—Just Like Attacks on Trump.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Allegations of racism against Nigel Farage from his school days decades ago have not significantly affected his public standing, a new poll reveals.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Brexit champion and Reform Party leader Nigel Farage, some of his former classmates, and the British public.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The poll was conducted by JL Partners across December 13 and 14, 2025, in the United Kingdom.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Remember how attempts to convict Trump backfired with the voters? I think something similar is happening with Nigel Farage in the UK.” – James Johnson, JL Partners

🎯IMPACT: Voter opinions on Farage remain largely unchanged, with some even viewing him more positively.

IN FULL

Reform Party leader Nigel Farage’s popularity is unaffected by a sustained effort by Britain’s governing Labour Party and the corporate media to smear him as a racist, based on allegations from his time as a schoolboy at England’s Dulwich College in the 1970s. Polling by JL Partners indicates that only four percent of voters have a worse opinion of Farage since the concocted scandal, while five percent have a more positive opinion, resulting in a net gain of one percent.

“Attacks on Nigel Farage’s past do not seem to be landing with the voters. Part of this is because views on Farage are already quite hardened in both directions. But it may also be that voters are simply shrugging at accusations that date back 50 years,” said JL Partners co-founder James Johnson.

“As for people becoming more positive about him, it reminds me of similar controversies in the U.S. involving Donald Trump,” he continued, explaining: “The attempts actually marginally improved views of Trump, because voters felt it was an overly political move. Perhaps a similar thing is happening here with Farage.”

The poll involved 1,562 adults and highlighted that 47 percent of respondents already had a negative view of Farage, while 28 percent maintained a positive view. A small percentage reported a change in their opinions due to the allegations.

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2 hours ago
Corruption
Crime
News

Bondi Confirms 85 Somalis Charged, 60 Convicted in Minnesota Fraud Scandal.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Attorney General Pam Bondi announced charges against 85 Somali nationals in an ongoing fraud investigation in Tim Walz’s Minnesota.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Pam Bondi, citizen journalist Nick Shirley, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (D), and various fraudsters in Minnesota, including Somali nationals.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Announced on Monday in Minnesota; fraud investigations relate to federal aid programs.

💬KEY QUOTE: “We have more prosecutions coming… BUCKLE UP, LAWMAKERS!” – Pam Bondi.

🎯IMPACT: The investigation highlights large-scale fraud in Minnesota, prompting federal action and scrutiny of state programs under Walz.

IN FULL

Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced that 85 people of Somali descent are among those charged in a continuing fraud probe in Minnesota. She noted that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has been examining the Democrat-run state for months, with “more prosecutions” anticipated.

In an X post, Bondi praised citizen journalist Nick Shirley for revealing the magnitude of the fraud in Minnesota during Democrat Governor Tim Walz’s tenure. “[Nick Shirley]’s work has helped show Americans the scale of fraud in Tim Walz’s Minnesota,” Bondi wrote. “So far, we have charged 98 individuals—85 of Somali descent—and more than 60 have been found guilty in court.”

Shirley recently shared a video featuring multiple daycare centers in Minnesota that reportedly received millions in federal funding, yet appeared to have no children present. One example was the “Quality Learing [sic] Center” in South Minneapolis, whose misspelled sign has become emblematic of the scandal.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel confirmed an active investigation, pointing out that the bureau had already boosted staffing and resources in Minnesota before the issue gained widespread attention on social media. Patel stressed the FBI’s focus on breaking up major fraud operations that target federal programs.

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3 hours ago
Corruption
News

HUD Uncovers Billions of Dollars in ‘Questionable’ Biden Era Rental Assistance, Including Payments to Noncitizens and Dead People.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: A report by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) revealed billions in taxpayer funds went to “questionable” rental assistance recipients, including deceased tenants and potential non-citizens.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: HUD, under the Biden government, distributed funds to non-federal entities; dead people and non-citizens were among recipients.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The recently released report covers funds distributed in all 50 states, with a particular focus on New York, California, and Washington, D.C.

💬KEY QUOTE: “A massive abuse of taxpayer dollars not only occurred under President Biden’s watch, but was effectively incentivized by his administration’s failure to implement strong financial controls,” said HUD Secretary Scott Turner.

🎯IMPACT: HUD is investigating and implementing measures to revoke or pause funding, with potential criminal referrals pending confirmation of fraud.

IN FULL

A U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) report has revealed that billions of taxpayer funds were allocated to “questionable” rental assistance recipients during the Biden government’s final year. This included payments to around 30,000 deceased tenants and thousands of potential non-citizens, based on HUD’s “Agency Financial Report” for fiscal year 2025.

HUD noted that a significant portion of these payments was concentrated in Democrat-run New York, California, and Washington, D.C., with deceased recipients identified across all 50 states. The agency employed automated cross-checking between a U.S. Treasury database and its own records, identifying 30,054 deceased tenants who continued to receive or were enrolled in rental assistance after death.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner faulted the Biden government’s lack of oversight, saying, “A massive abuse of taxpayer dollars not only occurred under President Biden’s watch, but was effectively incentivized by his administration’s failure to implement strong financial controls resulting in billions worth of potential improper payments.”

In fiscal year 2024, HUD provided about $50 billion in federal rental assistance, with $5.8 billion identified as “questionable.” The report linked these problems to directives under the Biden government pushing for rapid distribution of funds with reduced scrutiny. It also highlighted that rental assistance programs depended largely on outside entities to handle complex compliance requirements.

HUD is currently assessing potential fraud and its scope, while implementing measures to halt or recover funding. “HUD is implementing processes and procedures to revoke or pause funding as part of its efforts to hold bad actors accountable,” an official told the press.

The department is also evaluating possible criminal referrals and other enforcement steps.

Image by Gage Skidmore.

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18 hours ago
Immigration

Trump Admin Plans to Make Asylum Seekers Apply for Refuge in Third Countries.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Trump administration is directing courts to dismiss asylum claims without hearings, sending migrants to third countries.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), President Donald J. Trump, and various third countries, including Uganda, Honduras, and Ecuador.

📍WHEN & WHERE: In recent months, in the United States and third countries.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Asylum was not designed to provide people a backdoor way to get to a country of their choosing.” – Senior administration official

🎯IMPACT: The strategy aims to reduce the asylum claims backlog and increase deportations.

IN FULL

The Trump administration is actively pursuing a new immigration strategy where courts are being asked to dismiss asylum claims without hearings, and instead direct asylum seekers to third countries to pursue relief. This approach is backed by agreements with nations like Uganda, Honduras, and Ecuador, which have been identified as third countries that can host asylum claimants during the processing of their immigration requests.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is leading these efforts as part of a broader initiative to curb immigration and meet deportation targets. Nearly 900,000 asylum claims were filed in Fiscal Year 2024, a significant increase from previous years, prompting the administration to seek expedited removals. The new process, the administration contends, closes “a huge loophole” in the U.S. immigration system.

A senior administration official, speaking to the media, emphasized that asylum is not meant as a means for migrants supposedly in need of safe harbor to pick out a new homeland of their choice, stating, “Asylum was not designed to provide people a backdoor way to get to a country of their choosing.” The administration’s approach gained momentum when the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Board of Immigration Appeals supported considering third-country removals before U.S. asylum hearings.

Critics, including Democrat lawmakers and professional mass immigration advocates, argue that this undermines the U.S. asylum system. However, the administration is defending its actions as lawful and necessary to address systemic asylum abuse and a daunting claimant backlog.

“They shouldn’t care about what specific location,” a Trump administration official said, adding: “Many [immigration groups] somehow think that it’s bad to be doing this—that everyone should get a hearing, no matter anything else. But the reality from our perspective is, it is the law. And you may disagree with the law, but the way to address that is through Congress.”

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18 hours ago
News
World

Trump Signals Support for Further Strikes on Iran If Nuclear Threat Persists.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump expressed readiness to back Israeli strikes on Iran if it continues advancing its nuclear and missile programs.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: President Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian officials.

📍WHEN & WHERE: December 29, 2025, at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we have to knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them.” – Donald J. Trump

🎯IMPACT: The meeting highlights ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the challenges in advancing Trump’s Gaza peace plan.

IN FULL

President Donald J. Trump said he is prepared to support Israeli military action against Iran if Tehran continues advancing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said, “Now I hear that Iran is trying to build up again, and if they are, we have to knock them down. We’ll knock the hell out of them.” He added, “But hopefully that’s not happening. I heard Iran wants to make a deal. If they want to make a deal, that’s much smarter.”

The meeting marked the fifth face-to-face encounter between Trump and Netanyahu this year and came amid ongoing regional tensions following a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas brokered by Trump in October. Both Israel and Hamas have since accused each other of violating the agreement, complicating efforts to stabilize Gaza.

Trump also addressed Netanyahu’s legal troubles, suggesting that a pardon related to corruption allegations against the Israeli leader is “on its way” and praising Netanyahu for doing a “phenomenal job.” Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, denied that any discussions about a pardon had taken place, stating there had been no conversation with Trump on the matter.

Talks between the two leaders also covered the next phase of Trump’s Gaza peace initiative, which envisions a technocratic Palestinian administration overseeing reconstruction. Progress has been uneven, with unresolved issues including Hamas’s refusal to fully disarm and uncertainty over who would provide long-term security in Gaza.

Iran remained a central focus of the discussions. Earlier this year, Tehran halted cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), effectively suspending inspections of its nuclear facilities. The move heightened concerns in Washington and Jerusalem about Iran’s nuclear intentions and reduced international oversight of its program.

In August, War Secretary Pete Hegseth removed the head of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) following the leak of an assessment that questioned the effectiveness of U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. More recently, the Trump administration increased deportations of Iranian nationals from the United States, signaling a broader hardening of policy toward Tehran.

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19 hours ago
News
War

Ukraine Denies Alleged Drone Attack on Putin’s Residence.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: Russia accused Ukraine of launching a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in Novgorod, a claim denied by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The alleged drone attack reportedly occurred overnight in Russia’s Novgorod region, with related statements released on Monday.

💬KEY QUOTE: “Given the final degeneration of the criminal Kiev regime, which has switched to a policy of state terrorism, Russia’s negotiating position will be revised.” – Sergei Lavrov.

🎯IMPACT: Russia has stated it will revise its peace negotiations position, while the alleged attack has drawn reactions from the U.S. and Ukraine.

IN FULL

President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia’s accusation that Ukraine carried out a large-scale drone attack on President Vladimir Putin’s residence in the Novgorod region, calling the allegation “typical Russian lies.” Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that 91 long-range unmanned aerial vehicles were used in the alleged strike and that Russian air defense systems intercepted all incoming ordnance. Lavrov said there were no casualties or damage, but accused Kiev of engaging in “state terrorism” and announced that Moscow would revise its position in the ongoing peace negotiations.

“Given the final degeneration of the criminal Kiev regime, which has switched to a policy of state terrorism, Russia’s negotiating position will be revised,” Lavrov said. At the same time, he said Russia did not intend to withdraw from talks with the United States.

Zelensky dismissed the claims as fabricated and warned that Moscow was using them to justify continued aggression. “It is critical that the world doesn’t stay silent now. We cannot allow Russia to undermine the work on achieving a lasting peace,” he stated on X, formerly Twitter.

The accusations came shortly after Zelensky met with U.S. leaders in Florida, where he and President Donald J. Trump discussed a revised peace proposal. Zelensky said the United States had offered security guarantees for Ukraine lasting 15 years, while Trump described progress on the agreement as “close to 95 percent.” Outstanding issues reportedly include territorial disputes and the status of the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The White House confirmed that Trump and Putin held a phone call on Monday. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov said Putin expressed anger over the alleged drone attack and claimed that Trump was “shocked” and “angry” about the incident. Ushakov added that Putin promised the “strongest response” to what he described as a “reckless terrorist action.” The White House did not comment on those characterizations.

Drone warfare has become an increasingly prominent feature of the conflict. In May 2023, multiple drones struck parts of Moscow, with Ukrainian officials at the time declining to take responsibility. More recently, Russia has accused Ukraine of carrying out strikes beyond the battlefield, including attacks on energy and transport targets far from the front lines.

Ukraine has also reported facing drone threats of its own. In December, reports indicated that several drones were detected near the flight path of Zelensky’s aircraft while it was traveling near Ireland, prompting heightened security measures. Other incidents linked to drones have raised international concern, including damage to sensitive infrastructure sites.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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19 hours ago
TECH

ChatGPT Creator Seeks Safety Chief to Prepare for Potential Rogue AI.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: OpenAI is hiring a “head of preparedness” to address the challenges and dangers posed by artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, including a potential rogue AI.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: OpenAI, led by CEO Sam Altman, is behind the initiative, with the new role offering a salary of $555,000 plus equity.

📍WHEN & WHERE: The announcement was made recently on X (formerly Twitter).

💬KEY QUOTE: “This will be a stressful job,” said Sam Altman, emphasizing the stakes involved in addressing AI risks.

🎯IMPACT: The role aims to strengthen OpenAI’s safety measures and ensure its AI systems are used responsibly while mitigating potential abuses.

IN FULL

OpenAI announced it is seeking to fill a new position titled “head of preparedness” as part of its efforts to address the risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI), including a possible rogue AI. The role was revealed by OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, who acknowledged the “real challenges” posed by the advanced technologies developed by the organization.

“This will be a stressful job,” Altman stated, highlighting the high stakes and complexity involved in managing the potential dangers of AI systems. He also highlighted concerns over AI’s impact on mental health and its potential to expose critical vulnerabilities in computer security systems.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Altman elaborated on the need for a nuanced understanding of AI capabilities. “We are entering a world where we need more nuanced understanding and measurement of how those capabilities could be abused, and how we can limit those downsides both in our products and in the world,” he wrote. He further noted that while there is a strong foundation for measuring AI capabilities, much work remains to address the complexities and edge cases.

The new position will expand OpenAI’s existing safety measures, which the company claims include “increasingly complex safeguards.” According to the job listing, the role will focus on scaling safety standards alongside the development of more advanced AI systems. The job comes with a salary of $555,000 and equity in the company.

In May, The National Pulse reported that OpenAI’s former Chief Scientist, Ilya Sutskever, suggested constructing a bunker to prepare for the potential risks associated with artificial general intelligence (AGI), according to details shared by insiders familiar with the 2023 tumult at the top of the AI company. During a summer 2023 meeting, Sutskever reportedly stated, “We’re definitely going to build a bunker before we release AGI.”

Two other people who attended the meeting corroborated the account, with one describing Sutskever’s AGI beliefs as akin to anticipating a “rapture.”

Image by World Economic Forum / Benedikt von Loebell.

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20 hours ago
Bonkers Britain

Freemasons Sue to Block Police Force’s Membership Disclosure Policy.

PULSE POINTS

❓WHAT HAPPENED: The United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) is seeking an injunction against a new Metropolitan Police policy requiring officers to declare Freemasonry membership.

👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: The United Grand Lodge of England, London’s Metropolitan Police force, and the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel.

📍WHEN & WHERE: Monday, December 29, 2025, United Kingdom.

💬KEY QUOTE: The UGLE claims the policy “breaches human rights and GDPR [General Data Protection Regulation] rules” and “unfairly impugns the integrity of its members.”

🎯IMPACT: UGLE has launched legal proceedings, arguing the policy rollout should be halted during the consultation process.

IN FULL

The Freemasons under the United Grand Lodge of England (UGLE) have begun legal proceedings against London‘s Metropolitan Police force over a new policy that requires officers and staff to declare whether they are current or former members of Freemasonry or similar organizations. The policy applies to hierarchical groups with secret membership, obliging members to “support and protect” one another.

UGLE argues that the requirement breaches human rights law and data protection rules under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and that the police failed to conduct a proper consultation before introducing the measure. The organization says the policy unfairly implies that Freemasons working in policing lack integrity or professionalism, despite no evidence of wrongdoing by the group as a whole.

The Metropolitan Police introduced the disclosure rule following recommendations from the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel report. The report examined the 1987 murder of private investigator Daniel Morgan and found “recurring suspicion and mistrust” linked to Freemasonry among police officers involved in the case. While the force agreed to consult on the new policy, it has not suspended implementation during the consultation period, prompting UGLE to seek an injunction to pause the rollout while the legal challenge is considered.

The dispute comes amid wider debates in Britain about privacy, transparency, and the reach of the state. Earlier this year, controversy erupted after reports surfaced that British authorities had sought to compel Apple to weaken iCloud’s end-to-end encryption, allowing for greater access to user data. The move drew international criticism, including comments from President Donald J. Trump, who compared Britain’s demand to surveillance practices associated with authoritarian states, saying it resembled what “you hear about with China.”

Later reports indicated that British demands for access to encrypted data held by Apple were defeated following resistance from the Trump administration, which raised concerns about privacy, cross-border data protections, and the security of encrypted communications.

Image: © User:Colin / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0.

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