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Net Neutrality Restored, Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns, Tech Exec Jeff Lawson Buys The Onion

Net Neutrality Restored, Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry Resigns, Tech Exec Jeff Lawson Buys The Onion

Just reporting the facts.

Centrist Chronicle
April 29, 2024

Net neutrality restored as FCC votes to regulate Internet providers

Yesterday, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decided to restore net neutrality regulations that were originally established during the Obama administration.

These rules classify internet service as a public utility, similar to telecommunications or water services, and mandate that broadband providers treat all data on their networks equally. This prohibits them from discriminating against or charging different rates for access to specific websites. The FCC initially introduced these rules in 2015 to prevent broadband providers from potentially throttling access or charging extra for "fast lane" services to popular sites like Netflix and YouTube.

However, these regulations were repealed in 2017 under the Trump administration, which deemed them unnecessary. Since the repeal, there have been reports of broadband companies throttling video streaming services and even restricting access during emergencies, such as when the Santa Clara County Fire Department faced issues during a wildfire. Verizon referred to the latter incident as a customer service error.

In other news, the FCC also approved T-Mobile's acquisition of Mint Mobile's parent company in a deal valued at $1.35 billion.

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Ariel Henry resigns as prime minister of Haiti, paving the way for a new government

Ariel Henry, the Prime Minister of Haiti, has stepped down, paving the way for a newly formed transitional council to take charge during a tumultuous period marked by rampant gang violence, which has resulted in over 1,500 deaths this year alone in the nation. Michel Patrick Boisvert, who served as the Minister of Economy and Finance, will temporarily fill the role of Prime Minister.

The transitional council, composed of nine members from various political, civil, and religious groups, was established with the collaboration of Haitian leaders, a 15-member Caribbean intergovernmental organization, and the United States. This council is responsible for creating a new cabinet, forming a provisional electoral commission in preparation for the 2026 elections, and setting up a national security council.

The move comes in response to heightened gang violence that escalated further following a massive jailbreak in February, an event that preceded Henry's agreement to resign last month. Haiti has been without an election since 2016, and it is estimated that armed gangs now control approximately 80% of the capital city.

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The Onion Sold to Tech Exec Jeff Lawson

The Onion, a well-known satirical news platform, has been acquired by a new owner. G/O Media's CEO, Jim Spanfeller, announced on Thursday that the site was sold to Global Tetrahedron, a company based in Chicago. This company is led by four seasoned professionals in digital media who share a deep appreciation for The Onion and its comedic approach to content. The company is managed by Ben Collins, a former NBC reporter, and owned by tech executive Jeff Lawson, who discussed the acquisition with The New York Times.