How GOP Worsened Texas Chemical Plant Explosion
More US Troops in Afghanistan Than Previously Reported ; Macron Guillotines French Labor Laws
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Macron Guillotines French Labor Laws (Dan)
New French president Emmanuel Macros promised a new labor code for France to participate in a “global economy.” Strong French labor unions are predictably unhappy.
GOP Lobbied Relaxed Safety Rules for Plant in Texas (Russ)
Harvey destruction in Texas seems to have no end. Earlier this week, a chemical plant exploded in the midst of the storm. This article details how Texas Republicans loosened safety rules for the plant – including during local emergencies.
Simplified Accounting Reveals More US Troops in Afghanistan (Dan)
The number of US troops already stationed in Afghanistan just jumped from 8,400 to 11,000.. Defense Secretary John Mattis inists the confusion is due to the “account” of troops. With his proposed simplified accounting, the public will now know all unclassified missions of US personnel abroad. This comes just in time for Trump’s upcoming troop surge to the country.
May, Now — May, Forever (Dan)
UK Prime Minister Theresa May hasn’t had an easy 2017. Many, including some in her own party, expected her to step down after a disastrous general election that barely left the Conservatives clinging to power. Now, May is making headlines by claiming she won’t leave, and that she’ll be around for the next general election in 2022.
Super PAC Spending, Dark Money Surges Ahead of 2018 Midterms (Jimmy)
The author writes, “Outside groups, such as super PACs and their more secretive brethren politically active nonprofits, spent more money during the first eight months of the 2018 election cycle than over the same period in any previous cycle.”
