Ireland: Brussels veteran and left-wing Israel critic launch presidential bids

Source: Politico

“Former EU Commissioner Mairead McGuinness and left-wing lawmaker Catherine Connolly have confirmed they want to be Ireland’s next president — but the field could grow crowded as bigger names join the battle. It’s extremely early days in an election that must happen by November but has yet to be called. Speculation is rife that the contest could feature one, or both, of the two biggest beasts in parliament: Fianna Fáil party leader Prime Minister Micheál Martin, and Sinn Féin opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald. Neither have ruled themselves in or out. Ireland’s presidency comes with a stately manor and a stable seven-year term, but it’s a largely ceremonial role independent of real-world government that makes it a potential magnet for anti-establishment votes.” (07/16/25)

https://www.politico.eu/article/mairead-mcguinness-catherine-connolly-first-declare-ireland-presidential-race/

Thomas L. Knapp

The alternative to rage bait

Source: EconLog
by Kevin Corcoran

“I think awe beats anger as an overall approach. For one, it’s just more psychologically healthy. Wallowing in anger, and encouraging others to do so, is a miserable way to spend your limited life. (As the comedian Patton Oswalt once said to a heckler in his audience, ‘You’re going to miss everything cool, and die angry.’) But more importantly, awe has far more staying power in the long term.” (07/16/25)

https://www.econlib.org/the-alternative-to-rage-bait/

Thomas L. Knapp

Suspect arrested in killing of “American Idol” executive and husband

Source: SFGate

“The Los Angeles Police Department announced Tuesday that it had made an arrest in the slaying of an ‘American Idol’ executive and her husband, who were found shot to death in their home in the Encino neighborhood of Los Angeles this week. Robin Kaye, a longtime music supervisor for ‘American Idol,’ and her husband Thomas Deluca, both 70, were found dead on Monday, July 14 …. Police were called after the couple had not been heard from in a few days, and a wellness check was requested. On Tuesday, police arrested Rayond Boodarian, 22, of Encino on suspicion of shooting Kaye and Deluca. Days before Kaye and Deluca were found, police received a call about a potential robbery at the residence on July 10. When officers responded to the residence, they found no sign of forced entry or trouble at the location and did not enter the home, according to LAPD officials.” (07/17/25)

https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/american-idol-executive-killed-20772099.php

Steve Trinward

Coca-Cola dodges after Trump says soda will switch back to cane sugar

Source: NBC News

“President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Coca-Cola in the United States will begin to be made with cane sugar, but the company did not explicitly say that was the case when it was asked later about Trump’s claim. Trump said Wednesday afternoon on Truth Social that he had been speaking to Coca-Cola about using cane sugar in the sodas sold in the United States and that the company agreed to his idea. … ‘We appreciate President Trump’s enthusiasm for our iconic Coca-Cola brand,’ a company spokesperson said in a statement. ‘More details on new innovative offerings within our Coca-Cola product range will be shared soon.’ It remains unclear whether Coca-Cola agreed to Trump’s proposal or whether the beloved soda will still be made with corn syrup.” (07/16/25)

https://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/coca-cola-dodges-trump-says-soda-will-switch-back-cane-sugar-rcna219225

Thomas L. Knapp