According to the NOAA, there was "no discernible" change in carbon emissions during the pandemic. / USA Today A sinking ship near Sri Lanka carried 78 metric tons of plastic pellets that now pose unimaginable environmental consequences. / NPR The Justice Dept. has recovered $2.3 million of the ransom
Major Indian states that were virus hotpots are easing restrictions as Covid numbers continue to fall. / BBC News A study of federal pandemic aid finds the largest benefits going to the poorest households and those with children. / The New York Times One unexpected upside of the pandemic: The flu virus
As the vaccination rollout continues, many people have embraced group activities, while many others are entering a new phase of anxiety. / The New Yorker Related/unrelated: “‘I took part in the psilocybin trial and it changed my life.” / The Independent The Army Corps of Engineers recommends a 20-foot, six-
The NIH director says states with vaccination rates below 70% are at increased risk for future outbreaks. / CNN See also: Charts and maps show how Covid cases are declining across the US. / BuzzFeed News Say what you will—and many have—about the AstraZeneca vaccine, but it was instrumental in
The president of Tokyo 2020 says the Olympics will go ahead “100 percent,” though perhaps without spectators. / BBC News American and Southwest Airlines won’t resume serving alcohol until passengers stop attacking their flight attendants. / Food & Wine Movie theater chain AMC offers free popcorn to retail investors in response
Innovative shifts in manufacturing processes have resulted in huge profit windfalls—and now, massive supply shortages globally. / The New York Times A recruiter explains why restaurants really can’t find enough staff. “Restaurants are just going to have to pay people more or have better benefits.” / Washingtonian Related: “The Post-
Vietnam says it has detected a highly transmissible new variant of the coronavirus that’s helping fuel a new wave of infections. / The Washington Post As Covid dissipates in the US, cold and flu viruses may return with a vengeance. / STAT Millions of people registered with Dr. B for a
It’s entirely possible that most Covid deaths could occur after there are enough vaccines to protect those most at risk globally. / The New York Times See also: “Coronavirus Variant Excited To Compete With World’s Top Mutations In Tokyo This Summer.” / The Onion “It absolutely has not processed yet.
President Biden tells the US intelligence community to redouble its efforts in investigating the origins of Covid-19 and report back in 90 days. / CNN Daniel Engber: The shift in public thinking about the lab leak theory is "all the more remarkable for its lack of any major associated
The Wuhan "lab leak" theory suddenly goes mainstream, leading to renewed calls for a real investigation. / The Washington Post Jonathan Chait: Notice how the media originally dismissed the theory and smeared its supporters. / New York Magazine Maggie Haberman: The media was responding to Trump making it instantly political.
