Extra, Extra
Steel Magnolia: “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me.” Rosalynn Carter, transformative former first lady and mental health advocate, dies. From Time: Rosalynn Carter Hired a Wrongfully Convicted Murderer to Serve as White House Nanny. They Remained Lifelong Friends. And, Rosalynn Carter: a life in pictures.
+ Loco Motion: “Sometimes dubbed ‘El Loco’ (the madman) by his critics, Mr Milei has promised drastic changes, which include ditching the local currency, the peso, for the US dollar and ‘blowing up’ the central bank in order to prevent it from printing more money, which he argues is driving inflation …. The president-elect also announced that public works would be “cut down to zero” and those already in progress would be put out to tender so that ‘there would be no more state spending.’ On social issues, he wants to loosen gun laws, abolish abortion – which was legalised in Argentina in 2020 – and allow the sale and purchase of human organs.” Javier Milei: Argentina’s far-right outsider wins presidential election.
+ Cap Guns: “On one level, the story of how one bookish Beltway policy wonk wound up getting training on how to handle a pistol is a story about the Jewish world of 2023. More than other acts of violence directed at Israel, the Hamas attacks — with their door-to-door killings and echoes of pogroms — made people feel uniquely vulnerable. Even in their homes, even half a world away. But at the same time, the fact that the sense of fear and the instinct toward self-defense is happening in Washington — in a neighborhood full of folks in government, advocacy and other typically Beltway professions — is notable too.” Politico Magazine: Fears stemming from the attack on Israel are only the latest case of Beltway anxiety about political violence.
+ Antisocial Media: This is quite the lede from The Hollywood Reporter: “A score of Jewish celebrities are criticizing TikTok following a surge of antisemitic rhetoric going viral on the social media app following Hamas‘ Oct. 7 terror attack on Israel, which has culminated in some young people supporting 9/11 terror leader Osama bin Laden.” WaPo: Antisemitism was rising online. Then Elon Musk’s X supercharged it.
+ You’ve Been Junk’d: The Biden administration has made a big effort to get rid of junk fees. The companies who issue them are determined to keep kicking you in the junk. “Behind the scenes, these corporations have fought vigorously to thwart even the most basic rules that would require them to be more transparent about hidden charges.” WaPo (Gift Article): From airlines to ticket sellers, companies fight U.S. to keep junk fees.
+ Hips Don’t Try: Shakira reaches a deal with Spanish prosecutors on the first day of tax fraud trial.
+ Strip Show: F1’s videogame-like Las Vegas race defied critics’ complaints. The race even managed to overshadow Vegas’ other big competition last week. WaPo (Gift Article): Welcome to the Housekeeping Olympics. Start your vacuums.
