An Associated Press investigation revealed how American tech companies played a significant role in building China’s digital surveillance state, selling billions of dollars worth of technology to the Chinese government despite warnings of human rights abuses. This technology, including “predictive policing” systems, was used to monitor and control citizens, especially those deemed “troublemakers” like the Yang family. U.S. firms like IBM and Cisco provided the foundation for China’s surveillance, particularly in Xinjiang, where the Uyghur population faced mass detention facilitated by these technologies. Although the flow of this tech has slowed, the initial foundation enabled the current surveillance apparatus.
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Germany is set to provide Ukraine with several thousand long-range drones for deep strikes, a program valued at $351 million, according to a statement by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. This initiative follows Germany’s delivery of Patriot missile systems, with the first launchers already in Ukraine. Furthermore, Ukraine is exploring possibilities to ease its arms export restrictions, specifically in the drone sector, to facilitate collaborative production with European allies.
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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin does not take vacations, even on his birthday, and prioritizes his work. Peskov expressed bewilderment at Putin’s energy levels, noting the president’s constant focus and minimal sleep, estimating he sleeps only a few hours per day. Putin is scheduled to travel to Tajikistan on October 9th for a state visit. Putin has previously indicated that he usually sleeps about six hours a night, sometimes less.
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A fire erupted at an oil depot in the Russian village of Prokhorovka, Belgorod Oblast, following a reported drone attack. Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed the fire was extinguished with no casualties, though some storage tanks were damaged. The Russian Defence Ministry stated air defenses intercepted and destroyed 31 Ukrainian drones across several regions, including seven over Belgorod Oblast. Gladkov provided no details on the extent of the damage from the incident.
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Qatar has again been targeted by missiles, raising questions within the ruling family about hosting both a terrorist organization and a major US military base. This has led to a halt in Gaza peace talks brokered by Qatar, endangering hostages and exacerbating the suffering of Gazans. Israel’s recent actions, backed by the US, demonstrate the ability to strike across the region. A potential backlash to these actions, however, may target US interests instead of Israeli ones.
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US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has indicated that the United States is prepared to take strong action against Russia in response to its ongoing war in Ukraine. These comments follow meetings with EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan, where discussions focused on intensifying sanctions targeting Russia. The US and EU are aligning on the importance of ending the war, with all options remaining on the table to support peace negotiations. The Treasury Secretary emphasized that increased pressure on Russia requires the full support of European partners, with potential economic sanctions and tariff actions being considered.
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On September 7, German authorities detained the cargo vessel “Scanlark” in the Kiel Canal, suspecting espionage and possible sabotage. Special police units searched the vessel, linked to suspected intelligence activities threatening critical maritime infrastructure. Investigators believe a drone was launched from the ship on August 26, potentially gathering reconnaissance imagery of a German Navy vessel; the drone’s origin is suspected to be Russian. The crew, consisting of Russian nationals, was detained.
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Trump’s administration’s decision to spend millions to reopen a private prison in California immediately raises a lot of eyebrows, doesn’t it? The whole thing, from the outside, looks rather peculiar. First, there’s a private prison that, for whatever reason, needs significant repairs and subsequently shuts down. Then, boom, the government—under Trump—steps in, pouring millions of taxpayer dollars into fixing it up. And what happens next? Well, the newly refurbished prison isn’t handed back to the state; it’s handed over to private investors, who then start collecting money to house prisoners in a facility that the government just fixed. Seems a bit backwards, doesn’t it?… Continue reading
According to German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, with daily hybrid attacks, including those on infrastructure, increasing in intensity. Merz warned of a “new conflict between systems,” highlighting the alignment of Russia with China, North Korea, and Iran. European nations are responding by increasing defense investments and expanding arms production while the U.S. and EU are preparing new sanctions against Russia. The Chancellor emphasized the necessity of Europe adjusting its interests and halting Russian energy imports to align with U.S. sanctions.
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Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following escalating Gen Z protests and amidst reports of a possible move to Dubai. An all-party meeting was called to assess the situation before the Prime Minister’s resignation. As a result of the unrest, authorities have increased security measures and heightened alert along the India-Nepal border, including increased police presence and monitoring of cross-border activity. Simultaneously, government ministers are being evacuated via helicopter, with protestors organizing disruptions at the airport to interfere with aircraft.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood