Author Archives: Yves Smith

Links 12/13/2024

“Anti-Western or Non-Western? The Nuanced Geopolitics of BRICS”

More on how much and what kind of influence BRICS might wield when it grows up.

A Heart Attack and Stroke Drug That Saves Lives Exists—But American Patients May Be Left Behind by Profit-Driven Healthcare

An example of medical industry inertia and profit priorities thwarting better treatments, here new clot-busters for heart attacks and strokes

Warren Bill Would Stop Companies From Placing Shareholder Paydays Over Worker Rights

Warren revives a bill intended to put shareholder obligations in their proper place: at the bottom.

“Russia Dodged a Bullet by Wisely Choosing Not To Ally With the Now-Defeated Resistance Axis”

Another post-mortem on Syria’s collapse, here on the Russia-Axis of Resistance non-relationship.

Unveiling the Antarctic ‘Plastisphere’, a Unique and Potentially Hazardous New Ecosystem – New Research

On the growth of a plastisphere in the Antarctic.

The Increasing Cost of Buying American

Looking at the costs versus purported benefits of programs that require or encourage Federal agencies to purchase American products.

The Collapse of Syria, BRICS, and Wishful Thinking

How the sudden collapse of the Syrian government exposes fundamental weaknesses in the BRICS initiative.

In the Trump Administration Crosshairs: Cell Phone Radiation

In 2020, RFK Jr.’s nonprofit sued the FCC over 5G cell phone radiation safety. As HHS secretary, he’d have the power to upend the tech.

Should the NYC Council Revisit Airbnb Restrictions? Rival City Hall Rallies Fight it Out.

The fight between AirBnB and tenants in New York City enters a new chapter as the city considers relaxing its short-term rental ban.

“The Next Crash Could Be Much Bigger Than the Last Two”

Rentierism in housing in the UK has reached what looks like nose-bleed, self-correcting, and thus potentially crash-inducing levels.

Links 12/10/2024

Rob Urie: Politics by Other Means, Health Insurance Industry Edition

A look at the context of the government-supported health insurance industry practices that triggered the murder of UnitedHealth CEO Thompson.

Political Turmoil in France Could Worsen Europe’s Energy Problems

How continued political instability in France threatens European energy supplies.

Syrian Refugees: Where and What of Over 11 Million Who Have Fled?

Looking at the large population of Syrian refugees and what that portends.