Long-Read
— Elon Musk’s self-radicalisation stems from his reliance on X’s algorithm-curated feed, which amplified far-right narratives, creating a feedback loop that entrenched his beliefs and shaped his radical political discourse.
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Long-Read
— National populism, fuelled by media-backed disinformation, anti-immigrant rhetoric, and libertarian ideologies, threatens democracies globally by eroding institutions, fostering fear, and exploiting divisions.
Censorship
— Pulitzer-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes has left The Washington Post following the newspaper’s decision to withhold her satirical cartoon targeting Jeff Bezos and other tech moguls’ perceived deference to Donald Trump.
UK Politics
— Reform UK’s membership has surged to over 100,000, overtaking the Conservatives. A new study reveals a predominantly older, middle-class, and online-savvy base deeply aligned with Nigel Farage’s populist leadership and right-wing values.
EU Citizens
— The Home Office’s decision to enforce a digital-only immigration status for migrants from 31 December 2024 has sparked widespread concern, with advocacy group the3million warning of potential chaos and exploitation for vulnerable individuals.
Petition
— A petition urges the UK Government to mandate UKHSA to monitor and report healthcare-related COVID-19 infections, enhancing data-driven infection control strategies to protect vulnerable populations and improve healthcare safety.
Royal Mail
— The UK government has approved Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s £5.3 billion acquisition of Royal Mail’s parent company, IDS, safeguarding universal service obligations while raising public and political concerns over foreign ownership.
UK Politics
— New revelations expose former Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s contentious relationship with Queen Elizabeth II regarding the prorogation of Parliament in 2019 and his handling of constitutional matters during his time in Downing Street.
US Politics
— Elon Musk’s growing influence as Donald Trump’s advisor raises concerns among free speech advocates, who argue Musk’s prosecution threats against critics may stifle dissent and jeopardise First Amendment protections.
What The Experts Say
— Donald Trump’s re-election signals potential setbacks for global climate ambitions, yet some experts believe the momentum towards renewables and the green economy will persist, challenging Trump’s fossil fuel focus.
2024 US Presidential Election
— Donald Trump has defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election in a highly contested race. Trump’s win underscores a broader shift to the right in American politics.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Kemi Badenoch, the first Black woman to lead the Conservative Party, takes over from Rishi Sunak after their disastrous electoral defeat. With her culture war ideology and controversial views, she pledges yet another attempt at renewal to regain public support.
Social Media
— Two years post-Elon Musk’s Twitter takeover, advertisers increasingly view the platform as unsafe, risking ad revenue. While Musk’s supporters commend free speech moves, trust issues loom.
UK Politics
— Health Secretary Wes Streeting’s advocacy for NHS reforms faces scrutiny after revelations that over 60% of his donations since 2015 come from private healthcare-linked entities, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Conservative Leadership Contest
— Kemi Badenoch’s scepticism over the UK’s 2050 Net Zero target has sparked debate in the Conservative Party. She questions its feasibility, suggesting an adaptation-focused approach, potentially reshaping Tory climate policy.
2024 US Presidential Election
— In a speech on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris warned that Donald Trump’s alleged authoritarian ambitions, highlighted by John Kelly’s revelations, threaten American democracy. She criticised Trump’s desire for military loyalty and compared his rhetoric to Hitler’s.
