Due to widespread and historic-level flooding, Governor Bob Ferguson declared a statewide emergency, allowing the state to seek federal funds. The Washington National Guard has been mobilized to assist local communities, with over 300 members ready to respond. Emergency crews are prepared to evacuate up to 100,000 residents, particularly in low-lying areas along the Skagit River, which is predicted to exceed previous record flood levels. The situation is considered life-threatening, and residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and monitor alerts from local emergency management departments.
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The Defense Department recently launched GenAi.mil, a new generative AI tool aimed at integrating artificial intelligence into the Armed Forces. Despite the potential for such technology to be used in modern warfare, the platform successfully analyzed a hypothetical Caribbean boat strike scenario, determining it to be “unambiguously illegal.” The AI’s ability to navigate the Geneva Conventions seemingly surpassed the capabilities of human officers. While the implications of this technological advancement are significant, it also highlights potential issues within the chain of command.
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Disney announced a $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI, signaling a significant move into the realm of generative AI. This collaboration will allow Sora users to create videos featuring over 200 Disney, Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars characters, starting next year, under a new three-year licensing agreement. As part of the agreement, Disney will receive warrants to purchase additional equity and become a major OpenAI customer, using ChatGPT for its employees and developing new tools. This move comes as Disney seeks to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and protect its intellectual property, which includes both a cease and desist to Google and lawsuits against AI image creators like Midjourney.
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A recent Danish intelligence report issued a stark warning about the United States, echoing concerns previously raised by Dutch intelligence regarding political interference and human rights. This report highlights growing European unease regarding Washington’s global strategies, particularly as the U.S. shifts its focus towards the Pacific, potentially diminishing its role as a security guarantor in Europe. The report also acknowledges the complex dynamics of the China-U.S. relationship, particularly as Beijing challenges the U.S.’s global dominance and both countries vie for influence and resources. Furthermore, the report paints a concerning worst-case scenario where regional conflicts, involving both Russia and China, could erupt in the Baltic Sea and Taiwan Strait, respectively.
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In a blunder, former President Donald Trump amplified a social media post from a known troll account, “Gary Peterson,” on his Truth Social platform. The post, which purported to praise Trump’s “affordability tour,” was a mocking parody that altered the rally’s message and location. The troll account, recognized for its satirical content, has amassed a large following by ridiculing Trump supporters. This incident highlighted the president’s misstep amidst criticism of his response to affordability concerns.
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Ahead of the release of Jeffrey Epstein’s case files, survivors and Democratic members of Congress are requesting an independent review to ensure the records haven’t been tampered with or concealed. They are specifically requesting the Justice Department’s inspector general conduct a formal review of the files’ “chain of custody” due to concerns that records may have been altered or removed. The impending release of these files by a December 19 deadline, stemming from the Epstein Files Transparency Act, follows pressure from both parties for greater transparency. The investigation of the records is set to address concerns regarding how many individuals have had custody over the materials ahead of the release and their handling.
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Fed Chair Jerome Powell Says U.S. May Be Drastically Overstating Jobs Numbers, and the implications are significant. It seems the current economic data, particularly the jobs numbers, might not be as rosy as they’ve been painted. This is not just a casual observation; it’s a concern coming from the very top, the head of the Federal Reserve. It’s like a quiet alarm bell, subtly suggesting that the economy’s performance could be less impressive than the official reports indicate.
The crux of the issue boils down to how the Labor Department measures job creation, specifically how it deals with the constant churn of businesses opening and closing.… Continue reading
Ukraine has conducted its first-ever strike on Russia’s offshore oil infrastructure, disabling the Filanovsky platform in the Caspian Sea. Operated by the SBU’s “Alpha” unit, the long-range drone attack resulted in at least four impacts, halting oil and gas production from over 20 wells on the platform. The targeted platform, a key asset of Lukoil-Nizhnevolzhskneft, holds significant reserves and exports through the Caspian Pipeline Consortium. This unprecedented strike, far from the front lines, signifies Ukraine’s growing ability to target Russian infrastructure that supports its war effort.
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The Trump administration is reportedly considering forming a new alliance, potentially called the Core 5 (C5), as an alternative to the G7, which would include the United States, China, India, Japan, and Russia. This concept was discussed in an unpublished version of the National Security Strategy, though the White House denies its existence. The potential alliance excludes European nations and is seen by some as a departure from previous policies. The G7, a group of seven developed nations, currently focuses on coordinating economic policies and has recently discussed increasing sanctions on Russia and potentially seizing frozen Russian assets.
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The investigation faced limitations regarding sexual violence claims. Due to an inability to interview survivors in most cases, the investigation could not determine the full extent or reach of such crimes. One exception allowed for a single survivor interview. This constraint significantly impacted the ability to fully understand the nature of the alleged sexual violence.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood