July 5
Puerto Rico’s Debt at the Brink, Energy Exports and Brexit, Lockheed’s Secret Lobbyist, and More Picks
PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
Default Looms for Puerto Rico (Jeff C.)
Puerto Rico on Friday said it will default on $779 million worth of constitutionally backed debt, making good on threats that the island would choose paying essential services for its citizens over obligations to creditors. Debt payments totaling just over $2 billion were due on Friday.
Biggest Threat Not Trump But Clinton 90s Nostalgia? (Russ)
In this intriguing essay, Thomas Frank argues that, given the likely election outcome, a greater concern than Trump’s trumpishness is Hillary’s misguided belief that the economic and domestic policies of her husband worked out so very well.
Judge Jails Georgia Publisher Over Public Records Request (Dan)
A wacky tale that involves racial slur, a chilling indictment, and a “relentless pursuit of public records”.
Brexit and the Energy Equation (Jeff C.)
Once reaping the benefits of oil and gas deposits in the North Sea, the UK stopped being a net exporter of both after 2005. The trends have meant the UK’s re-entry into the league of oil and gas importers, a sudden reversal, and a massive net negative for the British economy.
Lockheed’s Lobbyist Not Registered a Lobbyist (Dan)
The company insists that Robert Rangel does not need to disclose his efforts to influence lawmakers and the executive branch because it is only a small percentage of his job. This comes despite Lockheed’s last two lobbyist having to register.
