politics-and-government6.09 min read
KY law blocks Massie from returning to the ballot after primary loss
8 days ago•Source: Lexington Herald Leader
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5.43 min•10 days ago
Barr Clinches GOP Nomination to Replace McConnell in Kentucky Senate Race
U.S. Rep. Andy Barr won Kentucky's Republican primary for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Mitch McConnell, aided by a Trump endorsement and outsized fundraising over rival Daniel Cameron; Cameron conceded after Barr led as polls closed, setting Barr up to face the Democrat in November.
4.995 min•23 days ago
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles Resigns, Triggers 2027 Mayoral Race
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NC educators rally in Raleigh for higher pay and school funding
News & Observer•28 days ago
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Trump taps Nate Morris for ambassador role, stepping aside in Kentucky Senate race
Lexington Herald Leader•28 days ago
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Google–Pentagon sign classified AI pact expanding DoD access
Google reportedly signed a classified deal with the Pentagon granting the Department of Defense access to Google's AI models for any lawful government purpose; details are not public and Google reportedly has no veto power over government uses, though there are claimed safeguards for mass surveillance and autonomous weapons with human oversight. The move has sparked internal employee opposition and mirrors similar AI-government deals by other firms, amid prior tensions with Anthropic.
NSA taps Anthropic Mythos for security tasks amid policy tensions
The NSA is reportedly using Anthropic's Mythos Preview, a general-purpose AI model, for security tasks; Axios cites two sources noting broader use within the agency. The move comes after Anthropic CEO meetings with White House officials to discuss Mythos, with the White House calling the talks productive amid past government bans and ongoing DoD litigation. About 40 organizations reportedly have access to Mythos Preview, and NSA usage is said to be expanding within the department.
France swaps Windows for Linux to bolster digital sovereignty
France said it will replace Windows workstations with Linux as part of a broader move toward digital sovereignty in Europe, migrate videoconferencing to a French-made platform (Visio) and shift health data to a new system by 2026, reflecting Europe's push to reduce reliance on US tech amid frictions with the US.
Greece moves to bar under-15s from social media by 2027
Greece plans to ban social media use for anyone under 15 starting in 2027, requiring platforms to verify ages and face penalties under the EU Digital Services Act; parents would use a state-backed 'Kids Wallet' app to block access, a move backed by adults and aiming to spur EU-wide action.
US tightens router security, blocks new overseas-made models
The FCC designated consumer routers manufactured outside the US as a security risk, placing all new foreign-made router models on a Covered List. Existing US-based brands with overseas manufacturing are affected, but already-sold routers can still be used and updated through at least March 1, 2027. Conditional approvals may be granted if companies commit to moving some manufacturing to the US. Legal challenges are likely, and shoppers shouldn’t expect new router models on shelves until the policy is clarified.
US allegedly relied on Anthropic's Claude in Iran strike after ban, WSJ reports
The Wall Street Journal reports federal agencies continued to use Anthropic's Claude in a major Iran airstrike after President Trump ordered a phase‑out, with a six‑month window still in effect; the DoD is exploring alternatives (including xAI and OpenAI) but replacement would take months, and Claude has allegedly been used in prior operations such as Maduro's capture.
Open-borders claim about Charlotte stabbing debunked in Trump SOTU
A fact-checking explanation finds Trump’s assertion that the Ukrainian refugee murder in Charlotte happened because of open borders is false. The suspect, DeCarlos Brown, was a Charlotte native with prior arrests and a history of mental health issues; he had been released on non-cash-bail on other charges when the August stabbing occurred on a Lynx Blue Line train. Zarutska’s family and local reporting indicate these factors, not border policy, explain the tragedy, which has been used in political debates about crime and immigration.
Pentagon Signals Possible Minneapolis Deployment as Hundreds Are Readied
The Pentagon has ordered a Fort Bragg–based Army military police brigade and additional Alaska-based troops from the 11th Airborne Division to prepare for a possible deployment to Minneapolis, with hundreds of MPs and two infantry battalions anticipated for mobilization; officials say the information is pre-decisional and no formal announcement has been made.
"USPS Takes Action to Address Mail Delivery Issues Amidst Calls for Postmaster General's Resignation"
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff of Georgia expressed frustration with the unacceptable delays in mail delivery, citing constituents' struggles with receiving prescriptions, paying rent, and conducting business. The USPS has tracking data available on its website, showing that mail delivery in Georgia has significantly slowed, with only 42.48% of mail arriving on time and taking an average of 4.9 days to deliver, compared to 2.6 days a year ago. The public can access this data to monitor delivery performance by state and region, but specific ZIP Code details are not provided.
"FY24 Spending Bill: Winners and Losers in Agency Budgets"
Lawmakers have reached a bipartisan agreement on a fiscal 2024 spending "minibus" that provides funding for various federal agencies, with some seeing budget cuts while others receive increased resources. The package includes plans for departments such as Agriculture, Justice, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Veterans Affairs. While federal employees will continue to receive the 5.2% average pay raise enacted by President Biden, some agencies will face financial challenges due to existing budgets. Notably, federal wildland firefighters and FAA employees will see increased resources, while agencies like the EPA, NSF, NASA, and the Bureau of Prisons will experience budget cuts.