Extra, Extra
Betting the Spread: Antony Blinken is back in the Middle East trying to push a new ceasefire deal. Meanwhile, Iran proxies are starting to respond to US airstrikes that took place over the weekend. It’s a concerning moment to say the least. Here’s the latest from CNN.
+ Spreading the Bet: There was a time the NFL wouldn’t get near Vegas. Now they’re hosting the Super Bowl near the Strip. It’s all part of a much broader trend. Sports gambling is accepted, and everywhere. “There’s been a surge of young problem gamblers since sports betting was legalized. On 60 Minutes, an addiction therapist warns AI-powered sports betting has spurred a public health emergency.”
+ King Charles has Cancer: “During The King’s recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement, a separate issue of concern was noted. Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer.” King Charles diagnosed with cancer.
+ Tear Down That Wall: “Senators on Sunday released a highly anticipated $118 billion package that pairs border enforcement policy with wartime aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, but it quickly ran into a wall of opposition from top House Republicans, including Speaker Mike Johnson.”
+ Drenched: “‘This is one of the most dramatic weather days in recent memory,’ the National Weather Service said in an online update Sunday night. ‘The current focus for the most dangerous portion of this system has now shifted to LA County where multiple flash-flood warnings are in effect.'” The wind was crazy here in the Bay Area. We lost a tree and a lot of branches in my backyard. And SoCal could be getting it worse. Hundreds of thousands are without power as atmospheric river churns down California. Here’s the latest.
+ Electoral Collage: “Meta’s oversight board has found that a Facebook video wrongfully suggesting that the US president, Joe Biden, is a pedophile does not violate the company’s current rules while deeming those rules ‘incoherent’ and too narrowly focused on AI-generated content.” It’s gonna be a long election season.
+ SAP Done Being Suckers? SAP “is one of several large companies — joining Google, AT&T, Goldman Sachs and Bank of America — that have swung from flexible to firm stances on in-person attendance, signaling that the days of ubiquitous remote work are over. Companies have abandoned efforts to entice workers back with free lunches, charitable donations and concerts. Employers are now taking more punitive approaches, and some workers would rather quit than comply.” WaPo (Gift Article): Companies’ hard-line stance on returning to the office is backfiring. (I’m thinking of making myself move from the bed back to the couch.)
