Extra, Extra
Age Old Bond: “Dorot, a nonprofit that has been operating for decades, is being joined by newer organizations with similar missions to pair older people and younger people for the benefit of both. The mission has a new sense of urgency in light of an epidemic of loneliness and isolation that was exacerbated by the pandemic and has serious consequences.” NPR: These matchmakers connect teens and elders. The friendships benefit both sides. Spending time together, being empathetic, and supporting each other is more necessary than ever.
+ Humane Course: “An overwhelming majority of Americans say they’re concerned about the treatment of animals raised for meat, and many believe they can help by simply selecting from one of the many brands that advertise their chicken or pork as ‘humane.’ But such marketing claims have long borne little resemblance to the ugly reality of raising animals for meat.” Most ‘humane’ farms are lying to you.
+ French Connection: “Paris prosecutors on Wednesday requested a 2-year prison sentence for far-right leader Marine Le Pen and an additional 5-year period of ineligibility to run for office, in a trial over the suspected embezzlement of European Parliament funds where her ability to participate in the 2027 presidential race is at stake.” (They’re not going to slow down the prosecution long enough to let her gain office and shut down the investigation?)
+ A Dish Best Served Cold: “The food price inflation that stunned the U.S. — and other parts of the world — in 2021 and 2022 had complicated causes that are difficult to unwind, from the pandemic to the Ukraine war to avian flu. And many economists think Trump’s plans, including putting tariffs on imported foods and deporting undocumented workers, could actually make food prices rise.”
+ Packing Heat: “Unlike the ordinary Americans who joke each election cycle about leaving the country when their preferred candidate loses, this group of anxious retired officers or government officials includes people whom the incoming president and his allies have subjected to withering criticism. Even before the election, some were subpoenaed by Trump-aligned members of Congress. Others were placed on watch lists compiled by pro-Trump activists.” Go bags, passports, foreign assets: Preparing to be a target of Trump’s revenge.
+ Vend Trend: “Recently, an unusual vending machine appeared on the streets of North Adams. It dispenses clean syringes, pipes for smoking crack or methamphetamine, Narcan to reverse opioid overdoses, condoms and more.” Instead of sodas, these vending machines offer needles and Narcan to fight overdoses.
+ Recycled Content: “In an enormous warehouse filled floor to ceiling with plastic, glass and newspapers, Sara Samaniego lip-syncs to a rap song, dressed in her trademark blue jumpsuit and braids. Ms. Samaniego, 32, is filming a video for the hundreds of thousands of followers she has amassed across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube. She has won international awards, collaborated with celebrities and regularly gets stopped on the streets for photographs. The topic that has earned her so much popularity? Recycling.” NYT (Gift Article): How a Colombian Influencer Made Recycling Cool.
