The University of Oklahoma and Auburn
University in Alabama banned the app on school
computers and on the school's WiFi networks.
In compliance with the Governor’s Executive
Order 2022-33, effective immediately,
no university employee or student shall
access the TikTok application or website
on University-owned or operated devices,
including OU wired and wireless networks, The University of Oklahoma, via Gizmodo.
In compliance with the Governor’s Executive
Order 2022-33, effective immediately,
no university employee or student shall
access the TikTok application or website
on University-owned or operated devices,
including OU wired and wireless networks, The University of Oklahoma, via Gizmodo.
The University of Oklahoma also announced that all
of the school's TikTok accounts would be deleted and, “alternate social media platforms utilized in their place.”.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said, "the cybersecurity of state government is necessary
to continue to serve and protect Oklahoma citizens
and we will not participate in helping the Chinese
Communist Party gain access to government information.”.
Gizmodo reports that Georgia has also moved
to ban TikTok, with 26 public universities and colleges
required to ban the app on their campuses.
Gizmodo reports that Georgia has also moved
to ban TikTok, with 26 public universities and colleges
required to ban the app on their campuses.
Earlier this year, BuzzFeed released a report claiming that
China has repeatedly accessed users' data, which led to
widespread criticism and security concerns over the app
World Athletics bans transgender women athletes; Ukraine receives first four of 13 Soviet-era MiG-29 jets from Slovakia; TikTok CEO grilled by US Congress, calls India’s ban as ‘theoretical’; US conducts air strikes in Syria after Iranian drone attack kills American contractor.
#WorldAthletics #Transgender #SebastianCoe
Elon Musk Sets Poop Emoji , as Autoreply to Reporters.
Elon Musk Sets Poop Emoji , as Autoreply to Reporters.
Gizmodo reports that Twitter CEO Elon Musk made the announcement via a tweet on March 19.
When Gizmodo reached out to press@twitter.com for a comment,
they received a poop emoji in return.
Amid Musk's mass layoffs since
acquiring the company in October,
Twitter's communications team was let go.
The move is in line with policies at his other companies, Tesla and SpaceX, which don't make a habit of responding to the press.
The move is in line with policies at his other companies, Tesla and SpaceX, which don't make a habit of responding to the press.
Musk has a history of disdain for the media.
In February, Musk said Twitter would take legal action against a disgruntled ex-employee who was a source for a Platformer article.
In December, Musk referred to a Reuters article alleging that Twitter had taken down suicide prevention information as "fake news.".
According to CBS News, Musk has also accused reporters of bias against Tesla and being in cahoots with the company's rivals
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Asteroid Samples Suggest , Origin of Life on Earth , May Have Come Via Impact.
Scientists have now confirmed that
samples taken from the asteroid
Ryugu contain organic molecules. .
Gizmodo reports that the revelation adds credence to
the theory that the origin of life on Earth could have
been delivered via meteorite and asteroid impacts.
Ryugu is a rocky remnant leftover
from the formation of our solar system
over 4 billion years ago. .
The primitive carbonaceous asteroid was visited
by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, which gathered
samples from the surface back in 2019.
The mission has provided scientists with
a fascinating window looking into what
the solar system was like in its infancy.
Among other compounds, scientists found
15 different amino acids, amines and
aromatic hydrocarbons in the samples. .
The presence of prebiotic molecules on
the asteroid surface despite its harsh
environment caused by solar heating
and ultraviolet irradiation, as well as
cosmic-ray irradiation under high-vacuum
conditions, suggests that the uppermost
surface grains of Ryugu have the potential
to protect organic molecules, Hiroshi Naraoka, Planetary scientist at Kyushu University
in Japan and the paper’s lead author, via 'Gizmodo'.
The presence of prebiotic molecules on
the asteroid surface despite its harsh
environment caused by solar heating
and ultraviolet irradiation, as well as
cosmic-ray irradiation under high-vacuum
conditions, suggests that the uppermost
surface grains of Ryugu have the potential
to protect organic molecules, Hiroshi Naraoka, Planetary scientist at Kyushu University
in Japan and the paper’s lead author, via 'Gizmodo'.
These molecules can be transported throughout the solar system, potentially dispersing as interplanetary dust particles after being ejected from the uppermost layer of the asteroid by impacts or other causes, Hiroshi Naraoka, Planetary scientist at Kyushu University
in Japan and the paper’s lead author, via 'Gizmodo'.
The team's findings were
published in 'Science.'.
Gizmodo reports that NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission
is currently returning from an asteroid known as Bennu,
where it completed similar sampling operations
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
At least 26 people have died in Mississippi and Alabama after a tornado tore through the southern US states. Search and rescue efforts continue, and the Mississippi state government has declared a state of emergency.
#MississippiTornado #Tornado #Mississippi
Norfolk Southern CEO , Appears Before Congress as Another , Train Derails in Alabama.
Norfolk Southern CEO , Appears Before Congress as Another , Train Derails in Alabama.
On March 9, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama
on the same day that the company's CEO appeared before
Congress in connection with another derailment in Ohio. .
On March 9, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama
on the same day that the company's CEO appeared before
Congress in connection with another derailment in Ohio. .
HuffPost reports that both company and local officials
have said that the most recent derailment
in Alabama does not pose a threat to the public.
Connor Spielmaker, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern,
said that none of the 37 train cars that derailed in Calhoun
County, Alabama, were carrying hazardous materials.
Connor Spielmaker, a spokesman for Norfolk Southern,
said that none of the 37 train cars that derailed in Calhoun
County, Alabama, were carrying hazardous materials.
According to Spielmaker, while two of the cars involved
are "residue" cars that previously contained hazardous
materials, they were not compromised in the derailment.
They did not breach.
There is no hazardous material leak.
There is no risk at all to the public, Connor Spielmaker Spokesman for Norfolk Southern, via HuffPost.
The director of the Calhoun County Emergency
Management Agency, Myles Chamblee, said that
no injuries or road blockages had been reported.
At the time of the derailment in Alabama, CEO Alan Shaw was answering questions regarding last month's derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which involved hazardous materials.
At the time of the derailment in Alabama, CEO Alan Shaw was answering questions regarding last month's derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which involved hazardous materials.
ABC reports that while appearing before Congress,
Norfolk Southern's CEO declined to say if the company
would compensate people in affected communities. .
ABC reports that while appearing before Congress,
Norfolk Southern's CEO declined to say if the company
would compensate people in affected communities. .
That includes any long-term
medical costs, testing or
economic damage.
He also reportedly declined to commit to
the proposed Railway Safety Act, which would
guarantee rail workers seven paid sick days a year.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Analysis Finds , Alarming Link Between , Race and Air Pollution in the US.
A recent analysis by 'The Guardian' took a look at
the places with the worst air pollution in the United States.
Here are some of the areas that made the list.
Birmingham, Alabama, According to the analysis,
one of the nation's most racially-segregated
cities is also one of the most polluted.
Central Atlanta, Similar to Birmingham, the analysis found
that in the most-polluted parts of the city near
interstates and the busiest air terminal in the U.S.,
Black people comprise the largest racial group.
Central Atlanta, Similar to Birmingham, the analysis found
that in the most-polluted parts of the city near
interstates and the busiest air terminal in the U.S.,
Black people comprise the largest racial group.
It’s true all over the country that,
a lot of the time, we put our highways
through African American communities.
That’s the story these maps tell, Brian Gist, an attorney with the Atlanta-based
Southern Environmental Law Center, via 'The Guardian'.
Central Pennsylvania, 'The Guardian' reports that this area has a lot of agriculture,
a transportation thoroughfare and industries that
include plastic manufacturing and metal fabrication.
Central Pennsylvania, 'The Guardian' reports that this area has a lot of agriculture,
a transportation thoroughfare and industries that
include plastic manufacturing and metal fabrication.
St. Louis Metro, According to 'The Guardian' analysis, the populations
in neighborhoods with the highest PM2.5 levels, or fine
particles of air pollution, were found to be 52% Black.
St. Louis Metro, According to 'The Guardian' analysis, the populations
in neighborhoods with the highest PM2.5 levels, or fine
particles of air pollution, were found to be 52% Black.
Houston, Similar to other U.S. pollution hotspots,
80% of residents in Houston's most
polluted tracts are people of color.
Houston, Similar to other U.S. pollution hotspots,
80% of residents in Houston's most
polluted tracts are people of color.
The polluting facilities are all located in our
neighborhoods. And then when we start
looking at which communities are most likely
to have elevated asthma, respiratory
problems, diabetes, heart disease, stroke
or COVID, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, it’s the same
map!’ That’s what we’re mad about, Robert Bullard, environmentalist and professor at Texas Southern University, via 'The Guardian'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
This Day in History:, New Orleanians Take to
the Streets for Mardi Gras.
February 27, 1827.
Groups of masked students
danced in the streets,
marking the beginnings of the
city's Mardi Gras celebrations.
The Mardi Gras celebration
was brought to the region by French
settlers towards the end of the 1600s.
By the time students in
New Orleans danced in the
streets in costumes and masks.
the celebration of Carnival
had been popular in Mobile, AL,
for more than 100 years.
The New Orleans student
celebrations were inspired by their Paris studies.
Within five years, a French plantation
owner had begun raising money
to fund the celebration.
The first fully organized
Mardi Gras occurred in 1857
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 00:50Published
10 , Mardi Gras Facts .
1, The official colors of Mardi Gras are purple (justice), gold (power) and green (faith).
2, Mardi Gras is also known as Fat Tuesday because it’s the last day to indulge before Lent, a 40 day fasting period.
3, Mobile, Alabama, was the first place in the United States to celebrate Mardi Gras.
4. , The first Mardi Gras parade in
New Orleans was in 1837.
5, The Carnival season starts on
January 6 and ends on Mardi Gras.
6. , Mardi Gras is a state holiday in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana.
7. , It is illegal to ride on a
float without a mask.
8. , If you find a small plastic baby inside your slice of king cake, you have to buy the cake or host the party next year.
9, Parades and floats are organized by social groups known as krewes.
10. , Aside from beads, each krewe
has a signature "throw," such
as hand-painted coconuts
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:17Published
2022 Sets Record , for Most Attempts , to Ban Books.
Associated Press reports that
the number of attempted bans and
restrictions on books continues to surge. .
According to a new report from the American
Library Association released on March 23,
the number of attempts in 2022 set a new record.
Last year, the association compiled over
1,200 attempts to either ban books or restrict
access to them in schools and libraries.
The number nearly doubled
from 2021, which set
the record that 2022 broke.
I’ve never seen anything like this.
The last two years have been exhausting,
frightening, outrage inducing, Deborah Caldwell-Stone, Director of the ALA’s Office
for Intellectual Freedom, via Associated Press.
In 2022, over 2,500 books were objected to. .
In 2021, the number of objections was
1,858, and just one year earlier it was only 566. .
States including Arizona, Iowa, Texas,
Missouri and Oklahoma have all passed
or proposed bills restricting books. .
States including Arizona, Iowa, Texas,
Missouri and Oklahoma have all passed
or proposed bills restricting books. .
AP reports that some books have been
targeted for racist language, others for
having gender or racial themes.
In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis has approved a
bill to review classroom reading material and limit
discussion of gender identity and race in schools.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Donald Trump is certainly not acting like a guy on the verge of being arrested ... He flew to Oklahoma Saturday night and enjoyed himself at a college sporting.. TMZ.com
Donald Trump was given a standing ovation when he arrived at a wrestling tournament in Oklahoma amid claims he is set to be arrested next week. Sky News
An Oklahoma City police captain put on a show after he was busted for allegedly driving drunk ... and it was all caught on body cam video -- which he desperately.. TMZ.com
Over 150,000 Without Power in Texas , After Intense Storm Hits.
CBS News reports that as a storm in
California moved east on March 2, tornadoes, rain and hail hit Texas and Louisiana. .
CBS News reports that as a storm in
California moved east on March 2, tornadoes, rain and hail hit Texas and Louisiana. .
CBS News reports that as a storm in
California moved east on March 2, tornadoes, rain and hail hit Texas and Louisiana. .
Early on March 3, PowerOutage.us reported that over 150,000 Texans had no power.
That number was down from
338,000 without power earlier. .
About 400 flights to and from
the area were canceled.
The Federal Aviation Administration's
ground stop was later lifted.
Normal operations are resuming after heavy winds and rains
moved through our area. , Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, to CBS News.
Several school districts canceled events
due to the impending storm. .
This is the same system that struck California and it's now in New Mexico and will be crossing
Texas and then Arkansas, Rich Thompson, lead forecaster for the
Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma, via CBS News.
Some areas of California and Oregon accumulated up to 7 feet of snow. .
However, experts say that the "once-in-a-generation" snow helped to reduce, or even eliminate,
drought conditions in some areas of California
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
TikTok CEO , Grilled by Congress , Amid Calls for App to Be Banned.
On March 23, TikTok CEO
Shou Chew made his first
appearance before Congress. .
On March 23, TikTok CEO
Shou Chew made his first
appearance before Congress. .
CNN reports that lawmakers met
Chew with intense criticism and
calls for the app to be banned.
CNN reports that lawmakers met
Chew with intense criticism and
calls for the app to be banned.
When you celebrate the 150 million American
users on TikTok, it emphasizes the urgency
for Congress to act. That is 150 million
Americans that the [Chinese Communist
Party] can collect sensitive information on, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair of the House
Energy and Commerce Committee, via CNN.
When you celebrate the 150 million American
users on TikTok, it emphasizes the urgency
for Congress to act. That is 150 million
Americans that the [Chinese Communist
Party] can collect sensitive information on, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, Chair of the House
Energy and Commerce Committee, via CNN.
In his defense, Chew stressed
TikTok's independence from China,
while emphasizing the app's U.S. ties.
TikTok itself is not available in
mainland China, we’re headquartered
in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we
have 7,000 employees in the U.S. today, Shou Chew, TikTok CEO, via CNN.
TikTok itself is not available in
mainland China, we’re headquartered
in Los Angeles and Singapore, and we
have 7,000 employees in the U.S. today, Shou Chew, TikTok CEO, via CNN.
CNN reports that Chew's congressional appearance comes
amid perceived national security concerns due to
the app's ties to China through parent company ByteDance.
However, Chew emphasized that the data TikTok collects is , "frequently collected by many
other companies in our industry.”.
We are committed to be very transparent
with our users about what we collect.
I don’t believe what we collect is
more than most players in the industry, Shou Chew, TikTok CEO, via CNN.
CNN reports that the data collected
includes everything from private messages
to users' geolocation and contact lists
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
According to an opinion piece by the author Walter Russell Mead that has been published in the Wall Street Journal, the BJP is the world's most important party…and it may also be the least understood. The Wall Street Journal piece read and I quote “"India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party is, from the standpoint of American national interests, the most important foreign political party in the world. It may also be the least understood”. The BJP, after successive victories in 2014, and 2019 is also headed for a repeat victory in 2024, the publication stated, adding that, India is emerging both as a leading economic power and, along with Japan, as the linchpin of American strategy in the Indo-Pacific. It added that for the forseeable future, the BJP will be calling shots in the country ..and without whose efforts American efforts to balance rising Chinese powers are likely to fall short. The author..Russell Mead believes that BJP is poorly understood because it grew out of a political and cultural history unfamiliar to most non-Indians. The BJP's electoral dominance reflects the success of a once obscure and marginal social movement of national renewal based on efforts by generations of social thinkers and activists to chart a distinctively 'Hindu path' to modernization. The author further mentions and I quote again “"Like the Muslim Brotherhood, the BJP rejects many ideas and priorities of Western liberalism even as it embraces key features of modernity. Like the Chinese Communist Party, the BJP hopes to lead a nation with more than a billion people to become a global superpower. Like the Likud Party in Israel, the BJP combines a basically pro-market economic stance with populist rhetoric and traditionalist values, even as it channels the anger of those who've felt excluded and despised by a cosmopolitan, Western-focused cultural and political elite”.
#BJP #Wallstreetjournal #NarendraModi
Lab Leak in China , Likely Set Off Pandemic, , Says US Energy Department.
The U.S. Energy Department's most recent assessment of the cause of the coronavirus pandemic is based on new intelligence.
It represents a shift from its earlier, undecided assessment of the origins of the pandemic. .
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan emphasized that different agencies have reached conflicting conclusions.
There is a variety of views in the intelligence community, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser,
via 'The New York Times'.
Some elements of the intelligence community have reached conclusions on one side, some on the other. , Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser,
via 'The New York Times'.
A number of them have said they just don’t have enough information to be sure, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser,
via 'The New York Times'.
But right now, there is not a definitive answer that has emerged from the intelligence community on this question, Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser,
via 'The New York Times'.
GOP Rep. Mike Gallagher, (R-WI), is a member of a House subcommittee investigating the pandemic's origins.
Evidence has been piling up for over a year in favor of the lab leak hypothesis, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, (R-WI),
via 'The New York Times'.
I am glad some of our agencies are starting to listen to
common sense and change
their assessment, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, (R-WI),
via 'The New York Times'.
Gallagher criticized the "Chinese Communist Party" for its willingness "to cover up" its knowledge of how the pandemic started.
[It is] an organization that was willing to cover up the origins of the pandemic and thereby cost us critical days, months and weeks and millions of lives in
the process, U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher, (R-WI),
via 'The New York Times'.
While support of the theory seems split along party lines, some academics say there is reason to question the origin.
The lab leak origin for the Covid-19 pandemic is not, and was not, a conspiracy theory, Anthony Ruggiero, Foundation for Defense of Democracies Scholar, via 'The New York Times'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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