Carine Kanimba, the daughter of Paul Rusesabagina, the former manager of the Hôtel des Milles Collines in Rwanda, initially dismissed her father's concerns about their safety as overprotectiveness. Despite a break-in at their family home in Brussels, she felt the threat was distant while working in finance in New York. However, her father's caution was based on genuine concerns due to his history and enemies in Rwanda.

The article discusses various topics across technology and current affairs. David Brin suggests that giving AI a sense of self could solve the crisis in artificial intelligence. Simon Hill reviews EcoFlow's portable air conditioner, which also functions as a heater. Peter Guest describes how a network of supporters is providing Ukraine's military with essential supplies. Amanda Hoover talks about Meta's new microblogging app, Threads, and its potential to outperform Twitter. Joel Khalili reports on the UK's attempt to attract American cryptocurrency businesses with balanced regulation. Scott Gilbertson praises the upgradability of the Framework Laptop. Jennifer M. Wood and WIRED staff curate the best shows on Hulu. Ryan Waniata recommends Sony's SRS-XB100 as a summer speaker. Lily Hay Newman advises waiting to see if Meta's Threads will integrate with decentralized platforms before joining.

The article discusses the influence of a former Fox News host on far-right politics and extremism globally. It highlights how the host's rants have not only impacted the political landscape in the United States but have also fueled conspiracy theorists and extremists around the world. The piece suggests that the reach and consequences of the host's rhetoric extend far beyond the American audience, contributing to a broader climate of misinformation and radicalization.

The article discusses the career transition of former NBA player Rick Fox, from professional basketball to acting, and eventually to entrepreneurship in the field of sustainable construction. After witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in the Bahamas, Fox partnered with architect Sam Marshall to create Partanna Global, a startup that developed a new kind of concrete that is carbon positive. This material is now being used to build affordable homes in the Bahamas and has attracted interest from various clients, including a casino in Las Vegas and a Saudi Arabian property developer. The article highlights the challenges of scaling up this sustainable business in the face of traditional industry practices and venture capital expectations.

Rick Fox, a former NBA player turned actor, has partnered with architect Sam Marshall to create a sustainable construction startup, Partanna Global. Their venture focuses on producing a new kind of concrete that is carbon positive, made from byproducts of steelmaking and desalination plants. This innovative material has been used to build affordable homes in the Bahamas following the devastation of Hurricane Dorian. Partanna Global is also generating carbon credits through this material, which can support funding for low-income housing. The company has expanded its clientele to include a Las Vegas casino and is collaborating with Saudi Arabian developer Red Sea Global on luxury projects.

Microsoft has hired Sam Altman and Greg Brockman, the former executives of OpenAI, to lead a new advanced AI research team. This move comes after Altman was removed as CEO of OpenAI and amidst reports of other senior researchers leaving the company. Microsoft, a major investor in OpenAI, benefits from this acquisition by gaining a successful management team without purchasing the entire company. The integration of OpenAI's technology into Microsoft products and the potential for further AI development, including hardware ventures, are seen as significant advantages for Microsoft. The article also discusses the implications for OpenAI's future and the competitive AI industry.

The article discusses the issue of transnational repression, particularly the harassment and threats faced by British Sikh journalist Jasveer Singh and other prominent Sikhs in the UK from supporters of India's Bharatiya Janata Party and the Indian government. It highlights the global authoritarian shift making it easier for regimes to target dissidents abroad, with technology playing a significant role. The UK's vulnerability post-Brexit and its silence on the matter contrast with the vocal stance of Canada and the US. The article also touches on the mysterious death of Sikh activist Avtar Singh Khanda in the UK and the assassination of Sikh separatists in Pakistan and Canada, which are alleged to be state-sponsored. It further explores the broader context of transnational repression against various diaspora communities, including Uyghurs, Iranians, and Hong Kong democracy advocates, by their home governments. The article suggests that the UK's economic and diplomatic interests may be influencing its response to such human rights issues.

Sam Altman's recent dismissal and subsequent reinstatement as CEO of OpenAI has exposed the fragility of governance in companies handling powerful technologies. Experts in AI regulation express concern that Altman's return could pose new risks to humanity's survival. The chaotic events at OpenAI resulted in a restructured board, highlighting existing conflicts over how AI's future should be governed. Amidst this, the FTC has increased its investigative powers over AI companies, and the EU is at a critical juncture in negotiating AI regulation laws. The situation has sparked debates on the effectiveness of self-regulation versus the need for stringent government oversight in the AI industry.

Sam Altman, CEO and co-founder of OpenAI, was dismissed by the company's board on Friday but was reinstated on Tuesday after a staff protest, leading to a reshuffle of the board. The board's independence, which was a part of OpenAI's non-profit structure, was seen as a safeguard against the irresponsible development of AI. The chaotic leadership reset ended with a reorganization of the board, now including tech establishment figures and former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and the removal of two female directors associated with the 'effective altruism' movement. The article discusses the implications of these changes for the governance of AI's future and includes comments from Toby Ord, a senior researcher at Oxford University. The reasons behind Altman's initial dismissal remain unclear, with internal memos suggesting it was not due to misconduct but a lack of transparency in communications with the board.

The article discusses the governance challenges faced by OpenAI, particularly in light of its rapid growth and the influence of AI technology. It highlights the tension between nonprofit missions and commercial interests, as well as the need for robust governance mechanisms. The recent boardroom drama at OpenAI coincides with regulatory developments, such as the US Federal Trade Commission's new powers to investigate AI companies and the EU's ongoing negotiations over the AI Act. The article also touches on the debate over whether foundational AI models should be regulated. The situation at OpenAI has raised questions about the effectiveness of self-regulation and the need for government intervention. The reinstatement of Sam Altman as CEO after a board dispute is seen as a sign that AI companies may be moving towards more conventional business models, with a focus on investor returns. Microsoft's involvement with OpenAI is also noted, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing a desire to avoid future surprises from the board.

Sam Altman, CEO and cofounder of OpenAI, was removed from his position by the company's board of directors but was reinstated after a staff protest. The board, which was supposed to act as a check on the company's leadership, was reshuffled, with establishment tech figures and former US secretary of the treasury Larry Summers taking positions, while two female directors associated with the effective altruism movement were removed. The reasons behind Altman's initial dismissal remain unclear, with an internal memo stating it was not due to malfeasance. The article discusses the implications of these events for the governance of AI and features comments from Toby Ord, a senior research fellow at Oxford University, and David Shrier, a professor at Imperial College Business School.

Microsoft has capitalized on the turmoil at OpenAI by hiring its former CEO Sam Altman and co-founder Greg Brockman, as well as potentially many other employees, without having to acquire the company. OpenAI, valued at $86 billion before recent events, has seen about 95% of its staff threaten to leave if the board does not reinstate Altman. Microsoft's integration of OpenAI's technology in products like Bing and the recruitment of its top talent, including senior researchers, positions the tech giant advantageously in the competitive AI industry. The recent chaos has debunked the myth of OpenAI's invincible leadership, with industry analysts recognizing the gravity of the situation and the opportunity for Microsoft.

The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has announced its readiness to enforce the new Online Safety Act by potentially disrupting tech platforms that fail to comply. This could involve cutting off payment systems or blocking access within the UK. The act, which became law in October, aims to protect children from online abuse, combat scam advertising, and address terrorist content. Ofcom's proposals require tech companies to prevent grooming, have robust safety teams, and appoint a UK-based individual responsible for compliance. Concerns have been raised about the impact on end-to-end encryption and user privacy. The act emphasizes protecting minors from harmful content and grooming, with Ofcom citing research on the prevalence of unwanted approaches to children online. Compliance may necessitate platforms to enhance age verification processes, raising concerns about increased data collection, as highlighted by Wikipedia's potential UK access block due to its minimal data collection policy.

The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has announced its readiness to enforce the new Online Safety Act by potentially disrupting non-compliant tech platforms, which could involve restricting their access to payment systems or blocking them in the UK. The act, which became law in October, addresses a range of issues including child protection and the spread of harmful content. Ofcom's initial proposals require tech companies to prevent child grooming and to establish robust trust and safety teams. Companies must also appoint a UK-based individual responsible for compliance. Ofcom's Gill Whitehead emphasizes the immediate start of supervision over large tech firms. The act has raised concerns among messaging platforms and privacy advocates due to potential threats to end-to-end encryption and user privacy. The government defends the act as crucial for child safety online, and Ofcom's proposals aim to limit minors' exposure to harmful content and prevent grooming by restricting certain online interactions.

The article discusses the UK's Online Safety Bill, which has recently received royal assent and become law. Initially proposed when Jeremy Wright was in office, the bill aimed to regulate 'legal but harmful' content on the internet, such as disinformation and material encouraging self-harm. The bill has evolved from its original form, with some principles being watered down and new controversial requirements added, such as scanning users' messages for illegal content. The enforcement of the act will be handled by Ofcom, with significant penalties for non-compliance. The article also compares the UK's legislation with the European Union's Digital Services Act and touches on the challenges of regulating mis- and disinformation during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The article discusses the UK's Online Safety Bill, which has now received royal assent and become law. Initially proposed during Jeremy Wright's tenure, the bill aimed to regulate 'legal but harmful' content on the internet, such as disinformation and material promoting self-harm. The legislation has evolved to include a broader range of illegal content and imposes a duty of care on platforms to protect users, especially children. It mandates age verification, content moderation, and reporting mechanisms for platforms. The UK Technology Secretary, Michelle Donelan, emphasized the bill's focus on child protection. The enforcement of the act will be overseen by Ofcom, with significant penalties for non-compliance. The article notes that the EU's Digital Services Act has already come into force, and the UK's act is no longer considered 'world-beating'.

The article discusses the UK's Online Safety Bill, which aims to regulate internet content by addressing 'legal but harmful' material and imposing a 'duty of care' on tech companies. Initially praised for its thoughtful approach to a complex issue, the bill has undergone changes and become more controversial, particularly with the inclusion of a mandate for messaging platforms to scan for illegal content, raising concerns over privacy and encryption. The bill has now received royal assent, although it is no longer considered 'world-beating' due to the European Union's Digital Services Act, which has already come into force.

The article discusses concerns within the UK's AI industry regarding the government's focus on cutting-edge AI models, which overlooks the broader AI ecosystem including startups, academic teams, and open-source models. The UK government has pledged over $1 billion to AI initiatives, but there is skepticism about the sufficiency of these funds and their allocation, especially with UK companies like Graphcore needing more support. The article also touches on the lack of AI regulation in the UK compared to the EU's AI Act, with critics pointing out the UK's failure to regulate the industry despite hosting related summits. The Future of Life Institute's policy director, Mark Brakel, highlights the UK's embarrassing position on AI regulation compared to other countries.

The UK government is actively engaging in international discussions about the risks of artificial superintelligence, with Deputy Prime Minister Oliver Dowden addressing the UN about its potential threats. A global summit on AI governance is scheduled for November, which Prime Minister Rishi Sunak hopes will mark the UK as a leader in AI safety regulation. However, the summit's main initiative, a voluntary global register of large AI models, is seen as ineffective by some. Tensions are rising as the US is displeased with the UK for inviting Chinese officials, and UK AI companies are frustrated for being excluded from the summit. The event is criticized for focusing on unlikely AI disasters rather than immediate risks and opportunities. Keegan McBride from Oxford University criticizes the UK's narrow focus and suggests a better approach would be to support British AI companies in the competitive market.

The article discusses the organic development of Silicon Valley and contrasts it with Scotland's current efforts to create a similar innovation ecosystem. It highlights the role of Stanford University and the military spending boom in California's tech emergence. The Scottish Government's National Innovation Strategy aims to make Scotland a leading innovative nation. Mark Logan, Scotland's Chief Entrepreneur, and Paul Valente of HSBC UK comment on the potential and current state of Scotland's tech economy. They note the maturity of the scale-up ecosystem and the distinct roles and specialisms of different Scottish cities in the tech sector.

The article discusses the legacy and current state of electrical innovation in the North East of the UK, particularly in Sunderland. Matthew Lumsden, CEO of Connected Energy, is extending this tradition by repurposing used electric vehicle batteries for energy storage, aiding in the decarbonisation of the grid. Sunderland, with its history of automotive manufacturing since Nissan's arrival, is now a hub for electric vehicle production and home to Europe's first gigafactory operated by Envision AESC UK. The article also touches on the region's involvement in Industry 4.0, highlighting companies like Tharsus and Wootzano, which are innovating in robotics and advanced manufacturing. Wootzano, in particular, has developed a food-safe e-skin for robots, with applications ranging from nuclear decommissioning to fruit handling.

Ecosia, a Berlin-based eco-friendly search engine, is adapting to the rapidly changing search market influenced by generative AI. The company, known for planting trees with its profits, is shifting from using Microsoft's Bing to Google for search results, while still incorporating some Bing results through System 1. This change comes after Microsoft increased prices for search results and invested heavily in AI through OpenAI's ChatGPT. Ecosia's CEO, Christian Kroll, acknowledges the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in search, as well as the increased energy demands it entails. The company is cautiously exploring its options in a market dominated by tech giants like Microsoft and Google, both of which have recently launched AI-powered search interfaces.

Ecosia, a Berlin-based eco-friendly search engine, is adapting to the rapidly changing search market influenced by generative AI. The company, known for investing profits in planting trees, is shifting from using Microsoft's Bing to Google for search results, although it will still use some Bing results via System 1. This change comes after Microsoft increased prices for search results, prompting Ecosia to explore other options. Ecosia's CEO, Christian Kroll, acknowledges the challenges of competing with tech giants and the ethical and legal issues arising from AI-generated search results. The company is also considering the increased energy demands of generative AI, given its commitment to fighting climate change.

The UK government's announcement of a new exascale supercomputer to be built in Bristol, named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was a potential opportunity for Graphcore, a Bristol-based AI chipmaker. Despite being valued at $2.5 billion, Graphcore has struggled to compete with Nvidia and convert early product hype into sales. The company's CEO, Nigel Toon, had requested government funding for British chipmakers, but the plea has not resulted in a deal. Graphcore is now facing financial difficulties, needing to secure new funding by May of the following year to avoid 'material uncertainty' over its future. The company's focus on IPUs over GPUs has not gained the expected traction, and even early investor Microsoft has ceased using Graphcore's chips. The UK government's investment in AI and semiconductors could have been an opportunity for Graphcore, but the company has yet to secure significant deals.

The UK government's announcement of a new exascale supercomputer in Bristol, named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel, was expected to be a significant opportunity for Graphcore, a Bristol-based chipmaker specializing in AI hardware. Despite being valued at $2.5 billion, Graphcore has not secured part of the supercomputer project's funding and is facing financial difficulties, with a need to raise new funding by May of the next year to avoid 'material uncertainty' over its future. The company, which focuses on intelligence processing units (IPUs) as opposed to the widely used GPUs, has struggled to convert its early promise into sales, partly due to the challenge of moving users from the familiar Nvidia GPUs to their technology. Microsoft, an early investor, ceased using Graphcore's chips in 2020, adding to the company's challenges.

Aditiya Baradwaj was captivated by the mission of Alameda Research and its founder, Sam Bankman-Fried, when he joined the company in September 2021. Bankman-Fried, a crypto billionaire, was known for his support of effective altruism and had founded the successful crypto exchange FTX. However, the US Department of Justice alleges that by the time Baradwaj joined, Alameda was misusing customer deposits for its own trades. This practice contributed to FTX's bankruptcy and the loss of investments for many customers in 2022. Bankman-Fried, Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison, and other senior executives face criminal charges and trials. The article discusses the broader context of Silicon Valley's investment culture, which can sometimes overlook economic fundamentals in favor of compelling narratives, potentially leading to significant financial frauds.

The article discusses the rise and fall of Alameda Research and its sister company FTX, both once prominent players in the cryptocurrency market. It highlights the experiences of Aditiya Baradwaj, an employee who joined Alameda Research in September 2021, when founder Sam Bankman-Fried was already a crypto billionaire. The companies were known for their lavish parties and high-profile status, with Bankman-Fried being a proponent of effective altruism. However, the US Department of Justice alleges that Alameda was misusing customer deposits for its own trading, leading to FTX's bankruptcy and criminal charges against key figures, including Bankman-Fried and Alameda CEO Caroline Ellison. The article also touches on the upcoming trial of Bankman-Fried in New York and the broader question of how so many investors were deceived by the company's leadership.

Despite the devastating Russian invasion, Ukraine's tech sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth. In 2022, IT exports increased by nearly 7%, even as the economy contracted by almost a third. The article profiles four Ukrainian startups—Djooky, Awesomic, Howly, and BetterMe—that have adapted and thrived amid the war. Djooky, a music platform, has continued to connect fans with artists. Awesomic, a design and development service, has expanded its operations and moved its headquarters to Silicon Valley. Howly, an online concierge service, has diversified its offerings and maintained operations despite infrastructure attacks. BetterMe, a health and wellness app, has increased its workforce and revenue by 20% in 2022 and has provided free mental health resources to Ukrainians. The tech sector's cooperation and solidarity have been pivotal in sustaining the economy and supporting the war effort.

The article discusses the business model of conspiracy influencers like Russell Brand, who produce content that generates high engagement through controversy and emotional intensity. Brand's YouTube channel is highlighted as a source of various conspiracy theories, ranging from COVID-19 skepticism to claims of Western capitalist imperialism in Ukraine. The article features insights from Joe Ondrak of Logically and Joe Mulhall of Hope Not Hate, who analyze the blend of genuine belief and financial motivation in the actions of such influencers. It also touches on the precarious nature of income for alt-media personalities on platforms like YouTube, which can be disrupted by demonetization. The article mentions a Cornell study on content creators diversifying their revenue streams to mitigate this risk, citing the example of Tate's

The UK's Online Safety Bill, initially a measure to make tech companies responsible for online harms, has evolved into a controversial law reflecting post-Brexit political dysfunction. The bill, which has grown to over 260 pages, now includes provisions that could weaken end-to-end encryption and has been criticized for prioritizing politics over policy. Major platforms like WhatsApp and Signal have threatened to leave the UK if the law passes. Critics argue the bill has been influenced by the Conservative Party's factional politics, with exemptions for news publishers and speech 'of democratic importance.' The bill is likely to pass, potentially leaving a lasting legacy of a new internet regime in the UK.

The article discusses the efforts of Irpin's cultural institutions in Ukraine to preserve and memorialize their heritage amidst the ongoing war. Despite the damage to physical structures, there is a significant push to digitize Ukraine's culture, including creating a VR experience and taking 3D scans of significant buildings. The Museum of Civilian Voices, backed by the Rinat Akhmetov Foundation, is highlighted for its work in collecting video testimonies from civilians affected by the conflict. The article emphasizes the importance of cultural preservation as an act of defiance against the Russian invasion, which seeks to erase Ukrainian identity. It also touches on the broader implications of recording history in the digital age and the role of reconstruction as both a symbol and a tool for achieving victory in the conflict.

Ukraine's Vice Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has been leading the country's war effort against Russia with a startup mentality, leveraging technology and digital innovation. The Ministry of Digital Transformation, which he heads, has created the Diia app, a digital platform for government services, and has been instrumental in fundraising through United24, raising $350 million for the war effort. The ministry has also fostered a tech-forward image for Ukraine, building relationships with global tech companies and mobilizing a tech-savvy volunteer force. This approach has been crucial in adapting to the war, from developing an air raid alert app with Ajax Systems to utilizing drones from companies like Skyeton for military operations. The government's digital initiatives have been a key factor in Ukraine's resilience and adaptability in the face of the Russian invasion.

Despite the devastating war with Russia, Ukraine's tech sector has shown remarkable resilience and growth. The article highlights the success of the IT industry, which saw IT exports increase by 7% in 2022, amidst an overall economic contraction. It focuses on the story of Andriy Dakhovskyy, a former quantum physics PhD student and a key figure in Ukraine's post-Soviet music industry, who founded Djooky, a music platform that aims to democratize the music industry by allowing fans to invest in artists. Djooky, which is part music company and part fintech, has faced challenges due to the pandemic and the war, including having to pause its prize-giving events. Dakhovskyy's journey from hiding bootlegged vinyl to establishing Universal Music's Kyiv office and creating Djooky illustrates the innovative spirit prevailing in Ukraine's tech and music sectors.

The article describes the devastation in the Ukrainian city of Irpin following the Russian invasion. Borys Yefimenko, a café owner, recounts the harrowing experience of the invasion, including the destruction of his home and businesses, and the deaths of friends and employees. Despite the challenges, Yefimenko has begun to rebuild his business. The article also details the broader impact of the war on Ukraine, including civilian deaths, displacement of millions, destruction of homes and infrastructure, and ecological damage. The UN's statistics are cited to illustrate the scale of the crisis, with significant economic contraction and extensive areas affected by landmines.

The article discusses the efforts of an individual, Vorobiov, who has utilized his deep understanding of Ukrainian bureaucracy to aid in the delivery of sensitive supplies to Ukrainian combat medics. Vorobiov has established a significant fundraising operation through social media, connecting with an international community to gather funds and supplies. He has been personally delivering these supplies across Ukraine, tailoring his logistics operation to the specific needs of the units. The article also touches on the broader context of Ukrainian civil society's reliance on personal networks for aid, which has intensified since the 2014 Russian invasion and subsequent full-scale invasion. Additionally, the article describes the Front Line Kitchen in Lviv, which began during the Euromaidan protests and has continued to support Ukrainian forces by providing ration packs.

The article discusses the role of the North Atlantic Fellas Organization (NAFO), an online movement supporting Ukraine, in the current conflict. NAFO members, including digital natives and Gen-Z recruits, use social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter to create and share memes that mock Russian propagandists and raise awareness about the war in Ukraine. Ivana Stradner, an adviser to the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a NAFO member, highlights the effectiveness of NAFO in information warfare. The group has successfully raised millions of dollars for the Ukrainian war effort through merchandise sales and crowdfunding, funding everything from food and medical supplies to military equipment. The article also touches on the broader impact of social media in the war, with stories of donations spiking when personal narratives are shared, and mentions Polish filmmaker Maciej Zabojszcz's initiative to raise money for the Ukrainian army.

Steve Huffman, CEO of Reddit, discusses the challenges of regulating social media and the potential threats to free speech and democracy. Huffman criticizes government attempts to control online content, equating it to state-controlled media. The article recounts Reddit's history of content moderation, from its laissez-faire beginnings to more stringent policies under Huffman's leadership. Huffman returned as CEO in 2015, following Ellen Pao's unsuccessful attempt to clean up the platform. Reddit has since taken a firmer stance against communities that violate its rules, such as banning r/PizzaGate for doxxing and r/TheDonald for promoting white supremacist content and conspiracy theories. The article also touches on Reddit's early days, its acquisition by Condé Nast, and its eventual independence, with Condé Nast's parent company remaining a shareholder.

The article details the rise and fall of Kazakhstan's bitcoin mining industry, which once ranked second in the world for computing power devoted to mining. The industry was initially attracted by cheap power, abundant land, and unused industrial buildings. However, the rapid growth led to an overload of the country's energy grid, contributing to power shortages and social unrest. The government responded by cutting miners off from the national grid, causing many operations to shut down or move. The article also discusses the broader implications of bitcoin mining on energy consumption, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical issues. It highlights the transient nature of the industry, which often moves to areas with cheap energy and lax governance, leaving behind little benefit to local communities.

Al Dove, a whale shark expert and vice president of research and conservation at the Georgia Aquarium, joined an expedition in Cenderawasih Bay, West Papua, to study whale sharks. The team, including Conservation International's Mark Erdmann and Abraham Siantar, aimed to gather data on the world's largest fish, a vulnerable species with many unknowns in its life cycle. They utilized a traditional fishing platform called a bagan to attract and tag the sharks. The researchers collected blood samples and fitted fin-mounted tags to track the sharks' movements. Despite the challenging conditions, they managed to collect samples from 20 whale sharks. The data will help establish a baseline for healthy whale shark blood, aiding in conservation efforts amid concerns of overfishing, pollution, and tourism impacts. The article provides an in-depth look at the methods and challenges of marine biology research in a remote location.

The article discusses the contradiction between the U.K. government's actions and its stated climate goals, highlighting the return flight of the U.K. minister of state for energy security and net zero, Graham Stuart, from the COP 28 climate summit for a vote in London. It explores the rise of climate populism in Western democracies, where right-wing parties and leaders are increasingly opposing climate action. The article also covers various aspects of the green transition, including the environmental and cultural conflicts it brings, China's dominance in green technology and its human rights issues, rewilding efforts in Europe, the potential revival of mining in Colorado, Ukraine's jeopardized role in green technology due to the Russian invasion, and the growing problem of space pollution. Coda Story's journalists have reported on these issues, providing insights into the complexities of addressing climate change and environmental health.

The article discusses a Smart Plant system created by an individual named Jon, designed to help those with less of a green thumb in taking care of houseplants. The system uses low-power plant tags with e-Paper displays, similar to those used in retail price tags, to monitor the health of plants. The tags, which include a Waveshare 2.9" tricolor display, are equipped with capacitive probes for soil moisture, temperature and humidity sensors, and a light sensor. They are powered by an ESP32-S and a 1,000 mAh LiPo battery, with an optional solar panel for charging. The device, which can connect to Home Assistant via ESPHome firmware, conserves energy by activating sensors only when needed, allowing for a runtime of five to six weeks between charges. The article also mentions Hackaday's Low Power Challenge Contest, suggesting that readers might want to participate.

The article discusses the role of Ukraine Railways and its CEO, Alexander Kamyshin, in maintaining train services during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Despite constant attacks, the railway has managed to transport 4 million refugees and over 330,000 metric tons of humanitarian aid. The railway's efforts included reaching Kherson shortly after Russian troops retreated and introducing measures such as abandoning ticketing and allowing pets on board to facilitate evacuations. The company also hosted foreign delegations, including a secret visit by US President Joe Biden to Kyiv. The railway has suffered significant losses, with 250 employees killed and 800 injured due to the conflict.

Carla Francome, a resident of Haringey in North London, has faced backlash on Twitter after advocating for 15-minute neighborhoods, a concept in urban planning aimed at ensuring essential services are within a quarter-hour's reach. Her support for traffic-reduction measures and a more walkable community led to a thread of negative responses, including extreme comparisons to socialist prisons and the Warsaw Ghetto during Nazi occupation. Francome's experience highlights the intersection of urban development ideas with conspiracy theories, such as the 'Great Reset,' which is being propagated by various far-right groups and figures. Ernie Piper, an analyst at Logically, a fact-checking and disinformation analysis company, comments on the situation, noting the broad spectrum of conspiracy theorists involved in this meta-narrative.

Carla Francome, a resident of Haringey, North London, has faced backlash on Twitter after advocating for 15-minute neighborhoods, a concept in urban planning that aims for essential services to be within a 15-minute reach. Her support for this idea and traffic-reduction measures in her community has attracted negative attention, including aggressive messages and comparisons to historical atrocities. The concept has been caught up in a broader conspiracy theory linked to the 'Great Reset,' which is being fueled by various right-wing figures and groups. This conspiracy theory has gained traction among different factions, including anti-vaxxers and far-right activists, and has even been mentioned in the UK's political discourse, notably in the House of Commons by Conservative MP Nick Fletcher.

Kazakhstan, once a global leader in Bitcoin mining due to its surplus electricity from abundant coal and industrial decline post-Soviet Union, faced a crisis as miners consumed over 7% of the country's power, leading to blackouts and civil unrest. In January 2022, the government effectively expelled miners from the national grid, ending the mining boom. The industry's collapse left behind only unusable assets and exacerbated social divisions. While some miners moved to other regions or countries, companies like Enegix continue to operate at a reduced capacity, importing power from Russia. The government still dreams of reviving the cryptocurrency industry, but the volatile nature of the sector poses significant challenges. The article also discusses the broader implications of cryptocurrency mining on geopolitical grey zones and the sustainability of the industry.

In 2018, British blockchain entrepreneur Chris Emms received an invitation from the Korean Friendship Association (KFA) to attend a cryptocurrency conference in Pyongyang, North Korea. The KFA, led by Alejandro Cao de Benós, aims to improve North Korea's image globally. Emms, a non-coding blockchain enthusiast, was drawn to the event by his idealism and the potential for change in North Korea, especially in light of recent diplomatic developments between the US and North Korea. The conference, costing $5,000 per attendee, promised to gather unique thinkers in the blockchain space and offered a rare glimpse into the isolated country. The narrative juxtaposes the North Korean philosophy of juche, which emphasizes self-reliance, with the libertarian ethos of the crypto community.

Telegram's structure as a messaging app and social media platform with minimal active moderation has made it a perfect tool for doxing campaigns, as seen in Myanmar, Iraq, and Ukraine. Activists and digital rights experts have reported an epidemic of politically motivated doxing on Telegram, leading to intimidation, violence, and deaths. Despite Telegram's claims of proactive content moderation, activists accuse the platform of turning a blind eye to the issue. The problem has escalated since the 2019 Hong Kong protests, with similar tactics spreading to other regions. Telegram's lack of cooperation with civil society and its philosophical stance against moderation are seen as deliberate positions contributing to the issue.

Burmese influencer Han Nyein Oo, known for his support of Myanmar's military junta, has been engaging in doxxing campaigns against opposition supporters through Telegram, leading to arrests and violence. After being banned from Facebook, he and other pro-junta influencers have used Telegram to share personal information and incite attacks against those opposing the military regime. Despite Telegram's claims of moderating harmful content, activists and experts argue that the platform's structure facilitates the spread of doxxing and misinformation. Telegram's spokesperson, Remi Vaughn, asserts that the platform actively moderates harmful content. However, the lack of active moderation has been criticized, and the app's design is seen as particularly suited to enabling these harmful campaigns.

The article discusses the transformation of Burmese influencer Han Nyein Oo from a celebrity gossip poster to a supporter of the military junta following the coup in Myanmar. After being banned from Facebook, he used Telegram to disseminate pro-junta propaganda, graphic content, and doctored images. He escalated to doxing opponents of the junta, leading to police raids and violence against those targeted. Despite being banned for violating Telegram's rules, he quickly resumed his activities on a new channel. The article also highlights a broader issue with Telegram's handling of doxing, as activists and experts from various regions report the platform's failure to address the spread of politically motivated doxing, resulting in intimidation and violence.

Burmese influencer Han Nyein Oo, who gained popularity through Facebook, shifted his support to the military junta following the coup in Myanmar in February 2021. After being banned from Facebook, he used Telegram to spread pro-junta propaganda, share violent content, and dox opponents, leading to police raids and violence against those targeted. Despite being banned for violating Telegram's rules, he quickly resumed his activities on a new channel. The article highlights a broader issue with Telegram's handling of doxing, as activists and experts from various regions report the platform's failure to address the spread of politically motivated doxing, resulting in intimidation and violence.

East Bali Bamboo Bikes, a social enterprise located in Desa Ban, Indonesia, is facing the threat of an eruption from nearby Mount Agung. The enterprise, which produces bamboo bicycles for tourists, was established by the East Bali Poverty Project with the goal of creating sustainable income for one of the island's poorest areas. Despite the looming danger of the volcano, which has been active since September and continues to emit ash and cause occasional tremors, the company emphasizes safety and sustainable futures for the local community.

The article discusses the challenges faced by opposition figures in Malaysia, a country where a single party has dominated for over fifty years. It highlights the issue of 'cyber-troopers' who spread false narratives online to manipulate electorates and exacerbate social divisions. Malaysia is described as a 'Wild West' of misinformation, with various groups vying for influence amidst racial and religious tensions, a quasi-autocratic government, and a weak mainstream press. The upcoming election on May 9 is set against the backdrop of a prime minister embroiled in a corruption scandal and increasing religious and racial intolerance. The article also touches on the personal risks of misinformation, citing the case of a Christian pastor's disappearance and the spread of a false quote attributed to the subject of the article, which could incite extremists to violence.

In Codó, Maranhão, one of Brazil's poorest states, the community faces a surge in violent crime due to drugs and money. The region, historically oppressed by wealthy landlords, is now threatened by the MATOPIBA investment program, which aims to convert millions of hectares of savannah and forest into monocultures. This initiative endangers the livelihoods of the quebradeiras de coco, traditional harvesters of babaçu palm nuts, who have fought for land rights and economic independence. The quebradeiras, symbolizing resistance, are mobilizing against the program, which they view as a betrayal by the government that previously supported social programs under former presidents Lula and Rousseff.