Binyamin Appelbaum

Binyamin Appelbaum

@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

I write about the economy for the opinion pages of The New York Times. Verification: https://go.bsky.app/8WhdCDa

20K followers884 following470 posts

Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

Not really the point but the president lives more than 100 miles from the Atlantic Ocean. Washington DC isn’t a coastal city. More than half the U.S. population lives closer to the ocean.

This post is unavailable.
Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

This all reminds me of the time Croesus asked the Delphic oracle if he should attack Persia and she responded, "If Croesus crosses the Halys River, he will destroy a great empire." Turned out to be Croesus’s.

Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

They say AI is going to replace human writers but I would like to see AI try to top this:

USA TODAY@usatoday.com

The White House's East Wing construction rubble was taken to East Potomac Golf Course. It was reported that the rubble will be used to create mounds on the golf course. Read more: bit.ly/4oa2tXA

Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

This does raise some interesting questions about the utility of the subsidies...

Todd Tucker@toddntucker.com

"The $37,990 “standard” version is about 15 per cent cheaper than the previous base offering, and has a driving range that is 10% less than the premium version. The model also has fewer features, lacking the auto steer function, second-row touchscreen and heated seats." www.ft.com/content/43d9...

ft.comTesla launches cheaper Model Y following end of US EV subsidiesNew $37,990 ‘standard’ version is 15% less expensive than previous base offering
Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

The owners of local TV stations were a conservative force in American politics and society even back when there were a lot of them. But allowing them to consolidate has certainly made it easier for them to flex those muscles.

Judd Legum@juddlegum.bsky.social

After Trump’s FCC chair, demanded ABC take action against against Kimmel for his comments on Kirk, Nexstar, the largest operator of ABC affiliates announced it would pull Kimmel from its stations Then ABC said it was taking Kimmel off the air Nexstar is seeking FCC approval for a $6.2B merger

nexstar.tvNexstar Media Group, Inc. Enters into Definitive Agreement To Acquire TEGNA Inc. for $6.2 Billion in Accretive Transaction | Nexstar Media Group, Inc.Enhances Nexstar’s Position as a Leading Local Media Company Preserves High-Quality Local Journalism and Diversity of Opinion Strengthens Ability to
Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

I went to lunch yesterday and there were two S.C. national guardsmen at the next table who had clearly been at the restaurant for a while when I got there, and who were still chilling when I left. And I hope they spent the whole day inside enjoying the air conditioning. Much safer for all of us.

Stephanie Mencimer@smencimer.bsky.social

National Guardsmen now stationed outside our DC building confirmed that the only thing they can do if they witness a crime is call 911. The have no more authority than my office mate to intervene. Despite the handcuffs, they can't make arrests. They are very expensive mall cops.

Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

The thing I've always wondered about is, say you're a young person in DC interested in law enforcement. How do you decide which of the several dozen flavors police you want to be?

Gillian Brockell@gillianbrockell.com

DC has a dizzying array of federal police forces you’ve never heard of: Bureau of Engraving and Printing Police Government Printing Office Police US Mint Police Armed Forces Retirement Home Police Library of Congress Police, right across the street from the Supreme Court Police

Binyamin Appelbaum reposted

Asher HELLbein
@asherelbein.bsky.social

What you're asking for is literally the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History, which you would know if you had ever gone inside

Aaron Rupar@atrupar.com

White House official Lindsey Halligan: "While slavery is obviously a horrible aspect of our nation's history, you can't really talk about slavery honestly unless you also talk about hope and progress ... we need to stop focusing so much on the lack of progress."

Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

I'm fascinated by this story. Did she actually hurt anyone or was she doing the job just fine? If you've successfully treated 4,500 people, are you actually engaged in a fraud?

The New York Times@nytimes.com

A woman working at a Florida hospital drew blood, administered medications and started IV lines, treating about 4,500 people over seven months. After she was offered a promotion, the hospital discovered that she had forged her documents to work there. The woman was arrested on Tuesday.

nyti.msWoman Working at Hospital Treated 4,500 Patients Without License, Police SayThe 29-year-old forged her documents to work at a Florida hospital, and the discrepancy was noticed only after she was offered a promotion, according to an investigation.

Binyamin Appelbaum reposted

Yonah Freemark
@yonahfreemark.com

Replying to @yonahfreemark.com

Here’s what happens when you don’t bring transit service back: riders don’t come back either. Of the 25 largest US urban areas, all but one offered less transit service in 2024 than they did in 2019. No wonder they all have lower ridership.

urban.orgTransit Ridership Hasn’t Recovered Since the Pandemic. What Can the US Learn from French Transit Systems?French cities have increased both bus and rail use beyond prepandemic levels, thanks to a quick return to normal service and expanded high-quality travel options.
Binyamin Appelbaum
@bcappelbaum.bsky.social

Amazing stat: According to this piece, If you put solar panels on just half of the land used to grow corn for ethanol in the United States, you could generate enough solar power to eliminate the need to generate any electricity from fossil fuels. www.newyorker.com/news/annals-...

newyorker.com4.6 Billion Years On, the Sun Is Having a MomentIn the past two years, without much notice, solar power has begun to truly transform the world’s energy system.