Extra, Extra
Breaking Bad: “The speed with which Trump has settled back into easy dominance of his party has been both remarkable and entirely foreseeable—foreseen, in fact, by Trump himself. Because if there’s been one recurring lesson of the Trump-era GOP, it’s this: Never underestimate the durability of a demagogue with a captive base, a desperate will to keep going, and—perhaps most of all—a feeble and terrified opposition of spineless ciphers (‘weak like a baby’)” Mark Leibovich in The Atlantic (Gift Article): Hypocrisy, Spinelessness, and the Triumph of Donald Trump. “He said Republican politicians would be easy to break. He was right.” Sadly, even the ones who don’t break bend a hell of a lot. W won’t endorse either candidate in 2024.
+ Roe Column: It will likely be a big topic in Tuesday’s debate. It may be the decisive topic in November’s election. NYT (Gift Article): Abortion on the Ballot. “The 10 measures that would let voters decide abortion policy in their states.” Meanwhile, Ken Paxton continues to pitch himself as the new showrunner for The Handmaid’s Tale. Texas sues to stop a rule that shields the medical records of women who seek abortions elsewhere.
+ Making a Predator: “The Post’s examination showed how Discord, which is popular with gamers, allowed a child shunned by peers in the real world to easily develop a following online by creating private spaces dedicated to his perverse interests and to attract both victims and like-minded predators from around the globe.” WaPo: On social media, a bullied teen found fame among child predators worldwide.
+ Hill’s Street Blues: “I do want to use this platform to say, ‘What if I wasn’t Tyreek Hill?’ Worst-case scenario, you know?” Tyreek Hill ‘still trying’ to process pregame detainment by police.
+ Royal Pain: “My path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” Kate says she has completed chemotherapy treatment.
+ Country Club: Beyoncé said her country album was “born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed.” The CMAs still didn’t welcome her. Beyoncé shut out of Country Music Award nominations.
+ You Are the Apple of My Ear: Apple shared the latest on its new products including the updated iPhone and Apple Watch. Here’s an overview. Maybe the most interesting update is that AirPods will soon double as hearing aids and can be used for hearing protection as well.
