In Keeping Tradition

Good Morning. In case you didn’t know, Memorial Day actually began as Decoration Day, and was first observed following the American Civil War. It was made an official federal holiday in 1971, and has been part of the tradition that unifies Americans in spirit ever since.

With that in mind, I’m honored to bring you this special edition of Burn After Reading on this Memorial Day 2024. May good spirits be with all the families of those who served, and serve, while you remember.

— 🐈‍⬛ Acoustic Kitty

THE BOTTOM LINE UP FRONT

An American Tradition Comes To Los Angeles

Over the past week, and into the weekend, the city of Los Angeles honored Memorial Day with a celebration. Unifying Angelenos of all walks of life on the docks surrounding Battleship Iowa, just outside the city in San Pedro, LA Fleet Week saw the mass turnout, complete with lines “longer than Disney Land” as one festival goer lamented.

Return of a Beloved Ship 

The scuttlebutt among festival viewers was that the crowds had rolled out en masse to see the returning aircraft carrier, the USS Carl Vinson, among vessels on parade.

Whatever part of the event had drawn them, there was enough festivity floating about to keep them fully engaged. 

In Keeping Tradition 

The Fleet Week expo drew an impressive demonstration of military equipment in modern use, but went above and beyond the show of guns. Festival goers also demonstrated the day-to-day life of a uniformed service member. Service members themselves were presented with special opportunities such as an automotive display and access to military credit union sign-up. Uniformed personnel were also treated to free lunch aboard the Battleship Iowa. 

Show and tell went beyond guns and bells and whistles. A live band made karaoke night a daylight event, as sailors and retired soldiers sang for lost loves and fallen comrades. All while children played around a pop-up arcade, and food trucks dolled out everything from pizza to lobster cheese fries.

Hailing the Spirit 

At the center of the festival, stood sailors in dress uniform, shining white against the glare of new skies, as for the first time in days the sun peaked out from behind the clouds. It had been unseasonably cold before, but a warm breath rolled over the sea and rose to meet them as they gathered with smiles and festive spirits. One sailor played corn hole with a child, while spectators looked on with pride as if their game manifested the entire spirit of the observance’s tradition.

INTERNATIONAL SECURITY & DIPLOMACY

Counterterrorism

• A 14-year-old boy in west London was arrested on suspicion of possessing information useful for terrorism, linked to right-wing extremist material, and later released on bail. This arrest highlights a troubling trend of youth involvement in terrorism, with under-18s comprising a fifth of terrorism arrests last year, according to Commander Dominic Murphy.

• Nakba Day 2024 events in the U.S. saw increased anti-Israel activity and support for terrorism, with protesters glorifying terrorists and dismissing reports of Hamas-led sexual assaults on October 7, according to the Anti-Defamation League. The ADL noted a significant rise in antisemitic and extreme anti-Zionist rhetoric at over fifty events nationwide from May 11 to May 19.

• The Welsh Ambulance Service warned that hospital handover delays could hinder their response to terror attacks, posing a risk of "catastrophic harm." Following a mass-casualty simulation revealing inadequate responses, officials urged health boards to prioritize reducing these delays.

Military & Defense

• President Joe Biden, speaking at West Point on May 25, highlighted the expanding range of military missions due to the accelerating pace of global change. He emphasized U.S. support for Ukraine, bolstering alliances in the Indo-Pacific, and the strength of NATO, while also addressing efforts to reduce sexual violence in the military.

• U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will visit Cambodia, a close ally of China, following regional security talks in Singapore, according to the Pentagon. This visit aims to address concerns over China's influence and improve U.S.-Cambodia relations amidst ongoing human rights issues and geopolitical tensions.

• China's latest military drills around Taiwan involved 111 aircraft and 46 naval vessels, testing Taiwan's defense readiness and simulating potential invasion scenarios, analysts say. The exercises, seen as a response to Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, increased tensions and showcased Beijing's strategy to apply continuous military pressure on Taiwan.

Cybersecurity

• A new cybersecurity school in San Antonio is offering students $4,000 per month during their training, aiming to attract talent and address workforce shortages. The program promises paid training, job placement, and ongoing education to bolster the cybersecurity field.

• Microsoft has warned that the Patch Tuesday security update conducted most recently to this report for Windows Server 2019 failed to install properly, leaving systems vulnerable. An emergency out-of-band update has been issued to fix the installation issue, requiring administrators to restart their systems for the initial security update to apply correctly.

• Blackbird.AI will support France in combating cybersecurity threats at the 2024 Olympics with its AI platform, Constellation. This platform is designed to identify and counteract disinformation narratives, ensuring the protection of athletes and officials from online abuse.

Counterintelligence & Espionage

• The recent arrests of suspected spies have alarmed Britain's thriving Hong Kong community, which includes many pro-democracy activists. Among them reportedly is Simon Cheng, who was detained and tortured in China in 2019 before seeking asylum in the U.K., reflecting ongoing concerns over China's reach and influence.

• A former CIA officer has pleaded guilty to charges of spying for China, admitting to passing classified information in exchange for money. The case highlights ongoing concerns about China's espionage efforts targeting U.S. intelligence operations.

• North Korea has detained Kim Kang Il, accusing him of spying for the U.S. and South Korea. The arrest underscores rising tensions and North Korea's stringent measures against perceived espionage activities amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts.

Transnational Organized Crime

• An American missionary couple working in Haiti was killed by gang members amid escalating violence in the country. The couple, who dedicated their lives to helping others, were among many affected by the surge in gang-related violence that has led to widespread fear and instability in Haiti.

• Néstor Isidro Pérez Salas, also known as "El Nini," a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel, has been extradited to the United States. He is accused of orchestrating security operations for the cartel faction led by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán and faces charges related to drug trafficking and violence.

• A former beauty queen from Indiana has been federally indicted for her alleged involvement with a Mexico-based drug cartel. Glenis Rameriz, Miss Indiana Latina 2011, is accused of participating in a drug trafficking network that moved significant quantities of narcotics into the United States.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Researchers have successfully demonstrated the entanglement of quantum memories in two real-world urban settings, bringing the prospect of a quantum internet closer to reality.

A Quantum Bridge

These experiments in Boston and Hefei showcased different methods of maintaining quantum connections over significant distances, highlighting the potential for secure, long-range quantum communication networks.

In other news…

🧑‍🚀 Scientists are exploring the feasibility of running on the moon to counteract the detrimental effects of low gravity on the human body. Using a technique involving centrifugal force in a cylinder, researchers aim to simulate Earth-like gravity to maintain astronauts' muscle and bone health.

🤖 Scientists are using reinforcement learning AI to train humanoid robots for real-world tasks, such as playing soccer and navigating complex terrains. This method enhances the robots' agility and adaptability, potentially transforming their utility in various environments like factories, space stations, and nursing homes.

🦣 During renovations in an Austrian wine cellar, workers discovered ancient mammoth bones, revealing a significant paleontological find. The unexpected discovery adds to the region's prehistoric significance, offering new insights into the area's ancient past.

DEALS & FUNDING

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence venture, xAI, has successfully raised $6 billion in its Series B funding round. The influx of capital is expected to accelerate the company's development of advanced AI technologies and expand its global footprint.

Strategic Expansion Plans

The new funding round, which attracted significant interest from investors, will enable xAI to enhance its research capabilities and infrastructure. This financial boost positions xAI to compete more effectively in the rapidly evolving AI industry, where innovation and technological advancements are crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.

In other news…

💰️ Despite a recent surge in Palo Alto Networks' stock, the cybersecurity giant remains a strong buy due to its robust growth and market position. Investors are encouraged by the company's performance and strategic initiatives, making it a promising investment opportunity.

💸 France is urging the European Union to unify its capital markets to provide better funding opportunities for startups, reducing dependence on U.S. venture capital. French officials emphasize that integrating EU financial regulations and oversight could significantly enhance local investment in innovative enterprises.

🖥️ China has established a $47 billion semiconductor fund, its largest ever, to enhance self-reliance in chip manufacturing. This strategic move aims to reduce dependence on foreign technology and bolster the domestic semiconductor industry amidst global trade tensions.