South Korea Accuses DeepSeek of Illegal Data Transfers
South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Commission (PIPC) has accused Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup DeepSeek of transferring personal data abroad to companies in China and the U.S. without obtaining consent from its users.
The accusations were published as part of PIPC’s findings into DeepSeek on Thursday, following the AI model’s removal from South Korean app stores in February due to “third-party data transfers and insufficient transparency in DeepSeek’s privacy policy.”
In a statement published on Thursday, the PIPC detailed that DeepSeek sent information generated by users, “in addition to device information, network information, and app information,” to Beijing Volcano Engine Technology Co., Ltd. (a cloud platform owned by ByteDance) without user consent or disclosure in DeepSeek’s processing policy.
Anti-China narrative
DeepSeek’s data processing policies clearly violated South Korea’s Personal Information Protection Act, and the transfer of personal data abroad, especially to Chinese firms, posed significant privacy and national security risks. Accordingly, the PIPC has taken the right action by banning DeepSeek from South Korean app stores until the company abides by the country’s laws and regulations.
Pro-China narrative
China has always held itself to the highest standards concerning data protection and digital privacy rights and has never required Chinese companies, such as DeepSeek, to collect personal data through illegal means. It also cautions against actions, like those taken by the PIPC, which overstretch national security concepts and politicize fundamentally economic and technological issues.
California Surpasses Japan as World's Fourth-Largest Economy
According to data from the International Monetary Fund and the Bureau of Economic Analysis, California's economy has overtaken Japan's to become the fourth-largest in the world by gross domestic product (GDP).
California's nominal GDP reached $4.1 trillion in 2024, surpassing Japan's $4.02 trillion. This placed the state behind only Germany ($4.65 trillion), China ($18.74 trillion) and the U.S. ($29.18 trillion) in global economic rankings.
The state achieved a 6% growth rate in 2024, outpacing the U.S. (5.3%), China (2.6%), and Germany (2.9%). California contributes $83 billion more to the federal government than it receives in federal funding.
Republican narrative
Despite being the world's fourth-largest economy, California struggles to address homelessness and wildfire protection. And, despite allocating billions to combat homelessness, the population continues to rise. Additionally, insurance companies are reducing coverage in fire-prone areas, leaving residents vulnerable. These issues will sooner or later derail California's growth trajectory.
Democratic narrative
California's economic success highlights its resilience, which shines through its ability to recover from natural disasters, economic downturns, and social challenges. Despite wildfires, droughts, and housing crises, the state adapts through innovation, policy reform, and community strength. Its strong commitment to sustainability helps it rebound and thrive, making California a global economic powerhouse.
Nerd narrative
There's a 55% chance that California will have a lower GDP per capita than at most nine countries in the world in 2050, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Al-Shabaab and Somali Forces Battle for Strategic Military Base
Al-Shabaab militants launched a pre-dawn attack on Thursday targeting the Somali military base in Wargaadhi town, in the Masajid Ali Gaduud district of Middle Shabelle region, which serves as a crucial strategic position connecting Mogadishu to Galmudug State.
Army officer Hussein Ali claimed that government forces initially lost 12 soldiers and killed over 40 militants, but al-Shabaab eventually captured the town after receiving reinforcements, though government forces later reclaimed parts of it with air support.
The attack on Wargaadhi follows al-Shabaab's recent capture of the strategic town of Adan Yabal, home to the country's largest military base about 245 km (152 miles) north of Mogadishu, indicating an escalation in the group's offensive capabilities in central Somalia.
Narrative A
The Somali government maintains full control of Wargaadhi and has successfully repelled the attack, inflicting heavy casualties on al-Shabaab terrorists. The military's swift counteroffensive demonstrates its capability to defend strategic positions and protect civilian populations.
Narrative B
Al-Shabaab's successful operations in capturing strategic locations like Wargaadhi and Adan Yabal showcase the group's growing strength and the government's weakening grip on central Somalia. The attacks have created a growing zone of militant control that threatens Mogadishu's security.
Nerd narrative
There is a 30% chance that there will be a successful coup in Africa or Latin America before July 1, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
5,000-year-old Elite Woman's Tomb Discovered in Peru
Archaeologists in coastal Peru have discovered the 5,000-year-old remains of a noblewoman at the Aspero site, with the remarkably preserved body showing intact skin, hair, and nails, wrapped in fabric layers and adorned with a distinctive macaw feather mantle.
The burial site, located 113 miles north of Lima, Peru’s capital, contained significant ceremonial offerings including baskets, gourds, vases, a toucan's beak, and a stone bowl, further indicating the woman's elevated social status.
The woman belonged to Peru's ancient Caral civilization, active around 3,000 B.C. It developed contemporaneously with ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Sumerian civilizations, but evolved in complete isolation, making it unique among early urban societies.
Narrative A
This discovery represents a groundbreaking shift in understanding ancient power structures, demonstrating that women held significant leadership roles in early civilizations. The elaborate burial arrangements and high-status artifacts prove that the Caral civilization valued women as important societal figures. The preservation of the remains provides unprecedented insight into this isolated American civilization.
Narrative B
The interpretation of this finding as evidence of women's elevated status might be premature without more contextual evidence. The elaborate burial could represent religious or ceremonial significance rather than political power. Additional research is needed to definitively establish the exact nature of women's roles in Caral society.
UK: Water Bosses Could Face Prison Time for Hiding Sewage Spills
Under a new law that came into effect on Friday, water company executives in the U.K. could face up to two years imprisonment if they cover up illegal sewage spills. This is the first time such criminal penalties have been introduced since privatization.
The Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 requires water companies to bear the cost of investigations into illegal dumping, providing regulators with additional resources for prosecutions and enforcement actions.
Since the water industry privatization in 1989, only three water company officials have been criminally prosecuted for obstructing investigations, and no fines have been issued despite widespread illegal sewage discharges.
Pro-government narrative
The new legislation provides essential tools to hold water companies accountable and protect the environment. The threat of imprisonment would serve as a powerful deterrent to ensure the water industry focuses on cleaning up waterways and investing in infrastructure improvements.
Opposition narrative
The legislation is merely theater without meaningful reform, as similar powers have existed since 1995 and companies can still dump sewage while extracting dividends. There's a need for fundamental changes to water company finances and greater regulatory oversight.
Narrative C
Inadequate oversight and pollution incidents raise concerns about environmental responsibility and transparency. Water companies should not be allowed to monitor their own sewage pollution levels, as it creates a conflict of interest. A third-party monitoring system is essential to build consumer trust.
Nerd narrative
There's a 42% chance that European soil moisture will be below the reference period for at least three out of the four years between 2022 and 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
FBI Arrests Judge for Allegedly Obstructing Undocumented Immigrant Arrest
FBI Director Kash Patel announced on Friday that Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Hannah Dugan was arrested on federal obstruction charges for allegedly helping an undocumented immigrant evade U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents at her courthouse.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 18, when ICE agents arrived at Dugan's courthouse to arrest Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who was appearing for a pretrial conference on misdemeanor battery charges.
According to law enforcement sources, Judge Dugan allegedly directed ICE agents to wait in the chief judge's office while allowing Flores-Ruiz to exit through a side door and private hallway.
Republican narrative
Judge Dugan’s arrest is a clear reminder Americans voted in 2024 for President Trump's commitment to strong borders and the rule of law. Her choice to help an illegal migrant evade ICE wasn’t justice — it was lawlessness. Immigration enforcement is popular because it protects our communities, and no activist judge has the right to override the will of the people.
Democratic narrative
The arrest of Judge Dugan is a dangerous escalation in Trump's authoritarian playbook — an outrageous attempt to intimidate the judiciary and sow fear. Courthouses must remain safe, neutral spaces, not tools of ICE enforcement. Democrats will not stand by while federal power is weaponized against those upholding justice and basic human dignity. This is a red line.
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance that there will be 1.66 million southwest land border encounters reported by US Customs and Border Protection in 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Ex-Rep Santos Gets 87 Months Prison for Campaign Fraud
Former New York GOP congressman George Santos was sentenced Friday to 87 months (7 years and 3 months) in federal prison for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft charges, with Judge Joanna Seybert ordering him to surrender by July 25 and pay $373,000 in restitution.
Last August, Santos pleaded guilty to defrauding campaign donors, stealing the identities of multiple individuals to falsely inflate contributor numbers, and wrongfully claiming unemployment benefits while employed and running for Congress.
The Justice Department successfully argued for the maximum sentence under federal guidelines, citing Santos' lack of remorse and continued attempts to profit from his notoriety through social media, Cameo appearances, and a podcast titled "Pants on Fire."
Democratic narrative
Santos wasn't just a prolific liar; he was a criminal. This sentence reflects the gravity of his unprecedented deceptions and financial crimes that undermined the democratic process and betrayed public trust. His continued attempts to monetize his notoriety through social media and entertainment platforms demonstrate a complete lack of genuine remorse.
Republican narrative
Santos' month sentence is excessive for a first-time offender whose actions stemmed from misguided political desperation rather than inherent malice. While accountability is important, considering the non-violent nature of his offenses, such a lengthy term may not proportionally reflect the crimes committed, raising concerns about fairness and consistency in sentencing standards — and raising concerns about the gleeful mob that is the left-wing media ecosystem.
Nerd narrative
There's a 49% chance that the Department of Justice will announce an investigation or prosecution of a Democrat who served as president, vice president, congressional leader, whip, or impeachment manager before 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Trump Doubles Down on Canada Statehood Comments
U.S. President Donald Trump recently stated in a Time magazine interview that he was not joking about his proposal to make Canada the 51st U.S. state, emphasizing that he was "really not trolling" about the controversial suggestion.
Trump claims the U.S. loses between $200-250 billion annually supporting Canada, arguing that America does not need Canadian lumber, energy, or automotive products while providing military and economic support to the nation.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed that Trump raised the prospect of Canada becoming the 51st state during their March 28 call, though Carney initially omitted this detail when first describing their conversation.
Pro-Trump narrative
Though unlikely, Trump's idea could boost trade and economic growth. The province of Alberta, frustrated with Canada's federal policies, has already shown openness to closer U.S. ties, like seamless border trade, as seen in U.S. interstate commerce, which could increase Canada's gross domestic product significantly. A larger, unified market would enhance competition and productivity, benefiting consumers and businesses, despite sovereignty concerns.
Anti-Trump narrative
Trump's 51st state idea isn't funny anymore. It would erode Canadian sovereignty, replacing its parliamentary system and cultural identity with U.S. governance. Canada's $2.5 trillion in resources would benefit 380 million people, not 41.6 million, slashing per capita gains. Universal healthcare and social safety nets would also vanish, replaced by back-breaking privatized systems. A few pro-separatists in Alberta don't justify losing Canadian nationhood.
Nerd narrative
There is a 1% chance that at least part of Canada will become a U.S. state before Jan. 21, 2033, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
World Food Programme Announces Gaza Food Stocks Have Run Out
The World Food Programme (WFP) announced on Friday that it had delivered its last remaining food stocks to Gazan kitchens preparing hot meals, which are expected to run out in the coming days.
The U.N. has said that around 80% of Gaza’s population of more than 2 million primarily relies on charity kitchens for food. Israel halted all aid deliveries to Gaza almost two months ago, saying the goal of the move was to pressure Hamas into accepting a new ceasefire framework.
At the end of March, all 25 WFP-supported bakeries closed after wheat flour and cooking fuel ran out. The Hamas-affiliated Gaza government media office said on Friday that famine is no longer a future risk, but is now unfolding as a present reality.
Pro-establishment narrative
The return to war will not save the hostages. Furthermore, Israel's policy of blocking aid from entering Gaza is creating widespread starvation across the strip. Both sides need to make concessions so that the ceasefire can be fully implemented and the hostages are returned.
Pro-Israel narrative
Once again, the U.N. and other Hamas enablers are spreading the lie that Israel is purposefully using starvation as a weapon of war. Studies last year found that there has been more than enough food entering Gaza to feed its population, yet international organizations continue to perpetuate false narratives. Indeed, the problem, like it has been since day one, is Hamas and its enablers.
Pro-Palestine narrative
It should be clear after over a year of grinding brutality that Israel's true goal is to destroy Gaza and starve its people. Indeed, starvation is an integral part of Israel's genocidal campaign. Children are on the verge of starving to death in their mothers' arms, yet the United States and international community have failed to end this travesty.