Politicians are touting “affordability” to describe the current regime of rising prices. However, most lawmakers who claim they are trying to make things more affordable demand policies that make things more costly.
Plus: Private-sector hiring slowed in January, according to data from payrolls processor ADP. And AI voice startup ElevenLabs is valued at $11 billion after its most recent funding round. Alex Ossola hosts.
An artificial-intelligence tool assisted in the making of this episode by creating summaries that were based on Wall Street Journal reporting and reviewed and adapted by an editor.
A bad end is most likely though even in the best case scenario of AI increasing living standards. The build-up of asset inflation malinvestment and overleveraging will impose huge costs.
With little optimism about the outcome of the latest peace talks, Ukraine says it will focus on military matters. Its team said it's trying to get a sense of what Moscow and Washington were "really ready for." Also: dozens are feared to have been killed by gunmen in central Nigeria. Walmart becomes the first "traditional firm" to become worth more than one trillion dollars. Water shortages worsen in parts of South Africa, with people fearing the prospect of "day zero." Iran allows female motorcyclists to obtain licences. Two former South Sudanese refugees walk the length of Britain to draw attention to the conflict in their home country. And the Muppet show celebrates its 50th anniversary with a new special episode.
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The layoffs at the Washington Post are the source of bitter media tears today, but the Post's staff did it to themselves, and we explain why—and why it's failed where the New York Times and the New York Post have both succeeded. Give a listen.
Join Washington Examiner Senior Writer David Harsanyi and Federalist Book Editor Mark Hemingway as they discuss the arrest of Don Lemon, analyze the hypocrisy of celebrities' anti-ICE appeals at the Grammys, dive into the latest Epstein file update, and debate the geopolitical ramifications of potential regime change in Venezuela and Iran. Mark and David also review To Live and Die in L.A., The Night Manager, and Miracle: The Boys of '80.
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The Small Business Administration will no longer allow green card holders to apply for SBA loans. The new policy was announced on Monday and takes effect next month. This program doesn’t lend money directly to businesses; it provides loan guarantees to lenders, and the loans are usually cheaper than traditional borrowing. We learn more. Then, for older people, financial strain may be a warning sign of dementia — before doctors or families start noticing symptoms.
This week, we’re talking about the files, the media and how they’ve handled the story, and the coming populist revolt that feels both inevitable and impossible at this point.
Also, we have a YouTube page that we’ve finally populated with enough videos to make it worth sharing. Will be posting there from now on as well. Please check it out.