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The Global Economic Divide

Gregory N. Heires The New Crossroads
The economic divide in the world is astounding: The top 1 percent control 48.2 percent of global assets.

Net Neutrality: President Obama's Plan for a Free and Open Internet

Barack Obama White House
"President Obama released a statement today unreservedly calling on the Federal Communications Commission to protect net neutrality by reclassifying broadband providers as common carriers under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. His statement comes on the heels of an unprecedented public outcry in favor of real net neutrality, including a record-breaking four million comments on the issue to the FCC." ACLU Statement

Bruce Rauner Keeps it in the Daley Family

Ben Joravsky The Chicago Reader
I think this is a good time for all of us—Tribune included—to stop pretending that Rauner was the nobody from nowhere as depicted in his campaign commercials as opposed to a consummate insider whose firm once made millions managing state pensions funds during Governor Blago's reign.

When Did Insects Evolve?

Gwen Pearson Wired
Our Planet of the Arthropods is dominated by insects, and when and how insects took over the earth is a question that’s puzzled naturalists for centuries. In an incredible international effort, 100 scientists combined their molecular, computational biology, statistics, paleontology, and taxonomic expertise to uncover some surprising conclusions about when major groups of insects evolved.

Hong Kong: More Heed to "Two Systems," More Stress on "One Country"

Gary Cheung South China Morning Post
In response to Occupy Central protests in Hong Kong, China's government is reportedly committed to paying more heed to the "two systems" component of its unique governing relationship with the former British colony. But it will stress its "one country" nature. Sources indicate Beijing will make certain "appropriate adjustments" while also campaigning to educate its residents to the fact that Hong Kong is an integral part of China.

What You Should Know About the Revolution in Burkina Faso and Why It’s Important

Tristan McConnell GlobalPost
Popular protests last week forced out the man who had run the West African nation of Burkina Faso (formerly Upper Volta) for the last 27 years. Ousted President Blaise Compaoré was a key ally of US. However, one military ruler was immediately replaced with another as the army stepped in after days of angry demonstrations. Domestic, regional and international demands are growing for a swift transfer of power into civilian hands. But will it happen?

Federal Judge Guts The Nationwide Ban On Housing Discrimination

Ian Millhiser ThinkProgress
A federal district court judge, in a recent ruling that could well presage a similar decision by the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority, disallowed the use of one of the primary tools for proving housing discrimination. If allowed to stand, the ruling would devastate the ability of fair housing advocates to prove discrimination by a realtor, landlord or lender.