Prologue Journal – Page 39221 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Famed Discount Retailer Century 21 Thinks Small in Its New York City Reopening

Wall Street Journal The department store popular among tourists and locals had shut down in 2020. https://www.wsj.com/articles/famed-discount-retailer-century-21-thinks-small-in-its-new-york-city-reopening-fb49ac27

Oil export duty in Russia to rise by $1.8 starting June 1 to $16.2 per ton

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. It is noted that the export duty per ton will also add half a dollar starting June 1 to $4.8 on light oil products and oils, and $16.2 on dark oil products https://tass.com/economy/1617641

With Erdogan leading, Turkey election heads to possible runoff

Washington Post Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said he was prepared for a runoff against Kemal Kilicdaroglu, as he claimed a narrow lead in the contest. https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/05/15/turkey-election-2023-runoff-erdogan-kilicdaroglu/

South African Military Delegation in Moscow for ‘Combat Readiness’ Talks

Moscow Times The unannounced visit comes days after the United States accused South Africa of secretly providing arms to Russia. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2023/05/15/south-african-military-delegation-in-moscow-for-combat-readiness-talks-a81145

Food-tech is the new cyber, Israel’s Ofir Akunis says

Jerusalem Post Innovation, Science and Technology Ministry to lead Israel’s national food-tech plan https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-743115

President of Poland to talk to Stoltenberg about Russian missile near Bydgoszcz

Pravda Ukraine https://www.eurointegration.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/15/7161698/

Make-A-Wish – “Stars for Stars”

Jerusalem Post https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/culture/article-743109

Russia hails Syria’s decision to allow UN to use Turkish border crossings

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. The ministry also noted that the process of the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Syria, which is badly needed after the devastating earthquake, “continues to be accompanied by preliminary conditions, with blatant discrimination towards Damascus-controlled territories” https://tass.com/politics/1617635

Trove of artifacts, including Song Dynasty coins, unearthed in Hualien

Hualien, May 15 (CNA) A trove of historical artifacts, including coins dating back to China’s Song Dynasty 900 years ago, were recently uncovered at a construction site in Hualien’s Chongde Village, according to the county’s Cultural Affairs Bureau. https://focustaiwan.tw/culture/202305150014

Putin signs decree on simplified citizenship for those going to war

Pravda Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that allows foreign citizens who signed contracts for military service in the Russian Armed Forces during the period of the so-called “special military operation” to obtain Russian citizenship in a simplified way. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/05/15/7402268/