Extra, Extra
Thick Around the Middle: “As polar and glacial ice melts because of global warming, water that was once concentrated at the top and the bottom of the globe is getting redistributed toward the equator.” Melting ice is slowing Earth’s spin, shifting its axis and even influencing its inner core. For most people, there’s a more immediate climate crisis. Their vacations are being ruined. ‘Hellishly hot’ southern Europe bakes under temperatures topping 104 F. And yes, unfortunately, there’s an election angle to this, too. The MAGA Plan to End Free Weather Reports.
+ Call For Help: “Two years after the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline launched, the service has answered over 10 million texts, calls and chats, according to new data from the US Department of Health and Human Services.”
+ Bullet Points: “An AR-15 was used in the shooting of Donald Trump. This was the assault weapon that killed so many others, including children. It’s time to outlaw them.” Biden calls for ban on gun used to shoot Trump. We live in weird times, folks.
+ Emmygods: “‘Shogun’ leads the nominations, which were unveiled Wednesday morning. Other top nominees include ‘The Bear,’ ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ ‘True Detective: Night Country’ and ‘The Crown.'” Here are your 2024 Emmy Nominees. (It still strikes me as so off that The Bear is in the comedy category. Consider that Jeremy Allen White is in an acting category with Larry David.) Here are some snubs and surprises.
+ Sticking the Landing and the Branding: “Like all great artists, the 27-year-old has influenced a generation. She’s altered the archetype of an elite gymnast simply by being herself. By giggling at practice. By sharing photos on social media of family vacations and pizza parties. By speaking truth to power. By choosing her well-being over medals. By competing at the highest level into her late 20s. And by showcasing a positive, healthy way to win. Because of her longevity, Biles is also the rare gymnast with eras — and a relationship with fans built over time. Ahead of her third Olympics, we take you on the Eras Tour, Simone’s Version. Are you ready for it?.” (One of Biles’ first revolutionary acts was to insist that gymnasts could enjoy an occasional slice of pizza.)
+ Lobster Roll: “At 104 years old, Virginia Oliver plans to set sail and continue doing the job she’s loved for over 90 years: catching lobsters.” (Inspiring, but still, at 104, I’m switching NextDraft to weekly.)
