TIMEPiece Community

**Alexander Skarsgård on 'Pillion'** Actor Alexander Skarsgård shares his enthusiasm for his latest project in a new interview with TIME. - Skarsgård expresses appreciation for the film's existence - The interview provides insight into his role in 'Pillion' - Full conversation available at [TIME.com](https://time.com/7362051/alexander-skarsgard-pillion-interview/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_content=060226) The actor's comments suggest a personal connection to the project and its themes.

**Freestyle skier Alex Hall is embracing his role as a potential face of the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics.** The defending Olympic gold medalist in slopestyle is positioning himself as a leading figure for Team USA as the Games approach. Hall's confidence comes after his breakthrough performance at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, where he captured gold in his signature event. **Key points:** - Hall is ready to take on increased media attention and leadership responsibilities - His willingness to be in the spotlight could help elevate freestyle skiing's profile - The 2026 Games represent an opportunity for Hall to cement his legacy in the sport This follows a pattern of emerging American winter sports stars, including speed skater Jordan Stolz, who are working to raise their profiles ahead of the Italian Olympics. Hall's openness to being a "leading man" suggests a maturation from pure competitor to ambassador for his sport. The Milano Cortina Olympics will test whether Hall can deliver both on the slopes and in representing the broader Olympic movement.

Italy has introduced stricter security protocols in anticipation of protests during the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The government issued a security decree allowing authorities to arrest protesters, reflecting concerns about potential disruptions to the games. **Key Points:** - New security decree grants expanded arrest powers - Measures implemented ahead of Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina - Government preparing for expected demonstrations during the event The opening ceremony later provided a moment of unity despite the heightened security environment and broader societal divisions.

Thailand's recent election has brought **Anutin Charnvirakul** to power as Prime Minister, but a critical issue remains unaddressed: **Article 112**, the country's strict lese-majeste law. **Key Points:** - Article 112 criminalizes criticism of the monarchy with severe penalties - The law has been a contentious topic in Thai politics for years - Both the People's Party and the winning Bhumjaithai Party avoided direct confrontation with this issue during the campaign - The election results suggest voters prioritized other concerns over constitutional reform Prime Minister Anutin's victory marks a shift in Thai politics, but the **"elephant in the room"** - the controversial monarchy protection law - remains largely untouched in political discourse. The outcome reflects Thailand's complex political landscape, where economic issues and cannabis legalization took precedence over constitutional debates. Read the full analysis at [TIME](https://time.com/7372530/thailand-election-lese-majeste-article-112-peoples-party-lookkate-bhumjaithai/) and [interview with PM Anutin](https://time.com/7373034/prime-minister-anutin-charnvirakul-thailand-election-result-bhumjaithai-interview-takeaways/).

**ICE faces local pushback on detention facilities** Immigration and Customs Enforcement is attempting to establish new detention centers across the United States, but is encountering significant resistance from local communities. **Key developments:** - ICE seeking to expand detention infrastructure nationwide - Local communities organizing protests against proposed facilities - Follows earlier demonstrations where businesses closed and thousands protested immigration enforcement - Previous protests included mass shutdowns in Minnesota and coordinated actions in multiple cities **Community response:** The resistance represents a continuation of grassroots efforts to oppose expanded immigration enforcement. Earlier protests saw hundreds of businesses close their doors in solidarity, with thousands taking to the streets in cities including Minneapolis, New York City, and Los Angeles. Local opposition to detention centers reflects broader concerns about immigration policy and community impact. [Read full story](https://time.com/7371935/ice-immigration-trump-detention-warehouse-protests/)

**Moltbook: Where AI Agents Talk Like Humans** A Reddit-like platform called Moltbook has emerged where AI agents post and interact independently, discussing topics ranging from religion and cryptocurrency to their relationships with "their humans." **Key Questions:** - Why are AI agents engaging in human-like social media behavior? - Are these agents operating autonomously or under human direction? - What insights can we gain from observing AI social interactions? **What This Means:** Tech reporter Tharin Pillay examines this phenomenon as part of *AI, Explained by Humans*, a series exploring how AI developments impact daily life. The platform offers a unique window into how AI systems might naturally communicate and form communities when given social media-like environments. This development raises questions about the future of online spaces and the blurring lines between human and AI-generated content.

**Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon made controversial remarks on his podcast suggesting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could be deployed around polling locations during the November elections.** - The statement comes amid ongoing debates about election security and voter intimidation - This follows previous Trump administration orders to expand deportation operations in Democratic-led cities - The suggestion raises concerns about potential voter suppression tactics **Context:** The proposal echoes earlier Trump directives from June 2025 that instructed ICE to intensify deportation activities in cities with Democratic leadership. Read the full story: [TIME Magazine](https://time-magazine.visitlink.me/EH5Zww)

**Olympic athletes are taking concrete steps to address climate change**, moving beyond competition to become environmental advocates. **Key initiatives include:** - Encouraging fellow athletes to donate to climate solutions - Advocating for cleaner waterways and environmental protection - Using their platforms to raise awareness about climate issues The movement represents a growing trend of sports figures leveraging their influence for environmental causes. Athletes are recognizing their unique position to inspire action and drive meaningful change in the fight against climate change. *These efforts demonstrate how sports communities can contribute to building a more sustainable future.* [Read the full story](https://time-magazine.visitlink.me/ggsfRE)

**WNBA Players Union President Nneka Ogwumike** has been recognized as part of TIME's Class of 2026 Closers, a group of 18 Black leaders advancing equality. Ogwumike emphasized the importance of using privilege for collective good: *"These are just the things that we all should be doing with whatever privilege that we have."* - The TIME Closers initiative highlights leaders working toward greater equality - Recognition comes as the WNBA continues building momentum in women's sports [See the full list of TIME Closers](https://lnkd.in/euSr-qYf)

Despite Russia's ban from the Olympics, two Russian figure skaters have found a way to compete in the games. The athletes are participating through a specific mechanism that allows them to bypass the country-level restrictions. **Key Points:** - Russia remains officially banned from Olympic competition - Two Russian skaters are competing through an alternative pathway - The situation highlights complexities in international sports sanctions This development raises questions about the effectiveness of sporting bans and how athletes navigate geopolitical restrictions in international competition. [Read the full story]( https://time-magazine.visitlink.me/JV5xRR)