Extra, Extra
Jet Lag: “The F-35, a fifth-generation fighter, was developed in partnership with eight countries, making it a model of international cooperation. When President Trump introduced its successor, the F-47, he praised its strengths — and said the version sold to allies would be deliberately downgraded. That made sense, Mr. Trump said last week, ‘because someday, maybe they’re not our allies.'” (Nothing can make that happen quicker than relentless talk like that.) NYT (Gift Article): How Trump Supercharged Distrust, Driving U.S. Allies Away. No ally has been more offended than our closest one. WSJ (Gift Article): No More Mr. Nice Guy. In Fighting Trump, Canada Presents Mr. Elbows. “Nation draws inspiration from hockey legend Gordie Howe’s rough style of play; Gretzky to the penalty box.”
+ Another Shot to the System: “The stock moves come as Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, submitted his resignation letter Friday … He oversaw the approval of vaccines and other biologic drugs, including gene therapies.” Moderna and other vaccines stocks are down after the FDA’s top vaccine official resigns. Then there’s this: “First he downplayed a measles outbreak in Texas. Then he reportedly hired a trial-lawyer ally to work on a government study of the link between vaccines and autism. Now he has pushed out a top Food and Drug Administration official because he helped accelerate approval of the Covid vaccines.” And that’s from the WSJ editorial board. The Wall Street Journal Rakes RFK Jr. Over the Coals for Anti-Vaccine Efforts at HHS: ‘Our Worst Fears’ Are ‘Coming True.’ (To quote Dennis Green: “They are who we thought they were.”)
+ Help Wanted: “A U.S. team has yet to appear at the scene of the quake in the Southeast Asian nation, which occurred the same day the State Department informed thousands of employees of the U.S. Agency for International Development, which administers civilian foreign aid, that nearly all of their roles were being eliminated.” (It’s not just the humanity that matters. Others will fill the leadership void.) As Trump guts foreign aid, China and others lead Myanmar earthquake response.
+ Cheddar for Cheeseheads: “Musk has a personal stake in the outcome, too. Last year, his car company, Tesla, filed an application with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to open four dealerships in the state.” The New Yorker: Why Is Elon Musk Trying to Buy a Wisconsin Supreme Court Seat? And from AP: Elon Musk hands out $1 million payments after Wisconsin Supreme Court declines request to stop him.
+ Marine Layer: French court bars far-right leader Marine Le Pen from public office for embezzlement.
+ Inspiring Words: A stroke survivor speaks again with the help of an experimental brain-computer implant.
+ Adolescence and Sensibility: “The smash hit Netflix drama — which has already provoked widespread debate for tackling the subjects of knife crime, toxic masculinity and the danger of online content on children — will now be made available alongside guides and resources for teachers, parents and carers to help them navigate the conversations that are raised.” Adolescence’ Available to Stream in All U.K. Secondary Schools in Initiative Backed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
