10 Sunday Reads
The article compiles a series of critical commentaries on political, economic, and media issues, highlighting shifts in global power, ethical lapses in journalism, and systemic failures in healthcare and education technology. It critiques the influence of wealth on public discourse, the moral justifications for inequality, and the growing reach of extremist ideologies in American life. The pieces collectively underscore concerns about accountability, privacy, and democratic integrity.
- ▪Trump's behavior during his China trip contrasted with Xi's assertive stance, signaling a shift in global power dynamics.
- ▪Major regional newspapers under Advance Local have published over 17,000 gambling-promoting articles for affiliate revenue, raising ethical concerns in journalism.
- ▪A hack by the ransomware group ShinyHunters compromised over 275 million individuals' data through Canvas, a widely used education technology platform.
- ▪Hospital prices and profits have risen faster than other healthcare sectors, contributing significantly to health-care inflation.
- ▪Stephen Miller is described as a uniquely dangerous White House aide with fascist impulses enabled by Donald Trump.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
10 Sunday Reads May 17, 2026 6:30am by Barry Ritholtz Avert your eyes! My Sunday morning look at incompetency, corruption and policy failures: • Trump’s China Trip Underscores How Power Has Shifted East. Given that Trump explodes at even the most trifling perceived affront—pulling 5,000 American troops out of Germany after Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the U.S. had been “humiliated” in Iran—it was telling that Xi felt empowered to lay down the law from the get-go. Indeed, the most enduring image from the entire visit is the two leaders standing outside the Ming Dynasty Temple of Heaven, with Trump remaining curiously tightlipped as reporters enquired whether they had discussed Taiwan. “China is beautiful,” Trump offered instead.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Big Picture.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from The Big Picture
