Prologue Journal – Page 32778 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Gas supply by Gazprom for Europe through Ukraine totals 40.9 mcm via Sudzha

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. It is reported that gas withdrawal from European underground gas storage (UGS) facilities amounted to 7 mln cubic meters on May 20, according to data provided by Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) https://tass.com/economy/1621005

International Fencing Federation grants neutral status to 17 Russian fencers

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. The final list of eligible athletes, cleared by the FIE, does not feature the names of any medalists from the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Japan, where Russia’s national fencing team won three gold and four silver medals, and one bronze medal https://tass.com/sports/1621003

Investors Eye Debt Ceiling

Wall Street Journal Government-bond yields fell and stock futures hovered as investors await updates on debt-ceiling negotiations. https://www.wsj.com/articles/investors-eye-debt-ceiling-877af3d7

Russians carry out mopping-up operations in captured parts of Bakhmut, deploy additional forces – Deputy Defence Minister

Pravda Ukraine Russian invaders are carrying out mopping-up operations in the captured areas in Bakhmut, while the struggle for the dominant heights on the flanks, the north and south of the suburbs, continues. Source: Hanna Maliar, Deputy Minister of Defence, on Telegram Quote: “Our troops in Bakhmut control certain facilities and the private sector in…

Tencent launches palm payments in Beijing, allowing metro passengers to pay with the wave of a hand

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. WeChat users who register their palm prints can pay for rides on Beijing’s airport express line using only their hands at designated turnstiles. https://www.scmp.com/tech/big-tech/article/3221377/tencent-launches-palm-payments-beijing-allowing-metro-passengers-pay-wave-hand?utm_source=rss_feed

Immigrants’ Share of the U.S. Labor Force Grows to a New High

Wall Street Journal Native-born workers’ slice is shrinking as retirements rise and population growth slows. https://www.wsj.com/articles/immigrants-share-of-the-u-s-labor-force-grows-to-a-new-high-67805c45

Fed Rate Increases Hit Small Businesses the Hardest

Wall Street Journal Companies with smaller payrolls and valuations are facing higher funding costs. https://www.wsj.com/articles/fed-rate-increases-hit-small-businesses-the-hardest-7da7fb8e

To Aid Ukraine, Allies Look to Security Model Like Israel’s

Wall Street Journal NATO membership isn’t on the table for now, but the U.S. and European allies could provide Kyiv guarantees for weapons and advanced technology. https://www.wsj.com/articles/to-aid-ukraine-in-fight-against-russia-allies-look-to-security-model-like-israels-8a05f0e5

Tim Scott Bets Personal Story Will Boost Long-Shot 2024 White House Bid

Wall Street Journal The U.S. Senate’s only Black Republican plans to launch his candidacy Monday in South Carolina. https://www.wsj.com/articles/tim-scott-bets-personal-story-will-boost-long-shot-2024-white-house-bid-c172aeee

Disney’s ABC, ESPN Weaknesses Add Pressure to Make Streaming Profitable

Wall Street Journal Earnings from traditional TV have fallen sharply after helping to offset Disney+ losses in recent years. https://www.wsj.com/articles/disneys-abc-espn-weakness-adds-pressure-to-make-streaming-profitable-196055c7