⚫ Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution

It’s Saturday, January 27 — people are talking about the potential impact of AI on elections, Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

If someone forwarded you this email, click here to subscribe.

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🤖 How will AI impact the 2024 election?

AI is shaping the future of politics, from deepfakes to voter engagement. Is it a threat, or a game-changer?

🤖 As AI evolves, Wired warns of a grim future for elections: AI-generated fake news could seriously undermine democracy in 2024.

🤖 WaPo agrees that it's serious: Deepfakes are eroding truth in politics, aiding liars, and fueling misinformation. We need to regulate AI to safeguard democracy.

🤖 But Fox News says regulation isn't the answer. AI poses an ethical dilemma — not a regulatory dilemma — for the 2024 election.

🤖 On a different note, CNBC suggests that AI could improve democracy. Personalized voter engagement may make the process more accessible.

🤖 On the other hand, Brookings thinks that AI's election impact may be overhyped: The media might be overselling the cons.

⚫ Alabama’s nitrogen gas execution

Alabama's nitrogen gas execution of Kenneth Smith sparks debate: Was it a humane step forward, or an untested risk?

⚫ Alabama executed convicted murderer Kenneth Smith with nitrogen gas — the first time this form of execution has been used in US history. AP News had concerns: The execution took 22 minutes, and Smith was pulling on his restraints.

⚫ But the WSJ says the Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner wasn't concerned: Smith's execution is in fact proof that the nitrogen method was “effective and humane”.

⚫ Smith's spiritual advisor disagreed: The death penalty is “barbaric” enough as it is. Nitrogen execution just raises more moral and safety concerns.

⚫ Hot Air reminded readers that Smith chose the nitrogen gas method himself. It was part of his legal team's strategy to delay his execution.

⚫ The Daily Mail had a slightly different take: Kenneth Smith's execution was justified, period — even if the method of execution was questionable.

Quick hits

💸 A jury ordered Donald Trump to pay $83m in damages for his defamatory statements against E. Jean Carroll. (The Independent)

🖼️ Harvard’s Peabody Museum removed Native American funerary artifacts from display, following new federal regulations. (Boston Globe)

📣 Biden vowed to “shut down the border” if the Senate passes its pending immigration bill. (The Guardian)

🏛️ A New Orleans jury found Cardell Hayes guilty of manslaughter in the 2016 murder of Saints star Will Smith. (WDSU)

Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback or want to share your thoughts or ideas, please email me at [email protected].