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2024-10-16 10:53:02

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#note1w0c…u2hq

2024-09-16 12:08:37

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#note13pq…40yy

2024-09-16 12:08:26

Paris overturned the Olympics’ Nazi traditions. L.A. 2028 can follow its example.
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The 1936 Olympics in Berlin were used by the Nazis as a propaganda tool; Paris 2024 challenged this legacy with anti-fascist performances; Los Angeles 2028 must decide whether to continue Paris's innovations; the torch relay and stadium focus were originally Nazi inventions; Paris's Opening Ceremony featured a decentralized performance across the city, contrasting with the centralized Nazi approach; the cauldron was lit in a peaceful setting, symbolizing serenity rather than struggle; Paris emphasized bodily enjoyment and diversity, countering Nazi ideals of bodily perfection; L.A. 2028 has the opportunity to create new traditions or revert to old symbols; the handover of the Olympic flag from Paris to L.A. included both traditional and innovative elements.
#Olympics #Paris2024 #LosAngeles2028 #NaziTraditions #Antifascism #Propaganda #TorchRelay #Ceremonies #History #Culture
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/09/16/olympics-paris-2028-nazi-traditions/

2024-08-17 00:25:33

Kamala Harris unveils populist policy agenda, with $6,000 credit for newborns
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Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled an economic agenda that includes policies such as the elimination of medical debt, a ban on price gouging for groceries, a cap on prescription drug costs, a $25,000 subsidy for first-time home buyers, and a child tax credit of $6,000 per child for the first year of a baby's life. The proposals go beyond what President Joe Biden had promised. Harris aims to build an opportunity economy and strengthen the middle class. The plan would be paid for through taxes on corporations and high earners. Some economists and Democrats have criticized Harris's plan, while others believe embracing populist economics is key to beating Trump. The estimated cost of the proposals is $1.7 trillion over a decade, which could increase to $2 trillion if housing policies are made permanent. The plan includes measures to expand housing supply, cancel medical debt, and take on the pharmaceutical industry. Harris also criticized Trump's economic proposals and tax cuts for the rich.
#KamalaHarris #EconomicPolicy #PopulistAgenda #ChildTaxCredit #MedicalDebt #Housing #PrescriptionDrugs
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/08/16/kamala-harris-2024-policy-child-tax-credit/

2024-08-08 19:29:01

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#note1prn…4gje

2024-08-08 19:28:50

Trump’s plan to upend federal workforce could rattle DMV economy
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Former president Donald Trump's policy proposals call for deep cuts and drastic changes to the federal government, which could have a significant economic impact in the D.C., Virginia, and Maryland area. Trump's plans include moving federal government positions out of Washington, stripping civil service protections from federal employees, eliminating the U.S. Department of Education, and overhauling other federal departments and agencies. The D.C. area would be heavily affected by shrinking the federal government, as it is the region's most valuable employer. The region's top leaders, including D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser and Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, have criticized Trump's plans as an economic calamity. Even some Republicans, such as former Maryland governor Larry Hogan and former GOP congresswoman Barbara Comstock, have expressed concerns about the impact on the federal workforce and the region's economy. However, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin believes that civil servants thrown out of work by Trump can easily find new jobs in the private sector due to the state's strong economy. Economists warn that the region's unique dependence on government jobs could make a sudden cut in the federal workforce devastating to the economies of Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. The region has the highest share of federal civilian employees in the country, and federal spending accounts for roughly a third of Virginia's economy. Experts caution that the threat highlights the need for the region to diversify its economy away from a dependence on federal spending. Trump's Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, has spoken out on behalf of federal workers and worked to eliminate pay discrimination in the civil service. Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance, has supported the idea of gutting the federal workforce, while Republican candidate Hung Cao has called for the ouster of senior civil servants in the FBI and the Justice Department. Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine opposes plans to slash the federal workforce and transform federal employment from merit-based to politically loyal. Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin believes that any federal workforce cuts would be offset by a healthy jobs market in Virginia.
#DonaldTrump #FederalWorkforce #Economy #Dc #Virginia #Maryland
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/08/08/trump-dc-workers-economy/

2024-08-06 11:30:04

Japanese stocks rebound after global sell-off; U.S. futures edge up
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Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 index ended the day up 10.23 percent on Tuesday, after its biggest single-day point drop Monday; U.S. equity futures also climbed in early Asia trading; China’s Shanghai Composite stock market was up 0.23 percent; South Korea’s Kospi index was up more than 3 percent; Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index was down 0.31 percent; Australia's benchmark S&P/ASX 200 closed up 0.41 percent; European indexes, including London’s FTSE, Germany’s Dax and the continentwide Stoxx 600, also appeared to rebound slightly in early trading; The Dow Jones Industrial Average shed nearly 1,034 points, or 2.6 percent, and closed at 38,703.27; The broader S&P 500 lost 3.0 percent, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index lost 3.4 percent; The Japanese index reached all-time highs over 42,000 in July, but those gains have since been erased amid concerns about rising interest rates; The Bank of Japan’s decision to raise its short-term policy rate to 0.25 percent on July 31 led to the “unwind of the yen carry trade, which added downside pressure on risk assets which were already selling off,”; Japanese Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki said Tuesday that the government will continue to monitor financial markets, working closely with the country’s central bank; Data released Friday showed that U.S. employers added 114,000 jobs in July — far fewer than expected — and that the unemployment rate rose to 4.3 percent, its highest level in almost three years; Experts said this week’s fluctuations are a sign of short-term supply and demand, and that Japan’s economy remains strong.
#JapaneseStocks #GlobalSelloff #Nikkei225 #StockMarkets #Asia #UsFutures #InterestRates #BankOfJapan #MarketVolatility #UsEconomicData #StockMarket #EconomicGrowth
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/08/06/japan-us-stock-market-news/

2024-08-06 10:09:06

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#note1lj6…jken

2024-08-06 10:08:55

Why has the Japanese stock market been on a roller coaster ride?
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Japan's stock markets experienced their biggest dive since 1987 on Monday, followed by the largest daily gain since 2008 the next day. The volatility is partly due to the weakening of the Japanese currency and recent monetary policy decisions by the Bank of Japan. The unexpected low U.S. jobs numbers in July and the potential for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates also contributed to fears of a slowdown in the United States and global growth. The chaos in global financial markets has affected Asia, the United States, and other regions. The Japanese stock market's performance is closely tied to the world's biggest economy.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/08/06/japan-stock-market-yen-carry-trade/

2024-08-05 11:22:35

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#note1l90…ryqe

2024-08-05 11:22:24

Opinion | Biden’s Indo-Pacific diplomacy has made America’s future more secure
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President Biden instructed his team to transform the approach to the Indo-Pacific region; The United States upgraded the old 'hub and spoke' model of diplomacy with an integrated, interconnected network of partnerships; AUKUS, a new security partnership among Australia, Britain, and the United States, was launched; President Biden brought together Japan and South Korea to join the United States in the Camp David Trilateral Summit, spurring unprecedented defense and economic cooperation; The regional grouping known as the Quad was elevated to deliver vaccines, digital-infrastructure investments, and advance the global clean energy transition; The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity was created with 13 other partners; The United States worked closely with allies and partners to confront shared challenges together; Historic security dividends have been produced, including locking arms with allies and partners against North Korea's weapons programs and pushing back against China's dangerous brinkmanship in the region's waterways; President Biden has built bridges among allies in the Indo-Pacific and Europe; Japan and other Asian partners have supported Ukraine in the face of Russia's aggression; European partners are holding China accountable for supporting Vladimir Putin's war machine and undermining the international rules-based order
#BidenAdministration #Indopacific #Diplomacy #Security #Partnerships
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/08/05/blinken-austin-sullivan-biden-indo-pacific-military-economic/

2024-08-05 10:39:52

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#note1vpw…08j9

2024-08-05 10:39:40

Global markets tumble amid Wall Street losses, U.S. economic fears
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Japan's Nikkei 225 index fell by 12.4 percent on Monday, coming close to its worst dive in October 1987; Other markets in the region also fell, including South Korea's Kospi index by 8.77 percent, Taiwan's Taiex by 8.35 percent, Australia's S&P/ASX 200 by 3.7 percent, Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index by 1.46 percent, and China's Shanghai Composite stock market index by 1.54 percent; European and U.K. markets fell by about 2 percent in early trading Monday; The dips come after a two-day Wall Street rout attributed to weaker than expected U.S. economic data; The U.S. Labor Department reported that the unemployment rate had spiked to 4.3 percent, with employers adding 114,000 jobs in July, a weaker-than-expected showing; The Nikkei 225 has slid by more than 20 percent since last month, after reaching all-time highs of over 42,000 points in July; Japan's chief cabinet secretary, Yoshimasa Hayashi, said they will watch the market trends with a sense of urgency and take all possible measures to manage the economy and finances
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/08/05/japan-stock-market-crash/

2024-07-27 20:37:52

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#note1tlz…np8a

2024-07-27 20:37:40

TikTok’s Chinese owner built search tool for users’ views on abortion, gun control, DOJ claims
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TikTok's Chinese owner, ByteDance, had access to a search tool called Lark that allowed employees to collect data on U.S. users' views on divisive issues such as gun control, abortion, and religion, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ filing did not indicate how or if the data was used. In April, President Biden signed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok to a non-Chinese company or face a ban in the U.S. The government's filing was in response to a legal challenge brought by TikTok and ByteDance. TikTok claims that a ban on the app would violate users' First Amendment rights. The DOJ alleges that TikTok's access to sensitive information could pose geopolitical risks by allowing the Chinese government to demand the sharing of U.S. users' data. The DOJ also argues that TikTok's algorithm can be manipulated and that its location in China could allow the Chinese government to covertly control the algorithm for its own purposes. The documents filed by the DOJ were heavily redacted, and an unredacted version featuring classified information will be given to the court. China has said it will block the sale of TikTok's algorithm, and TikTok claims that replacing such a central part of the app's structure is not feasible before the January deadline. The DOJ responded to TikTok's argument by stating that users would still be able to post and view the same content on other social media platforms if TikTok were taken down. The DOJ also argued against TikTok's First Amendment defense, stating that any damage to users' speech freedoms would be incidental.
#Tiktok #Bytedance #DepartmentOfJustice #DataCollection #ChineseGovernment #Algorithm #FirstAmendment
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/27/tiktok-bytedance-justice-department-ban/

2024-07-26 17:40:31

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#note1rcm…y750

2024-07-26 17:40:20

Biden administration declines to defend affirmative action programs
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The Biden administration has chosen not to appeal court rulings against two affirmative action programs: the Minority Business Development Agency and the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program. The Justice Department decided to quietly undo fundamental aspects of these programs' missions instead of fighting the adverse court rulings. The administration's decision is seen as a strategy to prevent the dismantling of Biden's racial equity agenda. The legal retreat marks a significant turn in the nation's debate over racial preferences. The court cases come amid a legal battle between the Biden administration and conservative legal groups. The administration has backed down from defending these programs despite its efforts to promote racial equity and expand opportunities for minorities. The decision has disappointed representatives of minority-owned businesses who believe it undermines diversity and inclusion initiatives. The decline to appeal the court rulings is seen as a cost-benefit analysis, as the Justice Department risks losing on appeal and setting precedents that could disqualify other diversity programs. The two programs affected are the Small Business Administration's 8(a) program, which provides set-asides and sole-source contracts for socially and economically disadvantaged companies, and the Minority Business Development Agency, which helps minority-owned businesses access capital and government contracts. The court rulings found that the programs' use of broad racial categories to direct benefits to minorities violated the Constitution's equal protection clause. The Biden administration's decision not to appeal is seen as a strategy to avoid conservative-leaning appeals courts and prevent further undermining of programs that serve historically discriminated-against minorities.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/26/affirmative-action-sba-mbda-biden-court/

2024-07-22 16:49:09

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#note12n8…kdys

2024-07-22 16:48:57

Where Kamala Harris stands on key issues
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Kamala Harris has been a loyal Democratic foot soldier, rarely straying from party orthodoxy. She has struggled to articulate her policy positions. She has been vocal on issues such as abortion rights and distancing herself slightly from supporting Israel's war in Gaza. Harris's best-known policy position is that women should have access to abortion care. She has been criticized for her handling of migration at the border. Harris is undefined on foreign policy but is believed to have a more critical view of the Israeli government's handling of the war in Gaza than Biden. She has focused on fighting climate change and signed on to the Green New Deal. Harris is expected to emphasize federal investments to improve child care, elder care, and home care for people with disabilities. Environmental groups have been pleased with the Biden administration's record on climate change. Harris cast the tiebreaking vote to advance the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. Biden dropped out of the 2024 election and endorsed Harris as his replacement.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/22/kamala-harris-positions/

2024-07-20 16:31:44

Largest IT outage in history expected to barely register in the economy
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The recent global IT outage caused by a software update is not expected to have a significant impact on the economy. While many companies may report financial losses, it is too early to determine the final tally. Stocks fell on the day of the outage, but experts believe the incident will not have obvious economic ripples. However, it has highlighted the vulnerability of an economy built on interconnected technology systems. The outage disrupted payment systems and resulted in cash-only purchases at various establishments. The incident raises concerns about the global economy's susceptibility to supply shocks and inflation. Despite the potential risks, experts believe the outage will not affect the Federal Reserve's decisions or the economic platforms of political candidates. The incident serves as a reminder of the need to protect the financial system from cyberattacks and tech failures. Regulators may consider increasing capital requirements for banks to mitigate the impact of cyber outages. The incident also underscores the importance of preparing for single points of failure and diversifying software usage to avoid widespread disruptions.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/20/outage-microsoft-economy-business/

2024-07-20 16:30:16

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#note1m4n…r7dk

2024-07-20 16:30:05

Microsoft’s global sprawl comes under fire after historic outage
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A cascading computer outage caused by a defective update from cybersecurity company CrowdStrike exposed the global economy's dependence on Microsoft; The outages affected various sectors, including airlines, hospitals, and critical public services; Regulators and lawmakers are concerned about the concentration of power in one company and are calling for diversification of vendors; Microsoft's dominance in government IT systems has raised security concerns and prompted calls for antitrust action; Lawmakers have requested briefings from Microsoft and CrowdStrike to understand the impact of the outage; Microsoft's regulatory troubles are increasing globally as it expands into new technologies; The company has a sophisticated public policy shop and is engaging with policymakers to address the fallout of the outage; The FTC, led by Chair Lina Khan, is monitoring the situation and has previously challenged Microsoft's acquisitions and brought an antitrust case against Amazon; The outage highlights the consequences of prioritizing efficiency over consumer welfare in the tech industry.
#Microsoft #Outage #Crowdstrike #Regulation #Antitrust #Government #ItSystems
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/07/20/microsoft-outage-crowdstrike-regulatory-scrutiny/

2024-07-20 01:24:28

CrowdStrike outage disrupts travel and business worldwide after faulty update
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A faulty update to security software by CrowdStrike caused a global computer system outage, leading to disruptions in travel, medical care, and businesses. The update was identified and fixed by CrowdStrike, but the effects had already spread worldwide. The outage highlighted the vulnerability of computer systems that support the global economy. CrowdStrike CEO George Kurtz apologized for the outage and assured customers that systems would be fully recovered, although some systems may take longer to recover. The incident revealed the fragility of the online world and the need for companies to prioritize resiliency over efficiency. CrowdStrike's software is widely used by businesses to defend against hackers, and the outage affected computers running Microsoft's Windows operating system. Airlines, hospitals, and government agencies were among the industries impacted by the outage. Microsoft is working with CrowdStrike and Windows users to bring systems back online safely. Thousands of flights were canceled, hospitals postponed procedures, and self-checkout terminals displayed errors. The effects of the outage were random, depending on which companies used the defective system. The incident prompted a review of CrowdStrike's internal practices and raised concerns about the interconnectedness and vulnerability of digital systems.
#Crowdstrike #Outage #SecuritySoftware #TravelDisruptions #BusinessDisruptions #GlobalEconomy #Vulnerability #ComputerSystems #Windows #Efficiency #Resiliency #Hackers #Airlines #Hospitals #GovernmentAgencies #Microsoft #FlightCancellations #SelfcheckoutTerminals #DigitalSystems
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/19/windows-outage-crowdstrike-cancellations-computer/

2024-07-19 07:28:24

Fact-checking Trump on Day 4 of 2024 Republican National Convention
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Former president Donald Trump made several false claims during his speech accepting the Republican presidential nomination at the 2024 Republican National Convention. He falsely claimed credit for the stock market's rise, exaggerated the size of his tax cuts and regulation cuts, made false statements about the Right to Try Act and inflation, and falsely claimed that he would pay off the national debt and lower taxes further. He also made false claims about international crises, immigration, crime rates, and the economy. Trump's speech was filled with falsehoods and misleading statements.
#DonaldTrump #RepublicanNationalConvention #Factchecking #FalseClaims
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/19/fact-check-trump-rnc-republican-convention/

2024-07-18 17:02:22

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#note1sln…qxar

2024-07-18 17:02:11

Opinion | Trump’s economy vs. Biden’s — in 17 charts
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Both Trump and Biden have had significant impacts on the U.S. economy. Trump inherited a lukewarm economy and implemented tax cuts and government spending, resulting in a hot growth spurt and job creation. However, the pandemic caused a significant increase in unemployment. Biden inherited a nation still dealing with the effects of COVID-19 and implemented government spending and investment, leading to a rapid rebound, job growth, and a renaissance in manufacturing and start-ups. However, inflation has been a challenge under Biden. In terms of inflation vs. wages, wages for rank-and-file workers rose more under Trump than under Biden. Biden has added an impressive 15.7 million jobs to the economy, benefiting from a pandemic bounce-back. Trump also saw strong job growth before the pandemic, but ultimately lost millions of jobs due to the pandemic. Economic growth under Trump was above the norm, but the pandemic recession impacted his record. Under Biden, growth has been strong, with the U.S. economy experiencing a post-pandemic surge. Home buying rates remained steady under both presidents, with mortgage rates and rising home prices impacting affordability. Biden has made significant investments in U.S. manufacturing, leading to increased factory construction. Job creation has been widespread under both presidents, with more manufacturing jobs created under Biden. Home values have risen rapidly under both presidents, benefiting current homeowners but causing concerns for younger Americans. New business creation has surged since the pandemic, with government aid playing a role. Trump saw a rise in positive sentiment about the economy, while Biden has faced challenges due to inflation. Wage inequality has fallen under Biden, but real wages have barely grown. Median household income rose under Trump but fell during the pandemic, and has since climbed under Biden. The share of Americans with health insurance rose under Biden, while Trump repealed the law requiring health insurance. The stock market performed well under both presidents. Child poverty dipped under Trump and plummeted under Biden due to stimulus measures. Both presidents contributed to the federal debt, with emergency spending during the pandemic exacerbating the issue.
#Trump #Biden #Economy #Charts #Inflation #Jobs #EconomicGrowth #HomeBuying #Manufacturing #Wages #Income #HealthInsurance #StockMarket #ChildPoverty #FederalDebt
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/18/trump-biden-economy-charts-compare/

2024-07-17 04:27:04

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#note1qu8…xfls

2024-07-17 04:26:53

Biden set to announce support for major Supreme Court changes
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President Biden is finalizing plans to endorse major changes to the Supreme Court, including proposals for legislation to establish term limits for the justices and an enforceable ethics code. He is also considering calling for a constitutional amendment to eliminate broad immunity for presidents and other constitutional officeholders. The announcement marks a major shift for Biden, who has long resisted calls for changes to the high court. The potential changes come in response to growing outrage among his supporters about recent ethics scandals surrounding Justice Clarence Thomas and decisions by the new court majority. Term limits and an ethics code would require congressional approval, while a constitutional amendment would face even more hurdles. Biden previewed the shift in a Zoom call with the Congressional Progressive Caucus. Former President Trump criticized the move on Truth Social. Biden's private remarks about his high-court plans came after a debate with Trump and the Supreme Court ruling that Trump was immune from prosecution for official acts during his first term. Biden had previously promised to create a commission to study potential changes to the court, and the commission issued a report in December 2021. Approval ratings of the Supreme Court have dropped in recent years, and Biden is trying to resuscitate his presidential campaign after a politically disastrous debate. Eight Democratic senators have co-sponsored a bill that would establish 18-year terms for Supreme Court justices. Democrats have also offered other legislation to address ethics concerns about the high court.
#Biden #SupremeCourt #TermLimits #EthicsCode #ConstitutionalAmendment #ClarenceThomas #Trump #CongressionalProgressiveCaucus #TruthSocial #PresidentialImmunity #Commission #ApprovalRatings #DemocraticSenators #Legislation
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/16/biden-supreme-court-reforms/

2024-07-17 04:24:29

Why Cannon’s rejection of special counsel Smith may not help Hunter Biden
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A federal judge, Aileen M. Cannon, rejected the appointment of special counsel Jack Smith to investigate Hunter Biden, but the reasoning behind the rejection may not apply to Biden's own special counsel, David Weiss. Hunter Biden argued that Weiss was unlawfully appointed and illegally funded, but his motion was rejected. Cannon's ruling does not directly address the legality of Weiss's appointment. The ruling could be overturned by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. If the constitutionality of special counsels reaches the Supreme Court, the decision would apply nationwide. Both Biden and Trump argued that special counsels should not have unlimited funds and that funding should be approved by Congress. Cannon's ruling also criticized the funding of special counsels, which could be helpful to Biden if he appeals his judges' decisions. Alexander Smirnov, who was indicted as part of the Biden probe, cited Cannon's decision in a motion to dismiss his case in California.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/07/16/hunter-biden-trump-special-counsels/

2024-07-17 04:23:34

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#note16p7…req8

2024-07-17 04:23:23

Ex-CIA analyst accused of working for South Korean intelligence service
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Sue Mi Terry, a former CIA analyst and senior fellow for Korea studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, has been indicted on criminal charges of acting as an agent of South Korea. She was charged with failing to register as a foreign agent and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Terry is accused of meeting with handlers from South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), providing them with information and access to U.S. government officials. She allegedly received luxury gifts and concealed payments made to a think tank. Terry's lawyer denies the allegations and states that she will fight the charges. The Council on Foreign Relations has placed Terry on unpaid administrative leave and will cooperate with any investigation. Terry has a history of working in various government and think tank positions related to Korea and Asia. The indictment also implicates the Wilson Center and the South Korean Embassy in the alleged activities. The South Korean Embassy and Max Boot, a columnist for The Washington Post and Terry's husband, have not commented on the charges.
#Cia #SouthKorea #ForeignAgent #NationalIntelligenceService #ThinkTank #Indictment
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/07/16/terry-south-korea-cia-fara/

2024-07-17 04:21:10

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#note1g49…gxz4

2024-07-17 04:20:59

Sen. Menendez convicted of bribery, other charges in corruption trial
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Sen. Bob Menendez, a Democrat from New Jersey, has been convicted on all 16 felony counts in his corruption trial. The charges include bribery, extortion, wire fraud, conspiracy, obstruction of justice, and acting as a foreign agent for Egypt. Menendez was found guilty of accepting bribes from three businessmen in exchange for his help securing deals with foreign officials and obstructing criminal investigations in New Jersey. He faces sentencing on October 29 and could potentially receive decades in prison and a ban from holding public office. Menendez has vowed to appeal the verdict. New Jersey Democrats have called on him to resign. Menendez's wife, Nadine Menendez, was also charged in the indictment, but her trial date has not been set. Menendez's political downfall is essentially complete, as he declined to seek the party's nomination for a fourth term and instead mounted a long-shot bid. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy have both called on Menendez to step down. Rep. Andy Kim won the Democratic primary to succeed Menendez and will face Republican Curtis Bashaw in the November election. Menendez could serve out the rest of his term even after his conviction, but his colleagues could vote to expel him if he does not resign. Menendez's defense argued that his wife was a scheming girlfriend who kept seeing an ex-boyfriend even after she began dating Menendez and as a secretive wife who never told him she was receiving gold bars and money from several men. Menendez's appeal is expected to be an uphill battle due to the strength of the evidence presented in the trial. The trial also revealed Menendez's involvement with Egyptian officials, where he provided unclassified insider information and pushed for $300 million in U.S. military aid for Egypt. Menendez also intervened in a bank fraud case involving one of the businessmen who bribed him. Menendez had been on federal prosecutors' radar since 2006 when the New Jersey U.S. attorney's office investigated a nonprofit that was paying rent to Menendez for office space. A previous trial on different bribery allegations ended with a hung jury in 2017.
#BobMenendez #CorruptionTrial #Bribery #Extortion #WireFraud #ObstructionOfJustice #ForeignAgent #NewJersey #DemocraticParty #Resignation #Election #Appeal #Egypt #Businessmen #NadineMenendez
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/07/16/bob-menendez-convicted-trial-bribery/

2024-07-16 10:59:27

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#note15ga…fmae

2024-07-16 10:59:16

What are J.D. Vance’s plans for the economy?
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J.D. Vance, the GOP vice-presidential nominee, brings a unique brand of economic populism that sets him apart from the rest of the GOP. He supports stricter antitrust regulation and has expressed his support for Lina Khan, President Biden’s commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission. Vance also advocates for stricter border controls, emphasizing the protection of U.S. security and the labor market for native-born workers. He has introduced a bill called the Timely Departure Act to crack down on illegal visa overstays. Vance has suggested breaking with harsh Republican opposition to organized labor and has shown support for labor actions, such as the United Auto Workers strike. However, he opposes the PRO Act, which would make it easier to unionize U.S. workforces.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/16/jd-vance-trump-gop-economy/

2024-07-15 14:17:48

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#note1evq…hrjv

2024-07-15 14:17:37

Biden needs to follow through on his promised support for Tulsa survivors
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In 2021, President Biden visited the site of the Tulsa massacre and called it a 'massacre.' Last month, the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed the last remaining survivors' lawsuit against city officials. The survivors are asking for a federal investigation into the massacre and for the United States Department of Justice to intervene. The implications of the survivors' appeal for a federal investigation are significant. The Biden-Harris administration should announce support for a federal investigation into the Tulsa massacre. The survivors have long sought to open processes of discovery to add to the collective understanding of what happened during the massacre. The federal government has a 'policy norm' of providing 'reparatory compensation' to various groups of people for harms. Black victims of Tulsa's mass racial terrorism have been denied justice for decades. Norms, precedents, and tangible systemic delivery systems of investigation and repair already exist in America and should be deployed for the victims of Tulsa and their descendants.
#TulsaMassacre #Biden #Support #FederalInvestigation #Survivors
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/15/biden-tulsa-survivors-investigation-lawsuit/

2024-07-15 03:47:41

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#note19k9…he8d

2024-07-15 03:47:29

As Trump heads to GOP convention, two parties adjust to a changed campaign
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Former President Trump plans to travel to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee as scheduled, despite the recent assassination attempt on him. The shooting has injected uncertainty into the convention plans and has led both parties to recalibrate their strategies. Trump expressed his eagerness to address supporters and instructed his staff to incorporate a 'unity' message into the event. President Biden, in response to the shooting, called for unity and condemned political violence. The FBI is investigating the shooting as an assassination attempt and named the deceased gunman as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks. Both Trump and Biden's campaigns are grappling with the anger and partisan vitriol that followed the shooting. Trump's allies blamed Biden and his supporters for the rhetoric that led to the events, while Biden's campaign paused outbound communications and pulled down television ads. The Biden-Harris campaign also suspended a $50 million ad blitz. The convention is expected to focus more on Trump's 'courage and resilience,' with speakers dialing down the rhetoric. Former South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, who ran against Trump in the Republican nomination, will speak at the convention as an attempt to bridge divisions within the party. Both parties are taking precautions to ensure the safety of convention attendees, with increased security measures in place. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson assured that the city is working to have a safe convention for all attendees.
#RepublicanNationalConvention #Trump #Biden #Shooting
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/14/trump-shooting-republican-national-convention/

2024-07-14 20:01:26

Trump supporter killed in rally shooting is identified
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Corey Comperatore, a Trump supporter, was killed during a rally in Pennsylvania. The shooter, Thomas Matthew Crooks, used an AR-15-style semiautomatic rifle. Two others were critically injured and the shooter is dead. Former President Donald Trump was shot with a bullet that pierced the upper part of his right ear. The FBI is investigating the incident as an assassination attempt. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro identified the victim and called for peaceful engagement in the political and civic process. Trump plans to attend the Republican National Convention this week in Milwaukee.
#Trump #Rally #Shooting #CoreyComperatore #ThomasMatthewCrooks #Ar15 #Fbi #AssassinationAttempt #JoshShapiro #RepublicanNationalConvention
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/14/trump-shooting-news-thomas-matthew-crooks-investigation/

2024-07-13 19:20:54

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#note16sg…sj6m

2024-07-13 19:20:43

Meagan Good knows what — and who — you’re dying to ask her about
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Meagan Good, star of 'Divorce in the Black,' discusses her new movie, desire for children, and her relationship with Jonathan Majors. Good expresses her desire to have a platform rather than fame or money and wants to empower women. She talks about her divorce and how it made her realize her desire for children. Good also discusses her spiritual beliefs and her relationship with God. She addresses the public scrutiny of her relationship with Majors and defends their relationship, stating that she is solid and happy. Good is grateful for the timing of their relationship and believes that it has produced something special.
#MeaganGood #DivorceInTheBlack #JonathanMajors #Babies #TylerPerry
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2024/07/13/meagan-good-divorce-black-majors/

2024-07-13 15:45:27

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#note1432…camf

2024-07-13 15:45:16

OpenAI illegally barred staff from airing safety risks, whistleblowers say
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OpenAI whistleblowers have filed a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) alleging that the company illegally prohibited its employees from raising concerns about the safety risks of its technology. The whistleblowers claim that OpenAI issued overly restrictive employment, severance, and nondisclosure agreements that could penalize workers who disclosed information to federal regulators. These agreements violated federal laws protecting whistleblowers and prevented employees from reporting securities violations to the SEC. OpenAI spokesperson Hannah Wong stated that the company's whistleblower policy protects employees' rights to make protected disclosures and that they have made changes to their departure process to remove nondisparagement terms. The letter from the whistleblowers also raised concerns about OpenAI prioritizing profit over safety in the development of its technology. The SEC has received the complaint, but it is unclear if an investigation has been launched. The whistleblowers' letter also called for OpenAI to change its nondisclosure agreements and for the SEC to issue fines to the company for violating federal laws.
#Openai #Whistleblowers #Sec #SafetyRisks #EmploymentAgreements #NondisclosureAgreements #FederalRegulators
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/07/13/openai-safety-risks-whistleblower-sec/

2024-07-13 15:13:01

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#note1432…camf

2024-07-13 15:12:49

2024-07-13 15:01:08

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#note1wnj…epma

2024-07-13 15:00:57

Rep. Wexton, confronting degenerative disease, finds her voice through AI
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Rep. Jennifer Wexton, a congresswoman from Virginia, has debuted a new, natural-sounding voice powered by artificial intelligence (AI) as her own voice is weakened by a degenerative medical condition. Wexton had previously used a robotic-sounding speech application to deliver remarks on the House floor, but the new AI voice sounds more like her. She has a Parkinson's-like condition called progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and is not seeking reelection this fall due to her health condition. Wexton's staff and colleagues have expressed their excitement and support for her new AI voice. The AI voice model was created by ElevenLabs, an AI voice start-up based in New York, after the company saw a video of Wexton using a text-to-speech app. The company compiled over an hour of audio clips of Wexton speaking before her voice was affected by the disease and used AI to generate a digital version of her voice. Wexton acknowledges the potential dangers of AI technology but also highlights the life-changing opportunities it can provide for Americans with disabilities.
#RepJenniferWexton #ArtificialIntelligence #DegenerativeDisease #VoiceTechnology #Parkinson'sDisease #ProgressiveSupranuclearPalsy #Elevenlabs
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/07/13/virginia-wexton-congress-ai-voice/

2024-07-13 12:55:54

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#note16jd…7ygx

2024-07-13 12:55:42

Germany is forcing some asylum seekers to work, when they just want real jobs
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Germany is implementing low-paid, mandatory work programs for some asylum seekers as a means of integration, but it has stirred controversy. The programs are seen as engines of integration by proponents, while critics view them as slave labor and populist attempts to win back voters from the far right. The district of Saale-Orla-Kries in the eastern state of Thuringia has implemented one of these pilot projects for Syrian immigrants, where they work three days a week at a sports association for about $0.86 an hour. The legislation that allows compulsory community work for low rates has been on the books for 30 years but has rarely been implemented. Critics argue that the programs pander to anti-immigration sentiment and false narratives about "work-shy asylum seekers" ahead of key elections in three eastern German states. Germany's labor market is in need of workers due to an aging population and a lack of skilled workers, requiring 400,000 new workers annually to sustain economic growth. Asylum seekers in Germany can look for employment without a work permit after six months in the country, but they face obstacles such as language barriers and qualifications not recognized by German authorities. A study found that of those who arrived in 2015, just under two-thirds had found jobs by 2022, but 41% were working below their level of employment before moving to Germany. Syrian refugees have made a dent in the shortage of skilled workers in the medical profession, with the number of working doctors from Syria increasing fivefold since 2012.
#Germany #AsylumSeekers #WorkPrograms #Integration #Controversy #LaborMarket #SkilledWorkers #LanguageBarriers #Qualifications #MedicalProfession
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/15/germany-jobs-migrants-asylum-seekers/

2024-07-13 12:20:38

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#note16jd…7ygx

2024-07-13 12:20:27

2024-07-13 06:17:23

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#note15g5…kpdq

2024-07-13 06:17:12

Israel, Hamas inch closer to Gaza cease-fire deal, but gaps remain
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Israel and Hamas are getting closer to a cease-fire deal for Gaza, but there are still disagreements over details and new Israeli demands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office denied negotiating with Egypt over withdrawing troops from the Philadelphi Corridor. The negotiations involve the United States, Qatar, and Egypt as mediators. President Biden expressed confidence in reaching a deal, but there are still gaps to close. Israeli media accused Netanyahu of intentionally stalling the process. Hamas accused Netanyahu of procrastination. The families of hostages in Hamas captivity have been demanding that Netanyahu complete the deal. Netanyahu's visit to Washington is uncertain, and his relationship with Biden has become strained. The proposed agreement includes a six-week initial stage with a cease-fire and humanitarian aid, followed by negotiations for a permanent truce and Gaza reconstruction. Israel's insistence on remaining in the Philadelphi Corridor violates the framework plan. The war has shifted from northern Gaza to Rafah, causing displacement and dire conditions. The conflict has been ongoing for years, and tensions have spilled into the surrounding areas. The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are deep and complex. The ICC has charged Israeli officials with starving Gaza. Cigarette smuggling in Gaza fuels attacks on aid trucks.
#Israel #Hamas #Gaza #Ceasefire #Negotiations #BenjaminNetanyahu #Egypt #UnitedStates #Qatar #PresidentBiden #PhiladelphiCorridor #Hostages #Washington #Rafah #Displacement #Icc #IsraelipalestinianConflict
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/07/12/gaza-cease-fire-israel-hamas/

2024-07-12 23:12:27

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#note1rtn…5ru8

2024-07-12 23:12:16

What is Project 2025?
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Project 2025 is a blueprint for a potential second Trump administration, created by his allies and former aides. It proposes extreme policies such as mass deportations, politicizing the federal government, cutting federal agencies, promoting Christian nationalism, and expanding presidential power. The plan is gaining attention as Trump tries to moderate his positions for the election. It is not directly from the Trump campaign but is taken seriously due to its association with the Heritage Foundation. The plan calls for abortion limits, cutting education programs, giving Trump power to investigate opponents, making reproductive care harder to access, cracking down on legal immigration, slashing climate change protections, and banning transgender people from the military. The plan also suggests considering reinstating the draft. The implementation of these proposals would require recruiting and training individuals to carry out the changes. The plan is seen as extreme and has drawn criticism from the Biden campaign. However, analysts believe it provides insight into what a second Trump presidency could look like.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/07/12/project-2025-summary-trump/

2024-07-12 18:25:13

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#note1432…camf

2024-07-12 18:25:02

OpenAI promised to make its AI safe. Employees say it ‘failed’ its first test.
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OpenAI employees say the company 'failed' its first test to make its AI safe. Last summer, OpenAI promised the White House to safety test new versions of its AI technology. However, some members of OpenAI's safety team felt pressured to speed through a new testing protocol to meet a May launch date. The incident raises questions about the federal government's reliance on self-policing by tech companies to protect the public from AI abuses. OpenAI is one of more than a dozen companies that made voluntary commitments to the White House last year. OpenAI's newest model, GPT-4o, was the company's first big chance to apply the safety framework, but testers compressed the evaluations into a single week. Former OpenAI employees have raised concerns about rushed safety work and a lack of solid safety processes. OpenAI spokesperson Lindsey Held said the company conducted extensive internal and external tests and held back some features initially to continue safety work. OpenAI announced the preparedness initiative to prevent catastrophic risks. The company has launched two new safety teams in the last year. The incident sheds light on the changing culture at OpenAI, where company leaders have been accused of prioritizing commercial interests over public safety.
#Openai #AiSafety #Gpt4o #WhiteHouse #TechCompanies #Selfpolicing #SafetyProtocol
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/07/12/openai-ai-safety-regulation-gpt4/

2024-07-11 23:12:29

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#note14y7…net3

2024-07-11 23:12:18

A brave — and oddly endearing — memoir about surviving breast cancer
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The book 'Mourning a Breast' by Xi Xi is a memoir about the author's experience surviving breast cancer. Xi Xi was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1989 at the age of 52 and underwent a mastectomy, radiation, and hormone therapy while caring for her ailing mother. Originally published in Taiwan in 1992, the book has now been translated into English by Jennifer Feeley. It combines introspection and intellect to provide a compassionate account of an afflicted body and a society in transition. The book resists the conventions of the breast cancer memoir and instead focuses on listening to the body and learning its language. Xi Xi's writing style employs a stream-of-consciousness approach, reflecting the confounding etiology and devastating effects of the disease. The book also touches on the political backdrop of Hong Kong during the time of Xi Xi's diagnosis, with the impending handover of the territory from Britain to China in 1997. Xi Xi's message is to take good care of oneself and those around you. She died peacefully in late 2022 at the age of 85. The book is significant as one of the first cancer narratives written from the perspective of a woman in the Sinophere and broke the silence around breast cancer in Hong Kong, which had the highest rates of diagnosis in Asia at the time.
#BookReview #Memoir #BreastCancer #HongKong
https://www.washingtonpost.com/books/2024/07/11/mourning-breast-review-xi/

2024-07-11 20:24:05

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#note177g…9lu6

2024-07-11 20:23:54

Opinion | In China, the App Store is censored. Apple should expose exactly how.
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China censors the Apple App Store, with 55 of the 108 most downloaded apps worldwide not available in China and nine more available but blocked by Chinese authorities. Games, VPNs, privacy and digital security apps, social media and communication apps, news apps, and religion apps are among the categories of apps that are either unavailable or blocked in China. Apple says it must follow local laws in China, even those with which it disagrees, but could be more transparent about China's direct requests for app takedowns from the App Store.
#China #Apple #AppStore #Censorship #InternetCensorship
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/11/china-apple-censorship-app-store/

2024-07-11 18:25:23

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#note1x2g…jdum

2024-07-11 18:25:11

About time: Senators demand special counsel to investigate Clarence Thomas
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Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Ron Wyden have written a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland demanding a special counsel be appointed to investigate possible violations of federal ethics and tax laws by Associate Justice of the Supreme Court Clarence Thomas. The letter details repeated and willful omissions of gifts and income from Justice Thomas's financial disclosure reports, as well as allegations of false statements signed under oath and tax violations. The senators argue that only a special counsel can properly investigate these allegations. This comes after previous allegations of lavish gifts received by Thomas from right-wing billionaires and calls for a mandatory ethics code for the Supreme Court. If the Justice Department does not undertake an investigation, it could further erode public confidence in the Supreme Court as an institution.
#ClarenceThomas #SpecialCounsel #Investigation #Ethics #TaxLaws #SupremeCourt
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/11/clarence-thomas-special-counsel-senators-letter/

2024-07-11 06:29:13

Chileans confront a homelessness crisis, a first for one of South America's richest countries
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Chile is facing a homelessness crisis, with the rate of homelessness in the country increasing by more than 30% over the last four years. The pandemic-induced recession, housing crunch, and immigration influx have contributed to the expansion of the homeless population. The government has registered 21,126 homeless people in 2024, compared to 15,435 in 2020, but social workers estimate the real count to be around 40,000. The government has announced that it will include the homeless in its national census for the first time, which is expected to lead to the implementation of more effective social policies. The visibility of homelessness in Chile has pushed the problem up on the agenda, with police and municipal workers tearing down encampments and removing rough sleepers from public spaces. The housing crisis in Chile has been exacerbated by a 70% increase in housing prices over the last decade. The economic impact of the pandemic, combined with the 2019 mass protests, has made it difficult for many people to pay rent. The rise in migration to Chile has also contributed to the homelessness crisis, with nearly 1.6 million registered migrants in the country. Aid groups are pressuring the government to address the crisis, but there are currently fewer than 200 homeless shelters nationwide, which is not enough to accommodate the current homeless population. President Gabriel Boric has vowed to build 260,000 new government-sponsored houses during his term, but many fear it will not be enough.
#Chile #Homelessness #HousingCrisis #Immigration #SocialPolicies
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/07/11/chile-homeless-crisis-housing-gabriel-boric/ec506804-3f44-11ef-83bf-e35a32077d3e_story.html

2024-07-09 05:18:49

With Orban in China and Modi in Russia, Putin’s multipolar world takes shape
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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban made a surprise visit to Beijing, where Chinese leader Xi Jinping called for a global effort to push Russia and Ukraine toward a 'cease-fire' and praised Orban’s diplomatic initiatives. Even as Xi embraced Orban in the Chinese capital, Russian missiles smashed down in Kyiv, Dnipro, and other Ukrainian cities, killing at least 31 people. In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called for global pressure to halt Russia’s aggression. Orban’s visit to China followed trips to Kyiv and Moscow last week, drawing criticism in the West of his attempt to surrender territory that Moscow has seized by force. In Brussels, officials disavowed Orban’s efforts, saying he was not authorized to conduct diplomacy for the E.U. Hungarian leader's visit to Beijing occurred just hours before Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Moscow on a state visit, his first since Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Indian purchases of Russian oil, which have surged 20-fold since 2021, have helped Moscow withstand tough Western economic sanctions imposed in response to the invasion of Ukraine. Orban’s visit to China represented a diplomatic triumph for Putin, who has long called for such a multipolar, non-Western world order. Putin has insisted that the West, particularly the United States and Britain, is responsible for prolonging his war in Ukraine by not pressuring Kyiv to give in to his territorial demands. Xi and Putin met last week in Kazakhstan, where Putin spoke of progress toward a 'fair, multipolar world order' during the annual meeting of the Shanghai Organization Cooperation. In Moscow on Monday, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow was in favor of the diplomatic efforts.
#ViktorOrban #XiJinping #VladimirPutin #Russia #Ukraine #Ceasefire #Diplomacy #GlobalPressure #Invasion #Sanctions #MultipolarWorldOrder
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/08/modi-orban-putin-china-russia-india/

2024-07-08 20:58:37

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#note1nwj…j0jc

2024-07-08 20:58:26

Opinion | Lessons from the French and British elections for bolstering U.S. democracy
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The British general election resulted in a landslide victory for the Labour Party, while the French legislative election saw the far-right National Rally plummet to third place. The need for the center left and center right to work together to thwart extremists is highlighted, as seen in France where the New Popular Front and President Emmanuel Macron's party withdrew third-place candidates in more than 200 constituencies. The lack of a similar tradition in the United States is concerning, as the Trumpist wing of the GOP has supported an insurrection and promises to undermine democracy. The potential appeal of centrism and competence as political antidotes to populism is demonstrated by the success of Keir Starmer in the UK. The power of an anti-incumbent message is emphasized, as seen in the recent elections in India and South Africa. Dissatisfaction with democracy is on the rise, with a Pew Research Center poll finding that 64% of respondents in high-income countries were dissatisfied. The importance of losing candidates gracefully accepting the outcome is highlighted, contrasting the peaceful transition of power in the UK with the refusal of Donald Trump to accept the outcome of the 2020 election.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/07/08/france-britain-elections-united-states/

2024-07-06 05:58:11

What to know about Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s next president
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Masoud Pezeshkian is Iran's new president, a reformist who advocates limited engagement with the West. He defeated Saeed Jalili in the runoff vote, receiving 16.3 million votes. Pezeshkian is a cardiac surgeon and veteran of the Iran-Iraq war. He rose to power within Iran's parliament by pushing for limited change but never challenging the country's system of theocratic rule. During his campaign, he advocated limited social and economic reforms and engagement with the United States over the nuclear program. Pezeshkian's victory shows he was able to expand his base of support, pulling from both the reformist and conservative ranks. However, once in office, Iran's conservatives might frustrate his plans. Voter turnout remained near historic lows, limiting the strength of his mandate. Iran's clerical rulers see high turnout as key to their legitimacy. Pezeshkian's victory was narrow, and public apathy was demonstrated. Iran is facing domestic and regional crises, including armed groups allied with Iran attacking Israel and its backers, American military bases, and global shipping lanes. The country is also dealing with social unrest and an economic crisis. Pezeshkian supports the mandatory dress code for women but questions the way it is enforced in Iran. He believes women should have equal rights and opportunities in society.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/07/06/pezeshkian-iran-new-president/

2024-07-03 22:42:29

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#note168r…x3w4

2024-07-03 22:42:17

Greece adopts six-day workweek, bucking trend of fewer hours
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Greece has introduced a new legislation for a six-day workweek for businesses that operate 24 hours, with workers having the option to work up to 48 hours a week. Those who work the extra day will receive a 40 percent bump in overtime pay. The move goes against the trend of shorter workweeks adopted by many European countries and some U.S. companies. Greece's government believes the longer workweek will boost productivity, address labor shortages, ensure workers get paid for overtime, and tackle tax evasion. However, worker advocates argue that longer work hours are detrimental to employee health and could lead to high turnover, burnout, illness, and even death. The U.S. Gallup survey shows that 77 percent of workers believe a four-day workweek would have a positive effect on their well-being. Other countries, including France, Belgium, Iceland, Japan, and South Africa, have been experimenting with the four-day workweek. Greece's move is seen as going against research that shows increasing hours hurts productivity and employee well-being. Critics also argue that policies like this often hurt caregivers and women, leading to lower diversity and increased gender pay gap. While Greece's legislation allows for a 48-hour workweek, European Union laws require employers to ensure employees don't exceed 48 hours per week on average, including overtime. Experts predict that future trends will likely indicate fewer working hours rather than more, as companies continue to learn how to make their processes more efficient and leverage technology.
#Workweek #Greece #Productivity #OvertimePay #LaborShortages #TaxEvasion #EmployeeHealth #Turnover #Burnout #GenderPayGap
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/07/03/greece-six-day-workweek/

2024-07-03 20:38:19

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#note1rau…zzpk

2024-07-03 20:38:08

No one could rescue a troubled movie like Robert Towne
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Robert Towne, the most celebrated screenwriter of the New Hollywood era of the 1970s, died at the age of 89 in Los Angeles. He won an Oscar for writing the movie 'Chinatown' and was known for his influential work on other films such as 'The Last Detail,' 'Shampoo,' and the first two 'Mission: Impossible' films. Towne was also a storied script doctor, rewriting scenes in movies like 'The Godfather' and 'Bonnie and Clyde.' He had a talent for leaving a sense of moisture on the page, as if he just breathed on it. Towne's understanding of the 'state of mind' in 'Chinatown' was crucial to the film's success. Despite his successes, Towne's life was marred by cocaine addiction and his secretive writing collaborations with Edward Taylor. However, he was still considered an architect of America's post-'60s cultural 'state of mind.'
#RobertTowne #Screenwriter #Chinatown #NewHollywood #Movies
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2024/07/03/robert-towne-chinatown-appreciation/

2024-07-01 04:32:37

‘House of the Dragon’ recap: Peace, averted
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The article provides a recap of Season 2, Episode 3 of the TV show 'House of the Dragon'. The episode is titled 'The Burning Mill'. The recap highlights the ongoing conflict between Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and Alicent. Rhaenyra attempts to find a path to peace with Alicent but fails. The fight for the throne spreads through Westeros, with Houses pledging loyalty to either Rhaenyra or Aegon. Rhaenyra sends her younger children away for their safety. Daemon plans to repair Harrenhal and gather soldiers there. Aegon decides to stay and rule instead of joining the fight. Alicent checks in on her grieving daughter Helaena. Aegon finds his brother Aemond at a brothel. The episode ends with Rhaenyra and Alicent meeting at the Sept of So Many Candles, where they discuss Viserys' last wishes and the prince that was promised. Alicent refuses to believe there was a mistake, and Rhaenyra becomes more determined to take the throne.
#HouseOfTheDragon #TvShow #Recap #Season2 #Episode3 #TheBurningMill
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/2024/06/30/house-dragon-recap-season-two-episode-three/

2024-06-30 17:29:39

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#note182a…2vp6

2024-06-30 17:29:26

Black men helped power Biden’s 2020 Georgia win. Some are wavering.
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Black men played a crucial role in helping Joe Biden win Georgia in the 2020 election, but some are now undecided and considering voting for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Rashad James and Justin Williams, who voted for Biden in 2020, are frustrated by the lack of change and economic struggles they continue to face. They believe Trump may be better at improving the economy. While the economy is doing well by traditional measures, pessimistic views of the economy are widespread among Black men. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll found that 63% of Black men were certain to vote this year, down from 68% in June 2020. Trump and his allies are targeting onetime Biden voters, aware that even a small shift among Black men in a state like Georgia could make a difference in the election outcome. The Biden campaign has invested heavily in boosting support among Black voters, but some Black men are disquieted by the influx of migrants at the southern border and the amount of money the administration has committed to stopping Russia's war in Ukraine. The MAGA Inc. super PAC backing Trump has been running ads claiming that Biden's policies have hurt Black Americans and that Trump would put Black America first. The Biden campaign has countered with ads referencing Trump's disrespectful language about Black Americans and his past discrimination against Black families. The views of Black men are fluctuating, and while there is no evidence yet of a significant realignment, it would be disastrous for Biden's campaign if a significant number of Black men defected to Trump.
#JoeBiden #DonaldTrump #Georgia #BlackVoters #Election
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/06/30/black-voters-georgia-election-biden-trump/

2024-06-30 08:22:10

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#note1wyq…pf2c

2024-06-30 08:21:59

UK's landmark postwar elections: When Thatcher became the first female prime minister in 1979
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The general election in the UK in 1979 was significant as Margaret Thatcher became the country's first female prime minister on a radical Conservative economic agenda. Thatcherism represented a total rethink over the role of the state, breaking the postwar consensus on the economy. The election took place after a wave of strikes and economic turmoil, and Thatcher won a sizeable majority. Her premiership lasted for more than 11 years, during which income taxes were slashed, industries were privatized, and she formed a close relationship with US President Ronald Reagan. However, her controversial policies and euroskepticism ultimately led to her downfall. Thatcher's admirers cite her as a political inspiration, while her opponents view her as a divisive figure whose economic liberalism and euroskepticism fueled opposition to European integration.
#Uk #GeneralElection #MargaretThatcher #Thatcherism #ConservativeParty #Economy #PostwarConsensus #Privatization #RonaldReagan #Euroskepticism #Brexit
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/30/britain-election-labour-conservative-1979-thatcher/57a67c30-36b0-11ef-872a-1d22f44a0d95_story.html

2024-06-29 16:22:49

Trump dodged a broad range of questions as Biden struggled on stage
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During the debate, former President Donald Trump repeatedly evaded questions asked by moderators Dana Bash and Jake Tapper. He focused on topics he was interested in, such as police endorsements, economic development, criminal justice reform, immigration, and losing support from Black and Hispanic voters. Trump's evasiveness was seen as a strategy advised by his team. Many Republicans and Democrats agreed that Trump was the clear winner of the debate. Trump's ability to dodge questions was attributed to Biden's inability to call him out. Biden also evaded questions at times, but Trump dodged far more often. The topics Trump avoided included the attack on the U.S. Capitol, a two-state solution between Palestinians and Israel, child care affordability, opioids, and accepting the results of the 2024 election. Trump's campaign issued a statement that did not address the topics he dodged. Republican political consultant Alex Conant praised Trump's discipline in sticking to the topics he wanted to talk about. Former Trump spokeswoman Sarah Matthews criticized Biden's poor performance and highlighted that Trump's evasiveness was not being discussed as much. The article provides specific quotes and examples of Trump's evasions during the debate.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/06/29/trump-debate-dodging-answers/

2024-06-28 22:59:39

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#note1xjk…n5w5

2024-06-28 22:59:27

Is that app sketchy? Here are 3 easy ways to check.
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Downloading an unfamiliar app is like inviting a stranger into your home. Companies have every incentive to gobble personal information from your phone or nag you to pay for a crummy app. You're mostly on your own to preserve your privacy, security, and safety from scams. Here are three spot checks to look for red flags: 1. Search for "sell" in the privacy policy to find out what information the company collects and what they do with it. 2. Check the popularity of one-star reviews in the app store, abnormal numbers of one-star ratings indicate low customer satisfaction. 3. Check app permissions in the Google Play store to see if the app requests unnecessary access to your personal information. Trust your gut and use these checks to make an informed decision about whether to trust an app.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/06/28/how-check-if-app-safe-ios-andriod/

2024-06-23 22:43:21

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#note1dfx…r728

2024-06-23 22:43:09

Family whose home was hit by space debris seeks damages from NASA
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A family in Naples, Florida is seeking compensation from NASA after a piece of metal trash from the International Space Station tore through the roof of their home in March. The 1.6-pound cylindrical object that smashed through the roof was a piece of a 5,800-pound cargo pallet carrying old nickel hydride batteries released from the International Space Station in March 2021. The family's attorney is asking NASA to treat the case in the same way it would meet its obligations under international space law. The family is seeking compensation for stress, impact, property damage, business interruption, emotional and mental anguish damages, and costs for assistance from third parties. NASA has six months to respond to the claim.
#Nasa #SpaceDebris #Compensation #InternationalSpaceStation
https://washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/06/23/florida-space-debris-nasa/

2024-06-20 09:40:29

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#note13vd…dh2y

2024-06-20 09:40:17

Malaysian leader Anwar says China a 'true friend' and not to be feared at end of Premier Li's visit
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Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim rejects the notion that China’s dominance is to be feared, calling China a 'true friend' at the end of Premier Li Qiang’s visit to mark 50 years of diplomatic ties between their countries. Anwar said they discussed contentious bilateral issues as equal partners and trusted friends. He emphasized that Malaysia wants to benefit from and learn from China, rejecting the propaganda that Malaysia should fear China's dominance economically, militarily, and technologically. The two leaders also agreed that China and other claimant countries in Southeast Asia should tackle the South China Sea dispute through dialogue and cooperation. Malaysia prefers diplomatic channels and rarely criticizes Beijing publicly, partly to protect economic ties as China has been Malaysia’s top trading partner since 2009. Bilateral trade surged to $98.8 billion last year, accounting for 17% of Malaysia’s global trade. The two countries renewed a five-year trade and economic cooperation pact and signed 11 more memorandum of understandings for potential investments of $2.8 billion in various sectors.
#Malaysia #China #AnwarIbrahim #LiQiang #DiplomaticTies #BilateralIssues #SouthChinaSeaDispute #TradeCooperation #Investment
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/06/20/malaysia-china-li-qiang-anwar-territorial-claims/d43ad1b0-2edb-11ef-bcdf-31cdebd3022f_story.html

2024-06-19 18:34:01

Opinion | France, teetering on the brink
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France's hard-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, is on the cusp of gaining substantial control of France's government in the upcoming legislative elections. The party has successfully sanitized its image and won a crushing victory in the recent elections for the European Parliament. National Rally's ascent to power could mark a fissure in the West's united front for Ukraine and a shift towards nationalist retrenchment. The party's goal of making France less hospitable for immigrants could lead to long-term decline in a country that relies on migrant labor for economic growth. President Emmanuel Macron has called for a snap vote for France's legislature in response to National Rally's triumph, but the party is expected to win the greatest share of lawmakers. The prospect of either France's hard right or hard left entering government has been described as a choice between the plague and cholera. French voters disaffected by the urban elite and mass migration may give National Rally the reins of power, but they might come to regret their decision.
#France #NationalRally #MarineLePen #LegislativeElections #EuropeanParliament #EmmanuelMacron #Immigration
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/19/france-national-rally-le-pen-bardella-macron/

2024-06-19 01:11:04

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#note1gv5…8lvl

2024-06-19 01:10:52

White House announces plan to aid longtime undocumented immigrants
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President Biden's policy will make it easier for hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants married to U.S. citizens to apply for legal residency. The plan allows immigrant spouses of American citizens to apply for permanent residency without leaving the country, putting them on a path to U.S. citizenship. The announcement marks a rare moment of Democratic joy on immigration for Biden, who seeks to highlight the country's immigrant tradition. The plan also includes a streamlined work-visa program for immigrants enrolled in DACA and other undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children. The Biden administration will waive the requirement for eligible applicants to leave the country for up to 10 years and return legally. An estimated 500,000 immigrants married to U.S. citizens and about 50,000 stepchildren of U.S. citizens will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. The plan will roll out this summer and applicants must pass background checks and meet other requirements. After three years as permanent residents, spouses may apply for U.S. citizenship. The White House announcement marks the 12th anniversary of Obama's decision to grant work permits to undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children through DACA, which aided more than 800,000 people but did not create a path to permanent residency. Biden emphasized that he will continue to control the border but said Congress is long overdue to expand legal pathways for immigrants. The plan is seen as a political effort by Biden to court voters, with critics accusing him of giving mass amnesty and citizenship to illegals for political gain. The plan has drawn criticism from Republican critics, including former President Trump, who has vowed to carry out mass deportations of undocumented immigrants if elected to a second term. The Biden administration has stressed that any enduring immigration policy changes would have to come from Congress.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2024/06/18/biden-immigration-undocumented-spouses/

2024-06-16 13:10:30

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#note1v7a…awnu

2024-06-16 13:10:18

Degree? Yes. Job? Maybe not yet.
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New college graduates are facing a tough job market in 2024, with hiring slowing down and entry-level job prospects diminishing. Only 13 percent of entry-level job seekers found work in the past six months, down from a peak of 20 percent in 2022. The U.S. unemployment rate for 20- to 24-year-olds has climbed from 6.3 percent to 7.9 percent as of May. The pandemic has disrupted college experiences, with virtual classes and remote internships leading to thinner resumes for many graduates. Employers are increasingly looking for experienced workers who can be immediately productive, and many are prioritizing skills-based hiring over college degrees. The labor market is split, with jobs readily available for seasoned workers and high-schoolers, but entry-level openings in white-collar fields have declined. Despite the challenges, economists believe that new graduates will eventually find jobs, as industries like healthcare, government, and leisure and hospitality continue to add jobs each month.
#JobMarket #CollegeGraduates #Unemployment #Hiring #SkillsbasedHiring
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/06/16/jobs-outlook-college-grads-2024/

2024-06-16 06:57:15

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#note1p6s…hfk2

2024-06-16 06:57:04

Iraq militias target KFC, other U.S. businesses to protest Gaza war
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Assailants in Iraq have targeted several U.S. and American-style food chains, including KFC and Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken, as part of an “economic boycott” of brands they say help fund the Israeli military’s actions in Gaza. The attacks began in late May after Iran-backed Shiite militias called on their followers to protest the businesses. The militias claim that the profits from these businesses are funneled to Israel and its armed forces. In response to the unrest, the Iraqi government has deployed U.S.-trained counterterrorism units across Baghdad to protect foreign investors and signal control over pro-Iran groups. Similar protests against American brands have occurred in the Middle East and globally in the past. Shiite militias loyal to Iran hold significant political and military power in Iraq and have long opposed the U.S. military presence in the region. The attacks on popular burger and fried chicken joints in Baghdad have surprised many observers. The Iraqi government has apprehended suspects believed to be involved in the attacks, but some analysts argue that the response has targeted low-ranking militia members without addressing the senior network. The attacks have raised concerns among business owners in Baghdad, and some restaurants with foreign-sounding names have clarified that they are local businesses with no ties to U.S. corporations.
#Iraq #Militias #Kfc #GazaWar #Protest #Iranbacked #ShiiteMilitias #Counterterrorism #ForeignInvestment
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/16/iraq-kfc-israel-gaza/

2024-06-15 01:14:49

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#note1zk5…5dg2

2024-06-15 01:14:38

Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach accused of sexually assaulting 3 complainants
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Austrian-Canadian auto parts billionaire Frank Stronach is accused of sexually assaulting three different complainants in alleged incidents that took place in Toronto and Aurora, Ontario. The alleged incidents occurred in 1980, 1986, and last year. Stronach has been charged with one count of rape, one count of indecent assault on a female, one count of forcible confinement, and two counts of sexual assault. Stronach's lawyer denies the allegations and says his client looks forward to responding to the charges. Stronach, the founder of Magna and The Stronach Group, has had no affiliation with Magna since 2010.
#FrankStronach #SexualAssault #Complainants #Toronto #Aurora #Ontario #Magna #TheStronachGroup
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/06/14/frank-stronach-sexual-assault-canada/77945590-2a93-11ef-835a-2a6acac1f8a6_story.html

2024-06-14 21:47:06

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#note14ky…zwtc

2024-06-14 21:46:55

Opinion | Fathers and flags mean so many things. But can we agree on hot dogs?
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In this opinion piece, the author discusses various topics including Father's Day, Flag Day, Europe's economy, and the war on women. The author highlights the importance of celebrating non-traditional father figures and the support they provide. They also mention the association of Flag Day with support for Donald Trump and suggest reclaiming the flag as a symbol of unity. The article also mentions the disappointment of Joey Chestnut not participating in the Coney Island hot dog eating contest and the upcoming faceoff between Chestnut and Kobayashi on Netflix. Additionally, the author discusses Europe's struggling economy and the challenges of a unified approach. The article concludes with mentions of a Supreme Court ruling on abortion medication and the Southern Baptist Convention's denunciation of in vitro fertilization as part of the ongoing war on women.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/14/fathers-day-flag-mifepristone-europe-economy/

2024-06-14 11:29:42

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#note1k9n…jp6e

2024-06-14 11:29:31

Europe’s biggest problem: It is falling way behind America’s powerhouse economy
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The European economy is underperforming compared to the US powerhouse economy. In 2008, the US and euro-zone economies were roughly the same size, but today the American economy is nearly twice the size of the euro zone. Average European income is lower than in the US, and average wages are stagnant. European leaders understand the problem and have proposed solutions, but change is difficult and populists pose a challenge. Europe lacks a unified market, making it difficult for tech entrepreneurs to navigate different regulations and standards. Europe's defense spending is also inefficient due to lack of coordination and a focus on territorial defense rather than defending the eastern frontiers. The solution to Europe's woes is a deeper, more united, and more strategic Europe, but this would require more power to the European Union, which could fuel populist backlash.
#Europe #Economy #Us #Populism #EuropeanUnion
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/06/14/europe-competition-economy-reform-populism/

2024-03-16 11:58:06

Why Americans pay so much more than anyone else for weather disasters
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A new report from Swiss Re shows that the U.S. follows only the Philippines in weather damages. Property damages from hurricanes, severe convective storms, flooding, and winter storms cost nearly 0.4 percent of U.S. GDP every year. The United States experienced 28 billion-dollar disasters last year, costing an estimated $93 billion. Americans face challenges in getting compensated for their losses, as only about half of the property damages from recent severe weather events were insured. Rising insurance rates and limited coverage in flood- or wildfire-prone areas contribute to Americans' high cost of living. Adapting to climate change now can prevent damages later on, with a dollar invested in aligning construction with new building codes saving between $6 and $10 down the road. Only 31 percent of jurisdictions in the United States have adopted updated building codes. The report emphasizes that every country is being impacted by weather disasters.
#WeatherDisasters #PropertyDamages #InsuranceRates #ClimateChange #BuildingCodes
https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/03/16/us-disaster-costs-second-world/

2024-03-15 02:56:05

Biden opposes plan to sell US Steel to a Japanese firm, citing the need for 'American steel workers'
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President Biden opposes the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, stating the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. The Japanese company announced in December its plan to buy U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion in cash. Biden's opposition to the merger is seen as a move to support unionized workers in an election year, despite potential backlash from the business community and Japan. The White House stated that Biden called the president of United Steelworkers to reiterate his support for its members. Nippon Steel has emphasized the benefits of the deal for U.S. Steel, union workers, the American steel industry, and national security. The company has committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters. The steel deal is currently under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which Biden holds sway over. While Biden has not formally blocked the deal, his opposition could influence the outcome. Former President Trump also expressed opposition to the acquisition. Biden's stance on the deal aligns with his agenda to restore American manufacturing and gain support from unions. The U.S. considers Japan a key partner in countering China's influence in Asia, but Nippon Steel's connections to China have raised concerns within the Biden administration. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned against blocking the deal, citing potential negative impacts on foreign investment and the U.S.-Japan alliance. Sen. Bob Casey applauded Biden's statement, expressing his opposition to any deal that leaves U.S. Steelworkers behind.
#Biden #UsSteel #NipponSteel #Merger #UnionWorkers #Manufacturing #NationalSecurity #Cfius #Japan #China #ForeignInvestment
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/14/biden-steel-nippon-kishida-merger-purchase/ea79696a-e1e1-11ee-95aa-7384336086f3_story.html