Fearless commentary on finance, economics, politics and power

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Keystone Cops at Trump’s assassination attempt; unelecting Biden effort continues privately; the Republican National Convention and J.D. Vance ~

Rent has become unaffordable in many US cities. But Biden makes a gesture about it only when his campaign is floundering.

London’s newfound ambitions in the South Atlantic Sea are unlikely to meet much resistance from the Milei government.

A McKinsey report focusing on an extremely high job vacancy ratio in recent years cherry-picks data about the state of the U.S. labor market.

“Starmer’s stance on Gaza has already reduced support for Labour – and that will only worsen in the coming months”

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Judge Cannon throws out Smith’s case; Trump’s would-be assassin appeared in a Blackrock ad; unelecting Biden: how’s that going? Bird flu~

An update on Israel’s horrific campaign against Palestinians.

The cost-effective investments in healthcare infrastructure disproportionately benefited historically marginalised groups, had long-run benefits, and complemented, rather than substituted, medical innovation.

Beijing Promises More Investments, US Threatens More Sanctions. Türkiye starts to buy into Shanghai Cooperation Organization security architecture 

Michael Hudson reviews the commitments made at the recent NATO and SCO gatherings and what they mean for changes in the world order.

The iconic photo, the shooter, the venue, the thooting, cui bono, and some of the more humane responses to Trump’s attempted assassination

The Department of Health and Human Services’ resilience policy undermines efforts to prevent climate disaster.