Since the 2024 US presidential election, Bluesky has experienced explosive growth, adding over 14 million users to reach 30 million by January 31st. This surge follows significant changes to X (formerly Twitter), including altered blocking features and updated terms of service, prompting many users to migrate. Notable figures like Mark Hamill and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez have joined, highlighting Bluesky’s increasing popularity and its similarity to X in design and function. Despite its rapid growth, Bluesky still lags behind established competitors like X and Threads in overall user numbers.
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Following a presidential memo, numerous federal websites, including those of the CDC and HHS, have removed LGBT health information and data on certain vaccines. This action complies with executive orders banning diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and recognizing only two sexes. Consequently, pages on topics such as the monkeypox vaccine, youth health disparities, and the National Youth Risk Behavior Survey are inaccessible or have been altered. The changes reflect a broader effort to eliminate government promotion of “gender ideology,” causing significant disruption across multiple agencies.
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Under President Trump’s direction, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes in Somalia targeting multiple Islamic State operatives, with the Pentagon assessing no civilian casualties. The strikes, coordinated with the Somali government, were aimed at a senior IS planner and recruits, according to Trump’s social media post. This action reinforces the U.S.-Somalia security partnership against extremist threats and follows increased activity by the IS affiliate in Somalia, which has gained operational guidance from its leadership in northern Somalia. The strikes come amidst challenges to U.S. counterterrorism efforts in Africa due to the loss of key bases in Chad and Niger.
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The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) overwhelmingly rejected a tentative labor contract with the United States Postal Service (USPS), with 63,680 members voting against it and 26,304 in favor. The rejected agreement included retroactive and future pay raises of 1.3% annually, along with some cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs). Letter carriers cited insufficient compensation for the demanding nature of their work, prompting calls for higher starting pay and an end to mandatory overtime. Negotiations will resume, with arbitration as a final recourse if a new agreement isn’t reached within 15 days.
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The EU proposes holding e-commerce platforms like Temu, Shein, and Amazon Marketplace responsible for illegal or dangerous products sold on their sites. This reform shifts import responsibility from individual buyers to the platforms, requiring them to collect duties and VAT and ensure compliance with EU regulations. The plan involves enhanced data sharing among member states and the creation of a central EU customs authority (EUCA) for pre-arrival risk assessment. This new system aims to improve customs control and product safety within the EU. Companies have yet to publicly respond to these proposals.
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Karoline Leavitt, the youngest White House press secretary ever, faced online accusations of stating that “Jesus Christ didn’t have electricity” during a press conference addressing potential Canadian energy cutoffs to the U.S. This claim, widely spread on X and TikTok, followed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s statement that all options were on the table regarding retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs. The allegation prompted a surge in Google searches for the phrase and subsequent retractions on TikTok. Leavitt also recently faced criticism for interrupting a CNN interview to attack Jake Tapper, leading to the interview’s abrupt termination.
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In late January, the FDA escalated its recall of Lay’s potato chips to a Class I, its most serious level. The recall, initially issued in December, concerns over 6,000 13-ounce bags of classic Lay’s chips distributed in Washington and Oregon. The chips contain undeclared milk, posing a serious health risk to individuals with milk allergies. This action follows a similar Class I recall of Kirkland Signature eggs in December due to undeclared allergens.
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Newly released court documents reveal emails between Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein dating to February 2011, contradicting Andrew’s prior statements that contact ceased after December 2010. These emails, part of a case against Jes Staley, show a continued friendly correspondence between the two men. The emails suggest a closer and more sustained relationship than previously acknowledged by Prince Andrew. This contradicts his BBC Newsnight interview where he denied further contact with Epstein after their 2010 meeting.
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The increasing number of immigrant arrests necessitates a significant expansion of detention capacity to accommodate President Trump’s deportation plans. Tom Homan, the administration’s immigration enforcement director, has requested 100,000 detention beds, a substantial increase from current levels. This need prompted an order for the Pentagon and DHS to prepare 30,000 additional beds at Guantanamo Bay for high-risk detainees. Immigration detention serves as a crucial element of the administration’s mass deportation strategy, as highlighted by immigration policy experts.
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David Lebryk, Treasury Department deputy secretary, is resigning following pressure from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). DOGE sought access to critical federal payment systems handling trillions of dollars annually, a request Lebryk resisted. This access attempt, authorized by a Trump executive order, raises concerns about potential misuse of power and control over essential government functions. The legality of DOGE’s actions remains unclear, but the incident highlights escalating efforts by Musk to influence federal operations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker