Human rights are a light in the darkness. https://www.amnestyusa.org/defend-human-rights-in-the-second-trump-administration/

"The Trump administration has scrapped more than $800 million worth of research into the health of L.G.B.T.Q. people, abandoning studies of cancers and viruses that tend to affect members of sexual minority groups and setting back efforts to defeat a resurgence of sexually transmitted infections, according to an analysis of federal data by The New York Times."

Trump Administration Slashes Research Into L.G.B.T.Q. Health

Nearly half of the N.I.H. grants canceled through early May — together worth more than $800 million — addressed the health of sexual and gende...

I had fun watching the movie “Speed Racer,” having been a fan of the animated series, now elevated to the status of the best film of the 21st century. It was entertaining and far-fetched, even though Patrick H. Willems puts his whole heart into it. I was disappointed when the movie first came out, but now I’m ready to see it with fresh eyes — especially since it was directed by the Wachowskis of the “Matrix” quadrilogy, and Willems highlights its techniques as being "ahead of their time".

"WASHINGTON, D.C., 24 April 2025 – Starbucks was dealt a double blow today as International Rights Advocates filed a U.S. lawsuit against the coffee titan alleging trafficking and Coffee Watch filed a petition with U.S. customs authorities asking the government to block imports from Brazil to the U.S. of coffee tainted by slavery and forced labor by top importers including Starbucks, Nestlé, JDE, Dunkin’, Illy, and McDonald’s. The petition could end slavery-tainted coffee imports to the U.S. from Brazil, a decision that would have significant consequences for Starbucks: the company relies heavily on coffee from Latin America, especially as escalating trade wars threaten Asian coffee supply chains. “The coffee industry, led by Starbucks, has slaves working in its supply chain right this minute, and we must stop this abuse, starting in Brazil, as the world’s top coffee producer,” said Etelle Higonnet, Coffee Watch Founder and Director. “We’re talking about a multi-billion-dollar coffee industry and giant corporations like Starbucks that have failed to ensure their supply chains are free of horrific human rights abuses. Starbucks must take action.”"

Stop Slavery-Tainted Coffee at the Border | Coffee Watch

Pope Francis has significantly reshaped the College of Cardinals, appointing a majority from the Global South and outside Europe. Of the 135 cardinal electors, 80% were chosen by him, ensuring that his successor will be elected by a conclave that better reflects today’s global Catholic population. However, these cardinals do not all share his views. The Church remains divided on key issues (such as the role of women, Latin Mass, LGBTQ+ topics), and Francis’s reforms have faced resistance—even within the Global South. Francis has also addressed the Church’s painful legacy, notably its role in colonialism, and has asked forgiveness for abuses against Indigenous peoples. He has worked toward a more inclusive Church, exemplified by his major project: the Synod on Synodality—a global consultation that included voices from outside the Church hierarchy. Despite its limitations and criticism, Francis leaves behind a Church that is more open and diverse, though still marked by deep tensions. The next pope will inherit an institution in transition—shaped largely by Francis’s vision and choices. https://www.thenation.com/article/society/pope-francis-jorge-bergoglio-dead-obituary/

Meeting avec Jean-Luc Mélenchon et Ruba Ghazal de Québec solidaire à Montréal, le 16 avril 2025.

"All of this means that by sometime this summer, especially if the reciprocal tariffs are not further delayed, these companies will have to make some key decisions. Put more simply, they will need to decide if the U.S. is a safe place to make nine-figure investments given this regulatory uncertainty. And the trend may not be apparent right away. " U.S. Bitcoin Mining Was on the Rise. Then Came Trump’s Tariffs

Unchained

How Trump's Tariffs Could Affect U.S. Bitcoin Miners

American Bitcoin miners could face massive costs to buy new machines as their profitability reaches new lows.