San Francisco is considering murder charges for drug dealers in response to the opioid crisis, marking a significant shift from its traditionally liberal stance on drug crimes. This move is driven by the reality of increasing deaths and public disorder, challenging progressive prosecutors who have been reluctant to pursue such charges. Similarly, Oregon is reevaluating its liberal drug decriminalization laws as overdose deaths soar. The article also discusses the loneliness epidemic, highlighting a new app designed to help people in metropolitan areas connect and combat loneliness. The breakdown of family structures is identified as a major contributor to this issue.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are facing a reassessment due to political backlash and corporate cost-cutting, particularly in the US. UK consultants report a shift in demand towards more integrated and sophisticated DEI strategies rather than standalone departments or budgets. DDI's survey indicates a potential backslide in DEI progress, with a decrease in companies with diversity programs and leaders endorsing DEI efforts. Mercer's talent survey, however, ranks DEI high among global organizational priorities. The US sees some organizations cutting DEI investments, leading to a reduction in quick-fix attempts like unconscious bias training. Independent consultants like Lily Zheng, who view DEI as a long-term investment, have not seen a decrease in demand. EY's global head of DEI, Karyn Twaronite, emphasizes the importance of treating DEI as a multiyear business strategy and notes that many employers are expanding their initiatives. The article suggests that despite some companies downsizing their DEI efforts, there is a continued need for DEI consulting and a belief in the resilience of the industry.

Employers are increasingly focusing on retraining their existing workforce to fill skills gaps rather than hiring externally, a trend known as 'quiet hiring.' London Business School's Lynda Gratton notes a shift from specific job roles to desired skills and traits. McKinsey & Co. predicts a significant occupational shift by 2030, with many roles becoming obsolete. Companies like Gartner Inc., Randstad NV, and Ogilvy UK are implementing strategies to develop internal talent. Accenture PLC and JLL have undertaken large-scale training initiatives, while others lag behind. The World Economic Forum emphasizes the importance of human traits and tech skills for future jobs. The article suggests that the ability to adapt and retrain quickly may become the most valuable skill in the evolving job market.

Employers are increasingly focusing on retraining their own workers to fill skills gaps rather than recruiting externally, a trend known as 'quiet hiring.' London Business School's Lynda Gratton observes a shift from specific job roles to desired skills and character traits. McKinsey & Co. predicts a significant occupational shift by 2030, with many executives acknowledging imminent skills shortages. Companies like Ogilvy UK, Accenture, and JLL are investing in employee training to adapt to new demands, particularly in areas like AI and sustainable practices. However, some firms lack a strategic approach to skills development, and overall investment in skills has declined. The World Economic Forum emphasizes the importance of human traits and tech abilities for future jobs, while experts recommend regular workforce planning exercises to prepare for changing labor market needs.

The Working It podcast episode from the Financial Times, hosted by Isabel Berwick, discusses the benefits of internal hiring over external recruitment. Josh Bersin, an HR expert, argues that developing internal talent is crucial for a company's success and growth strategy. Bethan Staton, the FT’s deputy work and careers editor, adds that internal recruitment requires creative thinking and a better understanding of existing employees' skills. The episode highlights that while internal hiring can save money and improve employee engagement, it also has challenges such as potentially leaving another vacancy and missing out on new skills external hires might bring.

Workers are increasingly using email scheduling to manage their work hours flexibly, while maintaining the appearance of working during standard business hours. This trend, which has grown since the COVID-19 pandemic, allows individuals to work at unconventional times without imposing on others' free time. Experts like London Business School's Dan Cable note a shift from using scheduling to simulate longer hours to now respecting established work hours. Despite the benefits, some, like Bonnie Dilber from Zapier Inc., argue for normalizing flexible work hours without the need for disguising them. The Trades Union Congress suggests that employers should address workload issues and set reasonable expectations for after-hours communication.

The US faces a potential economic disaster if Congress does not agree to raise the debt ceiling by June 1st, with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warning of financial chaos. President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy are set to negotiate, but deep partisan divides persist, with Republicans demanding spending cuts. Meanwhile, Russian oil and gas tax revenue has dropped significantly, and education companies like Chegg are struggling due to AI technologies like ChatGPT, which are changing the landscape of educational support and raising concerns about increased costs for students.

Shares in the education sector, including Chegg, Pearson, Duolingo, and Udemy, fell sharply following Chegg's admission that AI chatbot ChatGPT was impacting its sales. Chegg's CEO Dan Rosensweig reported a significant spike in student interest in ChatGPT, leading to a 7% annual fall in revenue and a 5% drop in subscriber numbers. Pearson's CEO Andy Bird views AI as an opportunity, not a threat. Chegg has launched CheggMate, a service built with ChatGPT-4, despite criticism that it enables cheating. Analyst Tom Singlehurst suggests that ChatGPT could replicate Chegg's study guide service but poses a more indirect threat to Pearson.

The article discusses the assassination of Jordanian journalist Nahed Hattar, who was shot dead on his way to trial for sharing a controversial cartoon on Facebook. The cartoon depicted a Jihadi in heaven, which led to Hattar's arrest for insulting the faith and inciting sectarian strife. The incident has highlighted the underlying extremism in Jordan and the government's struggle to maintain control. The government's response, including a gag order and arrests for hate speech, raises concerns about the freedom of expression. The article also touches on the broader issue of extremism in the region, noting the number of Jordanians fighting for Jihadist groups and the public's reaction to the textbook changes that reduced religious references. The assassination is seen as a warning of the growing extremism within a kingdom that has been relatively stable amidst regional turmoil.

The article discusses the decline of Egypt's tourism industry, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, following the 2011 revolution and subsequent political instability and terrorist attacks. It focuses on the Seashell resort, a halted construction project emblematic of the region's many 'ghost hotels.' The author highlights the local Bedouin community's struggles, as their land claims and desires for ecotourism development were overlooked in favor of large-scale hotel investments. The Bedouins were marginalized and their businesses, such as Msallam Faraj's 'Bedouin Dream,' were destroyed or overshadowed by these developments. The article also touches on the broader economic losses Egypt faces due to the tourism downturn and the hope of some locals, like Faraj and a guesthouse manager named Tito, for a revival of tourism that respects the natural beauty and culture of Sinai.

The article discusses the urban planning issues in Amman, Jordan, focusing on the lack of public spaces and the problems posed by the Jordan Gate Project's unfinished skyscrapers. Architect Hanna Salameh has proposed a plan to revamp the towers with sustainable features, which has garnered significant public interest and support. Despite the enthusiasm, there is skepticism about the feasibility of such a project due to potential corruption and the centralized decision-making process in the city. The article also touches on the public's desire for more involvement in urban planning and the government's efforts to address these concerns through a developing master plan. The response to Salameh's proposal highlights a desire for change and improvement in the city's public spaces.