#Lightning Data Service

[wahinnovations08]

Maximize Efficiency with Expert Salesforce Lightning Services

Get our expert Salesforce Lightning services to increase the performance of your organization. Apply customized solutions to improve operations and get maximum productivity. Visit Wahinnoavtions now for expert Salesforce services - https://www.wahinnovations.com/salesforce-lightning-services/

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Olga Lautman at Unmasking Russia:

It has been a long 86 days— and feels like a decade—since Trump returned to power. In that time, I’ve been documenting, day by day, the systematic capture of American institutions and the collapse of democracy in my Trump Tyranny Tracker. Not just the headlines, but patterns. While most of the media remain trapped in a cycle of chasing the latest headlines—tariffs one day, SignalGate the next—I’ve been focused on the patterns. And what appears to be taking shape is far more dangerous as I see strong indications that Trump may be laying the groundwork for a centralized surveillance state. I can’t say that definitively but we do need to pay close attention. At the center of it all is unauthorized DOGE—run by Musk and a team of unvetted operatives, some with deeply troubling histories. His operatives have embedded themselves across the federal government, bypassing standard hiring processes, background checks, and oversight. We were gaslit that DOGE was a project to cut waste, root out fraud, and “modernize” government systems but I have always believed that is a cover story. But cover for what? Yes, part of DOGE’s mission appears to be dismantling federal agencies—but that’s just the surface. What I believe Musk is doing is using DOGE as cover to build a massive data collection and profiling infrastructure—one that will have chilling consequences for dissent, journalism, and democracy itself. They had years to plan for this moment, anticipating Trump’s return to power. And from day one, we saw it—the lightning speed with which they moved, as if the blueprint had been ready all along. And this is not theoretical. It’s already being tested—in plain sight.

Surveillance as Strategy: The Russia Playbook

What Trump and Musk appear to be building looks eerily familiar. In fact, it mirrors something in authoritarian regimes— like Russia and China. One of Putin’s first moves after taking power was to consolidate the Russian state by installing loyalists in every key position—not just politically, but across the entire informational apparatus. Like the Soviet dictators he emulates—and as a former KGB officer—Putin understands that power isn’t just maintained through brute force, but through data, surveillance, and fear.

Russia has always operated as a surveillance state. From the Soviet era to the present day, its internal security services have been fixated on identifying, isolating, and crushing dissent—both within the government and across society. The only thing that’s changed is the sophistication of the tools. Russia’s government databases were merged under the pretext of national security. State contracts were funneled to loyal oligarchs. Surveillance infrastructure became the regime’s central nervous system. This looks to be the blueprint Musk and Trump are now following. Musk’s unvetted operatives—most of them political loyalists with no public service background—have been given access to internal sensitive systems of key U.S. government agencies. These include the Social Security Administration, the Department of the Treasury, the Office of Personnel Management, and, most recently and alarmingly, the IRS. Each holds massive amounts of our sensitive personal data— tax records, income histories, medical information, demographic data, and backgrounds. Individually, these data points reveal a lot. Combined? They offer a total profile—an AI-searchable and cross-referenced system— built to track every American’s financial, personal, and political life.

Testing Grounds: The Federal Workforce

This surveillance apparatus isn’t just being tested on immigrants or international students, it’s being tested on federal workers themselves. According to The Guardian, employees at the Department of Veterans Affairs were warned that their virtual meetings were being secretly recorded—and advised to be cautious about voicing any disagreement with Trump’s decisions. At the State Department, IT staff reportedly began installing monitoring software on employee devices. In response, some staffers—fearing hidden microphones—resorted to blasting white noise or turning on breakroom sinks to muffle their conversations.

At the EPA, a partner water management organization sent out an internal warning that all calls, calendar entries, and meetings with EPA staff were being monitored by an AI tool—one that had appeared, unannounced, as a notetaker in their virtual calls. While the agency denied it, staff say they were explicitly told that DOGE was scanning communications for any signs of “anti-Musk,” “anti-DOGE,” or “anti-Trump” sentiment. At USAID, leadership handpicked by Trump’s White House was reportedly caught reading private group chats. Employees said that their acting administrator—the same person who handled the agency’s IT—abruptly appeared in a group chat of over 40 contractors. The breach was so blatant that staff began abandoning official systems altogether. Eventually, USAID’s website was taken offline without explanation.

The Mass Purge: Chaos by Design

I also believe the ongoing mass purges of federal workers serve multiple functions. First, they create chaos inside the agencies, eroding institutional memory and making it easier to rewrite processes without oversight. Second, they eliminate career officials—many of whom might resist or expose what Musk and his operatives are actually doing behind the scenes. And third, they overwhelm the media with scandalous and likely illegal firings, distracting the public while core government services collapse and the surveillance infrastructure is quietly built in the background. But there’s more. These purges send a chilling message to the rest of the federal workforce: fall in line or you’re next. They’re not just dismantling agencies—they’re replacing public service with loyalty tests. The result is a hollowed-out government filled with fear, silence, and political operatives. And that’s exactly the point. When institutions are weak and morale is broken, authoritarian power consolidates faster. [...]

Targeting International Students and Immigrants: Testing the System

Also, last week, USCIS announced it would begin screening immigrants’ social media accounts for antisemitism, which would be used as grounds to deny visas and green cards. DHS issued a statement declaring: “There is no room in the United States for the rest of the world’s terrorist sympathizers... You are not welcome here.” This isn’t solely about protecting Jewish Americans or Jewish students— who face real threats. Rather, it appears to be an effort to weaponize the issue as a political shield for an anti-immigrant, anti-dissent agenda. Jewish advocacy groups like Bend the Arc quickly condemned the policy, calling it what it is: a smokescreen for cruelty and repression, not a good-faith attempt to combat antisemitism. And this isn’t theoretical. Immigrants are already being disappeared, social media scanned, and green card holders detained. DHS has reportedly requested IRS data on over 7 million immigrants, and ICE is preparing to act on that data.

Olga Lautman has a very frightening yet truthful story about how the Trump/Musk Regime’s use of surveillance as a tool to curb dissent.

[usafphantom2]

U.S. Approves Foreign Military Sale for South Korean F-15K Upgrade

The State Department has approved the possible sale of components that will allow South Korea to upgrade its F-15K Slam Eagle fleet to a configuration similar to the F-15EX Eagle II.

Stefano D'Urso

F-15K upgrade

The U.S. State Department has approved on Nov.19, 2024, a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Republic of Korea of components that will allow the upgrade of the country’s F-15K Slam Eagle fleet. The package, which has an estimated cost of $6.2 billion, follows the decision in 2022 to launch an upgrade program for the aircraft.

The State Department has approved the possible sale of components that will allow South Korea to upgrade its F-15K Slam Eagle fleet to a configuration similar to the F-15EX Eagle II.The F-15KThe new capabilities

The Slam Eagles are the mainstay of the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) multirole missions, with a particular ‘heavy hitting’ long-range strike role. According to the available data, the country operates 59 F-15Ks out of 61 which were initially fielded in 2005. In 2022, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the launch of an upgrade program planned to run from 2024 to 2034.

In particular, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency’s (DSCA) FMS notice says a number of components were requested for the upgrade, including 96 Advanced Display Core Processor II (ADCP II) mission system computers, 70 AN/APG-82(v)1 Active Electronically Scanned Arrays (AESA) radars, seventy 70 AN/ALQ-250 Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System (EPAWSS) electronic warfare (EW) suites and 70 AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS).

In addition to these, South Korea will also get modifications and maintenance support, aircraft components and spares, consumables, training aids and the entire support package commonly associated with FMS. It is interesting to note that the notice also includes aerial refueling support and aircraft ferry support, so it is possible that at least the initial aircraft will be ferried to the United States for the modifications before the rest are modified in country.

A ROKAF F-15K Slam Eagle drops two GBU-31 JDAM bombs with BLU-109 warhead. (Image credit: ROKAF)

The components included in the possible sale will allow the ROKAF to upgrade its entire fleet of F-15Ks to a configuration similar to the new F-15EX Eagle II currently being delivered to the U.S. Air Force. Interestingly, the Korean configuration will also include the CMWS, currently not installed on the EX, so the F-15K will also require some structural modifications to add the blisters on each side of the canopy rail where the sensors are installed.

“This proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its critical air defence capability to deter aggression in the region and to ensure interoperability with US forces,” says the DSCA in the official notice.

The upgrade of the F-15K is part of a broader modernization of the ROKAF’s fighter fleet. In fact, the service is also upgrading its KF-16s Block 52 to the V configuration, integrating a new AESA radar, mission computer, self-protection suite, with works expected to be completed by 2025. These programs complement the acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II and the KF-21 Boramae.

Ulchi Freedom Shield 24

A ROKAF F-15K Slam Eagle, assigned to the 11th Fighter Wing at Daegu Air Base, takes off for a mission on Aug. 20, 2024. (Image credit: ROKAF)

The F-15K

The F-15K is a variant of the F-15E Strike Eagle built for the Republic of Korea Air Force’s (ROKAF) with almost half of the components manufactured locally. The aircraft emerged as the winner of the F-X fighter program against the Rafale, Typhoon and Su-35 in 2002, resulting in an order for 40 F-15s equipped with General Electric F110-129 engines. In 2005, a second order for 21 aircraft equipped with Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engines was signed.

The Slam Eagle name is derived from the F-15K’s capability to employ the AGM-84H SLAM-ER standoff cruise missiles, with the Taurus KEPD 350K being another weapon exclusive to the ROKAF jet. The F-15K is employed as a fully multi-role aircraft and is considered ad one of the key assets of the Korean armed forces.

With the aircraft averaging an age of 16 years and expected to be in service until 2060, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) launched in 2022 an upgrade program for the F-15Ks. The upgrade, expected to run from 2024 to 2034, is committed to strengthening the mission capabilities and survivability of the jet.

The F-15K currently equips three squadrons at Daegu Air Base, in the southeast of the country. Although based far from the demilitarized zone (DMZ), the F-15K with its SLAM-ER and KEPD 350 missiles can still hit strategic targets deep behind North Korean borders.

An F-15K releases a Taurus KEPD 350K cruise missile. (Image credit: ROKAF)

The new capabilities

It is not yet clear if the F-15K will receive a new cockpit, since its configuration will be similar to the Eagle II. In fact, the F-15EX has a full glass cockpit equipped with a 10×19-inch touch-screen multifunction color display and JHMCS II both in the front and rear cockpit, Low Profile HUD in the front, stand-by display and dedicated engine, fuel and hydraulics display, in addition to the standard caution/warning lights, switches and Hands On Throttle-And-Stick (HOTAS) control.

Either way, the systems will be powered by the Advanced Display Core Processor II, reportedly the fastest mission computer ever installed on a fighter jet, and the Operational Flight Program Suite 9.1X, a customized variant of the Suite 9 used on the F-15C and F-15E, designed to ensure full interoperability of the new aircraft with the “legacy Eagles”.

The F-15K will be equipped with the new AN/APG-82(V)1 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar. The radar, which has been developed from the APG-63(V)3 AESA radar of the F-15C and the APG-79 AESA radar of the F/A-18E/F, allows to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets at longer ranges compared to mechanical radars, facilitating persistent target observation and information sharing for a better decision-making process.

F-15K upgrade

A ROKAF F-15K Slam Eagle takes off for a night mission during the Pitch Black 2024 exercise. (Image credit: Australian Defense Force)

The AN/ALQ-250 EPAWSS will provide full-spectrum EW capabilities, including radar warning, geolocation, situational awareness, and self-protection to the F-15. Chaff and flares capacity will be increased by 50%, with four more dispensers added in the EPAWSS fairings behind the tail fins (two for each fairing), for a total of 12 dispenser housing 360 cartridges.

EPAWSS is fully integrated with radar warning, geo-location and increased chaff and flare capability to detect and defeat surface and airborne threats in signal-dense and highly contested environments. Because of this, the system enables freedom of maneuver and deeper penetration into battlespaces protected by modern integrated air defense systems.

The AN/AAR-57 CMWS is an ultra-violet based missile warning system, part of an integrated IR countermeasures suite utilizing five sensors to display accurate threat location and dispense decoys/countermeasures. Although CMWS was initially fielded in 2005, BAE Systems continuously customized the algorithms to adapt to new threats and CMWS has now reached Generation 3.

@TheAviationist.com

[burnwater13]

Grogu sitting at a LEGO piano, while wearing a Toadlly Yours t-shirt and a pair of Prada sunglasses. Photo by me.

Fame and Fortune

‘It was a dark and stormy night. Lightning crackled and thunder boomed. The villagers sat in their community hall, huddled around a sputtering fire, hoping that help would arrive in time, but fearing that it would not. Then, as if in answer to their thoughts and prayers, He arrived. Drenched from the rain. Backlit by the lightning. His words of comfort drowned by the boom of that thunder, acting as his herald. Water vapor shrouding his form as the heat of the hall, crammed full of frightened people, interacted with the rain water dripping off every part of his armor and cloak. He was both a ghostly apparition and a beacon of hope. A Jedi had come to call.’

Grogu re-read that paragraph a dozen times, grinning from ear to ear. He liked how it sounded. He liked the images he created. He liked that he’d written something for a change. 

Usually when he was writing in his journal he kept things pretty brief.  Had frogs for breakfast. Chased frogs after lunch. Dreamt of frogs during Dad’s lecture on preventative maintenance. That sort of thing. Then he happened upon a data site that provided advice to writers and wondered what he could learn. Apparently a lot. 

He needed to have catchy first sentences. He needed to have deeply evolved characters with compelling back stories and substantial ‘skin in the game’, whatever that meant. He needed to have some romance and some suspense. He’d decided that the suspense in his story would be about would the romance part ever show up. He had no idea how romance worked and he was pretty content with that, but if his story needed that element to be popular and well regarded he would find a way to cram it in there. 

He had mentioned to his dad that the data site had all sorts of great advice for all sorts of things, not just writing dramatic fiction. There was advice on how to improve friendships, how to make a gazillion (yup they used that word) credits without leaving your home, and how to improve your physical and emotional fitness without really trying.  That was the topic he pointed out to his dad. Din Djarin could use some emotional fitness training, and a couple of brisk walks a day wouldn’t hurt the Mandalorian either. He seemed to huff and puff a bit more lately and Grogu figured it was because he wasn’t running down bounties the way he had before they’d teamed up. 

His dad had mumbled something about taking a look at it when he had some free time and then seemed to just ignore it. Well that was a teachable moment if ever there was one. (That was also advice that he’d found on the data site - ‘How to identify and implement teachable moments with friends and family, in three easy steps’). Grogu watched the vid and printed out the materials it suggested be the basis for developing a learning plan and filled them out. 

He left the first form on his dad’s bunk. He wanted the Mandalorian to see just before he went to sleep so his subconscious could have some time to mull it over and interrogate how it fit into his biases and decision making processes. Since his dad never asked him anything about it, Grogu assumed that it had been a success. That’s when he moved to step two.

Step two was about helping the person who needed to be taught a subject the words and concepts that were central to the subject. Every area had jargon and Grogu wanted his dad’s jargon tank to be full, rather than closed, locked, and with a note on it that said ‘Out of Service’. Grogu understood that Mandalorians were direct people in the best of times and a lot of the time he and his dad were not experiencing the ‘best’ of anything, excepting visits to Tatooine to hang out with Peli Motto or the Daimyo.

Grogu spent a whole two hours working on step two, by asking his dad for the definitions of each and every word that he’d entered on the form. Grogu had to admit that the results of his hard work were mixed at best. For the first twenty minutes his dad had very dutifully answered his questions and looked up the definitions and then used the words in sentences thinking that Grogu was doing some sort of extra credit project for the school on Nevarro. Then Din Djarin remembered that Grogu had un-enrolled himself from the school the previous semester because he didn’t like the food, the instructor droid, or a few of the other students. Then the bounty hunter had challenged why he wanted to know the definition of ‘emotional insecurity’ and flatly refused to use ‘co-dependent’ in a sentence. It was disappointing, but teaching had both highs and lows. 

After he let a few days pass, Grogu decided to give step three a chance. Step three required an intervention with the aid of like minded people who knew the person in question well enough to provide appropriate, thoughtful, and direct feedback on their questionable behaviors. The idea was that when the person needing adjustment was in the safety and security of a welcoming and friend filled environment they would be more open to self-evaluation and positive change. Grogu invited the Anzellans, IG-11-M, and the High Magistrate to the cabin for dinner. 

To say that the Mandalorian was surprised would be an understatement. He was shocked. He asked who’s naming day it was and the High Magistrate told him it was Din Djarin’s. That’s why they were all there. They wanted to celebrate him. 

Grogu may have told them that to ensure their compliance with his plan, but he reasoned that no one really knew when his dad was named, so any day was technically as good as any other day to ‘celebrate’ that occasion and it doing now would really help the Mandalorian know how much he meant to people. 

Grogu had spared no expense and they enjoyed ferments, sweet pies, crunchy snacks, bone broth, and some fine lubricating oil. Then they played a game called ‘Truth or Dare’. It was going pretty well until Grogu asked his dad, who had selected ‘Truth’, why he ever gave Grogu to the Imps in the first place. They had never discussed that and Grogu thought now was a good time to address that behavior. 

Much to his surprise their guests scattered like leaves in a wind storm. The Anzellans remembered that they had a droid to repair that had been breaking stuff all over Nevarro City. The High Magistrate remembered a meeting with officials from the New Republic that he had to prepare for and IG-11-M simply stated that his programming forbid him from participating in unlawful interrogations. Grogu was more than a little disappointed. 

“Grogu, it will be a dark and stormy night on Concordia with a mythosaur chasing me before I answer a question like that. I think it’s time for this nonsense to stop.”

Yippee! 

Not ‘Yippee��� his dad wasn’t going to endeavor to improve himself. That was still a disappointment. No. The ‘Yippee’ was about what a great line ‘A dark and stormy night’ was. Grogu had been searching for a way to start his biography and that line was perfect! 

‘Din Grogu, a Jedi - Mandalorian in the Making’ now had a catchy opening line and Grogu’s writer’s block had finally crumbled. This really was the Way! Fame and fortune couldn’t be far behind.

[ourtalechara]

Don't ask what I'm doing I'm not doing anything (VBS Data Stream guys look at it)

Kohane An Akito Toya and Luka

(actually nice and finished looking lyrics under cut)

Eventually, all walls meet demolition

So Wall Street had to keep the tradition

Their financial systems resigned to ignition

And out of the ashes, we have arisen

An empire is forged in the fire of ambition

In business, there isn't the time for attrition

Invest to suppress then ingest competition

Then each acquisition is new ammunition

When governments crumble and fall to the floor

That was paved with the graves of a corporate war

A fundament funded in blood just to shore

A foundation for founding our covenant

Born of a need for control of societal entropy

Enterprise at the price of your indemnity

Chart out the course and of course you were meant to be

Bent to the will of a corporate entity

Arasaka Security. You're in safe hands

We're the light in your screens, we're the lead in your veins

Then you wake from your dreams, so we can sell them again

In the light we distract with the shiny and new

So you're blind to the fact that the product is you

So let your brain dance and replay the dream

But don't drown in the data stream

'Cause we see where you are and we see where you go

'Cause we know what you own and we own what you know

From the top of all our towers, the corridors of power clearly need rewiring

Arasaka saw the spark and then embarked upon the path to turn that spark to lightning

There's no autonomous megalopolis so populous or prosperous you could reside in

And every citizen that's living in this city is a digit on the charts we're climbing

Political systems are too inefficient

They split like the atom and burned in the fission

Now every department and every decision

Defer to the herds of our corporate divisions

If you don't remember the ballot you cast

It's printed on every receipt you were passed

Each time you selected our products and services

We were elected in each of your purchases

What's left to do when you've got the monopoly?

Turn the consumer into the commodity

It isn't hard where you've hardware neurology

Honestly, do read the company policy

Take information and trade it for wealth

You pay it in each augmentation we sell

It's easy to cut out the middleman

When he's cut out most of himself

Arasaka Finance. Investing in your future

(chorus)

All that you say on the net we composite

To maps that go straight from your head to your pocket

Complain if you want, you're still making deposits

Of data — each day you log on is a profit

Society currently lists electronic

So isn't conducting resistance ironic?

We've plenty of skeletons locked in our closets

But yours are assembled from old-stock hydraulics

So lucky we know just the pieces you need

All plucked from your social media feeds

The places you go and the posts that you read

All snatched for a new algorithm to feed

Now, holding our gold isn't par for the brand

Our silver is sat in the palm of your hand

Quit whining and sign on the line in the sand

The supply does not get to make the demands

(chorus)

Arasaka Manufacturing. Building a better tomorrow

Name, age, qualifications

Race, faith, career aspirations

Political leaning, daily commute

Marital status, favourite fruit

Family, browser, medical history

Hobbies, interests, brand affinity

Fashion, style, your occupation

Gender identity, orientation

Lifestyle choices, dietary needs

The marketing contact you choose to receive

Posts, likes, employers, friends

Social bias, exploitable trends

Tastes, culture, phone of choice

Facial structure, the tone of your voice

If it's inside your head, we know

You can't escape the ebb and flow

(chorus)

When guiding the hand of the market

If it's holding a cheque or a gun

The fingers go deep in your pockets

And you can live under the thumb

You seem so surprised, what did you expect?

We're thinking outside of that box that you checked

The terms were presented in full to inspect

You scrolled to the end just to get to "Accept"

Arasaka would like to know your location

Arasaka would like to know your location

Arasaka would like to know your location

Arasaka would like to know your location

[indira-securities]

How Do Trading Applications Help You Stay Ahead in the Stock Market?

Understanding Stock Trading Apps

Stock trading apps are mobile tools that let users manage investments and execute trades in real time. Designed for both beginners and seasoned traders, they simplify market participation through intuitive interfaces and instant access to data.

The best trading apps integrate features like live market updates, customizable watchlists, and analytical tools to support informed decision-making. Users can monitor portfolio performance, receive price alerts, and track trends, all while managing investments on the go. This flexibility has made such apps indispensable for modern investors seeking efficiency.

The Evolution of Stock Trading Through Mobile Apps

Mobile applications have transformed how individuals engage with financial markets, making stock trading more accessible than ever. While these the best Stock market mobile trading app offer unparalleled convenience, they also come with challenges, including technical glitches and cybersecurity risks.

Mechanics Behind Stock Trading Apps

These apps act as gateways to brokerage accounts, enabling users to buy or sell assets with a few taps. After setting up an account—which involves identity verification and funding—traders can execute orders, analyze charts, and access news seamlessly.

These the best trading platform provide detailed reviews and comparisons, helping users evaluate app reliability, data accuracy, and service quality. By aggregating expert insights, these resources simplify the process of identifying apps that best meet individual needs.

Advantages of Stock Trading Apps

Instant Market Access: Real-time data and lightning-fast trade execution allow users to capitalize on market shifts immediately.

Portability: Manage investments anytime, anywhere, eliminating the need for desktop-bound trading.

Educational Resources: Many apps offer tutorials, webinars, and research tools to help users refine their strategies.

Potential Drawbacks

Technical Vulnerabilities: Server outages or lagging data can delay trades, potentially leading to missed opportunities.

Security Risks: Despite encryption protocols, the risk of cyberattacks remains a concern, necessitating strong passwords and vigilance.

Limited Guidance: Automated platforms lack personalized advice, which may leave novice investors unsure about complex decisions.

Choosing the Right App

When selecting a stock trading app, prioritize factors like security measures, fee structures, and user experience. Cross-referencing reviews on sites can highlight strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, assess whether the app’s features—such as advanced charting or educational content—align with your skill level and goals. Many of these apps also simplify the demat account opening process, allowing users to quickly start trading with seamless onboarding and verification.

Final Thoughts

Stock trading apps democratize market participation but require careful consideration of their pros and cons. By balancing convenience with due diligence, investors can leverage these tools to build and manage portfolios effectively. Always supplement app-based trading with independent research or professional advice to navigate the markets confidently.

For more information, visit https://www.indiratrade.com/

[mariacallous]

In 2023, the fast-fashion giant Shein was everywhere. Crisscrossing the globe, airplanes ferried small packages of its ultra-cheap clothing from thousands of suppliers to tens of millions of customer mailboxes in 150 countries. Influencers’ “#sheinhaul” videos advertised the company’s trendy styles on social media, garnering billions of views.

At every step, data was created, collected, and analyzed. To manage all this information, the fast fashion industry has begun embracing emerging AI technologies. Shein uses proprietary machine-learning applications — essentially, pattern-identification algorithms — to measure customer preferences in real time and predict demand, which it then services with an ultra-fast supply chain.

As AI makes the business of churning out affordable, on-trend clothing faster than ever, Shein is among the brands under increasing pressure to become more sustainable, too. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions no later than 2050.

But climate advocates and researchers say the company’s lightning-fast manufacturing practices and online-only business model are inherently emissions-heavy — and that the use of AI software to catalyze these operations could be cranking up its emissions. Those concerns were amplified by Shein’s third annual sustainability report, released late last month, which showed the company nearly doubled its carbon dioxide emissions between 2022 and 2023.

“AI enables fast fashion to become the ultra-fast fashion industry, Shein and Temu being the fore-leaders of this,” said Sage Lenier, the executive director of Sustainable and Just Future, a climate nonprofit. “They quite literally could not exist without AI.” (Temu is a rapidly rising ecommerce titan, with a marketplace of goods that rival Shein’s in variety, price, and sales.)

In the 12 years since Shein was founded, it has become known for its uniquely prolific manufacturing, which reportedly generated over $30 billion of revenue for the company in 2023. Although estimates vary, a new Shein design may take as little as 10 days to become a garment, and up to 10,000 items are added to the site each day. The company reportedly offers as many as 600,000 items for sale at any given time with an average price tag of roughly $10. (Shein declined to confirm or deny these reported numbers.) One market analysis found that 44 percent of Gen Zers in the United States buy at least one item from Shein every month.

That scale translates into massive environmental impacts. According to the company’s sustainability report, Shein emitted 16.7 million total metric tons of carbon dioxide in 2023 — more than what four coal power plants spew out in a year. The company has also come under fire for textile waste, high levels of microplastic pollution, and exploitative labor practices. According to the report, polyester — a synthetic textile known for shedding microplastics into the environment — makes up 76 percent of its total fabrics, and only 6 percent of that polyester is recycled.

And a recent investigation found that factory workers at Shein suppliers regularly work 75-hour weeks, over a year after the company pledged to improve working conditions within its supply chain. Although Shein’s sustainability report indicates that labor conditions are improving, it also shows that in third-party audits of over 3,000 suppliers and subcontractors, 71 percent received a score of C or lower on the company’s grade scale of A to E — mediocre at best.

Machine learning plays an important role in Shein’s business model. Although Peter Pernot-Day, Shein’s head of global strategy and corporate affairs, told Business Insider last August that AI was not central to its operations, he indicated otherwise during a presentation at a retail conference at the beginning of this year.

“We are using machine-learning technologies to accurately predict demand in a way that we think is cutting edge,” he said. Pernot-Day told the audience that all of Shein’s 5,400 suppliers have access to an AI software platform that gives them updates on customer preferences, and they change what they’re producing to match it in real time.

“This means we can produce very few copies of each garment,” he said. “It means we waste very little and have very little inventory waste.” On average, the company says it stocks between 100 to 200 copies of each item — a stark contrast with more conventional fast-fashion brands, which typically produce thousands of each item per season, and try to anticipate trends months in advance. Shein calls its model “on-demand,” while a technology analyst who spoke to Vox in 2021 called it “real-time” retail.

At the conference, Pernot-Day also indicated that the technology helps the company pick up on “micro trends” that customers want to wear. “We can detect that, and we can act on that in a way that I think we’ve really pioneered,” he said. A designer who filed a recent class action lawsuit in a New York District Court alleges that the company’s AI market analysis tools are used in an “industrial-scale scheme of systematic, digital copyright infringement of the work of small designers and artists,” that scrapes designs off the internet and sends them directly to factories for production.

In an emailed statement to Grist, a Shein spokesperson reiterated Peter Pernot-Day’s assertion that technology allows the company to reduce waste and increase efficiency and suggested that the company’s increased emissions in 2023 were attributable to booming business. “We do not see growth as antithetical to sustainability,” the spokesperson said.

An analysis of Shein’s sustainability report by the Business of Fashion, a trade publication, found that last year, the company’s emissions rose at almost double the rate of its revenue — making Shein the highest-emitting company in the fashion industry. By comparison, Zara’s emissions rose half as much as its revenue. For other industry titans, such as H&M and Nike, sales grew while emissions fell from the year before.

Shein’s emissions are especially high because of its reliance on air shipping, said Sheng Lu, a professor of fashion and apparel studies at the University of Delaware. “AI has wide applications in the fashion industry. It’s not necessarily that AI is bad,” Lu said. “The problem is the essence of Shein’s particular business model.”

Other major brands ship items overseas in bulk, prefer ocean shipping for its lower cost, and have suppliers and warehouses in a large number of countries, which cuts down on the distances that items need to travel to consumers.

According to the company’s sustainability report, 38 percent of Shein’s climate footprint comes from transportation between its facilities and to customers, and another 61 percent come from other parts of its supply chain. Although the company is based in Singapore and has suppliers in a handful of countries, the majority of its garments are produced in China and are mailed out by air in individually addressed packages to customers. In July, the company sent about 900,000 of these to the US every day.

Shein’s spokesperson told Grist that the company is developing a decarbonization road map to address the footprint of its supply chain. Recently, the company has increased the amount of inventory it stores in US warehouses, allowing it to offer American customers quicker delivery times, and increased its use of cargo ships, which are more carbon-efficient than cargo planes.

“Controlling the carbon emissions in the fashion industry is a really complex process,” Lu said, adding that many brands use AI to make their operations more efficient. “It really depends on how you use AI.”

There is research that indicates using certain AI technologies could help companies become more sustainable. “It’s the missing piece,” said Shahriar Akter, an associate dean of business and law at the University of Wollongong in Australia. In May, Akter and his colleagues published a study finding that when fast-fashion suppliers used AI data management software to comply with big brands’ sustainability goals, those companies were more profitable and emitted less. A key use of this technology, Atker says, is to closely monitor environmental impacts, such as pollution and emissions. “This kind of tracking was not available before AI-based tools,” he said.

Shein told Grist it does not use machine-learning data management software to track emissions, which is one of the uses of AI included in Akter’s study. But the company’s much-touted usage of machine-learning software to predict demand and reduce waste is another of the uses of AI included in the research.

Regardless, the company has a long way to go before meeting its goals. Grist calculated that the emissions Shein reportedly saved in 2023 — with measures such as providing its suppliers with solar panels and opting for ocean shipping — amounted to about 3 percent of the company’s total carbon emissions for the year.

Lenier, from Sustainable and Just Future, believes there is no ethical use of AI in the fast-fashion industry. She said that the largely unregulated technology allows brands to intensify their harmful impacts on workers and the environment. “The folks who work in fast-fashion factories are now under an incredible amount of pressure to turn out even more, even faster,” she said.

Lenier and Lu both believe that the key to a more sustainable fashion industry is convincing customers to buy less. Lu said if companies use AI to boost their sales without changing their unsustainable practices, their climate footprints will also grow accordingly. “It’s the overall effect of being able to offer more market-popular items and encourage consumers to purchase more than in the past,” he said. “Of course, the overall carbon impact will be higher.”

[hiteshrivani]

The Rise of 5G and Its Impact on Mobile App Development

5G isn’t just about faster internet — it’s opening up a whole new era for Mobile App Development. With dramatically higher speeds, ultra-low latency, and the ability to connect millions of devices seamlessly, 5G is transforming how developers think about building apps. From richer experiences to smarter services, let's explore how 5G is already reshaping the mobile app landscape in 2025 and beyond.

1. Lightning-Fast Data Transfer

One of the biggest promises of 5G is incredibly fast data transfer — we're talking about speeds up to 100 times faster than 4G. For mobile apps, this means that large files, high-resolution images, and HD or even 4K video content can be downloaded or streamed instantly. Apps that once needed to compress their data heavily or restrict features due to bandwidth limits can now offer fuller, richer experiences without worrying about lag.

2. Seamless Real-Time Experiences

5G dramatically reduces latency, meaning the time between a user action and the app’s response is almost instant. This will revolutionize apps that rely on real-time communication, such as video conferencing, live-streaming platforms, and online gaming. Developers can create much more responsive apps, allowing users to interact with data, people, and services with zero noticeable delay.

3. The Growth of AR and VR Mobile Applications

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) apps have been growing, but 5G takes them to another level. Because of the high bandwidth and low latency, developers can now build more complex, interactive, and immersive AR/VR experiences without requiring bulky hardware. Imagine trying on clothes virtually in real-time or exploring a vacation destination through your phone — 5G is making this possible within Mobile App Development.

4. Smarter IoT-Connected Apps

The Internet of Things (IoT) will thrive even more in a 5G environment. Smart home apps, connected car apps, fitness trackers, and other IoT applications will be able to sync and update faster and more reliably. Developers can now integrate complex IoT ecosystems into mobile apps with minimal worries about network congestion or instability.

5. Enhanced Mobile Cloud Computing

Thanks to 5G, mobile cloud computing becomes much more viable. Instead of relying solely on local device storage and processing, apps can now store large amounts of data and execute processes directly in the cloud without latency issues. This allows users with even mid-range smartphones to experience high-performance features without the need for powerful hardware.

6. Revolutionizing Mobile Commerce

E-commerce apps are set to benefit greatly from 5G. Instant-loading product pages, real-time customer support, virtual product previews through AR, and lightning-fast payment gateways will enhance user experience dramatically. This could lead to higher conversion rates, reduced cart abandonment, and greater user loyalty in shopping apps.

7. Opportunities for New App Categories

With the technical limitations of mobile networks reduced, a whole new range of apps becomes possible. Real-time remote surgeries, autonomous vehicles controlled via mobile apps, and highly advanced telemedicine solutions are just a few examples. The doors are open for mobile developers to innovate and create applications that were previously impossible.

8. Better Security Requirements

With 5G’s mass connectivity also comes a bigger responsibility for security. As mobile apps become more connected and complex, developers must prioritize data protection, encryption, and secure authentication methods. Building security deeply into Mobile App Development workflows will be critical to maintain user trust.

9. More Demanding User Expectations

As 5G rolls out globally, users will expect every app to be faster, smoother, and more capable. Apps that fail to leverage the benefits of 5G may seem outdated or sluggish. This shift will push developers to continually optimize their apps to take advantage of higher speeds and smarter networking capabilities.

10. Preparing for the 5G Future

Whether you’re building entertainment apps, business solutions, healthcare tools, or gaming platforms, now is the time to adapt to 5G. Developers must start thinking about how faster speeds, greater device connections, and cloud capabilities can improve their mobile applications. Partnering with experts in Mobile App Development who understand the full potential of 5G will be key to staying ahead in a rapidly evolving digital world.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Meteosat-12 begins prime service duty

A new chapter in European weather and climate monitoring begins as EUMETSAT's Meteosat-12 satellite, formerly Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) Imager 1, takes up the baton from Meteosat-10 to deliver Europe's prime data service from geostationary orbit.

Orbiting at an altitude of around 36,000 kilometers, Meteosat-12 is the first imaging satellite in the MTG program and now moves into its key position above the equator at 0° longitude, directly over the Gulf of Guinea.

From its lofty vantage point, Meteosat-12 is now the main source of near-real-time geostationary satellite data for Europe, Africa and the surrounding oceans. Data from its instruments are distributed to national meteorological services in EUMETSAT member states and beyond, with improved detail and timeliness—as well as new observations such as lightning data—giving weather forecasters additional confidence in their predictions.

Phil Evans, Director-General of EUMETSAT, said, "Meteosat-12 now takes responsibility for delivering Europe's prime geostationary satellite service, ensuring continuity and delivering enhanced capabilities at a time when severe weather events are becoming more frequent due to the climate crisis.

"The MTG system marks a new era in weather forecasting, providing data that support everything from improving severe weather warnings and enhancing transport safety to wildfire response and air quality hazard assessments.

"Once the full MTG constellation is operational, it will, for the first time, allow us to observe the entire lifecycle of a convective storm—from the earliest signs before clouds begin to form to the detection of lightning strikes. These data help forecasters, emergency services, and civil authorities respond more rapidly and effectively to protect lives, property, and infrastructure."

Launched on 13 December 2022, Meteosat-12 scans the full Earth disk every 10 minutes, delivering data more frequently and in sharper detail than its predecessor. It carries two main instruments: the Flexible Combined Imager (FCI) and Lightning Imager (LI).

The FCI delivers imaging data in twice as many spectral channels than its predecessor and with an improved spatial resolution, providing more detailed views of fast-changing weather such as storms, fog, and rapidly forming clouds.

The satellite also carries the LI, Europe's first space-based instrument to detect lightning across Europe and Africa, day and night, helping forecasters assess storm development, intensity, and risk.

The MTG program will run into the 2040s and includes six satellites: four imagers and two sounders. The first MTG sounder, MTG-S1, will launch in summer 2025 and provide vertical profiles of temperature and humidity from geostationary orbit—another first for Europe.

Combined with data from MTG imagers and next-generation Metop satellites, it will enhance short-range forecasting by enabling specialists to track storms throughout their entire lifecycle and supplying data to further enhance weather models.

As EUMETSAT deploys the MTG satellites, those of the Meteosat Second Generation will continue to play an important role in EUMETSAT's constellation for years to come.

Meteosat-10 will now assume a supporting role, continuing imaging services as a ready backup for Meteosat-12. Meteosat-11 delivers rapid scans every five minutes over Europe and North Africa and can also support the prime service if needed. Meteosat-9 remains positioned over the Indian Ocean, providing vital data to regions vulnerable to cyclones and monsoons.

Gareth Williams, Head of Flight Operations at EUMETSAT, said, "Meteosat-12 now provides the prime service within a coordinated constellation of satellites that ensures continuity, reliability and resilience, while introducing important new capabilities.

"Seeing the spacecraft take responsibility for Europe's prime geostationary service is a major operational achievement, reflecting years of dedicated work across EUMETSAT, our member states and partners. With more MTG satellites to come, we look forward to an even greater impact from the constellation in delivering vital data for forecasting, climate monitoring and other essential services and applications."

IMAGE: Meteosat-12 is part of the Meteosat Third Generation programme, Europe’s new fleet of geostationary meteorological satellites. Credit: European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT)

[daleeltrading]

Top 5 Must-Have Accessories for Every Electrical Panel

An electrical panel is the nerve center of any low-voltage power distribution system — responsible for delivering electricity safely and efficiently to various circuits. While the breakers and busbars often take the spotlight, it’s the accessories that enhance functionality, safety, monitoring, and reliability. Whether you’re an OEM, panel builder, or facility manager, equipping your panels with the right accessories can make all the difference.

In this article, we explore the top 5 must-have accessories for every electrical panel, based on industry best practices and real-world applications.

1. Cable Ducts and Trunking Systems

Purpose:

Cable ducts (also called wiring ducts or trunking) are essential for organizing and routing internal panel wiring. They prevent clutter, minimize the risk of short circuits, and make future maintenance more manageable.

Key Benefits:

· Improved safety through wire separation and insulation

· Neat, professional layout that meets electrical standards

· Ease of troubleshooting during inspections or servicing

Common Types:

· Slotted PVC ducts

· Halogen-free wiring ducts (for safety-critical environments)

· Flexible ducts for tight corners

Pro tip: Always select ducts with sufficient space for future cable additions — typically 20–30% free space is recommended.

2. Terminal Blocks and Marking Systems

Purpose:

Terminal blocks serve as connection points between internal and external wiring, ensuring a secure and modular setup. Combined with proper marking systems, they allow clear identification of circuits and functions.

Key Benefits:

· Safe and reliable wire termination

· Clear labeling for faster diagnostics

· Scalable for expansions and upgrades

Essential Variants:

· Feed-through terminal blocks

· Grounding terminals

· Fuse terminal blocks

· DIN-rail mounted marking strips or markers

Tip: Use color-coded terminals and labels according to IEC or local wiring codes for better clarity.

3. Panel Meters and Monitoring Devices

Purpose:

Modern electrical panels are not just passive distribution points — they are smart monitoring stations. Panel meters and current monitoring devices help track voltage, current, frequency, and power consumption.

Key Benefits:

· Real-time data for preventive maintenance

· Improved energy efficiency

· Quick response to load imbalance or faults

Popular Options:

· Digital voltmeters and ammeters

· Multi-function energy analyzers

· Load monitoring relays

Advanced choice: Consider smart monitoring units with Modbus or Ethernet communication for integration with BMS or SCADA systems.

4. Control and Signaling Devices

Purpose:

Control and signaling accessories like push buttons, selector switches, and pilot lights are critical for human-machine interaction. They allow operators to control, signal, and monitor operations within or from the front of the panel.

Key Benefits:

· Improved operator control and feedback

· Quick visual status indication

· Enhanced safety through emergency stop functions

Must-Have Components:

· Illuminated push buttons (Start/Stop)

· Pilot lights (for voltage presence or fault status)

· Emergency stop buttons

· Audible buzzers for alerts

Best Practice: Use IP65-rated front-panel devices for industrial environments to ensure durability and resistance to dust and moisture.

5. Surge Protection Devices (SPD)

Purpose:

Electrical surges — whether from lightning or switching operations — can damage panel components or connected equipment. SPDs protect against transient over voltages.

Key Benefits:

· Prevents costly downtime and equipment failure

· Increases the lifespan of electronics and controls

· Meets compliance with IEC 61643 or UL 1449 standards

Selection Tips:

· Choose SPDs according to system voltage (230V/400V) and risk level

· Type 1 for external surge protection, Type 2 for internal panel protection

· Consider combined Type 1+2 for comprehensive safety

Smart move: Pair SPDs with monitoring modules to track surge counts and SPD health.

Final Thoughts

When designing or upgrading your electrical panel, these five accessory categories are not just optional — they’re essential. They improve safety, functionality, compliance, and operational efficiency. Whether you’re building panels for industrial, commercial, or residential applications, investing in high-quality accessories will yield long-term benefits.

At Daleel Trading, we supply trusted low-voltage switchgear accessories from leading brands like Civaux — ensuring your panels are equipped with components that meet international standards.

Ready to upgrade your panel accessories?

Contact us today to learn more about our product range or request a consultation with our technical team.

[almondenterprise]

Best Practices for Safe and Efficient LV Electrical Installations in 2025

Introduction

Low Voltage (LV) electrical installations are the backbone of safe and reliable power distribution in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. In 2025, as energy demands rise and smart technologies evolve, following best practices in LV installations is more important than ever to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance.

This blog outlines the latest best practices for designing, installing, and maintaining LV electrical systems according to international standards and industry trends.

What Is an LV Electrical Installation?

LV (Low Voltage) refers to electrical systems that operate at voltages up to 1000V AC or 1500V DC. These installations include:

· Electrical panels and switchboards

· Distribution circuits

· Lighting systems

· Sockets and fixed appliances

· Motor control systems

Proper LV installation ensures that power is distributed safely and efficiently without risk of fire, equipment failure, or personnel injury.

Why Best Practices Matter in 2025

In the age of smart buildings, renewable integration, and digital energy management, the quality of your LV installation affects:

· Operational reliability

· Energy efficiency

· System lifespan

· User safety

· Regulatory compliance

Failing to adhere to best practices can result in costly downtime, legal penalties, and even life-threatening hazards.

Top Best Practices for Safe and Efficient LV Electrical Installations

1. Conduct Detailed Load Analysis

Before starting any LV installation, carry out a comprehensive load assessment to determine the power requirements, load types, and future expansion needs. This ensures:

· Proper cable sizing

· Correct protection device selection

· Optimized system capacity

Use load flow software tools and factor in diversity and demand coefficients for accuracy.

2. Follow International Standards (IEC, NEC)

Compliance with recognized standards ensures installations meet safety and performance benchmarks. Key references include:

· IEC 60364 for LV electrical installations

· NEC (NFPA 70) for code-compliant wiring in the U.S.

· ISO 50001 for energy management integration

Also, refer to local electrical regulations where applicable.

3. Use Certified, High-Quality Components

Always use LV components from certified manufacturers — this includes:

· Circuit breakers (MCCBs/MCBs)

· Residual current devices (RCDs)

· Surge protection devices (SPDs)

· Busbars, cables, and enclosures

Poor-quality components may not withstand fault conditions, leading to short circuits, fires, or system failure.

4. Ensure Proper Cable Management and Sizing

Correct cable selection and layout are critical:

· Size cables based on current capacity, voltage drop, and ambient temperature

· Use LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) cables for fire safety

· Label and route cables cleanly using trays, ducts, and tie-downs

Improper cable management is a leading cause of overheating and system inefficiency.

5. Install Proper Earthing and Grounding Systems

An effective earthing system protects against:

· Electric shock

· Equipment damage

· Lightning surges

Use TT, TN, or IT systems as per the application and ensure resistance values are within acceptable limits (e.g., <1 ohm for sensitive equipment).

6. Use Protection Coordination and Selectivity

Install protective devices in a coordinated hierarchy to ensure:

· Quick isolation of faults

· Minimal disruption to unaffected areas

· Avoidance of cascading tripping

Selectivity between breakers and fuses enhances safety and ensures continuity of service.

7. Integrate Smart Monitoring and Control

Modern LV installations benefit from IoT-enabled devices and energy monitoring software. This helps with:

· Real-time energy usage tracking

· Predictive maintenance alerts

· Power quality monitoring

· Remote switching and control

Smart LV systems are increasingly used in data centers, green buildings, and industrial automation setups.

8. Conduct Periodic Testing and Maintenance

Post-installation, regular inspection and testing ensure sustained safety and performance. Best practices include:

· Thermal imaging to detect overheating

· Insulation resistance testing

· RCD trip time checks

· Earth loop impedance measurement

Document all tests and create a preventive maintenance schedule based on manufacturer recommendations and operating conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

· Overloading circuits without upgrading breakers

· Skipping grounding in temporary setups

· Using outdated wiring diagrams

· Mixing incompatible components

· Neglecting ventilation in panel enclosures

Conclusion

Safe and efficient LV electrical installations in 2025 require more than just technical knowledge — they demand a proactive approach that combines regulatory compliance, technology integration, and quality workmanship. By following these best practices, contractors and facility managers can minimize risks, optimize performance, and build future-ready electrical systems.

Whether you’re designing a commercial building, upgrading an industrial site, or installing a smart home system, investing in safe LV practices today is the smartest move for tomorrow.

Connect With Us

Whether you’re a project engineer, contractor, facility manager, or developer — Almond Enterprise is ready to support your next electrical challenge with confidence and capability.

🔗 Visit: www.almondenterprise.com 📞 Contact: sales.almond@almondenterprise.com | +974 33858416

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Ahmed Baba:

In his first two weeks back in office, President Trump’s “flood the zone” tactic is in full swing—this time, with the world’s richest man as his accomplice in chaos. The Trump Administration is moving with lightning speed to pursue its far-right agenda via executive order and test the bounds of executive power, seeking to unilaterally seize the power of the purse away from Congress. These moves have run into some early setbacks, with actions like Trump’s federal funding freeze facing legal roadblocks. As we sift through the torrent of actions, one developing dynamic that has yet to be halted is the increasingly dangerous, full-frontal assault on the federal bureaucracy led by Elon Musk. Elon Musk and his team of young engineers have taken over the US Digital Service and renamed it DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency). DOGE has been moving from agency to agency, freezing funds, gaining access to sensitive data, and putting civil servants who stand in their way on leave. They’re also seeking to outright dismantle agencies, which is blatantly unlawful. These moves apparently have President Trump’s full blessing. In the Oval Office on Monday, President Trump told reporters that “Elon can’t do, and won’t do anything, without our approval. And we’ll give him the approval where appropriate. Where not appropriate, we won’t.” The White House later said that Musk is a “special government employee,” which could cause Musk to run afoul of conflict-of-interest laws.

Musk, an unelected billionaire whose companies directly benefit from billions in federal contracts, has been given unchecked power over the federal government that regulates his own companies.

[...] DOGE has targeted the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), freezing funds and seeking to outright dismantle it. DOGE has forced its way into accessing the Treasury Department’s payment systems. DOGE has taken root in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and made moves to push out career civil servants throughout the government. DOGE has its eyes on canceling leases of federal offices managed by the General Services Administration (GSA). The Department of Education is reportedly next on Musk’s list, with the Trump Administration reportedly drafting an executive order to shut down the department. All of this is directly in line with Project 2025’s core objectives, which many of us spent the past year warning about. Unilateral attempts to dismantle agencies are unlawful, and accessing sensitive data without proper security clearances could violate privacy laws. Lawsuits have already begun to fly, and Democratic lawmakers have been making a lot of noise and seeking new ways to express opposition.

[...]

Why Are They Doing This?

One of the core goals of the modern right-wing movement and Project 2025 is to cripple the federal bureaucracy and to reshape the federal government into a tool of the far-right. President Trump wants to expand executive power. As I’ve written about extensively, Trump is testing the boundaries of the law and this Supreme Court’s appetite for further expanding executive power. After the Supreme Court’s shocking immunity decision, the Trump Administration is likely seeking a further expansion of executive power greenlit by its right-wing justices. Given the Supreme Court’s clear openness to the unitary executive theory, Trump wants to see how much they will let him get away with. For example, if Trump and Musk are allowed to unilaterally dismantle the USAID, they could use that as a precedent to dismantle the other agencies they want to. This would spark a constitutional crisis, as the executive branch takes over a key power from the legislative branch. When it comes to Elon Musk specifically, he benefits from a government that can’t effectively regulate his companies, but it’s more than that. Musk is more than a mere oligarch right now. He’s operating effectively as a co-president. Elon Musk finally has the power he has always wanted. Born in South Africa, Musk is ineligible to run for president. But now, even while unelected, he has been given near-unilateral control over federal agencies. He is totally unaccountable to voters. And congressional Republicans, who hold the majority in the Senate and House, have shown little appetite for retaking their constitutional authority. We’ll see how long Trump tolerates sharing the attention with Musk. Two egos this big can’t work in tandem forever. The power dynamics will eventually run into friction. Until then, it’ll be up to the courts to stop this madness.

The Musk Coup has negatively impacted federal agencies and their employees.

See Also:

The Status Kuo (Jay Kuo): Can Musk Be Stopped?

[amwithers2001]

The Heart of a Tornado ⚡ Tyler Owens

I do not own the movie Twisters or its characters, only my own original character and her family members. I also do not own the plot, only the additions I've made to it. This is going to be broken up into parts, Tyler not making an appearance until Part II.

Fandom: Twisters

Pairing: Tyler Owens x F!Reader

Word Count: 1,738

Part I

•─────⋅🌪️⋅─────• •─────⋅🌪️ ⋅─────•

  Thunder roared and lightning flashed as Ada Scout made her way into the large building owned by the National Weather Service, her badge attached firmly to the pocket of her high-waisted, black flare-leg dress pants. Her stilettos clicked against the linoleum flooring as she neared the elevator that led to her office, her cream-colored long sleeve turtleneck sweater keeping her warm from the chilled air. She pressed the button to the twelfth floor and ran a manicured hand through her blown out dark brown hair, a sigh leaving her perfectly shaped and painted lips. Another day, another dollar. Another storm to report and not chase. 

The elevator made a pinging sound as it reached its destination, Ada Scout being the first to step off. Heads turned towards her as she made her way to her office at the end of the hall, whispers following her. They all saw her as the rumored 'Queen of Storms,' a woman able to predict the deadliest of natural disasters as easily as she breathed. It was a title she both loved and hated, reminiscent of what an old friend back home used to call her. She took a seat behind her desk, setting her black leather designer bag on a hook under it and logged onto her computer to prepare for yet another day of tracking and reporting the weather. 

"Miss Washington, there's someone here to see you." Her assistant Crosby said from the doorway, an apologetic smile on his youthful face and an even more apologetic cup of black coffee in his hand which he extended to her. She took it gratefully, giving him a nod of thanks before she inquired about the unexpected visitor. 

"And who would that be, Crosby? I don't have any meetings until this afternoon." She lifted the cup to her lips, taking a small sip before setting it down on her desk. It was unusual for people to visit her office without appointments as she was normally on the road, so she found it odd someone had come to see her unscheduled. 

"He says he's an old friend, Miss Washington." The young man said hesitantly, lifting his hand to scratch the back of his neck awkwardly. He was probably just as taken aback by an unannounced visitor as she was and she couldn't help but smile reassuringly. 

"I see, thank you for informing me. You can send him in." She said before turning back to her computer to type in her login information, a radar of the entire United States showing on one screen and all types of data on the other. They were data collected from the storms, storm physics as they had called it back in her college years. A slight frown tugged at the corners of her lips as she noticed an increase in barometric pressure in the collection of states deemed 'Tornado Alley,' her home state of Arkansas included within them. 

"Look at you all professional and boss-like." A familiar voice came from the doorway, capturing the attention of the woman. Ada Scout looked up and couldn't help but widen her eyes at the sight of her college friend Javier Rivera dressed in a suit, his once shoulder-length curls cut neatly around his neck and ears. She got to her feet, approaching the man to hug him. She hadn't seen him since the aftermath of the incident where they'd lost 3 of their friends in a field project gone wrong, the two of them and their friend Kate Cooper being the only to survive. 

"Javi, what are you doing here?" She asked once they'd parted, her hands coming to rest on her hips in a way that was professional and yet, not intimidating. He shrugged, a charming grin on his face as he responded to her question. 

"I didn't hear from you much after you moved so I asked Kate when I saw her a few days ago if she had. She said it had been a few months but that I could find you here. I actually wanted to discuss something important with you, a project I'm working on if you will." Ada Scout seemed shocked that he'd managed to see Kate let alone get her location from her, but she nodded and gestured to the seats in front of  her desk. 

"Of course, have a seat and we can discuss it. I must admit I'm surprised you got ahold of Kate, she kind of went radio silent on the world after the incident." Ada Scout said as she resumed her seat at her desk, crossing one knee over the other elegantly. Javier nodded, a grim smile on his handsome face that was more accentuated by the haircut and lack of facial stubble. 

"So did you if I remember correctly. I had to find out from your Mama that you'd moved to Florida to track Hurricanes instead of Tornados for the National Weather Service." He said a bit tensely, but not in a way that was cruel or rude. It was as though he was stating an uncomfortable fact that she couldn't outright deny. She had cut off everyone after the EF5 tornado, unable to live with the guilt that clawed at her throat that her, Kate, and Javi had made it out alive when their friends hadn't. She shook her head to clear her thoughts and folded her hands in her lap politely. 

"I won't deny that I did, I do apologize for that. I just-I couldn't handle the guilt right away, not knowing that we made it out when the others didn't. But enough about the past, what's this new project you speak of? You aren't still chasing storms, are you?" She asked, keeping her tone calm and even although she felt anything but. 

"Actually I am, I'm working with Storm Par now to track tornadoes before they touch land to see if we're able to prevent them from creating mass amounts of damage back home in Oklahoma. I have access to military grade weaponry now from my time in the service and from willing investors and I came to see if maybe, just maybe you'd be willing to give me a week to help further my research. I proposed the idea to Kate too, but she denied me immediately. I just can't keep sitting and watching small towns like our own get destroyed by weather we should be able to predict the path of. To get ahead of so people are more prepared." He revealed, his words making the breath in Ada Scout's lungs still for a moment. He wanted her to come home for a week? To face the past she had tried to forget? 

"Javi, I'm proud of you. Really, I am. But I haven't been back home in 5 years and while I'd love to help you figure out how to predict the path of a tornado and help decrease the damages they cause, as well as inform people of their development sooner, I can't just leave Florida. I have a job here, it's hurricane season. I do all of the reporting and research on them." She frowned. 

"Please Ada, I know how important your job is here and I know how much you despise the idea of going back, but think about all the people we can help. That we can save." Javi leaned forward, placing his hands on his knees and Ada Scout sighed. He threw out a good point, one that tugged on her heart strings more than she cared to admit. If they could find a way to predict these vortexes, then maybe people wouldn't have to lose everything the way they had 5 years ago. Maybe they would've been able to save their friends if there had been more data. 

"Fine. But I'm only staying for a week,  I can't afford to give you more time than that. Not with it being hurricane season." Ada Scout said with a sigh, her blue eyes showing she was firm on her decision and wouldn't be willing to negotiate more time away from Florida. Javier grinned and jumped to his feet excitedly, clasping his hands together.

"Wonderful! I'll book your flight and motel room, you don't have to worry about a thing. Just bring that brilliant brain of yours." He said in a rush, already pulling out his phone to book their flights and accommodations. "I have a team of the best and brightest, you won't be disappointed in the slightest. They're intelligent, hard working, and brave." 

Ada Scout nodded at his words. She didn't dispute that Javier had put together a team of the world's best and brightest Meteorologists, she just didn't know where she'd fit into the mix. Sure, she had studied Meteorology in Undergrad and pursued three Doctorates in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Earth Science, and Storm Physics. But she didn't chase storms anymore, especially not tornados like she had back in her younger years. 

"Just let me know when my flight is so I can be prepared." She told her college friend, already typing up an email to her Boss to let him know she'd be using a week's worth of her PTO days this upcoming week. She knew he wouldn't mind, the old man was always pressing her to use them and take a vacation as all she did was work and go to the gym. He replied within seconds of her email being sent, letting her know he'd call her if he needed her and to enjoy her time back home. He also included a 'Be Safe' closing line, the man seeing his employees more as his own children than working machines. She stood from her desk to walk Javier to the elevator, her stilettos clicking as she walked. She didn't know how to feel about what she had just agreed to, how it would be being back after so many years, or what to think about chasing the same type of natural disaster that had caused her, Javier, and Kate to lose their closest friends. 

"I'll see you Monday in Oklahoma!" Javier grinned before he exited her office and stepped into the elevator, waving enthusiastically as the doors closed and he descended to the Main Lobby. Ada Scout made her way back to her office, almost flopping down into her chair and putting her head in her manicured hands. What the hell had she just agreed to?

[itidoltechnologies]

Outsourcing in 2025: Why India is Leading the Way in the Tech Revolution

In 2025, the global business landscape is evolving at lightning speed, and outsourcing remains a pivotal factor in helping companies stay competitive, innovative, and cost-effective. While outsourcing has long been a key business strategy, India has solidified its position as the global leader in this space, especially in technology. As organizations worldwide turn to outsourced tech solutions to fuel their growth, Indian companies, especially those like IT Idol Technologie, are leading the charge by reshaping the future of the tech landscape.

Outsourcing in 2025: The Need for Agility, Efficiency, and Innovation

As businesses face the pressure of rapidly evolving markets, the need for flexibility, innovation, and efficiency has never been more crucial. Outsourcing allows organizations to tap into global talent pools, access specialized expertise, and scale faster than ever before. In 2025, companies are increasingly turning to outsourced partners to help them adapt to new challenges, innovate with cutting-edge technologies, and deliver results quickly and cost-effectively.

Outsourcing offers a multitude of benefits: businesses can reduce overhead costs, enhance operational efficiency, and gain access to top-tier talent without the complexities of recruitment and training. In the tech industry, these advantages are particularly significant, as companies look for ways to stay ahead of the curve without draining resources.

India: The Epicenter of Outsourcing Excellence

Why has India become the go-to destination for outsourcing? The answer lies in its unique combination of highly skilled talent, cost-effective services, and a growing tech ecosystem. India has long been the leader in IT outsourcing, but in 2025, it has taken that legacy to new heights. Indian companies are not only providing basic IT services but are now at the forefront of delivering cutting-edge tech solutions, from custom software development to cloud services, data engineering, and more.

With a vast pool of highly educated professionals and a robust tech ecosystem, India offers the perfect environment for businesses looking to leverage outsourcing in the tech space. Indian tech companies have evolved to meet the growing demand for more complex and specialized services, and this is where firms like IT Idol Technologies are making a significant impact.

IT Idol Technologies: Leading the Paradigm Shift in Tech Outsourcing

IT Idol Technologies is at the heart of this transformation. As a forward-thinking outsourcing partner, IT Idol is helping businesses navigate the challenges of the digital age by offering tailored tech solutions that drive growth and innovation. Whether it’s custom software development, mobile app development, cloud computing, or digital commerce, IT Idol Technologies is leading the way in delivering high-quality, scalable, and cost-effective services that enable businesses to stay competitive.

The key to IT Idol’s success lies in its deep understanding of the tech landscape and its ability to adapt to the unique needs of each client. By leveraging its expertise in emerging technologies and staying ahead of industry trends, IT Idol ensures that businesses can continue to innovate while benefiting from the efficiency and cost savings that outsourcing provides.

How IT Idol Technologies is Helping Businesses Thrive in 2025

In 2025, companies are looking for outsourcing partners who can offer more than just basic services—they need a strategic ally who can provide innovative solutions that drive growth. IT Idol Technologies offers just that, with its specialized focus on high-demand areas like:

Custom Software Solutions: Helping businesses build tailored software to optimize operations and solve complex problems.

Mobile App Development: Developing native and cross-platform apps that engage users and enhance customer experiences.

Cloud Computing: Enabling businesses to scale quickly, securely, and cost-effectively with cloud-based solutions.

Digital Commerce: Providing comprehensive e-commerce solutions that help businesses reach customers and increase sales.

IT Idol’s ability to combine technical expertise with a customer-centric approach makes it a standout partner for businesses looking to stay ahead of the competition.

Unlock the Power of Outsourcing with IT Idol Technologies

As outsourcing continues to be a driving force in the global tech landscape, India remains the leader, offering businesses the ability to access top-tier talent and innovative solutions. IT Idol Technologies is at the forefront of this shift, providing companies with the tools and expertise they need to thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Whether you need custom software, mobile apps, cloud computing, or digital commerce solutions, IT Idol Technologies is here to help. Contact us today to discover how we can help you leverage the power of outsourcing to accelerate growth and innovation in your business.

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this New York Times story:

On June 20, after millions of Americans had suffered through a sweltering heat wave for three days, Amtrak sent an ominous warning over social media: Trains connecting the largest cities in Northeast could face up to an hour of delay from high temperatures.

Later that afternoon, after the temperature peaked at 96 degrees in Newark, Amtrak lost electricity near the New Jersey side of the Hudson River tunnels. The power failure soon shuttered a 150-mile stretch of the busiest rail corridor in the United States for more than three hours. The impact reverberated until the next day, when trains chugged through with hours of residual delays.

As the planet rapidly warms, train delays and breakdowns are becoming more frequent as America’s antiquated rail infrastructure struggles to remain functional during prolonged extreme weather events that were not typical when the system was constructed.

A New York Times analysis of Amtrak data found that the rail service’s passengers have faced record delays in recent years caused by inclement weather such as heat waves, storms, floods, high winds, low temperatures, tornadoes, lightning and wildfires.

Extreme weather events bogged down Amtrak trains for more than 4,010 hours in the 2023 fiscal year, which began in October 2022 and ended in September 2023, according to a Times analysis of more than 313,000 individual train delay data dating to September 2003. That was the highest number of weather-related delays in at least 20 years.

The biggest contributor has been intensifying heat waves. About 30 percent of trains that arrived late in the 2023 fiscal year were delayed for heat reasons, accounting for nearly 1,200 hours of overall delays. Heat delays more than doubled from the 2018 fiscal year, when Amtrak passengers spent 530 additional hours in trains after high temperatures slowed down rail travel.

Railways made from steel are prone to deformities when exposed to direct sunlight during heat waves. The changes, known as sun kinks, occur when the steel overheats and buckles, creating wobbly and dangerous curves that require railroads to drastically reduce the speed of their trains to avoid derailments.

“You get a sun kink when the train’s on it — you’re dead,” said Louis S. Thompson, a former director of the Federal Railroad Administration who led efforts to revamp Amtrak service in the Northeast. “It’s going to go off the rails.”

[saasboosterhub]

Unbeatable Value: Why Hostinger is the Best Choice for Affordable Web Hosting

Did you know Hostinger now offers a Biggest ever Black Friday sale Up to 85% off hosting + website builder + Extra Flat 20% discounts on all hosting plans? This amazing deal shows Hostinger's strong commitment to quality and value. They want to help everyone, from small businesses to website dreamers, without costing too much.

Key Takeaways

Hostinger offers an unbeatable Extra Flat 20% discount on all hosting plans

Hostinger is a top-rated web hosting provider known for its affordable yet reliable services

Hostinger's hosting plans cater to a wide range of users, from small businesses to large enterprises

Hostinger's commitment to quality and performance ensures a seamless online experience

Hostinger's user-friendly interface and extensive features make website management a breeze

Understanding Hostinger's Web Hosting Services

Hostinger has many website hosting plans for businesses and people. They offer budget-friendly hosting and WordPress optimized hosting too.

Shared Hosting Solutions

Hostinger's shared hosting is great for beginners or small sites. It's budget-friendly with weekly backups, free SSL, and 24/7 support.

Cloud Hosting Options

Hostinger's cloud hosting is scalable and strong. It has instant resources, automatic backups, and top security. It's perfect for growing businesses.

WordPress Specialized Hosting

Hostinger has WordPress optimized hosting for WordPress users. It comes with WordPress pre-installed, automatic updates, and server tweaks for smooth running.

Hostinger has many website hosting plans for all needs. They focus on being affordable, fast, and reliable. They aim to make customers happy and keep improving.

Why Hostinger is the Best Choice for Affordable Web Hosting

Biggest ever Black Friday sale

Up to 85% off hosting + website builder + Extra Flat 20% discounts

Hostinger is great for reliable hosting that's easy on your wallet. It offers fast web hosting at a good price. This makes it a favorite for both businesses and individuals.

Hostinger is known for its affordable prices without losing quality. It uses the latest tech and efficient systems. This means you get lots of features for a low cost.

But it's not just about the price. Hostinger focuses on speed and has a big network of data centers. Your site will load fast and work well everywhere. This makes your site better for visitors and helps your business grow.

"Hostinger's reliable hosting and lightning-fast speeds have been a game-changer for my business. It's the perfect balance of affordability and top-notch performance."

Hostinger also has an easy-to-use interface and lots of tools. You can easily set up your site with one-click installers and website builders. This makes it simple for anyone to start their online presence.

Hostinger is good for anyone, from small businesses to big companies. Its cheap web hosting offers great value. It's the best choice for affordable web hosting without losing quality.

Cutting-Edge Performance and Speed Features

At Hostinger, we know fast web hosting is key for a great user experience. We've got top-notch features to make your websites super fast. Our LiteSpeed web servers, global data centers, and caching solutions make sure your fast web hosting needs are met.

LiteSpeed Web Servers

Our web hosting uses LiteSpeed web servers. They're super efficient and handle lots of traffic well. Your websites will load fast, giving your visitors a smooth and secure hosting services experience.

Global Data Center Network

Our data centers are all over the world. This means your websites are close to your visitors. You get faster load times and a better user experience, no matter where they are.

Built-in Caching Solutions

Our web hosting plans have advanced caching solutions that boost your website's speed.

LiteSpeed Cache and Redis Cache reduce server load and page load times. Your visitors will have a smooth experience.

These caching solutions work in the background. They make sure your website is always fast, without you having to do anything.

With Hostinger's top performance and speed features, your websites will load super fast. This will make your online presence shine and give your visitors a great experience.

Security and Reliability Measures

At Hostinger, we know how important it is to keep your website safe and running well. That's why we have many security features and ways to keep your site up and running. This helps your business grow and succeed online.

Robust DDoS Protection

Our hosting services have strong DDoS protection. This keeps your website safe from bad attacks that could stop it from working. Our system watches for and blocks bad traffic, so your site stays open and your customers happy.

Secure SSL Certificates

All our plans include free SSL certificates. This means your website's data and talks are safe from others seeing them. It's key for making your visitors trust you and keeping their private info safe.

Reliable Data Backup and Restoration

Hostinger backs up your website data often, so you're safe if something goes wrong or data gets lost.

With just one click, you can bring back your website to a time before problems started. This cuts down on lost time and keeps your business running smoothly.

Uptime Guarantee

We're proud of how reliable our hosting is, which is why we promise 99.9% uptime. This means your website will be open for your customers all the time. You can focus on making your online business bigger without worrying about it going down.

At Hostinger, we're all about giving you safe and reliable hosting. Our strong security and dependable setup mean your website is in great hands. This lets you focus on making your online business a success.

User-Friendly Interface and Website Management Tools

At Hostinger, we know web hosting can be hard for some. Especially for those new to the web. That's why we made our control panel and website management tools easy to use. Now, anyone can create and manage their website easily.

hPanel Control Panel Overview

Our hPanel is a dashboard that lets you control your web hosting. It's easy to use and navigate. You can manage your domains, websites, and emails all in one place.

Whether you're a pro or new to websites, hPanel makes it easy. It helps you work smoothly and efficiently.

One-Click Installers

Hostinger's one-click installers make it easy to set up CMS like WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

With just a few clicks, you can start your WordPress-optimized hosting and bring your ideas to life.

No need for technical skills. Our tools do the hard work, so you can focus on your website.

Website Builder Integration

For those who like a guided website creation, Hostinger has a website builder. It lets you make professional-looking websites without coding. You can build a blog, store, or corporate site easily and enjoyably.

Feature

Benefit

User-friendly control panel

Streamlined website management and easy access to all your hosting tools

One-click installers

Quickly set up popular CMSs like WordPress with no technical expertise required

Integrated website builder

Design professional-looking websites using a drag-and-drop interface

At Hostinger, we want to help our customers succeed online. Our easy-to-use interface and website management tools make hosting smooth, no matter your skill level. Start your online journey with Hostinger today.

Pricing Plans and Special Offers

Hostinger is a top choice for cheap web hosting and budget-friendly hosting. They offer many website hosting plans to fit different needs.

Now, Hostinger has a Biggest ever Black Friday sale

Up to 85% off hosting + website builder + Extra Flat 20% discounts

on all plans. This makes their prices even better for those looking for cheap web hosting.

Shared Hosting Plans

Hostinger's shared hosting starts at $0.99 per month. It's ideal for small businesses and individuals. You get a free domain, SSL, and lots of storage and bandwidth.

Cloud Hosting Solutions

For more power, Hostinger's cloud hosting is great. Prices range from $3.99 to $15.99 per month. It's perfect for growing businesses and big websites.

WordPress Specialized Hosting

Hostinger has special plans for WordPress users. Starting at $1.99 per month, they're optimized for WordPress. This means your WordPress site will run smoothly.

Hostinger has many website hosting plans for all budgets. With the

Extra Flat 20% discounts , it's a great choice for affordable web hosting.

Conclusion

Hostinger is the top pick for affordable web hosting. It offers fast performance and strong security. Plus, it's easy to use.

Hostinger has many hosting options. You can choose from shared, cloud, or WordPress hosting. It also has 24/7 support and special deals.

Hostinger is dedicated to giving you the best web hosting experience. Choose Hostinger for a great start online. You'll be in good hands.

FAQ

What makes Hostinger the best choice for affordable web hosting?

Hostinger offers great hosting at low prices. It's perfect for those who want reliable and cheap web hosting. Their value, performance, and easy-to-use interface make Hostinger a top pick.

What types of hosting services does Hostinger offer?

Hostinger has many hosting services. You can choose from shared hosting, cloud hosting, or WordPress hosting. Each type meets different needs, so you're sure to find what you need.

How does Hostinger ensure fast and reliable performance?

Hostinger uses fast web servers and a global network. They also have caching solutions. These features make your website load quickly and perform well.

What security and reliability measures does Hostinger have in place?

Hostinger focuses on security and reliability. They have DDoS protection, SSL certificates, and backups. They also guarantee your website will be up and running.

How user-friendly is Hostinger's hosting platform?

Hostinger's platform is easy to use. It has a simple control panel and one-click installers. It's great for anyone to manage and grow their website.

What are Hostinger's pricing plans and special offers?

Hostinger has plans for every budget. They offer shared, cloud, and WordPress hosting. They also have special deals, like a 20% discount now.

Does Hostinger provide 24/7 customer support?

Yes, Hostinger's support team is available all the time. They can help with setup, problems, or account management. Their experts are ready to assist you.