Links for May 19, 2026 | Naked Capitalism

Dear Readers,

Today brings a plethora of critical updates that have understandably been overshadowed by the ongoing conflict in Iran. To address these urgent matters effectively, this editorial focuses primarily on Middle Eastern news presented in our daily update on the Iran crisis.

Words Lost and Stolen by Peter Gelderloos (Micael T)

<h2>Ebola</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq6pz60p996o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ebola outbreak in DR Congo leads to over 100 reported deaths, with six Americans exposed</a> - BBC</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>It appears that the MV Hondius outbreak was a super-spreader event, with one individual infecting 8 to 10 others. This is a common occurrence with airborne pathogens. <a href="https://t.co/y30COOnod8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/y30COOnod8</a></p>
        <p>— Barry Hunt (@BarryHunt008) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarryHunt008/status/2055663589759836651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 16, 2026</a></p> 
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Hantavirus</h2>
<blockquote>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>The Ebola situation in DRC raises significant concerns. Alarmingly, the most common testing platform in the region is unable to detect this particular strain, posing a serious challenge. <a href="https://t.co/pfSHZfKny5" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/pfSHZfKny5</a></p>
        <p>— Marion Koopmans, publications: https://pure.eur.nl (@MarionKoopmans) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarionKoopmans/status/2055926171796197643?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 17, 2026</a></p> 
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Climate & Environment</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://grist.org/solutions/gas-prices-are-rising-so-is-public-transit-ridership/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">As gas prices rise, public transit ridership also increases</a> - Grist</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/15/wood-burning-for-heat-reintroducing-lead-pollution-into-the-air-us-scientists-find" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Researchers find that wood burning is reintroducing lead pollution into the atmosphere</a> - The Guardian</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/velella-velella-stranding" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Gooey blue blobs are appearing on U.S. beaches—here’s the explanation</a> - National Geographic</p>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>El Niño is on the horizon, with rising air in the tropical Pacific indicating significant atmospheric reactions to the warming ocean. Weather impacts from this building El Niño should become evident within the month. <a href="https://t.co/SahofoH89r" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/SahofoH89r</a></p>
        <p>— Ben Noll (@BenNollWeather) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenNollWeather/status/2054919797075492935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 14, 2026</a></p> 
    </blockquote>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>The last time an El Niño of this magnitude occurred, it resulted in the deaths of 50 million people—about 3 to 4% of the world’s population. Extrapolating to today, that could equal 250 million lives lost. The 1877 Super El Niño caused simultaneous droughts globally. <a href="https://t.co/Z7vNJVhYnA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/Z7vNJVhYnA</a></p>
        <p>— Aakash Gupta (@aakashgupta) <a href="https://twitter.com/aakashgupta/status/2056239112496259481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p> 
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/16/who-should-declare-climate-crisis-global-public-health-emergency-experts-say" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Experts urge the WHO to declare the climate crisis a public health emergency</a> - The Guardian</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/news/scientists-washington-india-china-science-advances-b2977668.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Study reveals that climate change is decreasing oxygen levels in rivers worldwide</a> - Independent</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/israeli-tech-company-aiming-to-cool-the-earth-with-masses-of-tiny-particles-report/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Israeli tech firm develops plan to cool the Earth using tiny particles</a> - Times of Israel</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.newscientist.com/article/2526620-melting-of-greenland-ice-sheet-could-release-methane-fire-ice/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Greenland ice sheet’s melting may release methane ‘fire ice’</a> - New Scientist</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/hundreds-of-extra-french-communes-recognised-as-natural-disaster-zones/791021" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Numerous French communes now recognized as ‘natural disaster’ zones</a> - Connexion France</p>
    <p><a href="https://eos.org/thelandslideblog/new-zealand-landslides" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Landslides are becoming New Zealand’s costliest natural hazard, with expenses rising quickly</a> - eos.org</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>China</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://think.ing.com/articles/chinas-april-slowdown-highlights-dilemma-between-growth-and-inflation/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">China’s economic slowdown in April reveals challenges in balancing growth and inflation</a> - Think.ing</p>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>Australia is facing self-inflicted isolation due to its tough approach towards China. This move could deter Chinese investments and lead to retaliatory actions. Interestingly, who sold jet fuel to Australia last month? China. <a href="https://t.co/2cwmWmWx8c" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/2cwmWmWx8c</a></p>
        <p>— Kathleen Tyson (@Kathleen_Tyson_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kathleen_Tyson_/status/2056322068644327861?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://archive.is/kYeeY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Could China restrict Japanese airlines' access to its airspace amidst deteriorating relations?</a> - South China Morning Post</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/05/18/asia-pacific/politics/lai-taiwan-trump-arms-deal/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lai asserts that Taiwan will not be sacrificed as Trump considers an arms deal</a> - Japan Times</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Japan</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japans-extra-budget-include-funding-fresh-debt-source-says-2026-05-18/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Japan’s supplementary budget will include funding sourced from new debt</a> - Reuters</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Koreas</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/insight/north-korea-enshrines-automatic-nuclear-strike-if-kim-is-killed/gm-GMB15B86EC" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">North Korea enshrines an automatic nuclear strike policy in the event of Kim’s death</a> - MSN</p>
    <p><a href="https://nashaniva.com/en/395457" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Kim Jong Un has deployed troops to the border with South Korea</a> - Nasha Niva</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Africa</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://sudantribune.com/article/314049" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Protesters block a primary highway between Sudan and Egypt due to power outages</a> - Sudan Tribune</p>
    <p><a href="https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/markets/us-lifts-ethiopias-ban-on-arms-dealing-as-red-sea-tensions-reshape-regional-alliances/s670vxj" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The U.S. has lifted its ban on arms sales to Ethiopia amid shifting regional alliances in the Red Sea</a> - Business Insider</p>
    <p><a href="https://dailyinvestor.com/south-africa/134541/south-africas-biggest-city-descends-into-chaos/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">South Africa’s largest city is engulfed in turmoil</a> - Daily Investor</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>South of the Border</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/may/17/feels-like-an-illusion-how-trump-seizing-maduro-has-changed-little-in-venezuela" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Venezuela’s post-Maduro era feels like an illusion as nothing seems to change</a> - The Guardian</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.intellinews.com/bolivia-deploys-thousands-of-troops-to-break-la-paz-siege-as-economic-crisis-bites-443234/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In Bolivia, the military has been deployed to lift a siege in La Paz amid economic difficulties</a> - Intellinews</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-assesses-drone-threat-cuba-axios-reports-2026-05-17/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Cuba accuses the U.S. of fabricating reports of a drone threat</a> - Reuters</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>European Disunion</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.visualcapitalist.com/ranked-inflation-rates-europe-2026/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A ranked overview of inflation rates across Europe in 2026</a> - Visual Capitalist. Micael T notes that Germany's situation appears to contradict official reports; his weekly food costs are rising despite purchasing fewer luxury items.</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/Jyx5M#selection-1573.0-1573.63" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The EU is racing to find a compromise on tariffs as deadlines approach</a> - Financial Times</p>
    <p><a href="https://news.sky.com/story/natos-biggest-special-forces-exercise-in-europe-takes-place-as-us-reduces-support-for-allies-13545037" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">NATO conducts its largest special forces exercise in Europe while U.S. support for allies decreases</a> - Sky</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.md/YSrdS" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Closed-door discussions reveal U.S. demands for a significant role in Greenland</a> - New York Times</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.euractiv.com/news/us-and-eu-officials-converge-on-greenland-as-denmark-stays-away/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">U.S. and EU officials gather in Greenland while Denmark remains uninvolved</a> - Euractiv</p>
    <p><a href="https://corporateeurope.org/en/2026/04/biotech-lobby-groups-are-set-trap-farmers-and-breeders-patent-minefield" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Biotech lobby groups are attempting to ensnare farmers and breeders in a complex patent system</a> - Corporate Observatory Europe (Micael T)</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.thejournal.ie/gaza-flotilla-margaret-connolly-irish-activists-detained-7043338-May2026/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Irish President expresses pride in her sister's detention by Israel during a Gaza-bound flotilla</a> - The Journal. Go Ireland!</p>

    <p>Comments from PlutoniumKun via email:</p>
    <blockquote>
        <p>Yes, it's widely reported here but with a neutral tone. The media struggles to convey the whole situation.</p>
        <p><a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/world/2026/0518/1573901-gaza-flotilla/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Latest updates on the Gaza flotilla</a> from RTÉ.</p>
        <p>The President was meeting King Charles at the time.</p>
        <p><a href="https://www.rte.ie/news/ireland/2026/0518/1573827-connolly-visit-uk/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Details of her visit to the UK</a>.</p>
        <p>Internally, I believe the Irish government is infuriated—Connolly is not viewed as a ‘safe pair of hands’. They understand that Israel will act as it sees fit, disregarding the implications.</p>
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Old Blighty</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://news.sky.com/video/unprecedented-police-operation-to-control-rival-london-protests-13544719" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">An unprecedented police operation aims to manage rival protests in London</a> - Sky</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQfqbyfiysY" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Thousands gather for the ‘Unite The Kingdom’ rally, expressing anger towards Starmer</a> - Daily Express</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-kHgh4zeWQ" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MEPs and far-right figures are barred from a UK rally—why?</a> - Euronews</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/5zHnu" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Starmer sabotages Burnham’s position on Brexit</a> - Telegraph</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/18/monday-briefing-is-the-bond-market-making-britain-ungovernable" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Is the bond market rendering Britain ungovernable?</a> - Guardian</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c809pmjd93ko" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Drones are being deployed to spread seaweed to sustain Britain’s agriculture</a> - BBC</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Israel vs. The Resistance</h2>
<blockquote>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p dir="rtl" lang="ar">The interception of the 2026 Gaza flotilla by the Israeli military (Report No. 1).</p>
        <p>By Colonel (Ret.) Ann Wright: The largest civilian flotilla in support of Palestinians has been intercepted by Israel’s military, beginning at 10:30 AM Turkey time, Monday, May 18, 2026, approximately 250 nautical miles from Gaza.</p>
        <p>— Ramy Abdu| رامي عبده (@RamAbdu) <a href="https://twitter.com/RamAbdu/status/2056303638822129864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p> 
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2026/5/18/israel-launches-strikes-on-southern-lebanon-despite-extending" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Israel conducts strikes on southern Lebanon despite an extended ceasefire</a> - Al Jazeera</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>You can observe the Strait of Hormuz. <a href="https://t.co/AGHQqnS1RJ" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/AGHQqnS1RJ</a></p>
        <p>— Vijay Prashad (@vijayprashad) <a href="https://twitter.com/vijayprashad/status/2056386357900042401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/israel-advances-plan-seize-palestinian-property-near-al-aqsa-mosque" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Israel moves forward with plans to seize Palestinian property near Al-Aqsa Mosque</a> - Middle East Eye</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Syraqistan</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://indianexpress.com/article/pakistan/pakistan-kills-balochistan-terrorist-operation-capture-commanders-10694952/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pakistani forces eliminate 35 terrorists in Balochistan operations and capture three high-profile leaders</a> - Indian Express</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/video/inside-story/2026/5/16/can-new-pakistan-afghanistan-tensions-lead-to-another-border-clash" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Could rising tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan spark another border confrontation?</a> - Al Jazeera</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>New Not-So-Cold War</h2>
<blockquote>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>🛢️ The U.S. Treasury has issued a third extension for the Russian oil waiver, as reports indicate Washington may agree to suspend sanctions on Iranian oil during discussions.</p>
        <p>🔹Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day general license enabling “vulnerable nations” to access... <a href="https://t.co/YNsx7MpE50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/YNsx7MpE50</a></p>
        <p>— Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/DropSiteNews/status/2056423123977699571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://www.turkiyetoday.com/world/nuclear-weapons-cornerstone-of-russias-national-security-kremlin-3220130" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Kremlin asserts that nuclear weapons are essential to Russia's national security</a> - Turkiye Today</p>
    <p><a href="https://korybko.substack.com/p/whys-the-russian-foreign-ministry" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Analysis: Why is the Russian Foreign Ministry downplaying the likelihood of TRIPP’s implementation?</a> - Andrew Korybko</p>
    <p>Click through to review the entire tweet. A key point is: “Starlink has transitioned from being a commercial endeavor to a backbone for enemies—a de facto NATO asset under Musk’s name.”</p>
    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>Russian Military Strategic Assessment: Current readiness to neutralize the Starlink constellation and allied NATO assets in ongoing operations has reached a new level. <a href="https://t.co/ShGVuLm8Zj" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/ShGVuLm8Zj</a></p>
        <p>— 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐝 𝐙 🇷🇺🇮🇪 (@SMO_VZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMO_VZ/status/2056114998452097417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 17, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p>Addressing why we restrict links to certain platforms and respect copyright: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>Incorrect. There are still many available cargo-empty tankers within the U.S. Navy blockade perimeter, but Iran has adjusted its oil production to align with consumption, leading to some storage buildup on land. Currently, there doesn't appear to be an urgent shortage. <a href="https://t.co/mmlpHIr9ZI" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/mmlpHIr9ZI</a></p>
        <p>— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) <a href="https://twitter.com/TankerTrackers/status/2056343767146254560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>
</blockquote>

<h2>Big Brother is Watching You (and Maybe Blowing You Up)</h2>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p>Do not purchase Apple products. <a href="https://t.co/igDzbo6UgE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/igDzbo6UgE</a></p>
    <p>— Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) <a href="https://twitter.com/s_m_marandi/status/2056318359608660404?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Imperial Collapse Watch</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPzBDfFcXQI" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Should India mediate the Iran-U.S. conflict? Retired Maj. Gen. GD Bakshi analyzes the complex dynamics</a> - Republic World. The headline does a disservice to the nuance of his discussion regarding the roles of America, BRICS, and India.</p>

    <p>For complete context, click through to the entire tweet: <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>The five-second span to understand novel technology recently unveiled by America’s Silicon Valley and defense-tech: concrete.</p>
        <p>Day 48: Ask a Stanford alum about the leading defense technologies they recognize—hypersonics, AI, quantum, sixth-generation. Ask about UHPC. The discussion might surprise you. <a href="https://t.co/vxsQWSBIFN" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/vxsQWSBIFN</a></p>
        <p>— Donald J. Gorbachev (@donaldgorbachev) <a href="https://twitter.com/donaldgorbachev/status/2044787661442056259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 16, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://johnhelmer.net/the-seven-thucydides-lines-which-president-vladimir-putin-and-president-xi-jinping-should-discuss-this-week-but-cant-because-they-are-too-supremacist-too-suspecting/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Seven Thucydides Lines that Presidents Putin and Xi Should Discuss, But Can’t Due to Their Overbearing Supremacism and Distrust</a> - John Helmer</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Trump 2.0</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/video/trumps-ratings-slide-to-lowest-since-2023-cbs-news-poll-shows/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump’s approval ratings have dropped to their lowest since 2023, according to a CBS News poll</a> - CBS</p>

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
        <p>This incident constitutes a theft far worse than Watergate. There’s no other way to describe it; they are misappropriating $1.78 BILLION to benefit Trump's associates, fully aware that these individuals have no legal claims to any funds and would likely face ridicule in court if they sought damages. <a href="https://t.co/9tKgsdxKMn" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/9tKgsdxKMn</a></p>
        <p>— Aaron Reichlin-Melnick (@ReichlinMelnick) <a href="https://twitter.com/ReichlinMelnick/status/2056405643783807055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 18, 2026</a></p>
    </blockquote>

    <p><a href="https://www.thedailybeast.com/billionaire-donald-trumps-secret-trading-spree-alarms-wall-street/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Trump’s discreet trading activities raise alarm on Wall Street</a> - Daily Beast</p>
    <p><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/defense/5883139-hegseth-campaign-kentucky-gop-primary/e" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Pentagon clarifies that Hegseth is campaigning against Massie in a ‘personal capacity’</a> - The Hill</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Our No Longer Free Press</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://reclaimthenet.org/x-ofcom-online-safety-act-censorship-deal" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">X has agreed to review illegal "hate" speech within 48 hours under the UK Online Safety Act</a> - Reclaim the Net</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Economy</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/environment/climate-change/our-fragile-world-is-being-hammered-by-one-crisis-after-another-it-s-about-to-get-worse-20260513-p5zwiq.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Our delicate world faces relentless crises, and the situation is set to worsen</a> - The Age</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/guneyyildiz/2026/05/18/the-chip-shortage-is-a-gulf-energy-crisis-wearing-a-different-costume/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The chip shortage is effectively a Gulf energy crisis in disguise</a> - Forbes. Not surprising, yet few anticipated this turn.</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2026-05-17/china-turns-off-sulphuric-acid-supply/106682704" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">China has quietly halted its supply of sulfuric acid amidst disruptions caused by the Iran conflict</a> - ABC Australia</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.msn.com/en-in/money/topstories/shipping-industry-faces-bunker-fuel-shortages-amid-iran-conflict/ar-AA22YG3E" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Shipping industry is facing a shortage of bunker fuel due to the conflict in Iran</a> - Associated Press. This issue has been discussed for over a week.</p>
    <p><a href="https://wolfstreet.com/2026/05/18/food-inflation-in-america-by-product-it-boils-down-to-a-sharp-re-acceleration-on-top-of-already-very-high-prices/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Food inflation in America shows significant acceleration beyond already high prices</a> - Wolf Richter</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Mr. Market Needs a Therapist</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/global-bond-rout-deepens-inflation-fears-mount-2026-05-18/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The global bond market is deepening into turmoil as inflation concerns arise</a> - Reuters</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/g7-finance-chiefs-seek-tackle-imbalances-trade-strains-unity-2026-05-18/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">G7 finance ministers seek to navigate trade imbalances despite market volatility</a> - Reuters. Echoes of “subprime is contained.”</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.actionforex.com/live-comments/640838-oil-breaks-above-111-as-us-iran-conflict-enters-dangerous-new-phase/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Oil prices surpass $111 as the U.S.-Iran conflict escalates</a> - Action Forex</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/kU2QD#selection-1569.0-1569.51" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Mortgage rates rise sharply in response to Middle Eastern tensions</a> - Financial Times</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>AI</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p>From Andrew Ross Sorkin’s Dealbook newsletter: <strong>Cue the boo birds</strong>: In a recent commencement address, Gloria Caulfield, a real estate executive, referred to AI as the “next industrial revolution,” only to be met with loud boos from the audience. Asking for clarification, she remarked, “What happened?”</p>
    <p>Yesterday, Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, faced similar backlash during his speech at the University of Arizona. “I understand some of your concerns,” Schmidt responded, “I can hear you.”</p>
    <p><strong>Scary data</strong>: According to a recent study from ZipRecruiter, 47% of recent graduates report that AI has influenced hiring in their area, with nearly 51% fearing it will reduce entry-level job availability.</p>
    <p><a href="https://gizmodo.com/american-jobs-with-ai-exposure-really-are-starting-to-disappear-data-show-2000759602" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The impact of AI on American jobs is beginning to manifest, according to new data</a> - Gizmodo (Ann)</p>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/ONy8H" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A major labor strike at Samsung’s memory chip facilities could disrupt the AI surge</a> - Fortune (Ann)</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>The Bezzle</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/mLI8s" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Investigations by the DOJ into BlackRock Private Credit Fund’s valuations are underway</a> - Bloomberg. This development carries significant implications, as the SEC had previously expressed concerns about the fund.</p>
    <p><a href="https://thehill.com/policy/keeping-score/5882815-congress-scrutinizes-sports-gambling/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Congress is focusing on sports gambling regulations amidst a rise in scandals</a> - The Hill</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Guillotine Watch</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://garymarcus.substack.com/p/the-ai-trial-of-the-century-ends" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The highly publicized AI trial concludes without fanfare</a> - Gary Marcus</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Class Warfare</h2>
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://washingtonmonthly.com/2026/05/18/public-factories-affordability-monopoly-drugs/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The case for public factories: Addressing affordability in the context of monopolized pharmaceuticals</a> - Washington Monthly</p>
    <p><a href="https://www.thecity.nyc/2026/05/18/lirr-strike-commuter-hell-unions-hochul/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">A strike on Long Island Rail Road leads to five-hour commutes</a> - THE CITY</p>
</blockquote>

<h2>Antidote of the Day (Retaj):</h2>
<p>
    <img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" src="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Screenshot-2026-05-19-at-2.48.49 PM.png" alt="Antidote image" width="600" height="388" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-310515"  />
</p>

<p>As a fun bonus, my last cat, Gabriel, was beloved by the veterinary staff for his dog-like behavior, allowing for easy handling. The vets often expressed surprise, as Abyssinians typically have a reputation for hostility. For example, after my previous cat, Winston, underwent a procedure, the vets wore heavy gloves just to handle him!</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p>He chose peace over violence... 😅 <a href="https://t.co/FNnSxBmpzn" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/FNnSxBmpzn</a></p>
    <p>— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) <a href="https://twitter.com/buitengebieden/status/2055706268581392732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 16, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Here's an alternative antidote involving a cat and a scientific experiment!</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p>The cat's reaction is simply adorable. <a href="https://t.co/5TPb9SQ6jr" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/5TPb9SQ6jr</a></p>
    <p>— The Best (@Thebestfigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thebestfigen/status/2055698542467993620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">May 16, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<p>And for a humorous twist, check this out:</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p>The mascot had no idea that approaching the security guard would go down in history. <a href="https://t.co/5T1y97NZWy" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/5T1y97NZWy</a></p>
    <p>— The Best (@Thebestfigen) <a href="https://twitter.com/Thebestfigen/status/2055717416639029348?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2026</a></p>
</blockquote>

<p>For further insights, visit yesterday’s coverage linked <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2026/05/Links-5-18-2026.html">here</a>.</p>
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