Moral Bankruptcy
Where news meets rational thinking
Good morning, It’s Thursday, August 1st. In today’s news, A father and son have been charged with planning an ISIS-backed attack in Toronto, Government tells Canadians in Lebanon there's no guarantee of evacuation, The world reacts to Israel killing Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, National Defence Commission says America is not ready for a global war, and much more.
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Father and Son Charged for Planning ISIS-Backed Terrorist Attack in Toronto
The RCMP announced the arrest and charges against a Toronto father and son for their involvement in an ISIS terrorism plot. Ahmed Eldidi, 62, and Mostafa Eldidi, 26, were allegedly in the advanced stages of planning a violent attack in Toronto. They face multiple charges, including participation in terrorist activities, facilitating terrorist activity, possession of a weapon for dangerous purposes, and conspiracy to commit murder. Ahmed Eldidi also faces an aggravated assault charge.
The arrests took place at a hotel in Richmond Hill, where the pair were found with an axe and a machete. RCMP Supt. James Parr stated that the weapons indicated how close they were to carrying out their plans. The investigation is ongoing to identify the target of the attack, but authorities assure the public that there is no remaining risk.
Both suspects are Canadian citizens and were not previously known to police. They are scheduled to appear in court today.
This development follows the conviction of Edmonton resident Khaled Hussein in the UK for his involvement in a terrorist organization. Hussein was sentenced to five years in prison on July 30 for his membership in Al-Muhajiroun, a group seeking to establish an Islamic theocracy. More
Tiny Thought: The West is under attack, and in many ways, the attacks are coming from within. Our society is grappling with a moral bankruptcy that has boiled over after years of ideological subversion.
'Leave Now': Government Tells Canadians in Lebanon There's No Guarantee of Evacuation
As tensions rise between Israel and Hezbollah, the Canadian government has urged its citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately, warning that a government-sponsored evacuation cannot be guaranteed.
This call to action follows a recent incident where a rocket hit a soccer field in the Golan Heights, killing 12 children. Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack, although the group denied involvement. In response, Israel conducted a strike that killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut.
Hezbollah’s ongoing attacks on Israel have sparked fears of a broader conflict, reminiscent of the 2006 war, which necessitated a costly evacuation of 15,000 Canadians. Charlotte MacLeod from Global Affairs Canada stressed the need for Canadians to leave now while commercial flights are still available. The 2006 evacuation cost nearly $100 million and required extensive military support.
General Wayne Eyre and defence spokesperson Alex Tétreault confirmed that the Canadian Armed Forces are actively planning for a potential evacuation. Over 21,000 Canadians are registered in Lebanon, but actual numbers may be higher as registration is voluntary. MacLeod highlighted that government-assisted evacuations are a last resort and urged Canadians not to depend on them in a crisis. More
The World Reacts: Israel Kills Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh
The international community is rumbling following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike on Tehran. Israel has not commented on the incident, but many nations warn it could escalate the Gaza war into a regional conflict.
Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Masoud Pezeshkian promised harsh retaliation. Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas condemned the killing as a cowardly escalation, urging unity against Israeli occupation.
Qatar and Turkey criticized the assassination, warning it could lead to chaos in the region. Turkey’s President Erdogan called it a sabotage of the Palestinian cause. The US denied any involvement and urged a ceasefire, while Germany called for restraint. Russia and China condemned the assassination, predicting increased tensions.
Middle Eastern countries, including Egypt, Iraq, and Oman, expressed concern over regional stability. Hamas allies, such as Hezbollah and Yemen’s Houthi rebels, vowed increased resistance. Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers mourned Haniyeh’s death as a significant loss. More
Tiny Thought: I’ve seen mixed reviews about this in Canada. A CBC reporter noted that it was a bad idea if they wanted to broker peace. Pierre Poilievre applauded the act, saying destroy Hamas. No matter how anyone feels, one thing is certain: this war is far from over.
National Defence Commission: America is Not Ready for a Global War
A new study by the Commission on the National Defense Strategy warns that the United States is unprepared for a potential global conflict involving Russia and China. The commission, which includes members appointed by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, emphasizes that the US military has not kept pace with the deteriorating security environment. Key issues highlighted in the report include China's erasure of the US military advantage in the Western Pacific, underestimated threats from Russia, outdated Pentagon procurement methods, inadequate domestic production capacity, recruitment challenges, and political dysfunction in Congress. Public support for a strong military is also waning amid increasing political polarization. The findings have sparked concern among members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, underscoring the need for urgent reforms. More
Elon Musk Accepts Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's Challenge to Fight
In an unexpected twist of geopolitical theatre, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has thrown down the gauntlet to tech mogul Elon Musk, challenging him to a duel after accusing Musk of plotting an invasion with space rockets. Maduro called Musk an "arch-enemy" and dared him to a showdown: "You want to fight? Let’s have it, Elon Musk. Just say where."
Elon Musk, never one to shy away from controversy, stoked the flames by accepting the challenge on social media, setting the stage for an unprecedented (but also unlikely) clash between a world leader and a billionaire tech titan. The stakes, according to Musk's cheeky reply, are as high as they come: "If I win, he resigns as dictator of Venezuela. If he wins, I give him a free ride to Mars." More
Germany Accuses China of Cyberattack on Government Agency
German intelligence has identified Chinese state-sponsored hackers as the perpetrators behind a severe cyberattack on Germany's federal cartography agency (BKG). The attack, aimed at espionage, targeted critical infrastructure by infiltrating devices within the BKG network. Germany's Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, condemned the attack, emphasizing the significant threat posed by Chinese cyber-espionage activities. The Chinese Embassy in Germany denied the allegations, labelling them as political manipulation. More
Three Men Accused of Plotting 9/11 Reach Plea Deal
Three men accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks have reached a pre-trial agreement with the US Department of Defence. Khalid Sheikh Mohammad, Walid Muhammad Salih Mubarak Bin Attash, and Mustafa Ahmed Adam al-Hawsawi, held at Guantanamo Bay for years, will plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. Nearly 3,000 people died in the 2001 attacks, the deadliest on US soil since Pearl Harbor. This plea deal, not yet detailed, was announced in a letter to victims' families, sparking criticism from some relatives and political figures. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell condemned the deal as a failure to deliver justice. More
Boeing Names New CEO as it Posts a Loss of More Than $1.4 Billion in Second Quarter
Boeing reported a $1.4 billion loss for Q2, with revenue falling 15% year-over-year. The company announced that Robert “Kelly” Ortberg, a former Rockwell Collins CEO, will become its new chief executive next week. Boeing's financial struggles are exacerbated by ongoing issues including a fraud plea related to the Max crashes, increased FAA oversight, supply-chain problems, and challenges with regulatory approvals for new aircraft models. The company is also considering when to develop a new single-aisle plane to replace the Max. More
This AI-powered Financial Advisor Has Quickly Gained $20 Billion in Assets
The automated financial advisor PortfolioPilot has rapidly gained $20 billion in assets since its launch, signalling a disruption in the wealth management industry. The service, developed by Global Predictions, uses advanced AI models to provide personalized investment advice, distinguishing itself from traditional, cookie-cutter portfolios. PortfolioPilot offers a free basic service and a $29 per month "Gold" account for tailored recommendations. With its growing influence, the company has attracted $2 million in new investment and is working towards deeper automation and potentially managing client funds in the future. More
Canada and Germany Commit $600 Million for Hydrogen Export in Atlantic Canada
The Canadian and German governments are investing a total of $600 million to develop Atlantic Canada’s hydrogen export industry. Each country will contribute up to $300 million to support projects in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, which aim to produce "clean hydrogen" from wind energy. This investment, part of the Canada-Germany Hydrogen Alliance, is intended to create jobs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance energy security for Germany amid global energy disruptions. However, there are concerns about the cost and energy efficiency of hydrogen production, with critics arguing that local wind power should be used to replace coal instead. More
Scientists Propose Lunar Biorepository as ‘Backup’ for Life on Earth
Scientists have proposed a plan to build a lunar vault for preserving samples of endangered species due to the growing threats from climate change and habitat loss. The idea, detailed in BioScience, suggests storing preserved cells and DNA on the moon to protect against Earth-based disasters like flooding and war. The moon's extreme cold would naturally preserve these samples year-round. This lunar biorepository could support cloning and reintroduction of species if needed, though challenges include developing space-compatible packaging and transport logistics. The concept aims to ensure the long-term survival of biodiversity amid growing environmental risks. More
520-million-year-old Worm Fossil Solves Mystery of How Modern Insects, Spiders and Crabs Evolved
Researchers at Durham University have uncovered a rare fossil named Youti yuanshi, which dates back over 520 million years. This fossil, from the Cambrian period, reveals the internal organs of an early ancestor of insects, spiders, and crabs. The fossil is incredibly well-preserved, showing brain regions, digestive glands, and even traces of nerves. Using advanced imaging techniques, scientists have gained new insights into the evolution of complex body structures in arthropods, helping to understand how these creatures developed specialized limbs, eyes, and brains. More
Canada Women’s Soccer Team Reaches Olympics Quarter Finals
Canada won 1-0 against Colombia, with Vanessa Gilles scoring the decisive goal in the 62nd minute to advance to the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics despite a six-point deficit from a drone-spying scandal. Earlier in the day, the defending Olympic champions lost their bid to overturn the FIFA-ordered points deduction for filming New Zealand’s practices in France. They will face Germany next in Marseille. More
In other news, emails released by FIFA indicate drone usage for spying on other teams may have been a common practice across Canada Soccer's senior national teams. More
Gender Controversy Sparks Debate as Female Italian Boxer Scheduled to Fight Male Opponent at Olympics
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif, who was disqualified from the 2023 Women’s World Championships for having high testosterone levels and XY chromosomes (i.e. he’s a dude), has been approved by the International Olympic Committee to compete as a woman in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This decision has sparked controversy, especially as Khelif prepares to fight Italy’s Angela Carini. Critics argue that the decision undermines fairness and consistency in gender eligibility rules. More
Country Star Jelly Roll Officially Sworn in as Deputy Sheriff in Flint, Michigan
Rapper-turned-country singer Jelly Roll, whose past was marked by multiple jail stints and felony convictions, has been sworn in as a deputy sheriff in Genesee County, Michigan. On July 27, he was awarded a sheriff's badge by Sheriff Christopher Swanson during a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new music studio at the Genesee County Jail. This move underscores Jelly Roll's remarkable transformation and commitment to second chances, as he continues to support initiatives like the Community Cares Task Force and the I.G.N.I.T.E. Program, aimed at rehabilitating and educating inmates. More
Families Seek Answers After Inmates' Bodies Returned Without Internal Organs - Families of deceased Alabama inmates are suing the Alabama Department of Corrections, claiming their loved ones' bodies were returned missing internal organs after state autopsies. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, which conducted the autopsies, denies organ harvesting but acknowledges organs may be retained for further testing.
The World’s Most Exclusive Meat ‘Hibernates’ for Up to 15 Years - Cold air is blown at speeds of up to 120 kilometres per hour over the meat in a -43 C environment at the farm’s state-of-the-art laboratory in Saint Mihiel and this allows the meat to be cured for over a decade, with no loss of quality.
Woman Claims She Hasn’t Slept in Over 30 Years - A Vietnamese woman has been dubbed a “sleepless mutant” because of her alleged ability to shun sleep completely. She claims to have remained awake continuously for the last three decades.
‘A free ride to mats’ hahahaha. Started my day off with a laugh. A repository on mars is an insane waste of time and money IMO.