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Friday, April 30, 2021
India's COVID crisis: How did it happen and what to expect | DW Special Report - YouTube
India's COVID crisis: How did it happen and what to expect | DW Special Report - YouTube: After the double mutation, its now the triple mutation, meaning three different Covid strains combining to form a new variant, has been detected in parts of ...
Biden Could Win Back Progressives By Pausing A Controversial New Nuclear Weapon
Biden Could Win Back Progressives By Pausing A Controversial New Nuclear Weapon: Joe Biden will soon need to deliver on progressives' foreign policy priorities. Perhaps the clearest opportunity to do so would be to pause one of the most expensive and controversial nuclear weapons programs being proposed.
Judge Stops Short In Requiring PG&E To Consider Vegetation Risks For Power Shutoff Decisions – CBS San Francisco
Judge Stops Short In Requiring PG&E To Consider Vegetation Risks For Power Shutoff Decisions – CBS San Francisco: The federal judge overseeing PG&E's criminal proceedings expressed his displeasure with the utility company in an unusual fashion: he made his proposal a recommendation -- not a mandatory order.
PG&E Sees More than $1 Billion in Fire Costs for Past Two Years - Bloomberg
PG&E Sees More than $1 Billion in Fire Costs for Past Two Years - Bloomberg: PG&E Corp., the California utility giant that emerged from bankruptcy last year, said it sees total costs of $1.1 billion for damage claims from wildfires linked to its power lines over the past two years.
The Ancient Waterways of Phoenix, Arizona
The Ancient Waterways of Phoenix, Arizona: To understand this sprawling desert city, you have to understand its canals, whose routes Indigenous people dug as far back as A.D. 200.
The Fracking Lottery
The Fracking Lottery: “When I moved to Billtown, I worried most about whether fracking tainted groundwater. By the time I left the area, my biggest concern was whether the liberty granted to citizens to lease thei…
The girl in the Kent State photo and the lifelong burden of being a national symbol - The Washington Post
The girl in the Kent State photo and the lifelong burden of being a national symbol - The Washington Post: In 1970, an image of a dead protester at Kent State became iconic. But what happened to the 14-year-old kneeling next to him?
Is Biden Accidentally Giving the Green Light to Mega-Mergers? - BIG by Matt Stoller
Is Biden Accidentally Giving the Green Light to Mega-Mergers? - BIG by Matt Stoller: The Federal Trade Commission let a $39B pharmaceutical merger through without any scrutiny, and the Antitrust Division let Michael Milken roll up the salt market. Where's the change?
Brazil passes 400,000 Covid-19 deaths as vaccine rollout stalls
Brazil passes 400,000 Covid-19 deaths as vaccine rollout stalls: Brazil on Thursday became the second country to pass 400,000 COVID-19 deaths after the United States, and experts warned the daily toll could remain high for several months due to slow vaccinations a…
Brazil Rejects the Gamaleya Vaccine | In the Pipeline
Brazil Rejects the Gamaleya Vaccine | In the Pipeline: We have two pieces of news about the Gamaleya Institute's "Sputnik-V" vaccine today. Neither of them are going to be enjoyable to go into. First off, many may
‘We are witnessing a crime against humanity’: Arundhati Roy on India’s Covid catastrophe | Coronavirus | The Guardian
‘We are witnessing a crime against humanity’: Arundhati Roy on India’s Covid catastrophe | Coronavirus | The Guardian: The long read: It’s hard to convey the full depth and range of the trauma, the chaos and the indignity that people are being subjected to. Meanwhile, Modi and his allies are telling us not to complain
A desperate and determined diaspora scrambles to help India breathe
A desperate and determined diaspora scrambles to help India breathe: Seema Devgan has all but abandoned her day job, as she and a loose collection of overseas volunteers scramble to locate desperately needed supplies for Covid-19 stricken family, friends and strangers in India.
Questions About Modi Govt's Handling of the COVID Surge That We Don’t Have Answers To
Questions About Modi Govt's Handling of the COVID Surge That We Don’t Have Answers To: The government's top scientists have been giving interviews and speaking selectively to the media but haven't shed light on what every Indian wants to know.
Are virus mutations driving India’s Covid-19 catastrophe?
Are virus mutations driving India’s Covid-19 catastrophe?: Many experts think B.1.617, or what has been called the Indian double mutation, is behind the surge.
S.Korea says Novavax, Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines submitted for regulatory approval | Reuters
S.Korea says Novavax, Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccines submitted for regulatory approval | Reuters: South Korea's drug safety ministry said on Thursday that Russia's Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine and a shot developed by Novavax (NVAX.O) have been submitted for preliminary regulatory approval.
Gene changes might explain long-haul COVID-19 symptoms | EurekAlert! Science News
Gene changes might explain long-haul COVID-19 symptoms | EurekAlert! Science News: Results from a new cell study suggest that the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein can bring about long-term gene expression changes. The findings could help explain why some COVID-19 patients -- referred to as COVID long-haulers -- experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and dizziness long after clearing the infection.
Get ready for blackouts after Cuomo foolishly killed the Indian Point plant
Get ready for blackouts after Cuomo foolishly killed the Indian Point plant: Thanks to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s anti-nuclear vendetta, Unit Three of the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, NY, will permanently shut down this Friday, one year after its sister unit was forced to close.
The Indian Point Closure Means More Emissions — And More Cynicism About Climate Action
The Indian Point Closure Means More Emissions — And More Cynicism About Climate Action: The premature closure of the Indian Point nuclear plant should make anyone who cares about climate change, electricity prices, or the security of our electric grid more cynical about the politicians and "green" groups who claim we need to take urgent action on climate change.
California Senate proposes to spend $3.4 billion on drought
California Senate proposes to spend $3.4 billion on drought: Mired in yet another drought that threatens drinking water, endangered species of fish and the state's massive agriculture industry, Democrats in the California Senate on Thursday detailed a $3.4 billion proposal designed to gird the state for a new crisis on the heels of a deadly and disruptive pandemic.
As drought deepens, California farmers see grim future - Los Angeles Times
As drought deepens, California farmers see grim future - Los Angeles Times: As the San Joaquin Valley braces for yet another season of drought, some growers are openly questioning the future of farming here.
‘Joy, Love, Grief’: How It Looks When Families Reunite - The New York Times
‘Joy, Love, Grief’: How It Looks When Families Reunite - The New York Times: The pandemic kept nursing home residents and their loved ones apart for a year. Photographers for The New York Times were there when they finally reunited.
German Intelligence to Surveil Coronavirus Deniers - The New York Times
German Intelligence to Surveil Coronavirus Deniers - The New York Times: The country’s domestic intelligence agency says it will create a new department to deal with extremism among conspiracy theorists.
‘This Is a Catastrophe.’ In India, Illness Is Everywhere. - The New York Times
‘This Is a Catastrophe.’ In India, Illness Is Everywhere. - The New York Times: As India suffers the world’s worst coronavirus crisis, our New Delhi bureau chief describes the fear of living amid a disease spreading at such scale and speed.
Energoatom official becomes Ukraine's new energy minister : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
Energoatom official becomes Ukraine's new energy minister : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: Herman Halushchenko, vice president of development at Ukrainian nuclear power plant operator Energoatom, has been appointed the country's new energy minister, following approval yesterday by the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. Halushchenko received support from 305 lawmakers in the 450-seat chamber. The ministry had been under a caretaker minister since the collapse of the previous government in March 2020.
PG&E will fight criminal charges tied to 2019 Kincade Fire, CEO Patti Poppe says | Utility Dive
PG&E will fight criminal charges tied to 2019 Kincade Fire, CEO Patti Poppe says | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
Derek Chauvin Juror: ‘We All Agreed at Some Point That It Was Too Much’ - WSJ
Derek Chauvin Juror: ‘We All Agreed at Some Point That It Was Too Much’ - WSJ: Brandon Mitchell, a Black basketball coach, says the video of George Floyd’s death and the prosecution medical expert witness were crucial evidence.
Seven countries account for two-thirds of global gas flaring - DRILLING & PRODUCTION, Gas Flaring, Energy Transition, Sustainability, Climate Change, Climate Emergency - Oil & Gas Middle East
Seven countries account for two-thirds of global gas flaring - DRILLING & PRODUCTION, Gas Flaring, Energy Transition, Sustainability, Climate Change, Climate Emergency - Oil & Gas Middle East: Gas flaring satellite data from 2020 reveals that Russia, Iraq, Iran, the United States, Algeria, Venezuela and Nigeria remain the top seven gas flaring countries for nine years running
FISA and the Still Too Secret Police | The American Conservative
FISA and the Still Too Secret Police | The American Conservative: The FBI continues to lawlessly use counterintelligence powers against American citizens.
The Climate Solution Actually Adding Millions of Tons of CO2 Into the Atmosphere — ProPublica
The Climate Solution Actually Adding Millions of Tons of CO2 Into the Atmosphere — ProPublica: New research shows that California’s climate policy created up to 39 million carbon credits that aren’t achieving real carbon savings. But companies can buy these forest offsets to justify polluting more anyway.
America Hasn’t Reckoned with the Coup That Blasted the Black Middle Class | naked capitalism
America Hasn’t Reckoned with the Coup That Blasted the Black Middle Class | naked capitalism: The Wilmington coup is the only successful and lasting armed overthrow of a legitimate municipal government in American history on U.S soil.
What Israel's Apartheid Accusation Means for U.S. Policy | Time
What Israel's Apartheid Accusation Means for U.S. Policy | Time: It might lead us towards the moment when the bipartisan pro-Israel American consensus that has endured for decades breaks apart
After Promising To Stop Land Seizures, the Biden Administration Just Stole This Family’s Property for a Border Wall – Reason.com
After Promising To Stop Land Seizures, the Biden Administration Just Stole This Family’s Property for a Border Wall – Reason.com: "We are utterly devastated," said Baudilia Cavazos.
China Warns Large Tech Firms as Industry Faces Rising Oversight - WSJ
China Warns Large Tech Firms as Industry Faces Rising Oversight - WSJ: Tencent, ByteDance and JD.com were among the firms ordered to change business practices that regulators see as risky, the latest sign of heightened scrutiny of the sector.
Fire and Ice - SpyTalk | Podcast on Spotify
Fire and Ice - SpyTalk | Podcast on Spotify: Listen to this episode from SpyTalk on Spotify. In this week’s edition of the SpyTalk podcast, Jeff Stein goes deep on the CIA’s looming eviction from Afghanistan with Lisa Curtis, a longtime former CIA, State Department and White House National Security Council expert on the region. And then co-host Jeanne Meserve conducts a lively interview with a former senior CIA and NSA analyst, Alma Katsu, about her new, post-government-service thriller, Red Widow, which features a gutsy female spy heroine. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Restoring Constitutional Observance - The Harvard Law Record
Restoring Constitutional Observance - The Harvard Law Record: We live in a post-constitutional universe. We have been reversing course since the American Revolution when George Washington turned aside a crown in favor of a Republic and Thomas Paine preached in Common Sense: “For so in absolute governments the King is the law, so in free countries the law ought to be king.” The […]
The most dangerous place on Earth | May 1st 2021 | The Economist
The most dangerous place on Earth | May 1st 2021 | The Economist: The most dangerous place on Earth – Weekly edition of The Economist for May 1st 2021. You've seen the news, now discover the story.
Biden’s Misstep in India - The Atlantic
Biden’s Misstep in India - The Atlantic: The president’s foreign-policy and domestic teams have a long-standing difference on pandemic diplomacy.
US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal
US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal: WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is considering a near wholesale rollback of some of the most stringent Trump-era sanctions imposed on Iran in a bid to get the Islamic Republic to return to compliance with a landmark 2015 nuclear accord, according to current and former U.S. officials and others familiar with the matter. As indirect talks continue this week in Vienna to explore the possibility of reviving the nuclear deal, American...
World police: Washington seeks to imprison foreign businesspeople for violating illegal US sanctions | The Grayzone
World police: Washington seeks to imprison foreign businesspeople for violating illegal US sanctions | The Grayzone: In violation of international law, the US is seeking to extradite and imprison foreign businesspeople for circumventing its unilateral sanctions. Washington’s targets include Venezuelan national Alex Saab, North Korean Mun Chol Myong, and Chinese Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. The United States uses economic sanctions as a weapon against states that choose a development path independent of US global domination. Sanctions can take the form of blocking a nation’s financial and trade transactions, not allowing financial institutions to process them. The […]
Biden doesn't need a cold war to justify good policy – Responsible Statecraft
Biden doesn't need a cold war to justify good policy – Responsible Statecraft: President Biden invoked inflated fears of China to make the case for a set of domestic policies that are perfectly worthy in their own right.
Biden Bets the Farm — to ‘Change the World’ – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website
Biden Bets the Farm — to ‘Change the World’ – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website: While Biden's $6 trillion in total spending is spread over several years, it represents a claim on the nation's wealth equal to 30% of GDP — a figure comparable to FDR's New Deal and LBJ's Great Society... Where does Biden propose to get the money to pay for this great leap forward for government? Joe…
Why Mohammed bin Salman Suddenly Wants to Talk to Iran
Why Mohammed bin Salman Suddenly Wants to Talk to Iran: Secret meetings have been going on at least since January, catalyzed by the specter of U.S. withdrawal from the region.
Introducing: The Bunker
Introducing: The Bunker: Our newsletter, The Bunker, is a cheat sheet on what you need to know about the Defense Department, how we’re waging our wars, and how the Pentagon spends our taxpayer dollars.
Life Expectancy Disparities in Three Countries - The New York Times
Life Expectancy Disparities in Three Countries - The New York Times: Tremendous gains on life expectancy have been made around the world, but huge gaps remain. We photographed scenes from the global fight for a more equal life span.
How the Human Life Span Doubled in 100 Years - The New York Times
How the Human Life Span Doubled in 100 Years - The New York Times: Between 1920 and 2020, the average human life span doubled. How did we do it? Science mattered — but so did activism.
How Long Can We Live? - The New York Times
How Long Can We Live? - The New York Times: New research is intensifying the debate — with profound implications for the future of the planet.
China fully prepared to deal with external interference and "Taiwan independence" separatist activities: Defense Spokesperson - Ministry of National Defense
China fully prepared to deal with external interference and "Taiwan independence" separatist activities: Defense Spokesperson - Ministry of National Defense: “If the ‘Taiwan independence' secessionist forces persist in their willful acts and even take the risk of desperation, we will take all necessary measures to resolutely crush their attempt for 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity', said Senior Colonel Wu Qian, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of National Defense.
Palestinian Vote Delayed, Prolonging Split for West Bank and Gaza - The New York Times
Palestinian Vote Delayed, Prolonging Split for West Bank and Gaza - The New York Times: President Mahmoud Abbas said elections could not take place unless Israel allowed voting in East Jerusalem. But privately, he also fears a poor result for his party, officials said.
100 U.S. Colleges Will Require Vaccinations for Fall Enrollment - The New York Times
100 U.S. Colleges Will Require Vaccinations for Fall Enrollment - The New York Times: Private colleges make up the bulk of the schools with vaccine mandates, but some public universities have also moved to require shots, according to a survey by The New York Times.
AP PHOTOS: Mass funeral pyres reflect India's COVID crisis
AP PHOTOS: Mass funeral pyres reflect India's COVID crisis: NEW DELHI (AP) — Delhi has been cremating so many bodies of COVID-19 victims that authorities are getting requests to start cutting down trees in city parks for kindling, as a record surge of illness is collapsing India's tattered health care system. Outside graveyards in cities like Delhi, which currently has the highest daily cases, ambulance after ambulance waits in line to cremate the dead. Burial grounds are running out of space in many cities as glowing funeral pyres blaze through the night. India's surge in coronavirus infections, growing at the fastest pace in the world, has left families and patients pleading for oxygen outside hospitals, the relatives weeping in the street as their loved ones die while waiting for treatment.
Fear and Loss: Inside India’s Coronavirus Crisis - The New York Times
Fear and Loss: Inside India’s Coronavirus Crisis - The New York Times: How did the country go from successfully containing the virus to having the worst outbreak in the world?
Indians turn to black market, unproven drugs as virus surges
Indians turn to black market, unproven drugs as virus surges: NEW DELHI (AP) — Ashish Poddar kept an ice pack on hand as he waited outside a New Delhi hospital for a black market dealer to deliver two drugs for his father, who was gasping for breath inside with COVID-19. But the drugs never arrived, the ice that was intended to keep the medicines cool melted and his father died hours later. As India faces a devastating surge of new coronavirus infections overwhelming its health care system, people are taking desperate measures to try to keep loved ones alive. In some cases they are turning to unproven medical treatments, in others to the black market for life-saving medications that are in short supply.
Diplomacy has changed more than most professions during the pandemic | The Economist
Diplomacy has changed more than most professions during the pandemic | The Economist: Covid-19 has hastened the arrival of hybrid diplomacy, a blend of the physical and digital | International
Saint Vincent and Vaccinations - The Catholic Thing
Saint Vincent and Vaccinations - The Catholic Thing: Dawn Beutner: Get a COVID vaccine or not, but show respect for others’ choices. And pressure manufacturers to make moral pharmaceuticals.
Man takes sledgehammer to Marian mural in Los Angeles archdiocese
Man takes sledgehammer to Marian mural in Los Angeles archdiocese: A masked man bashed a mural of Our Lady of Guadalupe with a sledgehammer last week, at a parish in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.
White farmers sue feds over being banned from government program 'solely due to their race' - TheBlaze
White farmers sue feds over being banned from government program 'solely due to their race' - TheBlaze: A group of white Midwestern farmers has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration for racial discrimination over being banned from a loan forgiveness program offered only to farmers of color, due to the fact that they are ineligible "solely due to their race."What are the details?The Wisconsi...
U.S. Supreme Court hands victory to immigrants facing deportation | Reuters
U.S. Supreme Court hands victory to immigrants facing deportation | Reuters: The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday offered new hope to thousands of long-term immigrants seeking to avoid deportation in a ruling that faulted the federal government for improperly notifying a man who came to the United States illegally from Guatemala to appear for a removal...
Snake River is most endangered in the country: Inside the fight to save it - ABC News
Snake River is most endangered in the country: Inside the fight to save it - ABC News: Advocates are fighting to save the Snake River, the most endangered river in the United States.
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Take a virtual pilgrimage to Capernaum, site of Jesus’ miracles
Take a virtual pilgrimage to Capernaum, site of Jesus’ miracles: The Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land take us on a tour of the archaeological discoveries found in the New Testament town. The Franciscans of the Custody of the Holy Land take us on a tour of the archaeological discoveries found in the New Testament town.
Should the bishops tell Joe Biden to stop taking Communion? Readers respond. | America Magazine
Should the bishops tell Joe Biden to stop taking Communion? Readers respond. | America Magazine: Yesterday the AP reported the U.S. bishops plan to vote on a document that would make clear to President Biden that he must choose between receiving Communion and advocating for abortion. Our readers had some thoughts.
Was Joe Biden preaching Catholic social teaching to the Congress last night? Supporters think so. | America Magazine
Was Joe Biden preaching Catholic social teaching to the Congress last night? Supporters think so. | America Magazine: But critics say the president’s talk about human dignity rings hollow when he is using his office to advance the greatest social injustice in America since slavery—abortion—in the next moment.
Israel, the most vaccinated country in the world, has a ticking COVID time bomb - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Israel, the most vaccinated country in the world, has a ticking COVID time bomb - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Israel will pay a hefty price for not vaccinating the Palestinian Authority’s population – which lives under its control – against the coronavirus
The Big Picture – MIT Spectrum
The Big Picture – MIT Spectrum: MIT experts outline issues, offer hope for climate action
Indian COVID strain spreads in Israel, also among vaccinated - Israel News - Haaretz.com
Indian COVID strain spreads in Israel, also among vaccinated - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Israel reports dozens of Indian COVID strain cases. The variant is of concern because it consist of two mutations of its protein, which could make it more resistant to the vaccine
TVA plans to phase out coal power by 2035 as utility turns to more gas, nuclear and renewable energy | Chattanooga Times Free Press
TVA plans to phase out coal power by 2035 as utility turns to more gas, nuclear and renewable energy | Chattanooga Times Free Press: The Tennessee Valley Authority, which once got nearly two thirds of its power by burning coal, is preparing plans to phase out the last of its aging fleet of coal power plants within the next decade and a half and turn to more natural gas, nuclear and renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to generate more carbon-free electricity.
The Long, Strange History of Bill Gates Population Control Conspiracy Theories | HuffPost
The Long, Strange History of Bill Gates Population Control Conspiracy Theories | HuffPost: How the billionaire philanthropist displaced George Soros as the chief bogeyman of the right.
Why Bill Gates really opposes move to give poor nations greater access to COVID vaccines - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
Why Bill Gates really opposes move to give poor nations greater access to COVID vaccines - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: The huge concentration of power held by Big Pharma, and the unequal distribution of coronavirus vaccines between rich and poor countries, has led to calls for vaccine patents to be suspended. But not everyone thinks this is a healthy solution
Shut U.S. coal plants seen as potential sites for small reactors | Reuters
Shut U.S. coal plants seen as potential sites for small reactors | Reuters: Recently shut U.S. coal-fired power plants could serve as sites for a new generation of small nuclear reactors, the head of the nation's largest public power utility and a U.S. senator from West Virginia said on Wednesday.
US State Department launches SMR support programme : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News
US State Department launches SMR support programme : Nuclear Policies - World Nuclear News: The US State Department has announced it is launching the Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST) programme, which will provide "capacity-building support to partner countries". As an initial investment, the department has committed USD5.3 million to support FIRST projects.
Vaccines Appear to Be Slowing Spread of Covid-19 Infections - WSJ
Vaccines Appear to Be Slowing Spread of Covid-19 Infections - WSJ: Vaccines appear to be starting to curb new Covid-19 infections in the U.S., a breakthrough that could help people return to more normal activities as infection worries fade, public-health officials say.
DAILY GOSPEL COMMENTARY: "NO SLAVE IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER (Jn 13:16)." - Catholics Striving For Holiness
DAILY GOSPEL COMMENTARY: "NO SLAVE IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER (Jn 13:16)." - Catholics Striving For Holiness: DAILY GOSPEL COMMENTARY: NO SLAVE IS GREATER THAN HIS MASTER (Jn 13:16)." Commentary to the Gospel of Thursday in the 4th week of Easter.
American-Style War 'til the End of Time? - TomDispatch.com
American-Style War 'til the End of Time? - TomDispatch.com: Here's the strange thing in an ever-stranger world: I was born in July 1944 in the midst of a devastating world war. That war ended in August 1945 with the atomic obliteration of two Japanese
Biden administration offers $8.35 bln in loans for power grid
Biden administration offers $8.35 bln in loans for power grid: USA-ENERGY/GRID-LOANS (URGENT):Biden administration offers $8.35 bln in loans for power grid
Electrification To Fight Climate Change: The Challenge Of A Lifetime
Electrification To Fight Climate Change: The Challenge Of A Lifetime: The climate goal of electrification is a triad: transportation, industry, and buildings. Given that U.S. power demand has been flat for a dozen years, the challenge we have set for ourselves is truly historic. For the energy transition to have a chance, we better start digging.
Get ready for blackouts after Cuomo foolishly killed the Indian Point plant
Get ready for blackouts after Cuomo foolishly killed the Indian Point plant: Thanks to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s anti-nuclear vendetta, Unit Three of the Indian Point Energy Center in Buchanan, NY, will permanently shut down this Friday, one year after its sister unit was forced to close.
Vaccines Appear to Be Slowing Spread of Covid-19 Infections - WSJ
Vaccines Appear to Be Slowing Spread of Covid-19 Infections - WSJ: Vaccines appear to be starting to curb new Covid-19 infections in the U.S., a breakthrough that could help people return to more normal activities as infection worries fade, public-health officials say.
The U.S. Cities Where Airlines See the Most Growth - WSJ
The U.S. Cities Where Airlines See the Most Growth - WSJ: Austin, Boston and Raleigh-Durham are among the mini-hubs the major carriers will be fighting over this year, to the benefit of air passengers.
China Stresses Family Values as More Women Put Off Marriage, Childbirth - WSJ
China Stresses Family Values as More Women Put Off Marriage, Childbirth - WSJ: The emphasis on women’s role as caretakers comes as the country faces dire demographic trends. On social media, women’s-rights accounts have been deleted.
Biden calls for U.S. to become more competitive against China
Biden calls for U.S. to become more competitive against China: Chinese President Xi Jinping is "deadly earnest on becoming the most significant, consequential nation in the world," Biden said in a speech to Congress.
Biden Said China's Xi Is Betting Democracy Can't Keep up With Autocracy
Biden Said China's Xi Is Betting Democracy Can't Keep up With Autocracy: "If we go four more years like we had in the last four, I really, honest to God, believe we're in real jeopardy as a nation," Biden warned.
US Catholic bishops to vote on pressuring Joe Biden to stop taking Communion over abortion views | America Magazine
US Catholic bishops to vote on pressuring Joe Biden to stop taking Communion over abortion views | America Magazine: A new document, if approved, would make clear the USCCB’s view that Biden and other Catholic public figures with similar viewpoints should not present themselves for Communion.
EXPLAINER: Capital gains tax hike targets wealthy investors
EXPLAINER: Capital gains tax hike targets wealthy investors: NEW YORK (AP) — After massive U.S. government spending helped send the stock market back to record heights, with even more potentially on the way, the bill may be coming due for the nation's wealthiest investors. President Joe Biden is proposing to nearly double the tax rate the highest-earning Americans pay on profits made from stocks and other investments. It would force millionaires to pay similar tax rates on their investment gains as upper-middle class households pay on their salaries, after years of enjoying lower rates. It's part of Biden’s efforts to tax wealthy people and corporations to pay for infrastructure investments and programs aimed at helping the broader economy. The most recent proposals, which Biden will detail in a speech before Congress later on Wednesday, focus on lower-income families and children. They include universal preschool for 3 year olds, two years of free community college and the extension of tax cuts for lower- and middle-income families.
Top 5 takeaways from Biden’s American Families Plan - The Washington Post
Top 5 takeaways from Biden’s American Families Plan - The Washington Post: Biden has an ambitious plan that would greatly expand the U.S. government’s role in daily life. It will be tough to pass -- and make the changes permanent.
Biden’s Speech to Congress: Full Transcript - The New York Times
Biden’s Speech to Congress: Full Transcript - The New York Times: President Biden unveiled a major proposal to invest in education and families, describing it as “a blue-collar blueprint to build America.”
US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal
US eyes major rollback in Iran sanctions to revive nuke deal: WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is considering a near wholesale rollback of some of the most stringent Trump-era sanctions imposed on Iran in a bid to get the Islamic Republic to return to compliance with a landmark 2015 nuclear accord, according to current and former U.S. officials and others familiar with the matter. As indirect talks continue this week in Vienna to explore the possibility of reviving the nuclear deal, American officials have become increasingly expansive about what they might be prepared to offer Iran, which has been driving a hard line on sanctions relief, demanding that all U.S. penalties be removed, according to these people.) American officials have refused to discuss which sanctions are being considered for removal. But they have said they are open to lifting any sanctions that are inconsistent with the nuclear deal or that deny Iran the relief it would be entitled to should it return to compliance with the accord. Because of the complex nature of the sanctions architecture, that could include non-nuclear sanctions, such as those tied to terrorism, missile development and human rights.
The most promising coronavirus vaccine you’ve never heard of - POLITICO
The most promising coronavirus vaccine you’ve never heard of - POLITICO: Novavax’s rise comes as pressure to increase the supply of Covid-19 vaccines is growing amid concerns that unequal access globally will extend the pandemic.
Why Novavax is the "dark-horse" COVID-19 vaccine - Axios
Why Novavax is the "dark-horse" COVID-19 vaccine - Axios: The vaccine has proved to be just as effective as Pfizer and Moderna's.
The President Unmasked | RealClearPolitics
The President Unmasked | RealClearPolitics: “He’s smiling while he steamrolls.” That’s the way former Democratic Party Chairman Howard Dean recently summed up the governing strategy of the Biden...
EXCLUSIVE: Catholic, Pro-Life Campaigns Highlight ‘Unprecedented Abortion Extremism’ Of Biden’s First 100 Days | The Daily Caller
EXCLUSIVE: Catholic, Pro-Life Campaigns Highlight ‘Unprecedented Abortion Extremism’ Of Biden’s First 100 Days | The Daily Caller: Catholic and pro-life groups are launching campaigns highlighting the "unprecedented abortion extremism" of President Joe Biden's first 100 days in office.
Biden May Force Bishops to Clarify Communion Question – CatholicVote org
Biden May Force Bishops to Clarify Communion Question – CatholicVote org: CV NEWS FEED // The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is set to clarify the Church’s stance on the reception of Holy Communion by politicians,…
'Centesimus Annus' turns 30 - The Catholic Thing
'Centesimus Annus' turns 30 - The Catholic Thing: Stephen P. White: Anyone concerned about socialism will profit from John Paul II's great encyclical. It has a prophetic quality that endures.
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
Biden’s American Families Plan Must Be Paid For | Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget
Biden’s American Families Plan Must Be Paid For | Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: For Immediate Release The White House today released details of President Biden’s “American Families Plan.” The plan proposes roughly $1.8 trillion over 10 years in spending and tax breaks for child care, education, health care, and other programs. It also includes $1.5 trillion of estimated offsets, through increased taxes on high-income households and improved tax
What Comes After the Forever Wars for the United States
What Comes After the Forever Wars for the United States: An era of U.S. grand strategy is now ending. Here’s what should come next.
We can keep lying to ourselves on 'apartheid,' but Israel has crossed the line - Opinion - Haaretz.com
We can keep lying to ourselves on 'apartheid,' but Israel has crossed the line - Opinion - Haaretz.com: Human Rights Watch, one of the most well-regarded human rights organizations, has stated that Israel has crossed the line and is guilty of committing crimes against human
April 28, 2021 - Scott Horton | Chas Freeman | David Halperin by Background Briefing with Ian Masters | Free Listening on SoundCloud
April 28, 2021 - Scott Horton | Chas Freeman | David Halperin by Background Briefing with Ian Masters | Free Listening on SoundCloud: Stream April 28, 2021 - Scott Horton | Chas Freeman | David Halperin by Background Briefing with Ian Masters from desktop or your mobile device
US Catholic bishops to vote on pressuring Joe Biden to stop taking Communion over abortion views | America Magazine
US Catholic bishops to vote on pressuring Joe Biden to stop taking Communion over abortion views | America Magazine: A new document, if approved, would make clear the USCCB’s view that Biden and other Catholic public figures with similar viewpoints should not present themselves for Communion.
Fr. Bob's Homily - Fourth Sunday of Easter - Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
Fr. Bob's Homily - Fourth Sunday of Easter - Franciscan Friars of the Atonement: The Good Shepherd - Carole King wrote some lyrics in a song that could be applied to our Gospel of the Good Shepherd: “Looking out on the morning rain, I used to feel so uninspired.
Dances With Bears » MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF’S ALLEGATION AGAINST RUSSIA IS FALSE
Dances With Bears » MOHAMMAD JAVAD ZARIF’S ALLEGATION AGAINST RUSSIA IS FALSE: By John Helmer, Moscow @bears_with
At the conclusion of their most recent meeting in Tehran on April 13, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavr
As Saudi prince rises, Bin Laden business empire declines
As Saudi prince rises, Bin Laden business empire declines: Saudi Arabia's uber-wealthy Bin Laden family survived the fallout from the September 11, 2001 attacks in the US, but their fortunes nose-dived with the meteoric ascent of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Take Me to Your Leader: The Rot of the American Ruling Class
Take Me to Your Leader: The Rot of the American Ruling Class: For more than three centuries, something has been going horribly wrong at the top of our society, and we’re all suffering for it.
America’s profit-driven media system promotes disinformation | Flux
America’s profit-driven media system promotes disinformation | Flux: Media business models predicated on maximizing audience will inevitably lead to junk news
Biden plans to ask Congress to pay for $1.8 trillion in new spending - Axios
Biden plans to ask Congress to pay for $1.8 trillion in new spending - Axios: The proposal foreshadows congressional fights over both taxes and spending.
Rich Countries' Vaccine Nationalism to Backfire as Covid Worsens in India - Bloomberg
Rich Countries' Vaccine Nationalism to Backfire as Covid Worsens in India - Bloomberg: For months, developed economies have hoarded Covid-19 vaccines and the raw materials needed to make them. Now, they’re being forced to act as an explosive outbreak in India raises the risk of new virus mutations that could threaten the wider world.
Even Credentialed Young People Pessimistic About Their Futures | naked capitalism
Even Credentialed Young People Pessimistic About Their Futures | naked capitalism: The fact that even well-placed young people are insecure and pessimistic is further proof of the impact of inequality and rentierism.
COVID in India - CounterPunch.org
COVID in India - CounterPunch.org: In March last year I was in New Delhi for a conference at one of the several universities there– it was my last trip anywhere since the pandemic took hold in increasing parts of the world that spring. Delhi’s notorious pollution relented, and there were blue skies during my week there. But the pandemic was More
ENERGY TRANSITIONS: In shift to renewables, BP seeks FERC approval to sell power -- Tuesday, April 27, 2021 -- www.eenews.net
ENERGY TRANSITIONS: In shift to renewables, BP seeks FERC approval to sell power -- Tuesday, April 27, 2021 -- www.eenews.net: BP PLC applied last week to sell power to customers in five U.S. states in the latest sign of the oil and gas giant's shift toward clean energy.
Biden's $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan meets power system needs, but leaves room for political dealing | Utility Dive
Biden's $2.3 trillion infrastructure plan meets power system needs, but leaves room for political dealing | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
On Iran and America, Israel must now make fateful strategic choices - Israel News - Haaretz.com
On Iran and America, Israel must now make fateful strategic choices - Israel News - Haaretz.com: Israel's relationship with the U.S. has rarely been in such danger, write three former heads of its national security and intelligence agencies. With an Iran nuclear deal imminent, will the government engage fully with the Biden administration – or undermine and fight it?
Saudi Arabia is talking to Iran. It’s a potent sign of Riyadh’s desperation - Middle East News - Haaretz.com
Saudi Arabia is talking to Iran. It’s a potent sign of Riyadh’s desperation - Middle East News - Haaretz.com: As Biden strides towards a nuclear deal, an anxious, diminished and increasingly isolated Saudi kingdom faces a grim outlook – and negotiation with the Iranian enemy, through gritted teeth, appears the only way out
Rosatom Launches Atoms for Humanity Global Nuclear Awareness Campaign on 30 April - Nuclear Engineering International
Rosatom Launches Atoms for Humanity Global Nuclear Awareness Campaign on 30 April - Nuclear Engineering International: In order to power a better future, we need a clean and reliable source of energy, just like nuclear. However, modern nuclear technology is much more than green electricity. It is a versatile tool needed to solve the most urgent challenges of today...
US nuclear could 'light a path to a cleaner future', says CNN host : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News
US nuclear could 'light a path to a cleaner future', says CNN host : Energy & Environment - World Nuclear News: President Joe Biden's pledge for the USA to cut its CO2 emissions by 50-52% below 2005 levels by the end of this decade will be "virtually impossible" without nuclear power, Fareed Zakaria, the host of US network CNN's Global Public Square programme, said last week. America is "going in the wrong direction" in reducing the contribution nuclear power makes to its electricity supply, said Zakaria, who is also a Washington Post columnist.
American Pravda: Covid-19, Its Impact and Origins After One Year, by Ron Unz - The Unz Review
American Pravda: Covid-19, Its Impact and Origins After One Year, by Ron Unz - The Unz Review: As We Rapidly Approach a Million American Deaths
BlackRock's Investment in Chinese Surveillance | RealClearPolicy
BlackRock's Investment in Chinese Surveillance | RealClearPolicy: If we are ever to get serious about containing China as a geo-economic and strategic challenge, we might begin with our own fifth column—U.S. companies, especially on Wall Street, that profit im
Critical Race Theory to Face Its Day(s) in Court | RealClearPolicy
Critical Race Theory to Face Its Day(s) in Court | RealClearPolicy: As recently as last summer, few people outside academia had heard of critical race theory, whose central claim is that racism, not liberty, is the founding value and guiding vision of American society
Fauci discusses uncertainty on COVID-19 variants, length of immunity – Harvard Gazette
Fauci discusses uncertainty on COVID-19 variants, length of immunity – Harvard Gazette: Though the so-far-successful U.S. vaccination drive is likely to deliver an approximation of normal life by year’s end, Anthony Fauci and a panel of heath care experts cautioned that the global battle against COVID-19 is far from won.
Eduard Habsburg on Twitter: "...being in the Basilica of St. Peter's is like drowning in beauty.. https://t.co/euAc2l4CDU" / Twitter
Eduard Habsburg on Twitter: "...being in the Basilica of St. Peter's is like drowning in beauty.. https://t.co/euAc2l4CDU" / Twitter: ...being in the Basilica of St. Peter's is like drowning in beauty.. https://t.co/euAc2l4CDU
Catholic dioceses appeal to Supreme Court for protection against New York’s abortion coverage mandate | CNA
Catholic dioceses appeal to Supreme Court for protection against New York’s abortion coverage mandate | CNA: The dioceses of Albany and Ogdensburg and other Catholic and Christian ministries last week asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear their case against New York’s abortion coverage mandate.
Josh Hawley proposes $12K tax credits for married parents | Washington Examiner
Josh Hawley proposes $12K tax credits for married parents | Washington Examiner: Republican Sen. Josh Hawley is striking a populist tone with a new proposal to give big tax credits to families, as long as one of the parents is working.
• Chart: Workers Want to Stay Put in Home Office | Statista
• Chart: Workers Want to Stay Put in Home Office | Statista: This chart shows survey responses among workers who engaged in remote work during the pandemic (2021).
Democratic Strategist James Carville: ‘Wokeness Is A Problem’ For Democrats | The Daily Wire
Democratic Strategist James Carville: ‘Wokeness Is A Problem’ For Democrats | The Daily Wire: Democratic strategist James Carville admitted that the Democratic Party has a problem with wokeness, which has surely pushed potential voters away. Democrat strategist James Carville has admitted that the Democratic Party has a problem with wokeness, which has surely pushed potential voters away.
AP Signals Corporations to Attack States Defending Girls Sports – CatholicVote org
AP Signals Corporations to Attack States Defending Girls Sports – CatholicVote org: CV NEWS FEED // An Associated Press report pointedly suggested that powerful corporations could be doing much more to threaten or damage states that enact “anti-transgender”…
Biden Admin: We “Disagree” With Bishops on Using Aborted Children for Research – CatholicVote org
Biden Admin: We “Disagree” With Bishops on Using Aborted Children for Research – CatholicVote org: CV NEWS FEED // White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said President Biden “respectfully disagrees” with the U.S. Bishops, who object to the administration using the bodies…
Tuesday, April 27, 2021
Cardinal once persecuted by Albanian communist regime celebrates 65 years of priesthood
Cardinal once persecuted by Albanian communist regime celebrates 65 years of priesthood: This "living martyr" spent 28 years in prison doing hard labor rather than deny Christ. Cardinal Ernest Simoni, 92, from Albania celebrated a huge milestone after 28 years as a prisoner doing hard labor.
Israel and Iran Are Pulling the United States Toward Conflict | Foreign Affairs
Israel and Iran Are Pulling the United States Toward Conflict | Foreign Affairs: With tough diplomacy, Washington can stop the spiral of escalation.
Trial of existing antibiotic for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia begins | National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Trial of existing antibiotic for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia begins | National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH-supported trial will test dalbavancin in hospitalized adults.
Biden losing friends and gaining enemies - Asia Times
Biden losing friends and gaining enemies - Asia Times: US President Joseph R Biden rose to power promising to restore America’s purportedly ailing alliances. Allies are needed to assist the United States in
PG&E: Politics and crime | A FIRE - POWER - MONEY special | abc10.com
PG&E: Politics and crime | A FIRE - POWER - MONEY special | abc10.com: ABC10’s investigation found California politicians kept taking money from PG&E after the company pleaded guilty to 84 felony manslaughters.
Opinion: Californians deserve far better wildfire protection from PG&E – East Bay Times
Opinion: Californians deserve far better wildfire protection from PG&E – East Bay Times: The four significant deficiencies the CPUC believes the utility should address immediately.
Do New Nuclear Reactor Designs Change The Nuclear Waste Issue?
Do New Nuclear Reactor Designs Change The Nuclear Waste Issue?: The form of nuclear waste makes a difference in repository performance since heat loading and density determine waste spacing and repository size. But nuclear waste takes up such a small volume that these should have little effect on the issue as a whole and we’ll only need a single repository.
Iraq considers nuclear energy - Nuclear Engineering International
Iraq considers nuclear energy - Nuclear Engineering International: The Iraqi Radioactive Sources Regulatory Authority said on 22 April that it is holding talks with Russia, France and the USA to discuss the prospect of building nuclear reactors for civil application. The head of the authority, Kamal Hussein...
Nuclear industry urges climate leaders to consider nuclear power - Nuclear Engineering International
Nuclear industry urges climate leaders to consider nuclear power - Nuclear Engineering International: Ahead of the US-led climate summit on 222-23 April, nuclear industry organisations issued a press statement urging the inclusion of nuclear power in those discussions. The statement was issued jointly by Canadian Nuclear Association, European...
What we think of Biden's first 100 days in office – Responsible Statecraft
What we think of Biden's first 100 days in office – Responsible Statecraft: On policies involving China, Afghanistan, defense budget, climate crisis and the Middle East — a mixed bag.
Tomgram: John Feffer, America Hacks Itself – War Is A Crime
Tomgram: John Feffer, America Hacks Itself – War Is A Crime: This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here. Let me try to put this in context: it was just months ago that I gave up my…
Supreme Court to Rule on Whether C.I.A. Black Sites Are State Secrets - The New York Times
Supreme Court to Rule on Whether C.I.A. Black Sites Are State Secrets - The New York Times: A Guantánamo detainee is seeking information from two former government contractors in connection with a Polish criminal inquiry into a facility there.
The Green New Deal will impoverish America - spiked
The Green New Deal will impoverish America - spiked: This corporate-backed plan will come at the cost of people's jobs and living standards.
Would you pay $1.7 trillion for a plane that couldn’t fly? – Responsible Statecraft
Would you pay $1.7 trillion for a plane that couldn’t fly? – Responsible Statecraft: According to a new GAO report the F-35 is riddled with maintenance and performance issues, but yet Congress keeps demanding more.
End of an era? Afghanistan is now graveyard of contractors, too. – Responsible Statecraft
End of an era? Afghanistan is now graveyard of contractors, too. – Responsible Statecraft: Responsible Statecraft End of an era? Afghanistan is now graveyard of contractors, too. QiOSK –
The Saudis Need More than a Scolding on Yemen | The National Interest
The Saudis Need More than a Scolding on Yemen | The National Interest: Washington must determine and declare its reduction of support for the Saudi effort.
Global COVID-19 Cases at All-Time High Despite Success in Rich Nations
Global COVID-19 Cases at All-Time High Despite Success in Rich Nations: A World Health Organization chart shows the number of daily new cases rising in much of Asia and shrinking in places like Europe.
The guards caring for Chernobyl's abandoned dogs - BBC Future
The guards caring for Chernobyl's abandoned dogs - BBC Future: The descendants of pets abandoned by those fleeing the Chernobyl disaster are now striking up a curious relationship with humans charged with guarding the contaminated area.
The Ugly Truth About Renewable Power | naked capitalism
The Ugly Truth About Renewable Power | naked capitalism: Questions about how to make intermittent renewable energy production work for users conditioned to always-here power.
California Law Forcing Charities to Identify Donors Is Unconstitutional, Supreme Court Hears
California Law Forcing Charities to Identify Donors Is Unconstitutional, Supreme Court Hears: The Supreme Court seems sympathetic to arguments by two conservative charities that a California law requiring charities to ...
15 ways to gain an indulgence in the Year of St. Joseph | CNA
15 ways to gain an indulgence in the Year of St. Joseph | CNA: Until December 2021, there are many new ways that Catholics can receive an indulgence, including entrusting their daily work to the protection of St. Joseph the Worker or reciting the rosary with their families.
Oklahoma Gov Kevin Stitt Signs Bill Banning Abortions When Unborn Baby’s Heart Begins Beating | LifeNews.com
Oklahoma Gov Kevin Stitt Signs Bill Banning Abortions When Unborn Baby’s Heart Begins Beating | LifeNews.com: Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt today signed a bill into law that that would ban abortions once an unborn baby’s heartbeat is detectable. Last Tuesday, the s
Monday, April 26, 2021
The DC Statehood Power Grab – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website
The DC Statehood Power Grab – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website: Which brings the question: What is D.C.'s grievance that America must somehow rectify by making it a state? Answer: Democrats want D.C. to have two senators to cement their control of the U.S. Senate, as they pack the Supreme Court by expanding the number of justices from nine to 13. "How many legs does a…
Biden's opportunistic timing in Armenian genocide declaration – Responsible Statecraft
Biden's opportunistic timing in Armenian genocide declaration – Responsible Statecraft: This has much more to do with current US policy towards Turkish President Erdogan than it does with the morality of the case.
The dishonesty of Biden's Afghanistan pullout vow - Asia Times
The dishonesty of Biden's Afghanistan pullout vow - Asia Times: President Joe Biden, in announcing an ostensible end to the US war in Afghanistan, continued to pay eloquent lip service to progressive causes while
UAE in talks to buy $1.1bn stake in Israel gas field – Middle East Monitor
UAE in talks to buy $1.1bn stake in Israel gas field – Middle East Monitor: Delek Drilling (DEDRp.TA) said today it has signed a non-binding deal to sell its stake in the eastern Mediterranean natural gas field Tamar to Abu Dhabi's Mubadala Petroleum for $1.1 billion, Reuters...
Where are the Adults in the Room Now? - Global Zeitgeist
Where are the Adults in the Room Now? - Global Zeitgeist: Even Trump's Policies on China Made More Sense
The Ukraine Crisis Can Be an Opportunity | The American Conservative
The Ukraine Crisis Can Be an Opportunity | The American Conservative: The tense relationship between America and Russia can be improved if Biden makes the right moves.
175 Years of Border Invasions: The Anniversary of the U.S. War on Mexico and the Roots of Northward Migration | Portside
175 Years of Border Invasions: The Anniversary of the U.S. War on Mexico and the Roots of Northward Migration | Portside: Amid renewed fear mongering about an “invasion” at the U.S.-Mexico border, this week’s 175th anniversary of the 1846–1848 war the U.S. government instigated with Mexico is a reminder that throughout U.S. history, invasions have gone almost exclusively from north to south, not vice versa. A near-continuous series of invasions—military, political, and economic—moving from north to south has helped produce the poverty, violence, and insecurity driving people to migrate from south to north.
‘Pray for the people of India’: a country suffering ‘unimaginable’ Covid-19 outbreak | America Magazine
‘Pray for the people of India’: a country suffering ‘unimaginable’ Covid-19 outbreak | America Magazine: In one diocese nine priests and two women religious have been lost to Covid-19 just in April. The deceased clergy include four Jesuits.
4 Takeaways from Andrea Bocelli's interview about his faith
4 Takeaways from Andrea Bocelli's interview about his faith: Be inspired by the devout tenor's journey and his desire to serve God by helping others. Italian tenor talks about his faith, his foundation, education, and the coronavirus in a recent conversation with EWTN
Coronavirus cases aren't budging — even after vaccinations doubled - Axios
Coronavirus cases aren't budging — even after vaccinations doubled - Axios: The race between variants and vaccines is tied.
Safe Speech vs Free Speech: Higher Education’s False Dilemma | naked capitalism
Safe Speech vs Free Speech: Higher Education’s False Dilemma | naked capitalism: Universities should remember that the original purpose of free speech was to empower the weak, not to shelter them.
Dare to make peace with Iran | Cesar Chelala | The Blogs
Dare to make peace with Iran | Cesar Chelala | The Blogs: From the blog of Cesar Chelala at The Times of Israel
JESUS ON HIS DIVINE MERCY. “MY MERCY IS GREATER THAN YOUR SINS.” Summary Vid + Full Text.
JESUS ON HIS DIVINE MERCY. “MY MERCY IS GREATER THAN YOUR SINS.” Summary Vid + Full Text.: JESUS ON HIS DIVINE MERCY. “MY MERCY IS GREATER THAN YOUR SINS.” Summary vid + full text. This post is a collection of the words of Jesus on His Divine Mercy taken into writing by St. Faustina in her Diary.
The Shepherd’s Voice: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourth Sunday of Easter – St. Paul Center
The Shepherd’s Voice: Scott Hahn Reflects on the Fourth Sunday of Easter – St. Paul Center: Jesus, in today’s Gospel, says that He is the good shepherd the prophets had promised to Israel.He is the shepherd-prince, the new David—who frees people from bondage to sin and gathers them into one flock, the Church, under a new covenant, made in His blood (see Ezekiel 34:10–13, 23–31)
Supreme Court takes up major Second Amendment case | TheHill
Supreme Court takes up major Second Amendment case | TheHill: The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to restrictions on carrying firearms outside the home, teeing up a potentially landmark dispute over the scope of the Second Amendment.
Stow Your Outrage About a Capital Gains Tax Hike - Bloomberg
Stow Your Outrage About a Capital Gains Tax Hike - Bloomberg: There is no evidence for any of the calamities that opponents argue would befall the economy and markets.
SPECIAL REPORT Can the Saudis’ oil money help him save the planet? | Reuters
SPECIAL REPORT Can the Saudis’ oil money help him save the planet? | Reuters: Spanish biologist Carlos Duarte had been at a Saudi royal palace until three o'clock in the morning, waiting for the country's most powerful man.
The Graveyard of Empires Redux - Antiwar.com Original
The Graveyard of Empires Redux - Antiwar.com Original: Originally posted at TomDispatch. On May 1st, the date Donald Trump signed onto for the withdrawal of the remaining 3,500 American troops from - Rajan Menon for Antiwar.com Original
Did They Miss Yet Another F-35 Cost Overrun? - CounterPunch.org
Did They Miss Yet Another F-35 Cost Overrun? - CounterPunch.org: On Thursday, April 22, two subcommittees of the House Armed Services Committee held a joint hearing on the F-35. The hearing covered multiple F-35 cost issues, but strangely, no one discussed or asked about an apparent $63 billion cost overrun for the acquisition of the F-35. More
China, Iran are highly complementary: Chinese professor - Tehran Times
China, Iran are highly complementary: Chinese professor - Tehran Times: TEHRAN - Professor Yongzhong Wang, a Chinese professor at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, tells the Tehran Times that the 25-year partnership between Iran and China is based on mutual benefit and it can contribute to peace and stability in West Asia.
India wants to build largest nuclear power plant in world
India wants to build largest nuclear power plant in world: Construction is expected to take 15 years, but the site should be able to start generating electricity before completion...
EXCLUSIVE Brookfield explores sale of stake in nuclear firm Westinghouse -sources | Reuters
EXCLUSIVE Brookfield explores sale of stake in nuclear firm Westinghouse -sources | Reuters: Brookfield Business Partners (BBU_u.TO) is exploring options including the sale of a minority stake in Westinghouse Electric Co that could value the U.S. nuclear power developer and servicer at as much as $10 billion including debt, people familiar with the matter said on Friday.
The Mass Media Will Never Regain The Public’s Trust – Caitlin Johnstone
The Mass Media Will Never Regain The Public’s Trust – Caitlin Johnstone: Listen to this article: This year has marked the first time ever that trust in news media dropped below fifty percent in the United States, continuing a trend of decline that’s been ongoing f…
How plowshare diplomacy won the day - Chinadaily.com.cn
How plowshare diplomacy won the day - Chinadaily.com.cn: In April 1971 a young government official, Charles Freeman, returned to his post at the US State Department in Washington after spending two and half years studying Chinese in Taiwan. He then "started writing papers for an unknown purpose", to quote the 78-year-old.
The Ukraine Crisis Can Be an Opportunity | The American Conservative
The Ukraine Crisis Can Be an Opportunity | The American Conservative: The tense relationship between America and Russia can be improved if Biden makes the right moves.
Why the Panic Over Israeli Study on Infections After Vax? | MedPage Today
Why the Panic Over Israeli Study on Infections After Vax? | MedPage Today: Marty Makary and Vinay Prasad on how mild COVID cases after vaccination are freaking people out
It's time Biden ended Trump's trade war with China, Opinion News & Top Stories - The Straits Times
It's time Biden ended Trump's trade war with China, Opinion News & Top Stories - The Straits Times: Not only have the tariffs and sanctions failed to achieve their aims, but they also undermine America's long-term interests in East Asia.. Read more at straitstimes.com.
Why are some Catholic priests called "pastor"?
Why are some Catholic priests called "pastor"?: Priests are sometimes called "pastor" to designate their role as shepherd over a local parish.
Survey finds Catholics place high value on music at Mass
Survey finds Catholics place high value on music at Mass: A recent survey from US Catholic found that most Catholics appreciate music at Mass, although they are not so keen to sing along.
'They are people ...' Pope deplores as shameful latest death of 130 migrants
'They are people ...' Pope deplores as shameful latest death of 130 migrants: "Let us also pray for those who can help but prefer to look the other way," Pope Francis says.
Watch this beautiful Christmas ad that demonstrates the love of a grandparent
Watch this beautiful Christmas ad that demonstrates the love of a grandparent: Ad that will make sure want to hug your grandparents.
Let St. Peter Chanel inspire your times of loneliness
Let St. Peter Chanel inspire your times of loneliness: Loneliness is a plague of our times, but it can be a gift if we allow God to work within it. Loneliness is a plague of our times, but it can be a gift if we allow God to work within it.
The Difficult Realities Of Lethal Force – JONATHAN TURLEY
The Difficult Realities Of Lethal Force – JONATHAN TURLEY: Below is my column in the Hill on the spate of recent police shootings and the resulting calls for reforms and criminal charges. Two new incidents have occurred in the last week and both raise serious questions that must be answered on the use of lethal force. In North Carolina, Andrew Brown Jr., 42, was…
Love Without Reserve – A Sermon On John 10:11-18 – Interrupting the Silence
Love Without Reserve – A Sermon On John 10:11-18 – Interrupting the Silence: What if you and I are to be good shepherds too? What if laying down life is really about love and how we are to love? Isn’t that what we heard in today’s epistle (1 John 3:16-24)? “We know love by …
Earth has shifted on its axis due to melting of ice, study says - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists
Earth has shifted on its axis due to melting of ice, study says - Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists: Changes to the Earth’s axis highlight how real and profound an impact humans are having on the planet.
‘Unsettled’ Review: The ‘Consensus’ On Climate - WSJ
‘Unsettled’ Review: The ‘Consensus’ On Climate - WSJ: A top Obama scientist looks at the evidence on warming and CO2 emissions and rebuts much of the dominant political narrative.
Insurance Costs Threaten Florida Real-Estate Boom - WSJ
Insurance Costs Threaten Florida Real-Estate Boom - WSJ: Florida lawmakers are pushing legislation aimed at curbing rising property-insurance rates that are delivering sticker shock to some of the home buyers flocking to the state during the pandemic.
Covid home cure pill from Pfizer could be available this year
Covid home cure pill from Pfizer could be available this year: Pfizer is conducting the stage one clinical trial on an oral antiviral therapy that a patient could take when they first develop symptoms
India’s COVID-19 Crisis Is the World's Crisis - The Atlantic
India’s COVID-19 Crisis Is the World's Crisis - The Atlantic: The world’s largest vaccine producer is struggling to overcome its latest COVID-19 surge—and that’s everyone’s problem.
Knots: “Roe v. Wade,” the Movie - The Catholic Thing
Knots: “Roe v. Wade,” the Movie - The Catholic Thing: Brad Miner reviews the new film about the case that legalized abortion and concludes you’d be better off watching 'Gosnell' or 'Unplanned.'
Sunday, April 25, 2021
The Graveyard of Empires Redux - TomDispatch.com
The Graveyard of Empires Redux - TomDispatch.com: On May 1st, the date Donald Trump signed onto for the withdrawal of the remaining 3,500 American troops from Afghanistan, the war there, already 19 years old, was still officially a teenager. Think of September
Andrew Cuomo's energy legacy for New York: Dark days ahead
Andrew Cuomo's energy legacy for New York: Dark days ahead: Unveiling his $26 billion clean energy, “clean economy” plan in January, Cuomo said, “We must replace fossil fuel plants with clean power.” Hmm. Indian Point accounted for 30 percent of the state's carbon-free power production.
Last Look: Nuclear Energy in America - CNN Video
Last Look: Nuclear Energy in America - CNN Video: Fareed takes a look at plans to drastically reduce nuclear energy's role in powering America's grid, and why they are misguided.
Mother Miriam’s Conversion Story: From Jewish Agnostic to Foundress of an Order of Nuns| National Catholic Register
Mother Miriam’s Conversion Story: From Jewish Agnostic to Foundress of an Order of Nuns| National Catholic Register: “What’s on my heart to say,” said Mother Miriam, “is that there is nothing more that we could have on earth than what God has given in giving us his Son and h...
Unlearned history lessons - The Frontier Post
Unlearned history lessons - The Frontier Post: Dmitry Medvedev “Avoiding a clash with great powers does not indicate cowardice, but wisdom, because sacrificing oneself is never an advantage anywhere”. “The Art of War” by Sun Tzu. In recent years, relations between Russia and the US have shifted from competitiveness to confrontation, e-ffectively going back to the Cold War era. The sanctio-ns pressure, …
Why Turkey isn't up in arms over Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide - Turkey - Haaretz.com
Why Turkey isn't up in arms over Biden's recognition of Armenian genocide - Turkey - Haaretz.com: Biden's decision comes as Turkey-U.S. relations are at a low point, and the EU is threatening Ankara with sanctions
Way worse than COVID: This is the end of the road for antibiotics - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
Way worse than COVID: This is the end of the road for antibiotics - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are wreaking havoc and are increasingly challenging medical professionals seeking to treat even the simplest infections. Will humanity end up regressing a century – or will science succeed in reinventing itself?
Way worse than COVID: This is the end of the road for antibiotics - U.S. News - Haaretz.com
Way worse than COVID: This is the end of the road for antibiotics - U.S. News - Haaretz.com: Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are wreaking havoc and are increasingly challenging medical professionals seeking to treat even the simplest infections. Will humanity end up regressing a century – or will science succeed in reinventing itself?
COVID-19: Israel finds possible link between vaccine, myocarditis cases - The Jerusalem Post
COVID-19: Israel finds possible link between vaccine, myocarditis cases - The Jerusalem Post: The findings have been transmitted to the Health Ministry’s Director-General Chezy Levy, as well as to the US Food and Drug Administration and Pfizer.
Shepherds, not Hirelings - The Catholic Thing
Shepherds, not Hirelings - The Catholic Thing: Fr. Paul D. Scalia: A good shepherd (a priest) protects the flock. The hireling flees. The shepherd remains and keeps watch.
Saturday, April 24, 2021
Another False Start in Africa Sold with Gates Foundation Green Revolution Myths | naked capitalism
Another False Start in Africa Sold with Gates Foundation Green Revolution Myths | naked capitalism: The Gates-Foundation-promoted Green Revolution has proven harmful and also crowded out safer and effective ecological agriculture projects
Did St. George slay a dragon, crocodile or demon?
Did St. George slay a dragon, crocodile or demon?: St. George may have slain a crocodile, as the story recalls the life of a saint in North Africa, near the Nile River.
AI analysis of Dead Sea Scrolls points to more than one scribe
AI analysis of Dead Sea Scrolls points to more than one scribe: Digital analysis of the Dead Sea Scrolls utilizing AI software has suggested that they may have been the work of more than one scribe.
Tommy Robinson, the Far-Right Agitator, Lifted by Trump, Turns to Russia - The New York Times
Tommy Robinson, the Far-Right Agitator, Lifted by Trump, Turns to Russia - The New York Times: The anti-Islam agitator Tommy Robinson struck gold in America. Keeping it might require help from Moscow, where other British far-right activists are also finding friends.
Vaccine access gap between rich and poor nations sparks rage as pandemic surges amid abundant vaccines in the United States - The Washington Post
Vaccine access gap between rich and poor nations sparks rage as pandemic surges amid abundant vaccines in the United States - The Washington Post: Anger is rising in India and countries around the world as the United States races ahead with vaccinations while the Biden administration shares few doses and bans the export of vaccines and vaccine materials.
U.S. mainstream media hides or downplays Jewish supremacists who just carried out a ‘pogrom’ in Jerusalem – Mondoweiss
U.S. mainstream media hides or downplays Jewish supremacists who just carried out a ‘pogrom’ in Jerusalem – Mondoweiss: Why won’t the U.S. mainstream media report on Jewish supremacists in Israel?
As mob of Jewish supremacists unleash ‘pogrom’ against Palestinians in Jerusalem– AIPAC crows about 331 Congress members standing by Israel – Mondoweiss
As mob of Jewish supremacists unleash ‘pogrom’ against Palestinians in Jerusalem– AIPAC crows about 331 Congress members standing by Israel – Mondoweiss: A mob of supremacist Jews marched into East Jerusalem last night saying the city belongs to them and Arabs should burn. The young American Jewish group “IfNotNow” labeled the mob a “pogrom.”
Conservative revolutionaries and the echo of German fascism – Mondoweiss
Conservative revolutionaries and the echo of German fascism – Mondoweiss: The US and Israel share a common outlook, calling for continuous military interventionism outside each country’s borders with increased exercise of authority by…
Do Kids Really Need to Be Vaccinated for Covid? Yes. No. Maybe.
Do Kids Really Need to Be Vaccinated for Covid? Yes. No. Maybe.: Many experts argue that Covid-19 cannot be curbed without vaccinating children. But others aren't so sure.
Why fully investigating COVID-19's origins still matters | TheHill
Why fully investigating COVID-19's origins still matters | TheHill: It’s entirely possible — likely, even — that we’ll face another pandemic unless we identify how the COVID-19 crisis began.
Mandatory COVID Vaccines: Why Forcing People To Get A Shot May Backfire | American Council on Science and Health
Mandatory COVID Vaccines: Why Forcing People To Get A Shot May Backfire | American Council on Science and Health: To speed COVID vaccine uptake and bring the pandemic to an end, some commentators are calling on the government to mandate immunization as a condition for participating in society. This may seem like a reasonable policy, but there's compelling evidence that it could backfire.
The Thrilling, Totally Boring Adventures of the Newly Vaccinated - WSJ
The Thrilling, Totally Boring Adventures of the Newly Vaccinated - WSJ: A pandemic altered ordinary life. Shots are slowly returning us to our beautifully banal routines.
A Dad Fights to Bring Back School Sports. His Son Moves On. - WSJ
A Dad Fights to Bring Back School Sports. His Son Moves On. - WSJ: Pandemic-canceled seasons gave a top high-school athlete the chance to get a first job and see a future career, leaving his sports dad to campaign alone.
Breakthrough Malaria Vaccine Is 77% Effective, Giving Hope Against One Of The World’s Biggest Killers
Breakthrough Malaria Vaccine Is 77% Effective, Giving Hope Against One Of The World’s Biggest Killers: Early results from the Oxford-developed shot shows the highest efficacy yet against the disease that kills hundreds of thousands of children a year.
Do Christians really need one another?
Do Christians really need one another?: Painful lessons about community, thanks to COVID. Painful lessons about community, thanks to COVID.
Why Time Slows Down When We’re Afraid, Speeds Up as We Age, and Gets Warped on Vacation – Brain Pickings
Why Time Slows Down When We’re Afraid, Speeds Up as We Age, and Gets Warped on Vacation – Brain Pickings: “Time perception matters because it is the experience of time that roots us in our mental reality.”
Breakthrough Malaria Vaccine Is 77% Effective, Giving Hope Against One Of The World’s Biggest Killers
Breakthrough Malaria Vaccine Is 77% Effective, Giving Hope Against One Of The World’s Biggest Killers: Early results from the Oxford-developed shot shows the highest efficacy yet against the disease that kills hundreds of thousands of children a year.
The COVID-19 Catastrophe in India Keeps Growing | naked capitalism
The COVID-19 Catastrophe in India Keeps Growing | naked capitalism: The Covid nightmare in India won't end soon. Yet the West, despite self-interested reasons for reducing the contagion, is standing pat.
How Much Ruin Do We Have Left? › American Greatness
How Much Ruin Do We Have Left? › American Greatness: Any nation’s well-being—as Americans know from their own illustrious history—hinges on only a few factors. Its prosperity, freedom, and stability depend on its…
Schismatic Stratagems - The Catholic Thing
Schismatic Stratagems - The Catholic Thing: Fr. Gerald E. Murray: We have a duty to live in complete obedience to God’s law and a similar and serious duty to encourage others to do so.
The Church Should Not Return to “Normal”
The Church Should Not Return to “Normal”: As COVID-19 restrictions loosen, the worst mistake the Church could make would be to return to the pre-lockdown "normal."
MLB Asking Fans about Political Affiliation | National Review
MLB Asking Fans about Political Affiliation | National Review: MLB is asking fans about their political affiliation in surveys distributed to game attendees.
How will Biden's climate plan affect everyday Americans
How will Biden's climate plan affect everyday Americans: Joe Biden announced the goal to cut emissions by 2030, compared with 2005 levels, at the start of a two-day climate summit on Thursday.
Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan | Fox News
Virginia moving to eliminate all accelerated math courses before 11th grade as part of equity-focused plan | Fox News: The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) is moving to eliminate all accelerated math options prior to 11th grade, effectively keeping higher-achieving students from advancing as they usually would in the school system.
Biden Admin to Fly Rainbow Flag at U.S. Embassies Around the World – CatholicVote org
Biden Admin to Fly Rainbow Flag at U.S. Embassies Around the World – CatholicVote org: CV NEWS FEED // Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a directive authorizing U.S. outposts to fly the “LGBT Pride” flag on the same flagpole as…
Friday, April 23, 2021
The Forgotten History of the Campaign to Purge Chinese from America | The New Yorker
The Forgotten History of the Campaign to Purge Chinese from America | The New Yorker: The surge in violence against Asian-Americans is a reminder that America’s present reality reflects its exclusionary past.
MIT researchers say you're no safer from Covid indoors at 6 feet or 60 feet in new study
MIT researchers say you're no safer from Covid indoors at 6 feet or 60 feet in new study: The CDC and WHO guidelines fail to factor in the amount of time spent indoors, which increases the chance of transmission the longer people are inside.
The Sino-American Race for Technology Leadership - War on the Rocks
The Sino-American Race for Technology Leadership - War on the Rocks: Alarming and outrageous, certainly. The reaction in Washington to reports that China trawls America’s open innovation ecosystem pocketing prized
U.S. Troops in Iraq and Syria Do Not Make us Safer - 19FortyFive
U.S. Troops in Iraq and Syria Do Not Make us Safer - 19FortyFive: It is time we recognize the ground truth that our safety is not improved by deploying combat troops – in any number – to Iraq and Syria.
HASC’s Smith: U.S. Should Abandon Quest for Military Preeminence - Air Force Magazine
HASC’s Smith: U.S. Should Abandon Quest for Military Preeminence - Air Force Magazine: The U.S. military needs to wake up to the fact that global dominance is no longer a viable strategy for national defense, the HASC chairman said April 22.
Opinion | The Collapse of the American Empire
Opinion | The Collapse of the American Empire: America's defeat in Afghanistan is one in a string of catastrophic military blunders that herald the death of the American empire. With the exception of the first Gulf War, fought largely by mechanized units in the open desert that did not—wisely—attempt to occupy Iraq, the United States political and military leadership has stumbled from one military debacle to another.
China Will Lead The World In Nuclear Energy, Along With All Other Energy Sources, Sooner Than You Think
China Will Lead The World In Nuclear Energy, Along With All Other Energy Sources, Sooner Than You Think: China will soon have more nuclear than America and France combined. China plans to build another hundred reactors by 2035, their domestically-developed third-generation reactor designs, which in turn are based on the Westinghouse AP1000 reactor of the type we are building at Vogtle in Georgia.
President Biden’s 50% Emissions Reduction Target Is Political Theater, Not Serious Policy
President Biden’s 50% Emissions Reduction Target Is Political Theater, Not Serious Policy: President Biden's promise to reduce emissions by 50% is not a realistic policy goal. This goal is worsened by the unwarranted hostility towards nuclear power.
PG&E gets initial approval to securitize $7.5B of wildfire costs, despite ratepayer impact concerns | Utility Dive
PG&E gets initial approval to securitize $7.5B of wildfire costs, despite ratepayer impact concerns | Utility Dive: Utility industry news and analysis for energy professionals.
Is America Led Today By Anti-Americans? – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website
Is America Led Today By Anti-Americans? – Patrick J. Buchanan – Official Website: Biden is saying that when Chauvin knelt on the neck of George Floyd for nine minutes as the life drained out of him, the world, for once, was getting a good, close look at the diseased soul of America... a reflection of the kind of justice America delivers to Black Americans. How can America unite…
Covid: Researchers explore links between abnormal periods and vaccine | Daily Mail Online
Covid: Researchers explore links between abnormal periods and vaccine | Daily Mail Online: Two researchers have received more than 25,000 responses to a survey asking women and people who menstruate if they have had irregular or abnormal periods after getting the COVID-19 jab.
Money Alone Can’t Fix Central America – or Stop Migration to US | naked capitalism
Money Alone Can’t Fix Central America – or Stop Migration to US | naked capitalism: The US has played a big role in creating near or actual failed states in Central America. Are we capable of improving conditions?
Biden’s Appeasement of Hawks and Neocons Is Crippling His Diplomacy | naked capitalism
Biden’s Appeasement of Hawks and Neocons Is Crippling His Diplomacy | naked capitalism: Is Biden's high testosterone foreign policy a feature or a bug?