New York sues Zelle, saying security lapses led to $1 billion consumer fraud losses, bringing into sharp focus the question of who is responsible when digital transactions go wrong. The core of the issue, as the lawsuit alleges, is that Zelle’s security protocols weren’t robust enough, leaving users vulnerable to scams and fraudulent activities that resulted in a staggering $1 billion in losses. This isn’t just a matter of bad luck; it’s a claim that Zelle’s structure and implementation created an environment where consumers were exposed to significant risk.
This lawsuit touches on a central criticism leveled at Zelle and its design.… Continue reading
Despite past successful elections, a new threat to free and fair elections has emerged: the federal government’s efforts to undermine the process. The Trump administration has launched a campaign including actions like gutting election security agencies and seeking access to voter information. These efforts are unprecedented and potentially illegal, with the goal of discrediting election results and gaining control over the system. While past elections withstood great pressure, vigilance, courage, and determination are needed to defend democracy in the face of these actions, with voters ultimately holding the final say.
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Kazakhstan Moves to Ban Face-Coverings in Public
It seems like a move that makes sense, at least on the surface. The idea is simple: everyone should be identifiable in public spaces. From a safety perspective, that has a certain appeal. The stated goal is often unity, a sentiment that can resonate with people. A high five to that, right? However, some people might be concerned about the impact on religious freedom, and the implications for a country with a history of restrictions.
Thinking back, the initial inclination might be to support such a ban, especially when considering potential security threats. Masks could be seen as tools for criminals.… Continue reading
Japan’s defense minister stated the nation faces its most severe security environment since World War II, citing increased military activities from China, Russia, and North Korea. The annual defense white paper highlights China’s military expansion as an “unprecedented strategic challenge,” particularly around the disputed Senkaku Islands, while also noting growing cooperation between China and Russia. The report expresses concerns about North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile program, which can reach the entirety of Japan. These actions are described as a threat to regional stability, mirroring concerns raised by the head of the US military’s Indo-Pacific Command.
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A Georgia Republican, Brant Frost IV, is accused of running a Ponzi scheme through his company, First Liberty Building and Loan, defrauding 300 investors of at least $140 million. The SEC alleges Frost lied to investors about high-interest loans to companies, instead using new investments to repay earlier ones, while also diverting millions for personal expenses, including political contributions. The company, which advertised heavily on conservative media, promised high returns but was operating as a Ponzi scheme by 2021. Frost is cooperating with the SEC, and the case has political ramifications, potentially impacting funding for far-right candidates and the state Republican party.
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A civil grand jury report examining Riverside County’s Registrar of Voters revealed a “serious security breach” during the 2024 election due to bomb threats. While the report found no fraud or malfeasance, it highlighted inadequate emergency procedures for temporary workers during evacuations, noting a lack of evacuation records and missing emergency supplies. The jury recommended improvements in the ballot chain of custody system, suggesting a move to an automated system to enhance security and efficiency, and recommended automation in the signature verification process to streamline vote counting. Despite efforts to improve election security and transparency, the report also pointed out areas for improvement in training and procedure.
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The Independent emphasizes the importance of on-the-ground reporting and accessible journalism, highlighting a recent incident in the Oval Office as an example. During a classified briefing with military leaders, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg unexpectedly appeared, raising concerns about security clearance. This event reflects a broader shift in the Trump White House, where the Oval Office functions more like a “Grand Central Terminal” due to its informal atmosphere and frequent influx of visitors. This contrasts with the usual controlled environment of the president’s office.
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As part of the discovery process, SMART Legislation submitted extensive document requests and questions to the Rockland County Board of Elections regarding the 2024 election results. The requests seek information on voting machines, software, security protocols, and communications with vendors, including software updates. The inquiries also questioned the use of technologies like Starlink’s Direct to Cell service. Furthermore, the lawsuit, with a full hand recount requested, highlights discrepancies in vote counts and statistical improbabilities within the 2024 election data. The next court hearing is a compliance conference set for September 22, 2025, at the Rockland County Courthouse.
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A gunman, identified as a 31-year-old male experiencing a mental health crisis, opened fire at Crosspointe Community Church in Wayne, Michigan, injuring at least one person—the church security guard—who returned fire and killed the suspect. The incident began with erratic driving and escalated when the suspect, wearing tactical gear and carrying multiple firearms, shot at a truck that attempted to stop him. A timely intervention by the truck driver allowed the security guard to engage the shooter. The FBI and Homeland Security are assisting in the ongoing investigation.
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A distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack targeted Romanian government websites, including those of the ministries of internal affairs and justice, during the country’s presidential re-election. While the hackers claimed responsibility via Telegram, the Cybersecurity Directorate reported all listed websites were operational by 2 p.m. local time. This attack follows a history of significant cyberattacks against Romania’s election infrastructure, including over 85,000 incidents in November. The timing of the attack, coinciding with the election, raises concerns about potential interference.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker