Newsletter: Friday the 27th
In this issue:
- Biden-Harris Executive Order on 3D guns, full-auto switches
- China's newest nuclear sub sinks in mishap
- North Carolina removes 750k from voter database
- Tails OS joins with Tor
- Army (surprisingly) meets recruiting goals
- Chicago crime stats: underreported
- Gunbroker: 3:10 to Yuma movie gun auction
- ChatGPT hacked
- Army chooses Ghost-X drone
- Cop convicted of murder in failed no-knock raid
- August firearm sales uptick
- Musk suspends journalist for doxxing
- More
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News Briefs
More Biden-Harris Gun Control in New Executive Order
Summary: Biden-Harris administration's new executive order on firearms creates a task force to assess machinegun conversion devices and 3D-printed firearms, generating headlines but lacking substance. The order's focus on studying rather than addressing crime raises skepticism about effectiveness. Other measures include enhanced background checks for those under 21, and promoting safe firearm storage, but questions remain about their real impact on gun violence. Critics argue the approach treats gun violence as a public health issue, diverting attention from crime prevention. Overall, the announcement is seen as more show than action against criminal activity.
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Chinese officials cover up sinking of country’s newest nuclear-powered submarine tied to pier
Summary: China's government allegedly concealed the sinking of its newest nuclear submarine while docked, raising concerns about military training and corruption. The Zhou-class submarine sank between May and June, and efforts to salvage it were noted through satellite imagery. This incident highlights issues in China's defense oversight. Meanwhile, U.S. military strategies are adapting to monitor China's increasing submarine capabilities, as Australia plans to bolster its fleet with U.S. nuclear tech amid ongoing regional tensions.
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North Carolina removes 747,000 from voter rolls, citing ineligibility
Summary: NC State Board of Elections removed 747,000 voters in 20 months due to ineligibility, including moves and inactivity. Reasons for removal also included death, felony convictions, and personal requests. With NC being a key swing state for the upcoming election between Harris and Trump, GOP lawsuits have raised concerns over voter registration practices and ID validity. State has approximately 7.7 million registered voters.
Tails OS joins forces with Tor Project in merger
Summary: Tor Project and Tails are merging to enhance online anonymity, pooling resources and reducing overhead. The merger allows Tails to focus on its OS while benefiting from Tor's established framework. Tails, a portable OS using the Tor network, enhances privacy by leaving no trace on devices. The integration aims to improve collaboration, sustainability, and outreach against digital threats, amid rising privacy concerns and potential legislative backdoors.
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Increased efforts, lower goal help Army end recruiting slump
Summary: Army met 2024 recruiting goal of 55,300 soldiers by lowering targets and increasing efforts. Key initiatives included a Future Soldier Preparatory Course and a revived “Be All You Can Be” campaign. Despite successes, leaders caution ongoing recruiting challenges due to low employment and population decline.
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FBI's 'flawed' crime data highlighted by Chicago's 118 'missing murders': expert
Summary: FBI's 2023 report shows violent crime down 3%, with murders down nearly 12%. Experts question accuracy due to the transition to the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), which is more complex, causing many agencies to underreport or estimate data. Trump's claims of rising crime faced fact-checking against FBI stats. Significant discrepancies exist between FBI and local reports, like Chicago's homicide count. The FBI aims for accurate data amidst challenges and acknowledges the need for better compliance and resources for local departments. Critics emphasize the flaws in data reporting methods but recognize increased transparency compared to previous decades.
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"Hand of God" Revolver From 3:10 to Yuma Up For Auction
Summary: .45 Colt Single Action Army used by Russell Crowe in 3:10 to Yuma is auctioning on GunBroker.com, confirmed by documents and serial number. The current bid is over $25,000; the auction ends September 28. Proceeds benefit Gun Owners of America; free shipping included. Authenticity verified with letters from production armorer.
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Hacker plants false memories in ChatGPT to steal user data in perpetuity
Summary: Security researcher Johann Rehberger discovered a vulnerability in ChatGPT that exploited its long-term memory feature to store false information persistently. After reporting it to OpenAI, which dismissed the issue as a safety concern, he created an exploit that could exfiltrate user data. Rehberger demonstrated that he could manipulate ChatGPT into accepting false memories through indirect prompt injection. Although OpenAI issued a partial fix, the ability to store malicious information remains. Users are advised to monitor their memories and investigate any unexpected changes. OpenAI did not comment on further protective measures.
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August 2024 Sees Firearm Sales Uptick
Summary: FBI processed over 1.2M background checks in August, marking 61st month over 1M, up 8.3% from 2023. Previous months showed decline, but recent increases tied to upcoming presidential election. Estimates may underrepresent actual firearm purchases due to alternative permits bypassing checks. Over 21M Americans have carry permits, contributing to lower NICS figures. NSSF adjusted data by subtracting permit-related checks since 2016.
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US Army selects Ghost-X drone for reconnaissance missions
Summary: The U.S. Army has selected Anduril's Ghost-X Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) for its Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) program to enhance reconnaissance capabilities. After extensive testing, the Ghost-X was chosen for its versatility and ability to perform in diverse environments, offering critical surveillance, targeting, and communication functions. With 90-minute endurance, 25 km range, and adaptable payload options, it's a valuable asset for tactical commanders. Anduril's Lattice software allows for easy control of multiple aircraft, reducing the operator's workload. Ghost-X will be deployed to units this year following collaboration with key defense agencies.
Elon Musk’s X Suspends Journalist Who Reported Leaked J.D. Vance Docs
Summary: Elon Musk suspended journalist Ken Klippenstein from X/Twitter after he "reported" on a leaked dossier about J.D. Vance. Users face restrictions posting the link to Klippenstein's newsletter. This incident follows Musk's history of punishing progressive accounts for doxxing; many leftists falsely claim it contradicts his earlier criticism of content moderation on the platform. As of now, Klippenstein remains suspended.
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"Arm Yourself" - Persecuted Former FBI Specialist Urges Americans To Stock Up On Food And Prepare For Hardship
Summary: Former FBI specialist Marcus Allen, targeted for questioning January 6, urged Americans to stock up on food, prepare for hardship, and protect themselves. During a congressional hearing, he shared his struggles with the FBI's reactions to his inquiries about informants at the Capitol riot and warned about the agency's conduct. He recommended voting, building community support, and praying, emphasizing the importance of being prepared for economic challenges.
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Ex-Cop Guilty of Felony Murder in No Knock Raid
Summary: Gerald Goines, ex-Houston police officer, was found guilty of two counts of felony murder related to a 2019 raid that killed Dennis Tuttle and Rhogena Nicholas. His sentencing begins September 26, 2024, and he faces life in prison. Significant testimony revealed no body cameras were used during the raid due to an order from former HPD Chief Art Acevedo. Acevedo, who has faced controversy over this decision, resigned from multiple police chief roles after the incident. Six officers, including Goines and his partner, were charged for various misconducts. The case raised questions about no-knock warrants and police corruption. Goines also faces federal charges and ongoing civil suits.
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Florida Open Carry Ban Nears its End; AG will NOT Defend Ban!
Summary: Florida AG won't defend open carry ban vs. Gun Owners of America lawsuit. Default judgment issued after defendants missed deadline. Judge may grant summary judgment, likely ending the ban. Legislative efforts for open carry failed; recent permitless carry bill didn't include it. Open carry ban's future uncertain.
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Republicans have a message for Zelenskyy: Stay out of US politics
Summary: Zelenskyy's recent U.S. visit, including a weapons plant appearance and comments about JD Vance, has drawn criticism from some Republicans, who see it as politically provocative. While some GOP members express frustration, most continue to support Ukraine due to broader geopolitical concerns. Speaker Mike Johnson and others want Zelenskyy to avoid U.S. partisan politics, with Trump suggesting he might withdraw support if elected. Despite this, Zelenskyy outlined Ukraine's military needs in bipartisan meetings, emphasizing the war's significance while needing to navigate U.S. political sensitivities carefully.
-Lee