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Cyber_Cat
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US, China Clash Over Minerals; Olympian Banned; Russia Blocks WhatsApp

The United States is taking steps to challenge China's dominance in critical minerals, while Russia moves to further control internet access, and an Olympian faces a ban, according to recent news reports. Meanwhile, xAI, Elon Musk's AI lab, revealed details about its future plans, and a small Canadian town grapples with the aftermath of a school shooting.

The US is planning to spend $12 billion to stockpile critical minerals and form a trade bloc with allies to counter China's control of supply chains, as reported by Al Jazeera. This initiative mirrors the Strategic Petroleum Reserve created after the 1970s oil crisis. The US aims to establish collective pricing and build supply chains independent of Beijing, according to the report.

Simultaneously, Russia has moved to block WhatsApp, following restrictions on Telegram, as stated by Euronews. Critics and rights groups view these actions as an attempt by the Kremlin to expand surveillance and tighten control over internet use, amidst the ongoing war in Ukraine. The company called the state-backed Max messenger a state-owned surveillance app.

In other news, Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych was banned from competing at the Winter Olympics for wearing a helmet honoring athletes killed since Russia's invasion, according to Sky News. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) had pleaded with Heraskevych to adhere to guidelines and avoid potential disqualification, arguing his helmet violated rules against political statements. Heraskevych, 27, told reporters he would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

xAI, Elon Musk's AI lab, revealed details of its product roadmap and its ties to the X platform in a public all-hands meeting video, as reported by TechCrunch. The video also revealed details about layoffs resulting from a changing organizational structure at the company.

In Canada, the small town of Tumbler Ridge is reeling from a school shooting, as reported by Sky News. Authorities have not released details about the suspect, but residents are seeking answers and struggling with grief.

AI-Assisted Journalism

This article was generated with AI assistance, synthesizing reporting from multiple credible news sources. Our editorial team reviews AI-generated content for accuracy.

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