Prologue Journal – Page 35268 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Will Abortion Kill the Filibuster?

New York Times Courts don’t make laws. Congress does. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/14/briefing/abortion.html

Taiwan scraps mandatory hospitalization for mpox

Taipei, April 14 (CNA) The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on Friday announced it had scrapped mandatory hospitalization for those who contract or are awaiting test results for mpox. https://focustaiwan.tw/society/202304140012

Half of Hongkongers unable to name any serving lawmaker, poll finds

Hong Kong Free Press Half of Hongkongers have trouble naming even one member of the current term “patriots-only” Legislative Council, 15 months into their tenure, a poll has found. File photo of Hong Kong lawmakers. Photo: Lea Mok/HKFP. Hong Kong’s first “patriots-only” LegCo election took place in December following a Beijing-mandated overhaul of the electoral…

1/3rd of scientists fear AI decisions could spark nuclear-level disaster – report

Jerusalem Post According to Stanford’s 2023 Artificial Intelligence Index Report, most researchers see AI as leading to societal change, but others fear a disaster – and someone made an AI to destroy humanity. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/tech-and-start-ups/article-739227

BlackRock Profit Falls 19%

Wall Street Journal BlackRock reported net income of $1.16 billion for the first quarter, down from $1.44 billion in the same period a year earlier. https://www.wsj.com/articles/blackrock-blk-q1-earnings-report-2023-de1c1eba

Russia’s COVID-19 case tally grows by 8,082 with 35 new fatalities — crisis center

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Moscow’s COVID-19 cases surged by 1,193 over the past day, versus 1,171 a day earlier, reaching 3,493,701 https://tass.com/world/1604335

Eruption of Bezymianny volcano on Kamchatka Peninsula enters second week — scientists

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. The Shiveluch volcano, also on Kamchatka, which has been erupting for four days now, is obscured by clouds, thus precluding visual observation https://tass.com/society/1604333

Sale-Leaseback Market Weathers Buyout Slowdown

Wall Street Journal The transactions still appeal to businesses seeking capital as higher interest rates lift borrowing costs, a sale-leaseback specialist says. https://www.wsj.com/articles/sale-leaseback-market-weathers-buyout-slowdown-a12665dc

China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang asks Taliban to create more progressive and inclusive government

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. Qin made the appeal, which also asked the fundamentalist group to work with neighbouring countries, during a visit to Uzbekistan. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3217102/chinas-foreign-minister-qin-gang-asks-taliban-create-more-progressive-and-inclusive-government?utm_source=rss_feed

Israeli forces storm holy al-Aqsa mosque gates, Palestinians confront raids

Disclaimer: PressTV is affiliated with the state broadcasting agency of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and is not a reliable news source. Israeli forces have stormed two of the gates to the holy al-Aqsa Mosque on the eve of the International al-Quds Day amid heightened security measures. https://presstv.ir/Detail/2023/04/14/701507/Israeli-forces-storm-holy-al-Aqsa-mosque-gates-Palestinians-confront-raids-