"The models in late spring were pretty consistent that we were going to have a 'normal' summer." Yes, Delta changed everything. / The Atlantic According to 2020 Census data released yesterday, the number of white people in the US has fallen for the first time since 1790.
The delta variant is one of the most contagious respiratory viruses known. Is it as contagious as chicken pox? Not really. / NPR Parents in Japan are sending bags of rice that weigh the same as their newborn babies to relatives who are unable to visit. / The Guardian California will become
The White House prepares for Kabul to fall to the Taliban much sooner than feared. "They've got to fight for themselves," Biden said. / The Washington Post, BBC News Kathy Hochul will become New York's first female governor, following Andrew Cuomo's resignation for
The US Senate appears to be on track to give final approval to a $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure plan. / The Associated Press The EU mounts one of its largest ever firefighting operations to tackle wildfires in Italy and Greece. / The Guardian Half of all invasive species in the ocean have
The Dixie Fire in Northern California is now estimated to be the second largest wildfire in state history. / NPR A new UN climate report cites recent extreme weather as further evidence of human-induced climate change—though swift action can still reverse some (but not all) effects. / BuzzFeed News See
Scientists are detecting signs that the Gulf Stream may be collapsing. / The Guardian The US has returned to winter levels of daily Covid infections, averaging around 100,000 new cases a day. / Associated Press Related: If last year is any guide, Covid might surge in the fall and winter. Or
Moderna says a booster shot of its vaccine will be necessary to contend with the Delta variant going into winter. / The New York Times Mattel releases a Barbie doll of vaccinologist Sarah Gilbert, the scientist who designed the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. / BBC News An argument for Project Bioshield as the
Mexico is suing American gun manufacturers, accusing them of facilitating a "deadly flood" of military-grade weapons to cartels. / The New York Times A majority of New York State Assembly members say they support impeachment if Cuomo doesn't resign. / Associated Press Niall Reddy: What happened last
Starting in September, New York City will require people to prove they've been vaccinated to eat indoors, visit gyms, or go to theaters. / Vox For the moment, New York Governor Cuomo defies calls, including from President Biden, to resign. / The New York Times The White House issues a
The rate of Covid vaccinations in the United States continues to climb, a positive sign amid rising cases and hospitalizations. / CNN As of last week, nine states have enacted 11 laws with prohibitions on vaccine mandates (two each for Arizona and Arkansas). / NPR A Florida school district drops its mask
