Monocle Radio (December 20, 2024): Is the time finally ripe for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas? Plus: Ukraine’s Ark Project with Czech help, why the US government could shut down on Saturday and the world’s first luxury theme park.
Category Archives: News
The New York Times —- Friday, December 20, 2024
Elon Musk Flexes His Political Strength as Government Shutdown Looms
The world’s richest man led the charge to kill a bipartisan spending deal, in part by promoting false and misleading claims about it.
Government Lurches Toward Shutdown After House Tanks Trump’s Spending Plan
Dozens of right-wing Republicans joined Democrats in opposing a bill ordered up by President-elect Donald J. Trump to tie a government funding extension to a two-year deferral of the debt limit.
The Once Booming Drug Town Going Bust Under Taliban Rule
Funding its war against the United States, the Taliban reaped millions from boom towns trading opium, heroin and meth. Victorious, the group crushed the trade, leaving ghost towns in its wake.
With Guilty Verdicts, Rape Victim’s Ordeal in France Becomes a Message of Hope
Dozens of men who abused Gisèle Pelicot were convicted, including the man who invited them to do so: her husband of 50 years. She wanted the public trial to show rape victims they were not alone.
News: Israel Claims Buffer Zone In Syria, Hurricane Recovery In Asheville
The Globalist Podcast: Border tensions in Syria continue as Israel claims it will maintain a buffer zone in the country. Plus: a look at Asheville’s hurricane recovery, a flick through Monocle’s Greece handbook and how Portugal’s passports are getting a makeover.
THE NEW YORK TIMES —THURSDAY, DEC. 19, 2024
Giant Companies Took Secret Payments to Allow Free Flow of Opioids
Drugmakers including Purdue Pharma paid pharmacy benefit managers not to restrict painkiller prescriptions, a New York Times investigation found.
A Weary Biden Heads for the Exit
Still stinging from the election, President Biden is pushing for his final priorities but has largely absented himself from the national conversation about Donald Trump after warning repeatedly that he was a threat to American democracy.
The Wrath of Trump: House Republicans Map a Case Against Liz Cheney
President-elect Donald J. Trump has never been shy about his desire to see his enemies punished. But he often shows a measure of caution about taking credit for potential prosecutions himself.
A Rift in Trump World Over How to Make America Healthier
Statements by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Elon Musk tap into a dispute over whether lifestyle changes or drugs are a better way to treat obesity.
News: Diplomacy To Help Rebuild Syria, Ukraine Kills Top General In Russia
Monocle Radio (December 18, 2024): The European Union is reopening its delegation in Syria while France is sending envoys to Damascus. How can diplomacy help rebuild the country?
Then: we look at what Moscow describes as “inevitable retribution” towards Ukraine following the killing of a top general. Plus: Ecowas approves three-nation exit from the bloc, Taiwan gets new US-made tanks to boost its defences and ‘Le Monde’ newspaper turns 80.
THE NEW YORK TIMES — Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024
Ukraine Says It Killed General Who Led Russia’s Nuclear Defense Force
A Ukrainian official said Kyiv was responsible for the assassination in Moscow of Gen. Igor Kirillov, the chief of Russia’s radioactive, chemical and biological defense forces.
Behind Germany’s Political Turmoil, a Stagnating Economy
One of Europe’s powerhouses is losing its competitive edge, and the political class can’t agree on why — or what to do about it.
Elon Musk and SpaceX Face Federal Reviews After Violations of Security Reporting Rules
Federal agencies have opened at least three reviews into whether the company and its leader complied with disclosure protocols intended to protect state secrets, people with knowledge of the matter said.
Seeking Relief From Brain Injury, Some Veterans Turn to Psychedelics
Unable to find effective treatments at home, veterans with brain-injury symptoms are going abroad for psychedelics like ibogaine that are illegal in the U.S.
News: Russia-Ukraine War At Turning Point, Israel Continuing Isolation
Monocle Radion (December 17, 2024): As reports emerge of significant losses to North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, we assess whether the war between Moscow and Kyiv is at a turning point. Then: Israel’s isolationism continues as it shutters its Dublin embassy.
Plus: transport changes in London, fashion news, ‘Forbes’ magazine opens a private-members’ club and we remember India’s legendary tabla maestro Zakir Hussain.
The Wall Street Journal —-December 17, 2024—-
Syria’s Aspiring Leader Promises Reform—in Due Time
Rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani positioned himself as a statesman who can unite Syria, in a meeting with foreign journalists in Damascus.
Why Musk Doesn’t Have Access to SpaceX’s Biggest Government Secrets
The rocket company’s executives haven’t sought a higher security clearance for its CEO to avoid questions about his drug use and contact with foreign officials. The answers might no longer matter.
Apollo CEO’s Flirtation With Politics Brings New Urgency to Succession Planning
Marc Rowan is one of the few private-equity chiefs who hasn’t clearly designated an heir apparent.
News: German Chancellor No-Confidence Vote, Iran Isolated As Turkey Gains
The New York Times —- Monday, December 16, 2024
How Will the Rebels Rule Syria? Their Past Offers Clues.
The Islamist rebels who ousted Syria’s dictator ran a pragmatic and disciplined administration in the territory they controlled. They also jailed their critics.
The Alienation of Jaime Cachua
His friends and family members in Rome, Ga., voted to support mass deportation. Now he’s scrambling to stay in the country.
Kennedy’s Lawyer Has Asked the F.D.A. to Revoke Approval of the Polio Vaccine
Aaron Siri, who specializes in vaccine lawsuits, has been at Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s side reviewing candidates for top jobs at the Department of Health and Human Services.
Security Strategy of Recruiting Cheap Militiamen Backfires in Africa
By arming civilians who are poorly trained and have little to no respect for human rights, the military in Burkina Faso has brought the West African nation to the brink of civil war.
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