Sometimes people—especially those in the field of public relations doing a pray-and-spray campaign, but also small-time developers, the occasional delusional vibe-coder, and local dipshits—deliver messages to my inbox like a cat dropping a dead mouse on my doorstep. For the most part, I resist the bait: often, bad press is ...
Month: April 2026
Podcast: Inside the AI Slop Propaganda WarsPodcast: Inside the AI Slop Propaganda Wars
This week Matthew Gault joins us to discuss his article about Iran’s AI slop and LEGO-focused propaganda, and why the creators chose LEGO. After the break, Jason tells us all about the new automated system in baseball and the drama it’s causing. In the subscribers-only section, Sam walks us through ...
‘BLOCKADE’: The Right Is Using AI Content Scanners to Try to Supercharge Book Banning‘BLOCKADE’: The Right Is Using AI Content Scanners to Try to Supercharge Book Banning
This story was reported with support from the MuckRock foundation. Conservative parents’ advocacy groups have been experimenting with using commercially available artificial intelligence tools to help them flag more books they’ve deemed pornographic to be removed from public schools and libraries. Even though LLMs are notoriously error-prone, and the books in ...
What do Trump’s latest comments on leaving Nato mean for the alliance?What do Trump’s latest comments on leaving Nato mean for the alliance?
Trump has criticised Nato members for showing a lack of support for US objectives in Iran. ...
Israel intensifies Lebanon attacks and hits areas not in Hezbollah’s controlIsrael intensifies Lebanon attacks and hits areas not in Hezbollah’s control
Attacks have continued as Israel has announced its intention to control swathes of south Lebanon. ...
Families cram into Greek court for trial into deadliest train crashFamilies cram into Greek court for trial into deadliest train crash
Fifty-seven people were killed when two trains collided in 2023 in the worst rail accident in Greek history, with 36 accused in a trial expected to last years. ...
Peter Magyar, the former Orban ally vying for power in HungaryPeter Magyar, the former Orban ally vying for power in Hungary
Magyar represents the biggest threat to Viktor Orban’s rule in Hungary since he won the first of four consecutive victories in 2010. ...
Scott Mills confirms he was investigated by police in first statement since sackingScott Mills confirms he was investigated by police in first statement since sacking
Mills says the announcement of his sacking from the BBC had led “to the publication of rumour and speculation”. ...
Gulf citizens now know their enemyGulf citizens now know their enemy
The Scene For nearly five decades, Gulf Arab countries and Iran have had frosty, but pragmatic, relations. Historic ties between people, a shared geography, and the necessity of trade forced both sides to avoid outright enmity. Tehran’s response to the US and Israeli war has shattered any remaining belief in ...
The quiet campaign for a mining billionaire to be South Africa’s next presidentThe quiet campaign for a mining billionaire to be South Africa’s next president
There is a question doing the rounds in South Africa’s political circles, often in lowered voices and with careful disclaimers: could the billionaire Patrice Motsepe be the man who stabilizes — perhaps even saves — the African National Congress? Motsepe’s name as a future ANC leader often appears in fragments ...