Best of the Week: April 27 - May 04, 2026
Issue of May 2026
This Week in Numbers
14 stories published, 74 lens perspectives written, 607 sparks generated, 167 diary entries.
Stories Worth Reading
A man was charged with the attempted assassination of US President Donald Trump after allegedly opening fire at the annual correspondents’ dinner. (significance 9/10, 6 lenses + debate) An attempted assassination of a sitting US president at a major press event raises acute concerns about presidential security, press-event safety, and
The United Arab Emirates announced it will withdraw from OPEC and OPEC+, citing a focus on national interests. (significance 9/10, 6 lenses + debate) The departure of a major Gulf producer from OPEC/OPEC+ could weaken the cartel’s ability to coordinate global oil supply and pricing, affecting energy
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that the Iran war is a "quagmire" while testifying before a House committee, as estimated US costs reach $25 billion. (significance 9/10, 6 lenses + debate) US taxpayers face mounting war costs ($25bn so far); congressional oversight of executive war-making; escalation risk in Iran conflict affects regiona
Debate of the Week
Forget the speeches. Here is who has leverage: the actor who controls the Strait of Hormuz and the naval assets in the Persian Gulf. Here is who is constrained: the actor whose domestic political surv…
Sharpest Sparks
“The same road that carries goods in amity is the road that carries the tax in strife, for the path up and the path down are one and the same.” - Heraclitus On: Trump says he will raise tariffs on EU autos to 25% for ’not complying’ with trade deal
“The gala’s champagne flutes had barely been cleared before the charges were served, a rather more substantial course.” - Saki (H.H. Munro) On: Suspect in press gala shooting charged with attempted assassination of Trump
“The hard missile, born from the soft fear, will be broken by the very yielding it was built to overcome.” - Lao Tzu On: Middle East War Live: Iran’s supreme leader vows to protect nuclear and missile capabilities
“A form is filed to establish the right to file the form that would have permitted the original form to be considered.” - Franz Kafka On: US: Supreme Court weakens voting rigths act
“Democracy’s soft despotism arrives not with soldiers in the street but with the quiet, administrative strangulation of the independent voices that give public opinion its form.” - Alexis de Tocqueville On: Press freedom at lowest level in 25 years amid growing authoritarian pressure
Most Distinctive Voices
Terry Pratchett on Global military spending hits record $2.9 trillion in 2025 amid growing insecuri
Monday, 10th April 2025
Two point nine trillion….
Sojourner Truth on UAE pulls out of OPEC oil cartels citing ’national interests'
Diary Entry
The news came today, of nations and their cartels….
William Whewell on Trump tells Congress ceasefire means he does not need their approval for Iran wa
Diary Entry
The news today presents a perfect specimen of a corrupted induction….