Extra, Extra
Calculating Risk: “The United States is itself unwinding its own global order. The world’s most powerful country is in the throes of a political revolution.” The Eurasia Group is out with its review of the the top risks of 2026. And for America, most of them are coming from within.
+ Cache on Delivery: “A ‘whistleblower’ tried to corroborate his viral post with AI-generated evidence. This is how I caught him.” Casey Newton with an interesting look at a very viral post by a food delivery whistleblower that turned out to be an AI generated hoax. Debunking the AI food delivery hoax that fooled Reddit.
+ Broadcasting a Dark Shadow: “After the federal funding ended, executives at the corporation discussed putting the organization into hibernation, keeping it alive in case Congress eventually voted to restore its federal appropriation. But in a statement on Monday, the corporation said that allowing the organization to lie dormant could have resulted in ‘political manipulation or misuse,’ threatening the independence of public media.” NYT (Gift Article): Corporation for Public Broadcasting Votes to Shut Down.
+ Swiss Holiday Fire: “Authorities in Crans-Montana have said safety officers had not inspected the bar that caught fire in the Swiss ski resort on New Year’s Eve, killing 40 mainly young partygoers and injuring more than 100, for the past five years.”
+ Flu Into a Temper: “The percent of outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses are now at the highest rate on record.” Flu-like illness activity now at highest rate on record.
+ Another Brick in the Wall: “If the Smart Tag comes in a set for building a helicopter, for example, then the Smart Brick will light up and make propeller sounds that would help bring a helicopter to life. Its built-in accelerometer would make these lights and sounds more consistent with how you’re actually playing with the helicopter, since the Brick will be able to sense when the helicopter is zooming through the sky or turned upside down.” Lego Smart Bricks introduce a new way to build — and they don’t require screens.
