Author Archives: Yves Smith
Why Did the CDC Bury Its Latest Measles Forecast?
The CDC planned to announce a new risk assessment that stressed the need for MMR vaccinations. Last week, it reversed course.
Read more...Europe Scrambles To Revive Metals Industry
The dire state of Europe’s metals industry is another example of the damage done by the loss of cheap Russian energy.
Read more...Trump Executive Order Calls for End of Paper Checks for Taxpayer and Government Payments by Sept. 30; Industry Official Snort About Deadline; What About User Payment Charges?
Trump has mandated a Mission Impossible: getting rid of paper checks for Treasury receipts and payments by September 30
Read more...Will Trump Deliver on His Threat of Taking Military Action Against Iran?
The US has increased its threat display in the Middle East generally and versus Iran in particular. Will the US greenlight an Israel attack?
Read more...Satyajit Das: European Mirages – Why Crises and Decline Lies Ahead
To alleviate its decline, Europe needs to restore good relations with Russia and China, which seems impossible absent regime changes
Read more...What Is Trump’s Grand Plan?
Is the real driving force behind the Trump agenda rule by broligarch?
Read more...Links 3/29/2025
Book Review: The Dazzling Complexity of the Polar Realm
In “Ends of the Earth,” Neil Shubin travels north and south to explore the frontiers of polar science and history.
Read more...How Worker-Owned News Outlets Are Changing the Media Industry
For growing numbers of media companies, employee ownership offers journalistic freedom and job stability.
Read more...The Next American Constitution
Trump’s Constitution-trampling has historical predecents. Where might we be headed?
Read more...As AI’s Power Grows, So Does Our Workday
Staffers uing AI are putting in more hours relative to non-AI-deploying positions. So who is working for whom?
Read more...Explosive New Book Argues Facebook Is a Global Engine of Harm and Corruption. Is Reform Possible?
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A new expose on Facebook confirms some known abuses while also describing malign influence in unexpected corners of the world
AI Robot Pets Can Be Adorable and Emotionally Responsive. They Also Raise Questions About Attachment and Mental Health
A discussion of AI companions consider some, but perhaps not enough, of the downsides.
Read more...Payday Loan Apps Cost New Yorkers $500 Million Plus, New Study Estimates
A new study estimates the cost of payday loans in New York as the state debates tightening rules on these fintechs beyond existing usury laws
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