Tag Archives: Russia

The New York Times — Thursday, April 11, 2024

After Trump Broadside, Surveillance Bill Collapses in the House

Right-wing lawmakers blocked a move by Speaker Johnson to extend a key foreign intelligence surveillance tool after former President Donald J. Trump urged lawmakers to “kill” the law underlying it.

Trump Allies Have a Plan to Hurt Biden’s Chances: Elevate Outsider Candidates

The more candidates in the race, the better for Donald J. Trump, supporters say. And in a tight presidential contest, a small share of voters could change the result.

E.P.A. Says ‘Forever Chemicals’ Must Be Removed From Tap Water

The rule applies to a family of chemicals known as PFAS that are linked to serious health effects. Water utilities argue the cost is too great.

Arts/Books: Times Literary Supplement – April 12, 2024

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Times Literary Supplement (April 10, 2024): The latest issue features ‘Man Into Marble’ – Corin Throsby and Kathryn Sutherland on the real Byron; Anthony Burgess on music; Left in charge at the palazzo; Revolutionary Russia; A shorter Long Day’s Journey and What is lyric verse?…

The New York Times — Wednesday, April 10, 2024

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Iran Smuggles Arms to West Bank, Officials Say, to Foment Unrest With Israel

The covert operation, described by U.S., Iranian and Israeli officials, is heightening concerns that Iran is seeking to turn the West Bank into a flashpoint in its shadow war with Israel.

As Kushner’s Investment Firm Steps Out, the Potential Conflicts Are Growing

Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners has invested more than $1.2 billion, much of it in firms abroad, drawing new scrutiny as his father-in-law, Donald Trump, again seeks the presidency.

England Limits Youth Gender Medications, Part of Big Shift in Europe

Five European countries have recently restricted hormone treatments for adolescents with gender distress. They have not banned the care, unlike many U.S. states.

The New York Times — Sunday, April 7, 2024

Pardoned for Serving in Ukraine, They Return to Russia to Kill Again

Recruiting convicts for its army has given Russia a manpower advantage. But it is backfiring in tragic ways when former inmates are pardoned and return home to commit new crimes.

Consumers Hate ‘Price Discrimination,’ but They Sure Love a Discount

The Wendy’s debacle is a warning shot for brands: If you want to play with prices, make sure to communicate why and whom it could help.

Gaza War Turns Spotlight on Long Pipeline of U.S. Weapons to Israel

President Biden sends arms to Israel under an Obama-era $38 billion aid agreement that runs until 2026. Israel’s purchases include the types of bombs dropped in Gaza.

After 6 Months of War, Some Israelis Ask: Is Netanyahu Dragging It Out?

Despite growing pressure from President Biden, the Israeli prime minister appears in no rush to end the war in Gaza. Some think he has political reasons for extending the stasis.

Saturday Morning: News And Stories From London

Monocle on Saturday Podcast (April 6, 2024): Terry Stiastny updates Georgina Godwin on the Wirecard fugitive case and discusses the honeytrap scandal that has rattled Westminster this week.

We examine the history of honeytrap scandals and look back at the lives of two extraordinary people: journalist Hella Pick and author Lynne Reid Banks. Plus: twins Dina and Rosabella Gregory take us through their new opera, ‘The Haberdasher Prince’, and Louise Doughty joins to talk about her guest edition of Writers Mosaic, ‘Blood and belonging: Traveller Writers’.

The New York Times — Saturday, April 6, 2024

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String of Israeli Errors Led to Fatal Attack on Aid Convoy, Military Says

“It’s a serious event that we’re responsible for, and it shouldn’t have happened,” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said of the strike that killed seven World Central Kitchen workers.

In Threatening Israel, Biden Hopes to Avoid a Rupture

The president has put Israel’s leader “on probation,” as a veteran diplomat put it. The threat is not idle, aides said, but he wants to force a course correction rather than follow through.

Earthquake Rattles New York and New Jersey, but Does Little Damage

An earthquake struck the Northeast on Friday, rippling from Philadelphia to Boston.

F.B.I. Examining Free Airfare Upgrades Received by Adams

Federal prosecutors and F.B.I. agents are scrutinizing international flights taken by Mayor Eric Adams of New York aboard Turkey’s national air carrier, Turkish Airlines.

News: Early Election Calls In Israel, An Anti-Coup Drone Attack In Myanmar

The Globalist (April 5, 2024): Benjamin Netanyahu’s main rival and member of the war cabinet, Benny Gantz, calls for early elections, Myanmar’s opposition carries out a drone attack on junta-controlled Naypyidaw, Moscow declares that Russia and Nato are now in “direct confrontation” and we celebrate the life and legacy of Gaetano Pesce.

Plus: Andrew Mueller takes a look at what we learned this week.

The New York Times — Friday, April 5, 2024

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Israel to Add Gaza Aid Routes as Biden Hinges Support on Civilian Protection

The president denounced the killing of seven humanitarian workers in a tense call with Israel’s prime minister. Within hours, Israel agreed to increase aid deliveries.

What Are We Told About the Health of Biden and Trump? They Decide.

President Biden and former President Donald J. Trump are the oldest people ever to seek the presidency, challenging norms about what the public should know about candidates’ health.

Sexual Assault of Migrants in Panama Rises to Level Rarely Seen Outside War

The New York Times interviewed more than 70 people who said they had been victims of armed robbery. Fourteen were women who said they had suffered sexual violence.

The Economist Magazine – April 6, 2024 Preview

China’s risky reboot

The Economist Magazine (April 4, 2024): The latest issue features China’s risky reboot; Trump and nuclear deterrence; Latin America’s right-wingers; Why India’s elite love Modi and more…

Xi Jinping’s misguided plan to escape economic stagnation

It will disappoint China’s people and anger the rest of the world

Central banks have spent down their credibility

That will make inflation trickier to handle in future

Beware a world without American power

Donald Trump’s threat to dump allies would risk a nuclear free-for-all

News: 75th Anniversary Of NATO, Philippines Navy, UK & US Arms Sales To Israel

The Globalist (April 4, 2024): Today marks the 75th anniversary of Nato. We assess the alliance’s future at a worrying time for global security. Then we hear why the Philippines’ navy is preparing for the worst-case scenario in the South China Sea and discuss the future of UK and US arms sales to Israel.

Plus: McKinsey experts on the future of the urban environment, and the life and legacy of Guadeloupe’s grand storyteller Maryse Condé, who has died at the age of 90.