DAILY CALLER NEWS FOUNDATION—The cost of housing surged in July, accounting for nearly 90% of total inflation, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index data released Wednesday. Shelter costs rose 5.1% year-over-year and 0.4% month-over-month, after rising 0.2% in June, the bureau showed. The 0.4% monthly increase was greater than Bank of America economists’ expectations of 0.3%, according to investment research firm Morningstar. “The most disappointing aspect of this report was the shelter data,” Omair Sharif, founder of the research firm Inflation Insights, wrote in a note after the report, according to Yahoo Finance. 'Disappointment' came from shelter which contributed 90% of the July increase. OER up 0.36% after 0.27% in June. Still low compared to '22-23 but moving in the wrong direction. I suspect rising insurance and taxes are the culprits here, albeit indirect. https://t.co/rgjOEW6FB6— Benjamin M. Lavine (@benjaminMlavine) August 14, 2024 The July increase in shelter costs was comprised of a 0.5% increase in rent, a 0.4% increase in owners’ equivalent rent, and a 0.2% increase in lodging away from home, Bureau of Labor Statistics data showed. Rents are typically fixed for the duration of a lease, creating a lag between new lease prices and rental inflation data. As a result, despite cooling prices for new leases, overall housing inflation is expected to remain above pre-pandemic levels through the end of 2025, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis. “Rents are up 22.3% since Jan ’21, but this metric suffers from large lags and will continue marching higher in the months ahead as it incorporates today’s price changes,” E.J. Antoni, a research fellow at The Heritage Foundation’s Grover M. Hermann Center for the Federal Budget, wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Rental and owners’ equivalent rent costs have both increased nearly 24% since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Cumulative inflation, meanwhile, is somewhat lower at 22%. Inflation measured 2.9% year-over-year in July, the first time the headline number has fallen below 3% in over two years. Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation The post Housing Costs Surge in July, Accounting for 90% of Total Inflation appeared first on The Daily Signal.

DA Gascon Retaliated Against Prosecutor Who Revealed a Defendant Was Pretending to Be Trans

NYT: Kamala to Deliver Economic Plan on Friday. Sorta.

New York Times White House correspondent Zolan Kanno-Youngs joined CNN’s Dana Bash on Wednesday’s Inside Politics to discuss why some black men are not so quick to jump aboard the Harris 2024 bandwagon. Kanno-Youngs arrived at the conclusion that they are sexists who have been informed by “gender roles” instilled in them from “colonialism.” Bash began by gushing over the article that served as the basis for the segment, “This is so fascinating, and you do such an amazing job of really giving the nuance of this to people who read your story, and I encourage people to do that, and I’m lucky you can give it now. So, you call it the elephant in the room. Can you broadly explain what that is when it comes to black men and Kamala Harris or other black women who are running for office?”     Kanno-Youngs recalled that just as there were White Dudes for Harris and White Women for Harris Zoom calls, there was one for black men: And what I found interesting about this was that it wasn't just a story of, you know, thousands of black men rallying for the vice president after the switch on the ballot. But they also were, sort of, confronting, multiple officials, were confronting what we call the elephant in the room, and that's that there is a history where not all black man, it's not a monolith, we’re not a monolith, but there has been a slice of the electorate that historically has not thought that being a strong black man leader and that, that is somehow at odds with standing behind a black woman leader. He further lamented, “And that has translated to sort of a lack of black women in some leadership positions, sort of, in the community. This dates back to, we went in the congressional archives and saw that Shirley Chisholm, at one point, was criticizing her peers for not standing with her, black male peers as well, as well as white male peers. We saw that also Stacey Abrams was struggling to gain support with the black man electorate as well.” Kanno-Youngs then stretched so far for an explanation that it is a wonder he did not hurt himself, “This has a history that, look, dates back to the history of gender roles that were specified in, through colonialism as well and the start of this country, but I think what's key is that it's also those black men that seem to be trying to overcome this sort of uncomfortable truth.” So much for “nuance,” a reporter thinks gender roles and colonialism are why some black men refuse to back Harris, not that Democrats have been steadily losing ground with black men regardless of who their candidate is. Here is a transcript for the August 14 show: CNN Inside Politics with Dana Bash 8/14/2024 12:43 PM ET DANA BASH: This is so fascinating, and you do such an amazing job of really giving the nuance of this to people who read your story, and I encourage people to do that, and I’m lucky you can give it now. So, you call it the elephant in the room. Can you broadly explain what that is when it comes to black men and Kamala Harris or other black women who are running for office? ZOLAN KANNO-YOUNGS: Sure. Sure. We know that there were multiple of these calls happening. You know, there was a white dudes call, there was a white women call, and then there was a black men call too. And what I found interesting about this was that it wasn't just a story of, you know, thousands of black men rallying for the vice president after the switch on the ballot. But they also were, sort of, confronting, multiple officials, were confronting what we call the elephant in the room, and that's that there is a history where not all black man, it's not a monolith, we’re not a monolith, but there has been a slice of the electorate that historically has not thought that being a strong black man leader and that, that is somehow at odds with standing behind a black woman leader. And that has translated to sort of a lack of black women in some leadership positions, sort of, in the community. This dates back to, we went in the congressional archives and saw that Shirley Chisholm, at one point, was criticizing her peers for not standing with her, black male peers as well, as well as white male peers. We saw that also Stacey Abrams was struggling to gain support with the black man electorate as well. This has a history that, look, dates back to the history of gender roles that were specified in, through colonialism as well and the start of this country, but I think what's key is that it's also those black men that seem to be trying to overcome this sort of uncomfortable truth.

Smart phones can accomplish so much nowadays that it appears their functionality as actual phones, although a foregone conclusion, is beside the point. Their ever-expanding offering of apps and abilities evidently appeals to those who grew up corded and using party lines — those for whom old-world conditioning sustains excitement over such novelties. There appears, however, to be a contingent of smartphone users who have grown tired of the constant promise of something slightly better — consumers keen instead on something radically different, even if that change means regress.It is not just schools that have realized the appeal of dumb phones' limited features. Some parents have provided their children with the technologically lesser phones in hopes of sparing their children from distractions and the mental ravages of social media. So-called dumb phones are apparently on the ascent as an alternative, no longer just the go-to for geriatrics, drug dealers, and others whose lifestyle choices might precipitate the need for a cheap, basic, and possibly disposable cellular device. Brian Roemmele, the president of Multiplex Magazine, recently noted that the "rise of the massive popularity of 'dumb phones' and flip phones with the 14-25 age group has taken off. So much so that they are on back order at many stores." "It is not at all a fashion trend but a boredom of the NEW stagnant smartphones of their parents and grand parents," tweeted Roemmele. Pascal Forget, a Canadian tech columnist, has echoed this suggestion, telling Canadian state media, "The smartphone is not a source of enjoyment anymore." For Gen Z and millennial users, the smartphone "used to be fun, but now they're addicted to it, so they want to go back to simpler times using a simpler device." The Economist indicated earlier this month that dumb phones account for roughly 2% of phone sales in the U.S., but that demand — to Roemmele's suggestion — is growing. This phenomenon is not limited to America. North of the border, there was reportedly a 25% increase in dumb phone purchases last year, accounting for over 98,600 sales. The subreddit r/Dumbphones defines "dumb phone" as a cellular phone with less or no 'smart' features as a smart phone. It's actually called a "feature phone' but it's commonly referred to as a dumb phone because it's seen as the opposite of a smart phone. Dumb phones lack the advanced technology of smart phones and typically only have core tools like calling, text messaging, maybe a calendar or notes, and typically do without feature-rich apps like social media and maps. While boredom might prompt some young people to buy dumb phones, there are various factors at play. Smartphones and the social media apps thereon have been linked to various mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and, perhaps paradoxically, loneliness. Their routinized use also impacts cognitive ability. A study published last year in the Nature journal Scientific Reports revealed that smartphone use results in a loss attention — that "even the mere presence of one's smartphone consumes cognitive resources, without willingly shifting attention or actively using the smartphone." Cognizant of the fallout of smartphone use, the Economist indicated that some schools such as the esteemed British school Eton are providing their students with dumb phones and barring the use of the more capable alternatives. It is not just schools that have realized the appeal of dumb phones' limited features. Some parents have provided their children with the technologically lesser phones in hopes of sparing their children from distractions and the mental ravages of social media. "When there's a smartphone or screen, you don't practice guitar, you don't read a book, you don't just be bored," Leigh Tynan told Canadian state media. "I just thought I really don't feel comfortable with her being online all the time.... I'm trying to protect her from it for as long as possible." According to Roemmele, the most popular flip phone he had observed among the "youth cohort" was the TracFone TCL Flip 2, even though Nokia's flip phones come frequently recommended as the best dumb phones. Although I have greyed out of membership in the youth cohort, I sought out the TCL Flip 2 for under $40 to see what the fuss was all about. Upon acquiring the dumb phone I was immediately reminded of why decades ago, Blackberries — with their QWERTY keyboards — were preferable to those of us with limited patience as well as to those loathe to learn how to speedily text using number keys assigned triads and quads of letters. For the Luddites comprising the dumb phone movement, that's apparently part of the appeal: to make texting and web browsing so vexatious as to preclude users from trying in the first place. In the case of the Flip 2, mission accomplished. Texting was so arduous a process that I abandoned the effort altogether. Fortunately, the TCL Flip 2 also operates as, yes, a phone, meaning I could effortlessly speak to someone on the other end. For this purpose, the phone works beautifully. Sound through the earpiece is crisp and my voice was well-received on the other end. Since the phone is not devoting computational power to ad-trackers and other background processes, but is rather serving a singular purpose, its battery life is excellent especially when compared with my supposedly smart Samsung Galaxy. The phone also survived its handling by a toddler presently keen on investigating the inner-workings of the various electronics around our house. The tag line for the r/Dumbphones is, "Join the revolution and enjoy the simple life!" Simple life indeed. Without social media apps and with a camera so useless it seems a waste of parts, the Flip 2 does serve to liberate. After all, while the reflex may remain to idle on the phone, there is virtually nothing worth doing on the phone apart from calling a loved one. Time will tell whether the dumb phone movement has legs to run the distance, but there's certainly something to it. Freed from the obligation to take photographs or doom scroll, you're left only to live in the present. If that's boring, then you only have yourself to blame. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

New York state's Attorney General Letitia James is asking social media companies to clamp down on alleged misinformation after asserting that barriers to prevent "bad actors" have weakened.James reportedly sent letters to at least 10 tech companies such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI, whose predominant investor is Microsoft.The attorney general reportedly attempted to warn the companies about deceptive content related to the presidential election using artificial intelligence."While misinformation has been a concern in past elections, with the rise of gen AI, barriers that prevent bad actors from creating deceptive or misleading content have weakened dramatically," James said, according to ABC News.'Being a keyboard warrior does not make you safe from the law.'James also reportedly claimed that AI tools built by the popular platforms have become "increasingly popular and easy to use and misuse."The state official has reportedly requested in-person meetings with the tech companies to review steps they are taking to protect users from alleged misinformation but did not mention any obligations to comply with any requests.It is unclear whether these tech companies include Elon Musk's X platform. The report was blasted out as a syndicated news piece nationwide; however, the Walt Disney-owned company did not provide the entirety of the letter nor the full list of companies to which it was sent.The replicated articles all cited a video shared by Musk with an AI voice replication of Kamala Harris. The video prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to threaten Musk with legislative action, but he only received mockery from the tech entrepreneur.The articles also cited robocalls that impersonated President Biden, which reportedly asked listeners to "save your vote" for November and avoid other primaries.White House complaints regarding "cheap fakes" were not cited, however, referring to claims from Democrats that the only reason Biden appeared enfeebled over the years was because of footage manipulated by right-wing agitators.It took just a couple of weeks after the complaints for Democratic donors, activists, and like-minded celebrities such as George Clooney to turn on Biden and suggest that he drop out of the race.Clooney called it "devastating" to reveal that Biden isn't the same Biden, mentally, of 2010 or even 2020."He was the same man we all witnessed at the debate [with Donald Trump]," he noted.Freedom of speech is facing unprecedented hurdles, especially in other parts of the world like the United Kingdom, where multiple arrests have been made for alleged online misinformation and hate speech.The commissioner of London's Metropolitan Police said that "we will come after you" even if alleged offenders are in other countries."Being a keyboard warrior does not make you safe from the law," the commissioner added.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Imam Asad Zaman released a statement on X after the Washington Examiner reported his history of sharing links on social media that were supportive of Adolf Hitler and his multiple appearances alongside vice presidential candidate Tim Walz (D).The Examiner's report revealed Zaman, the executive director of the Muslim American Society of Minnesota, has met with Walz at events while Walz has been governor. Zaman not only shared a film popular among neo-Nazis that glorifies Adolf Hitler, he also praised Hamas' terrorist attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. Though Walz said he does not have a personal relationship with Zaman, he described Zaman as a "master teacher,” who has offered him lessons during their time “together."'Whenever the MAGA camp and their allies are flailing, they look for a way to divide and distract people.'“I am a teacher, so when I see a master teacher, I know it. Over the time we’ve spent together, one of the things I’ve had the privilege of is seeing the things in life through the eye of a master teacher, to try and get the understanding,” Walz said of Zaman. — (@) Zaman claimed in the statement that he is being attacked by the "MAGA camp" because he is a Muslim leader."Whenever the MAGA camp and their allies are flailing, they look for a way to divide and distract people by scapegoating a local Muslim. And today it looks like they’ve chosen me," Zaman wrote. "Unfortunately, the right wing blog swamp is trying to smear Governor Tim Walz by using me. My 'crime' is that I am Muslim and I publicly express my solidarity with the Palestinian people." — (@) Zaman did not address or refute what was in the Examiner's report. Zaman is originally from Bangladesh."Here in Minnesota, we have learned to reject this type of hateful politics and we are striving to make MN the best state for people of all faiths, Muslim, Jewish, Christians, to raise our families. That is the future that I and our Muslim community in Minnesota are working towards. And, yes, grounded in my faith, my sense of justice and my commitment to the dignity of all people, I will also continue to fiercely advocate for the people, families, and loved ones of Palestine," the imam added.Walz also reportedly had his administration funnel over $100,000 to Zaman's Muslim American Society, which federal prosecutors have described as being "founded as the overt arm of the Muslim Brotherhood in the U.S." Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

A fledgling reporter in Wyoming resigned from his job and his former employer issued an apology after a rival outlet discovered that the reporter had been using AI to help write his stories.Aaron Pelczar, 40, began working for the Cody Enterprise in early June, having no prior journalism experience. By August 9, he had resigned after allegedly admitting to CJ Baker of the Powell Tribune that he had used an AI tool to generate some of his writing, including quotes that were either fully made-up, misattributed, or combined with other statements.'Obviously I’ve never intentionally tried to misquote anybody.'Baker spoke with Pelczar and Enterprise editor Chris Bacon last Friday after finding that some of Pelczar's articles used unnecessarily lofty words or language that would otherwise be inappropriate in news pieces."This incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of human behavior, even in the most serene settings," read part of an article Pelczar allegedly composed about a deadly shooting in Yellowstone National Park last month.Perhaps even worse, a June 26 article announcing that Larry the Cable Guy had been chosen to be the grand marshal of the Cody Stampede Parade apparently included a sidebar writing tip."The 2024 Cody Stampede Parade promises to be an unforgettable celebration of American independence, led by one of comedy’s most beloved figures," the article said. "This structure ensures that the most critical information is presented first, making it easier for readers to grasp the main points quickly (emphasis added)."When Baker confronted Pelczar about the issues, Pelczar more or less confessed, telling Baker it "could be the case" that he used an AI program when writing some of his pieces. He declined to name the particular program he may have used.Pelczar reportedly told Baker that he had pulled some "all-nighters" since taking the job and found that AI tools "give color and context" to stories."I hate to say it’s the future, because it’s the now," Pelczar said, according to Baker."Obviously I’ve never intentionally tried to misquote anybody."While speaking with Baker, Pelczar claimed he would "correct" any errant quotations and "issue apologies" for them. He also noted that he hoped his missteps would not reflect poorly on the Enterprise. "They’re taking what I bring in at face value," he insisted.Shortly following the meeting with Baker, Pelczar resigned from the Enterprise.On Monday, Enterprise editor Chris Bacon issued a mea culpa, taking responsibility for not conducting better oversight of his employee's work."I apologize, reader, that AI was allowed to put words that were never spoken into stories," Bacon wrote.Bacon insisted that "the buck stops" with him and that it was his "job" to identify the fabrications. He also promised to "do better" in the future.Bacon did not name Pelczar in the editorial, chalking up the falsified quotes to the mistakes of "a hurried rookie reporter that trusted AI."Thus far, Bacon has unearthed AI-generated quotes from seven people who told Bacon they never spoke with Pelczar. Among them is Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon (R)."In one case, [Pelczar] wrote a story about a new OSHA rule that included a quote from the Governor that was entirely fabricated," Michael Pearlman, a spokesman for the governor, said in an email."In a second case, he appeared to fabricate a portion of a quote, and then combined it with a portion of a quote that was included in a news release announcing the new director of our Wyoming Game and Fish Department."In another instance, Pelczar's article about a liquor store manager who allegedly embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars contained an alleged statement from store owner Brandon McArtor. In Pelczar's reporting, McArtor called the allegations against the manager "incredibly disheartening," even as no other outlet reported a quote from McArtor.McArtor told Baker he never spoke with Pelczar. "Those are words that I very well could have said," McArtor explained, "but they are not what I said.""Journalism needs to be transparent and needs to be accurate."In an interview with the New York Post, Bacon seemingly acknowledged that the AI fabrications in Pelczar's pieces were remarkably sophisticated. "They’re very believable quotes," he said.Enterprise publisher Megan Barton called AI "the new, advanced form of plagiarism.""Plagiarism is something every media outlet has had to correct at some point or another," she continued. "It’s the ugly part of the job. But, a company willing to right (or quite literally write) these wrongs is a reputable one."Pelczar did not respond to message left by the AP, the Post reported.Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

The union is attacking its political opponents with the force of the state.

Following Mostly Peaceful Tenth Anniversary Protests for Michael Brown, Ferguson Cop in a Coma