
Dipping a toe into the wonders of the ‘parallel economy'
Advertisement
Nothing about taste, mind you, but, sure, I'll have a double shot of xenophobia to go.
Look who has dipped his toe into the fetid waters of the parallel economy — Donald Trump Jr., the butter knife in the family cutlery drawer of dull blades. Earlier this month
1789 is named for the year the Bill of Rights was introduced. That was also the year that French revolutionaries started
Bloomberg says 1789 wants to raise $1 billion by mid-2025 and then $3 billion to $5 billion in 2026. Among the clients it plans to woo: endowments and public pensions in Republican-controlled states.
Advertisement
'We genuinely believe in the parallel economy,' Trump Jr. said.
Of course he does.
1798 has also backed Happy Dad hard seltzer, founded by right-wing YouTubers the Nelk Boys, who are of course
Of course he is. Buying guns online feels like a halfway measure to me. Why not sell them in vending machines at the gas station? In case you have some important scores to settle en route, as it were.
Bloomberg ungraciously points out that the 1789 crowd helped launch the parent company of the 'anti-woke' online marketplace
It's a free country, and if people want to lose money investing alongside Donald Trump Jr., be my guest. I think ideological investing is a stupid idea. Boycott capitalism if you want to, but cherry-picking purportedly 'good' companies is for the birds.
Of course, I am biased. In 1996
I think I was trying to be funny, i.e., 'Price collusion is the rule, not the exception, in the lucrative newsprint business, as hundreds of laid-off newspaper employees can attest,' but perhaps someone took me seriously. In 2002, USA Mutuals launched the
Advertisement
Vice pays pretty well. You would have
Alex Beam's column appears regularly in the Globe. Follow him
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


USA Today
27 minutes ago
- USA Today
Krispy Kreme turns 88, you get a deal on a dozen doughnuts on July 18
For its 88th birthday, Krispy Kreme is giving customers a gift: a deal on a dozen doughnuts. When you order any dozen doughnuts at the regular price on Friday, July 18, you can get a second dozen of Original Glazed doughnuts for 88 cents. When you drive through or buy in-shop, you can double up and get two 88-cent dozens (when you buy two dozen at regular price); online purchasers for pickup or delivery orders are limited to one dozen. The deal is good at participating shops while supplies last. When you order online, use the code "BDAY" to get the offer. Coca-Cola: Trump says coke agrees to use cane sugar in US sodas, like Mexican Coke "Eighty-eight has never felt and tasted so great,' said Alison Holder, Krispy Kreme's chief brand and product officer, in a news release. 'It's a real joy every year celebrating Krispy Kreme's birthday with our fans and treating them to a special deal. We're so grateful for their love and loyalty." Krispy Kreme history: From North Carolina to the world Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Krispy Kreme now has more than 357 shops in the U.S., plus its doughnuts are sold in thousands of supermarkets and convenience stores, can be ordered for delivery by app and online, and the company operates in more than 40 countries. The company was founded in 1937 in Winston-Salem, N.C., by Vernon Rudolph, who bought a secret recipe for yeast-raised doughnuts from a New Orleans French chef, according to the Krispy Kreme website. Rudolph began selling doughnuts to grocery stores, but their aroma began attracting attention. "Romanced by the irresistible scent of doughnut-making drifting into the streets, passersby asked if they could buy hot, fresh doughnuts," the chain said in its 88th birthday news release. "So, Rudolph cut a hole in an outside wall and began selling Original Glazed doughnuts directly to customers on the sidewalk." Newest on Krispy Kreme menu: Superhero doughnuts Timed to the arrival of the new "Superman" movie, the doughnut chain cooked up a "Hungry for Heroes" doughnut collection devoted to DC Comics superheroes: The doughnuts, added to the menu July 8, are available individually and in a custom-designed dozen's box for a limited time at participating U.S. shops (also available for pickup or delivery via Krispy Kreme's app and website). Next week, from July 24-27 (coinciding with the San Diego Comic-Con), you can get a free Hungry for Heroes doughnut if you flash some DC Comics superhero flair, while supplies last. Contributing: Gabe Hauari Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day


Bloomberg
28 minutes ago
- Bloomberg
Australia's Chalmers on Tariffs, Defense Spending, Cooperation
Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers tells Bloomberg TV that Australia will "quite dramatically" boost its defense spending, while working with other Group of 20 nations to improve cooperation to combat volatility. Chalmers also warns that he sees US tariffs levied on countries around the world by President Donald Trump as an act of "economic self-harm." He was speaking on the sidelines of a meeting between many of the world's most powerful finance ministers in South Africa. (Source: Bloomberg)


Time Business News
an hour ago
- Time Business News
Navigating ITAR and RoHS Compliance in PCB Assembly
PCB assemblies are the backbone of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones to satellites. Yet, behind every successful circuit board assembly lies a complex web of regulations that manufacturers must navigate to ensure both legal operation and market access. In the United States, two of the most critical compliance pillars for turnkey PCB assembly are ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances). For PCB assembly providers in the USA, meeting these standards is not just a box-ticking exercise—it is a fundamental requirement for participating in defense, aerospace, and global electronics markets. Compliance impacts every stage of the process, from material sourcing to final shipment. This blog unpacks what ITAR and RoHS mean for circuit board assembly, highlights their key differences, outlines best practices, and addresses common challenges faced by U.S.-based manufacturers. ITAR stands for International Traffic in Arms Regulations, a set of U.S. government rules that control the export and import of defense-related articles and services. The U.S. Department of State, specifically the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), administers ITAR. Its primary goal is to prevent sensitive military technologies from falling into the wrong hands, safeguarding national security. PCB assemblies designed for military, aerospace, and defense applications are often classified as ITAR-controlled. This includes, but is not limited to: Satellite boards Guidance systems RF (radio frequency) modules Any circuit board assembly that is specifically designed for use in defense articles listed on the United States Munitions List (USML) is subject to ITAR. Even technical data, such as fabrication drawings and netlists, can be ITAR-controlled. Registration: Companies must register with the DDTC before engaging in ITAR-related manufacturing or export activities. Companies must register with the DDTC before engaging in ITAR-related manufacturing or export activities. Documentation: Detailed records of all transactions, technical data transfers, and physical movements of ITAR-controlled items must be maintained for audit purposes. Detailed records of all transactions, technical data transfers, and physical movements of ITAR-controlled items must be maintained for audit purposes. Secure Data Handling: Only U.S. persons may access ITAR-controlled data, and secure IT systems are required to prevent unauthorized access. Only U.S. persons may access ITAR-controlled data, and secure IT systems are required to prevent unauthorized access. Export Licensing: Manufacturing or exporting ITAR-controlled PCBs often requires obtaining specific licenses from the U.S. government. Manufacturing or exporting ITAR-controlled PCBs often requires obtaining specific licenses from the U.S. government. Facility and Labor Requirements: Facilities may need export-restricted zones, and all involved personnel must be U.S. persons. This impacts hiring, training, and facility access policies. RoHS stands for Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Originating as an EU directive, RoHS restricts the use of ten hazardous materials—including lead, cadmium, mercury, and certain phthalates—in electrical and electronic equipment. The aim is to reduce environmental impact and health risks associated with electronic waste. Lead-Free Soldering: PCB assembly lines must use lead-free solder alloys, such as tin-silver-copper, and avoid fluxes containing restricted substances. PCB assembly lines must use lead-free solder alloys, such as tin-silver-copper, and avoid fluxes containing restricted substances. Material Selection: All base materials, finishes (e.g., ENIG), and components must be RoHS-compliant. Suppliers must provide documentation confirming this compliance. All base materials, finishes (e.g., ENIG), and components must be RoHS-compliant. Suppliers must provide documentation confirming this compliance. Labelling and Testing: Each shipment of RoHS-compliant circuit boards should include a Certificate of Conformance and clear labelling. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers may be used to verify the absence of restricted substances. Each shipment of RoHS-compliant circuit boards should include a Certificate of Conformance and clear labelling. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyzers may be used to verify the absence of restricted substances. Vendor Compliance: Manufacturers must ensure that all components and materials sourced are RoHS-compliant, often requiring supplier audits and documentation checks. Although RoHS began as an EU regulation, it has been adopted in various forms worldwide. In the U.S., states like California have implemented their own RoHS laws, and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) directive also influences domestic practices. U.S. manufacturers follow RoHS to access international markets and meet global customer expectations. Aspect ITAR RoHS Scope National security, defense, military Environmental health and safety Applicability Military, aerospace, defense sectors Consumer, industrial, all electronics Enforcement U.S. Department of State (DDTC) EU authorities, U.S. state agencies Penalties Severe fines, export bans, prosecution Fines, product recalls, market bans Overlap Possible for military boards exported abroad—may require both ITAR and RoHS compliance (e.g., lead-free military PCB) ITAR: Registration with DDTC, restricted access zones, and secure data systems are mandatory for ITAR-sensitive work. RoHS: Dedicated lead-free manufacturing lines, compliant soldering processes, and regular equipment audits are essential. RoHS: Material declarations, Certificates of Conformance, and batch-level traceability records must be maintained. ITAR: Controlled technical data, access logs, and export documentation are required for every transaction and transfer. ERP/MRP systems help track materials, manage documentation, and ensure traceability for both ITAR and RoHS requirements. Automated reporting aids in conflict mineral tracking and regulatory audits. Always verify a supplier's ITAR registration and RoHS certification. For ITAR-sensitive projects, selecting a U.S.-based turnkey PCB assembly provider is critical to avoid unauthorized foreign access and ensure full regulatory compliance. A U.S. defense contractor requires an RF module for a missile guidance system. Using an offshore supplier could risk unauthorized access to ITAR-controlled designs, resulting in severe penalties. The workflow involves design, secure data transfer, U.S.-person-only assembly, and detailed documentation from design to delivery—all within a registered, secure U.S. facility. A consumer electronics OEM sources components from multiple vendors. To achieve RoHS compliance, the procurement team conducts supplier audits, collects Certificates of Conformance, and ensures lead-free soldering during assembly. Regular testing and documentation are maintained to satisfy EU market requirements. Using Non-Compliant Components: Always verify supplier certifications and test materials if necessary. Always verify supplier certifications and test materials if necessary. Exporting ITAR-Controlled Designs Without Licenses: Never share technical data or products internationally without proper DDTC licensing. Never share technical data or products internationally without proper DDTC licensing. Failing to Document RoHS Conformity: Maintain up-to-date records and Certificates of Conformance for all shipments. Maintain up-to-date records and Certificates of Conformance for all shipments. Relying on Unverified Vendors: Work only with certified, U.S.-based partners for ITAR-sensitive projects and demand RoHS documentation from all suppliers. Integrate Compliance Early: Address ITAR and RoHS requirements during the design phase (DFX approach) to avoid costly redesigns or delays. Address ITAR and RoHS requirements during the design phase (DFX approach) to avoid costly redesigns or delays. Maintain a Vetted Supplier List: Regularly audit and update approved vendors to ensure ongoing compliance. Regularly audit and update approved vendors to ensure ongoing compliance. Train Teams on Regulations: Provide ongoing training for engineering, procurement, and quality teams on evolving ITAR and RoHS rules. Provide ongoing training for engineering, procurement, and quality teams on evolving ITAR and RoHS rules. Monitor Legislative Updates: Stay informed about changes, such as ITAR amendments or RoHS 3 updates, to remain compliant and competitive. Navigating ITAR and RoHS compliance in PCB assembly is not just about avoiding penalties—it is about ensuring access to critical markets, protecting sensitive technologies, and supporting environmental responsibility. For OEMs and manufacturers, working with certified, experienced domestic partners like Star Engineering provides peace of mind and a distinct competitive advantage. Star Engineering offers turnkey PCB assembly solutions that meet the highest standards of ITAR and RoHS compliance. Connect with the Star Engineering team today to ensure every circuit board assembly meets the requirements for quality, security, and global market access. TIME BUSINESS NEWS