More from Pierce Sharpe
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Making sense of misinformation and disinformation as war rages in Ukraine
Russia has been at war with Ukraine for more than a week. In that time, thousands of pictures, videos, and claims–including misinformation and disinformation–have spread across social media. That flood can create information overload, and not all of that information is reliable. Misinformation vs. Disinformation The main difference between misinformation and disinformation is intent. Misinformation… -
Ghislaine Maxwell trial juror plans to invoke Fifth Amendment
The juror who set in motion calls for a new trial in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell will not answer a judge’s questions at a scheduled hearing on March 8, his lawyer said. Juror No. 5, as he is known in court papers, will invoke his constitutional Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, lawyer Todd Spodek said… -
Russia deploys OMON riot police to quell anti-war protests
Anti-war activists have taken to Russia’s streets to protest the country’s invasion of Ukraine, despite the arrests of hundreds of protesters each day by police. Russia’s paramilitary police, the OMON, have been dispatched to address the growing unrest. The OVD-Info group monitoring protests and arrests in Russia said more than 6,000 people had been arrested for… -
Russia seizes Chernobyl, stoking radiation levels, nuclear fears
Ukraine recorded increased radiation levels from the defunct Chernobyl nuclear power plant one day after the site was taken by Russian forces. Officials say the increased readings were the result of military activity causing radioactive dust to rise into the air. “Radiation starts to increase. It is not critical for Kyiv for the time being,… -
Military draft fears rise in US as Russia, China escalate global conflicts
Russia has officially invaded Ukraine, and reports have indicated Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan’s airspace. Some social media users have questioned if the United States is heading into a new global conflict and if they would be drafted into service. Service in the U.S. military has been voluntary since 1973, but Congress could at any time reinstate… -
Russia invades Ukraine in multi-pronged attack
Russia has launched a wide-ranging attack on Ukraine, hitting cities and bases with airstrikes or shelling as civilians piled into trains and cars to flee. Ukraine’s government pleaded for help as it said Russian tanks and troops rolled across the border in a “full-scale war” that could rewrite the geopolitical order. “Russia has embarked on… -
Russian billionaires’ fortunes fall
As Ukrainian forces battle Russian invaders, the U.S. continues to wage a war against the wealthiest Russians. President Biden unleashed financial sanctions against Russian banks and oligarchs. Biden has targeted five Russian elites and their family members, along with two large Russian banks. The elite targeted by Biden are suspected of “participating in the Russian… -
What’s behind the “freedom convoy” opposing Canada’s COVID-19 mandates?
A self-described “freedom convoy” group blocked roads and bridges at Canadian cities and border crossings between Canada and the United States. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the protests have disrupted international trade, crippling an already slow supply chain. What do the protesters want? Convoy organizers want Canada to end its COVID-19 mandates. For example, one mandate requires… -
Understanding Ukraine’s breakaway regions
Russia has decided to evacuate its diplomatic staff from Ukraine, the foreign ministry said on Tuesday. The move is the latest step fueling tensions with the West amid fears of an invasion. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin recognized the independence of Moscow-backed rebel regions in eastern Ukraine. Donetsk and Luhansk, together known as Donbas, lie… -
Is the Patriot Act still in effect? Jim Jordan’s tweet triggers discussion
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-OH) weighed in on the latest from the Durham investigation this week. His comments on Twitter prompted many to question the status of the Patriot Act. Signed into law on October 26, 2001, the Patriot Act was profoundly shaped by the events of the September 11 attacks. If they can spy on… -
Judge throws out Palin lawsuit against New York Times
A U.S. judge threw out Sarah Palin’s lawsuit accusing the New York Times of defaming the former Alaska governor by incorrectly linking her in an editorial to a mass murder. U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff in Manhattan said he will order the dismissal of Palin’s lawsuit but in an unusual twist will enter his order after… -
Biden admin pushes back on ‘crack pipe’ reports
A program administered through the Health and Human Services Agency that will fund syringe exchange programs, the opioid reversal drug naloxone and “safe smoking kits and supplies,” has drawn criticism from lawmakers. They question the use of federal money to pay for drug use supplies. “Government-funded drug paraphernalia is a slap in the face to… -
Trump: Joe Rogan should stop apologizing amid Spotify controversies
Former President Donald Trump has voiced his support for Joe Rogan. Trump said Monday night the Spotify host should “stop apologizing” for controversies surrounding coronavirus misinformation and his past use of racial slurs. “Joe Rogan is an interesting and popular guy, but he’s got to stop apologizing to the Fake News and Radical Left maniacs…