Technology
The recent conflict between Iran and Israel has been attributed by some sources to AI-driven misinformation and algorithmic predictions. A Palantir counter-intelligence algorithm reportedly played a role in escalating tensions by suggesting Iran was close to developing a nuclear weapon, a claim later refuted by the IAEA. This misstep reportedly led to a series of events culminating in military action, illustrating how AI and data analysis can influence geopolitical decisions.
Elon Musk’s xAI is reportedly planning to retrain its AI model, Grok, on a new knowledge base. The aim, according to Musk, is to eliminate what he describes as “garbage” and “uncorrected data.” This initiative has raised concerns among critics like Gary Marcus and Bernardino Sassoli de’ Bianchi, who warn of the potential for narrative control and ideological manipulation. Musk’s call for “divisive facts” to train Grok has reportedly led to an influx of conspiracy theories and debunked claims on X, raising questions about the integrity of the information Grok will be retrained on. Some critics have likened Musk’s plan to a dystopian scenario from “1984,” suggesting that he is attempting to align history with his personal beliefs.
Economy
The Senate is focusing on the structure of the cryptocurrency market following the passage of the GENIUS Act, which regulates payment stablecoins. Additionally, Mastercard’s partnership with Fiserv to integrate the FIUSD stablecoin into its payment ecosystem marks a step towards mainstream adoption of cryptocurrencies, aiming to reduce transaction costs and enhance payment solutions. Some Democrats in Congress are pushing back against the crypto legislation, citing potential conflicts of interest with Trump’s family and their crypto investments.
Health
The Guardian has reported that thimerosal, a vaccine preservative, is safe, aligning with statements from the pharmaceutical industry. However, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. released a tweet pointing out that the Guardian references no peer-reviewed studies supporting this claim.
Speaking of studies, a peer-reviewed study has indicated a significant 33% drop in conception rates among COVID-vaccinated women, prompting further investigation into the safety of COVID vaccines.
In other news, Kennedy is promoting universal wearables to combat chronic diseases, which has sparked privacy concerns regarding the collection and potential misuse of personal health data. Some health experts have expressed skepticism about the benefits of wearable technology, citing potential issues like medical anxiety, self-diagnosis, and self-medication.
Additionally, the FDA is reportedly accelerating psychedelic therapy trials for veterans with trauma, aiming to provide relief within 12 months.
Energy
The Department of Energy has declared a power emergency in the Southeast U.S., allowing Duke Energy Carolinas to operate fossil fuel generators at maximum capacity to prevent blackouts during extreme heat conditions. This decision reportedly overrides green energy regulations, highlighting the ongoing tension between environmental policies and grid reliability.
Meanwhile, Oklo Inc.’s stock has surged following the company’s contract to supply nuclear energy to Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. This follows a broader rally in nuclear energy stocks, influenced by executive orders from the Trump administration aimed at supporting the industry. Environmental groups like Greenpeace argue that the focus should be on renewable energy sources rather than nuclear, citing the risks associated with nuclear waste and potential accidents.
US Politics
Socialist Zohran Mamdani has defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the NYC Democratic mayoral primary, potentially setting the stage for significant policy shifts in the city.
Sources
Elon Musk’s Grok AI to Rewrite History, Sparking Controversy
“Straight out of 1984,” Marcus wrote on X. “You couldn’t get Grok to align with your own personal beliefs so you are going to rewrite history to make it conform to your views.”
Source | Submitted by Shplad
Oklo Stock Soars After Securing Air Force Contract for Alaska Base
Oklo shares surged to a fresh all-time intraday high on Wednesday after the company said it won an Air Force contract.
Source | Submitted by 0007
The Algorithm of War: How AI and Misinformation Led to the Iran-Israel Conflict
The key nuclear allegation that started the war was coaxed from a Palantir counter-intelligence algorithm — Strategic Culture
Source | Submitted by VTGothic
Guardian Echoes Pharma Propaganda: Declares Thimerosal in Vaccines Safe
“pronounced thimerosal, the ethylmercury-based vaccine preservative, ‘safe.'”
Source | Submitted by Chris Martenson
Socialist Zohran Mamdani Defeats Andrew Cuomo in NYC Mayoral Primary
“He deserved it. He won.”
Senate Shifts Focus to Crypto Market Structure as Stablecoin Bill Advances to House
Roughly a week after the US Senate voted to pass the GENIUS Act to regulate payment stablecoins, the chamber is moving to discuss a path forward for a digital asset market structure framework.
Source | Submitted by nickythec
Trump Administration Declares Southeast Grid Emergency, Overrides Green Rules to Prevent Blackouts
“As electricity demand reaches its peak, Americans should not be forced to wonder if their power grid can support their homes and businesses.”
Peer-Reviewed Study Reveals 33% Drop in Conception Rates for Vaccinated Women
A stunning 33% reduction in the rate of successful conceptions among vaccinated women compared to unvaccinated women.
FDA Accelerates Psychedelic Therapy Trials for Veterans with Trauma
Psychedelic therapies show real promise for veterans and others battling trauma.
Mastercard Partners with Fiserv to Integrate FIUSD Stablecoin into Payment Ecosystem
“Mastercard Inc. said it’s working to weave Fiserv Inc.’s FIUSD stablecoin into a range of its payment products.”
RFK Jr. Pushes for Universal Wearables to Combat Chronic Disease, Raises Privacy Concerns
“It’s a way people can take control of their own health. They can take responsibility.”
In addition to sources submitted by community members, the following were also used in the creation of this report: Elon Musk, Gary Marcus, Bernardino Sassoli de’ Bianchi, Health Experts, Politico, Reuters.