Links for April 24, 2026 | Naked Capitalism

An Unexpected Success for a Swedish Library: Unlocked Doors and Unforeseen Consequences ZME Science

Construction Costs Remain Stubbornly High Construction Physics

Exploring Nopales and Prickly Pears: The Case for Eating Cactus Pax Culinaria

Climate and Environment

This oddly brings to mind the monthly CO2 chart from Mauna Loa https://t.co/k4JRaSaBoU pic.twitter.com/NPEzVjQljo

— Prof. Ryan Katz-Rosene (@ryankatzrosene) April 24, 2026

<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/over-1000-people-urged-to-evacuate-as-wildfires-rage-in-north-eastern-japan" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Wildfires Rage in North-Eastern Japan: Over 2,500 Evacuated, 200ha Burnt</a> Straits Times</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/why-hurricane-helene-affects-fires-135627921.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Impact of Hurricane Helene on Ongoing Fires in Georgia</a> Forbes</p> 
    <p><a href="https://grist.org/cities/why-millions-of-adorable-bees-are-emerging-from-this-cemetery/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Mystery Behind Millions of Bees Emerging from a Cemetery</a> Grist</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Pandemic Updates</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(26)00799-3/fulltext" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The U.S. CDC Faces Critical Challenges</a> The Lancet</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Water Issues</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.kut.org/energy-environment/2026-04-23/corpus-christi-texas-water-emergency-crisis-restrictions" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Corpus Christi to Declare a 'Water Emergency': What This Means</a> The Texas Newsroom. “City pools and splash pads require nearly 2 million gallons of water over a summer, while <a href="https://www.texasobserver.org/corpus-christi-water-exxon-desalinization/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">one Exxon plastics facility uses 13 million gallons daily.</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<p>China Relations</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://dset.tw/en/event-news-en/492-2/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DSET Drone Reports: Strengthening Taiwan-Europe-Ukraine Collaboration, Call for Enhanced Co-Production</a> Research Institute for Democracy, Society, and Emerging Technology</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Southeast Asia Analysis</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/c41eZ#selection-2685.0-2685.64" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ASEAN Faces Inflation: Vietnam and the Philippines Hit Hard by the Iran Conflict</a> Nikkei Asia</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.businesstimes.com.sg/companies-markets/energy-commodities/not-so-sweet-deal-singapores-refineries-they-shift-us-alternative-crudes?ref=global-five-stories-block" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Challenges for Singapore’s Refineries as They Shift to U.S. and Alternative Crudes</a> Business Times</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/business/economy/higher-petrol-prices-drive-singapore-inflation-to-1-8-in-march?ref=top-stories" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Singapore's Inflation Accelerates to 1.8% in March Amid Rising Petrol Prices</a> Straits Times</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Updates from India</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/indias-fertiliser-output-falls-to-five-year-low-in-march-101776736221811.html?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">India's Fertilizer Production Drops to a Five-Year Low in March</a> Hindustan Times</p> 
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/3P4A9#selection-1179.0-1194.0" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">India to Acquire Fertilizer at Nearly Twice the Pre-War Cost</a> Bloomberg</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Geopolitical Tensions in Syraqistan</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://english.almayadeen.net/news/politics/trump-s-online-threats-deepen-us-split-as-iran-talks-stall" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trump’s Online Provocations Intensify U.S. Divisions as Iran Negotiations Stall</a> Al Mayadeen</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2026/04/23/767429/Collective-slap--Heads-of-Iran’s-three-state-branches-strike-back-at-Trump" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Iran’s Leadership Responds to Trump’s Threats</a> Press TV</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The U.S. State Department has released its legal rationale for the war against Iran.</p> 
    <p>Noteworthy observations 🧵</p> 
    <p>1. In terms of public diplomacy, the emphasis on collective self-defense for Israel precedes that of U.S. individual self-defense. <a href="https://t.co/5l03XsCkSe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/5l03XsCkSe</a></p> 
    <p>— Adil Haque (@AdHaque110) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdHaque110/status/2047406155480105056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/us-secretary-of-navy-resigns-or-is?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">U.S. Secretary of the Navy Resigns Amidst Arrivals of Third Carrier Group to Iran Region</a> Simplicius</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.csis.org/analysis/last-rounds-status-key-munitions-iran-war-ceasefire" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Current Status of Key Munitions at the Iran War Ceasefire</a> Center for Strategic and International Studies</p> 
    <p style="text-align: center;">***</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/israel-launches-fresh-strikes-in-southern-lebanon-despite-ceasefire-extension/3916320" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Israel Continues Strikes in Southern Lebanon Despite Ceasefire</a> Anadolu Agency</p> 
    <p style="text-align: center;">***</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/canary-mission-israel-megamot-shalom-highest-paid-employees?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Meet the Leading Contributors Linked to Canary Mission</a> Drop Site</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Met-Operas-200-Million-Saudi-Arabia-Deal-Falls-Through-20260423" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Met Opera's $200 Million Deal with Saudi Arabia Falls Apart</a> Broadway World</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>European Union Challenges</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.intellinews.com/central-and-eastern-europe-emerges-as-new-defence-industry-hub-kpmg-says-438800/?source=baltic-states" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Central and Eastern Europe Rising as a New Defense Industry Epicenter, Reports KPMG</a> Intellinews</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Canada’s Economy</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/world/maple-syrup-asia-demand-rise-climate-change-challenges-6075526" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rising Demand for Canada’s Maple Syrup Faces Climate Change Risks</a> Channel News Asia</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>United Kingdom Updates</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.thecanary.co/uk/analysis/2026/04/22/sas-warcrimes-investigation/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Accountability for Troops in War Crimes Cases: A Threat to U.S. Alliances, Warns Former SAS Colonel</a> The Canary</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>New Geopolitical Dynamics</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://militarywatchmagazine.com/article/france-nuclear-rafale-poland-attacks" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">France Deploys Nuclear-Armed Rafale Fighters to Poland for Simulated Attacks on Russia and Belarus</a> Military Watch</p> 
    <p><a href="https://defmin.fi/en/-/government-submits-proposal-to-parliament-on-amending-nuclear-energy-act-and-criminal-code" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Proposal to Amend Finland's Nuclear Energy Act and Criminal Code Submitted to Parliament</a> Finland Ministry of Defence. “The proposal removes legal obstacles regarding the importation and possession of nuclear devices in Finland for national defense purposes.”</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">If Finland permits nuclear weapons on its soil, the 'safety of Finnish citizens will significantly diminish'</p> 
    <p>— State Duma Defense Committee Chairman Kartapolov to RT</p> 
    <p>Previously, Finland was not a target for 'priority destruction'—now it will be. <a href="https://t.co/O6ObNcNWRT" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/O6ObNcNWRT</a></p> 
    <p>— RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2047355836859548135?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/NRyZQ#selection-869.0-869.69" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Finland Declares EU Trade Deal Unfeasible Due to Deepening Ties Between China and Russia</a> South China Morning Post</p> 
    <p><a href="https://eventsinukraine.substack.com/p/the-kgb-and-perestroika?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Reflections on the KGB and Perestroika</a> Events in Ukraine</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Updates from South America</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.intellinews.com/latin-america-oils-up-as-hormuz-crisis-reshapes-global-energy-supply-438862/?source=argentina" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Latin America's Energies Shift Amid Crisis in Hormuz</a> Intellinews</p> 
    <p><a href="https://venezuelanalysis.com/infographics/the-neocolonial-plunder-of-venezuelan-resources/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Examining the Neo-Colonial Exploitation of Venezuelan Resources</a> Venezuelanalysis</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Legal Developments in the Epstein Case</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/ghislaine-maxwell-seeks-to-overturn-conviction-as-us-lawmakers-split-over-possible-pardon-14003515.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ghislaine Maxwell Aims to Overturn Conviction Amid Divided Opinions on Pardon</a> Firstpost</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Scientific Curiosities</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/kLps6" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Mysterious Deaths Among Chinese Scientists: An Investigation</a> Newsweek</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Check out the debunking report by WM Briggs, Statistician, before jumping to conclusions <a href="https://t.co/1gNx3RHD0p" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/1gNx3RHD0p</a></p> 
    <p>— Monadversteher (@monaderc) <a href="https://twitter.com/monaderc/status/2047314860938018891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Political Commentary: Trump 2.0</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://futurism.com/artificial-intelligence/trump-data-center-fermi" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trump's Ambitious AI Data Center Project Faces Challenges</a> Futurism</p> 
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/6K2cZ#selection-1513.0-1513.53" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Concerns over Trump's Policies Impacting the U.S. Economy</a> FT</p> 
    <p><a href="https://ddgeopolitics.substack.com/p/senior-dhs-counterterrorism-official?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">DHS Counterterrorism Official Suspended Amid Scandal</a> DD Geopolitics</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This person transitioned from being a U.S. Secret Service agent, to FEMA under Biden, and then to Trump’s Deputy Secretary of Counterterrorism — and you wonder why our scientists are facing such issues!!</p> 
    <p>We clearly aren't taken seriously... 😑 <a href="https://t.co/yF20DTqMiw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/yF20DTqMiw</a></p> 
    <p>— James Li (@5149jamesli) <a href="https://twitter.com/5149jamesli/status/2047368454072922575?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Dismaying News from the Democrats</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.dropsitenews.com/p/aipac-udp-ala-stanford-philadelphia-congress-race" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AIPAC's Support of Ala Stanford's Campaign in Philadelphia Raises Concerns</a> Drop Site</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Republican Party Highlights</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://heated.world/p/republicans-introduce-extreme-bill?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Republicans Propose Controversial Bill to Shield Big Oil from Lawsuits Indefinitely</a> HEATED</p> 
    <p><a href="https://migrantinsider.com/p/scoop-republicans-want-to-add-ice?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Scoop: Republicans Intend to Include ICE Funding in the Farm Bill</a> Migrant Insider</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Surveillance Culture in Focus</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://theintercept.com/2026/04/22/renea-gamble-trial-penis-costume-no-kings-protest/?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Absurd Case of a Protester Arrested While Dressed in an Inflatable Penis Costume</a> The Intercept</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>The Ongoing Surveillance Debate</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://theiceman.substack.com/p/the-wyden-siren?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Wyden Siren: A Critical Examination</a> The After-Action Report</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Insights on Accelerating Change</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/04/american-oligarchy-hyperscale-data-centers-meta-openai-oracle-x-musk-altman-zuckerberg-bezos/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Rise of the American Oligarchy and Its Implications</a> Mother Jones. Commentary:</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is no distinction between Palantir and the Pentagon; both are integral to a larger centralized control system that we must confront.<a href="https://t.co/itrRdaP0sz" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/itrRdaP0sz</a></p> 
    <p>— The Milgram experiment had an exit door (@milehijules) <a href="https://twitter.com/milehijules/status/2047298108229587001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Sports News</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.truehoop.com/p/the-jeffrey-epstein-guide-to-the" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Unique Look at the Playoffs Through the Lens of Jeffrey Epstein</a> True Hoop</p> 
    <p><a href="https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/international-football/italy-says-no-to-replacing-iran-at-fifa-world-cup-2026-donald-trump-news/article70898913.ece" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Italy Rejects Proposal to Replace Iran in the World Cup Following Trump's Suggestion</a> Sportstar</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Economic Developments</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://economicpopulist.substack.com/p/iran-war-is-the-latest-shock-to-the?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The War in Iran: An Unfolding Crisis for the Prescription Drug Supply Chain</a> The Economic Populist</p> 
    <p><a href="https://gcaptain.com/trump-moves-to-extend-jones-act-waiver-90-days-as-maritime-industry-says-fuel-relief-never-came/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Trump Proposes 90-Day Extension of Jones Act Waiver After Maritime Industry Reports Fuel Shortages</a> gCaptain</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Warnings about shortages of sulfur and ammonia highlight a looming global crisis.</p> 
    <p>Disregard oil and natural gas prices for now.</p> 
    <p>I spoke with an associate at the United Nations World Food Programme, and the situation is dire. Funding has dramatically decreased, and food prices are escalating... <a href="https://t.co/WSqRxzLWUx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/WSqRxzLWUx</a></p> 
    <p>— Yet another commodity guy (@tleilax___) <a href="https://twitter.com/tleilax___/status/2047353948877554158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/23/trump-strait-of-hormuz-iran-war-00888557" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">‘Perhaps the most untroubled individual’: Trump Proclaims He Has 'Plenty of Time' for the Iran Conflict</a> Politico</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Immigration Updates</p> 
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Just recalled Lutnick's claim on the All In podcast that he sold 1,000 gold cards on the first day, asserting that Trump believed the program would raise $5 trillion.</p> 
    <p>The Polymarket showed spikes but then reported 0 cards sold in 2025.</p> 
    <p>Now Lutnick claims they've sold 1 card, generating $1 million <a href="https://t.co/vzW2Ojtpuk" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/vzW2Ojtpuk</a> <a href="https://t.co/BuDx5MVcVe" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/BuDx5MVcVe</a></p> 
    <p>— Sheel Mohnot (@pitdesi) <a href="https://twitter.com/pitdesi/status/2047377666589004000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 23, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The incompetence of those in power is staggering.</p> 
    <p>The current head of border patrol claimed that 1 in 3 residents are illegal immigrants, a completely baseless notion.<a href="https://t.co/jBOzJAKYBa" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://t.co/jBOzJAKYBa</a></p> 
    <p>— Jeremiah Johnson 🌐 (@JeremiahDJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeremiahDJohns/status/2047472916699181059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 24, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Casino Nation Insights</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://theiceman.substack.com/p/army-special-forces-soldier-charged?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Army Special Forces Soldier Charged with Insider Trading in Connection to Maduro Capture</a> The After-Action Report</p> 
</blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
    <p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Worried about insider trading in relation to these prediction markets regarding the war?”</p> 
    <p>TRUMP: “The world operates like a casino. That's just how it is.” 🤷🏼</p> 
    <p>And that sums it up, folks! <a href="https://t.co/9fy5Z7T9CV" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">pic.twitter.com/9fy5Z7T9CV</a></p> 
    <p>— The Tennessee Holler (@TheTNHoller) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheTNHoller/status/2047479288274780354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">April 24, 2026</a></p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Critical Observations on Justice</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://www.propublica.org/article/purdue-settlement-leaves-opioid-victims-behind?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Opioid Settlement: "A Punch in the Gut" for Many Victims Left Behind</a> ProPublica</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.rt.com/business/638979-global-billionaires-growth/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Forecast: Surge in Billionaires Due to AI Profits</a> RT</p> 
    <p><a href="https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/billionaire-philanthropist-warns-us-democracy-192445083.html" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Billionaires Warn of Threats to U.S. Democracy Amid AI Competition</a> Semafor</p> 
    <p><a href="https://archive.is/blSGF#selection-755.0-755.65" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Insights Gained at Jeff Bezos's Exclusive Retreat</a> The Atlantic</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Class Struggles</p> 
<blockquote>
    <p><a href="https://inthesetimes.com/article/decades-struggle-workplace-protections-california-stoneworkers-lung-disease" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Silent Epidemic Erupts Among California Stoneworkers After Years of Struggle</a> In These Times</p> 
    <p><a href="https://futuredude.substack.com/p/good-vibes-as-ideology-emotional?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Role of Positive Ideology in Capitalism’s Domination</a> William Murphy</p> 
    <p><a href="https://craigmurrayorg.substack.com/p/an-inspiring-story-of-workers-power?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A Moving Account of Workers' Empowerment</a> Craig Murray</p> 
    <p><a href="https://paydayreport.com/n-c-largest-school-districts-to-close-for-may-day-strike-nj-unions-w-1-million-members-back-may-day-85-cities-holding-may-day-actions/?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Major School Districts in North Carolina to Participate in May Day Strike – Over 1 Million from NJ Unions Support the Cause</a> Payday Report</p> 
</blockquote>

<p>Daily Dose of Positivity (<a href="https://x.com/goobgleeb/status/2043967276953567316" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">via</a>):</p>
<p><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-309253" src="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Screenshot-2026-04-23-at-5.39.36 PM-1024x696.png" alt="" width="600" height="408"/></p> 
<p>Review yesterday's Updates and Daily Dose <a href="https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2026/04/links-4-23-2026.html">here</a>.</p> 
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