Extra, Extra
Ebola Timing: It’s “a fast-moving epidemic in a conflict-ridden region, involving a strain with no approved vaccine, at a moment when the global health infrastructure built after past Ebola crises has been weakened by funding cuts and political upheaval.” In other words: Not good. Why this Ebola outbreak will be so difficult to contain.
+ The Data Suggests Otherwise: “From mill towns in Maine to farm counties in Indiana to desert plots outside Abilene, Texas, data center developers are telling local governments: Bring us in, give us what we need, add some tax breaks, and the jobs will follow. More than 35 states have responded by offering incentives and more to attract the industry.” But here’s the rub. Data centers don’t really create many jobs, especially considering how much space, water, and energy they consume. The Verge (Gift Article): Data centers are coming for rural America. (Of course, new manufacturing centers, now powered by robots and AI, also don’t create as many jobs as they used to.) AI companies have remarkably deep pockets. They could bring development and jobs and other resources to communities where they want to build data centers. And here’s why it’s in their self interest to do so. The American Rebellion Against AI Is Gaining Steam.
+ Mosque Shooting: “One of the victims, the mosque security guard, played … a ‘pivotal’ role in preventing additional bloodshed. ‘I think it’s fair to say his actions were heroic, and undoubtedly he saved lives today.'” Time: What We Know About the Shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego.
+ Paxt Americana: Yes, incumbent John Cornyn sold his soul by backing Trump in primaries and voting to acquit in his impeachment trials, but Ken “Paxton was impeached on bribery and corruption charges in 2023.” So really, how could Trump resist? Trump endorses Ken Paxton over Sen. John Cornyn ahead of Texas Republican Senate runoff. (Did Trump just hand a general election win to James Talarico?)
+ Cleanup Duty: “NATO is discussing the possibility of helping ships pass through the blocked Strait of Hormuz if the waterway isn’t reopened by early July.” (One way or another, the free world needs the Strait open.)
+ Tired of All the Zyning: “At a lunch this month between President Trump and tobacco executives, the conversation turned to nicotine pouches, one of the hottest products in the market. The president called his health secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and in the course of the conversation asked him what pouches he used. Trump took an interest in the product and told officials he wanted to see more of the pouches authorized.” How Zyn Became All the Rage Inside Trump World—Including With RFK Jr.
+ To Victor Go the Spoils: Nothing ever lives up to the hype. Except game one of the much-anticipated NBA playoff series between the Thunder and the Spurs. The Majestic Arrival of Playoff Wemby.
