Newly unsealed emails in the *Kadrey v. Meta Platforms, Inc.* lawsuit reveal Meta employees knowingly downloaded at least 81.7 TB of copyrighted books via torrents, despite internal concerns about legal ramifications. These downloads, including at least 35.7 TB from sites like Z-Library, were conducted using methods designed to obscure Meta’s involvement. Meta has moved to dismiss the charges, denying any wrongdoing. This case highlights a broader trend of large AI companies utilizing copyrighted material to train their models, raising significant copyright infringement concerns and normalizing potentially illegal practices.
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The Nevada Supreme Court rejected Steve Wynn’s appeal to overturn a lower court ruling against him in a defamation case stemming from a 2021 article detailing allegations of sexual misconduct. The court found Wynn failed to demonstrate actual malice in the reporting of the manicurist’s account of forced sexual contact. Wynn’s subsequent Supreme Court petition argues that the current media landscape, characterized by readily accessible publishing and a prevalence of potentially inaccurate reporting, renders the established defamation standard obsolete. This petition seeks to overturn the established precedent in light of these changed circumstances.
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A Paris cybercrime unit has opened an investigation into X’s algorithms, prompted by concerns over algorithm manipulation and potential distortion of its automated data processing system. The investigation follows reports alleging algorithm changes led to the over-representation of certain political content and preferential treatment of Elon Musk’s posts. This action utilizes a novel legal interpretation, applying existing hacking laws to algorithm manipulation on social media platforms. The investigation coincides with broader European scrutiny of X’s content moderation and algorithm practices.
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Elon Musk’s purported Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) embedding itself within the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) represents a deeply unsettling development. The sheer audacity of this action, seemingly authorized by an executive order exceeding Congressional authority, is alarming. The lack of substantial pushback is even more concerning, painting a picture of a system failing to uphold its own checks and balances. The characterization of this move as a “metastasizing cancer” feels tragically apt.
This isn’t just corporate overreach; it’s a blatant disregard for democratic processes. The creation of a position seemingly holding more power than Congress itself via executive order is fundamentally wrong.… Continue reading
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Influenza levels in the U.S. have surged to their highest point since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, with nearly 8% of outpatient respiratory illness visits attributed to the flu. This second wave of the season surpasses recent years’ peaks, driving overall respiratory illness levels to “very high.” While most states currently exhibit high or very high influenza activity, a decline is anticipated in many areas. Despite the severity, current cases are attributed to typical seasonal variants, not a novel strain.
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The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) has joined the Bluesky social media platform, citing a multi-platform strategy. This follows recent US government censorship efforts under President Trump, including the blocking of numerous websites and content removal on X (formerly Twitter). While the FOPH will maintain its X presence, its Bluesky account will publish health policy and public health news. This move mirrors similar departures from X by other Swiss institutions and figures concerned about censorship.
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A group displayed swastika-laden flags and white supremacist banners on an I-75 overpass in Cincinnati, prompting outrage from residents and officials. While police deemed the protest itself not unlawful, the hateful imagery sparked condemnation from local leaders and community organizations, including the Jewish Federation and NAACP. Residents expressed their commitment to unity and rejecting hate, while authorities investigated the incident and maintained peace. The event concluded with the flag-bearers departing in a U-Haul, after which a crowd attempted to confront them.
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At a recent business summit, Prime Minister Trudeau revealed that President Trump’s consideration of annexing Canada is a serious concern. This disclosure, captured on an open microphone after the media’s departure, followed Trudeau’s earlier dismissal of the annexation idea as a distraction from Trump’s tariff threats. Trump’s subsequent imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods, however, was temporarily suspended after Trudeau agreed to bolster border security measures. These concessions included implementing a $1.3 billion border plan and addressing the fentanyl crisis.
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A 23-year-old Elon Musk employee, Luke Farritor, lacks the standard background check required for access to sensitive government systems yet possesses IT access to the Department of Energy, which oversees America’s nuclear weapons, and other agencies including Health and Human Services and USAID. This access, granted despite internal objections, raises significant security and governance concerns due to the potential for unauthorized access to highly sensitive information. The incident has sparked a strong reaction from lawmakers, including demands for increased transparency and investigations into the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)’s operations and access to federal systems. The situation highlights broader concerns about DOGE’s scope of authority and the security implications of its practices.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood
Time Magazine Cover Sparks Outrage: Elon Musk Behind the Resolute Desk
The upcoming four years represent a pivotal moment for America, demanding unwavering commitment to free and unbiased journalism. HuffPost, facing this challenge, is launching an ad-free experience for contributing supporters. This initiative aims to ensure continued delivery of crucial news coverage. The organization requires reader support to maintain its mission of providing free, fair news during this critical period.
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