Extra, Extra
Blue By You: With an increasing number of users looking for a Twitter alternative, Bluesky has emerged as a contender (along with the much bigger Threads). Bluesky crosses the 15 million user mark. After years of having my mental health nearly destroyed by social media platforms, one after another, I’ve decided to post on two at once in the hopes that together, they can finally finish the job. Here I am on BlueSky. Here I am on Threads.
+ Small Dose of Good News: “There were about 97,000 overdose deaths in the 12-month period that ended June 30, according to provisional Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Wednesday.” It tells you something about the scope of the problem that this number is considered pretty good news. US overdose deaths are down, giving experts hope for an enduring decline.
+ Taking the Smith: “The looming question in the weeks ahead is whether Smith’s final report, detailing his charging decisions, will be made public before Inauguration Day. The special counsel’s office is required under Justice Department regulations to provide a confidential report to Attorney General Merrick Garland, who can choose to make it public.” Special counsel Jack Smith and his team to resign before Trump takes office.
+ Bit Part: The market has been soaring, crypto in particular. Bitcoin surges past $90K mark for first time.
+ Time to Flip Out: There’s something new to be worried about in your kitchen. Why you should get rid of your black plastic spatula immediately.
+ Skipping All the Way to the Bank: “Some travelers will go further by booking connections and sometimes even purposely skipping them. This workaround, called skiplagging or hidden-city flying, means purchasing an itinerary with a layover that is the intended destination and skipping the last leg of a flight. Some travelers will employ this tactic when it’s cheaper than buying a direct flight.” The airlines really, really don’t like it. But a site focused on using this fare beating strategy is really, really popular. NYT: Airlines Hate ‘Skiplagging.’ Meet the Man Who Helps Travelers Pull It Off.
