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The White House declined to comment on Meta's unexpected decision to terminate its third-party fact-checking program in the U.S., with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stating, "we just are not going to comment." This announcement, made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, has raised concerns as he cited perceived political bias among fact-checkers and claimed the program resulted in excessive censorship. Instead, Meta plans to implement "Community Notes," a crowd-sourced moderation tool akin to the one used by Elon Musk's platform X. Critics have raised doubts about the effectiveness of such tools in addressing misinformation. Meta's move follows ongoing complaints from supporters of former President Trump, who argue that conservative voices are being suppressed under the pretext of combating falsehoods, a claim that professional fact-checkers strongly dispute.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 5 ameznews.inA January 6 rioter, 32-year-old Antony Vo from Indiana, was arrested in Whistler, British Columbia, on the four-year anniversary of the Capitol assault, Canadian authorities confirmed on Friday. Vo had been sentenced to nine months in prison for his involvement in the 2021 riot but fled to Canada instead of reporting to a U.S. federal prison. He expressed hopes of receiving a pardon from President-elect Donald Trump upon his return to office. The Canada Border Services Agency noted that Vo had no official record of entry into Canada and is legally obligated to return foreign nationals not permitted in the country. A hearing regarding Vo's request to remain in Canada is set for January 15. Over 1,500 individuals have faced charges related to the January 6 events, which aimed to disrupt the certification of President Joe Biden's election victory.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden stated on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in "tough shape" following extensive sanctions imposed by Washington and London on Moscow's energy sector due to its invasion of Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden emphasized the importance of not allowing Putin any "breathing room" to continue his aggressive actions. He expressed optimism about Ukraine's chances of prevailing in the conflict, contingent on ongoing Western support. This statement comes just days before Donald Trump is set to assume the US presidency, highlighting the urgency of the situation in Ukraine amid escalating tensions with Russia.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden described the scene in Los Angeles as resembling a "war scene" as wildfires ravaged neighborhoods, prompting authorities to impose a nighttime curfew due to fears of looting. During a briefing at the White House, Biden noted "clear evidence" of looting in affected areas, emphasizing the need for security support from the military and National Guard. He condemned the actions of "demagogues" who spread misinformation regarding the fires, making a veiled reference to incoming president Donald Trump, whose statements have been amplified on social media. Biden's remarks underscore the severity of the situation as the city grapples with both the devastation caused by the wildfires and the challenges of maintaining order amidst the chaos.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden has criticized Meta's recent decision to terminate its third-party fact-checking program in the United States, calling it "shameful." Speaking to reporters at the White House, Biden emphasized the importance of truth, questioning the implications of allowing false information to proliferate on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. The announcement, made by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, claimed that the fact-checking initiative was perceived as "too politically biased" and led to excessive censorship. Instead, Meta plans to implement a "Community Notes" system, a crowd-sourced moderation tool similar to that used by X (formerly Twitter), though its effectiveness in combating misinformation has been questioned by researchers. This move follows ongoing accusations from conservative groups alleging that their voices were being suppressed under the pretext of fighting misinformation, a claim that professional fact-checkers dispute.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 6 ameznews.inUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden for his "unwavering support" during a recent phone call, just days before Biden's term ends. As Biden seeks to provide maximum aid to Ukraine ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20, concerns grow over potential cuts to US assistance under the Republican administration. Zelensky conveyed his condolences regarding the devastating wildfires in California and acknowledged the significant role the US has played in bolstering Ukraine's independence and uniting global support. The Biden administration has committed nearly $6 billion in new military and budget assistance, amid fears that Trump's promise to resolve the conflict quickly may force Ukraine into difficult concessions. As Moscow intensifies its military actions, Ukraine faces challenges with an overstretched army and dwindling resources.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 3 ameznews.inUS President Joe Biden is set to deliver a televised farewell address from the Oval Office on January 15 at 8:00 PM, as confirmed by the White House. This announcement comes just five days before Donald Trump is expected to return to power. The address will mark a significant moment in Biden's presidency, reflecting on his time in office and the challenges faced during his administration. The White House's statement did not provide further details about the content of the address, but it is anticipated to resonate with both supporters and critics alike as the nation prepares for the transition of power. This event underscores the continuing political dynamics in the United States as Biden concludes his term.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 3 ameznews.inMeta Platforms has announced the cessation of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, which encompass hiring, training, and supplier selection, according to an internal memo shared with employees. This decision comes ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, as Meta seeks to improve relations with the incoming administration, which has criticized the company's political content policies. Janelle Gale, Meta's Vice President of Human Resources, cited evolving legal and policy frameworks surrounding DEI efforts, referencing recent Supreme Court rulings that may alter judicial perspectives on such programs. While Meta will continue to recruit from diverse backgrounds, it will abandon its "Diverse Slate Approach" and disband its dedicated DEI team. Chief Diversity Officer Maxine Williams will transition to a new role focused on accessibility. Employee reactions to the memo have been largely negative, with one describing it as "upsetting."
Published: Jan 11 2025, 2 ameznews.inAt President Jimmy Carter's funeral on January 9, 2025, an unexpected moment of camaraderie unfolded between President-elect Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama, drawing significant attention on social media. Trump remarked on their interaction, noting, "Boy, they look like two people that like each other," acknowledging their enjoyment of the ceremony despite their political differences. The service, held at Washington's National Cathedral, gathered five living former presidents, including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and outgoing President Joe Biden, who delivered a heartfelt eulogy for Carter, celebrated for his humanitarian efforts and foreign policy contributions. Vice President Kamala Harris, present at the event following a contentious election loss to Trump, observed the exchange but did not engage with him. The moment has ignited discussions online, highlighting a rare instance of unity among former leaders, just days before Trump's upcoming inauguration.
Published: Jan 11 2025, 1 ameznews.inCanadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly announced on Friday that she will not enter the race to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, citing her focus on addressing potential US tariffs as a priority. Joly follows Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc in opting out of the leadership contest, emphasizing the need to prepare for retaliatory measures against threats from president-elect Donald Trump. Trudeau, facing internal party strife and poor poll numbers, has stated he will resign once a new leader is chosen, with the announcement set for March 9. Reports suggest that former finance minister Chrystia Freeland and ex-Bank of Canada governor may soon declare their candidacies. Polls indicate that the new leader will face significant challenges, as the Liberals trail the Conservatives after nine years in power, with the next federal election anticipated in May. Other potential candidates include Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and Transport Minister Anita Anand.
Published: Jan 10 2025, 10 pm
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