Friday, July 18, 2025

Montana Supreme Court Upholds Historic Youth Climate Lawsuit Win

The Montana Supreme court affirmed a lower-court ruling for young plaintiffs who sued the state for violating the”right to a stable climate”.

Political Distrust and the Populist Alt-View Trap

More handwringing about populist political figures, and what can be done to counter their messaging successes.

China’s Push for 7% Growth Faces Big Challenges

China plans to return to a higher level of growth. Are its targets attainable?

2:00PM Water Cooler 12/18/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, Syndemics; Warren v. Musk; Democrat gerontocrats; Mangione charged with terrorism; Bird flu, the first severe case ~

The Destructive Legacy of Failed Aquaculture

Canada plans to shut down open-net-pen salmon farming by 2029. But removing aquaculture infrastructure is challenging and costly.

Links 12/18/2024

A Tale of Two Pandemics

A look at two pandemics, HIV and COVID-19, shows how much public health has suffered due to the advance of neoliberalism.

Elite College Antitrust Lawsuit Digs into Violation of Exemption via Preferring the Rich

The latest shoes drop in an antitrust suit against five elite schools over money playing a role in admissions, a violation of a legal carveout.

Trump’s Picks for Top Health Jobs Not Just Team of Rivals but ‘Team of Opponents’

If confirmed, RFK, Jr. will have key subordinates with some views opposed to his. What might this mean for health policy?

2:00PM Water Cooler 12/17/2024

~ Today’s Water Cooler: Politics, syndemics; Trump presser; AOC loses key vote; Mystery drones; Crisis hotline for CEOs ~

Tom Neuburger: Why CEOs and the Very Rich Should Receive Enhanced Protection

Why CEOs and squillionaries deserve the very best protection money can buy.

Links 12/17/2024

History Repeats in Catalonia, As Rent Strike Begins

The “revolt of the keys” has started, says the Tenants’ Union. But what chance of success does it have?

From Marine Reserve to Military Base: Washington and Ecuador’s Quiet Plans for the Galapagos Islands

Normally, when a Latin American government passes legislation that contravenes its national constitution, shrieks of outrage inevitably follow from Western governments. Not this time.

It Is Possible to Have a Flat Tax, or to Have Democracy, but Not Both

Why a flat tax is yet another scheme to further enrich the rich and weaken the political power of ordinary citizens.