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2025-03-29 21:07:47 UTC

In a stunner, Alysa Liu completes return to skating with gold at worlds
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Alysa Liu made a stunning comeback to competitive figure skating by winning the women's gold at the 2025 World Figure Skating Championships in Boston—the first American woman to do so since 2006. Liu, once a teenage prodigy who quit skating after the 2022 Olympics, returned with a joyful and dazzling performance. Her gold-medal win, with a score of 222.97, led a strong U.S. showing with Isabeau Levito finishing fourth and Amber Glenn fifth. Her performance to Donna Summer's music symbolized freedom and fun, marking a hopeful resurgence for U.S. women's figure skating ahead of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2025/03/28/alysa-liu-figure-skating-world-title/

2025-03-29 20:26:47 UTC

2025-03-29 19:45:47 UTC

2025-03-29 19:05:03 UTC

2025-03-29 18:24:05 UTC

2025-03-29 17:43:03 UTC

2025-03-29 17:02:00 UTC

2024-08-06 10:09:06 UTC

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#note1lj6…jken

2024-08-06 10:08:55 UTC

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/

2024-07-26 17:40:20 UTC

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/

2024-07-13 12:55:54 UTC

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#note16jd…7ygx

2024-07-13 12:55:42 UTC

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 UTC

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#note16jd…7ygx

2024-07-13 12:20:27 UTC

2024-06-28 22:59:27 UTC

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/

2024-04-25 00:04:09 UTC

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#note1dp2…esll

2024-04-25 00:03:58 UTC

The FTC banned noncompetes. What that means for workers and companies.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has banned noncompete agreements for most of the U.S. workforce, affecting an estimated 30 million people. Labor advocates see this as a victory for workers, while big businesses and lobbying groups are filing a federal lawsuit against the ban. Noncompete agreements limit workers' ability to change jobs within their industry or start their own businesses. The FTC's decision aims to promote competition and give workers the freedom to pursue new opportunities. However, opponents argue that it will limit their ability to protect trade secrets and confidential information. The ban is not yet final and may face legal challenges.
#Ftc #NoncompeteAgreements #Workers #Companies #LaborAdvocates #BigBusinesses #LobbyingGroups
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/24/non-compete-ban-workers-ftc-employers/

2024-04-23 01:10:54 UTC

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#note15r0…vdlx

2024-04-23 01:10:42 UTC

U.S. cites a litany of rights violations in Israel, Gaza and West Bank
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The State Department's annual human rights report cited several reported rights violations committed in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza in 2023 by parties including the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Hamas militants, and the Palestinian Authority. The Gaza conflict has worsened the human rights situation in Israel, with credible reports of 'unlawful killings' by both Hamas and the Israeli government. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed human rights concerns over the Oct. 7 attacks and the subsequent death of civilians during Israel's military response in Gaza. However, the Biden administration has not announced a decision to suspend U.S. security aid to elements of the Israeli military over alleged human rights abuses. The report also mentioned the deaths of more than 21,000 people in the Gaza Strip through the end of 2023. Israeli authorities have taken some steps to identify and punish officials accused of committing human rights abuses in the West Bank, but no publicly visible steps have been taken in Gaza. The report did not address the aftermath of the high-profile incident in which Israel's military targeted an international aid convoy in April, killing seven people. The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
#Israel #Gaza #WestBank #HumanRights #StateDepartment #AntonyBlinken
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/04/22/us-israel-gaza-human-rights/

2024-04-23 01:07:45 UTC

2024-04-23 00:58:52 UTC

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#note1wc6…uehq

2024-04-23 00:58:41 UTC

IDF intelligence chief resigns; independent report on UNRWA released
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Maj. Gen. Aharon Haliva, the intelligence chief for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), has announced his resignation and retirement over the Oct. 7 Hamas attack. An independent report on the U.N. Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) found that the agency is in need of reforms but Israel has yet to substantiate its claims of Hamas or Palestinian Islamic Jihad members within UNRWA. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed concern over potential U.S. funding restrictions against Netzah Yehuda, an ultra-Orthodox military unit accused of human rights violations in the occupied West Bank. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that at least 34,151 people have been killed and 77,084 injured in Gaza since the war began. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's Oct. 7 attack, including over 300 soldiers.
#Idf #Intelligence #Resignation #Unrwa #Report #Israel #Hamas #Palestine #Gaza
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/22/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/

2024-04-22 14:47:20 UTC

Sen. Chris Van Hollen on Israel-Gaza conflict and fears of wider Mideast escalation
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Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been critical of the way Israel has conducted the war in Gaza and called on the Biden administration to exert more leverage to improve the humanitarian conditions on the ground. Van Hollen joins The Post’s Yasmeen Abutaleb to share his assessment of the Israel-Gaza war, the fears of wider escalation in the Mideast, and the latest on the Baltimore bridge collapse recovery efforts.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/04/23/sen-chris-van-hollen-israel-gaza-conflict-fears-wider-mideast-escalation/

2024-04-22 14:45:13 UTC

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#note1dll…9sp7

2024-04-22 14:45:01 UTC

2024-04-22 13:32:12 UTC

Kellyanne Conway on 2024 issues, abortion politics and prospects of a second Trump term
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Kellyanne Conway, former Senior Counselor to President Donald Trump, joins The Washington Post's Michael Scherer to discuss the issues driving the electorate in 2024, the politics of abortion in battleground states, and her views on the former president's vision for a second term.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/04/24/kellyanne-conway-2024-issues-abortion-politics-prospects-second-trump-term/

2024-04-22 11:59:58 UTC

Do women who live together get their periods together, or is it a myth?
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Menstrual synchrony, the belief that women who live together menstruate at the same time, is a myth. While it does occur occasionally, it is not due to proximity or the release of chemical pheromones. Instead, it is a mathematical coincidence caused by the statistical characteristics of menstrual cycles. Women don't always cycle at the same frequency, so irregularity can sometimes lead to menstruation occurring together. The belief originated from a study by psychologist Martha K. McClintock, but subsequent studies have been inconsistent and failed to prove her hypothesis. Some experts now believe that pheromones secreted from the armpits of women in close quarters change the timing of ovulation, not menstruation. Overall, the majority opinion is that menstrual synchrony is a mathematical coincidence and not influenced by pheromones.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2024/04/22/women-menstruation-periods-synchrony/

2024-04-22 11:55:05 UTC

2024-04-22 09:50:55 UTC

Chinese general takes a harsh line on Taiwan and other disputes at an international naval gathering
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Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the CPC Central Military Commission, warned at the Western Pacific Navy Symposium in Qingdao that China would strike back with force if its interests came under threat. The meeting drew representatives from Australia, Cambodia, Chile, France, India, and the U.S. and focused on China's assertive actions in the Taiwan Strait and the East and South China seas. Zhang emphasized China's territorial claims, including the disputed Senkaku island chain and the South China Sea. He stated that China's territorial sovereignty cannot be challenged and that the Chinese military will defend the reunification and interests of the motherland. Zhang's comments align with Beijing's determination to take control of Taiwan, which it claims as its own territory. Taiwan has been building up its defenses with the help of the U.S., including $8 billion in military aid. Zhang also emphasized China's unilateralist approach to foreign relations and military conflicts, stating that China remains committed to resolving maritime disputes through friendly consultations but will not allow its good faith to be abused. Zhang's comments come after a major shakeup in the Chinese military, including the disappearance of former Defense Minister Li Shangfu and several top officers in the missile corps.
#China #Taiwan #TerritorialDisputes #NavalGathering #WesternPacificNavalSymposium
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/22/china-navy-us-pacific-taiwan/9dd93b2e-006f-11ef-8eac-39c6dcb59eb5_story.html

2024-04-22 09:49:37 UTC

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#note19gh…uexc

2024-04-22 09:49:25 UTC

2024-04-21 21:24:47 UTC

They fled Venezuela — and transformed D.C.’s food delivery scene
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Venezuelan immigrants have entered D.C.'s food delivery industry and filled the city's streets with mopeds. Many are among the nearly 8 million people who have fled Venezuela since 2014. Food delivery has become a lifeline for many of D.C.'s Venezuelans as they pursue asylum and work permits. The job offers more autonomy over their schedules and pay than other industries, but they face challenges such as lack of access to health insurance and expenses like renting food-delivery accounts and financing mopeds. Some D.C. residents have expressed frustration at what they say is erratic and unsafe behavior on the mopeds. The moped deliveries in D.C. began about two years ago and have evolved into a cottage industry fostered by word-of-mouth recommendations and mutual trust. The drivers earn about $4,000 each month and use the earnings to afford rent, support their families, and take English lessons. The drivers are seeking to formalize their work with the city and have proposed various measures to improve their working conditions. The city officials have been meeting with the drivers and their vendors to educate them about local traffic rules. The drivers hope for more support from the city to help them safely make a living without relying on government subsidies. Some local businesses have expressed concerns about the impact of moped deliveries on their business. The drivers have different aspirations, with some hoping to land better jobs or start their own businesses. The article highlights the stories of individual drivers and their journeys from Venezuela to the United States.
#Venezuela #Immigrants #FoodDelivery #Dc #Mopeds
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/22/moped-delivery-drivers-dc/

2024-04-21 16:04:41 UTC

Far from home, three Afghan brothers find joy in lacrosse
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Alyas, Edrees, and Momtaz Nazari, three Afghan brothers, were forced to flee their homeland in 2021 when the US pulled its troops and the Taliban seized power. They settled in Maryland and joined the North County lacrosse team, finding solace and community in the sport. The brothers initially struggled to grasp the sport and relied on their coach's phone and Google translate to communicate. They are now fluent in English and have become integral members of the team. Lacrosse has provided them with a sense of belonging and happiness in their new home.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/21/north-county-lacrosse-brothers/

2024-04-20 20:33:37 UTC

House approves Ukraine, Israel aid bills
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The House approved a $95 billion package of foreign aid bills that would provide funding for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The bills moved forward despite a far-right threat to oust House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) if he advanced Ukraine aid. A rare coalition of Democrats and Republicans, led by Johnson, voted overwhelmingly to pass a procedural measure to advance the four-part legislation. The House voted separately on the four bills, with a fifth bill of GOP priorities to secure the border failing due to a two-thirds vote requirement. The foreign aid package will now go to the Senate for consideration before being sent to President Biden to be signed into law.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/20/house-vote-ukraine-israel-aid-johnson/

2024-04-20 11:49:28 UTC

How to use Meta’s new AI chatbot that you can’t avoid
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Meta has introduced a new AI chatbot called Meta AI, which is rolling out to Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. The chatbot can be accessed through the search and messaging features in these apps and appears as a conversational chat window. It can generate AI images and answer questions. The AI chatbot is marked with a logo and can be found in the search bar or under posts in the feed. There is no way to turn off the chatbot completely, but it can be hidden in WhatsApp settings. Meta AI is primarily meant for fun and noncritical tasks, and users should not rely on it for medical advice or sensitive information. The chatbot saves conversations, but the data is anonymized. Other tech companies are also developing their own AI chatbots. Meta hopes that the chatbot can replace some human interaction on its aging platforms. Users should be cautious of misinformation and seek human sources for important information.
#Meta #AiChatbot #Facebook #Instagram #Messenger #Whatsapp
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/20/meta-ai-chatbot-how-to/

2024-04-20 00:41:53 UTC

Rangers option rookie Jack Leiter 1 day after he allowed 7 runs in his major league debut
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Texas Rangers rookie right-hander Jack Leiter was optioned to Triple-A Round Rock on Friday, one day after allowing seven runs in his major league debut. Leiter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 draft and son of Al Leiter, allowed seven runs on eight hits in 3 2/3 innings in Thursday's 9-7 win at the Detroit Tigers. He walked three and struck out three. The Rangers recalled right-hander Owen White from Round Rock to provide bullpen depth for the start of their weekend series against the Atlanta Braves.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/mlb/2024/04/19/rangers-jack-leiter-optioned/0298517c-fe8f-11ee-87ac-20f7e67cbe29_story.html

2024-04-19 04:33:58 UTC

Middle East conflict live updates: Explosions heard over Iranian province of Isfahan, local media reports
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Multiple flights over Iranian airspace were diverted early Friday as explosions were heard over the province of Isfahan. Tensions in the region are high following Iran's attack on Israel, which was in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Syria. The Biden administration voted against a UN Security Council resolution that aimed to extend full member status to a Palestinian state. A Hezbollah attack injured 18 Israeli soldiers, and Israeli strikes deeper into Lebanon have heightened fears of a broader conflict. The United States and its allies announced new sanctions on Iran to hold Tehran responsible for the attacks on Israel. The Biden administration plans to push for a full investigation into a UN report alleging abuse of detainees in Gaza by Israel Defense Forces personnel. The death toll in Gaza since the war began is at least 33,970, with 76,770 injured. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attack, including more than 300 soldiers. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has deep and complex roots, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
#MiddleEast #Iran #Israel #Gaza #Palestine #Un #Hezbollah #Sanctions
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/18/israel-iran-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/

2024-04-18 16:50:37 UTC

Prominent Baptist pastor in military-ruled Myanmar detained again hours after release from prison
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Prominent Baptist pastor Hkalam Samson, former head of the Kachin Baptist Convention and chairman of the Kachin National Consultative Assembly, was detained by the authorities just hours after he was released from prison under an amnesty by the military government. Kachin state, in northern Myanmar, has been the scene of intermittent warfare between the army and Kachin guerrillas. Samson had been warmly welcomed by family and friends outside the gate of the prison in the Kachin state capital, Myitkyina, when he was released early Wednesday afternoon. At around 10 p.m. Wednesday night, security forces and officials came to his home in the city and took him away. Samson's wife and a member of the Kachin-based Peace-talk Creation Group were also taken to Myitkyina prison. Samson is a prominent advocate of the human rights of ethnic and religious minorities in Myanmar and was detained in December 2022 and handed a six-year prison term in April last year. Human rights groups said minority religions, including Christians, have been significantly persecuted in Myanmar since the military takeover in 2021. Kachin guerrillas have played a large role in the resistance movement against military rule. In March, another Baptist pastor from the Kachin Baptist Convention was shot dead. The military government also announced that former leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved from prison to house arrest as a health measure due to a heat wave.
#Myanmar #BaptistPastor #Detention #HumanRights #KachinEthnicMinority
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/18/myanmar-religion-baptist-kachin-human-rights-christian/86c2eb1e-fd82-11ee-87ac-20f7e67cbe29_story.html

2024-04-17 23:01:12 UTC

Middle East conflict live updates: U.S. plans Iran sanctions; U.K. says Israel looks set to respond to attack
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The United States and the European Union are planning fresh sanctions against Iran after its unprecedented attack. British Foreign Secretary David Cameron said Israel is making a decision to act. Israel's war cabinet has been discussing a response to Iran's drone and missile barrage. Hezbollah carried out an attack against a military position in response to Israeli strikes. 12 people, including seven children, were killed in a strike in the Maghazi refugee camp. The United States plans to impose new sanctions to degrade Iran's military capacity. At least 33,899 people have been killed and 76,664 injured in Gaza since the war began. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attack, including more than 300 soldiers. The war between Israel and Hamas has gone on for several months and tensions have spilled into the surrounding region. The roots of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and mistrust are deep and complex, predating the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/17/israel-iran-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/

2024-04-17 18:05:15 UTC

First Look with The Post’s Jonathan Capehart
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First Look with The Post’s Jonathan Capehart is a program offered by Washington Post Live that provides a smart, inside take on the day’s politics. It features a reporter debrief followed by a roundtable discussion with Washington Post columnists. The program will air on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. ET. The program aims to provide news and analysis that is unique and not available elsewhere. The hosts of the program are Jonathan Capehart, an Associate Editor at The Washington Post, and Ramesh Ponnuru, a Contributing Columnist at The Washington Post. The program will cover reporting and analysis from the Hill and the White House. Some of the latest news covered includes Biden's visit to Pennsylvania, the U.S. planning to levy sanctions against Iran over an attack on Israel, and the rise and fall of a tech-stock bubble within three weeks. The program is available on the Washington Post website.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/04/19/first-look-with-posts-jonathan-capehart/

2024-04-17 17:36:44 UTC

2024-04-17 12:43:24 UTC

Biden wants to hike tariffs on Chinese steel as U.S. election looms
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President Biden plans to unveil new protections for the U.S. steel industry, including tripling the existing 7.5% tariff on Chinese steel and aluminum imports, pressuring Mexico to prevent China from shipping metals to the U.S., and launching an investigation of Chinese subsidies for its shipbuilding industry. The actions are aimed at combating unfair Chinese competition and shoring up Biden's political fortunes in battleground states. The investigation could lead to the imposition of fresh tariffs or other penalties on Chinese vessels. Biden's opponent, former President Trump, is also courting voters with economic nationalism. The mix of tariffs and investigations represents Biden's sharpest actions to date to prevent China from flooding global markets with low-cost goods. China's steel production is equal to roughly half of global demand, and its export prices are about 40% lower than what U.S. steelmakers charge. However, current Chinese imports amount to just 0.6% of total U.S. steel demand. The Biden administration expects the tariffs to have no significant effect since they apply to a limited set of goods.
#Biden #Tariffs #SteelIndustry #China #UsElection
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/17/biden-steel-china-tariff-election/

2024-04-17 05:47:22 UTC

NASA confirms metal object that struck Fla. home was space station junk
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A metal object that fell through the roof of a home in Naples, Florida, last month was debris from a pallet of trash NASA released into space three years ago. The 1.6-pound cylindrical object was part of a 5,800-pound collection of old nickel hydride batteries released from the International Space Station in March 2021. NASA is still investigating how the debris survived reentry into Earth's atmosphere. The homeowner, Alejandro Otero, had contacted his insurance company about fixing his house, but it's unclear whether he has been able to repair the damage or sought compensation. The liability for damage caused by objects reentering Earth's atmosphere falls on the launching state, but this case involving a civilian-owned property has little precedent.
#Nasa #SpaceDebris #Florida #InternationalSpaceStation
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/16/nasa-space-debris-florida/

2024-04-16 22:01:39 UTC

Transcript: The State of the U.S. Economy
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The transcript is a discussion between Catherine Rampell, Natasha Sarin, and Larry Summers about the state of the U.S. economy and tax policy. Natasha Sarin recently launched The Budget Lab at Yale Law School, aiming to develop a more holistic analysis of the costs and benefits of different policy changes. Larry Summers supports the $80 billion investment in the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to improve tax collection and enforcement. They discuss the need for tax policy to reduce wealth inequality, the expiration of the Trump era tax cuts, and the importance of raising taxes to address the fiscal situation of the country. They also mention the potential role of the IRS in facilitating Americans' ability to file taxes and the need for the IRS to focus on collecting taxes owed and providing service to taxpayers. They express concerns about the decrease in IRS investments and the potential impact on equity and services.
#UsEconomy #TaxPolicy #Irs #WealthInequality
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/04/16/transcript-state-us-economy/

2024-04-16 21:22:07 UTC

2024-04-16 11:48:11 UTC

Stock market today: World shares track slump on Wall St triggered by strong US spending data
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World shares skidded following a slump on Wall Street after a report showed American shoppers spent more at retailers last month than expected. U.S. futures edged 0.1% lower early Tuesday. In Europe, Germany’s DAX lost 1.4% to 17,767.98 while the CAC 40 in Paris declined 1.2% to 7,945.68. In London, the FTSE 100 was down 1.5% at 7,848.89. The Chinese government reported that the economy grew at a surprisingly fast 5.3% annual rate in the first quarter of the year. The Shanghai Composite index lost 1.7% to 3,007.07, while the Hang Seng in Hong Kong lost 2.1% to 16,248.97. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 fell 1.9% to 38,471.20. The euro was unchanged at $1.0626. In the oil market, a barrel of U.S. crude for May delivery slipped 41 cents to $85.00 per barrel. Brent crude shed 34 cents to $89.76 per barrel.
#StockMarket #WorldShares #WallStreet #UsSpendingData
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/16/stocks-shares-markets-rates-china/25b612aa-fbcb-11ee-87ac-20f7e67cbe29_story.html

2024-04-16 11:45:58 UTC

This might be Trump’s most inflationary, economically destructive idea yet
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Trump's policy team is reportedly scheming to devalue the U.S. dollar, with the objective of boosting U.S. exports and reducing imports. However, deliberately weakening the dollar could have disastrous consequences, including higher prices for American consumers and a potential global recession. Weakening the dollar also threatens its role as the world's reserve currency, eroding the dollar's global use and potentially making it more expensive for the U.S. government to borrow. Additionally, there is a risk of trade or currency wars with other countries. Overall, this idea is seen as one of Trump's worst and most destructive.
#DonaldTrump #UsDollar #Inflation #Economy #Exports #Imports #GlobalRecession #ReserveCurrency #TradeWars #CurrencyWars
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/16/trump-devalue-dollar-inflation-economy/

2024-04-16 02:08:24 UTC

N.Y. trial’s focus on tawdry scandal could underscore Trump’s weakness with women
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The New York trial of former president Donald Trump is set to revisit the scandal that rocked his 2016 run, potentially highlighting his weakness with women. Prosecutors plan to present evidence related to the 'Access Hollywood' scandal and allegations of sexual misconduct against Trump. They also want to reference a previous hush money scheme with a Playboy model, Karen McDougal. The prosecutors argue that Trump's motivation for paying hush money to adult-film actress Stormy Daniels was to avoid another damaging revelation about an alleged affair. Polls show that a majority of voters view the charges as serious, particularly women. However, some strategists believe that the New York case is the least damaging against Trump and that further attention to his character may not significantly impact voters. The trial is ongoing.
#DonaldTrump #Trial #Scandal #Women #HushMoney
https://www.washingtonpost.com/elections/2024/04/15/trump-trial-scandal-access-hollywood/

2024-04-15 10:52:08 UTC

Telecom fights price caps as U.S. spends billions on internet access
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Telecom companies such as AT&T, Charter, Comcast, and Verizon are lobbying against strict new rules that would require them to lower their poorest customers' monthly bills in exchange for a share of the $42.5 billion federal program to improve internet access across the U.S. The lobbying campaign has caused regulators in several states, including California, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and others, to rethink, scale back, or abandon their plans to condition the federal funds on financial relief for consumers. The telecom companies argue that the proposed price cuts are illegal and that rate regulation would hinder the success of the broadband program. On the other hand, consumer advocates argue that the industry is trying to benefit from the federal aid without addressing the issue of high broadband prices. The political wrangling has significant consequences for the approximately 8.5 million U.S. households and small businesses that still lack access to affordable internet, exacerbating the digital divide. The $42.5 billion federal program, enacted as part of the 2021 infrastructure law, aims to deliver speedy and affordable broadband to unserved areas of the country by 2030. The Biden administration has suggested that internet plans should cost consumers no more than $30 per month, but local officials have the flexibility to propose alternatives. Telecom companies have spent millions of dollars lobbying against restrictions on pricing and have questioned the legality of tying federal funds to specific pricing changes. The telecom industry's lobbying efforts have been influential in several states, leading to the removal or scaling back of proposed price caps for low-income residents. The opposition from the telecom industry highlights its vast power and reach as a political force. The policy disputes have gained urgency as the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides monthly subsidies to lower broadband bills for millions of Americans, faces the prospect of sharp cuts in May and is set to cease operating in June due to a lack of funds. Congressional Republicans have criticized the subsidies as wasteful and have sided with internet providers over the provision of federal infrastructure funds. The lobbying efforts by the telecom industry and the political pressure have raised concerns that the massive influx of federal aid for broadband may fall short of its potential if Americans cannot afford the new broadband service in their communities.
#Telecom #PriceCaps #Broadband #InternetAccess #Lobbying #FederalProgram #DigitalDivide #ConsumerAdvocacy #AffordableConnectivity
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/15/telecom-lobbying-price-caps-broadband/

2024-04-15 08:49:50 UTC

Top diplomats meet in Paris to mobilize aid for Sudan, wrecked by war and on the brink of famine
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Top diplomats and aid groups are meeting in Paris to mobilize humanitarian support for Sudan, which has been devastated by a yearlong war and is on the brink of famine. The conflict in Sudan began in April last year when tensions between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces erupted into open fighting. The U.N. humanitarian campaign requires $2.7 billion this year to provide food, healthcare, and supplies to 24 million people in Sudan, but only $145 million has been given so far. Sudan is facing the threat of mass starvation, with broken food production and distribution networks and aid agencies unable to reach the worst-affected regions. The conflict has also been marked by reports of atrocities, including killings, displacement, and rape. Approximately 37% of the population is at crisis level or above when it comes to food insecurity, and about 230,000 children, pregnant women, and newborn mothers could die of malnutrition in the coming months. Nearly 9 million people have been forced to flee their homes within Sudan or to neighboring countries. The military, led by Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, are engaged in ongoing conflict. In 2021, they toppled an internationally recognized civilian government that was meant to guide Sudan's democratic transition.
#Sudan #War #Famine #HumanitarianAid #Paris
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/15/sudan-conflict-rsf-famine-paris-un-aid/8f659432-fafe-11ee-87ac-20f7e67cbe29_story.html

2024-04-15 06:24:56 UTC

Masters 2024 highlights: Scottie Scheffler wins green jacket for second time in three years
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Scottie Scheffler won the Masters title for the second time in his career, securing his second green jacket in the past three years. Ludvig Aberg finished second, while Collin Morikawa, Max Homa, and Tommy Fleetwood tied for third. Tiger Woods completed four rounds at a major for the first time since 2020 but finished in last place among players who made the cut.
#Masters2024 #ScottieScheffler #Golf #GreenJacket
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/14/masters-leaderboard-scores-sunday-tiger-woods/

2024-04-15 06:05:05 UTC

At the end of the worst Wizards season ever, more change is coming
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The Washington Wizards ended their worst season ever with a 15-67 record. The coaches and players did not feel relief or emotion after their final defeat to the Boston Celtics. Interim coach Brian Keefe believes they have developed resilience and a competitive atmosphere, laying the foundation for improvement. The Wizards had the most losses in franchise history and many of the losses were painful to watch. However, the team made strides in player development and culture-building. The offseason will involve finding a new coach, participating in the draft lottery and NBA draft, and exploring free agency. The Wizards have two players set to become unrestricted free agents: Tyus Jones and Anthony Gill. The team recently signed four players as part of their season of discovery to evaluate their roster for the rebuild.
#WashingtonWizards #Nba #Basketball #Offseason #Rebuilding
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/14/wizards-offseason-preview/

2024-04-15 04:38:03 UTC

What to stream this week: Conan O’Brien travels, 'Migration' soars and Taylor Swift will reign
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Zack Snyder’s “Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver” and Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” album are among the new streaming offerings. The animated movie “Migration” follows a family of ducks flying south for the winter. Conan O’Brien stars in the travel show “Conan O’Brien Must Go.” Other new releases include Pearl Jam’s album “Dark Matter,” the limited series “Under the Bridge” starring Lily Gladstone, and the British comedy “Big Mood” starring Nicola Coughlan. The fantasy book series “The Spiderwick Chronicles” has been adapted for TV. National Geographic’s “Secrets Of” franchise has a new installment called “Secrets of the Octopus.” The video game “Harold Halibut” features distinctive graphics and is set in a city-sized spaceship.
#Streaming #Movies #Music #Television #Games
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/15/stream-tv-music-movies-2024-april-taylor/35756fbe-f8ed-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.html

2024-04-14 16:14:23 UTC

Asparagus mimosa is France’s sunny, eggy ode to spring
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Asparagus mimosa is a classic French dish that celebrates spring. Asparagus, which hibernates all winter, starts to grow and stretch towards the sun when the soil warms and the light changes. The chlorophyll in asparagus converts the sun's energy into sustenance, giving it its green color. White asparagus is grown in the dark. Asparagus pairs well with eggs, and there are numerous dishes that combine the two. Asparagus mimosa is a simple and delicious dish where lightly cooked asparagus is dressed in vinaigrette and topped with sieved egg yolks and whites. It is an ideal brunch dish or a side to a main course. The dish is best eaten immediately to appreciate the combination of textures. Asparagus mimosa is a favorite of food writer David Lebovitz, who believes it is the best way to serve asparagus. The dish is named after the mimosa flowers because the sieved egg yolks on a backdrop of whites resemble the flowers. The recipe can be made off the cuff using a favorite vinaigrette. The asparagus and eggs can be steamed together to save time and effort. Spring slips away quickly, so it's best to enjoy the dish immediately.
#Asparagus #FrenchCuisine #SpringDish #Recipe #Eggs
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/04/14/asparagus-mimosa-classic-french-spring-eggs/

2024-04-14 15:33:11 UTC

Divisive? Not for moviegoers. ‘Civil War’ declares victory at box office.
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Alex Garland’s film 'Civil War' surpasses expectations and earns $25.7 million in ticket sales in North America, becoming the biggest R-rated opening of the year. It unseats 'Godzilla x Kong' from the No. 1 spot at the box office. The film stars Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, and Cailee Spaeny as front-line journalists in a near future covering a devastating conflict in the U.S. and trying to make their way to Washington, D.C. 'Civil War' has been inspiring debates and opinion pieces since its release. The film opened on 3,838 screens in the U.S. and Canada, including IMAX. It has a production budget of $50 million and overperformed in markets 'from LA to El Paso.'
#BoxOffice #Film #CivilWar #Moviegoers #Record #Debates
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/14/box-office-civil-war-godzilla-kong/2f64773e-fa6c-11ee-87ac-20f7e67cbe29_story.html

2024-04-13 18:48:31 UTC

Ex-U.S. ambassador sentenced to 15 years after decades of spying for Cuba
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Manuel Rocha, a former U.S. ambassador, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after admitting to working as a secret agent for Cuba for over 40 years. The Justice Department described his actions as one of the most serious infiltrations of the U.S. government in history. Rocha referred to the United States as 'the enemy' and praised Fidel Castro during an undercover operation conducted by an FBI agent posing as a Cuban spy. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government and acting as an agent of a foreign government without notice. Rocha, who served on the National Security Council and as U.S. ambassador to Bolivia, gained access to national secrets and allegedly shared classified information with Cuban intelligence operatives. He was ordered to pay $500,000, forfeit future pension payments, cooperate with the U.S. government, and share details of his dealings with Cuba. Rocha also agreed to work undercover for the U.S. government if requested.
#Espionage #Cuba #UsGovernment
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/13/manuel-rocha-cuba-espionage-sentencing/

2024-04-13 12:45:19 UTC

A Chinese official meets North Korean leader Kim in Pyongyang in highest-level talks in years
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A top-ranking Chinese official, Zhao Leji, met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang, reaffirming ties between the two countries. This meeting marks the highest-level talks between China and North Korea in years. Zhao, who ranks third in the ruling Communist Party hierarchy and heads the ceremonial parliament, expressed China's commitment to further developing ties with North Korea. The visit comes at a time when North Korea has been attempting to intimidate South Korea and the United States. China has been a crucial source of economic aid and diplomatic support for North Korea. The two countries have been good neighbors for the past 75 years and have fought together during the Korean War. Zhao also met with his North Korean counterpart, Choe Ryong Hae, to discuss promoting exchanges and cooperation. This visit is the first bilateral exchange involving a Chinese Politburo Standing Committee member since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. North Korea and China are expected to hold more exchanges this year to commemorate the establishment of diplomatic ties. North Korea has been seeking closer cooperation with China and Russia amid tensions with the US and South Korea over its missile launches and nuclear program. In the past, Kim has also held summits with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin. China has refused to criticize Russia's invasion of Ukraine but has stated that it will not provide direct military support to Russia.
#China #NorthKorea #KimJongUn #ZhaoLeji #DiplomaticTies #EconomicAid #KoreanWar #Covid19Pandemic #ChoeRyongHae #Cooperation #MissileLaunches #NuclearProgram #XiJinping #VladimirPutin #Russia #Us #SouthKorea
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/13/china-north-korea-talks/c770454c-f98d-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.html

2024-04-12 14:39:25 UTC

Biden embraced Trump’s tariffs. It might be his undoing.
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Inflation has been higher than expected for three straight months, posing a threat to President Biden's reelection prospects. The Trump and Biden administrations both implemented policies that asked consumers to pay more for goods and services, contributing to inflationary pressures. Despite criticizing Trump's tariffs during his campaign, President Biden has kept them in place. The tariffs have not been effective in altering China's policies and have cost the American economy in terms of money and lost jobs. The tariffs have cost the U.S. economy nearly 200,000 jobs and 0.25 percent of its GDP annually. The Biden administration is reluctant to lift the tariffs, even though they have failed. The rising protectionism in America also has foreign policy costs, as seen in the administration's opposition to a Japanese company buying U.S. Steel. The decline in manufacturing cannot solely be attributed to globalization, as countries like Germany and France, which protected workers and invested in retraining, have also seen right-wing populism rise. The article suggests that policies designed to keep populists at bay may end up punishing mainstream politicians if they result in higher inflation and higher prices for consumers.
#Biden #Trump #Tariffs #Economy #Inflation
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/12/biden-trump-tariffs-economy-inflation/

2024-04-12 01:43:06 UTC

Six shot, one fatally, in Northeast D.C. neighborhood with violent past
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Two boys, aged 9 and 12, were among the six victims shot in the Carver-Langston neighborhood of Northeast D.C. on Wednesday. The shooting occurred around 6 p.m. when two individuals armed with guns opened fire from a dark gray sedan with tinted windows. One victim, 29-year-old Aubrey McLeod from Maryland, died at the scene. The other five victims, including the two boys, were treated at hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made in the case. The Carver-Langston neighborhood has a history of violence, with previous incidents of gunfire resulting in fatalities. Residents are concerned about a potential increase in violence as more people gather outside during the spring and summer. D.C. Council member Zachary Parker and D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith have condemned the violence and called for targeted interventions to prevent ongoing disputes and retaliation. Both mothers of the injured boys plan to move out of the neighborhood for safety reasons.
#Shooting #Crime #Violence #NortheastDc #Carverlangston
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/04/11/homicide-gunfire-dc-children-shot/

2024-04-11 16:42:37 UTC

Vietnamese court sentences tycoon to death in multibillion-dollar fraud case
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Truong My Lan, chairwoman of Van Thinh Phat Holdings, has been sentenced to death by a Vietnamese court in a multibillion-dollar fraud case. She was convicted of embezzling $12 billion from Saigon Joint Stock Commercial Bank into shell companies and received additional 20-year sentences for bribery and violating lending regulations. Lan's husband, Eric Chu, was sentenced to nine years in prison for his alleged involvement. The sentence is part of the Communist Party's efforts to crack down on corruption and attract international investment. Vietnam uses the death penalty for various crimes, including murder, rape, and fraud.
#Vietnam #Fraud #DeathSentence #Corruption #Embezzlement
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/11/vietnam-truong-my-lan-death-sentence/

2024-04-11 11:18:56 UTC

Justice Dept. finalizes rules to close ‘gun show loophole’
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The Justice Department has finalized rules to close a loophole that allowed people to sell firearms online, at gun shows, and at other informal venues without conducting background checks. The rules, expected to take effect in 30 days, codify changes outlined in the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act signed into law in June 2022. The rules clarify who is required to conduct background checks and aim to close the 'gun show loophole' by requiring anyone who sells a firearm through mail order, flea markets, gun shows, or online to register for a license and conduct necessary background checks. The rules are expected to apply to about 23,000 dealers and about 22 percent of Americans who have obtained guns without a background check. The regulations are likely to face legal challenges, but the White House and Justice Department officials are confident they align with the law and will withstand such challenges.
#GunShowLoophole #GunRegulation #BackgroundChecks #BipartisanSaferCommunitiesAct
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/04/11/gun-show-loophole-closed-biden-atf/

2024-04-09 17:42:34 UTC

This is the most important app in America
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YouTube is the most popular social app and music service in America. It is also one of the largest cable TV providers and the healthiest economy on the internet. YouTube is No. 1 in video and music listening, with Americans spending more time watching YouTube on TV sets than any other streaming service. YouTube TV is one of the leading cable TV providers in the country. In terms of music, more people tune into YouTube than Spotify or any other audio service. YouTube is the most widely used social app among American adults and teens. It has a unique financial arrangement where video creators earn 55 cents from each dollar advertisers pay for commercials on their videos. YouTube's payment system is revolutionary and contributes to a healthy internet economy. YouTube has also been used as data fuel for training artificial intelligence by companies like OpenAI and Google. Despite its flaws, YouTube is an important and influential app.
#Youtube #SocialMedia #MusicService #CableTv #InternetEconomy #ArtificialIntelligence
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/09/most-important-app-youtube/

2024-04-08 21:47:24 UTC

Justice Dept. declines to give Biden-Hur audio recordings to House committee
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The Justice Department has declined to provide audio recordings of President Biden's interviews with special counsel Robert K. Hur to the House Judiciary Committee and the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. The officials stated that since the lawmakers already have transcripts of the interviews, the request for audio recordings is more about scoring political points than seeking information. The interviews took place in October and played a key role in Hur's decision not to seek charges against Biden for mishandling classified documents. The Republicans have threatened to hold Attorney General Merrick Garland in contempt if the recordings are not turned over, but the Justice Department argues that the lawmakers have already received a significant amount of material from the Hur investigation. The department also warns that turning over the recordings could have a chilling effect on future interviews with high-profile individuals for sensitive investigations. In addition to the Biden interviews, the Justice Department has provided transcripts of Hur's interview with Biden's former ghostwriter, and the Republicans are also seeking the audio recordings of those interviews.
#JusticeDepartment #HouseCommittee #BidenhurAudioRecordings
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/04/08/biden-hur-audio-justice-house-subpoena/

2024-04-08 20:23:54 UTC

Vance tries (and fails) to undermine jobs data by pointing to the border
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Sen. J.D. Vance (R-Ohio) claims that the increase in jobs reflected in monthly data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics is heavily attributable to illegal immigration. However, the increase in employment during the Biden administration has been heavily a function of gains among those born outside the United States. From February 2017 to February 2020, 71 percent of jobs added in the United States went to native-born Americans, while from February 2021 to February 2024, 52 percent did. The density of native-born Americans in the workforce has trended down since 2010. The rate of change in employment under Biden is much sharper due to the economy rebounding from the pandemic. The increase in the size of the workforce this decade is predicted to be a function of first- and second-generation immigrants. Vance's efforts to disparage foreign-born workers and Biden are seen as an inherently political effort.
#JobsData #Immigration #Employment #BureauOfLaborStatistics #JdVance #BidenAdministration #NativebornAmericans #ForeignbornResidents
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/08/vance-immigration-job-numbers/

2024-04-08 15:53:45 UTC

Trump revives his wish that immigrants came from rich White countries
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Donald Trump has revived his controversial rhetoric on immigration, expressing his desire for immigrants to come from rich White countries. In a fundraiser event, Trump made comments about immigrants coming from 'unbelievable places and countries, countries that are a disaster.' He then referenced his previous comments in 2018 when he referred to immigrants from Haiti, Central America, and Africa as coming from 'shithole' countries and questioned why the US couldn't receive immigrants from countries like Norway. There are two possible explanations for Trump's position on immigration: either he is deeply ignorant about immigration or he believes racist rhetoric is a successful political strategy. Trump often tries to portray immigrants as dangerous and refuses to acknowledge the economic pull that draws immigrants to the US. His rhetoric also has a racial subtext, as he complains about countries that are largely non-White, heightening racial fears among his target audience. Trump's motivations for his rhetoric may be a combination of both ignorance and racism. Immigration is a complex system, but the questions Trump asks are straightforward to answer.
#DonaldTrump #Immigration #Racism #PoliticalStrategy
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/04/08/trump-immigration-rhetoric/

2024-04-08 12:53:40 UTC

Vatican says ‘sex-change’ surgery risks threatening human ‘dignity’
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A Vatican document titled 'Dignitas infinita' warns that gender-affirming operations risk threatening human dignity and denounces attempts to obscure the sexual difference between man and woman. The document does not undo Pope Francis's more inclusive measures, but it separates the need to provide outreach to transgender people from the act of obtaining gender-affirming surgery. The Vatican also takes aim at gender theory, exalts heterosexuality, opposes surrogate pregnancies, and condemns euthanasia and assisted suicide. The document focuses on poverty, rising inequality, and the hoarding of wealth by corporations. It argues that the modern world has not truly reduced poverty and criticizes the obsession with reducing labor costs without concern for the consequences.
#Vatican #GenderaffirmingSurgery #HumanDignity #PopeFrancis #GenderTheory #Heterosexuality #SurrogatePregnancies #Euthanasia #AssistedSuicide #Poverty #Inequality #WealthHoarding #LaborCosts
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/08/vatican-transgender-surgery-pope-francis/

2024-04-08 12:10:27 UTC

What's expected at Japanese PM Kishida's US visit? A major upgrade in defense ties
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Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is making an official visit to the United States this week. He will hold a summit with President Joe Biden to achieve a major upgrading of their defense alliance. Kishida hopes to further strengthen the alliance as China’s influence grows in the Indo-Pacific. Kishida is also reaching out to the American public to showcase Japan’s contribution to the U.S. economy and ensure stable relations regardless of who wins the U.S. presidential election later this year. Expanding arms equipment and technology cooperation between the two countries and other like-minded partners is also highly important. Defense tops the agenda because of growing worries about threats from China, North Korea, and Russia. Biden and Kishida are expected to agree on a plan to modernize their military command structures. Japan’s possible participation in a U.S.-U.K.-Australia security partnership and its contribution to NASA’s Artemis moon program may also come up. The first-ever trilateral summit between Biden, Kishida, and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. comes as the Philippines faces escalating maritime tension with China over their contested South China Sea claims. Kishida also wants to highlight Japan’s economic contributions in the U.S. He will meet with business leaders and visit Toyota’s electric vehicle battery factory and Honda’s business jet subsidiary in North Carolina.
#JapanesePrimeMinister #FumioKishida #UsVisit #DefenseTies #Summit #China #Indopacific #UsEconomy #ArmsEquipment #TechnologyCooperation #MilitaryCommandStructures #UsukaustraliaSecurityPartnership #Nasa'sArtemisMoonProgram #Philippines #MaritimeTension #SouthChinaSea #EconomicContributions #Toyota #Honda
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/08/japan-us-philippines-kishida-biden-marcos-security/e15b1a60-f585-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.html

2024-04-08 11:32:23 UTC

2024-04-07 14:54:46 UTC

New Zealand teams win men's and women's titles at the Hong Kong Sevens
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New Zealand teams, the All Blacks Sevens and the Black Ferns Sevens, won the men's and women's titles, respectively, at the Hong Kong Sevens. The All Blacks Sevens defeated France 10-7 in the men's final, while the Black Ferns Sevens defeated the United States 36-7 in the women's final. Michaela Blyde was named the player of the final for her three tries. It was the third consecutive tournament title for the Black Ferns Sevens. The New Zealand men's team won their 68th tournament title in the world series. The French team fell just short of their third title overall. The Australian women won the bronze medal, defeating France 24-21 in the third-place playoff. The next stop in the global sevens series is Singapore from May 3-5.
#NewZealand #HongKongSevens #Rugby #AllBlacksSevens #BlackFernsSevens #France #UnitedStates #MichaelaBlyde #Tournament #WorldSeries #Australia #Singapore
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/04/07/hong-kong-rugby-sevens-7s/17290002-f4d8-11ee-9506-c8544e5c9d86_story.html

2024-04-06 01:46:09 UTC

House, Senate leaders nearing deal on landmark online privacy bill
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The leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) and Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), respectively, are expected to announce a tentative deal on a national framework for protecting Americans' personal data online. The deal is expected to preempt state data protection laws and allow individuals to sue companies that violate their privacy. Lawmakers have been trying to pass a federal privacy law for over two decades, but negotiations have repeatedly broken down. The deal would mark the first time the heads of the two powerful commerce committees have come to terms on a major consumer privacy bill. The details of the framework are not yet known, and its passage in both chambers of Congress is not guaranteed.
#OnlinePrivacy #DataProtection #Congress #Legislation
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/04/05/federal-privacy-internet-congress/

2024-04-05 22:07:09 UTC

Middle East conflict live updates: U.S. seeks changes with ‘results’ after Israel identifies ‘serious violation’ of rules in Gaza aid convoy attack
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Israeli military investigation finds that the strikes on the World Central Kitchen (WCK) convoy in Gaza were a 'grave mistake' due to mistaken identification of vehicles as carrying Hamas operatives. The United States is calling for changes to ensure this does not happen again. World Central Kitchen is calling for an independent commission to investigate the attack. Israel announces the opening of more aid routes into Gaza, including the Erez border crossing. Calls for an international arms embargo on Israel are growing. The death toll in Gaza since the war began is at least 33,091, with the majority being women and children. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's attack on October 7, including more than 300 soldiers.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/05/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/

2024-04-04 12:30:38 UTC

South Korea's president meets leader of doctors' strike as he seeks to end their walkouts
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South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol met the leader of a strike by thousands of doctors on Thursday and said that the government is open to talks about its contentious push to sharply increase medical school admissions. The meeting was the first of its kind since more than 90% of the country’s 13,000 trainee doctors walked off the job in February, disrupting hospital operations. Yoon defended his plan to recruit 2,000 more medical students each year, but said his government remains open to talks if doctors come up with a unified proposal. Yoon met Park Dan, head of an emergency committee for the Korea Intern Resident Association, for more than two hours, during which “the president said he would respect the position of trainee doctors in the event of talks with the medical circle on medical reform issues including an increase of doctors,” according to Yoon’s office. The government did not say whether there are immediate plans for talks with the doctors or if Yoon is willing to lower the size of his proposed medical school admission increase. The strikers have demanded the government withdraw the 2,000-student admission increase plan. Public surveys show that a majority of ordinary South Koreans support Yoon’s plan. The striking doctors face license suspensions because they missed a government-set deadline to return to work by the end of February.
#SouthKorea #Doctors'Strike #MedicalSchoolAdmissions #YoonSukYeol
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/04/04/south-korea-doctors-strike-president-yoon/d66c5b7c-f270-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.html

2024-04-04 04:57:03 UTC

Southeast Asian countries consider ways to boost 'green financing' as region chokes on smog
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Senior finance and central bank officials from Southeast Asia and major economies met in Luang Prabang, Laos to discuss ways to build resilience against shocks like the COVID-19 pandemic and natural disasters caused by climate change. The meeting included discussions on green finance, an ASEAN infrastructure fund, disaster risk financing and insurance, and refining a 'taxonomy' to identify projects that support ASEAN's sustainability agenda. ASEAN countries, including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam, have committed to cutting carbon emissions but struggle to find ways to make the transition. The region is vulnerable to extreme weather, drought, and rising sea levels, and estimates suggest that investments in clean energy need to increase by five to seven times, to more than $200 billion a year. Laos, a landlocked country with a shrinking economy, is rich in hydroelectric power but faces challenges in reducing crop burning and tackling regional issues like human trafficking and the illicit drug trade. The country is also focused on integrating itself into the wider regional economy and has deepened ties with China through infrastructure projects like the $6 billion high-speed railway. The finance meetings in Luang Prabang were attended by senior officials from international financial institutions, as well as delegates from Japan, China, the U.S., and other major economies. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen did not attend the talks but traveled to China for meetings with American business leaders and Chinese officials. The region is experiencing rivalries for influence, as highlighted by the visits of Indonesia's President-elect Prabowo Subianto and the foreign ministers of Vietnam, Laos, and East-Timor to Beijing.
#GreenFinancing #Asean #ClimateChange #Sustainability #CarbonEmissions #CleanEnergy #Laos #China #Infrastructure #RivalriesForInfluence
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/04/asean-asia-laos-financial-yellen/8c4b73bc-f238-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.html

2024-04-04 04:50:45 UTC

What time is it on the moon? White House tells NASA to decide.
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The White House has directed NASA to establish a time standard for the moon, known as "Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)". The moon has a weaker gravitational pull than Earth, causing time to move slightly faster on the moon. The unified time standard is needed for scientific discovery, economic development, and international collaboration in space. The United States plans to return humans to the moon through NASA's Artemis moon program, while other countries like China and private companies are also aiming for a greater presence in space. Standardizing timekeeping will allow for more precision in spacecraft operations and communication. The European Space Agency has also emphasized the need for a common lunar reference time.
#Moon #Nasa #TimeStandard #SpaceExploration
https://washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/03/moon-time-nasa-space-white-house/

2024-04-03 16:34:25 UTC

What time is it on the moon? White House tells NASA to decide.
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The White House has directed NASA to establish a time standard for the moon by December 2026. The time standard, known as "Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)," is needed because time moves slightly faster on the moon than on Earth due to its weaker gravitational pull. The project is important for scientific discovery, economic development, and international collaboration in space. The United States plans to return humans to the moon through the Artemis moon program, with the goal of a human moon landing by September 2026. China, Russia, and private companies are also aiming for a greater presence on the moon. Standardizing timekeeping will allow for more precision in spacecraft operations and benefit all spacefaring nations.
#Moon #Nasa #TimeStandard #SpaceExploration
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/04/03/moon-time-nasa-space-white-house/

2024-04-03 12:59:34 UTC

Opinion | I am proud to have spoken out against Putin’s crimes in Ukraine
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Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Global Opinions contributor, is addressing the Russian Supreme Court in a cassation appeal against his 25-year sentence for speaking out against the war in Ukraine and Vladimir Putin's regime. Kara-Murza highlights the legal irregularities in his case, including the lack of grounds or specific crime, the contradiction of his conviction with Russia's international human rights obligations, and the illegal composition of the court. He argues that the Russian government is more interested in silencing those who speak out against war crimes than in prosecuting the actual perpetrators. Kara-Murza compares his case to historical examples of dictatorships equating criticism of the authorities with treason. He expresses pride in the many people who have not remained silent in Russia despite the risks to their freedom. Kara-Murza concludes that his case is based on the denial of law, justice, and legality, and is a common tactic of dictatorships throughout history.
#Putin #Ukraine #WarCrimes #FreedomOfSpeech #HumanRights #CassationAppeal #RussianSupremeCourt
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/03/vladimir-kara-murza-statement-court-russia/

2024-04-03 11:49:24 UTC

Opinion | What if the economy is as normal as it’s going to get?
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The U.S. economy is as normal as it’s ever going to get. Jobs are plentiful and real incomes have grown faster for those at the bottom. Swing voters might still be disappointed and ready for a political change because they had experienced relief programs during the pandemic that mitigated the damage. However, inflation ate their savings as consumers effectively got into bidding wars for the limited supply of goods and services. People really hate inflation, even if their wages rise to offset it. The Federal Reserve's struggle to get inflation down to 2 percent is more normal than the decade preceding the pandemic. Aging societies and a mountain of pandemic debt will tempt governments to run big deficits, which can create inflationary pressure. Globalization has stalled due to protectionist politicians and geostrategic conflict. Maintaining price stability might take more aggressively hawkish monetary policy than it did a few years ago. The best protection against inflationary pressure is stronger central bank independence. It's hard to know exactly what will happen if such tradeoffs become more normal.
#Economy #Inflation #InterestRates #FederalReserve #CentralBank #Pandemic
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/04/03/inflation-interest-rates-normal-economy/

2024-04-01 11:19:23 UTC

Idaho man Chad Daybell to be tried for 3 deaths including children who were called 'zombies'
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Chad Daybell, an Idaho man, is set to go on trial for the deaths of his wife, Tammy Daybell, and his girlfriend's two youngest children, Joshua 'JJ' Vallow and Tylee Ryan. The trial is expected to last up to 10 weeks, with jury selection beginning in Boise on Monday. Chad Daybell is charged with three counts of first-degree murder, as well as insurance fraud in connection with Tammy Daybell's death and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and grand theft by deception in the children's deaths. His wife, Lori Vallow Daybell, was convicted last year and sentenced to life in prison without parole. The couple claimed they could identify people possessed by dark spirits that could turn them into 'zombies' and believed the only way to get rid of a zombie was to kill them. The children's bodies were found buried in Chad Daybell's yard in 2020. If convicted, Chad Daybell could face the death penalty. He has pleaded not guilty.
#ChadDaybell #TammyDaybell #JoshuaVallow #TyleeRyan #LoriVallowDaybell #Zombies #MurderTrial #Idaho
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2024/04/01/chad-daybell-idaho-lori-vallow-doomsday-murder/55eb732e-efdd-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.html

2024-04-01 07:57:01 UTC

This week: Job openings, services sector, employment update
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The government will report the number of job openings in February, which analysts predict will slip from January's 8.9 million. The Institute for Supply Management will release its report on the U.S. service sector, with economists expecting a slight easing to 52.5 in March. The Labor Department will issue its March jobs report, with expectations of a modest addition of 180,000 jobs following February's 275,000. Unemployment slipped to 3.8% in February, near a half-century low.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/04/01/economic-events-jobs-employment-services/05861aa0-eff7-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.html

2024-04-01 04:26:17 UTC

Pope overcomes health concerns to preside over Easter Mass and appeal for peace in Gaza and Ukraine
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Pope Francis rallied from a winter-long bout of respiratory problems to lead some 60,000 people in Easter celebrations Sunday, making a strong appeal for a cease-fire in Gaza and a prisoner swap between Russia and Ukraine. Francis presided over Easter Sunday Mass in a flower-decked St. Peter’s Square and then delivered a heartfelt prayer for peace in his annual roundup of global crises. The Vatican said some 60,000 people attended the Mass, with more packing the Via della Conciliazione boulevard leading to the piazza. Francis appeared in good form, despite having celebrated the 2½-hour nighttime Easter Vigil just hours before. In his speech, he called for respect for the principles of international law and expressed hope for a general exchange of all prisoners between Russia and Ukraine. He also called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and for humanitarian access to reach Palestinians. The article also mentions the subdued Easter celebrations in Jerusalem due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, as well as the situation in Gaza where only a few dozen Palestinian Christians celebrated Easter Mass. In Iraq's Nineveh Plains, hundreds of people celebrated Easter in a region that has had a Christian presence since around the time of Jesus. The article also briefly mentions King Charles III's public outing in Britain since being diagnosed with cancer and the disruption of the Easter Vigil Mass at Manhattan's St. Patrick's Cathedral by protesters calling for the freedom of Palestine.
#PopeFrancis #Easter #Mass #Peace #Gaza #Ukraine #IsraelhamasWar #Jerusalem #Iraq #KingCharlesIii #Palestine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/31/easter-sunday-vatican-pope-francis/6e8a22f2-ef3a-11ee-a4c9-88e569a98b58_story.html

2024-03-31 22:53:58 UTC

Effort to clear Key Bridge ruins inches forward as officials lobby for aid
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Maryland leaders are urging Congress to approve aid money to reopen the Port of Baltimore's shipping channel and rebuild the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The recovery operation to clear the bridge's ruins from the Patapsco River is ongoing, with each phase posing risks. Demolition crews are cutting portions of the collapsed bridge truss, while dive teams survey the bridge and the stuck cargo ship known as the Dali. Maryland officials argue that the ripple effects of the bridge collapse will impact people and businesses across the country. An initial $60 million in aid has been received, but Maryland may request more than $600 million for recovery and over $1 billion to erect a new bridge. House Republicans may face a rift in deciding whether to support legislation for Baltimore. Democrats are pressuring Republicans to approve funding, emphasizing the importance of the port to the American economy. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted the complexity of the recovery process, including the need to remove wreckage without causing further damage. The recovery effort also aims to recover the remains of the four workers who are presumed dead. The Army Corps of Engineers is committed to finding and honoring the fallen workers. The recovery operation involves the use of cranes and barges to remove debris and open a channel for vessels to pass through.
#KeyBridge #BridgeCollapse #Recovery #Aid #PortOfBaltimore #Congress #Maryland #FrancisScottKeyBridge
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/03/31/baltimore-bridge-collapse-recovery-aid/

2024-03-31 15:44:19 UTC

Powerball jackpot jumps to $975 million after another drawing without a big winner
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The Powerball jackpot has reached $975 million after no one matched the six numbers drawn in the latest drawing. The winning numbers were 12, 13, 33, 50, 52, and the red Powerball 23. This marks the 38th consecutive drawing without a jackpot winner, nearing the record of 41 consecutive drawings. The $975 million prize is for a sole winner who chooses an annuity paid over 30 years, or a cash option of $471.7 million. The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million. Powerball is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
#Powerball #Lottery #Jackpot
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/30/powerball-lottery-jackpot/397e236e-ee82-11ee-8f2c-380a821c02db_story.html

2024-03-31 12:18:53 UTC

Opinion | The DOJ’s antitrust case against Apple is no blockbuster
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The Justice Department and attorneys general from 16 states have filed a lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company is illegally monopolizing the smartphone market. The department's first step will be to prove that Apple has a monopoly, which is roughly 70 percent of the domestic smartphone market. The lawsuit highlights areas where Apple has exerted too much control, such as super apps, cloud-streaming apps, smartwatches, digital wallets, and messaging. The Justice Department must prove that Apple made these choices to squelch competition. The suit also raises concerns about how Apple restricts the design choices of others and its requirement to review every single game on a streaming service. However, courts haven't generally concluded that products must be open by design. The outcome of the case could potentially lead to changes in competition laws.
#Doj #Antitrust #Apple #Lawsuit #Monopoly #SmartphoneMarket
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/31/doj-apple-antitrust-lawsuit-case/

2024-03-31 12:18:08 UTC

Opinion | Christine Blasey Ford is no hero, if justice is the measure
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Christine Blasey Ford is being praised as a hero despite lack of evidence or corroboration for her accusation against Brett Kavanaugh. Meanwhile, Mark Judge, the man accused of being a witness to the alleged assault, is being ignored by mainstream newspapers. Ford's claims against Kavanaugh were ultimately unsubstantiated. Ford's supporters pressured her friend, Leland Keyser, to confirm her story, but Keyser testified to the FBI that she had no recollection of the party or knowing Kavanaugh. Ford has received awards and accolades, while Judge has faced public smearing. Judge wants to have his say and breach the #MeToo iron curtain. Ford has enriched herself at other people's expense, netting $1 million in donations. Ford's lawyer admitted that her client wanted to block Kavanaugh because of fears he would vote to reverse Roe v. Wade.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/31/christine-blasey-ford-kavanaugh-evidence-corroboration/

2024-03-30 01:26:54 UTC

Opinion | Holy Week’s promise: Hope for a world that sorely needs it
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The article discusses the ongoing violence and suffering in the Middle East during Holy Week, contrasting it with the message of hope and resurrection that the week represents for Christians. It mentions the celebration of Palm Sunday in Jerusalem, the razing and demolition of Gaza, and the restrictions on U.S. government employees in the region. The author questions the endurance of injustice and the triumphs of war over peace and death over life. The article also raises questions about the deep-seated animosities and religious bigotry in the region and whether there is any space left for justice, morality, and peace. The author emphasizes the need for grace, reconciliation, and commitment to the common good. The article concludes by highlighting the hope and new beginnings that Holy Week represents for believers.
#HolyWeek #Violence #Suffering #MiddleEast #Gaza #Jerusalem #Resurrection #Injustice #Peace #Death #Religion #Hope
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/29/colbert-king-israel-gaza-easter-holy-week-promise/

2024-03-29 23:05:33 UTC

The Louis Gossett Jr. I knew
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Louis Gossett Jr., a legendary Black actor, died at the age of 87. The author, Wil Haygood, shares his personal connection to Gossett as his cousin. Haygood recounts their family history, with Gossett being part of a small group of Black actors who endured in the industry. Gossett's notable roles include Fiddler in the TV miniseries 'Roots' and a drill sergeant in 'An Officer and a Gentleman,' for which he won an Oscar. Haygood was inspired by Gossett to pursue acting and eventually became a journalist and book writer. They had exchanged notes over the years, and when Haygood started working on a book about the history of Blacks in Hollywood, he visited Gossett at his home in Georgia. They reminisced about their childhood and Gossett shared stories about his career, including his experiences with other Black actors and the impact of 'Roots.' Gossett's latest project was the movie musical version of 'The Color Purple,' set to be released in 2023. The article serves as a personal tribute to Gossett and highlights his contributions to the entertainment industry.
#LouisGossettJr #BlackActors #Roots #AnOfficerAndAGentleman #Hollywood
https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2024/03/29/louis-gossett-jr-tribute/

2024-03-28 04:19:59 UTC

Israel raids Gaza hospitals, as poll shows Americans disapprove of Israeli war conduct
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Israeli forces are carrying out 'an intelligence-based operation' at al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis and continuing their raid on al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin urged Israel to abandon military plans for a ground offensive in Rafah. A Gallup poll shows that 55% of Americans disapprove of Israel's war in Gaza. The IDF located weapons and apprehended more than 500 people during its raid at al-Shifa Hospital. Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas's political operations, met with Iran's foreign minister in Tehran. At least 32,490 people have been killed and 74,889 injured in Gaza since the war began. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's Oct. 7 attack and says soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.
#Israel #Gaza #HospitalRaids #Poll #Americans #Disapproval #WarConduct
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/27/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/

2024-03-28 00:09:26 UTC

Central American and Mexican families mourn the Baltimore bridge collapse missing workers
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The construction workers who went missing in the Baltimore bridge collapse came from Mexico or Central America. Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, a Honduran father and husband, was among the missing workers. He had started a delivery business before the pandemic and joined Brawner Builders, the company performing maintenance on the bridge. Maynor had financially supported social organizations and the youth soccer league in his hometown. The bodies of two men, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala and Alejandro Hernández Fuentes from Mexico, were recovered from a submerged pickup near the bridge. The governments of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras confirmed that their citizens were among the missing workers. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico highlighted the contributions that migrants make to the U.S. economy and criticized the treatment of migrants by certain politicians in the United States.
#BaltimoreBridgeCollapse #MissingWorkers #CentralAmericanFamilies #MexicanFamilies #Honduras #Mexico #Guatemala #ElSalvador
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/27/baltimore-bridge-collapse-honduras-mexico-guatamala-victims/a0147c8c-ec65-11ee-8f2c-380a821c02db_story.html

2024-03-27 23:36:15 UTC

2024-03-27 23:29:11 UTC

Transcript: Fareed Zakaria, Author, “Age of Revolutions”
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Fareed Zakaria discusses his book 'Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present' in an interview with Max Boot for The Washington Post. Zakaria explains that the book took him 10 years to write and was inspired by the changing political landscape he observed in 2014, including the rise of the Tea Party and the disconnect between economic recovery under Obama and his approval ratings. The book explores historical revolutions, starting with the Netherlands in the 1600s, and their impact on politics and society. Zakaria argues that the Industrial Revolution was the most important event in world history, as it brought about unprecedented economic growth and transformed people's lives. He draws parallels between the Industrial Revolution and the current Information Revolution, both of which have caused significant political and social upheaval. Zakaria also discusses the backlash against globalization, technology, and identity politics, attributing it to the rapid pace of change and the emergence of post-materialistic values. He argues that the biggest challenge the U.S. faces is its internal disunity, manifested in a dysfunctional political system and the rise of Trumpism. Despite this, Zakaria remains cautiously optimistic about the future of liberal democracy in America.
#FareedZakaria #AgeOfRevolutions #PoliticalLandscape #TeaParty #EconomicRecovery #IndustrialRevolution #InformationRevolution #Globalization #Technology #IdentityPolitics #Backlash #LiberalDemocracy #Trumpism
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/03/27/transcript-fareed-zakaria-author-age-revolutions/

2024-03-27 21:24:26 UTC

Opinion | Test your baseball knowledge. Then buy a slice of a team.
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Major League Baseball's Opening Day is approaching, and George Will has released his annual quiz on baseball arcana. The quiz is difficult, with only 11 out of 41 questions answered correctly by the author. The Washington Nationals might become the first MLB team to be owned by its fans if a proposal for fan ownership is picked up. The collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge has paralyzed the city's port, causing significant disruption to its operations. The bridge collapse is seen as a unifying moment for the country, with the need for determination and unity emphasized. The Opinions section of The Washington Post has released the second episode of its podcast, discussing President Biden's push for electric vehicles. The podcast features Megan McArdle and Catherine Rampell discussing whether America is ready for such a revolution. The article also includes a column by Travis Meier on the impact of empty parking lots on downtown areas. Ramesh Ponnuru expresses his dislike for both major candidates in the upcoming election and advises voters not to feel pressured into voting for either. France is said to be ready for a #MeToo movement led by a new generation. Karen Tumulty analyzes the unexpected upside of the political scandal surrounding New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez. The article concludes with a haiku and a section featuring advice columns on various topics.
#Baseball #Quiz #FanOwnership #BridgeCollapse #Port #Podcast #ElectricVehicles #DowntownAreas #Election ##metooMovement #PoliticalScandal
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/03/27/george-will-baseball-quiz-baltimore-bridge-electric-vehicles/

2024-03-27 19:22:05 UTC

Princess Catherine cancer video spawns fresh round of AI conspiracies
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Users on social media speculate that Princess Catherine's cancer video was generated by artificial intelligence due to alleged AI breadcrumbs in the video. However, BBC Studios and Kensington Palace confirm that the video was filmed at Windsor Castle and deny any AI tampering. Multiple deepfake forensics experts also find no evidence of AI manipulation. The episode highlights the difficulty of discerning truth in the age of AI, with conspiracy theories and fake images circulating widely on social media. The speculation about Catherine's health and happiness intensified after a series of puzzling events, including her prolonged public absence and the editing of a cheerful photo released by the palace. The video, in which Catherine announces her cancer diagnosis, draws an outpouring of affection but also fresh doubt. Some experts support the suspicions of AI manipulation, but others find the evidence unconvincing. The difficulty of assessing authenticity in an AI-enabled media landscape is underscored, and the risks of relying on deepfake detectors to separate fact from fiction are highlighted.
#PrincessCatherine #Cancer #Ai #Conspiracies #SocialMedia #Deepfake #Authenticity
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/03/27/kate-middleton-video-cancer-ai/

2024-03-27 15:19:38 UTC

State Dept. human rights staffer quits over Biden’s Gaza policy
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Annelle Sheline, a State Department official working on human rights issues in the Middle East, resigned in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza. Sheline had been promoting human rights in the Middle East and North Africa but found it impossible to advocate for human rights while the U.S. continued to send weapons to Israel. Her resignation is the most significant protest resignation of the Gaza conflict since the exit of a senior State Department official involved in arms transfers to foreign governments. Sheline's departure highlights dissent among government personnel over Israel policy. Despite the dissent, the Biden administration has maintained its military support for Israel's campaign in Gaza. Sheline's former bureau, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, has faced scrutiny from some members of Congress wary of any part of the U.S. government that might criticize Israel. Sheline's resignation has led to questions about the Biden administration's priorities and its support for Israel over other significant priorities. Sheline's work promoting human rights in the Middle East has become nearly impossible due to the continued flow of U.S. arms to Israel, which has angered partners in the region. Sheline had planned to stay on at the State Department but changed her mind due to the ongoing conflict. She plans to work on a book based on her academic research. Sheline acknowledges the financial risk of quitting but believes in the mission and values of the State Department.
#StateDepartment #HumanRights #Gaza #Israel #BidenAdministration
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/03/27/gaza-state-department-resignation-dissent/

2024-03-27 05:29:07 UTC

Israel’s Gallant meets with U.S. officials; Netanyahu axes delegation to U.S. over U.N. vote
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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. This meeting comes amid a diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly canceling a visit by another high-level delegation to the United States after the U.S. abstained from voting on a cease-fire resolution before the U.N. Security Council. Austin emphasized that the U.S. is working to make Israel and the region safer and called for the protection of Palestinian civilians. The second Israeli delegation to Washington, requested by President Biden, was set to hear U.S. concerns about Israel's plans for an operation in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel and Hamas blamed each other for the lack of progress in cease-fire talks in Qatar. The U.S. abstention in the U.N. Security Council vote did not signal a change in policy from the Biden administration. At least 32,414 people have been killed and 74,787 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's Oct. 7 attack and says soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.
#Israel #Gaza #UnitedStates #DiplomaticRift #Ceasefire #UnSecurityCouncil #PalestinianCivilians #Rafah #Hamas #CeasefireTalks #Qatar #BidenAdministration #GazaHealthMinistry
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/26/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/

2024-03-25 12:16:06 UTC

Stephen Breyer on ‘Reading the Constitution,’ the Supreme Court and American democracy
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Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer advocates for pragmatism over textualism in interpreting the Constitution in his new book. He will be discussing his book, 'Reading the Constitution,' the state of the high court, and the future of American democracy with Washington Post associate editor and columnist Ruth Marcus on March 26, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/washington-post-live/2024/03/26/stephen-breyer-reading-constitution-supreme-court-american-democracy/

2024-03-25 11:48:19 UTC

2024-03-25 10:18:39 UTC

Senegalese await the outcome of a peaceful presidential vote, following months of unrest
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Senegalese anxiously await the results of a presidential election following months of uncertainty and unrest. The vote was largely peaceful with a high turnout. More than 7 million people were registered to vote in a country of roughly 17 million. To win in the first round, a candidate must gain more than 50% or it goes to a runoff. A second round is likely between opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Amadou Ba. Some opposition supporters believe their candidate has already won. This is Senegal's fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France. President Macky Sall is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term and is expected to step down on April 2. Months of deadly protests were ignited last summer by the jailing of the popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and concerns that the president wanted to stay in power. Sonko was released from prison ahead of the election. The atmosphere remained tense in some parts of the country as votes were counted.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/25/senegal-election-polls/d3c63e4a-ea75-11ee-8f2c-380a821c02db_story.html

2024-03-25 08:10:57 UTC

This week: Consumer confidence, Cintas earnings, pending home sales
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The Conference Board will release the consumer confidence index for March, following a decline in February. Cintas, a workplace uniform company, is expected to report its third-quarter earnings with an increase in earnings and sales compared to the same period last year. The National Association of Realtors will issue the pending home sales index for February, which serves as a forward-looking indicator of home closings. The housing market has shown some positive signs recently with falling interest rates and increased inventory.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2024/03/25/week-business-home-sales-cintas-confidence-consumer/de7e3774-ea76-11ee-8f2c-380a821c02db_story.html

2024-03-25 07:39:06 UTC

2024-03-25 07:32:05 UTC

Thailand sends aid to war-torn Myanmar, but critics say it will only help junta
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Thailand has sent its first batch of aid to war-torn Myanmar, aiming to ease the plight of millions of people displaced by fighting. The aid, worth around 5 million baht ($138,000), was delivered to three towns in Kayin State, also known as Karen State, and will be distributed to approximately 20,000 displaced people. However, critics argue that the aid will only benefit areas under the control of the Myanmar military, providing them with a propaganda boost while leaving the majority of displaced people in contested areas without assistance. More than 2.8 million people in Myanmar are displaced, and 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, require humanitarian aid. The initiative is being carried out by the Thai Red Cross, with funding from Thailand's Foreign Ministry and logistical support from the army. The aid distribution will be monitored by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. Critics argue that the areas most in need of aid are the conflict areas where the junta has no influence or control. The aid initiative is part of a larger humanitarian corridor project initiated by Thailand with support from Myanmar and other ASEAN members.
#Thailand #Myanmar #Aid #DisplacedPeople #HumanitarianAid #MyanmarMilitary #Junta #ThaiRedCross #Asean
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/25/thailand-myanmar-karen-state-aid-displaced-people/328b7dba-ea6b-11ee-8f2c-380a821c02db_story.html