Extra, Extra
Take a Hike: “The Commerce Department said the economy expanded last quarter at the fastest pace in nearly two years — and more than twice the 2.1% annual rate of the previous quarter.” US economic growth accelerated to strong 4.9% rate last quarter as consumers shrugged off Fed hikes.
+ Sight Unseen: “It’s one thing to have a category 5 hurricane make landfall somewhere when you’re expecting it or expecting a strong hurricane, but to have it happen when you’re not expecting anything to happen is truly a nightmare.” At least 27 dead after Hurricane Otis smashes into Mexico’s Pacific coast.
+ A Choice of Biblical Proportions: “Johnson is the most conservative Speaker in recent memory, perhaps ever. Last year, for instance, Johnson introduced a bill to prohibit discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity at any institution that receives federal funds. After the Supreme Court repealed Roe v. Wade, Johnson called it “an historic and joyful day.” He has also said that the landmark abortion case ‘gave constitutional cover to the elective killing of unborn children in America, period.’ In a move sure to cause friction with some Republicans, he’s also voted to block further funding for Ukraine.” The New Yorker: How Mike Johnson Went from Relative Obscurity to Speaker of the House. And more from Judd Legum: What everyone should know about the new House Speaker, Mike Johnson.
+ Under the Influence: WaPo (Gift Article): Millions work as content creators. In official records, they barely exist. “Once dismissed as a frivolous craze for tweens and teens, the creator class has reshaped American culture, transformed how we get information, rewritten the rules for modern fame and amassed huge levels of wealth and influence.” (I influence the old-fashioned way: For free.)
+ Counter Punch: “Bud Light is set to return as the official beer of the UFC in the U.S. next year as the brand tries to recover from a conservative backlash to a promotion with a transgender influencer.” (The stupidity of our culture is enough to drive one to drink … even Bud Light.)
+ Liverpool Queue: “‘There it was, John’s voice, crystal clear,’ McCartney said in the announcement. ‘It’s quite emotional. And we all play on it, it’s a genuine Beatles recording. In 2023 to still be working on Beatles music, and about to release a new song the public haven’t heard, I think it’s quite an exciting thing.” The last new Beatles song, ‘Now And Then,’ will be released next week. (This needs more buzz. Maybe Ringo should show up at a Kansas City Chiefs game…)
