Good morning, It’s Tuesday, August 28th. In today’s news, Zuckerberg admits that the Biden administration pressured him into censoring content, Government officers were told to skip fraud prevention when vetting temporary foreign workers, CTV interrupts broadcast of RFK Jr speech calling him a conspiracy theorist, Russia seizes more than $100 Million from Google to fund war campaign, and much more.
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Zuckerberg Admits Biden Admin Pressured Him to Censor COVID Content, Says it was Wrong to Suppress Hunter Biden Laptop Story
Mark Zuckerberg acknowledged that Facebook was pressured by the Biden administration to censor COVID-19 content and admitted that it was wrong to suppress The New York Post's coverage of Hunter Biden's laptop. In a letter to House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan, Zuckerberg detailed how senior Biden administration officials repeatedly pressured Meta to censor various types of content, including humour and satire related to the pandemic.
Zuckerberg expressed regret over complying with these demands, stating, "I believe the government pressure was wrong, and I regret that we were not more outspoken about it." He added that, with hindsight, some of the decisions made at the time would have been different. Zuckerberg assured that Meta has now implemented policies to prevent similar incidents in the future, emphasizing that the company will push back against any government pressure moving forward.
Zuckerberg also addressed the suppression of The Post’s October 2020 story on Hunter Biden’s laptop, explaining that Meta had initially demoted the story based on a warning from the FBI about potential Russian disinformation. He admitted that this decision was a mistake, as the story was later confirmed to be legitimate. Zuckerberg committed to ensuring that similar errors do not occur again, highlighting changes in Meta's content moderation processes, including the cessation of temporary demotions while awaiting fact-checker reviews in the US.
Finally, Zuckerberg indicated that he would not be making another significant financial contribution to local elections, as he had done in 2020, in an effort to remain neutral and avoid influencing future elections. More
Tiny Thought: Even though the suppression of the Hunter Biden laptop story arguably won the Democrats the election in 2020, this is good to see. We need more people like Elon Musk and Pavel Durov leading the fight for free speech. I’m not completely sold on Zuckerberg yet, but getting Meta out from under the government’s thumb is a solid start. Hopefully, they become another safe haven for truth and free speech.
Government Officers Told to Skip Fraud Prevention Steps When Vetting Temporary Foreign Worker Applications
The Trudeau government claims to be tightening control over the temporary foreign worker (TFW) program due to widespread abuse, but an investigation uncovered that the government has actually been fast-tracking applications, cutting corners on essential fraud-prevention measures. Beginning in January 2022, Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) instructed staff to implement “streamlining measures” to speed up the approval process. These measures involved skipping routine checks, such as confirming that employers genuinely applied to hire a worker, ensuring lawyers and consultants were in good standing, and verifying the conditions promised to workers.
Despite government assurances of stricter oversight, internal ESDC documents and interviews with a current employee reveal that these expedited processes have eroded safeguards, effectively turning the approval process into a rubber stamp. This rush to process applications, driven by unprecedented demand for workers, has allowed fraud and abuse to flourish, with many migrant workers arriving in Canada only to find that the jobs they were promised don’t exist.
One ESDC employee, granted anonymity, described how about 50% of the usual checks have been abandoned under pressure to meet faster processing targets. Even when potential fraud is reported, nothing is done. This lack of oversight has led to a sharp increase in scams, where employers and consultants charge workers exorbitant fees for non-existent jobs, leaving many migrants trapped in vulnerable positions.
Critics, including immigration consultants and academics, warn that the government’s approach undermines the integrity of the TFW program, with some going as far as to label the situation as a form of government-sponsored modern-day slavery. The UN’s special rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery has echoed these concerns, calling for the granting of permanent resident status to migrant workers to end ongoing exploitation. More
Media v. RFK Jr: CTV Interrupts Broadcast of RFK Jr Speech Calling Him a Conspiracy Theorist
During a live stream of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s speech endorsing Republican candidate Donald J. Trump, CTV abruptly cut off the audio and labelled Kennedy a conspiracy theorist. The network chose to interrupt and talk over the independent presidential candidate rather than allow his full message to be broadcast. Clips shared on social media show CTV cutting Kennedy's speech short, with the anchor stating they would not air conspiracy theories.
Kennedy's speech, which lasted 48 minutes, focused on several key issues he believed Trump could help address, including ending perpetual wars, tackling the childhood disease epidemic, securing the US border, protecting free speech, and preventing US intelligence agencies from interfering in elections. He accused federal agencies of colluding to re-elect Democrats, specifically criticizing the Democratic National Convention for allegedly manipulating the election process to favour Kamala Harris without her engaging in any substantive campaign activities.
CTV anchor Todd Vanderheyden interrupted Kennedy's speech, calling him a "so-called third-party candidate" and dismissing his claims as conspiracy theories. Vanderheyden's interruption came as Kennedy was criticizing US media companies for acting as propaganda tools for the Democratic Party. Kennedy's speech continued uninterrupted on other networks, where he claimed that mainstream media had imposed a "near perfect embargo" on interviews with him, despite polling as high as 20% in a three-way race against Biden and Trump.
Kennedy further criticized media executives, accusing them of abandoning their duty to challenge those in power and instead becoming government mouthpieces. He has since filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission, alleging collusion between the two major parties and CNN to keep him off the debate stage. More
Russia Seizes More Than $100 Million from Google to Fund War Propaganda Campaign
Russia reportedly seized over $100 million from Google’s Russian accounts following the Ukraine invasion, leading to the bankruptcy of Google's Russian division. The funds were redirected to state-backed channels like RT and Tsargrad to support the war effort. Google is now suing these channels in the US and UK, alleging that Russian courts imposed excessive fines as punishment for complying with international sanctions. The tech giant seeks to block further asset seizures in countries like South Africa, Turkey, and Serbia. More
Tiny Thought: I know it’s different, but Canada also taxes Google $100 million every year to fund government-approved media outlets to promote their propaganda campaigns.
French Judge Extends Police Custody for Telegram CEO Pavel Durov
French authorities have extended Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's police custody by 48 hours as part of a judicial inquiry into multiple criminal allegations, including complicity in child exploitation and drug trafficking. Russian officials have condemned his detention as politically motivated, while French President Emmanuel Macron insists the arrest is part of an independent legal investigation. The UAE is providing consular support, and Iran's Supreme Leader has criticized the arrest as a violation of governance. The UN human rights office is also seeking more information on the case. More
Trump Adds Ex-Democrat Tulsi Gabbard to Transition Team
Donald Trump has appointed Tulsi Gabbard to his transition team following her endorsement of his presidential campaign. Gabbard, a former congresswoman and military veteran who previously ran for the Democratic nomination in 2020, left the Democratic Party in 2022. She has since criticized the Biden administration and advocated for Trump, urging voters across party lines to support him. Her endorsement significantly shifts from her earlier progressive stance to a more conservative position. More
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Taliban Reject UN Concerns Over Laws Banning Women’s Voices and Bare Faces in Public
The Taliban dismissed UN concerns over new laws restricting women's freedoms in Afghanistan, which include bans on women showing their faces and speaking publicly. UNAMA head Roza Otunbayeva criticized the laws for further limiting women's rights, describing them as a troubling sign for the country's future. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid defended the laws, urging understanding of Islamic principles and dismissing foreign criticism as arrogant. More
Tiny Thought: This clearly illustrates the limitations of multiculturalism.
Ukraine Says it Has New Homegrown Long-range Weapon to Hit Deep into Russia Without Western Permission
Ukraine has unveiled a new long-range weapon called the Palianytsia, designed to strike deep into Russia without needing approval from Western allies. The Palianytsia, a hybrid missile and drone system, was developed in response to Russia's dominance of the skies and restrictions on the use of Western long-range missiles. The weapon is reportedly capable of reaching up to 700 kilometres, targeting key Russian military sites. More
Jennifer Sey: ‘Woke’ Policies Are Stripping Away Harley-Davidson’s Classic Appeal
Jennifer Sey, a former Levi Strauss executive, criticizes major American brands like Harley-Davidson and Bud Light for alienating their core customers by adopting progressive agendas. Sey argues that such moves, driven by elite executives like Harley-Davidson’s CEO Jochen Zeitz, clash with traditional consumer values and have led to backlash and brand decline. She attributes these shifts to a guilt-driven embrace of radical ideologies by wealthy elites and a new generation of employees shaped by "woke" education. Sey now runs XX-XY Athletics, a company she says stands against what she views as false progressivism. More
Office Value Plunge of $557 Billion Outshines Urban Revival Efforts
Cities are grappling with a $557 billion drop in office values, largely due to the shift to remote work since the pandemic. This decline is straining local budgets that rely on commercial property taxes and leaving investors with depreciated assets. Despite the financial hit, urban areas are seeing a cultural and social revival, with bustling cafes and lively parks. The real question is whether this vibrant street-level energy can endure amid the economic strain. If cities can't balance this paradox, they risk a "death spiral" where financial troubles undermine their newfound vibrancy. More
This Private Island Off Nova Scotia Comes With Everything You Need to Isolate for a Year
A private island off Nova Scotia, Strum Island, is up for sale at $13.1 million. Spanning 10 acres in Mahone Bay, it features a three-storey lodge, a two-storey guesthouse, and an array of amenities including a lobster temple, observation tower, and self-sustainable garden. Accessible only by boat or helicopter, the island is equipped with a helicopter pad, power from an undersea cable, and a micro-cannabis processing facility. The property is designed for total isolation, offering everything needed for a year-long escape from civilization. More
Tiny Thought: I certainly don’t have $13 million, but how nice does a year of isolation sound?
Public Trust in Drinking Water Safety is Alarming Low Around the World
A global study led by Northwestern University and UNC Chapel Hill found that over half of adults worldwide expect to be seriously harmed by their drinking water within the next two years. This distrust in water safety affects health, nutrition, and economic well-being, even when water meets safety standards. The study, based on data from over 148,000 adults in 141 countries, revealed that perceptions of water safety are influenced by factors like corruption, education, and economic status. Inaccurate perceptions lead to unhealthy behaviours, increased stress, and greater reliance on costly bottled water. Improving public trust through better testing and transparency is crucial for addressing these concerns. More
Tiny Thought: Last week, a landmark study revealed a significant link between excess fluoride and cognitive impairment in children. This large-scale research highlights a serious concern that people should take seriously.
Scientists Suggest Another Planet May Be Hiding in Our Galaxy
A Caltech team has proposed the existence of a new planet, tentatively named Planet Nine or Planet X, orbiting far beyond Pluto. This hypothetical planet could be up to ten times the size of Earth and may take between 10,000 and 20,000 years to complete an orbit around the Sun. The idea emerged from observing unusual orbits of distant solar system objects, which seem to be influenced by this potential planet. While direct observation hasn’t yet been achieved, the upcoming Vera C. Rubin Observatory, with its advanced 3200-megapixel camera, might confirm its existence within a few years. More
Kelce Brothers Sign $100 Million Deal With Amazon’s Wondery for ‘New Heights’ Podcast
Jason and Travis Kelce have signed a lucrative three-year deal with Amazon's Wondery, worth over $100 million, for exclusive ad sales and distribution rights to their “New Heights” podcast. Starting August 28, Wondery will handle global distribution, including audio and video episodes, and international adaptations. The deal also includes ad-free listening for Wondery+ subscribers, live streams, and rights to merchandise. “New Heights,” which features the Kelce brothers discussing NFL life and more, will remain available on all podcast platforms. More
Opening Day of Burning Man Marred by Woman's Death and Harsh Weather Conditions
The opening day of Burning Man 2024 was overshadowed by tragedy and delays. A 39-year-old woman died on-site despite emergency efforts, with the cause of death still under investigation. Additionally, the festival's gates opened 12 hours late due to rain and muddy conditions, affecting around 20,000 attendees. The festival, running from August 25 to September 2, is facing logistical challenges similar to last year's issues, including weather-related disruptions and strained resources. More
NFL Owners Vote in Favour of Private Equity Investment; Select Firms Commit $12 Billion
The NFL has approved a new policy allowing select private equity firms to acquire up to a 10% stake in up to six teams. The measure, approved by 31 of 32 team owners, aims to boost team funding and fan experiences. Firms like Ares Management, Sixth Street Partners, and Arctos Partners, among others, will be involved. This change marks the NFL’s first foray into private equity investment, aligning with other major sports leagues that allow up to 30% equity. The move is expected to provide significant capital for team operations and stadium projects. More
Hundreds Gather to Watch ‘World Gravy Wrestling Championships’ at UK Pub - Attendees flock to a pub in Rossendale, Lancashire, for the annual “World Gravy Wrestling Championships.” The international competition — named one of the top ten weirdest “sports” — sees 16 men and eight women battle in 528 gallons of gravy. Competitors, dressed in fancy attire, aim to win the title by defeating their opponents in two-minute matches.
Bottle of Cognac From 1696 Confirmed as the World's Oldest - A bottle of cognac belonging to a collector in the Netherlands was officially dubbed the oldest in the world at 328 years old. One of only three known remaining bottles of the spirit was auctioned by Sotheby's for $146,000 in 2020.
On this day in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech addressing the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom civil rights march at Lincoln Memorial, Washington, DC.