Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Matt Novak

@paleofuture.bsky.social

This article is heartbreaking.

That client, a Haitian woman in her 50s, has had a green card since the early 2000s and started working with Project Citizenship in January. She declined an interview request through Breslow.
"People are devastated and they're frightened," Breslow told GBH News. "People were plucked out of line. They didn't cancel the whole ceremony."
She said many clients with upcoming ceremonies and USCIS appointments have received cancellations via an online portal. She shared an example of the notices they're receiving, which provide no further guidance or instructions.
"One person was, you know, asking ... what did I do wrong? Why is this happening to me? And, you know, needed to be reassured that it wasn't anything she had done. This wasn't her fault," Breslow said.

December 7, 2025 at 1:26 AM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Marc Murphy

@murphycartoons.bsky.social

Hi, Pete Hegseth. It’s me. Army veteran, Judge Advocate lawyer, and law professor. Your vain and gross performance to our nation’s military leaders succeeded only in proving your incompetence, dangerousness, and childishness. You’re a petty spoiled 7th grade boy without the sophistication or class.

September 30, 2025 at 10:53 PM

Arnie Buck

@arnsold.bsky.social

Gifted WaPo article
wapo.st/4nHKK9m

Opinion | The chilling reason the military is silent now

National Guard in cities and attacks on drug boats began with ousting military lawyers called JAGs.

wapo.st

September 19, 2025 at 5:21 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Holly 🇺🇸🦅

@msdesignerlady.bsky.social

May 22, 2025 at 6:56 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Mike Masnick

@mmasnick.bsky.social

Can't wait to hear from all the folks in the MAGA universe who claimed that the WH merely talking to social media companies about their moderation was the greatest threat to the 1st Amendment ever...

Sarah McLaughlin @sarahemclaugh.bsky.social · Apr 25

New Ed Martin letter—this time to Wikipedia about its tax-exempt status. In it, he asks about topics including its editorial practices, editor anonymity, "hateful content and conduct by editors," and content used to train LLMs. www.thefp.com/p/trump-pros...

Letter: drive.google.com/file/d/1ocNy...

April 24, 2025

Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. AKA Wikipedia
P.O. Box 98204
Washington, DC 20090-8204
VIA EMAIL: business@wikimedia.org
legal@wikimedia.org
To Whom it May Concern,
As the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, I regularly receive requests for
information, clarification, and official comment. I regard such inquiries with the seriousness they
warrant and respond appropriately through formal correspondence, such as this letter.
It has come to my attention that Wikipedia, which operates via its fiscal sponsor, the Wikimedia
Foundation, Inc., is engaging in a series of activities that could violate its obligations under
Section 501(c)(3) of Title 26 of the United States Code. As a nonprofit corporation, which is
incorporated in the District of Columbia, the Wikimedia Foundation is subject to specific legal
obligations and fiduciary duties consistent with its tax-exempt status. In addition, the public is
entitled to rely on a reasonable expectation of neutrality, transparency, and accountability in its
operations and publications.
In its 2023 IRS Form 990, the Wikimedia Foundation describes its mission as, “empower[ing]
and engag[ing] people around the world to collect and develop educational content under a free
license or in the public domain and to disseminate it effectively and globally. . . [.]”
As you know, Section 501(c)(3) requires that organizations receiving tax-exempt status operate
exclusively for “religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational
purposes. . . [.]” It has come to my attention that the Wikimedia Foundation, through its wholly
owned subsidiary Wikipedia, is allowing foreign actors to manipulate information and spread

propaganda to the American public. Wikipedia is permitting information manipulation on its
platform, including the rewriting of key, historical events and biographical information of current
and previous American leaders, as well as other matters implicating the national security and the
interests of the United States. Masking propaganda that influences public opinion under the guise
of providing informational material is antithetical to Wikimedia’s “educational” mission.
In addition, Wikipedia’s operations are directed by its board that is composed primarily of
foreign nationals, subverting the interests of American taxpayers. Again, educational content is
directionally neutral; but information received by my Office demonstrates that Wikipedia’s
informational management policies benefit foreign powers.
Moreover, we are aware that search engines such as Google have agreed to prioritize Wikipedia
results due to the relationship that Wikipedia has established with these tech platforms. If the
content contained in Wikipedia articles is biased, unreliable, or sourced by entities who wish to
do harm to the United States, search engine prioritization of Wikipedia will only amplify
propaganda to a larger American audience.
Lastly, it has come to our attention that generative AI platforms receive Wikipedia data to train
large-language models. This data is now consumed by masses of Americans and American
teachers on a daily basis. If the data provided is manipulated, particularly by foreign actors and
entities, Wikipedia’s relationship with generative AI platforms have the potential to launder
information on behalf of foreign actors.
In light of these concerns, my Office seeks information pertaining to Wikimedia’s compliance
with the laws governing its tax-exempt status. To assist with our investigation of this matter, I
request the following documents and information, covering the time period of January 1, 2021 to
the present, as soon as possible but no later than May 15, 2…

5. What policy does the Foundation have in place to ensure that content submissions,
editorial decisions, and article revisions reflect a broad spectrum of viewpoints, including
those that may be in tension with the views of major financial or institutional backers?
6. What is the Foundation’s official process for addressing credible allegations that editors
or contributors have materially misled readers, engaged in bad-faith edits, or otherwise
manipulated content in ways that undermine Wikipedia’s commitment to neutrality?
Similarly, what is the Foundation’s official process for auditing or evaluating the actions,
activities, and voting patterns of editors, admins, and committees, including the
Arbitration Committee, in order to ensure the Foundation’s policies and the policies of its
projects are enforced? Detail all instances in which these processes have been utilized in
the last six years.
7. Does the Foundation maintain a public, formally adopted policy explicitly prohibiting
hateful content and conduct by editors? If so, what enforcement mechanisms are in place
to ensure compliance and accountability, and which namespaces and content on the
platform do these mechanisms apply to? Further, how does the Foundation ensure that
sources used in writing content on Wikipedia and elsewhere do not violate its policies,
including but not limited to those against discrimination?
8. Given growing public concerns regarding the large-scale manipulation of particular
categories of content by ideologically motivated editors, what safeguards exist to detect
and prevent undue influence by individuals or coordinated networks who use editorial or
administrative authority to systematically distort content? Provide details regarding
actions taken by the Foundation using these safeguards over the last six years.
Additionally, detail any changes over time to these safeguards.
9. In view of public criticisms, including those expressed by Wikipedia Co-Founder Dr.
Lawrence M. Sanger, r…

effects of that content on search results and data already used to train LLMs? What
measures does the Foundation take to ensure that these companies, as well as the broader
public, understand misinformation, bias, and other problems across its projects, including
Wikipedia?
I look forward to your cooperation with my letter of inquiry after request. Thank you in advance
for your assistance. Please respond by May 15, 2025. Should you have further questions
regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to call my office or schedule a time to meet in
person.
All the best.

Edward R. Martin, Jr.
United States Attorney for the District of Columbia

April 25, 2025 at 10:59 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Mueller, She Wrote

@muellershewrote.com

I'm no lawyer, but it seems like discussing war plans in Signal outside a SCIF is maybe just a little bit worse than using a private server to send emails that weren't even marked as classified. But what do I know.

hillary clinton is smiling while speaking into a microphone in front of a crowd .

ALT: hillary clinton is smiling while speaking into a microphone in front of a crowd .

media.tenor.com

March 24, 2025 at 8:10 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

The Lincoln Project

@lincolnproject.us

He was always ahead of his time.

March 11, 2025 at 1:42 AM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

𝕲𝖆𝖊𝖙𝖆𝖓𝖔

@gmf1369.bsky.social

#GVerse 🚨NEW: Elon Musk has called Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ) a “traitor” after visiting Ukraine this weekend. Kelly is a 25-year U.S. Navy pilot #Veteran and retired astronaut.

(like & repost) if you stand with @captmarkkelly.bsky.social #Hooyah against #FuckMusk’s unpatriotic attacks!

March 10, 2025 at 8:52 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Mike Masnick

@mmasnick.bsky.social

Wrote up something about Techdirt's recent coverage, and why (whether we like it or not) we need to be a "democracy blog" now, rather than just a "tech" blog (not that we've ever been just a tech blog).

This story is *the* story and it impacts everything else.

www.techdirt.com/2025/03/04/w...

Why Techdirt Is Now A Democracy Blog (Whether We Like It Or Not)

While political reporters are still doing their view-from-nowhere “Democrats say this, Republicans say that” dance, tech and legal journalists have been watching an unfortunately recogn…

www.techdirt.com

March 4, 2025 at 8:05 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

The Sgt Joker

@thesgtjoker.bsky.social

I’m assuming Matt Gaetz disclosed his illegal drug use on his application to purchase firearms, right? If not, hear the Republicans think that’s a serious crime that deserves serious consequences.

December 24, 2024 at 1:17 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Jeff (Gutenberg Parenthesis) Jarvis

@jeffjarvis.bsky.social

Perfect expression of what newspaper front pages *should* say today--but do not. An extension of my rant and post below.

newspaper cartoon: hand holding newspaper with lead headline: DICK CHENEY TO VOTE FOR KAMALA HARRIS
Lower headlines: hell freezes over; pig flies

September 7, 2024 at 5:52 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Jeff (Gutenberg Parenthesis) Jarvis

@jeffjarvis.bsky.social

Major Subscribers Ask Themselves: What to Do About The New York Times?

June 29, 2024 at 9:10 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Joshua J. Friedman

@joshuajfriedman.com

Maine House majority leader warns Nebraska: If you change your system now to deprive Omaha's Biden voters of their electoral vote, we'll have to change our system to deprive rural Mainers of their Trump vote

As the legislative session winds down here in Maine, several constituents have asked about the potential electoral shenanigans in Nebraska and how that might relate to Maine, which has a similar method of awarding electoral votes. Here is my statement:
"Voters in Maine and voters in Maine's 2nd congressional district value their
independence, but they also value fairness and playing by the rules. If Nebraska's Republican Governor and Republican-controlled Legislature were to change their electoral system this late in the cycle in order to unfairly award Donald Trump an additional electoral vote, I think the Maine Legislature would be compelled to act in order to restore fairness to our country's electoral system. It is my hope and the hope of my colleagues in Maine that the Nebraska Republican Party decides not to make this desperate and ill-fated attempt to sway the 2024 election." - Maureen Terry,
Maine House Majority Leader

April 26, 2024 at 5:16 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Karl Bode

@karlbode.com

supporting the indiscriminate authoritarian deatomizing of marginalized toddlers and banning an app hugely popular with young voters is certainly some top shelf election season strategizing

good thing nothing meaningful is on the ballot, like say a full fledged descent into fascism

April 25, 2024 at 9:07 PM

Arnie Buck

@arnsold.bsky.social

Cannon shoots down Trump’s presidential records act claim. Free link
wapo.st/3U3BLTL

April 4, 2024 at 7:11 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Jay Rosen

@jayrosen.bsky.social

A newspaper editor — Chris Quinn of the Cleveland Plain Dealer — says it as clearly as he can:

"Our Trump reporting upsets some readers, but there aren’t two sides to facts." www.cleveland.com/news/2024/03...

Quinn writes of a different kind of access. Access to our own eyes and ears:

March 30, 2024 at 4:25 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Marisa Kabas

@marisakabas.bsky.social

I've just sent this email to NBC re: Ronna McDaniel's hiring

Hi Carrie-

I'm an MSNBC.com Columnist and have appeared on multiple shows across the network. I'm reaching out regarding the hiring of Ronna McDaniel as an NBC News and MSNBC on-air contributor.

As RNC Chairwoman, McDaniel was quite literally on a phone call with former President Trump when he pressured two local Michigan officials not to sign the certification of the 2020 presidential election. McDaniel told the officials, "If you can go home tonight and do not sign it… We will get you attorneys.” She also called for an erroneous investigation into another Michigan county's voting procedures which was so riddled with false claims, the Michigan Department of State issued a statement saying her claims had "no merit."

In your memo announcing McDaniel's hiring, you wrote: “It couldn’t be a more important moment to have a voice like Ronna’s on the team." As a fellow voice on the team—albeirt one far less known, far less powerful, and likely far less compensated—I want to understand wha

March 22, 2024 at 4:19 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Craig Newmark

@craignewmark.bsky.social

From a video doorbell to a smart thermostat, millions of Americans have smart devices in their homes. But could your security be at risk? @ConsumerReports fellow @gigastacey discusses what it would take for our smart devices to be more secure: thehill.com/opinion/tech...

A smart device seal of trust brings consumer choice to the 21st century

As part of the FCC’s voluntary U.S. cyber labeling program, manufacturers will be able to place a U.S. Cyber Trust Mark on their connected products.

thehill.com

March 22, 2024 at 6:25 PM

Arnie Buck

@arnsold.bsky.social

Subaru has stopped offering telematics services to Massachusetts customers purchasing new vehicles due to Mass right to repair bill.

Karl Bode @karlbode.com · Mar 19

I see the new tech and auto industry lobbying talking point that "right to repair" reforms are a threat to national security just dropped.

It's beyond embarrassing that The Hill still publishes this thinly-laundered dogshit.

March 19, 2024 at 2:23 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Robert Reich

@rbreich.bsky.social

From 1989 to 2019, the richest 1% of families increased their share of total national wealth from 27% to 34%.

At the same time, families in the bottom 50% saw their share drop from 4% to 2%.

When I say trickle-down economics is a hoax, this is what I mean.

March 17, 2024 at 10:08 PM

Reposted by Arnie Buck

Robert Reich

@rbreich.bsky.social

I'm not saying we shouldn't worry about how China might be using TikTok to steal our data and manipulate us...

But why aren't we at least as worried about the U.S. billionaires who own the other apps stealing our data and trying to manipulate us?

March 14, 2024 at 4:02 PM