What we’re reading (8/17)
“What’s Happening In Belarus?” (BBC). “Belarus has been shaken for days by widespread mass protests, triggered by an election which was widely thought to be rigged massively in favour of the incumbent, longtime leader Alexander Lukashenko.”
“Uber And Lyft Could Shut Down In California This Week. It May Not Help Their Cause” (CNN). A court in California recently ordered Uber and Lyft to reclassify drivers as employees (and not benefitless “independent contractors”). In response, Uber and Lyft are threatening to shut down their services.
“Interior Secretary Approves Oil Drilling In Alaska’s Arctic Refuge” (Wall Street Journal). The Trump administration approved an oil leasing program for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge—an area the size of South Carolina located in northern Alaska. It’s not at all clear we need more oil now, in the midst of worldwide oil glut.
“UNC Abrubtly Halts In-Person Classes After Coronavirus Outbreak On Campus” (CNBC). UNC is transitioning entirely to remote learning after a covid cluster broke out in the first two weeks of on-campus classes.
“At Homeland Security, I Saw Firsthand How Dangerous Trump Is For America” (Washington Post). A spirited op-ed from Miles Taylor, who served at the Department of Homeland Security in the Trump Administration from 2017-2019, including as chief of staff. “Like many Americans, I had hoped that Donald Trump, once in office, would soberly accept the burdens of the presidency — foremost among them the duty to keep America safe. But he did not rise to the challenge. Instead, the president has governed by whim, political calculation and self-interest."
