A video shared on X claims to show the Iranian president Ibrahim Raisi before he died. Video footage shows Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi on board the helicopter shortly before it made a hard landing in mountainous terrain due to foggy conditions in East Azerbaijan province. pic.twitter.com/vywHa5QJIC — Abdiwali Hassan (@abdihassand) May 19, 2024 Verdict: False The […]

The claim is inaccurate at this time. Neither CNN nor ABC have announced cancellation.

The railroad previously agreed to a $600 million settlement with victims of the derailment

'He needs to consider stepping aside'

Books book review Ann Leckie Dredges Up Short Fiction Treasures in Her New Collection Lake of Souls Discover the wit and weight of the Ancillary Justice and Raven Tower author’s short fiction. By Natalie Zutter | Published on May 23, 2024 Comment 0 Share New Share Drawing its title from the brand-new novelette is extremely fitting for Lake of Souls, the collected (and, in the author’s own musings, lesser-known or -appreciated) short fiction works of Ann Leckie: These 18 stories reflect that same expansiveness, how one person—or a singular account—can possess a multitude of ideas or identities depending on who exactly is relating the story. One story, which starts as a Lovecraftian riff but ends on a John Carter of Mars vibe, leaves readers with uneasy answers about humans’ tendency to assert what folks today call Main Character Energy. Those same readers will be more likely to identify with the lobster-dogs and singing dinosaur space explorers than the human anthropologists or corporations supposedly steering interstellar voyages. Worlds end, but always with sights set toward a new one; an attempt to genetically optimize the humble onion winds up eradicating the entire crop line. The collection is split quasi-equally into thirds, with Leckie’s standalone works as well as tie-ins to the sci-fi Imperial Radch universe and the fantasy world of The Raven Tower. Yet all of the aforementioned examples come from the opening portion, which contains the most dynamic stories—which makes for a strong start but sets up the subsequent categories for unfavorable comparisons. These (primarily sci-fi) standalones are the most playful peek into Leckie’s imagination, which is flexible enough to offer equal consideration to both high- and low-stakes stories. That in turn gives Lake of Souls a personal, cohesive feel, even if some of the stories occasionally turn repetitive. Leckie’s wit shines in tales of mismatched pairs completely misunderstanding one another. “Lake of Souls” constantly switches between the equally moving perspectives of an alien nymph searching for its name (and thus its soul) and a human anthropologist, the sole survivor of a research mission studying what the two-leggers call lobster-dogs. By contrast, the frenetic “Another Word for World” takes place solely within the POV of Ashiban Xidyla, a middle-aged representative for one of two warring factions, struggling to communicate with the teenage Sovereign of Iss after their translator device is destroyed during an assassination attempt. As this odd duo trudges across their shared planet, their attempts at communication expose a generations-old translation error, making an incisive commentary on the danger of deliberate misinterpretation. Buy the Book Lake of Souls Ann Leckie Buy Book Lake of Souls Ann Leckie Buy this book from: AmazonBarnes and NobleiBooksIndieBoundTarget “Sovereign” is an example of one ongoing motif: titles that don’t actually mean what the reader initially assumes. Other recurring themes include thorny family dynamics—especially where death and resurrection are concerned—and inquisitive interrogation of personal and cultural histories, like in the remarkable story of “The Endangered Camp,” in which society of dinosaurs refer to their own oral history when debating whether or not to turn their ship around, but the same song can provide two different courses of action depending on which verse the singer decides to end on. While Leckie’s highly detailed worldbuilding in both her sci-fi and fantasy series is hall-of-fame caliber, the collected stories themselves feel more, well, ancillary to their respective fictional universes. They certainly illuminate fascinating corners of empires and kingdoms through compelling character studies, yet the actual plots blur together enough that it’s difficult to identify particular standouts as in the first batch of stories. “She Commands Me and I Obey” contextualizes the astonishingly high stakes of a sports game with the worship of athlete deities, and is a worthwhile read for any fan of Ancillary Justice and its sequels who may have never gotten around to it before now. Yet “Night’s Slow Poison” is a subtler brew of Radchaai intrigue, bringing to mind the political machinations and cultural maneuvers of Leckie’s latest novel Translation State. The stories set in the world of Leckie’s standalone fantasy novel The Raven Tower tend more toward creation myths and fables, detailing the somewhat repetitive ways in which humans make bargains with the small gods who are omnipotent when speaking the truth but for whom falsehoods would bleed their power dry into nothingness. The idea that these gods, from a tiny skink to a vast river, are all constrained by clarity of language is a compelling one, but there are only so many ways that mortals can navigate the ensuing loopholes. That said, “The Snake’s Wife” is a standout from this half of the collection, if only because of how brutally its human cruelty reshapes fates while attempting to evade divine retribution. (As Leckie herself said, all the content warnings for this taboo tale that hinges on castration.) Less disturbing yet equally effective is “Marsh Gods,” marrying the aforementioned high and low stakes in a young girl confronting her prodigal brother after a brush with death transforms him into a stranger. Think of all of these stories as “small, short-term deals”—as human/deity agreements are described in “The Nalendar”—and even the less thrilling ones will take on their own temporary power. Leckie certainly knows how to weave truth into a collection; it takes nothing away to say that there will be something for everyone.[end-mark] Lake of Souls is published by Orbit Books. The post Ann Leckie Dredges Up Short Fiction Treasures in Her New Collection <em>Lake of Souls</em> appeared first on Reactor.

If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. Section 230 of the Communications Act (CDA), an online liability shield that prevents online apps, websites, and services from being held civilly liable for content posted by their users if they act in “good faith” to moderate content, provided the foundation for most of today’s popular platforms to grow without being sued out of existence. But as these platforms have grown, Section 230 has become a political football that lawmakers have used in an attempt to influence how platforms editorialize and moderate content, with pro-censorship factions threatening reforms that force platforms to censor more aggressively and pro-free speech factions pushing reforms that reduce the power of Big Tech to censor lawful speech. And during a Communications and Technology Subcommittee hearing yesterday, lawmakers discussed a radical new Section 230 proposal that would sunset the law and create a new solution that “ensures safety and accountability for past and future harm.” We obtained a copy of the draft bill to sunset Section 230 for you here. In a memo for the hearing, lawmakers acknowledged that their true intention is “not to have Section 230 actually sunset” but to “encourage” technology companies to work with Congress on Section 230 reform and noted that they intend to focus on the role Section 230 plays in shaping how Big Tech addresses “harmful content, misinformation, and hate speech” — three broad, subjective categories of legal speech that are often used to justify censorship of disfavored opinions. And during the hearing, several lawmakers signaled that they want to use this latest piece of Section 230 legislation to force social media platforms to censor a wider range of content, including content that they deem to be harmful or misinformation. Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) acknowledged that Section 230 “allowed the internet to flourish in its early days” but complained that it serves as “a haven for harmful content, disinformation, and online harassment.” She added: “The role of Section 230 needs immediate scrutiny, because as it exists today, it is just not working.” https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/sunset-section-230-hearing-1.mp4 Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) suggested Section 230 reforms are necessary to protect children — a talking point that’s often used to erode free speech and privacy for everyone. “We need to make sure that they [children] are not interacting with harmful or inappropriate content,” Rep. John Joyce (R-PA) said. “And Section 230 is only exacerbating this problem. We here in Congress need to find a solution to this problem that Section 230 poses.” https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/sunset-section-230-hearing-2.mp4 Rep. Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) complained that platforms aren’t doing enough to combat “outrageous and harmful content” and “harmful mis-and-dis-information”: “While I wish we could better depend on American companies to help combat these issues, the reality is that outrageous and harmful content helps drive their profit margins. That’s the online platforms. I’ll also highlight, as I have in previous hearings, that the problem of harmful mis-and-dis-information online is even worse for users who speak Spanish and other languages outside of English as a result of platforms not making adequate investments to protect them.” https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/sunset-section-230-hearing-3.mp4 Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) also signaled an intent to use Section 230 reform to target “false information” and claimed that Section 230 has allowed platforms to “evade accountability for what occurs on their platforms.” https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/sunset-section-230-hearing-4.mp4 Rep. Buddy Cater (R-GA) framed Section 230 as “part of the problem” because “it’s kind of set a free for all on the Internet” when pushing for reform. https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/sunset-section-230-hearing-5.mp4 While several lawmakers were in favor of Section 230 reforms that pressure platforms to moderate more aggressively, one of the witnesses, Kate Tummarello, the Executive Director at the advocacy organization Engine, did warn that these efforts could lead to censorship. “It’s not that the platforms would be held liable for the speech,” Tummarello said. “It’s that the platforms could very easily be pressured into removing speech people don’t like.” https://video.reclaimthenet.org/articles/sunset-section-230-hearing-6.mp4 You can watch the full hearing here. If you're tired of censorship and dystopian threats against civil liberties, subscribe to Reclaim The Net. The post Lawmakers Push for the Censorship of “Harmful Content,” “Disinformation” in Latest Section 230 Reform Push appeared first on Reclaim The Net.

AI and the Replication Crisis in Scientific Research

FAFO: Dem Congressman Learns the Hard Way You Can't Say That on the House Floor

One day, rescuers working in the Amazon Rainforest made a heart-wrenching discovery near a river: a toucan chick in dire straits. The tiny bird, visibly weak and missing many feathers, is in critical condition. His frail state speaks volumes about the harsh realities of wildlife. This video shows the delicate balance between life and death... The post Bald toucan chick found on forest floor flies for the very first time appeared first on Animal Channel.

The liberal media seem determined to declare anything a “symbol” of January 6 if they could use it to smear a conservative U.S. Supreme Court justice and manipulate upcoming rulings involving former President Trump. That much was clear during the Thursday morning newscasts of ABC, CBS, and NBC when they rallied to try to run a new conspiracy theory about Justice Samuel Alito up the flagpole to force him to recuse himself. All three networks leaned heavily on a The New York Times report that Alito’s vacation home sported the Revolutionary War-era “An Appeal to Heaven” flag. But since two of the flags were seen during the riot at the Capitol, suddenly it was the “symbol” every “insurrectionist” was rallied behind. It was the second such “symbol” the media had declared to have discovered in as many weeks amid their effort to remove Alito. NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie gave away the game during her lead into the segment. “Also this morning, the calls are growing louder for Supreme Court Justice Alito to recuse himself from any cases related to January 6. This comes after another image has surfaced showing a second controversial flag on display at one of his properties,” she declared. Senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson boasted: “We are seeing a fresh chorus of criticism from Democrats this morning…” She quoted Senator Dick Durban (D-IL), who claimed said the flag was, “Yet another example of apparent ethical misconduct.” “The flag, rooted in the Revolutionary War, has more recently become a symbol of support for Christian nationalism and for Donald Trump,” she added, without evidence. Interestingly, the “insurrectionist” Appeal to Heaven flag could be seen on the desk of the Libertarian character Ron Swanson on the NBC comedy Parks and Recreation. Swanson was certainly not a "Christian nationalist."     Over on ABC’s Good Morning America, co-anchor and former Clinton lackey George Stephanopoulos suggested that the flags were really only ever aligned with the rioters: And there are new questions and criticism for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito after The New York Times published pictures of a flag associated with the January 6 insurrection flying outside his summer home. This comes after the revelation last week that another flag associated with January 6 had been flying at his primary home. ABC chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas also took part in the conspiratorial highlighting of the flag among the rioters and downplayed its long history before January 6: Take a look at these images and you’ll see both flags clearly on display on January 6th as the mayhem unfolded. It's unclear who posted the pine tree flag and what kind, if any, statement was being made. The pine tree flag date back to the Revolutionary War and was flown on war ships commissioned under George Washington. But in recent years, the symbol has been associated with Christian nationalism. “This morning, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito faces new calls to remove himself from cases tied to the former president and the assault on the capitol,” proclaimed CBS Mornings co-anchor and Democratic Party donor Gayle King, also broadcasting their intent with covering the story. “The New York Times reports a second flag used by January 6th protestors was seen flying at Alito's vacation home.” January 6-obsessed correspondent Scott MacFarlane accidentally tipped their hand in showing how much of a non-story it was when he admitted that, “the Appeal to Heaven flag also hangs outside the office of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson.” If an indisputable “symbol” of the “insurrection” was being flown by the Speaker of the House all this time, why was this the first time it was mentioned? And why didn’t the other networks mention it? It appears they’re taking swings without being educated on the matter. Do you know which flag was being flown at the Capitol in larger quantities than both the upside-down and Appeal to Heaven flags? Normal American flags. How long until the liberal media condemn them too? Too late. The transcripts are below. Click "expand" to read: ABC’s Good Morning America May 23, 2024 7:09:17 a.m. Eastern GEORGE STEPHANOPOULOS: And there are new questions and criticism for Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito after The New York Times published pictures of a flag associated with the January 6 insurrection flying outside his summer home. This comes after the revelation last week that another flag associated with January 6 had been flying at his primary home. Chief justice correspondent Pierre Thomas has details. Good morning, Pierre. PIERRE THOMAS: George, good morning. Everyone knows Justice Alito as a staunch conservative, but this morning more questions are being raised about whether he has political bias with two critical January 6 cases now before the U.S. Supreme Court. [Cuts to video] This morning, only days after it was revealed that Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito flew a flag associated with January 6th rioters at his Northern Virginia home, he's facing new questions about another flag tied to supporters of President Trump. The New York Times publishing images of a pine tree flag outside of Alito’s New Jersey beach home last summer with the words “Appeal to Heaven.” Like the upside-down flag, which had become synonymous with the Stop the Steal movement and flown in Alito's home, the pine tree flag was carried by some pro-Trump supporters on January 6th as the Capitol was attacked. Take a look at these images and you’ll see both flags clearly on display on January 6th as the mayhem unfolded. It's unclear who posted the pine tree flag and what kind, if any, statement was being made. The pine tree flag date back to the Revolutionary War and was flown on war ships commissioned under George Washington. But in recent years, the symbol has been associated with Christian nationalism. Supreme Court justices are supposed to avoid the appearance of political bias and Democrats have already argued Alito should recuse himself from the January 6th cases now before the high court, including one which will resolve whether President Trump has immunity from prosecution. This week, Democrats pounced on Alito's upside-down flag controversy, raising questions about political bias. SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER: (D-NY): Look, I think what he did was really the wrong thing to do, and it casts some doubt on impartiality and I'm discussing with Senator Durbin where we should go from here. PIERRE: Alito has said the upside-down flag was placed at his home by his wife, who was in a dispute with a neighbor. [Cuts back to live] Justice Alito has yet to comment on the latest flag questions, though Supreme Court decisions on January 6th are expected in the coming days and weeks. Michael. MICHAEL STRAHAN: All right, Pierre. Thank you very much for that. CBS Mornings May 23, 2024 8:13:22 a.m. Eastern GAYLE KING: This morning, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito faces new calls to remove himself from cases tied to the former president and the assault on the capitol. The New York Times reports a second flag used by January 6th protestors was seen flying at Alito's vacation home. Scott McFarlane looks at the modern message of that Revolutionary War banner. [Cuts to video] SCOTT MACFARLANE: You can see the white and green Appeal to Heaven flag amid the rioters who surged into the Capitol January 6th. PROTESTORS: USA! USA! MACFARLANE: The siege helped make the flag a symbol of support for former President Trump and the conservative Christian nationalist movement. According to this New York Times report Wednesday, an Appeal to Heaven flag was photographed flying at the New Jersey vacation home of conservative Supreme Court Justice Sam Alito last summer. The report comes days after Alito acknowledged an upside-down U.S. flag, also associated with the January 6th attack and the Stop the Steal movement, flew outside his Virginia home days after the deadly Capitol riot. Alito argued he “had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag” that was hung by his wife amid a dispute with neighbors. And recently, Alito argued free speech is under attack. [Cuts to speech] JUSTICE SAMUEL ALITO: Troubled waters are slamming against some of our most fundamental principles. [Cuts to video] MACFARLANE: The controversy comes as the court is deciding if Trump should have immunity from prosecution, which led some Democrats to call for Justice Alito to recuse himself from those cases. [Cuts to Interview] SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-MAJ): What he did was the wrong thing to do and it casts some doubt on impartiality. [Cuts to Video] MACFARLANE: As the Appeal to Heaven flag also hangs outside the office of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. Johnson issued a statement in support writing he, “Has long appreciated the rich history of the flag as it was first used by General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. [Cuts to Live] Justice Alito has not responded to request for comment about this flag report. We do know that Senate Democrats want to vote on new Supreme Court ethics rules, but stands no chance of becoming law, Nate, without sufficient Republican support. NBC’s Today May 23, 2024 7:10:10 a.m. Eastern SAVANNAH GUTHRIE: Also this morning, the calls are growing louder for Supreme Court Justice Alito to recuse himself from any cases related to January 6. This comes after another image has surfaced showing a second controversial flag on display at one of his properties. NBC's senior Washington correspondent Hallie Jackson has the story this morning. Hallie, good morning. HALLIE JACKSON: Hey Savanah, good morning. We are seeing a fresh chorus of criticism from Democrats this morning, and it comes as the Supreme Court is set to decide key cases this term related to the Capitol attack and election interference, including whether former President Trump is immune from prosecution for trying to overturn the results of the 2020 election. [Cuts to video] Another Supreme Court controversy this morning involving Justice Samuel Alito over a new report of a flag flying outside his New Jersey beach house. According to The New York Times the so-called “Appeal to Heaven” flag, a green pine tree on a white background. A symbol carried by some rioters outside the capitol on January 6th. You see it here and here. The Times citing three photographs it obtained from outside Alito's property from last summer, along with accounts from a half a dozen neighbors and passersby as well as this Google street view picture from last August. The flag, rooted in the Revolutionary War, has more recently become a symbol of support for Christian nationalism and for Donald Trump. But now, renewed calls from the Democratic Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee for Alito to recuse himself from cases related to the 2020 election. Calling the incident, “Yet another example of apparent ethical misconduct.” Other Democrats agree. SEN. RICHARD BLUMENTHAL (D-CT): At a very minimum, he has to recuse himself from these cases now coming before the court that will determine whether or not Trump is held accountable. SEN. SHELDON WHITEHOUSE (D-RI): It really encapsulates all the problems we've had with this rogue Supreme Court and its refusal to accept any rule of law. JACKSON: It's the second time in less than a week Alito’s faced questions, after the Justice confirmed another provocative flag, an upside-down American flag, flew outside his Northern Virginia home in the days after January 6th. Telling The Times, "I had no involvement whatsoever in the flying of the flag” and that it was briefly placed by his wife in response to a neighbor's use of objectionable and personally insulting language on yard signs. The upside-down flag, long considered a distress signal, but's been adopted by some Trump supporters backing the former President's election fraud lies. Some Republicans after that report dismissing calls for recusal. SEN. LINDSEY GRAHAM (R-SC): I don't think he should be recused. I think it was a mistake, but leave it to them to explain it. [Cuts back to live] JACKSON: We should note here that Justice Alito did not respond to The Times’ request for comment and the Court did not respond to NBC News.