Monday, April 21, 2025

How Trump’s $2B Court Battle Over Foreign Aid Could Reshape Executive Authority

Why the Trump effort to cut USAID funding without following Congressional requirements is a key front in the battle over Presidential power

How Scientists Can Adapt to a New Normal

In the wake of attacks on the research enterprise, scientists need to focus on protecting its fragile infrastructure.

Coffee Break: End-of-the-Week Thoughts on Science and Other Matters Arising

This week’s science/medicine Coffee Break: Alzheimers, a Covid vesicle spray? mask decision rules, the science funding/pipeline train wreck.

As US Markets Look a Bit Wobbly, the Press Looks for the Next Crisis in the Rear View Mirror

The Wall Street Journal worried about the giddy mood at the annual structured industry conference. But is where to look for the next crisis?

Trump Presents the Gravest Threat to Social Security in Its 90-Year History

Cuts to the Social Security Administration are cuts to Social Security. Raise hell with your Congresscritters about this looting

Links 3/7/2025

Are the Wheels Finally Beginning to Fall Off the Mileis’ Faux Libertarian Clown Bus?

“I send money to [Milei’s] sister and he signs everything I say and does what I want,” claims Hayden Mark Davis, the creator of the $LIBRA meme coin.

New Analysis from Economists for Ukraine: The Cost of US Aid to Ukraine Is Less Than Half the Official Figures

A granular analysis of US military and direct aid to Ukraine finds the official tallies are greatly overstated.

“A Generational Loss of Talent” – Scientist Warns Funding Cuts in Science, Tech, and Health Undermine U.S. Leadership

Scientist and entrepreneur Phillip Alvelda explains how DOGE cuts threaten the innovative capacities that made America a powerhouse

Links 3/6/2025

France, Germany, & Poland Are Competing For Leadership Of Post-Conflict Europe

France, Germany and Poland are reacting to how relations between Russia, and the US will determine Europe’s future security architecture.

‘We Know What It’s Like’: How Appalachian Towns Are Learning to Help Each Other After Floods

A meant-to-be-heartening story of post-flooding recovery efforts in Appalachia: is this the coming new normal in climate-change-exposed areas?

Where Did U.S. Public Health Go Wrong?

How good coordination of public health with private medical practice never came together in the US and got worse in recent decades.

“Might the US Be About to Fall Off an Economic Cliff?”

The respected Atlanta Fed NowCast is scary bad, as in economic shoes about to drop in a big way bad.

Links 3/5/2025