MONOCLE RADIO (January 29, 2025); We assess president Donald Trump’s attempted halt of federal funding, pop into the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø and assess Thailand’s image crisis as large numbers of tourists from mainland China cancel trips for this week’s Chinese New Year. Then: Pew’s latest survey on religion and politics across 36 countries. Plus: Monocle’s chairman, Tyler Brûlé, joins the show.
Category Archives: Opinion
The New York Times – Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025
Judge Stays Trump’s Federal Funding Freeze, but Disruption to Medicaid Sows Fear
Federal health researchers, nonprofits and programs for early childhood education reported that their access to federal funds had gone down, raising alarms about access to jobs, health care services, reduced-price meals and more.
Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Immigration, Drugs and Greenland
The president is increasingly threatening other countries with tariffs for issues that have little to do with trade.
What It’s Like to Be a Kid After a Fire Took Almost Everything
Ten children talked about losing their homes, their schools and their neighborhoods in the Los Angeles fires. They discussed what they’re worried about and what’s cheering them up.
Rwanda, the West’s ‘Donor Darling,’ Seizes an Opportunity in Congo
News: 80th Anniversary Of Auschwitz Liberation, Gaza Ceasefire Next Steps
MONOCLE RADIO (January 28, 2025): As the world marks 80 years since the liberation of Auschwitz, Sudha David-Wilp and Stuart Dowell join Emma Nelson to discuss the Polish and German perspectives. Plus, Israel moves to shut down Unrwa, Ukraine’s drone-only military ops and highlights from the Jeddah Islamic Art Biennale.
The New York Times – Tuesday, January 28, 2025
In Exacting Retribution, Trump Aims at the Future as Well as the Past
The president made good on promises to seek revenge against enemies during his first week back in power, signaling in the process that anyone who crosses him in the future could also suffer.
Behind the Colombia Blowup: Mapping Trump’s Rapid-Escalation Tactics
There were no Situation Room meetings and no quiet calls to de-escalate a dispute with an ally. Just threats, counterthreats, surrender and an indication of the president’s approach to Greenland and Panama.
At Auschwitz, a Solemn Ceremony at a Time of Rising Nationalism
World leaders and a dwindling group of survivors joined in a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi death camp by the Red Army.
As Trump and Putin Circle Each Other, an Agenda Beyond Ukraine Emerges
President Trump jabs at the Russian leader with threats; Vladimir Putin responds with flattery. But there are notable signals in their jousting, including a revived discussion about nuclear arms control.
THE NEW YORKER MAGAZINE – FEBRUARY 3, 2025 PREVIEW
THE NEW YORKER MAGAZINE (January 27, 2025): The latest issue features Kadir Nelson’s “Messenger” – The city’s ubiquitous winged creatures can be an unexpected source of inspiration.
Trump’s Attempt to Redefine America
The effect of the President’s executive orders was to convey an open season, in which virtually nothing—including who gets to be an American citizen—is guaranteed. By Benjamin Wallace-Wells
Inside the Fight Against a Los Angeles Inferno
A reporter embeds with wildland firefighters during one of the deadliest blazes in California history. By M. R. O’Connor
A Witness in Assad’s Dungeons
Mazen al-Hamada fled Syria to reveal the regime’s crimes. Then, mysteriously, he went back. By Jon Lee Anderson
News: Lukashenko Wins Belarus Presidency, More Hostages Released In Gaza
MONOCLE RADIO (January 27, 2025): As the election in Belarus is labelled a “sham”, Hanna Liubakova joins Emma Nelson to discuss what lies ahead for Alexander Lukashenko and the country. Plus: more captives are released in Gaza and Israel; and the iconic French dance soon to be enshrined on the country’s cultural-heritage list.
The New York Times – Monday, January 27, 2025
As Thousands Try to Return Home, Fragile Mideast Cease-Fires Are Tested
Israeli forces killed at least 22 people and injured dozens more in southern Lebanon on Sunday, Lebanese officials said. In Gaza, Israel said Hamas had violated the terms of the truce.
Trump Pushes Jordan and Egypt to Take in Palestinians to ‘Clean Out’ Gaza
President Trump said he had spoken to Jordan’s leader and planned to call Egypt’s. Mr. Trump’s suggestion echoes proposals from far-right Israelis. A Hamas official rejected the idea.
Trump’s Moves to Upend Federal Bureaucracy Touch Off Fear and Confusion
Agencies are gripped with uncertainty about how to implement the blizzard of new policies as workers frantically try to assess the impact on their lives.
Flashes Then Flames: New Video of Eaton Fire Raises More Questions for Power Company
Investigators are still trying to determine what started a fire that raged through Altadena, Calif. A new video appears to show sparking on a power line near the origin of the blaze.
Sunday Morning: Stories From London & St. Moritz
MONOCLE RADIO (January 26, 2025): Emma Nelson is joined by Charles Hecker and David Bodanis. Then: Tyler Brûlé, Monocle’s editorial director, shares his observations from St Moritz.
The New York Times —- Sunday, January 26, 2025
‘People Will Be Shocked’: Trump Tests the Boundaries of the Presidency
Even more than in his first term, President Trump has mounted a fundamental challenge to the norms and expectations of what a president can and should do.
As Hamas Exchanges Gaza Hostages, It Puts on a Show of Force
The handover of four female Israeli soldiers by Hamas on Saturday came as Israel released 200 prisoners. But a dispute arose over the hostage release timetable.
The Race for All-Powerful Pot
Inside the $32 billion industry transforming marijuana, its consumption and beliefs about its ability to heal.
Many Jan. 6 Rioters Pardoned by Trump Attacked Police, Videos Show
THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE – Jan 26, 2025
THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE (January 25, 2025): The 1.26.25 issue features…
Nevada’s Lithium Could Help Save the Earth. But What Happens to Nevada?
Many climate experts see its deserts as a place to build the green-energy future. For two local activists, the price is too great.
Curtis Yarvin Says Democracy Is Done. Powerful Conservatives Are Listening.
The once-fringe writer has long argued for an American monarchy. His ideas have found an audience in the incoming administration and Silicon Valley. By David Marchese
Why Did ‘Woj’ Take a 99% Pay Cut? To Save the Team He Loves.
Adrian Wojnarowski is trying to help St. Bonaventure’s tiny basketball program thrive in the scary new world of college sports. By Bruce Schoenfeld
Boomers Daily 