Here’s what you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
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1. Condo collapse
2. Coronavirus
The threat of the Delta variant has some health officials rethinking Covid-19 measures, even among vaccinated people. Experts have said vaccines like those from Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech provide high amounts of protection against the variant, but some warn breakthroughs could become more likely if the virus becomes more prevalent. Already in Los Angeles County, officials have reinstated mask guidance for public indoor spaces, regardless of vaccination status. Other parts of the world are getting even stricter. South Africa has entered at least two weeks of lockdown to combat a third wave of Covid-19 linked to the Delta variant. About 10 million Australians, including residents in four of the country’s eight capital cities, are also under lockdown.
3. LGBTQ rights
The Supreme Court left in place a decision that allowed a transgender student to use the bathroom that corresponded to his gender identity. It is a victory for the LGBTQ community, which worried the conservative-leaning high court would reverse the lower court’s decision. The case originated in Virginia, and the ruling covers several states, which means students in those areas can use the bathroom that corresponds to their gender identity. The issue is unsettled in other states, and another appeal could conceivably make its way back to the Supreme Court. In related news, California announced it will ban state-funded travel to Arkansas, Florida, Montana, North Dakota and West Virginia over what it deems anti-LGBTQ laws recently enacted there.
4. Myanmar
The Myanmar military’s vise-like grip on power is creating difficult and unexpected conundrums. Staffers at Myanmar’s dozens of diplomatic posts around the world are faced with the choice of staying in their roles and being forced to represent the junta that has killed hundreds of pro-democracy protesters and locked up democratically elected leaders, or leave and risk placing themselves and their families in danger. A new report reveals the junta has such strong control over the country’s jade trade that it would be “nearly impossible” to buy the gemstone without enriching the generals and their allies. Myanmar produces about 70% of the world’s jade, worth billions of dollars and fueled in large part by demand in neighboring China.
5. Heat wave
The unprecedented heat wave in the US Northwest rages on, painting a harrowing picture of the kind of extreme temperatures the climate crisis will bring. Portland has set all-time high temperature records, topping out yesterday at 115 degrees. Seattle also reached a record high of 107 degrees. Outdoor venues and services have had to close, and at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, the US Olympic track and field trials were suspended Sunday due to extreme heat. Even more concerning, a lack of air conditioning in some major cities has exacerbated health concerns. Experts say the Pacific Northwest isn’t prepared for heat of this caliber.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Kim Kardashian’s label will supply Team USA with undergarments and loungewear
World’s highest hotel opens in China
Stay in style … and the constant grip of acrophobia.
Here’s what it’s like onboard the first cruise ship to depart the US in more than 15 months
Lots of slot machines. Not a lot of kids.
Burberry shares tumble after CEO resigns to join rival Salvatore Ferragamo
What’s luxury without a little bit of drama?
Same county tops healthiest US community ranking for the second year in a row
Go ahead and quiz yourself: What state is the county in? Bonus: Which other state took the top three counties in the mental health category?
TODAY’S NUMBER
13,906
That’s how many unaccompanied minors US Border Patrol encountered along the southern US border in May. The tally is down slightly from April and March. The Biden administration is now preparing to close some emergency shelters for unaccompanied migrant children that were opened in haste to accommodate a surge of border crossings.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“I represent what they want. They want law, and they want order. And that’s what you want. That’s what this country wants.”
Former President Donald Trump, during a weekend rally in Ohio. Trump has been stoking enthusiasm among his supporters but faces a laundry list of new legal and personal challenges, including new allegations of misconduct in office and new challenges to his false claims of fraud during the 2020 election.
TODAY’S WEATHER
AND FINALLY
Chow down
As you set your Fourth of July shopping list, indulge in a history of the humble hot dog. (Click here to view.)
