Sports Illustrated Publisher to Lay Off Most Staff
The union representing Sports Illustrated said Friday that the magazine's publisher, Arena Group, is laying off "a significant number, possibly all" of the magazine's staff members after losing its publishing license.
In an email to staff, Arena — which missed a $3.75M payment to its licensing company Authentic Brands Group (AGB) earlier this month — said some employees would be let go right away while others would be terminated at the end of a 90-day notice period.
Left narrative
Though it's no stranger to commercial woes, Sports Illustrated's possible demise is a heartbreaking chapter in the world of journalism. The world-leading magazine — which informed the world about legends including Muhammad Ali and Billie Jean — is more than just a sports publication; it's an inclusivity champion that prioritizes crucial issues, such as race, sexuality, and class. It can't be replaced.
Right narrative
Sports Illustrated was successful for 70 years for two reasons and two reasons only it wrote about sports and put attractive women on the cover. Since it decided to become a social justice magazine in recent years, former subscribers understandably dropped the publication from their reading list. Its current predicament should come as no surprise.
Ron DeSantis Ends 2024 Run, Endorses Trump
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis dropped out of the 2024 presidential race on Sunday, stating he couldn't see "a clear path to victory." He instead endorsed Republican frontrunner, former president Donald Trump.
The 45-year-old's decision follows poll results that showed him as a distant third among GOP candidates, behind Trump and former UN Ambassador Nikki Haley, in the upcoming New Hampshire primary.
Left narrative
Ron DeSantis had many attractive qualities to GOP voters — age, popularity, military experience, and even an Ivy League education. He is a star Republican governor of Florida, even besides his reputation as a competent politician and intellectual. Yet, his campaign never really took off, primarily because such old-world attributes don't count for much in the modern political landscape. Trump's campaign plays on divisions, which will see him jettisoned to the top of the GOP primaries to the detriment of US society.
Pro-Trump narrative
Ron DeSantis isn't a "people person" as far as opinions are concerned. To that extent, he is unfit to be a prominent politician, let alone president of the US. He tried being a bit of everything — Reagan, Trump, and even Viktor Orban. Yet, his sclerotic campaign's lack of originality reflected this state of play to voters. He got further in the presidential race than he deserved, especially against Donald Trump.
Nerd narrative
There's a 2% chance that Ron DeSantis will become US president by 2029, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Germany: 1.4M Protest Against Right-Wing AfD in Weekend Demonstrations
Mass protests against the right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD) party took place in Berlin and other major cities across Germany over the weekend. Thousands also took to the streets in cities in the country's east that are viewed as having a strong AfD presence including Dresden and Leipzig.
In the capital Berlin, around 100K people rallied in the city center on Sunday evening, while at least 100K demonstrators reportedly gathered in Munich in southern Germany — far more than was expected. A planned protest march through the city was called off by the organizing groups, known as Campact and Fridays for Future, due to overcrowding.
Pro-establishment narrative
The secret AfD-Nazi meeting is reminiscent of the Wannsee Conference in Nazi Germany and thus of the darkest chapter in German history. However, these protests are an encouraging sign that people have recognized the need to prove their spirit of cohesion and humanity is stronger than that of exclusion and fear. The AfD is exploiting the legitimate concerns of many Germans but has no political solutions to offer — only populism and hatred. Nothing less than the future of democracy is at stake.
Establishment-critical narrative
The liberal mainstream press is jumping on the AfD's alleged "remigration plan," and hundreds of thousands of citizens are falling for the government's campaign to discredit the millions of citizens who agree with the party's fear for the future. German farmers protesting against the government's policies are just the latest example of this. The real reason the political establishment is now discussing banning the AfD is that this genuine fear could be expressed at the ballot box. If the establishment believed in democracy, why are they considering banning a popular political party?
Nerd narrative
There is a 50% chance that Germany will elect a new Chancellor by January 2026, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Winter Storms Across US Kill at Least 90
Heavy snow and ice, bitter winds, and biting cold have been blamed for at least 90 deaths across the US in recent days.
The weather-related deaths included at least 25 in Tennessee and 16 in Oregon, which remains under a state of emergency following deadly ice storms.
Narrative A
While many underestimate the risks of freezing temperatures, the cold snaps wreaking havoc across the US are an expected manifestation of climate change. Since the risk of severe winter storms from the North Atlantic to Central Europe could increase significantly in the coming years, the US and the world must act to mitigate extreme events.
Narrative B
It's easy to blame climate change for the US's current fierce weather. However, the planet's warming trend has nothing to do with the recent severe winter storms. While climate change can slow down the jet stream, its role in intensifying winter storms and cold air outbreaks has yet to be conclusively determined.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that the Arctic will be essentially ice-free by January 2038, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Report: UN Staff for Iraq Aid Project 'Demanding Bribes'
An investigation led by The Guardian claims that employees of the UN's Funding Facility for Stabilization (FFS) program in Iraq have demanded and accepted bribes in return for the allocation of construction contracts.
The FFS was established in May 2015 by the UN Development Program (UNDP) with support from the Global Coalition Against Daesh [The Islamic State group] at the request of the Iraqi government and holds a budget of $1.88B. The project claims to focus on "rehabilitating public infrastructure and providing essential services" to conflict-affected areas.
Establishment-critical narrative
Despite international attempts to revive Iraq following the US's disastrous 2003 invasion, opportunities for corruption have increased and initiatives to cure this institutional sickness have been at best bandaids on a fundamentally broken system. Though the US did not necessarily create these corrupt tendencies in Iraqi governance, its occupation reified already-existing patronage networks and created the conditions for an even more vast system of corruption.
Pro-establishment narrative
Iraq quietly continues to benefit from steady stability and growth — contrary to what cynical observers may say. Iraq is the victim of 40 years of war and misfortune as opposed to a hotbed for corruption, and while there have certainly been many examples of mismanagement since 2003, the country's future is bright. The current government has put Iraq back on the right track, and if it can remain secure it will continue toward prosperity.
Nerd narrative
There's a 45% chance of civil war in Iraq before 2036, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Iraq: US Troops Being Examined for Brain Injuries After Militia Attack
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that several American personnel stationed in Iraq are undergoing traumatic brain injury evaluations following an attack targeting the al-Asad air base on Saturday that reportedly wounded an Iraqi service member, adding that damages were still being assessed.
The Iran-aligned Islamic Resistance Iraq umbrella group has claimed responsibility for the barrage of rockets and missiles launched against the base hosting US soldiers in the western province of Anbar, alleging that the attack was conducted in retaliation for US support for Israel in the ongoing Gaza war.
Democratic narrative
Americans must be assured that the Biden administration will not allow this extremely serious ballistic missile attack on a base that hosts its troops to go unanswered. As Iran-backed militias have ramped up their attacks, so will the US to establish deterrence and to hold such groups accountable for their wrongdoing.
Republican narrative
As the commander-in-chief of the US, Joe Biden should have done better to protect troops overseas from enemy assaults. He may well have thought that retaliating Iran-backed militias would be enough to restore deterrence, but by now it's clear that such moves have failed to achieve that goal. America must change its focus to the instigator of all these attacks and make Iran pay for its actions.
Pro-Iran narrative
Iran has nothing to do with the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, thus it has nothing to do with the repeated attacks that Iraqi resistance groups have launched against US bases and facilities recently. US officials must realize that they are ultimately responsible for this escalation of violence, as their choice to support the Israeli massacre in Gaza has fueled anti-American sentiment in the region.
Nerd narrative
There's a 10% chance that the US and Iran will be primary actors on opposite sides of a war before 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
World's First Malaria Vaccine Rollout Begins in Cameroon
Following a 13% success rate pilot campaign in Kenya, Ghana, and Malawi, the African nation of Cameroon started the official rollout of the "RTS,S" malaria vaccine on Monday. It will be free for all children up to the age of six months old and occur alongside other routine vaccines to make it easier for parents.
RTS,S, also known as Mosquirix, is only about 30% effective and requires four doses, with its production estimated at up to 15M doses per year. Meanwhile, a second vaccine, which was approved by the World Health Organization (WHO) last October and is being developed at Oxford University, is reportedly cheaper, requires three doses, and could have an annual output of 200M doses.
Pro-establishment narrative
Widespread vaccine hesitancy in Africa was exemplified during COVID, and this destructive issue has not gone away. Obstacles to successful vaccination campaigns include individual, cultural, and religious beliefs as well as the spread of misinformation. National, continental, and global institutions must build upon their pro-vaccine campaigns if they want to help African states increase inoculations and decrease deadly diseases.
Establishment-critical narrative
The patronizing tone with which global health institutions speak about Africa is astounding. Perhaps modern-day vaccine hesitancy has nothing to do with misinformation and more to do with the data. As the WHO was beginning its implied consent RTS,S vaccine rollout — meaning the recipients receiving the jab were unaware of it — they probably also didn't disclose that studies showed the vaccine to increase meningitis by 10 times and double the risk of death in girls.
Nerd narrative
There is a 41% chance that global malaria mortality rates will be reduced by 90% when compared with 2015 rates, by 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Netanyahu Rejects Hamas Proposal to End Gaza War
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rejected a proposal to end the war in Gaza submitted by Hamas — who offered to release all Israeli hostages in exchange for leaving Hamas intact, withdrawing Israeli forces from Gaza, and releasing Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu has repeatedly vowed that Hamas must be destroyed.
Netanyahu said such a deal would amount to capitulation and mean soldiers had "fallen in vain." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told the families of the hostages that Israeli operations in Khan Younis will expand, with reports on Monday that Israeli forces had advanced into the west of Khan Younis and closed in on the city's two main hospitals.
Pro-establishment narrative
Israelis and Palestinians must make peace via a two-state solution. Though it may seem that it has never been as difficult to make peace, moderates must rise above the populist extremism of Hamas and the Israeli political right so the land can be shared. Both Israeli and Palestinian national aspirations are valid projects that deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The two-state solution may not be the most equitable or desirable for either side, but it's the most achievable outcome.
Pro-Israel narrative
Hamas's Oct. 7 attack on Israel was the final nail in the coffin for the establishment of a Palestinian state. Since Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, the enclave has essentially existed as a terrorist-run proto-state run by Hamas. Given the Palestinian Authority's inefficacy, Israel has no partners for peace, and the last 20 years in Gaza prove this. A violent, terrorist-run Palestinian state would be an existential threat to Israel's security.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel killed the two-state solution. There can't be a Palestinian state after nearly 75 years of Israeli policies effectively atomizing and dividing the Palestinian political scene and physical landscape via a system of apartheid and occupation. The only solution is to accept reality — Israel is an apartheid state that practices sovereignty over the region, and this apartheid must be dismantled so that all people residing in the land can live free as equals.
Nerd narrative
There's a 64% chance that Israel will have de facto power in the Gaza Strip on Jan. 1, 2025, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
India: Modi Leads Consecration of Controversial Hindu Temple
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday led the consecration of a controversial Hindu temple in the northern city of Ayodhya — honoring the wishes of the country’s majority Hindu population which had long wanted a temple built on the ruins of a historic mosque.
Honoring the Hindu god Ram, the temple is built on the land where many Hindus believe Ram was born. The Babri mosque built in the 1500s stood on the land until 1992, when Hindu mobs tore down the building in riots that killed nearly 2K people. The movement to build a Hindu temple on the ruins of the mosque sparked the mass popularity of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Narrative A
Monday’s celebrations honoring the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya show the unity and joy of Hindus across India. Prime Minister Modi has worked so hard to lift India, and he has the total support of his constituents. While Monday’s ceremony represented joy and inspiration, some leftist detractors seem committed to undermining the holy and symbolic commemoration of Ram. However, these bitter politicians will have to live with the rise of Modi and his party, and the rest of India will celebrate all of the great accomplishments.
Narrative B
Monday's event unveiling the Ram temple was just an egotistical ceremony for Modi, who is desperate to manufacture enthusiasm for his re-election bid. Not only was the event insulting to India's 200M Muslims, but it was also an embarrassment because the temple wasn't even finished. Modi failed to build his vanity temple in time for the elections, yet he was still shameless enough to honor a semi-constructed building. The prime minister is still showing that he cares more about his image than he does India's diverse electorate.
Nerd narrative
There is a 92% chance that the BJP will win the 2024 national election in India, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
Hunter Biden Associate Has Appeal Dismissed by SCOTUS
Devon Archer, a former business partner of Hunter Biden, had an appeal challenging his conviction of defrauding a Native American tribe declined by the US Supreme Court (SCOTUS) on Monday, increasing the likelihood that he will serve time in prison.
Archer was convicted in 2018 for involvement in a scheme to defraud the corporate arm of the South Dakota-based Wakpamni Lake Community of the Oglala Sioux tribe. Led by businessman Jason Galanis, who pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 14 years in prison, the scheme involved misappropriating millions of dollars that the corporation raised by issuing bonds.
Republican narrative
Birds of a feather flock together, and Hunter Biden's close associates continue to come under fire for their criminal acts. Just like Hunter Biden and his father, Devon Archer has been involved in shady financial schemes that defraud others to enrich themselves. However, Archer is only involved in a scheme that defrauded one Native American tribe; meanwhile, the Bidens have defrauded the entire country.
Democratic narrative
The American justice system is dealing with Devon Archer for alleged crimes, and he will have to pay for his involvement in the bond fraud scheme. This case has nothing to do with Hunter Biden, and it certainly has no relation to Pres. Biden. Archer may have been an associate of Hunter Biden and a key witness for the GOP, but the Biden family is not responsible for all of Archer's actions.
Nerd narrative
There's a 50% chance that President Joe Biden will have a net approval rating of at least -11.5 by November 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.