Wednesday, May 31, 2023

OnPolitics: Alaskan tourists or Chinese spies?

Most incidents to get on base have been chalked up to mistakes by foreign visitors. But some don't appear as innocent.

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On Politics

Wed May 31 2023

 

Hi there, OnPolitics readers.

We're keeping that pin in the debt ceiling news as the House is yet to vote on the deal. Instead, we bring you this scoop about suspected Chinese spies from USA TODAY reporter Tom Vanden Brook.

Chinese citizens posing as tourists but suspected of being spies have made several attempts in recent years to infiltrate Alaskan military bases. Most incidents were chalked up to mistakes by foreign visitors intent on viewing the Northern Lights and other attractions in Alaska.

But some attempts appear to be probes to learn about U.S. military capabilities in Alaska, according to multiple soldiers familiar with the incidents but who were not authorized to speak publicly about them.

Why it matters: Alaska is home to three large military bases – Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, and Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. The state is seen as key to homeland defense because of its location.

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WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 30: U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) walks to the House Chambers at the Capitol on May 30, 2023 in Washington, DC. House Republicans are working on final negotiations for the bill created after the deal reached by the White House and House Republican negotiators to raise the debt ceiling to 2025. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 775984265 ORIG FILE ID: 1494671661

House Republicans wanted to cut spending on food stamps but the debt limit deal House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to could increase costs.

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Does manifestation work?

Good afternoon. Today's newsletter starts with something from Dr. Phil.

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Today's Opinions

Wed May 31 2023

 

Older generations knew it as "the power of positive thinking." Today's youth embrace the concept as "manifestation" − with 36 billion and counting TikTok views to prove it.

Manifestation is the mental process of envisioning and positively affirming a desired outcome − whether that's a new relationship, a promotion, a trimmer waistline or inner peace. The idea is that mental exercise can lead to real-world achievement. And while it's no panacea for mental health and a purpose-driven life, manifestation really can help people formulate and achieve their goals.

- Read the latest column from Dr. Phil and Dr. John Whyte, below

U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps speaks at a news conference at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 14, 2016.

What used to be 'the power of positive thinking' is now embraced as 'manifestation' − with 36 billion and counting TikTok views to prove it.

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