Thursday, May 15, 2025

Big Law Deals With Trump Are Backfiring on Top Firms

Major law firms in a storng position to fight Trump diktats about backing conservative interests are paying a price for selling out.

Links 5/15/2025

Trump Smoke and Mirrors on Full Display in Claimed “$142 Billion” Saudi Arms Deal

A look at the workings and effectiveness of Trump hype, from the touted India-Pakistan mediation to DOGE to the new Saudi arms agreement.

Wall Street Journal Reports UnitedHealth Under Criminal Investigation for Medicare Fraud

The Department of Justice is reportedly seeking to indict UnitedHealth for Medicare Advantage fraud. Why has it been so hard to make a case?

When Illusions of Wealth Shape the Economy: Understanding Pseudo-Wealth, Macroeconomic Volatility, and Social Welfare

Why pseudo-wealth like crypto is detrimental to social welfare, as in the collective good.

Despite China’s Warning, US Has Opened New Front in Trade War with Investment Restrictions in UK Pact

Trump made a big retreat on his China tariffs. But a second gambit, investment restrictions to isolate China, is already giving China fits.

Links 5/14/2025

Abundance vs. Degrowth in a Time of Climate Catastrophe

While Trump’s Liberation Day policies might bring about accidental degrowth, Democrats embrace DOGE-style Abundance. Is there another way? 

Michael Hudson Discusses How Religions Opposed Usury, the Catholic Church “Interest” Rebranding, and More on the Evolution of Financial Rentierism

On the long-standing religious and ethical proscriptions against usury, and how and why the Catholic Church rebranded it as interest.

Why the Right Fiercely Attacks the US Postal Service: Its Unions

Looking at a big reason why conservatives are so keen to privatize the US Postal Service: to eliminate its unions.

Coffee Break: Armed Madhouse – Air Combat Is Changing

The recent fighting between India and Pakistan has provided evidence of the diminishing role of the jet fighter pilot in modern warfare. A large air battle was fought between the two nations on May 6 and 7. India lost at least five jets, some of them advanced French Rafale fighters. Most of the losses were […]

What The Endgame in Gaza Means For Middle East Security And Oil Prices

Netanyahu plans another aggressive incursion into Gaza, intended as a Final Solution of sorts. Is a retaliatory oil embargo a real risk?

Links 5/13/2025

The Curious Case of the Hostile Takeover Bid by a Bank Facing Criminal Charges

Despite facing prosecution on a number of charges, including widespread corporate espionage, Spain’s BBVA still wants to take over its third biggest rival. The ECB has already given its blessing. 

Decisive Win for Pensioners, Taxpayers in Kentucky as Judge Wingate Rejects Attorney General’s “Get Out of Jail for Almost Free” Scheme for KKR and Blackstone

The plaintiffs seeking to claw back funds from misbehaving finance titans like KKR and Blackstone continue their winning streak.