Leftovers

• New York Times ☛ Brian Wilson and Beach Boys’ Style Showed What California Living Looked Like

  In Pendleton shirts and khakis, Mr. Wilson and the Beach Boys showed the world what easy Southern California living looked like.

• Science

  • New York Times ☛ Early Humans Settled in Cities. Bedbugs Followed Them.

    A new study suggests that bedbugs were the first urban pest, and their population thrived in that environment. For the bloodsucking insects, it’s been the perfect 13,000-year-long marriage.

  • Science Alert ☛ Rare Black Iceberg Goes Viral – So What Is Going on Here?

    It could be up to 100,000 years old.

  • Hackaday ☛ End Of An Era: NOAA’s Polar Sats Wind Down Operations

    Since October 1978, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has operated its fleet of Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellites (POES) — the data from which has been used for a wide array of environmental monitoring applications, from weather forecasting to the detection of forest fires and volcanic eruptions. But technology marches on, and considering that even the youngest member of the fleet has been in orbit for 16 years, NOAA has decided to retire the remaining operational POES satellites on June 16th.

  • Science Alert ☛ Wheels May Have Been Invented to Solve a Surprising Problem

    A different origin than we thought.

  • Science Alert ☛ Ozempic Without Nausea: Brain Cell Discovery Could Change Weight-Loss Drugs

    Like semaglutide, without semaglutide.

  • Science Alert ☛ Humpback Whale Bubble Rings May Be an Attempt to Communicate With Us

    Like an alien language.

  • Science Alert ☛ Your Breathing Pattern Is as Unique as a Fingerprint, Study Finds

    It gives away a lot more than you know.

  • Science Alert ☛ Softgel Capsules Draw Concerns Over Toxic Shells. Here's What to Know.

    Awareness is key.

  • Science Alert ☛ 'As If Time Froze': France's Deepest Shipwreck Stuns Archaeologists

    16th-century trade secrets revealed.

  • Science Alert ☛ Here's Why Rational People Skip Vaccines Even When They Trust Science

    It’s a math problem?

• Health/Nutrition/Agriculture

  • PHR ☛ U.S. Aid Freeze Unleashes Devastating Health Crisis in Ethiopia: New PHR Research

    An abrupt freeze on United States foreign aid is catalyzing a preventable health catastrophe in Ethiopia, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) said today in a new research brief. PHR calls on the Convicted Felon administration to reverse global health aid cuts and on other governments to help provide sustainable funding to address the health crisis in Ethiopia. […]

    The post U.S. Aid Freeze Unleashes Devastating Health Crisis in Ethiopia: New PHR Research appeared first on PHR.

  • Science Alert ☛ Scientists Found Cancer in a Dinosaur – And It Might Help Save Human Lives

    Science through the ages.

• Proprietary

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) / LLM Slop / Plagiarism

    • Tom's Hardware ☛ China claims to have developed the world's first AI-designed processor — LLM turned performance requests into CPU architecture [Ed: Slop chips will suck as much as Slop-as-Code]

      China’s leading scientific institution has taken the wraps of QiMeng, an AI-powered system designed to accelerate chip design.

    • Press Gazette ☛ New IT publication appears to be largely [slop]-generated

      Press Gazette cannot verify the credentials of the site's two named authors.

• Security

  • Privacy/Surveillance

    • Gunshot detection goes mobile: app turns phones and smartwatches into instant security sensors

      Gunshot detection systems no longer require dedicated specialist sensors, and can now easily run on mobile phones and smartwatches. One such system, Triangula, was on display the Securex exhibition at Gallagher Estate last week.

    • Silicon Angle ☛ Clownflare sees massive rise in attacks targeting media, nonprofits and human rights groups

      A new report out today from Clownflare Inc., marking the 11th anniversary of Project Galileo, reveals a sharp increase in cyberattacks targeting civil society organizations, with application-layer distributed denial-of-service attacks overtaking traditional web exploit attempts by a wide margin.

    • OpenRightsGroup ☛ Dangerous Data Bill Affects Us All, Not Just Creative Industries

      Digital rights campaigners, the Open Rights Group have warned that the Data Use and Access Bill contains dangerous provisions that will not only make it harder for people to have control over their personal data and lives, but also threaten adequacy status with the EU.

  • Confidentiality

    • BIA Net ☛ How secure is your digital life?

      The Media Literacy Test, developed as part of the "Our Media" project co-led by IPS Communication Foundation/bianet, has been updated with a new category: “Digital Security and Online Protection.”

    • Meduza ☛ Chats and punishment: Journalists and rights groups accuse Telegram of FSB ties and exposing user data — just how worried should users be? — Meduza

    • Security Week ☛ Paragon ‘Graphite’ Spyware Linked to Zero-Click Hacks on Newest iPhones

      Citizen Lab publishes forensic proof that spyware maker Paragon can compromise up-to-date iPhones. Journalists in Europe among victims.

• Defence/Aggression

  • American Oversight ☛ American Oversight Sues over Guantanamo Deportation Plan Amid Convicted Felon’s Authoritarian Posturing

    From Guantánamo and Alcatraz to a military parade in the nation's capital on his birthday, the president is channeling strongman imagery. Our lawsuit seeks records related to the reported Guantanamo detention plan.

  • Federal News Network ☛ USDA ended contract for food assistance ‘clearinghouse’ required by law, lawsuit claims

    USDA has cancelled 750 contracts so far under the Convicted Felon administration, according to a tracker on its website.

  • New York Times ☛ Calif. Senator Forcibly Removed and Handcuffed After Interrupting Noem

    Alex Padilla, Democrat of California, was shoved out of a room and handcuffed after he tried to question Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, during a news conference.

  • CS Monitor ☛ Immigration has been a winning issue for Convicted Felon. This week may be a pivotal test.

    The LA protests are playing to the president’s strengths around security and law enforcement, and bringing the politics of immigration front and center.

  • Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Over 920,000 reports made to national security hotline in past 4 years, Hong Kong security chief says

    Hong Kong police’s national security hotline received over 920,000 reports over the past four years, security chief Chris Tang has said. Speaking at a ceremony on Thursday to mark five years since the Beijing-imposed national security law was enacted, Tang said Hongkongers “cannot relax or be complacent.”

  • American Oversight ☛ American Oversight Condemns House Homeland Security Committee’s Unfounded Probes into Nonprofits

    The committee's actions are the latest effort to weaponize congressional oversight and punish organizations that do not conform to the Convicted Felon administration’s political priorities.

  • Pro Publica ☛ How El Salvador’s Government Impeded a U.S. Probe of MS-13

    In mid-April, President Donald Trump sat down in the Oval Office with President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador to celebrate a new partnership. They had recently negotiated an extraordinary deal in which El Salvador agreed to incarcerate in a maximum security prison hundreds of Venezuelan immigrants that the Trump administration had labeled as violent criminals, though few had been convicted of such crimes. The U.S. also sent back accused members of the notorious Salvadoran gang MS-13 — which both the U.S. and El Salvador have designated as a terrorist organization.

    Bukele’s presidency has been defined by his successful crackdown against MS-13. He has jailed tens of thousands of alleged gang members, transforming one of the hemisphere’s most dangerous nations into one of its safest. Although human rights groups have criticized his tactics, Bukele remains extremely popular in El Salvador.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Noise detente on Korean peninsula as eerie broadcasts end

    The North had been broadcasting a horror movie-esque soundtrack into border areas since 2024.

  • North Korea halts loudspeaker border broadcasts day after South Korea’s suspension

    It’s the first concrete step by the South’s newly elected president to ease tensions across the war-divided border.

  • The Straits Times ☛ South Korean stalking victim stabbed to death while under police protection

    There were no signs of theft at her home, leading police to suspect the man accused of stalking her.

  • The Straits Times ☛ North Korea's Kim Jong Un lauds restored destroyer, says more to be built

    Satellite images had shown ongoing repairs of the 5,000-ton destroyer that had partially capsised in May.

  • New York Times ☛ U.S. Reviewing Aukus Submarine Deal With Australia, Britain

    The 2021 pact, meant to help counter China’s ambitions in the Asia Pacific, will be examined to ensure that it meets “America First criteria,” a U.S. official said.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Japan, China trade barbs after Chinese fighters flew close to Japanese patrol planes

    Tokyo will maintain communications with Beijing and monitor the airspace around its territories.

  • New York Times ☛ Japan Says Chinese Fighter Jet Flew Too Close to Its Military Plane

    The maneuvers over international waters in the Pacific last weekend prompted Japanese officials to warn China not to repeat them and risk a collision.

  • New York Times ☛ The Art of the Stall: China’s Strategy for Dealing With Convicted Felon

    Beijing has gained time to build up its own strengths by drawing out negotiations with the United States, using its chokehold over critical minerals.

  • The Straits Times ☛ China affirms trade deal with US, says it always keeps its word

    But the specifics of the latest deal and details on how it will be implemented remain unclear.

  • The Straits Times ☛ China-backed militia secures control of new rare earth mines in Myanmar

    Beijing is heavily reliant on Myanmar for the rare earth metals and oxides needed to produce them.

  • Hong Kong exiles seek to preserve democracy’s memory through Lennon Walls in Taiwan

    Hong Kong’s Lennon Walls were iconic features of pro-democracy movement, including 2019 anti-extradition protests.

  • New York Times ☛ Gaza Aid Group Says 8 Local Workers Killed and 21 Wounded

    Internet and landline services were also cut off in the enclave after key telecommunications infrastructure was damaged, according to a Palestinian ministry.

  • Russia, Belarus, and War in Ukraine

    • Latvia ☛ Security Council: Elections were secure despite errors

      The National Security Council concluded after a meeting on 11 June that there were significant errors in the organisation of the recent local elections, but overall, the elections were secure.

    • Latvia ☛ Security guards might be allowed to shoot down drones in Latvia

      The Saeima will evaluate the Ministry of Economics' (EM) proposal to allow security service or security guard employees to shoot down drones near infrastructure objects of national importance if they threaten their safety, LSM.lv reports.

• Environment

  • The Strategist ☛ Silent risk to net-zero commitment: climate policy meets national security

    Australia faces a growing dilemma: in attempting to ease genuine climate challenges, it is creating national security vulnerabilities by embedding Chinese smart technologies in critical infrastructure. This includes solar inverters and batteries.

  • The Straits Times ☛ Indonesia invites foreign stakes in $102 billion seawall to shield coasts from floods

    The seawall is meant to prevent floods along the north coast of Java, the country’s most populous island.

  • Energy/Transportation

    • The Straits Times ☛ Fatal bus crash in Malaysia: Transport Minister warns driver to stop making unverified claims

      The driver's claim that the brake system of the bus had stopped working was not yet proven.

    • The Straits Times ☛ ‘Unimaginable’: Families mourn dead in Air India crash

      Indian police said at least 265 bodies had been recovered from the smouldering crash site.

    • The Straits Times ☛ Air India plane crash draws attention to flaps and landing gear

      The 787’s landing gear was never retracted, which normally occurs just after takeoff.

• Finance

  • Mexico News Daily ☛ Should Mexico’s interest rate cuts continue? The central bank appears divided

    After an upbeat report on the economy, the Bank of Mexico weighs an interest rate cut that could stimulate growth, but also worsen inflation.

• AstroTurf/Lobbying/Politics

  • The Straits Times ☛ South Koreans flock to Blue House ahead of presidential return

    Newly elected Lee Jae-myung plans to move the seat of power back, triggering a frenzy of last-minute visits.

  • The Straits Times ☛ South Korean President Lee to meet chaebol heads in bid to revive economy

    Chaebols, or family-controlled conglomerates, have long been the economy’s main engine of growth.

  • The Straits Times ☛ New Zealand PM Luxon to meet President Pooh-tin in China, then head to Europe

    This is Mr Luxon’s first visit to China since he became prime minister in late 2023.

  • Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Beijing hails improving Vatican ties after Pope Leo names first Chinese bishop

    Beijing hailed on Thursday improving ties with the Vatican after the first appointment of a Chinese bishop under Pope Leo XIV, signalling the new pontiff’s support for a controversial accord on nominations struck by his predecessor.

  • Misinformation/Disinformation/Propaganda

    • Silicon Angle ☛ Meta files lawsuit against Hey Hi (AI) firm behind fake nonconsensual nude images

      Meta Platforms Inc. announced today that it’s suing a company that advertised generative artificial intelligence apps on Meta’s platforms that enabled users to “nudify” people from a clothed image.

• Labour Rights/Censorship/Free Speech

  • New York Times ☛ China Labor Bulletin, a Rights Group in Hong Kong, Shuts Down

    The China Labor Bulletin, which tracks factory closures and worker protests in China, cited financial difficulties for its dissolution.

  • Hong Kong Free Press ☛ Hong Kong-based NGO China Labour Bulletin dissolves after 3 decades, cites financial strife

    Hong Kong-based NGO China Labour Bulletin (CLB) has announced its decision to dissolve, citing difficulties with finances and debt. In a website statement shared on Thursday, it said “the company can no longer maintain operations and has decided to dissolve and initiate the relevant procedures.”

  • Critical mineral industries in China’s far west using Uyghur forced labor: report

    Global brands sourcing minerals from Chinese producers in Xinjiang risk complicity in serious rights abuses.

• Freedom of Information / Freedom of the Press

  • Press Gazette ☛ Chiswick: Local news oasis

    Across the UK ‘deserts’ with no dedicated local news coverage are increasing – with London particularly hard hit by local newspaper closures in recent years.

  • Press Gazette ☛ Techcrunch owner says he is ‘doubling down’ on Europe after staff axed [Ed: Liar. Absurd lie.]

    Former staff hit out at comments from Techcrunch publisher Michael Reinstein.

Monopolies/Monopsonies

• Copyrights

  • Digital Music News ☛ Major Music Labels Quickly Back Disney, NBCUniversal Lawsuit Against Midjourney

    The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) has strongly endorsed Disney & NBCUniversal’s lawsuit against Hey Hi (AI) company Midjourney. RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier issued a statement that underscores the broader implications for creative industries. “There is a clear path forward through partnerships that both further Hey Hi (AI) innovation and foster human artistry,” Glazier said.

  • Public Domain Review ☛ Strings Attached: Helen Haiman Joseph’s A Book of Marionettes (1920)

    The first comprehensive history of marionette artistry in the English language.