A German tattoo artist was detained at the US border and held in federal custody for over 25 days despite having proper documentation. The detention occurred when CBP agents accused her of planning to work during her visit, resulting in extended confinement first in a CBP holding cell and then at the Otay Mesa Detention Center. The case highlights issues with immigration detention practices and their costs to taxpayers.
Right to Repair legislation has been introduced in all 50 US states, with five states already passing electronics repair laws covering one-fifth of Americans. The movement, supported by organizations like iFixit, PIRG, and Repair.org, has grown from a small advocacy effort to a nationwide campaign with increasing support from major tech companies like Google and Apple.
Thailand plans to cut utilities to five Myanmar border locations linked to Chinese-operated scam centers that have caused billions in losses. The decision, made during an urgent security meeting, targets areas with suspiciously high electricity consumption in Payathonzu, Tachileik, and Myawaddy townships. The action comes ahead of Thai PM's China visit and could affect up to 100,000 people.
Virginia's Senate narrowly passed a bill prohibiting police from lying to minors during interrogations, with a 22-18 vote. The legislation aims to prevent law enforcement from using deceptive techniques on children, addressing concerns about false confessions among minors. The bill now awaits Governor Glenn Youngkin's decision to sign or veto it.
A suspected cult leader and associate from the 'Zizian' group were arrested in Maryland, connected to multiple homicides across the US. The group, comprised of young computer scientists with anarchist beliefs, has been linked to six killings, including a Border Patrol agent's death. Their ideology spans radical veganism, gender identity, and AI concerns.
Senator Ron Wyden introduced the Global Trust in American Online Services Act to protect against foreign surveillance demands that could weaken U.S. technology security. The legislation aims to reform the CLOUD Act, which currently allows foreign governments to directly demand data from U.S. companies, addressing recent concerns about the UK's secret order to Apple regarding iCloud encryption.
A federal appeals court ruled that an Oregon district attorney's unauthorized review and sharing of a woman's private cellphone data violated Fourth Amendment rights but granted him qualified immunity. The case highlights privacy concerns when a prosecutor accessed and shared nude photos found on a woman's phone without warrant or consent, leading to small-town gossip and privacy violations.
Vice President JD Vance emphasized US dominance in AI technology while refusing to sign an international AI safety declaration at the Paris summit, highlighting growing US-China competition in the sector. Europe announced 200 billion euros in AI investments as it seeks to establish independence from both US and Chinese technology.
NYC subway crime dropped 36% in January 2025 while ridership increased by 13.1% following the implementation of congestion pricing. Mayor Eric Adams attributes the decline to increased police presence, including 1,200 additional NYPD officers and 300 officers patrolling overnight trains, alongside Governor Hochul's $77 million initiative for enhanced security measures.