New research from Eko reveals that Meta and X approved numerous ads containing violent anti-Muslim and anti-Jewish hate speech before Germany’s federal election. X approved all ten test ads submitted, while Meta approved half, despite policies against such content. These ads, including AI-generated imagery, used slurs, called for violence against minorities, and spread disinformation. Eko shared these findings with the European Commission, highlighting failures in both platforms’ content moderation systems and raising concerns about compliance with the Digital Services Act.
Read More
Recent firings of 14 US Fish & Wildlife Service employees, along with a hiring freeze for seasonal workers, jeopardize decades of progress in controlling invasive sea lamprey in the Great Lakes. This action, part of a larger federal government downsizing effort, threatens the multi-million dollar lamprey control program, which protects a multi-billion dollar fishery. A significant reduction in lamprey control efforts could lead to a drastic resurgence of the invasive species, reversing years of conservation success. The potential consequences include the collapse of the Great Lakes’ ecosystem and massive economic losses.
Read More
Alnur Mussayev, a former KGB officer, claims that Donald Trump was recruited as a Soviet asset in 1987. This assertion, supported by similar accounts from other former KGB officers like Yuri Shvets, alleges a long-term cultivation of Trump due to his perceived recruitability. These claims suggest the existence of kompromat on Trump, explaining his perceived leniency towards Russia and Putin. The accusations detail a process spanning decades, beginning with surveillance and culminating in alleged KGB influence during Trump’s rise to power.
Read More
H5N1 bird flu has spilled over into dairy cows in Nevada and Arizona, raising concerns about the virus’s spread and containment. The D1.1 variant, responsible for these spillovers and several human infections, is now considered endemic in cows, making containment unlikely without intervention. Experts propose several transmission theories, including bird-to-cow contact via contaminated feed and potentially human-to-cow spread. Simultaneously, reduced federal funding, anti-vaccine initiatives, and halted communication with the WHO hinder effective response and research efforts.
Read More
The Roy Blunt Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias Research, dedicated in 2022, received bipartisan support due to its cost-effective approach to combating Alzheimer’s. However, the Trump administration recently slashed funding for the center, resulting in layoffs, including the incoming director. This decision is contrary to the previously expressed support from Republicans, including its namesake, and experts warn of significant setbacks to Alzheimer’s research. The cuts have drawn criticism for their lack of apparent support and potential for widespread opposition.
Read More
Elon Musk again publicly endorsed Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party on X, just before the country’s general election. This support, including a pinned post declaring “AfD!”, follows previous endorsements and a virtual rally appearance where Musk praised German culture and criticized “multiculturalism.” The AfD, polling at approximately 20%, is expected to perform strongly, while Chancellor Scholz condemned Musk’s actions as “disgusting” and detrimental to democracy. Musk’s support has fueled an ongoing feud between him and Scholz.
Read More
Michigan Republicans elected State Senator Jim Runestad as their new chair, defeating candidates including Meshawn Maddock, a Trump ally facing charges related to the 2020 election. Runestad’s platform focused on fundraising and party unity, contrasting with Maddock’s more confrontational style. The 2026 midterms are crucial for Michigan Republicans, with key races including a U.S. Senate seat and gubernatorial election. Runestad aims to lead the party through these critical races while addressing internal divisions and financial challenges.
Read More
A federal judge partially blocked President Trump’s executive order aiming to eliminate government diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, deeming the order’s claims of illegality unfounded. The order, alleging DEI initiatives violate civil rights laws, sought to halt related awards and contracts. A coalition of academic institutions successfully challenged the order, arguing the resulting uncertainty harmed educators, students, and communities reliant on federal funding. Judge Adam B. Abelson’s ruling prevents the administration from terminating DEI-related obligations, emphasizing the decades-long legality of such programs. This decision provides relief to plaintiffs facing potential funding disruptions.
Read More
Following President Trump’s imposition of sanctions on the International Criminal Court (ICC), Baroness Kennedy warned of potential arrest warrants for obstructing justice under Article 70 of the Rome Statute. This action, in response to ICC investigations into Israel, directly impedes the court’s ability to function, according to Kennedy and other peers. Lord Thomas further argued that Trump’s proposed population transfer from Gaza constitutes a crime against humanity. The UK government, while expressing support for ICC independence, is engaging with the US administration to address these concerns.
Read More
Concerns over dwindling U.S. support for Ukraine, particularly under a potential Trump presidency, have prompted European capitals to assess their capacity to fill the gap. While the EU’s overall aid to Ukraine surpasses that of the U.S., the U.S. has provided significantly more military aid. European defense production, though significantly increased since 2022, still lags behind Russia’s, raising concerns about future defense capabilities. Andrius Kubilius, the EU’s defense commissioner, advocates for boosting European defense production and emphasizes the need for a “Big Bang” approach to increase readiness before potential Russian aggression.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker