In The News

Europe’s Heat Wave: BBC

Rob Picheta June 30, 2019
A heat wave is spreading across Europe with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic and other nations reported records. Spain’s meteorological agency reported a mass of tropical wind is coming in from Africa, and the high temperatures are disrupting business and recreation activities. “French authorities have taken a number of...

Ending America’s Endless War: Foreign Affairs

Bernie Sanders June 29, 2019
Senator Bernie Sanders, a 2020 Democratic candidate for the US presidential election, has long opposed US intervention in the Middle East, starting with his vote against the 2003 invasion of Iraq. In an essay for Foreign Affairs, he outlines the history of Iraq and Afghanistan conflicts and warns of consequences far more severe in a potential war with Iran. Syria, Iraq, Israel and the Persian...

Globalization and Travel: World Economic Forum

Kris Naudts June 29, 2019
Globalization has without a doubt led to increased travel and a boom of the tourism industry. While the term “globalization” generally is used more for discussion of trade and finance, the diffusion of people across borders is a leading factor for increased interactions among cultures. A rise in student debt and housing costs contribute to cultural trends that favor experiences more than...

US Under Trump Leads on Global Dealmaking: FT

Eric Platt, Arash Massoudi and Don Weinland June 27, 2019
The United States is dominating in what the Financial Times calls a record-breaking boom in global mergers and acquisitions. “Ambitious deals by large companies ranging from drugmaker AbbVie to defence contractor United Technologies, to oil group Occidental Petroleum, have driven US activity,” reports a team for the Financial Times. “Buoyant stock markets and cheap financing in the debt markets...

Climate Change and Reinsurance: Insurance Journal

Don Jergler June 26, 2019
Insurance companies purchase their own insurance – known as reinsurance – for select risks. Climate change presents “high exposure risk” for the industry – including property damage, failure to disclose risks or prevent disruptions, explains Don Jergler for Insurance Journal, reviewing a while paper on climate change and reinsurance implications. The paper points to increasing litigation,...

US Border Detentions and Chaos: Fox News

Anna Hopkins June 26, 2019
The Trump administration wants to slow migration with a costly border wall. Democrats express concern about the administration instigating chaos at the border and blaming Congress for limiting funds on border security. Agencies responsible for border security and migration are led by acting staff who hide details about the children and their treatment from attorneys, media and communities....

Lack of US Border Accountability: Pacific Standard

Jack Herrera June 25, 2019
The US government continues to separate hundreds of migrant children, detaining them in tents and warehouses with inadequate adult supervision, activities, clothing changes, bedding, nutritious food or sanitary supplies.The goal is to discourage migrants from trying to reach the US border. A US Department of Justice lawyer argued in court that the requirement for “safe and sanitary” conditions is...