CDC prepares for fall tripledemic: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/tripledemic-covid-rsv-flu-winter-cdc-rcna95448 . Again, COVID does not show a seasonal pattern, but it could eventually fall into one. The flu does, and it is sensible to prepare in advance for the problems these 3 respiratory diseases (RSV, COVID, flu) could cause later this year.
Next pandemic from US meat?: https://www.aol.com/next-pandemic-could-spring-us-142505523.html . This article is rather sensationalized and is all over the map in its collection of facts of analysis. Still, there is a real risk here. For example, variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) terrified the world about 25 years ago, its source believed to be infected beef: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Variant_Creutzfeldt%E2%80%93Jakob_disease . We need to upgrade, not reduce, food regulation in this country.
Listeria outbreak in Washington State: https://thehill.com/homenews/4113262-washington-listeria-outbreak-kills-3/ . The outbreak supposedly comes from a common but unknown food source. Given the broad distribution of food in this country, that is not reassuring. In particular, immunocompromised people should for the time being avoid any food product shipped from Washington State – for example, apples and cherries.
Two dead in shooting at Portland hospital: https://abcnews.go.com/US/suspect-large-shooting-hospital-portland-oregon/story?id=101579720 . This hospital is the only one located in downtown Portland.
Colleges fight abortion bans with Plan B vending machines: https://www.aol.com/abortion-bans-grow-colleges-answer-110036002.html . This is an excellent idea for as long as it lasts in each state participating in this culture war.
The slow Ukrainian counteroffensive: https://news.yahoo.com/is-the-ukrainian-counteroffensive-faltering-092519216.html . WSJ: Ukraine destroys Crimea ammo dump: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-strike-on-crimea-prompts-evacuations-as-kyiv-seeks-to-erode-russian-logistics-d20e61db . The Ukrainians appear to have outstanding intelligence on Russia’s deployment of resources.
Putin allies have a rapidly increasing mortality rate: https://knewz.com/2-in-2-days-more-putin-allies-drop-dead-in-latest-in-mounting-list-of-suspicious-mysterious-deaths/ .
Can Ukraine keep shipping grain?: https://apnews.com/article/black-sea-grain-shipments-ukraine-russia-war-3e79b0842ca97c96e73b824d0e621722 . This is a hell of a risk. I suggest the following: Since every ship must pass by Turkey on its way in or out of the Black Sea, Turkey offers to inspect ships bound for either Russia or Ukraine to guarantee no weapons are on board. Ukraine and Russia can have inspectors monitor the Turkish inspections.
WSJ: Chinese consumers remain frugal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinese-consumers-pinch-pennies-on-staples-as-pandemic-habits-linger-89db5b58 . This was entirely foreseeable. I pointed out months ago that Chinese culture would lead consumers to save coming out of the pandemic.
Jen Psaki believes next special counsel indictment will be broader than January 6, going to Orange Julius’ concerted efforts to steal the 2020 election: https://www.msnbc.com/inside-with-jen-psaki/stop-calling-trump-indictment-jan-6-investigation-rcna95623 . She has a very valid point here. A comprehensive indictment ties the fraudulent fundraising to the election lies. WSJ: We don’t think like Jen Psaki: https://www.wsj.com/articles/donald-trump-indicted-election-2020-explained-dbdc4135 . As readers know, I think Jen Psaki is great. The Journal doesn’t make my top 500 favorites.
Texas woman detained in Dubai for “shouting”: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tierra-allen-texas-woman-dubai-arrest-shouting-social-media-sassy-trucker/ . As crazy as this story may seem, it does point out the risks of travel to countries with different cultures. However, in this case, the woman may be a victim of a shakedown previously seen in Dubai.
The heat wave continues and is expanding: https://www.aol.com/us-heat-wave-isnt-going-190258137.html . Phoenix not set another record today, it looks like daytime highs will stay above 110 until at least July 31. So we’ve apparently passed from global warming to globe on fire.
WSJ: US women beat Vietnam 3-0 in World Cup opener: https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/uswnt-vietnam-womens-world-cup-sophia-smith-f054f64d . Next up: Netherlands, Wednesday night on Fox.
WSJ: Lionel Messi kicks winning penalty kick in Miami debut: https://www.wsj.com/sports/soccer/lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-1c7845fd . Messi Mania is in full swing in Miami and beyond.
Lady Gaga: “Tony Bennett saved my life”: https://www.today.com/popculture/music/tony-bennett-lady-gaga-friendship-rcna95534 . By all accounts, Tony Bennett was a great gentleman who loved music and painting. Bennett left a wonderful legacy.