Central American and Mexican families mourn the Baltimore bridge collapse missing workers
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The construction workers who went missing in the Baltimore bridge collapse came from Mexico or Central America. Maynor Yassir Suazo Sandoval, a Honduran father and husband, was among the missing workers. He had started a delivery business before the pandemic and joined Brawner Builders, the company performing maintenance on the bridge. Maynor had financially supported social organizations and the youth soccer league in his hometown. The bodies of two men, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera from Guatemala and Alejandro Hernández Fuentes from Mexico, were recovered from a submerged pickup near the bridge. The governments of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras confirmed that their citizens were among the missing workers. President Andrés Manuel López Obrador of Mexico highlighted the contributions that migrants make to the U.S. economy and criticized the treatment of migrants by certain politicians in the United States.
#BaltimoreBridgeCollapse #MissingWorkers #CentralAmericanFamilies #MexicanFamilies #Honduras #Mexico #Guatemala #ElSalvador
Transcript: Fareed Zakaria, Author, “Age of Revolutions”
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Fareed Zakaria discusses his book 'Age of Revolutions: Progress and Backlash from 1600 to the Present' in an interview with Max Boot for The Washington Post. Zakaria explains that the book took him 10 years to write and was inspired by the changing political landscape he observed in 2014, including the rise of the Tea Party and the disconnect between economic recovery under Obama and his approval ratings. The book explores historical revolutions, starting with the Netherlands in the 1600s, and their impact on politics and society. Zakaria argues that the Industrial Revolution was the most important event in world history, as it brought about unprecedented economic growth and transformed people's lives. He draws parallels between the Industrial Revolution and the current Information Revolution, both of which have caused significant political and social upheaval. Zakaria also discusses the backlash against globalization, technology, and identity politics, attributing it to the rapid pace of change and the emergence of post-materialistic values. He argues that the biggest challenge the U.S. faces is its internal disunity, manifested in a dysfunctional political system and the rise of Trumpism. Despite this, Zakaria remains cautiously optimistic about the future of liberal democracy in America.
#FareedZakaria #AgeOfRevolutions #PoliticalLandscape #TeaParty #EconomicRecovery #IndustrialRevolution #InformationRevolution #Globalization #Technology #IdentityPolitics #Backlash #LiberalDemocracy #Trumpism
Opinion | Test your baseball knowledge. Then buy a slice of a team.
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Major League Baseball's Opening Day is approaching, and George Will has released his annual quiz on baseball arcana. The quiz is difficult, with only 11 out of 41 questions answered correctly by the author. The Washington Nationals might become the first MLB team to be owned by its fans if a proposal for fan ownership is picked up. The collapse of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge has paralyzed the city's port, causing significant disruption to its operations. The bridge collapse is seen as a unifying moment for the country, with the need for determination and unity emphasized. The Opinions section of The Washington Post has released the second episode of its podcast, discussing President Biden's push for electric vehicles. The podcast features Megan McArdle and Catherine Rampell discussing whether America is ready for such a revolution. The article also includes a column by Travis Meier on the impact of empty parking lots on downtown areas. Ramesh Ponnuru expresses his dislike for both major candidates in the upcoming election and advises voters not to feel pressured into voting for either. France is said to be ready for a #MeToo movement led by a new generation. Karen Tumulty analyzes the unexpected upside of the political scandal surrounding New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez. The article concludes with a haiku and a section featuring advice columns on various topics.
#Baseball #Quiz #FanOwnership #BridgeCollapse #Port #Podcast #ElectricVehicles #DowntownAreas #Election ##metooMovement #PoliticalScandal
Princess Catherine cancer video spawns fresh round of AI conspiracies
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Users on social media speculate that Princess Catherine's cancer video was generated by artificial intelligence due to alleged AI breadcrumbs in the video. However, BBC Studios and Kensington Palace confirm that the video was filmed at Windsor Castle and deny any AI tampering. Multiple deepfake forensics experts also find no evidence of AI manipulation. The episode highlights the difficulty of discerning truth in the age of AI, with conspiracy theories and fake images circulating widely on social media. The speculation about Catherine's health and happiness intensified after a series of puzzling events, including her prolonged public absence and the editing of a cheerful photo released by the palace. The video, in which Catherine announces her cancer diagnosis, draws an outpouring of affection but also fresh doubt. Some experts support the suspicions of AI manipulation, but others find the evidence unconvincing. The difficulty of assessing authenticity in an AI-enabled media landscape is underscored, and the risks of relying on deepfake detectors to separate fact from fiction are highlighted.
#PrincessCatherine #Cancer #Ai #Conspiracies #SocialMedia #Deepfake #Authenticity
https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/03/27/kate-middleton-video-cancer-ai/
State Dept. human rights staffer quits over Biden’s Gaza policy
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Annelle Sheline, a State Department official working on human rights issues in the Middle East, resigned in protest of U.S. support for Israel's war in Gaza. Sheline had been promoting human rights in the Middle East and North Africa but found it impossible to advocate for human rights while the U.S. continued to send weapons to Israel. Her resignation is the most significant protest resignation of the Gaza conflict since the exit of a senior State Department official involved in arms transfers to foreign governments. Sheline's departure highlights dissent among government personnel over Israel policy. Despite the dissent, the Biden administration has maintained its military support for Israel's campaign in Gaza. Sheline's former bureau, the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, has faced scrutiny from some members of Congress wary of any part of the U.S. government that might criticize Israel. Sheline's resignation has led to questions about the Biden administration's priorities and its support for Israel over other significant priorities. Sheline's work promoting human rights in the Middle East has become nearly impossible due to the continued flow of U.S. arms to Israel, which has angered partners in the region. Sheline had planned to stay on at the State Department but changed her mind due to the ongoing conflict. She plans to work on a book based on her academic research. Sheline acknowledges the financial risk of quitting but believes in the mission and values of the State Department.
#StateDepartment #HumanRights #Gaza #Israel #BidenAdministration
Israel’s Gallant meets with U.S. officials; Netanyahu axes delegation to U.S. over U.N. vote
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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin at the Pentagon. This meeting comes amid a diplomatic rift between the U.S. and Israel, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu abruptly canceling a visit by another high-level delegation to the United States after the U.S. abstained from voting on a cease-fire resolution before the U.N. Security Council. Austin emphasized that the U.S. is working to make Israel and the region safer and called for the protection of Palestinian civilians. The second Israeli delegation to Washington, requested by President Biden, was set to hear U.S. concerns about Israel's plans for an operation in Rafah, southern Gaza. Israel and Hamas blamed each other for the lack of progress in cease-fire talks in Qatar. The U.S. abstention in the U.N. Security Council vote did not signal a change in policy from the Biden administration. At least 32,414 people have been killed and 74,787 injured in Gaza since the war began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel estimates that about 1,200 people were killed in Hamas's Oct. 7 attack and says soldiers have been killed since the start of its military operation in Gaza.
#Israel #Gaza #UnitedStates #DiplomaticRift #Ceasefire #UnSecurityCouncil #PalestinianCivilians #Rafah #Hamas #CeasefireTalks #Qatar #BidenAdministration #GazaHealthMinistry
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/26/israel-hamas-war-news-gaza-palestine/
Stephen Breyer on ‘Reading the Constitution,’ the Supreme Court and American democracy
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Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer advocates for pragmatism over textualism in interpreting the Constitution in his new book. He will be discussing his book, 'Reading the Constitution,' the state of the high court, and the future of American democracy with Washington Post associate editor and columnist Ruth Marcus on March 26, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Stephen Breyer on ‘Reading the Constitution,’ the Supreme Court and American democracy
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Retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer advocates for pragmatism over textualism in interpreting the Constitution in his new book. He will be discussing his book, 'Reading the Constitution,' the state of the high court, and the future of American democracy with Washington Post associate editor and columnist Ruth Marcus on March 26, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Senegalese await the outcome of a peaceful presidential vote, following months of unrest
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Senegalese anxiously await the results of a presidential election following months of uncertainty and unrest. The vote was largely peaceful with a high turnout. More than 7 million people were registered to vote in a country of roughly 17 million. To win in the first round, a candidate must gain more than 50% or it goes to a runoff. A second round is likely between opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Amadou Ba. Some opposition supporters believe their candidate has already won. This is Senegal's fourth democratic transfer of power since gaining independence from France. President Macky Sall is constitutionally barred from seeking a third term and is expected to step down on April 2. Months of deadly protests were ignited last summer by the jailing of the popular opposition leader Ousmane Sonko and concerns that the president wanted to stay in power. Sonko was released from prison ahead of the election. The atmosphere remained tense in some parts of the country as votes were counted.
This week: Consumer confidence, Cintas earnings, pending home sales
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The Conference Board will release the consumer confidence index for March, following a decline in February. Cintas, a workplace uniform company, is expected to report its third-quarter earnings with an increase in earnings and sales compared to the same period last year. The National Association of Realtors will issue the pending home sales index for February, which serves as a forward-looking indicator of home closings. The housing market has shown some positive signs recently with falling interest rates and increased inventory.
This week: Consumer confidence, Cintas earnings, pending home sales
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The Conference Board will release the consumer confidence index for March, following a decline in February. Cintas, a workplace uniform company, is expected to report its third-quarter earnings with an increase in earnings and sales compared to the same period last year. The National Association of Realtors will issue the pending home sales index for February, which serves as a forward-looking indicator of home closings. The housing market has shown some positive signs recently with falling interest rates and increased inventory.
Thailand sends aid to war-torn Myanmar, but critics say it will only help junta
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Thailand has sent its first batch of aid to war-torn Myanmar, aiming to ease the plight of millions of people displaced by fighting. The aid, worth around 5 million baht ($138,000), was delivered to three towns in Kayin State, also known as Karen State, and will be distributed to approximately 20,000 displaced people. However, critics argue that the aid will only benefit areas under the control of the Myanmar military, providing them with a propaganda boost while leaving the majority of displaced people in contested areas without assistance. More than 2.8 million people in Myanmar are displaced, and 18.6 million people, including 6 million children, require humanitarian aid. The initiative is being carried out by the Thai Red Cross, with funding from Thailand's Foreign Ministry and logistical support from the army. The aid distribution will be monitored by the ASEAN Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management. Critics argue that the areas most in need of aid are the conflict areas where the junta has no influence or control. The aid initiative is part of a larger humanitarian corridor project initiated by Thailand with support from Myanmar and other ASEAN members.
#Thailand #Myanmar #Aid #DisplacedPeople #HumanitarianAid #MyanmarMilitary #Junta #ThaiRedCross #Asean
Tammy Murphy, wife of New Jersey governor, drops out of U.S. Senate race
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Tammy Murphy, wife of New Jersey governor, has dropped out of the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate race in New Jersey. Her exit leaves Rep. Andy Kim as the overwhelming favorite for the nomination in the heavily Democratic state's June 4 primary. Murphy, a financier and first lady of New Jersey, made the announcement in a video shared on Sunday. Sen. Bob Menendez had previously announced that he will not run as a Democrat in the race. Murphy's decision to end her campaign came after a discussion with her family and advisers.
#TammyMurphy #NewJersey #UsSenateRace #DemocraticPrimary #AndyKim #BobMenendez
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/03/24/murphy-senate-new-jersey-dropout/
A cancer breakthrough and the heroes behind get spotlight in new show
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The American Experience documentary 'The Cancer Detectives' on PBS explores the backstory of the Pap smear, a cervical cancer screening test. It highlights the discovery of the test by George Papanicolaou, the challenges faced by Black OB/GYN Helen Dickens and Japanese American illustrator Hashime Murayama, and the group of women committed to cancer prevention. The film showcases the hurdles they faced, including racism and sexism. The Pap smear has contributed to a more than 70 percent decrease in cervical cancer incidence in the United States since the 1950s. 'The Cancer Detectives' premieres on PBS stations on March 26 at 9 p.m. Eastern time and will stream on PBS.org.
#Cancer #PapSmear #Documentary #AmericanExperience #Pbs #CervicalCancer #GeorgePapanicolaou #HelenDickens #HashimeMurayama
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/03/24/cervical-cancer-pap-smear-papanicolaou/
Iran’s currency hits a record low
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Iran’s currency fell to a record low of 613,500 rials to the dollar as people celebrated the Persian New Year. The low prices were attributed to the Nowruz holidays, which caused most exchange shops to be closed. The two-week holiday drives demand for U.S. dollars and Euros. The exchange rate strongly affects other markets, including housing and rentals. The rial's value has depreciated significantly since 2015, falling from 32,000 rials to the dollar to the hundreds of thousands. Iran's inflation rate for February 2024 was reported at 42.5% by the Statistics Center and over 46% by the Central Bank. Iran's relations with the West have been strained since the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018. Economic conditions have led to widespread anger at the government, but many Iranians are focused on meeting basic needs rather than engaging in political activism. The rial's record low came after a parliamentary election with low turnout dominated by hard-line politicians.
#Iran #Currency #Economy #Inflation #Nowruz #ExchangeRate
Flood of support, calls for privacy after Princess Catherine’s cancer news
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Princess Catherine, Princess of Wales, has been diagnosed with cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. King Charles III expressed pride in Catherine's courage and disclosed that he had remained in close contact with her. The type of cancer has not been disclosed. Catherine had faced intense speculation about her health and whereabouts after major abdominal surgery in January. Leaders around the world, including British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressed support for Catherine. Her younger brother, James Middleton, shared a childhood photo and expressed solidarity. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, wished her health and healing privately. Catherine released a prerecorded video revealing her diagnosis and the early stages of preventative chemotherapy. There has been growing criticism of media scrutiny and online harassment she has faced. The British publicist Mark Borkowski praised Catherine's dignity and grace in the video. He noted the misogynistic treatment of female members of the royal family by the media. The public expressed sympathy for Catherine and stressed her right to privacy. Cancer Research UK highlighted the impact of high-profile cancer cases on raising awareness. The announcement humanized the royal family and reminded the public of their humanity. The article includes a timeline of events leading up to the announcement and the speculation surrounding Catherine's health and whereabouts.
#PrincessCatherine #CancerDiagnosis #Chemotherapy #Support #Privacy #KingCharlesIii #Speculation #MediaScrutiny #OnlineHarassment #RoyalFamily
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/03/23/kate-middleton-cancer-support-privacy/
Canada holds state funeral to honor Brian Mulroney, one of its most consequential prime ministers
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Politicians, dignitaries, and celebrities attended a state funeral in Montreal to honor Brian Mulroney, one of Canada's most consequential prime ministers. Mulroney, who died on February 29 at age 84, served as prime minister for nine years between 1984 and 1993 and led the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. His legacy includes the North American Free Trade Agreement, his participation in the fight against South African apartheid, the 1991 acid rain accord with the U.S., and the introduction of an unpopular sales tax. The funeral followed four days of public tributes in Montreal and Ottawa. Mulroney had enduring friendships with former U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush and eulogized both at their funerals. He played a key role in developing a free-trade treaty with the U.S., which led to a permanent realignment of the Canadian economy and increased north-south trade. Despite leaving office with the lowest approval rating in Canadian history, prime ministers sought his advice in the years after his departure.
#Canada #BrianMulroney #StateFuneral #PrimeMinister #NorthAmericanFreeTradeAgreement #SouthAfricanApartheid #AcidRainAccord #SalesTax
Biden opposes plan to sell US Steel to a Japanese firm, citing the need for 'American steel workers'
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President Biden opposes the planned sale of U.S. Steel to Nippon Steel of Japan, stating the importance of maintaining strong American steel companies powered by American steel workers. The Japanese company announced in December its plan to buy U.S. Steel for $14.1 billion in cash. Biden's opposition to the merger is seen as a move to support unionized workers in an election year, despite potential backlash from the business community and Japan. The White House stated that Biden called the president of United Steelworkers to reiterate his support for its members. Nippon Steel has emphasized the benefits of the deal for U.S. Steel, union workers, the American steel industry, and national security. The company has committed to keeping the U.S. Steel name and Pittsburgh headquarters. The steel deal is currently under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which Biden holds sway over. While Biden has not formally blocked the deal, his opposition could influence the outcome. Former President Trump also expressed opposition to the acquisition. Biden's stance on the deal aligns with his agenda to restore American manufacturing and gain support from unions. The U.S. considers Japan a key partner in countering China's influence in Asia, but Nippon Steel's connections to China have raised concerns within the Biden administration. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce warned against blocking the deal, citing potential negative impacts on foreign investment and the U.S.-Japan alliance. Sen. Bob Casey applauded Biden's statement, expressing his opposition to any deal that leaves U.S. Steelworkers behind.
#Biden #UsSteel #NipponSteel #Merger #UnionWorkers #Manufacturing #NationalSecurity #Cfius #Japan #China #ForeignInvestment
ProPublica work wins 3 Polk Awards, including probe of justices’ ethics
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ProPublica and The New York Times have won the 2023 George Polk Awards for journalism. ProPublica won three awards, including the national reporting award for uncovering lavish gifts received by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas from Texas billionaire Harlan Crow. ProPublica also revealed that Justice Samuel Alito accepted a luxury Alaskan fishing trip with GOP donor Paul Singer and did not recuse himself when Singer had cases before the court. ProPublica's medical reporting series with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, titled 'With Every Breath,' exposed how Philips marketed breathing machines for sleep apnea that posed severe health risks. The New York Times won awards for foreign reporting and photojournalism of the Israel-Gaza war. Masha Gessen won the commentary award for their New Yorker essay 'In the Shadow of the Holocaust.' The Polk Awards also recognized other news organizations for their reportage of war in Ukraine and Israel-Gaza. The awards were chosen from nearly 500 entries.
#Propublica #NewYorkTimes #GeorgePolkAwards #Journalism #SupremeCourt #ClarenceThomas #SamuelAlito #HarlanCrow #PaulSinger #MedicalReporting #Israel-gazaWar #MashaGessen #Ukraine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/media/2024/02/19/george-polk-awards-journalism-winners/
This ‘very’ Chinese cookbook from a father-son duo is a keeper
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The article discusses the release of the cookbook 'A Very Chinese Cookbook' by father-son duo Kevin Pang and Jeffrey Pang. The book, published by America's Test Kitchen, features 100 recipes from China and beyond. The authors, who co-host the ATK video series 'Hunger Pangs,' combine their family stories with ATK's precision and meticulous research. The book aims to dispel misconceptions about Chinese cooking, such as the belief that it requires inaccessible ingredients. It also highlights the diversity of Chinese cuisine beyond Cantonese food. The authors discuss the different approaches to cooking vegetables and tofu in Chinese cuisine. The article includes an interview with the authors, where they talk about the process of developing the recipes and the cultural significance of certain dishes. The book is praised for its charm and comprehensive coverage of Chinese cuisine.
#Cookbook #ChineseCooking #Father-sonDuo #Recipes #Misconceptions #Vegetables #Tofu
https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/02/18/cantonese-style-tofu-chinese-cooking/