C.I.A. Rejects Diversity Efforts Once Deemed as Essential to Its Mission (Thanks to Aidan for this one)
The Trump administration is dismantling programs that some former directors believed helped sharpen the agency’s competitive edge.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2025
C.I.A. Rejects Diversity Efforts Once Deemed as Essential to Its Mission
Qatar offers Trump jumbo jet to serve as Air Force One; Elon Musk, Sam Altman and Other C.E.O.s Join Trump at U.S.-Saudi Lunch
Qatar offers Trump jumbo jet to serve as Air Force One (Thanks to Frank for this one)
President is not happy with Boeing's delays in producing new official plane
Elon Musk, Sam Altman and Other C.E.O.s Join Trump at U.S.-Saudi Lunch
Many of the executives — including representatives of four of the 10 biggest U.S. companies by market value — are seeking business from Saudi investors and a chance to lobby top Trump officials.
Here are some of the business executives and other guests for the lunch, according to a list provided by the White House:
Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla and SpaceX
Stephen A. Schwarzman, chief executive of the Blackstone Group
Larry Fink, chief executive of BlackRock
Arvind Krishna, chairman and chief executive of IBM
Jane Fraser, chief executive of Citigroup
Kelly Ortberg, chief executive of Boeing
Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Alphabet and Google
Andy Jassy, chief executive of Amazon
Sam Altman, chief executive of OpenAI
Jensen Huang, chief executive of Nvidia
Alex Karp, chief executive of Palantir
Jeff Miller, chief executive of Halliburton
Travis Kalanick, former chief executive of Uber and founder of Cloud Kitchens
Kathy Warden, chief executive of Northrop Grumman
James Quincey, chief executive of Coca-Cola
Dara Khosrowshahi, chief executive of Uber
Francis Suarez, mayor of Miami
Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA
Patrick Soon-Shiong, executive chairman of Immunity Bio and owner of The Los Angeles Times
Reid Hoffman, the executive chairman of LinkedIn, was on the list of attendees provided by the White House, but a representative said he did not attend.
Here's why Bill Gates is giving away most of his remaining fortune to his charity
Here's why Bill Gates is giving away most of his remaining fortune to his charity (Thanks to Sam for this one)
Gates, who was once the world's richest man, announced Thursday that he will give around $200 billion over the next 20 years to his charity, the Gates Foundation. He also announced the foundation would close by 2045.
One in five people in Gaza face starvation, report warns, as Israel’s months-long blockade continues | CNN (Thanks to Maia for this one)
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Charitable organizations distribute hot meals to Palestinians in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza on May 12. |
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Disney Movies (Thank to Ali for this one)
As Fentanyl Deaths Slow, Meth Comes for Maine
As Fentanyl Deaths Slow, Meth Comes for Maine - The New York Times (Thanks to Mitch for this one)
A powerful stimulant that keeps users sleepless for days and can ignite psychosis and violence has been rattling Portland and its safety networks.
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| Every day, Mr. Burns and other Bayside responders perform the Sisyphean task of collecting used syringes. Here he gathers some from David. |
Monday, May 12, 2025
Tariff Truce With China Demonstrates the Limits of Trump’s Aggression
Tariff Truce With China Demonstrates the Limits of Trump’s Aggression
President Trump’s triple-digit tariffs on Chinese products disrupted global trade — but haven’t appeared to result in major concessions from Beijing.
Stocks Rally as U.S. and China Pull Back on Tariffs
The S&P 500 logged its biggest gain in over a month after American and Chinese officials signaled a de-escalation in the trade war between the world’s two largest economies.
‘We’re Starting to Move Everything’: Trump’s China Deal Frees Up Shipping
The temporary lowering of tariffs may compel some U.S. businesses to order goods that they had held off buying after President Trump raised them to 145 percent.
Trump’s Plan to Accept Luxury Jet From Qatar Strains Bounds of Propriety; Some Bidders in Trump’s Contest Sold All Their Digital Coins but Still Won
Trump’s Plan to Accept Luxury Jet From Qatar Strains Bounds of Propriety
The second Trump administration is blowing through limits on the mixing of public office and personal benefits.
Some Bidders in Trump’s Contest Sold All Their Digital Coins but Still Won
Because of a quirk in the rules, some participants vying to dine with the president benefited from dumping the Trump family’s memecoins rather than accumulating them.
Hamas Frees American Held in Gaza in Deal That Largely Circumvents Israel
Hamas Frees American Held in Gaza in Deal That Largely Circumvents Israel
Edan Alexander, a dual Israeli American national, was released following pressure from President Trump, who is set to travel to the region.
Farmers Sued Over Deleted Climate Data. So the Government Will Put It Back.
Farmers Sued Over Deleted Climate Data. So the Government Will Put It Back.
The Agriculture Department pledged to restore online climate information that farmers said helped them do business, but which officials had deleted.
Friday, May 9, 2025
‘Justice for Cwecwe’: Report of a Child’s Rape Enrages South Africans
‘Justice for Cwecwe’: Report of a Child’s Rape Enrages South Africans - The New York Times (Thanks to Alana for this one)
A mother’s call for justice has challenged a culture of shame and inspired a nationwide movement to tackle the crisis of sexual violence.
Google AI announcements from April
Google AI announcements from April (Thanks to Trevor for this one)
Thursday, May 8, 2025
Chicago born, Villanova educated, Americans Celebrate Pope Leo XIV, the First Pontiff From the U.S.
Americans Celebrate Pope Leo XIV, the First Pontiff From the U.S. - The New York Times (Thanks to Arya for this one)
Across the country, Catholics and non-Catholics alike greeted the news of the Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV with reverence and satisfaction.
American Cardinal Robert Prevost chosen as new pope, Leo XIV, by Catholic cardinals - CBS News (Thanks to Finn R for this one)
Pope Leo XIV Live Updates: Pope Celebrates First Mass in Sistine Chapel - The New York Times (Thanks to Rex and Luca for this one)
Pope Leo XIV warns against lack of faith in first mass at Vatican (Thanks to Sara for this one)
Americans Celebrate Pope Leo XIV, the First Pontiff From the U.S. - The New York Times (Thanks to Valerie for this one)
New Pope Has Creole Roots in New Orleans - The New York Times (Thanks to Taylor for this one)
His ancestry, traced to a historic enclave of Afro-Caribbean culture, links Leo XIV to the rich and sometimes overlooked Black Catholic experience in America.
Who is Pope Leo XIV? Facts About Robert Francis Prevost’s Upbringing, Education and More - The New York Times, (Thanks to John for this one)
Who is the new Pope Leo XIV and what is his background? - NPR (Thanks to Elizabeth for this one)
Pope Leo XIV, first U.S. pope: Villanova reactions and Philadelphia updates
Villanova community rejoices as an alum is to become the first pope from the United States
Cardinal Robert Prevost, a Chicago native and a Villanova graduate, will be the leader of 1.4 billion Roman Catholics worldwide.
Casu marzu: The world’s ‘most dangerous’ cheese
Casu marzu: The world’s ‘most dangerous’ cheese | CNN (Thanks to Ali for this one)
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It's illegal to sell or buy casu marzu. |
India strikes but loses jets - how will Pakistan respond? Four key questions
India Strikes Pakistan but Is Said to Have Lost Jets - The New York Times (Thanks to Rex for this one)
Officials and witnesses said that at least two Indian aircraft had crashed after India struck Pakistani targets, escalating the conflict between the nuclear powers.
India strikes - how will Pakistan respond? Four key questions (Thanks to Finn R for this one)
Florida Wildlife Officers Kill 3 Black Bears After Deadly Attack
Florida Wildlife Officers Kill 3 Black Bears After Deadly Attack - The New York Times (Thanks to Brody for this one)
The state’s wildlife agency will test the bears’ DNA to determine if any of them had attacked and killed an 89-year-old man.
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| Wildlife officers in Florida have killed three black bears after an 89-year-old man was mauled to death by one.Andrew West/The News-Press, via USA Today Network |
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
China Is Likely to Play Hardball in U.S. Tariff Talks; Trump’s Threatened Tariffs Are So Large, 10% Feels Like a Relief
China Is Likely to Play Hardball in U.S. Tariff Talks - The New York Times
Beijing says it will meet with American officials to discuss trade, but warned Washington against using the engagement to ratchet up pressure on China.
Trump’s Threatened Tariffs Are So Large, 10% Feels Like a Relief - The New York Times
As he proposes ever stiffer tariffs, President Trump has normalized his merely big ones.
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| He Lifeng, second from right, China’s top trade official, in Beijing in March. China said Mr. He would meet with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in Switzerland this week.Credit...Pool photo by Ng Han Guan |
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
India Strikes Pakistan Two Weeks After Terrorist Attack
India Strikes Pakistan Two Weeks After Terrorist Attack
The strikes on what India called “terror camps” escalated the conflict between the nuclear powers. Pakistan said at least eight people were killed.
India Strikes Pakistan After a Terrorist Attack: What We Know
India’s actions came in response to a deadly terror attack two weeks ago in Kashmir, a territory that it has long fought over with Pakistan.
A Timeline of Tensions Between India and Pakistan Over Kashmir
The April 22 terrorist attack in Kashmir inflamed a long-simmering conflict that could boil over into military confrontation.
India vs. Pakistan Is Also U.S. vs. China When It Comes to Arms Sales
Increasing Western military support to India, and China’s to Pakistan, signals a shift in global alignments — and another potential flashpoint for international tensions.
Trump family's net worth has increased by $2.9 billion thanks to crypto investments, new report says
Trump family's net worth has increased by $2.9 billion thanks to crypto investments, new report says
Donald Trump hosts a $1.5 million-per-person fundraiser, raising ethics concerns
58 crypto wallets have made millions on Trump’s meme coin. 764,000 have lost money, data shows
Forbes: Trump profile and net worth
Carney Tells Trump Canada ‘Is Not for Sale’ During White House Visit
Carney Tells Trump Canada ‘Is Not for Sale’ During White House Visit
The Canadian prime minister met with President Trump days after being elected on an anti-Trump platform as relations between the two allies are at a historic nadir.
Trump Surprises Canada With a New Message: We Love You
President Trump played nice when he came face-to-face with the new prime minister of Canada, the country he has spent months belittling.
How to choose perfect matcha
How to choose perfect matcha – 8 ways to recognize high-quality matcha powder - MoyaMatcha (Thanks to Maia for this one)
As Trump Targets Researchers, Europe Makes a Pitch to Attract Scientists
As Trump Targets Researchers, Europe Makes a Pitch to Attract Scientists - The New York Times (Thanks to Sabrina for this one)
The continent’s leaders are hoping to benefit as the Trump administration cuts support for research and threatens universities such as Harvard and Columbia with the freezing of federal funds.
Monday, May 5, 2025
Antianxiety drugs in waterways are changing how salmon migrate
Antianxiety drugs in waterways are changing how salmon migrate | CNN (Thanks to Ali for this one)
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When the drug clobazam accumulates in Atlantic salmon's brains, migrating juvenile fish reach the ocean sooner, a new study found. A juvenile salmon is shown in May 2019. |
Trump Says He Wants to Reopen Alcatraz as a Functioning Prison
Trump Says He Wants to Reopen Alcatraz as a Functioning Prison - The New York Times
The project would be extraordinarily expensive at a time when the administration already plans to cut billions of dollars from the Justice Department’s budget.
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| It has been more than six decades since Alcatraz, which sits in San Francisco Bay, operated as a prison. Today it is best known as a damp, frigid and nostalgic staple of tourist packages and children’s field trips.Jim Wilson/The New York Times |
Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope captures new image of sunspots
Daniel K. Inouye solar telescope captures new image of sunspots : NPR (Thanks to Elizabeth for this one)
Trump-appointed federal judge rejects use of Alien Enemies Act in Venezuelan deportations; Trump Says ‘I Don’t Know’ When Asked About Due Process and Upholding Constitution
Trump-appointed federal judge rejects use of Alien Enemies Act in Venezuelan deportations
The ruling was the first time a judge weighed in on the merits of Trump's invocation of the wartime authority granted in 1798.
President Trump repeatedly said he didn’t know when asked in a TV interview whether every person on American soil was entitled to due process, as guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment.
Trump, asked if he has to 'uphold the Constitution,' says, 'I don't know'
Full interview: President Trump says he’ll be a ‘two-term president,’ downplays third-term talk
Trump says he'll reopen Alcatraz prison for America's worst offenders | AP News
‘People Who Are Salaried Are Crying’: Taxes on Workers Add to Debt Misery
‘People Who Are Salaried Are Crying’: Taxes on Workers Add to Debt Misery - The New York Times (Thanks to Alana for this one)
Increased payroll taxes are one element of a desperate bid in Kenya to keep the government running and pay off the country’s foreign creditors.
Where is the affordable housing? Where are health services and public transportation? Ms. Ndung’u asked. Ms. Gicheru added, “Suddenly the system is crumbling.”
Ms. Ndung’u said she would rather see Kenyans directly pay off the debt to China, the country’s biggest bilateral creditor, by using M-Changa, a digital fund-raising platform, instead of giving the money to the government through taxes and trusting it to do it.
RFK Jr. Orders Search for New Measles Treatments Instead of Urging Vaccination
RFK Jr. Orders Search for New Measles Treatments Instead of Urging Vaccination - The New York Times (Thanks to Arya for this one)
Decades of research have turned up no miracle treatment for measles, but studies show the M.M.R. shot is 97 percent effective in preventing the disease.
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| Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the health secretary, in Washington last month.Pete Kiehart for The New York Times |
Thursday, May 1, 2025
Man critically injured after falling from stands at Pirates game
Man critically injured after falling from stands at Pirates game (Thanks to Finn Z for this one)
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| Andrew McCutchen of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on after a fan fell. Joe Sargent. |
Molecular cloud discovered surprisingly close to Earth
Molecular cloud discovered surprisingly close to Earth, scientists say | CNN
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The molecular cloud was detected 300 light-years from Earth, closer than any other similar, star-forming clouds. |
What caused the power outage in Spain and Portugal? Here’s what we know
What caused the power outage in Spain and Portugal? Here’s what we know | CNN (Thanks to Luca for this one)
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A market lies dark and abandoned in Vigo, northwestern Spain, on Monday. |
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