Saturday, March 29, 2025

Links 3/29/2025

Book Review: The Dazzling Complexity of the Polar Realm

In “Ends of the Earth,” Neil Shubin travels north and south to explore the frontiers of polar science and history.

How Worker-Owned News Outlets Are Changing the Media Industry

For growing numbers of media companies, employee ownership offers journalistic freedom and job stability.

Coffee Break: Covid Denialism Is Not a Cure; Updates on the War on Cancer and Medicare

Covid and cancer are not going away soon, but if Dr. Oz has his way, Medicare might.

The Next American Constitution

Trump’s Constitution-trampling has historical predecents. Where might we be headed?

As AI’s Power Grows, So Does Our Workday

Staffers uing AI are putting in more hours relative to non-AI-deploying positions. So who is working for whom?

Links 3/28/2025

Banks and Payment Card Companies Form a Discount Cartel to Take Down Cash in “Cash-Addicted” Germany

The cash assassins set their sights on Europe’s biggest economy. 

Explosive New Book Argues Facebook Is a Global Engine of Harm and Corruption. Is Reform Possible?

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A new expose on Facebook confirms some known abuses while also describing malign influence in unexpected corners of the world

AI Robot Pets Can Be Adorable and Emotionally Responsive. They Also Raise Questions About Attachment and Mental Health

A discussion of AI companions consider some, but perhaps not enough, of the downsides.

Links 3/27/2025

Payday Loan Apps Cost New Yorkers $500 Million Plus, New Study Estimates

A new study estimates the cost of payday loans in New York as the state debates tightening rules on these fintechs beyond existing usury laws

House Speaker Johnson Threatens to Defund Federal Courts

The Trump war against the judiciary reaches a new fevered pitch, with Speaker Johnson threatening Federal court funding.

Ukraine Rare Earths Deal Is Nonsense To Mining Experts

Professionals try to put a stake in the heart of the Trump rare earths deal palaver.

Russia-US Negotiations: Trump Criticism Follows the Bad Sign of the Lack of a Joint Statement After Last Round and the Iran Angle

Having barely started, the US-Russia negotiaions are already going a bit pear shaped.