14 August 2024

• While not directly related to politics (inasmuch as the President has little to no direct control over the economy), economic news is still seen as directly impactful to perceptions of the administration. With that as the preamble, it should be noted that the Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics regularly posts what is formally known as the Consumer Price Index, but which is more colloquially known as the Inflation Rate. And this month’s update to the CPI is good news: For the first time in 3 years, the number is below 3%. This clears the way for the Federal Reserve to consider lowering interest rates. LINK
• There’s been a bit more fallout from Elon Musk’s conversation with former President Donald Trump on Monday. The United Auto Workers union filed federal labor charges against the two for threatening to fire striking workers. Shawn Fain, president of the union, has been a fierce Trump critic, referring to him as a “scab”. (LINK) Realistically, this action will have little impact, aside from putting the UAW in a position of stark contrast from the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. Their president, Sean O’Brien, spoke at the Republican National Convention last month, and they have so far refused to endorse a candidate, although the group’s Black caucus defied leadership to do so today, declaring their allegiance to Vice President Kamala Harris. LINK
• As part of the primary election process which continued in a handful of states yesterday, voters in both Arizona and Missouri have approved petitions to put abortion rights on the November ballot. Similar measures will also appear on ballots in Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Nevada, New York, and South Dakota. It should also be noted that similar measures over the past two years (since the landmark Dobbs decision revoked Roe vs. Wade) have been overwhelmingly approved and seem to have driven Democratic turnout. LINK