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- AI guilt hinders crucial discussions on safe AI usage, researchers warn
- Trump expected to claim Chinese interference in US elections during speech
- US military targets Iranian naval facilities with kamikaze drones for first time
- Zelenskyy dismisses Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine’s defence minister
- Ukraine Targets Russian Naval Assets Amid Renewed Maritime Conflict
- England and Argentina end first half of World Cup semifinal goalless
- Chiefs call for criminalisation of residential school denialism as hate speech
- Blanche confirms absence of “anti-weaponization” fund at Senate hearing
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AI guilt hinders crucial discussions on safe AI usage, researchers warn
3:00 am
Get you up to speed: ‘AI guilt’ is stopping important conversations about safe use, researchers say
Experts indicate that the stigma surrounding AI, particularly the belief that its use equates to cheating, is hindering vital discussions on safe usage. This issue is prevalent among users and stakeholders in AI technology.
Experts indicate that the perception of AI as a form of cheating is hindering essential discussions on safe usage practices. Institutional leaders are exploring strategies to address these concerns and promote public understanding of AI technology.
Experts warn that AI guilt is impeding essential discussions on safe usage, highlighting a need for increased public education on the technology. In response, institutions are urged to develop clear guidelines and resources to address these concerns and facilitate responsible AI adoption.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how the stigma surrounding AI guilt can be effectively addressed to facilitate necessary conversations.
AI guilt hinders crucial discussions on safe AI usage, researchers warn
AI guilt is the feeling that using AI is somehow cheating. That stigma, experts say, is preventing the conversations needed to teach people how to use the AI safely.
Trump expected to claim Chinese interference in US elections during speech
1:00 am
Get you up to speed: Trump to allege Chinese meddling in U.S. elections in primetime speech, sources say
President Trump is expected to address allegations of Chinese meddling in U.S. elections during a primetime speech, with an audience that includes members of his cabinet and heads of various intelligence agencies. The White House has commented that details of the speech remain unknown and dismissed speculation from anonymous sources.
The primetime address will be attended by members of the president’s cabinet, including heads of the CIA, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence, and Department of Homeland Security, although some members will be absent due to scheduling conflicts. The 2021 National Intelligence Council assessment found no evidence that foreign actors altered election processes but noted a “minority view” suggesting China may have attempted to undermine Mr. Trump’s reelection bid through social media.
The White House has dismissed speculation regarding President Trump’s upcoming speech, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt stating, “As usual, anonymous sources are speculating about what President Trump will say.” Following the address, expected to include allegations about Chinese meddling in U.S. elections, responses from intelligence agencies will likely reaffirm previous assessments that China did not attempt to influence the election’s outcome.
What remains unclear — It is uncertain how China accessed the U.S. voter registration data analysed by its intelligence.
Trump expected to claim Chinese interference in US elections during speech
Part of President Trump’s speech Thursday night is expected to touch on previously unreported alleged Chinese meddling in U.S. elections, according to sources familiar with the matter.
One component: Allegations that Beijing compromised U.S. voter data and evidence the CIA knew about the action and didn’t share that information with Mr. Trump during his first term.
The audience for the primetime speech is expected to include members of the president’s cabinet. Among those invited are the heads of CIA, FBI, Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security, as well as other agencies and staff. Some cabinet members will not be there due to scheduling conflicts.
Asked for comment on the contents of the president’s address, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “As usual, anonymous sources are speculating about what President Trump will say during his speech on Thursday evening. The truth is, nobody knows yet what President Trump will ultimately say, which is why everyone should tune in.”
Mr. Trump announced the primetime address earlier this week and has disclosed few details on its content, though he has hinted that it will focus on elections. The president has long insisted — falsely — that the 2020 election was stolen from him due to rampant fraud.
The question of Chinese involvement in the 2020 election has drawn some debate.
In an early 2021 assessment issued by the National Intelligence Council, the U.S. intelligence community assessed with “high confidence” that China did not attempt to influence the election’s outcome, with Beijing deciding neither a Biden nor a Trump victory was “advantageous enough for China to risk getting caught meddling.” Intelligence agencies also found China did not “interfere with election infrastructure,” including vote-counting.
But the assessment notes a “minority view” from the National Intelligence Officer for Cyber, who believed with “moderate confidence” that China did attempt to “undermine” Mr. Trump’s reelection bid in 2020, largely through social media and official statements. That official agreed, though, that the Chinese regime didn’t try to interfere with “election processes.”
Separately, the National Intelligence Officer for Cyber found in April 2020 that Chinese intelligence “analyzed multiple U.S. states’ … election voter registration data,” according to a report on Chinese and Russian exploitation of U.S. data that was declassified in 2022 but is heavily redacted. The report suggested China’s goal in analyzing voter registration data was to “conduct public opinion analysis on the 2020 US general election.”
The April 2020 report does not say how China got access to voter registration data, or how sensitive the data was. In many states, limited voter registration data is available to the public, though some data is confidential. The unredacted portions of the document do not accuse China of trying to manipulate the data or interfere with election processes.
Beyond China, the 2021 National Intelligence Council assessment found that Russia tried to denigrate the Biden campaign and Iran tried to undercut the Trump campaign, but neither country attempted to attack election infrastructure.
The report found “no indications” that any foreign actors attempted to alter voter registrations, the casting of ballots, vote-counting or any other “technical aspect” of the 2020 election process.
“We assess that it would be difficult for a foreign actor to manipulate election processes at scale without detection by intelligence collection on the actors themselves, through physical and cyber security monitoring around voting systems across the country, or in post-election audits,” the report read.
US military targets Iranian naval facilities with kamikaze drones for first time
12:00 am
Get you up to speed: US uses ‘kamikaze drones’ to blow up Iranian naval bases for the first time | News US
The United States targeted Iranian naval facilities with kamikaze drones, marking the first combat use of uncrewed surface vessels by the US military. Three Saronic Corsair drone boats struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base on 12 July.
The US Central Command reported that the attacks on 12 July targeted a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, contributing to ongoing military operations against multiple Iranian sites. This mission underscores an evolving strategy, highlighted by the recent deployment of unmanned surface vessels for both offensive and rescue operations.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Facebook that the strikes on Iran‘s Bandar Abbas Naval Base were aimed at diminishing Iran’s capacity to target commercial shipping. In response to the ongoing tensions, President Donald Trump has announced that the US will impose fees on vessels transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how many Iranian targets were struck in the series of US attacks.
US military targets Iranian naval facilities with kamikaze drones for first time
The United States has targeted Iranian naval facilities using kamikaze drones.
The series of attacks over the weekend marked the first time the US military used uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) as strike weapons in combat.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), three Saronic Corsair drone boats struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility at Bandar Abbas Naval Base on 12 July as part of wider operations against what it described as ‘dozens’ of Iranian targets.
Footage captures the kamikaze drone speeding through the sea before it struck Iranian facilities (Picture:: US Centcom/Cover Images)
The announcement comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which a significant proportion of the world’s oil shipments pass.
US president Donald Trump has claimed the the country will extract fees from those transiting the strait, as Iran has done since the beginning of hostilities earlier this year.
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The drone strike caused major damage to Iranian naval bases (Picture: US Centcom/Cover Images)
In a statement posted on Facebook, CENTCOM said: ‘Yesterday, using multiple one-way attack surface drones, CENTCOM forces successfully struck a submarine and ship maintenance facility in Iran.
‘Three Corsair unmanned surface vessels hit the port at Bandar Abbas Naval Base, marking the first time American forces have employed sea drones in combat operations. Last night’s strikes degraded Iran’s ability to continue attacking commercial shipping.’
The operation marks the latest development in the US Navy’s increasing use of uncrewed vessels in operational roles (Picture: US Centcom/Cover Images)
The operation marks the latest development in the US Navy’s increasing use of uncrewed vessels in operational roles.
Last month, a Saronic Corsair USV was used to help rescue the crew of a US Army AH-64 Apache helicopter that crashed in the Gulf of Oman after the aircraft was reportedly brought down during hostilities with Iran.
Military officials described it as the first known use of a drone boat to recover personnel during a search-and-rescue mission.
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Zelenskyy dismisses Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine’s defence minister
11:00 pm
Zelenskyy dismisses Mykhailo Fedorov as Ukraine’s defence minister
Minister Dismissed
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov from his position as Defence Minister, marking a significant change in the government structure.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov from his position as Defence Minister, marking a significant change in the government structure.
Strategic relevance
Fedorov’s tenure included significant military reforms and operational initiatives critical for Ukraine’s defence strategy, highlighting the challenges of aligning modernisation efforts with traditional military structures.
Fedorov’s tenure included significant military reforms and operational initiatives critical for Ukraine’s defence strategy, highlighting the challenges of aligning modernisation efforts with traditional military structures.
Official Statement
“It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as Defence Minister,” Mykhailo Fedorov stated following his dismissal.
“It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as Defence Minister,” Mykhailo Fedorov stated following his dismissal.
Zelenskyy dismisses Ukraine’s popular Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Mykhailo Fedorov as defence minister as part of his latest government reshuffle, Fedorov confirmed on Wednesday.
Since the news broke on Sunday about the cabinet revamp, it was Fedorov’s position at the defence ministry which caused most speculation and criticism of Zelenskyy for considering his dismissal.
Fedorov was the first to confirm the dismissal, posting on social media, “It was a great honour to serve the Ukrainian people as Defence Minister.”
Fedorov then listed what he considers his team’s main achievements and failures during his six-month tenure.
Fedorov included the shutdown of Starlink systems for Russian forces, the campaign against Russian logistics in occupied Crimea, and “an unpopular but extremely important” military reform initiative.
“Thank you to each and every one of you who is defending Ukraine and working for victory,” Fedorov wrote.
“Thank you to my entire team for their effective service 24/7,” he said.
“I will continue to work toward the mission I came to the Defence Ministry with — to defeat the enemy through asymmetry, the speed of innovation, and the strength of our organisation.”
Fedorov is expected to be replaced by Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko.
General Klymenko led the National Police from 2019 until 2023 and was appointed interior minister following the death of his predecessor, Denys Monastyrsky.
Ukrainian parliament should support his nomination.
In the meantime, calls appeared on social media for a peaceful demonstration in Kyiv on Thursday morning to “show the president that we are against constant reshuffles in the government and replacing effective ministers with convenient opportunists.”
Why did Zelenskyy dismiss Fedorov?
On Wednesday Zelenskyy held a meeting with Fedorov and Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi to discuss key challenges facing Ukraine’s military, including mobilisation.
The issue of recruitment was the crucial argument in the Ukrainian president’s decision, according to reports.
Earlier on Wednesday Zelenskyy declined to comment on whether he was going to dismiss Fedorov amid the cabinet reshuffle, saying only that he wants Ukraine’s military to be “united” and “on the same page.”
“The priority is dialogue between the army and the Defence Ministry, solving the problems of (recruitment), and closing the sky,” he said.
Friction arose between Fedorov and Syrskyi over Fedorov’s proposals for military reform, specifically regarding how the Defence Ministry operates.
The dispute between the defence minister and the commander-in-chief has been described as a generational clash between a young, innovative manager with a startup background and a more traditional military general.
Speaking of “failures” of his tenure, Fedorov said he did not manage to complete the organisational transformation of the Ministry of Defence in line with NATO standards and “common sense”.
“The new structure has been put in place, many people have been made redundant,” he said, adding that “numerous processes have been set in motion,” Fedorov said.
“However, it was necessary to be even more decisive in dismissing those who were holding back the changes.”
Why Fedorov’s dismissal doesn’t sit right with Ukrainians
From 2019 to January 2026, Fedorov served as Ukraine’s deputy prime minister and minister of digital transformation.
He has been praised for implementing Ukraine’s strategy of a “state within a smartphone” as part of efforts to minimise bureaucracy. Since the launch of the Diia app in 2020, a range of government services has been available on people’s smartphones.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, his ministry has been significantly involved in drone development and production, and education reforms.
He also played a key role in launching a project linking the Digital Transformation Ministry with the Defence Ministry to advance military technology.
More recently, he launched Ukraine’s campaign of “turning Crimea into an island”, a highly effective operation targeting Russian logistics and military sites in Moscow-annexed Crimea and temporarily occupied regions in southern Ukraine.
Fedorov is highly respected in Ukrainian civil society.
The news about his dismissal triggered an avalanche of criticism towards Zelenskyy and outrage in society.
According to the reports in Ukrainian media outlets, Zelenskyy confirmed the clash between Fedorov and Syrskyi at a meeting of his faction of the Servant of the People party.
He reportedly told those present that “ideally both should be dismissed” but admitted he could not do so at this time.
Ukraine Targets Russian Naval Assets Amid Renewed Maritime Conflict
10:01 pm
Media Lens: Ukraine Targets Russian Naval Assets Amid Renewed Maritime Conflict
Ukrainian forces shut down a significant waterway, impacting Russian shipping operations. This action marks a crucial development in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Quick links: What has happened | Status quo | Confirmed facts | Preconceptions | Elisions | One story, four angles | Related links
What has happened
In a significant military operation, Ukraine launched drone strikes targeting Russian shipping activities in the Sea of Azov. This operation is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to disrupt supplies to Russian forces stationed in Crimea.
The attacks occurred as tensions between the two nations intensified, with Ukraine aiming to assert control over critical waterways. Military analysts noted that these strikes signify Ukraine’s strategy to weaken Russian logistics in the region.
Status quo
A recent report highlighted significant challenges for Russia as Ukrainian forces have successfully shut down a critical waterway, reminiscent of the tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. This closure is expected to have substantial implications for Russian shipping and military operations, intensifying the ongoing conflict dynamics between Ukraine and Russia. The situation demands close monitoring as it develops further.
Confirmed facts
- Ukraine is conducting a campaign to cut off Crimea from Russia.
- Recent Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov.
- Russia faces increasing logistical challenges due to Ukraine’s military actions.
- Western analysts are monitoring the situation closely, comparing it to crises in regions like the Strait of Hormuz.
- Reports indicate significant disruption to Russian naval operations as a result of these Ukrainian efforts.
Preconceptions
- CNN prioritizes immediate developments in Ukraine’s military strategies, focusing on specific incidents such as the shutdown of key waterways, while The New York Times emphasizes broader implications of these events on regional stability.
- The Daily Beast highlights personal consequences for Putin, portraying a narrative of humiliation, whereas Reuters maintains a more factual approach, detailing logistical impacts of Ukrainian strikes on Russian shipping.
- While The New York Times presents a comprehensive analysis of Ukrainian tactics against Russian ships, CNN gives precedence to on-ground reactions and military outcomes, reflecting differing tones of urgency versus analytical depth.
Elisions
- Coverage of Ukraine’s naval strategy to cut off Crimea is highlighted by The New York Times, while CNN focuses more on broader geopolitical implications, creating a gap in tactical detail.
- Reuters emphasizes economic impacts of the conflict on shipping routes, whereas The Daily Beast critiques political leadership decisions, indicating differing focuses on the crisis’s effects.
- Russia’s military supply routes and challenges are analyzed by The Washington Post, absent in reports from CNN, which mainly focus on immediate conflicts and frontline updates.
One story, four angles
CNN – Strait of Hormuz-style crisis looms for Russia as Ukraine forces shutdown of a key waterway
Publication: CNN | Intensity: (7/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: Low
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Espresso Shot: The reader is first drawn to the looming crisis comparison to the Strait of Hormuz, indicating potential geopolitical volatility.
Key differences:
– **Comparison**: Unlike The New York Times, which describes direct military action, CNN focuses on broader economic implications (e.g., “shutdown of a key waterway”).
– **Wording Example**: CNN uses “looms” to evoke uncertainty, contrasted with Reuters’ more immediate reporting of “choke” on shipping.
– **Placement**: CNN places emphasis on the economic ramifications rather than just the military aspects, highlighting the potential for broader impacts.
Bias: Selection: Highlights economic angles over military details | Language: Uses evocative terms like “loom” to suggest dread | Omission: Minimal focus on direct military confrontation or specific casualties.
Assessment: The reader is led to believe that economic ramifications could escalate the crisis further.
The New York Times – Ukraine Pounds Russian Ships in Its Campaign to Cut Off Crimea
Publication: The New York Times | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Positive | Legal precision: Medium
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Espresso Shot: This article prioritizes Ukraine’s offensive against Russian ships, emphasizing military strength and significant actions.
Key differences:
– **Comparison**: The New York Times presents a direct military confrontation focus compared to CNN’s economic implications.
– **Wording Example**: “Pounds” suggests a vigorous action compared to CNN’s “shutdown,” which could imply deterrence rather than aggression.
– **Placement**: Highlights military achievements first, accentuating Ukraine’s strategic control over the waters.
Bias: Selection: Favors military developments over diplomatic angles | Language: Uses aggressive verbs that denote strength | Omission: Lacks economic consequences or broader implications of military actions.
Assessment: The reader is likely to perceive Ukraine as successfully asserting its military dominance.
Reuters – Maps: Ukrainian drone strikes choke Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov
Publication: Reuters | Intensity: (9/10) | Sentiment: Neutral | Legal precision: High
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Espresso Shot: The headline emphasizes real-time battlefield outcomes, directing readers’ attention to military tactics and geographic implications.
Key differences:
– **Comparison**: Reuters merges immediacy in military actions with economic fallout, more than CNN’s broader context.
– **Wording Example**: “Choke” conveys urgency and the blocking of vital resources versus the more passive “shutdown” in CNN’s report.
– **Placement**: Prioritizes tactical maps, giving readers a visual cue that underscores military impact.
Bias: Selection: Emphasizes real-time effects of military actions | Language: Uses forceful language that suggests urgency | Omission: Minimal contextual historical background on the conflict.
Assessment: The reader perceives the severity of ongoing conflicts and their immediate effects on shipping routes.
The Daily Beast – Putin Faces Humiliating New Crisis as His Nightmare Deepens
Publication: The Daily Beast | Intensity: (8/10) | Sentiment: Negative | Legal precision: Low
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Espresso Shot: A sensationalist lead directs focus towards Putin’s diminishing power and growing crises, framing the issue dramatically.
Key differences:
– **Comparison**: The Daily Beast employs dramatic language that contrasts with Reuters’ analytical tone.
– **Wording Example**: “Humiliating” amplifies the crisis aspect, overshadowing factual recounts like “shipping issues” in other outlets.
– **Placement**: Emphasizes personal failure of leadership first, unlike the strategic focus in The New York Times or Reuters.
Bias: Selection: Focuses on political failures rather than military realities | Language: Uses hyperbolic language that heightens emotional engagement | Omission: Little discussion of Ukrainian strategies or successes.
Assessment: Readers perceive a narrative of weakening authority around Putin, emphasizing personal rather than collective crises.
In comparing coverage, CNN frames the situation as a potential crisis, noting “Strait of Hormuz-style” tensions while emphasizing risks; it leans toward caution. In contrast, The New York Times depicts Ukraine “pounding” Russian forces, portraying assertive military action as critical to cutting off Crimea, intensifying the conflict narrative. Reuters highlights drone strikes disrupting shipping, further skewing towards the escalatory side. Lastly, The Daily Beast frames Putin’s situation as increasingly desperate, amplifying urgency. While CNN represents a controlled view, the strongest escalation appears with The Daily Beast. The facts do not change. What changes is where scrutiny lands.
Related links
CNN
Strait of Hormuz-style crisis looms for Russia as Ukraine forces shutdown of a key waterway
The New York Times
Ukraine Pounds Russian Ships in Its Campaign to Cut Off Crimea
Reuters
Maps: Ukrainian drone strikes choke Russian shipping in the Sea of Azov
The Daily Beast
England and Argentina end first half of World Cup semifinal goalless
9:00 pm
Get you up to speed: What happened in the first half of the England vs Argentina semifinal?
In the first half of the World Cup semifinal in Atlanta, England faced Argentina, resulting in heated exchanges but no goals. Both teams committed multiple fouls, with England recording seven and Argentina twelve, as the first half ended goalless.
The match featured seven fouls by England compared to twelve by Argentina, highlighting a tense atmosphere on the pitch. Both teams were issued one yellow card each, with England’s Elliott Anderson receiving a caution in the 38th minute and Argentina’s Martínez booked shortly thereafter.
Both teams received one card each in a fiercely contested first half, with England’s Elliott Anderson booked for a foul on Lionel Messi at the 38th minute. As the match progresses, tensions remain high, indicating that further disciplinary action may be necessary if the physical play continues.
What remains unclear — It is unknown how the players’ physical exchanges will impact the match’s overall dynamic and referee decisions moving forward.
England and Argentina end first half of World Cup semifinal goalless
Sport|World Cup 2026What happened in the first half of the England vs Argentina semifinal?
All the biggest moments, heated exchanges, fouls and stats from the first 45 minutes of the heated semifinal in Atlanta.
Published On 15 Jul 202615 Jul 2026
Heated exchanges between players, contested fouls, but no goals marked the first half of the World Cup semifinal between England and Argentina in Atlanta.
The highly anticipated match on Wednesday is being played in a tense atmosphere as the reigning world champions face a top-10 ranked team for the first time in the tournament.
The match heated up quickly, as arms went flying and words were exchanged between players from both sides, but the first half ended with everything except a goal or even a shot on goal.
What were the key moments of the England vs Argentina World Cup semifinal?
Two minutes into the match, Jude Bellingham was fouled by Leandro Paredes with an elbow shove in the face.
Another couple of minutes in, an Elliott Anderson challenge on Lionel Messi brought down the Argentina captain and earned the England player a retaliatory foul from Enzo Fernandez. The referee remained uninterested, though, leaving the England bench howling.
Anderson earned England their second free kick as he was fouled by Giuliano Simeone in the seventh minute, but England failed to convert it into anything.
England kept the ball in the Argentinian half, building attacks on the left flank, but were unable to convert them into shots on goal.
In the 13th minute, Anderson and Fernandez were at it again, and they looked ready to full-on clash on the pitch, with Morgan Rogers and Paredes joining the party. England believed they were wronged by the Argentinian midfielder as head coach Thomas Tuchel remonstrated on the touchline. Yet again, no cards came out.
How many cards were given in the England vs Argentina semifinal?
Both teams received one card each, starting with Anderson in the 38th minute for his challenge on Messi, which brought together players from both teams in a heated scuffle.
Soon after, in the 42nd minute, Argentina’s Martinez was booked for pulling back Rogers, which Martinez reacted to in protest before the match continued.
How many fouls were made in the first half of the semifinal?
England had seven fouls, while Argentina had 12.
What were the head-to-head stats in the first half of the England vs Argentina semifinal?
England enjoyed 44 percent possession, with Argentina dominating with 56 percent.
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