Reading archive 2025-11-04

How Catastrophic Is It If the AI Bubble Bursts? An FAQ.: The AI industry’s most important product is not a chatbot or a video generator; it’s the story the AI industry is telling about itself

Decades after charter schools exploded in D.C., they face a changed city: KIPP DC, the city’s largest charter network, turns 25 amid new challenges for education. - "KIPP also became known, locally and nationally, for its strict 'no excuses' model. Students could be reprimanded for causing distractions or behavior deemed 'detrimental to the best interest' of the school. During the 2015-2016 school year, five of KIPP’s 16 schools had suspended at least a quarter of their student body, according to city data — attracting scrutiny from the D.C. Council."

Dick Cheney couldn’t get over Jan. 6: Other Republicans returned to Trump, but the former vice president was unforgiving, to his credit.

Report: Donors to Trump’s White House ballroom have $279B in federal contracts: The list contains heavyweights in the tech, financial and defense sectors, including Google, Comcast and Lockheed Martin. - "'They have massive interests before the federal government and they hope to undoubtedly curry favor with, and receive favorable treatment from the Trump administration,' Public Citizen Co-President Robert Weissman said in a statement. 'Millions to fund Trump’s architectural whims are nothing compared to the billions at stake in procurement, regulatory and enforcement decisions.'"

Why isn’t the Heritage Foundation condemning Tucker Carlson?: The conservative think tank is unbothered by Carlson’s friendly interview with a white nationalist.

The RSS is a warning to all nations where populism is spiking: Groups like India’s RSS wouldn’t amass millions of members without appealing to a perceived need.

A whole lotta marble! Designers weigh in on Trump’s Lincoln Bathroom reno.: The startling renovation comes on the heels of the demolition of the East Wing.

Administration hints furloughed workers may not be paid after shutdown: Agencies are sending messages indicating that workers who are on the job will be paid when the government reopens — with no mention of those on furlough, despite a 2019 law protecting their wages.