Telegram Founder Arrested, Early Halloween, & Whale Poop.

News without the noise.

Adam Rogers
August 26, 2024

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Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder of Telegram, was arrested in Paris over accusations related to his messaging app.

French authorities allege that Durov failed to stop criminal activities on Telegram, such as fraud and terrorism. Despite being a wanted man in the country, he flew to Paris. Russia has accused France of not cooperating, while Durov awaits a court appearance.
Telegram was founded by Durov in Russia in 2013 but relocated to Dubai after the Kremlin tried to regulate another project Durov created. The app is popular for its encryption and large group chat features and boasts 950 million users. It’s widely used in Russia, including by Ukrainian officials during the war. However, the app has also become a hub for extremists, spreading disinformation and hate speech.
Durov’s arrest sparked reactions from various figures. Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev claimed Durov made a mistake by fleeing Russia. At the same time, political commentators like Tucker Carlson and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended him and the importance of free speech. Elon Musk also supported Durov’s stance on keeping Telegram free from government control.

A 26-year-old Syrian man is in custody after a stabbing rampage in Solingen, Germany.

The attack occurred on Friday during a festival celebrating Solingen's 650th anniversary. The man killed three people and wounded eight. The suspect turned himself in and admitted to the crime.
German federal prosecutors believe the suspect, identified as Issa Al H., attacked because of his radical Islamist beliefs. The Islamic State claimed responsibility, calling him a "soldier," though the claim lacks evidence. The suspect lived in a refugee home in Solingen and sought asylum in Germany in 2022.
The attack has sparked calls for stronger security, stricter immigration controls, and harsher punishments for violent crimes. Friedrich Merz, a leading opposition politician, argued for halting refugee admissions from Syria and Afghanistan. Germany has suffered several Islamist-motivated attacks in recent years.

The U.S. imposed sanctions on nearly 400 Chinese and Russian companies and individuals for supporting Russia's war in Ukraine.

These sanctions are some of the most extensive actions taken against Chinese companies and target those helping Russia's war efforts.
The sanctions aim to stop the flow of technology, like microelectronics and machine tools, from China to Russia. The U.S. believes these supplies are crucial for Russia's defense production, enabling them to produce weapons and strengthen their military. Companies from other countries like the UAE, Turkey, and Hong Kong were also sanctioned for similar reasons.
The sanctions come ahead of a visit by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan to China, where the war in Ukraine will be discussed. The U.S. is increasingly concerned about China's support for Russia, with NATO labeling China a "decisive enabler" of the war. The sanctions also target businesses involved in other sectors, including energy, transport, and military equipment.

Hurricane Hone is expected to hit Hawaii’s Big Island early Sunday morning. The storm has become a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 75 mph. A tropical storm warning is in effect, and the island could get 6 to 12 inches of rain, which might cause flooding. The hurricane center also warned of dangerous waves along the coast. (More)

NASA decided it’s too risky to bring two astronauts back to Earth in Boeing’s new capsule, so they’ll have to wait until next year to return with SpaceX. What was supposed to be a weeklong test flight has turned into more than eight months. The astronauts have been stuck at the International Space Station since June due to problems with the capsule’s thrusters and helium leaks. (More)

Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy fire early Sunday but avoided starting a full-blown war. Both sides signaled that the intense fighting was over for now. Hezbollah claimed to have hit an Israeli military site near Tel Aviv, and Israel said it struck first to prevent a bigger attack, though neither side provided proof. (More)

Pumpkin spice season has become pumpkin spice summer with stores already promoting Halloween and fall items. Retailers like Home Depot, Lowe's, and Starbucks are starting earlier than ever, with some Halloween goods available as early as April. (More)

In other out-of-season trends, California recorded its first snowfall. Around Lake Tahoe, small amounts of snow were measured, with the most being 0.15 inches. It won't last long, but it gave people a quick taste of winter amidst a record-setting year of heat. (More)

Watch: Why the most valuable thing in the ocean is whale poop.

Subway is selling footlong subs for $6.99 for the next two weeks.

Scientists discover creature the size of a dust grain.

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