PR in the Philippines

On Wednesday, severe thunderstorms threatened the Midwest and South, prompting forecasters to issue warnings about potentially fatal flash floods, powerful tornadoes, and large hail. The National Weather Service reported at least one tornado sighting near Salina, Kansas, approximately 90 miles north of Wichita, on Tuesday night. The Weather Prediction Center, a division of the National Weather Service, warned that the strong storm system was expected to bring the risk of "significant, life-threatening flash flooding" starting Wednesday. The new flood threat emerged as communities in parts of Michigan were still recovering from a recent ice storm. Floods could inundate towns, sweep cars away Forecasts predicted multiple rounds of heavy rain and thunderstorms in parts of Texas, the lower Mississippi Valley, and the Ohio Valley from midweek through Saturday. Forecasters cautioned that these storms could repeatedly impact the same areas, leading to heavy rainfall and dangerous flash floods capable of carrying away vehicles. The weather service identified parts of Arkansas, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Indiana as being at particularly high risk for flooding. The weather service also warned of potential rainfall totals of up to 15 inches (38 centimeters) over the next week in northeastern Arkansas, the southeastern corner of Missouri, western Kentucky, and southern areas of Illinois and Indiana. Tornadoes observed and more could be coming The weather service confirmed at least one tornado observation in Kansas on Tuesday night. The National Weather Service office in Wichita urged residents to "Take cover now!" via social media platform X. Forecasters indicated that overnight storms could generate tornadoes in Oklahoma and additional tornadoes in Kansas. The potential for very large hail and severe wind gusts also exists. The area facing the greatest risk of a strong tornado includes Oklahoma City; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Wichita, Kansas. The risk of large hail extends from Fort Worth, Texas, to Kansas City. 43 million people at risk for severe weather A large area spanning from northeast Texas to Michigan is predicted to experience the possibility of high winds and tornadoes on Wednesday. This high-risk zone includes 43 million people and numerous major cities, such as Chicago, Indianapolis, St. Louis, and Memphis, Tennessee. Dallas, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Nashville, Tennessee, are also susceptible to severe storms on Wednesday. Rainfall could be a once-in-a-quarter-century event Thomas Jones, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Little Rock, Arkansas, stated on Monday, "We're potentially looking at about two months of rain in just a handful of days." Eastern and northeastern Arkansas could experience rainfall levels only expected once every 25 to 50 years. Jones described the predicted heavy rainfall as rare, explaining that moisture from the Gulf was increasing the amount of precipitation the thunderstorms could produce. Wintry mix blasts Upper Midwest In Michigan, crews worked to restore power on Tuesday following a weekend ice storm that brought down trees and power poles. According to PowerOutage.us, which monitors outages nationwide, over 144,000 customers in Michigan and nearly 15,000 in Wisconsin were without power on Tuesday night. In Michigan's Lower Peninsula, schools in several counties were closed for a second consecutive day on Tuesday. Sheriff's deputies used chainsaws to clear roadways, and drivers waited in long lines at gas stations. More wintry weather is expected: the weather service predicted that a mix of sleet and freezing rain could make roads dangerous into Wednesday across parts of Michigan and Wisconsin. Heavy, wet snow was forecast into Wednesday across the eastern Dakotas and parts of Minnesota. —Associated Press Writers Isabella O’Malley in Philadelphia; Ed White in Detroit; Steve Karnowski in Minneapolis; and Hallie Golden in Seattle contributed. ```

` tags. ```xml Many assume that natural ingredients are always the best choice for beauty products. Is "natural" automatically superior? But that might not always be the case. Consider those natural essential oils; the extraction process typically discards over of the plant, which then decomposes in landfills, releasing carbon dioxide and methane. And that rose-scented perfume? It requires to produce just five milliliters of rose oil. What about the striking red lipstick? Producing one pound of the red pigment, carmine, requires harvesting and crushing over . Unfortunately, animal-derived ingredients are still present in cosmetics. The idea that "natural is better" overlooks the significant impact of global ingredient harvesting, especially given the increasing concerns about climate change, biodiversity loss, plant extinction, and harm to local communities. For example, the harvesting of palm oil, used in various beauty and skincare products like soap, shampoo, makeup, and hair care, leads to significant deforestation and environmental damage. The World Wildlife Fund estimates that forests the size of are cleared every hour for palm plantations, destroying the habitats of endangered species like orangutans, rhinos, and tigers. The Earth cannot sustain the consumer demand for natural beauty ingredients. Cultivation requires vast land, is highly water and energy-intensive, and necessitates pesticides and other agrochemicals. Plus, there are substantial associated with transporting ingredients from around the globe. Furthermore, the growing global population increases the need to conserve land and natural resources for agriculture. We need an alternative, and biotechnology offers a potential solution by reducing our reliance on unsustainable ingredient extraction while catering to our love for natural products. Biotechnology generates significantly less waste in a bioreactor compared to ingredient cultivation and harvesting. Studies suggest that biotechnology can create ingredients of or more, exceeding the standards of organically-based beauty products. It eliminates the need for pesticides, significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions, and dramatically lowers land and water usage. Additionally, it ensures consistent ingredient quality by removing batch or seasonal variability found in crop-grown ingredients. Biotechnology also minimizes the need to air-freight ingredients from different parts of the world, significantly reducing carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, without biotechnology, beauty companies such as L’Oréal would not be able to of achieving 95% bio-based ingredients by 2030. Biotechnology also eliminates the dependence on unsustainable, petrochemical-based ingredients derived from fossil fuels such as oil and gas. In essence, biotechnology imitates nature on an industrial scale, delivering the benefits of nature—and a potentially endless supply of ingredients—while preserving global biodiversity. You might wonder, "How does this work in practice?" The biomanufacturing process resembles beer brewing, but instead of beer, enzymes and microbes are taught or "recoded" to create ingredients from sugar and other renewable sources. Biotech ingredients are nature-identical, genetic duplicates of the real thing. Consider Naringenin, a skincare ingredient from grapefruit known for reducing chronic low-level inflammation. Producing 1 kilogram of Naringenin requires 3,356 grapefruits, 0.37 acres of land, and 38,575 liters of water. Biotechnology provides the potency of this ingredient without land or water waste, preserving natural resources for sustainable food production. Biotechnology is also changing the "more is better" approach to cosmetic active ingredient concentrations. New biotech molecules are so potent that they can be used in very low concentrations, typically less than 0.5%, compared to the 15 or 20% for natural ingredients like vitamin C. Biotech beauty dosages are similar to pharmaceuticals. Too much ibuprofen is harmful, but a targeted, defined, and scientifically-proven amount can be helpful. The same applies to cosmetic active ingredients. Biotechnology allows for high potency with minimal exposure to harsh active ingredients, resulting in fewer side effects and reduced skin sensitization. Of course, there are challenges. Biotech is expensive in research, development, and manufacturing. Bio-active ingredients, which directly affect the body, will succeed first because they improve product efficacy and give brands a competitive edge. Non-active ingredients, lacking a therapeutic effect (like emollients, surfactants, and emulsifiers), aren't currently competitive because they don't target specific skin conditions; they mainly deliver active ingredients. Petroleum-based ingredients and products are also very cheap to make, and bio-based alternatives to palm oil will take years to compete with the low cost of palm oil production in the chemical industry. But change is coming. Little has changed in beauty over the past 30 years, with ingredients like cortisone, salicylic acid, and coal tar still used for conditions like eczema, acne, and dandruff. Biotechnology promises to change this, first in topical beauty, then in nutrition and over-the-counter products, using personalized ingredients that work with or even alter our biology. There is much to anticipate. ```

` tags. Val Kilmer's passing is being mourned by fellow performers, industry professionals, fans, and his family. According to his daughter Mercedes, Kilmer passed away on April 1 at the age of 65 due to pneumonia. The acclaimed actor, famous for his roles in Top Gun and Batman Forever, as well as his portrayal of Jim Morrison in Oliver Stone's The Doors, was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2014. Although he recovered after two tracheotomies, his vocal cords were severely damaged. *Val*, a 2021 documentary that received critical acclaim, chronicled his career and health struggles through a vast collection of footage, narrated by his son, Jack. TIME film critic Stephanie Zacharek noted in a that the documentary "draws us deep into the life and career of a bold and sometimes headstrong performer" and presents "a portrait of an actor who poured his all into his work." Kilmer was once considered difficult to collaborate with. However, some argued that he was simply dedicated to his craft, which included television, theater, poetry, and memoir. Film critic Roger Ebert said of Kilmer in 1992, "if there is an award for the most unsung leading man of his generation, Kilmer should get it." Since the announcement of Kilmer's death, tributes have been flooding in from Hollywood friends, coworkers, and admirers. Actor Josh Brolin on Instagram, "Goodbye, friend. I will miss you. You were an intelligent, challenging, brave, and extremely creative person. There aren't many like you left. I hope to see you in heaven someday. Until then, wonderful memories and pleasant thoughts." Filmmaker Michael Mann, who directed Kilmer in the 1995 film Heat, told the Hollywood Reporter, "After so many years of Val fighting illness and keeping his spirits up, this is extremely sad news." He added that he was "always amazed by Val's range, the brilliant variety within the powerful current of his possessing and expressing character." The official Top Gun movie account on X posted, "Remembering Val Kilmer, who left an unforgettable cinematic legacy spanning genres and generations. RIP Iceman," referencing Kilmer's popular character from the film series. Visual effects studio Industrial Light & Magic, which contributed to the 1988 film Willow, shared a picture of Kilmer in his role as Madmartigan. The studio posted on Threads, "We are very saddened to hear about the death of our friend and colleague, Val Kilmer. Val established himself as one of the best through his memorable performances as Madmartigan, Iceman, Doc Holliday, and Jim Morrison. He will be sorely missed, and our thoughts are with his family at this time." Lucasfilm executive Pablo Hidalgo on BlueSky, “Oh man, not Val Kilmer. His comedic chops were top notch but he had a fascinating storm roiling beneath the surface.” Author Don Winslow called Kilmer a "brilliant actor and a good man" in a tribute on X. Richard Roeper, a film critic, stated that Kilmer deserved nominations for his performances in Heat and the 1993 western Tombstone. "He was a remarkable presence in some of his generation's most iconic films. Rest in peace. Thank you for the incredible work," Roeper posted on X. Bill Simmons, the founder of The Ringer, a sports and pop culture website, posted on X: "There wasn't anyone quite like Val Kilmer. I really enjoyed his work. RIP." Actor Josh Gad shared an Instagram post saying, "Thank you for defining so many of the movies of my childhood. You truly were an icon.”

WASHINGTON — According to U.S. officials on Tuesday, the U.S. Naval Academy has taken down almost 400 books from its library after receiving instructions from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s office to examine and eliminate those that promote DEI. Academy officials were instructed to review the library late last week, and an initial search identified approximately 900 books for further examination. Nearly 400 were chosen for removal, and the process began on Monday, concluding before Hegseth's pre-planned visit on Tuesday, which officials stated was unrelated to the library purge. A list of the removed books is not yet available. Removing the books is another action in the Trump Administration's extensive initiative to remove DEI content from federal agencies, including policies, programs, online and social media posts, and school curricula. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated late Tuesday, "All service academies are fully committed to executing and implementing President Trump’s Executive Orders.” The Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York, were not included in President Donald Trump’s January executive order that prohibited DEI instruction, programs, or curricula in kindergarten through 12th grade schools receiving federal funding, as the academies are colleges. However, Pentagon leaders suddenly focused on the Naval Academy last week following a media report that the school had not removed books promoting DEI. A U.S. official indicated that the academy was instructed late last week to conduct the review and removal. It remains uncertain whether Hegseth or another member of his staff issued the order. A West Point official verified that the school had finished reviewing its curriculum and was ready to examine library content if instructed by the Army. The Air Force and Naval academies had also conducted curriculum reviews as required. An Air Force Academy official stated that the school regularly reviews its curriculum, coursework, and other materials to ensure compliance with executive orders and Defense Department policies. Last week, Lt. Gen. Tony Bauernfeind, the Air Force Academy superintendent, informed Congress that the school was in the midst of its course review, but books were not mentioned. The officials requested anonymity in order to discuss academy policies. Hegseth has aggressively advocated for the department to eliminate DEI programs and online content, but this campaign has faced criticism from lawmakers, local leaders, and citizens who are concerned about the removal of military heroes and historical references from Defense Department websites and social media pages. In response, the department has been working to restore some of these posts as their removals have been revealed. The confusion surrounding the interpretation of the DEI policy was highlighted on Monday when Naval Academy personnel mistakenly removed some photos of prominent female Jewish graduates from a display case while preparing for Hegseth’s visit. The photos were subsequently returned. In a statement, the Navy acknowledged the mistaken removal of photos from the Naval Academy Jewish Center and stated that U.S. Naval Academy leadership was immediately taking steps to review and rectify the unauthorized removal. Hegseth interacted with students and had lunch at the academy on Tuesday, but the media was not invited or permitted to cover the visit.

ORMOND BEACH, Fla. — Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine, both Republicans, secured victories in Florida's special congressional elections on Tuesday. Their campaigns were boosted by endorsements from President Donald Trump, allowing them to maintain Republican control in these reliably conservative districts. Patronis, currently the state's chief financial officer, successfully defended his position against Democrat Gay Valimont, despite Valimont's significant financial advantage in fundraising and spending. He will now represent the 1st District in northwest Florida, filling the vacancy left by former Rep. Matt Gaetz, who had been nominated as Trump's attorney general but withdrew amidst allegations of sexual misconduct, which he denies. In the 6th District of northern Florida, Fine defeated Democratic challenger Josh Weil for the seat previously held by Mike Waltz, who became Trump's national security advisor. These wins increase the Republican advantage in the House of Representatives to 220-213. Special elections often have low voter turnout, which can lead to unexpected outcomes. Although Republican wins were anticipated in both districts, known for their strong Republican lean, the Democratic candidates managed to significantly narrow the margins compared to the November elections. These races served as an early indication of the political climate under Trump's new administration. The reduced winning margins for Republicans could suggest a shift in public opinion, potentially fueled by heightened enthusiasm among Democrats nationwide, who invested millions in these races. The Democratic party aimed to capitalize on potential opposition to the President's changes to federal agencies and the dismissal of federal employees, hoping to weaken Republican dominance at the polls. Trump takes credit for the wins President Trump celebrated the victories of both candidates on Tuesday night, attributing their success to his endorsement. "THE TRUMP ENDORSEMENT, AS ALWAYS, PROVED FAR GREATER THAN THE DEMOCRATS FORCES OF EVIL. CONGRATULATIONS TO AMERICA!" he posted on his Truth Social account. At a restaurant along the waterfront in Pensacola, Patronis received a flood of congratulatory messages as the initial results came in Tuesday night. Accompanied by his wife Katie and their two sons, Patronis greeted and shook hands with the crowd of approximately 100 supporters. "This election serves as a reminder that the Florida Panhandle will always be a Republican stronghold and Trump country," Patronis told his supporters. "Even their $6 million couldn't overcome a single social media post from Donald Trump." Fine addressed around 100 supporters at the 2A Ranch Saloon in Ormond Beach, a building decorated with Trump memorabilia, including cardboard cutouts and a signed photograph of Melania Trump. A sign reading "Trump is still my president" was displayed above Fine from the balcony. Following his speech, Fine minimized the significance of the reduced margin of victory, pointing out that it was still in the double digits and in a special election. "I don't think you can call that an underperformance," Fine stated. Weil acknowledged in a statement that the "race was closer than anyone ever imagined." "This result is also a warning sign to Donald Trump, Randy Fine, and the unelected oligarchs taking apart the government," Weil added. What do the results show? Republicans in both districts are projected to win by smaller margins than their predecessors in every county. They are also expected to receive a smaller percentage of the vote than Trump did in the 2024 election in these congressional districts. In the 6th Congressional District, Trump received about 65% of the vote in 2024, slightly less than the 67% that Waltz received in his last House reelection campaign. In Tuesday's special election, Fine's performance was roughly 10 percentage points lower than Waltz's. In Volusia County, Trump garnered 58% of the vote and Waltz secured approximately 60% in 2024, while Fine's vote share was around 50% with almost all votes counted. Fine, who describes himself as a "conservative firebrand," faced increased pressure in the final days of the campaign as some Republicans publicly criticized his campaign and fundraising efforts, questioning whether the race's outcome would embarrass Republicans so early in Trump's administration. Weil's campaign raised an impressive $9 million, significantly more than Fine's $1 million. National Democratic leaders attributed Weil's fundraising success to widespread disapproval of Trump. However, this disapproval did not translate into enough votes to change the outcome, frustrating the Democratic Party's hopes for a significant upset. Ken Martin, the chair of the Democratic National Committee, stated that the results indicated "Democrats overperformed." Mike Marinella, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said the victories demonstrated that "Americans are fired up to elect leaders who will fight for President Trump's agenda and reject the Democrats' failed policies." What did voters say? Carol Vyhonsky, who traveled from her home in Brevard County with friends to attend Fine's election party, expressed no concerns about Fine's victory not being as strong as his predecessor's last year. "The polling looked a little iffy for a while, but he pulled through," Vyhonsky said. "The important thing is that he won." Retired nurse Brenda Ray and her husband, Vietnam War veteran Mike Ray, voted for Patronis earlier in the day. Brenda Ray stated that while she didn't know much about him, she supported him because she believed he would "vote with our president." "That's all we're looking for," she said. Who are Fine and Patronis? Fine was first elected to the Florida House in 2016 and served as a representative until 2024, when he successfully won his election to the Florida Senate. He is known for his strong support of Israel and his efforts to restrict LGBTQ+ rights. Patronis's family founded the well-known Panama City restaurant Capt. Anderson's, located on the Gulf of Mexico. He has been involved in Florida politics since his college days, interning in the Florida Senate before being elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2006. He was appointed by then-Gov. Rick Scott as the state's CFO in 2017 and subsequently won elections to retain the Cabinet-level position in 2018 and 2022. —Payne reported from Pensacola. Gomez Licon reported from Fort Lauderdale.

` tags. `` A prominent travel forecasting firm announced Tuesday that international tourism to the United States is projected to decline more sharply than previously anticipated due to disapproval of the Trump Administration's tariffs and statements. Tourism Economics now projects a 9.4% decrease in international arrivals to the U.S. This is nearly double their prior estimate of a 5% decrease issued at the close of February. Earlier in the year, Tourism Economics had anticipated a strong year for international travel to the U.S., forecasting a 9% increase in visits compared to 2024. However, Tourism Economics President Adam Sacks stated that recent events at the U.S. border have discouraged international travelers. Potential visitors are also reportedly displeased with Trump's position on various matters. "With each policy development, each rhetorical missive, we're just seeing unforced error after unforced error in the administration," Sacks commented. "It has a direct impact on international travel to the U.S." The anticipated decline is expected to negatively affect airlines, hotels, national parks, and other tourist destinations. Tourism Economics predicts a 20% decrease in travel from Canada this year, which will significantly impact border states like New York and Michigan, as well as popular tourist destinations like California, Nevada, and Florida. The U.S. Travel Association, a trade organization, has also expressed concerns about decreased travel from Canada. They noted in February that even a 10% reduction could result in 2.0 million fewer visits, $2.1 billion in lost spending, and 14,000 job losses. Other travel-related businesses have observed concerning trends. Air Canada reported at its annual shareholder meeting on Monday that bookings to the U.S. for the April-September period were down 10% compared to the same period last year. Sacks now anticipates that foreign visitors will spend $9 billion less in the U.S. compared to 2024, a year in which international tourism to the country increased by 9.1%. "The irony is that the tariffs are being put in place to help right the trade deficit, but they're harming the trade balance by causing fewer international travelers to come and spend money here," Sacks explained. Sacks mentioned that international arrivals were approaching a return to pre-pandemic (2019) levels. He now believes that this recovery will not occur until 2029.

This article is part of The D.C. Brief, TIME’s politics newsletter. Sign up to get stories like this sent to your inbox. That's how it's done. Senator Cory Booker, a New Jersey Democrat who has long advocated for his party to stand and fight, delivered a historic speech on the Senate floor, speaking for over 25 hours to protest President Donald Trump's agenda. Booker began his marathon speech Monday evening, holding the floor in a display that drew admiration from fellow Democrats. His colleagues would do well to take note of how the party can still inspire voters, even in the minority, in the face of Trumpism. “I rise tonight because I believe, sincerely, that our country is in crisis,” Booker stated at the beginning of his speech at 6:59 p.m. on Monday. He concluded at 8:05 p.m. on Tuesday, visibly exhausted, while echoing the words of civil rights icon John Lewis: “This is a moral moment. It’s not left or right. It’s right or wrong. Let’s get in good trouble. My friend, Madam President, I yield the floor,” which drew applause from fellow Democrats. As the Democratic Party struggles to find its way during Trump's second term, Booker demonstrated the power of protest. His performance concluded as Democrats were losing two special House elections in heavily Republican districts in Florida. Booker’s message for Democrats seemed to be to actively use their existing powers instead of pursuing unlikely causes or hoping Republicans will yield to pressure from anyone other than Trump. “I confess that I have been imperfect. I confess that I’ve been inadequate to the moment,” Booker said shortly before noon on Tuesday. “I confess that the Democratic Party has made terrible mistakes that gave a lane to this demagogue. I confess we all must look in the mirror and say ‘we will do better.’” Booker, who has served in the Senate since 2013 and ran for president in 2020, broke the modern-era record for the longest speech, previously held by segregationist Strom Thurman in 1957, who used it to block civil rights legislation. The irony of Booker, a Black man whose very right to serve in the Senate contradicts the ideals that made Thurman a hero to the segregationist South, was not lost on anyone. Since Trump's re-election in November, Democrats' anger has lacked direction and strategy. Earlier in the year, some party members considered cooperation on areas of potential agreement, such as infrastructure spending and trade deals. However, that optimism has largely disappeared, and little has emerged in Washington beyond the hope that state attorneys general and legislatures can fill the void. Booker appeared to recognize this void and stepped forward to fill it. “Twelve hours now I’m standing, and I’m still going strong because this President is wrong, and he’s violating principles that we hold dear and principles in this document that are so clear and plain,” Booker stated, holding up a copy of the Constitution roughly halfway through his speech. Booker, a skilled orator and effective legislator, has often risen to the occasion. During his 2020 presidential campaign—which before Iowa even caucused—he found ways to push his party to reckon with tough realities. His for a monument to Black Wall Street, where a race riot a prosperous neighborhood in Tulsa, recentered a big part of the conversation about identity in the United States. Similarly, his about gun violence and racial equity at Charleston, S.C.,’s Mother Emanuel Church laid down the 2020 campaign’s high-water mark for civil rights discourse. This week, his speech provided a similar sense of clarity, even when he was speaking to an empty chamber. Booker clearly didn't mind, believing he was on the right path. To be clear, a single speech, even one demonstrating endurance and commitment, won't completely derail Trump's agenda. Just as Booker held the Senate floor, Trump controls the Senate majority. If Trump and Senate Majority Leader John Thune strategize effectively, they can pass much of their agenda with a narrow majority, avoiding the need for Democratic support. The situation is more complex in the House, but Trump has yet to lose a significant vote under Speaker Mike Johnson, leaving Democrats feeling irrelevant and disheartened. Booker's demonstration gave those discouraged Democrats a reason to believe they can still mount a meaningful and dynamic opposition. The emotional impact of his protest performance on his party cannot be overstated. “More Americans need to stand up and say enough is enough,” he urged. The message seemed to resonate. On TikTok, Booker’s live stream received over 200 million likes. Even some Republican lawmakers expressed admiration, including Senator Ted Cruz, who famously filibustered for 21 hours in 2013 over Obamacare. “As ⁦@CoryBooker⁩ approaches my 21-hour filibuster record, I’m contemplating pulling the fire alarm….” Cruz . However, Republicans also understood that Booker's speech wouldn't derail their plans for a spending plan to reach the October 1 start of the federal fiscal year. Both chambers are on track to pass differing spending , both containing spending cuts, and reconcile their differences later. This is likely to complicate matters for Republicans, but they have shown flexibility when the White House, specifically Trump, exerts pressure on lawmakers who might hesitate at this novel approach. For his part, Booker offered only to stand and speak. “My voice is inadequate,” Booker admitted. “My efforts today are inadequate to stop what they’re trying to do. But we the people are powerful.” Perhaps that power will meet its limits against Trumpism, but at least someone within the Democratic Party is beginning to test it. Make sense of what matters in Washington. .