| |  | Anti-Brexit protesters demonstrate outside the British Parliament on Monday. Source: Getty |
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Testimony released yesterday revealed that a White House security adviser told the House Oversight and Reform Committee last month that administration officials overturned 25 security clearances she’d denied over national security concerns. Tricia Newbold, who has overseen security checks for Republican and Democratic administrations for 18 years, said she clashed with superiors over the clearances — which had been denied for conflicts of interest, foreign influence, criminal conduct and other issues.
What comes next? The Democrat-chaired committee could subpoena White House officials, while Republicans are likely to cast it as a partisan attack against President Donald Trump.
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British lawmakers voted down four different alternatives yesterday to Prime Minister Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement, including a second referendum. May is expected to hold a five-hour Cabinet meeting today to explore her government’s next steps. Meanwhile, in response to Monday’s vote, the EU’s chief negotiator warned a no-deal Brexit was increasingly likely, though “we can still hope to avoid it.”
What now? In the lead-up to an April 10 summit in Brussels, London must produce a new Brexit blueprint or risk leaving the bloc without any economic or political game plan.
Don’t miss OZY’s Special Briefing on the latest Brexit drama.
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He’s not gonna take it. After weeks of protests, President Abdelaziz Bouteflika announced yesterday that he’ll resign before his term ends on April 28. Although he named a new Cabinet last weekend, the ailing 82-year-old has been further pressured to speed up his exit — foreshadowed by a decision last month not to seek re-election — after a string of recent defections by former loyalists.
What are Algerians saying? Some critics believe Bouteflika’s departure is no magic bullet, claiming they’ll only be satisfied once the entire ruling regime is overhauled.
Check out this OZY story about Algeria’s massive defense budget.
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Citing Ankara’s interest in buying Russian-made S-400 anti-aircraft systems, the Pentagon said yesterday it would halt its shipments of parts related to F-35 stealth fighter jets. NATO-member Turkey is one of the largest export customers of the jet, with sales amounting to more than $8 billion. But U.S. officials are concerned that its pursuit of the non-NATO-compatible S-400s would pose security and intelligence problems for the F-35.
Is this part of a broader feud? Relations between Ankara and Washington are growing increasingly rocky, especially amid their differences over the Syrian conflict and U.S. sanctions on Iran.
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| INTRIGUING | | 01 |
Featuring a flame-grilled, plant-based patty topped with traditional condiments on a toasted sesame-seed bun, the Impossible Whopper debuted Monday in St. Louis. Skip the cheese and mayonnaise, and it becomes vegan. The fast food giant now joins the ranks of White Castle, which introduced a meat-free option last year, and Carl’s Jr. — while McVegan burgers are available in Finland and Sweden.
Does a vegetarianism boom await? Despite increasing awareness of cattle’s contribution to climate change, the average American consumed more meat last year than ever before.
Don’t miss this OZY story on “peganism” — the new millennial diet.
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Message received. Following Spotify’s lead, the group-communication startup will reportedly list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange. The cash-rich Silicon Valley company is opting for a direct listing, as opposed to a traditional initial public offering, in which its value will be determined by the market rather than by Slack itself. The IPO is expected this summer.
What does this mean for the NYSE? It’s yet another tech IPO victory after the exchange claimed Uber and Pinterest, while rival Nasdaq recently scored Lyft’s listing.
Read this OZY feature about why tech workers are leaving major cities.
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Starting May 1, Chinese authorities will list all fentanyl-related opioids as controlled substances. The change, which is aimed at stopping Chinese exporters from tweaking their drugs to evade regulations, is a key U.S. demand in trade talks that will restart Thursday — although Beijing denies the move is a concession to avoid higher tariffs.
Will this help fight the opioid crisis? While experts have praised the measure as “a good step,” they also say China lacks the resources to properly enforce the law.
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The New York Police Department is reportedly probing two allegations of sexual assault against the magician best known for high-profile stunts like spending 40 days in a suspended plexiglass box. One accuser told police that Blaine sexually assaulted her in his apartment in 1998, a claim that may fall beyond the statute of limitations. Blaine, 45, has not been charged.
Has #MeToo moved beyond entertainment? While it doesn’t often make headlines, the scientific community has dealt with allegations of sexual misconduct for years — with the U.S. National Academy of Sciences now seeking to expel offenders.
Check out OZY’s profile of the Fox host mounting a #MeToo charge.
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If they’d only stay. Since the beginning of 2018, seven Major League Soccer players have been claimed by major international clubs, including midfielder Miguel Almirón’s $27 million move from Atlanta United to Newcastle United in January. As OZY reports, players who cut their teeth in front of North American fans are now playing in England, Germany and Mexico.
How does this help MLS? The top global leagues all have domestic talent pools, and America’s is coming into its own — with efforts like Kansas City’s nascent Patterson Cup, an elite youth tournament resembling those common in Europe.
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Rising Stars
Maya Devi’s “sitting strike” helped change the law for saleswomen in the shops of Kerala, India. But it’s only the beginning.
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