Thursday, July 3, 2025

US EPA Enables Polluting Plastics Plants by Failing to Update Wastewater Limits, Report Says

Yet another example of EPA underperformance, here on the plastics pollution front.

Links 11/15/2024

As Rumours Swirl That Mexico Has Lost USMCA Case on GM Corn Ban, Sheinbaum Pledges to Protect Mexico’s Native Corn

The USMCA trade agreement, now in its fifth year of existence and up for renegotiation next year, is looking increasingly frail.

Is Realignment the Shape of US Politics to Come?

Trump and his loyalists intend to deliver major changes to US politics. But how realistic is that promise?

Scientists Fear What’s Next for Public Health if RFK Jr. Is Allowed To ‘Go Wild’

On the considerable upset about RFK, Jr.’s nomination to head HHS.

2:00PM Water Cooler 11/14/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Trump transition: Biden meeting, Gabbard, Gaetz; Deploy the Blame Cannons! Democrat suicide? Boeing layoffs; “Is the Love Song Dying?” ~

The BRICS, a Geopolitical Challenge Overlooked by the European Union

A discussion of what BRICS might be when it grows up and what that could mean for the EU

Links 11/14/2024

Wall Street Journal Show How Medicare Advantage Plans Restrict Medical Services to Sicker Seniors, Leading to Switching to Traditional Medicare

The Wall Street Journal shows how Medicare Advantage plans curb care to sick seniors, leading many to switch to traditional Medicare

Shale ‘Drill, Baby, Drill’ Hits Wall of Capital Restraint

One of Trump’ inflation-cutting plans, more shale production to lower energy prices, is not going to get strong uptake from the industry.

Will Trump End or Escalate Biden’s Wars?

An awfully hopeful take on what Trump might do about America’s “forever wars”.

2:00PM Water Cooler 11/13/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Trump DOD pick Hegseth; Thomas Frank has risen from the grave; Deploy the Blame Cannons Boeing layoffs, DEI axed; Sun Slated To Be Dimmed by Tech Bros ~

Global Fury After State Dept Claims Israel Not Violating US Law by Blocking Gaza Aid

US defenses of Israel, this time by pretending the genocidal state is not blocking Gaza aid, are ever more infuriating and lame.

Links 11/13/2024

Trump Adds to List of Fake EU Crises

EU set to double down on vassalage to US, which is causing its problems in the first place.