AllYouCanTech

Federal Judge Throws Out Missouri Attorney General’s Lawsuit Against Media Matters

### Federal Judge Stops Missouri AG’s Probe into Media Matters

A federal judge has instructed Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey to halt his investigation into Media Matters for America, a nonprofit journalism entity that recently came under fire from Elon Musk after releasing a piece critical of his social media site, X (previously Twitter). The investigation aimed to disclose the identities of Media Matters’ contributors and examine internal communications, which the court has labeled as a retaliatory measure that could inhibit free speech.

#### Background: The Clash Between Media Matters and X

The contention arose when Media Matters disclosed that X had placed ads from prominent brands alongside pro-Nazi content. This revelation ignited outrage and resulted in considerable backlash against the platform, which has faced scrutiny regarding its content moderation practices since Musk’s acquisition. In reaction, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) in March 2024, requesting extensive details from Media Matters, including the names and addresses of all its donors based in Missouri and internal documents tied to its research on X.

Bailey also initiated a lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court to enforce the CID, alleging that Media Matters had partaken in deceptive activities to solicit donations and coercively influence advertisers to withdraw their ads from X. Media Matters retaliated by suing Bailey in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, contending that the investigation was a politically driven endeavor to silence the organization.

#### The Court’s Decision: A Setback for Bailey’s Probe

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued a preliminary injunction last week, effectively stopping Bailey’s investigation and the associated lawsuit. This decision follows a comparable injunction Mehta had earlier issued against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who also initiated an investigation into Media Matters over its coverage of X.

In his memorandum opinion, Judge Mehta underscored that Media Matters had shown a compelling likelihood of success in asserting that Bailey’s actions were retaliatory and intended to suppress free speech. He pointed out that Bailey’s investigation surpassed Paxton’s efforts by not only issuing a CID but also filing a lawsuit for civil penalties against Media Matters. Such actions, Mehta asserted, would likely deter any media outlet or journalist from addressing matters related to X in the future.

#### The Legal and Political Consequences

Judge Mehta’s ruling also underscored the political intentions behind Bailey’s inquiry. During an online conversation with Donald Trump Jr., Bailey overtly associated the investigation with the looming 2024 election, labeling it a “new front in the battle for free speech.” Mehta highlighted that Bailey’s lawsuit lacked concrete evidence to substantiate its fraud claims, noting that the Missouri Assistant Attorney General had not identified any specific fraudulent statements made by Media Matters for the purpose of soliciting donations.

Additionally, Mehta rejected the idea that Media Matters’ reporting could be construed as fraudulent fundraising, as the article in question did not contain any fundraising solicitations or donation links. “Defamation is not fraud,” Mehta stated, implying that the probe was merely a guise for retaliating against Media Matters for its critical coverage of X.

#### What Lies Ahead?

Bailey has the opportunity to appeal Judge Mehta’s ruling. If the preliminary injunction remains effective, it will continue to shield Media Matters from the Missouri Attorney General’s probe until a final decision is made in the case.

This ruling is pivotal not only for Media Matters but also for the broader context of press freedom and the safeguarding of nonprofit journalism entities. It emphasizes the judiciary’s role in upholding free speech, particularly when governmental actions seem motivated by political agendas rather than valid legal concerns.

As the 2024 election cycle intensifies, this case serves as a reminder of the existing frictions between the media, political figures, and the platforms that facilitate public dialogue. The outcome of this legal struggle could have significant repercussions for how investigative journalism is practiced and protected in the United States.

Valve Has Officially Announced Long-Expected Project

### Valve’s Upcoming Game “Deadlock”: An Innovative Blend of Multiplayer Genres

Valve, the famed game creator known for landmark titles such as *Half-Life*, *Portal*, and *Dota 2*, has been secretly developing a new project that has recently garnered attention. The game, named *Deadlock*, marks Valve’s inaugural attempt to create a new gaming franchise since the poorly received *Artifact* launched in 2018. Despite the company’s typical discretion, leaks and playtest sessions have gradually unveiled more regarding this fascinating new title, which seems to merge various genres into a unique multiplayer experience.

#### The Arrival of *Deadlock*

Initial rumors surrounding *Deadlock* began to emerge in May 2024, when information hinted that Valve was crafting a new game that fuses elements from numerous popular genres. Since that time, the game has entered an invite-only playtest phase, progressively increasing its player count from a few hundred to tens of thousands. Recently, Valve made a noteworthy advancement by activating a minimalistic Steam page for *Deadlock*, enhancing the game’s visibility among the public.

The Steam page, however, provides scant in terms of detailed information. It characterizes *Deadlock* as “a multiplayer game in early development” and includes a 22-second trailer showcasing a piece of concept art. Many specifics, including system requirements and a release timeline, remain labeled as “TBD.” Access to the game is exclusively available through friend invitations from current playtesters, who are cautioned that the game continues to feature “temporary art and experimental gameplay.”

#### An Unprecedented Genre Fusion

Although Valve has remained tight-lipped regarding the intricacies of *Deadlock*, the increasing number of playtesters and the easing of streaming restrictions have granted a clearer understanding of the game’s nature. Based on extensive feedback and live streams, *Deadlock* is a six-on-six hero shooter, reminiscent of *Overwatch*, yet it extends beyond that.

The game also integrates facets from other beloved genres. For instance, groups of NPC drones safeguard battle lanes in a fashion akin to *Dota 2*, introducing a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) aspect to the gameplay. Players can also partake in *Fortnite*-like cover building, employ *Titanfall*-inspired double-jumping and air-dashing, and engage in melee confrontations with parrying mechanics. Moreover, the game boasts a diverse array of unlockable abilities, fostering deep customization options and varied gameplay styles.

#### The Significance of the Steam Page

Considering the substantial information already circulating through leaks and streams, the new Steam page for *Deadlock* functions more as a formal recognition of the game’s existence rather than a source of updated details. Nevertheless, it does offer a centralized platform for Wishlist notifications, user-defined tags, and community conversations. Currently, popular tags include “MOBA” and “cute,” highlighting the game’s eclectic influences and visual charm.

The Steam Community hub and forums have also become buzzing centers of activity, with many users pleading for invites to the playtest. Unfortunately, this surge has resulted in an increase in spam and scams, as eager players attempt to secure access to the game.

#### Implications of *Deadlock* for Valve

Valve’s choice to develop *Deadlock* is notable for several reasons. Firstly, it signifies the company’s revival of new IPs, a move not seen since *Artifact*. The disappointing reception of *Artifact*—which was eventually discarded in 2021—may have led Valve to exercise caution in launching new franchises. However, the company’s readiness to experiment with a genre-blending title like *Deadlock* indicates its ongoing commitment to innovation within the gaming landscape.

Secondly, *Deadlock* could act as a barometer for Valve’s capacity to thrive in the rapidly growing multiplayer gaming market. With its combination of hero-shooter dynamics, MOBA components, and other favored gameplay attributes, *Deadlock* has the potential to engage a wide audience. Nonetheless, it also confronts formidable competition from established titles like *Overwatch 2*, *Fortnite*, and *Apex Legends*.

Finally, the game’s development—characterized by extensive playtesting and community input—illustrates Valve’s iterative design philosophy. By progressively broadening the playtest and enabling players to share their experiences, Valve is amassing crucial data that may inform the final version of the game.

#### Future Prospects

At this moment, it remains uncertain when *Deadlock* will officially launch or what the finalized product will entail. However, the game’s distinctive fusion of genres and Valve’s history of producing critically acclaimed titles make it a project to keep an eye on. Whether *Deadlock* will emerge as a significant player in the multiplayer gaming scene or fade into obscurity like *Artifact* is yet to be determined, but one thing is clear: Valve is back in the development game, and the gaming community is

US Grid Increases Battery Storage Capacity at 10 Times the Speed of Natural Gas Additions in Early 2024

## The Expedited Development of Renewable Energy in the U.S.: A 2024 Overview

The energy sector in the United States is experiencing a remarkable change, as renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and battery storage are swiftly eclipsing conventional fossil fuels in terms of new capacity additions. Recent statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reveal that the initial half of 2024 has witnessed an impressive increase in renewable energy installations, hinting at a possible paradigm shift in the nation’s energy composition.

### Solar Energy and Battery Storage Propel the Advancement

During the first six months of 2024, the U.S. saw an approximate addition of 20 gigawatts (GW) in new electricity generation capacity. Solar energy represented an extraordinary 60% of this new capacity, with 12 GW being installed nationwide. This growth was notably centered in Texas and Florida, which collectively contributed over a third of the new solar capacity. Two significant solar projects, each surpassing 600 megawatts (MW), were finalized in Texas and Nevada, further underscoring the magnitude of solar growth.

Battery storage experienced notable advancements as well, with 4.2 GW of new capacity introduced within this timeframe. Batteries are increasingly being utilized in conjunction with solar deployments, especially in states such as Texas, California, Arizona, and Nevada, which together accounted for 93% of the new battery capacity. These batteries allow for the storage of solar energy harvested during daylight hours, making it available to the grid during peak demand times, such as after sundown. This not only optimizes the utility of solar energy but also enhances the financial feasibility of future solar initiatives.

### Wind Power and Nuclear Energy: Consistent but Slower Expansion

In contrast to the swift growth of solar and battery storage, wind power is expanding at a more gradual rate. The first half of 2024 recorded the addition of 2.5 GW of new wind capacity. Although this is a smaller number compared to solar, wind energy remains an essential element of the U.S. renewable energy array, particularly in areas with abundant wind resources.

In a significant development, the Vogtle nuclear power facility in Georgia added its fourth reactor, contributing an additional 1.1 GW of new nuclear capacity to the grid. This represents one of the last significant nuclear additions anticipated this decade, as focus increasingly shifts toward renewable energy sources.

### Decrease in Fossil Fuel Additions and Retirements

The initial half of 2024 also experienced a marked decrease in new fossil fuel capacity. Only 400 MW of natural gas-powered facilities were introduced, accounting for just 2% of the total new capacity. This drop in fossil fuel additions is reflected in the retirement of older, less efficient power plants. During this period, 5.1 GW of capacity was retired, with the majority stemming from coal (2.1 GW) and natural gas (2.7 GW) facilities. This trend is expected to persist as the U.S. makes strides toward a cleaner energy grid.

### Forecasts for the Remainder of 2024

Looking forward, the EIA anticipates that the U.S. will incorporate over 60 GW of new capacity by the conclusion of 2024, with solar power expected to maintain its leading position at 37 GW. Battery storage is projected to add another 15 GW, while wind power will contribute 7.1 GW. Natural gas additions are expected to stay minimal at 2.6 GW. Overall, an impressive 96% of the new capacity anticipated for 2024 is expected to derive from sources that do not produce carbon dioxide, highlighting the rapid decarbonization of the U.S. energy sector.

### The Wider Influence on the U.S. Energy Grid

While the increase in renewable energy capacity is commendable, it is crucial to evaluate the actual electricity production from these sources. Solar energy typically operates at around 25% of its rated capacity in the U.S., whereas wind operates at approximately 35%. These capacity factors illustrate the intermittent characteristics of renewable energy sources, which hinge on weather variability. However, advancements in battery storage and grid management are aiding in addressing these challenges, enabling renewables to play a more prominent role in fulfilling the nation’s energy demands.

The phasing out of fossil fuel plants and the rise of renewables are progressively altering the U.S. energy grid. In the first half of 2024, the United States witnessed a 5% rise in electricity consumption, partly driven by enhanced demand for air conditioning during heatwaves and the increasing electrification of vehicles and appliances. Despite this uptick in demand, the proportion of electricity generated from renewable sources continues to climb. By June 2024, wind and solar generation had risen by over 12% compared to the same timeframe in 2023.

### Conclusion: A Renewable Tomorrow on the Horizon

The data from the first half of 2024 clearly illustrates that the U.S. is swiftly transitioning towards a cleaner, more sustainable energy future. Solar energy and battery storage are at the forefront of this evolution.

“NatGeo’s ‘Cursed Gold’ Tells the Story of a Infamous Treasure Hunter from the 1980s and His Downfall”

### The Ascent and Descent of Tommy Thompson: A Chronicle of Enchanted Gold and Legal Struggles

The fascination with concealed riches has enchanted humanity for generations, sparking numerous stories of escapades and wealth. Nevertheless, the narrative of Tommy Thompson, an American fortune seeker, acts as a warning that the quest for treasure can sometimes lead to a devastating outcome. Thompson’s revelation of the SS *Central America* shipwreck, often dubbed the “Ship of Gold,” marked a staggering accomplishment that soon devolved into a legal and personal catastrophe. This drama is now captured in an enthralling three-part documentary entitled *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*, available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

#### The Revelation of the SS *Central America*

In 1988, Tommy Thompson and his crew grabbed headlines when they uncovered the wreck of the SS *Central America* off North Carolina’s shoreline. The vessel had sunk in 1857, containing an astonishing 30,000 pounds of gold bars and coins. The disappearance of this gold was so impactful that it played a role in the Panic of 1857, a financial upheaval that rattled the United States.

The find was celebrated as one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries ever. Thompson and his team retrieved a considerable quantity of gold and artifacts, with estimates placing the treasure’s worth at nearly $400 million. However, the excitement around the discovery was fleeting.

#### Legal Disputes and Financial Struggles

Nearly right after the find, Thompson became embroiled in legal disputes. Thirty-nine insurance companies initiated lawsuits, asserting that the gold belonged to them since they had compensated losses for the sunken treasure over a century prior. After extensive legal battles, Thompson emerged victorious in 1996, with the courts granting him and his team 92% of the recovered gold.

Even with this legal success, Thompson’s issues were far from resolved. The endeavor had accrued significant debts over time, and the gold was eventually sold for only $52 million—much lower than initial predictions. Most of this revenue went toward settling the project’s debts, leaving scant compensation for Thompson and his investors. Understandably, the investors were disgruntled and initiated lawsuits accusing Thompson of deceit.

#### The Years as a Fugitive

In 2012, as the legal pressure intensified, Thompson made a critical decision: he vanished. Together with his aide, he lived off $4 million hidden in an offshore account. For three years, Thompson successfully avoided arrest, but in 2015, U.S. Marshals ultimately caught him.

Thompson returned to face his investors in court, where a jury awarded them significant compensatory damages. The court also mandated that Thompson surrender 500 commemorative gold coins minted from the *Central America* gold. Nonetheless, Thompson insisted he had forgotten the location of the coins, resulting in his imprisonment for contempt of court—a sentence that persists as the coins remain unaccounted for.

#### *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*

The remarkable tale of Tommy Thompson’s ascent and decline has been enshrined in *Cursed Gold: A Shipwreck Scandal*, a documentary directed by Sam Benstead. The series is based on Gary Kinder’s 1998 book *Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea*, which documented the initial revelation of the SS *Central America*.

Benstead and his team invested years sifting through over 600 hours of archival footage and 700 pages of court documents to construct the intricate tale. The documentary seeks to offer a fair perspective on the events, enabling viewers to form their own opinions about Thompson’s conduct and the ensuing legal disputes.

“One of the primary challenges was to condense an incredibly intricate 30-year saga into three films,” Benstead remarked. “There were numerous legal cases and subplots we had to omit or could only briefly address. And certain aspects of the narrative were fiercely contested by different parties. At times, we had to make choices that didn’t completely satisfy either side, but we endeavored to be fair to the multitude of perspectives while narrating a compelling story.”

#### A Legacy Stained

Despite the legal and personal chaos that ensued following the discovery, Benstead expresses admiration for Thompson’s initial feat. “For those aboard the boat, almost universally, this period was one of the greatest moments of their lives,” he noted. “It was a privilege to relive their challenges and ultimate victory in uncovering the gold. I still find it astonishing that they located the SS *Central America* in nearly two miles of water with the resources available in the 1980s.”

However, the director also recognizes the heavy burden that the ensuing legal conflicts have inflicted on Thompson and his family. “Whenever individuals share the most profound and impactful aspects of their lives with you, you carry a significant responsibility. I

Potentially Landmark Human Spaceflight Scheduled for Liftoff Tonight, Signifying One of the Most Daring Missions Since Apollo

### SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission: A New Era in Private Space Ventures

SpaceX is all set to initiate its 14th crewed launch with the Dragon spacecraft, and this mission is expected to be one of the most innovative to date. Scheduled for takeoff at 3:38 am ET (07:38 UTC) on Tuesday from Launch Complex 39A at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Polaris Dawn mission stands apart from typical spaceflights. Spearheaded and financed by entrepreneur and billionaire Jared Isaacman, this mission aims to redefine the horizons of private space exploration in unprecedented ways.

#### The Concept Behind Polaris Dawn

Jared Isaacman, the CEO of Shift4 Payments, is well-acquainted with space ventures. He previously directed the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021, which marked the world’s first all-civilian space mission. That undertaking was a significant achievement, generating hundreds of millions of dollars for charitable causes and broadening the demographics of aspiring astronauts. However, while Inspiration4 was an outstanding milestone, Polaris Dawn is primed to elevate private space exploration to unprecedented altitudes—quite literally.

Isaacman’s goal for Polaris Dawn extends beyond mere space tourism; it focuses on enhancing the technology and operations essential for humanity to explore the cosmos. “The objective is to develop and assess new technologies and procedures in service of SpaceX’s audacious vision to enable humanity to traverse the stars,” Isaacman remarked during a pre-launch press briefing.

#### A Mission of New Beginnings

Polaris Dawn is filled with ambitious targets that seek to challenge the limits of what private space missions can accomplish. One of the most notable milestones will be the mission’s altitude. The crew intends to reach a highly elliptical orbit, soaring to an altitude of up to 1,400 km (870 miles) above the Earth. This will establish it as the highest human-flying Earth-orbit mission, outpacing even the trajectories of the Hubble Space Telescope and the International Space Station. The team will gather biological data to analyze the effects of elevated radiation exposure at this height, providing invaluable insights for the field of space medicine.

Another pioneering facet of the mission is the planned spacewalk, which will be the first ever executed by private astronauts. On the third day of the mission, the crew will transition to a more circular orbit at roughly 700 km above the Earth. At this juncture, Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis will don newly designed SpaceX spacesuits and exit the Dragon spacecraft. This spacewalk will serve as a crucial evaluation for SpaceX’s spacesuit technology, which is anticipated to evolve into more advanced iterations for forthcoming missions, including those targeting the Moon and Mars.

#### The Crew: A Fusion of Skill and Innovation

The Polaris Dawn crew is an expertly curated team of specialists, each contributing distinct expertise to the mission. Jared Isaacman will take on the role of mission commander, utilizing his background as both a pilot and a spaceflight veteran. Accompanying him is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet, serving as the mission’s pilot. Poteet is a close acquaintance of Isaacman and adds extensive military aviation knowledge to the team.

Mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon are both SpaceX engineers who have closely collaborated with Isaacman during the Inspiration4 mission. Their participation in the crew marks the first instance of SpaceX employees going into orbit, offering them practical experience to share with their fellow colleagues at SpaceX. This will undoubtedly bolster the company’s ongoing endeavors to enhance and refine its spaceflight technologies.

#### Research and Technological Innovations

Beyond the spacewalk and the high-altitude orbit, the Polaris Dawn mission will engage in multiple other significant research experiments. A key area of investigation will be spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS), a condition that has recently surfaced as a pressing concern for extended space missions. Comprehending and addressing the risks associated with SANS will be vital for future missions to Mars and beyond.

The mission will also be the pioneer in testing Starlink-based laser communications in space. This innovation could transform the way data flows between spacecraft and Earth, facilitating quicker and more dependable communication for upcoming missions.

#### The Horizon of the Polaris Program

Polaris Dawn serves as the initial of three planned missions under the Polaris Program, all of which are being financed and directed by Jared Isaacman. The subsequent mission, also intended to fly on a Dragon spacecraft, will likely build on the insights gained from Polaris Dawn, possibly incorporating a second-generation spacesuit. The third mission, which is not anticipated to take place before 2030, will be an orbital launch aboard SpaceX’s Starship vehicle. This achievement would position Isaacman and his crew as the first humans to venture aboard the Starship, marking yet another significant milestone in the quest for interplanetary exploration.

### Conclusion

The Polaris Dawn mission marks a groundbreaking stride