The 850th anniversary celebration of Glasgow’s burgh status excluded Pagan and Humanist representatives due to objections from Catholic and Church of Scotland leaders. Archbishop William Nolan and Rev Jan Mathieson threatened to withdraw unless the Pagan and Humanist speakers were removed. This exclusion sparked concern from Interfaith Glasgow and the Scottish Pagan Federation, highlighting a lack of inclusivity in the event held at Glasgow Cathedral. The Humanist Society of Scotland criticized the decision, pointing to past instances where humanists participated in high-profile religious events. Consequently, the incident has raised questions about interfaith dialogue and the appropriateness of holding such events in religious spaces.
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State-sponsored North Korean hackers, likely the Lazarus Group, stole $1.5 billion in cryptocurrency from Bybit, exceeding all previous North Korean cybertheft and marking the largest cryptocurrency heist in history. This attack, achieved through sophisticated social engineering and technical skills, highlights the regime’s increasing reliance on cyber warfare to fund its failing economy and bolster its military capabilities. The stolen funds, laundered quickly through various exchanges, represent a significant portion of the global cryptocurrency theft in recent years and demonstrate the group’s advanced capabilities. The incident underscores the vulnerability of the largely unregulated cryptocurrency market to such attacks.
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The United States voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, prioritizing a diplomatic approach aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Instead, the U.S. supported a separate, less condemnatory resolution calling for an end to the conflict. This decision reflects a broader U.S. strategy to soften its language regarding Russia, a shift coinciding with President Trump’s push for peace negotiations and criticisms of Ukraine. This strategy contrasts with resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and supported by most EU nations.
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Peter Navarro, a close advisor to President Trump, is advocating for Canada’s removal from the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. This action is intended to pressure Canada further, following Trump’s threats of annexation and the imposition of 25% tariffs. Trump’s stated desire to annex Canada is considered a serious concern, as evidenced by Prime Minister Trudeau’s leaked comments. The proposal’s acceptance by Trump remains uncertain, though it is under discussion within the administration. The Five Eyes network, a crucial intelligence-sharing alliance, would be significantly impacted by Canada’s expulsion.
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Proposals to sell off 640 million acres of public lands, including iconic landscapes, are currently under consideration, threatening access for recreation and harming local economies. This follows previous attempts to shrink national monuments, like Bears Ears, for resource extraction, actions later reversed. These actions disregard the legal protections afforded public lands and the vital ecological and cultural resources they safeguard. Mobilizing public support, through legal action and political advocacy, is crucial to preventing the sale of these invaluable lands. The fight to protect public lands requires a unified coalition of citizens, businesses, and conservation groups.
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President Trump confirmed that previously delayed tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada will be reinstated next week. These 25% tariffs, along with a 10% duty on Canadian energy, are justified by alleged border security failures in those countries. A month-long delay, granted after pledges from Mexican President Sheinbaum and Canadian Prime Minister Trudeau to enhance border security, is expiring. Trump’s decision follows earlier imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports and his stated intention to use reciprocal tariffs with various trading partners.
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Apple shareholders rejected a proposal by the National Center for Public Policy Research to end the company’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. The proposal, mirroring similar unsuccessful attempts at other companies, argued that DEI programs are harmful to business and expose companies to legal risks. Apple’s management defended its commitment to diversity, citing its positive impact on the company’s culture and success. Despite this vote, Apple acknowledged the evolving legal landscape and suggested potential future adjustments to its DEI program. The rejection follows a recent lawsuit against Target over similar DEI initiatives.
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Federal Judge Deborah Boardman issued a temporary restraining order, preventing the Department of Education and Office of Personnel Management from sharing personal data with DOGE affiliates until March 10th, citing violations of the Privacy Act. This follows a similar preliminary injunction issued by a New York court blocking Treasury Department data access to DOGE. Both rulings address concerns about unauthorized disclosure of sensitive personal information to DOGE, deemed irreparable harm. The Maryland court declined to extend its order to Treasury data due to the pre-existing New York injunction.
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Analysis of data from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) reveals that nearly 40% of the Trump administration’s canceled federal contracts, totaling 794, will not result in cost savings due to pre-existing financial obligations. This “slash and burn” approach, criticized for its lack of efficiency and potential harm to government agencies, contrasts with alternative methods of identifying cost-saving measures. Despite DOGE’s claim of $65 billion in savings from various cost-cutting measures, this figure remains unverified. The cancellations include contracts for various goods and services, some already fully paid, raising concerns about the program’s effectiveness.
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John Q. Hosedrinker