DOGE Whistleblower Runs for Maryland State Senate
Chuck Borges, once the SSA data chief and now known as the DOGE whistleblower, is stepping into the political arena. He’s running to represent southern Maryland in the state senate. WIRED caught up with him to discuss this surprising career move and what motivates his campaign. It’s not every day a whistleblower takes their fight from data leaks to the ballot box.
Main Benefits of This Political Shift
Here’s why Borges’ run matters:
- Brings insider knowledge from government data systems to policymaking
- Raises awareness about transparency and accountability in public offices
- Represents a fresh voice for southern Maryland constituents
- Highlights the intersection of technology, data, and governance
- Potential to influence state-level decisions on data privacy and security
Palantir’s CEO and the Complexities of Human Rights
Alex Karp, Palantir’s CEO, is known for his close ties with ICE and his outspoken defense of human rights. But there’s a twist—how far will he go when it comes to controversial alliances, like those involving Israel and former President Trump? It’s a tangled web of business, politics, and ethics that keeps everyone guessing.
The Changing Aesthetics of the Brazilian Butt Lift
Plastic surgeons once swore by the Fibonacci sequence to define the perfect buttocks. But times have changed. Now, the trend leans toward a more Kardashian-inspired shape, reflecting evolving beauty standards. It’s fascinating how math and pop culture collide in the world of cosmetic surgery.
Data Centers and the US Economy
Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta, and Amazon are pouring tens of billions into building data centers across the US. This AI infrastructure boom is reshaping the economy in real time. The surge in data centers isn’t just about tech growth—it’s becoming a key driver of economic expansion nationwide.
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – AI data centers fuel job creation and innovation.
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Investments in cutting-edge infrastructure.
- Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities – Potential to bridge tech gaps across regions.
- Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Raises questions about energy use and sustainability.
Big Tech’s ‘Age of Extraction’ and Its Consequences
Antitrust scholar Tim Wu’s new book paints a stark picture of big tech giants bleeding users dry. It’s an ‘age of extraction’ where companies harvest data and profits at the expense of everyday people. Wu doesn’t just diagnose the problem—he lays out a plan to stop it. Meanwhile, Apple’s recent removal of China’s top gay dating apps, Blued and Finka, after a government order, marks another blow to marginalized communities. And in New York, Google’s Chelsea campus faced a bedbug infestation, forcing employees to stay home. On the political front, President Trump’s executive order aims to hand TikTok’s US operations over to American investors like Oracle, after multiple deadline extensions and negotiations. Meanwhile, the FTC has been flooded with complaints—over 200 mentioning ChatGPT—about AI-induced psychosis, with users reporting delusions and paranoia. It’s a wild mix of tech, politics, and human impact all unfolding at once.
