Farming Simulator

COVID-19 Snapshot

As cases ratchet up, we’ll be turning our focus to COVID-19 hospitalizations and ICU capacity to monitor how the healthcare system is coping.

• Across the U.S., ICU bed capacity currently sits at ~61%. For context, average U.S. ICU bed capacity was estimated at 68% from 2005 to 2007 (the most recent data we could find).
• In Arizona, 90% of all ICU beds in the state were occupied as of July 6. In Florida, adult ICU beds were 100% occupied at 43 different hospitals according to data from Tuesday morning. Check out your state.
• Biggest virus news from yesterday: Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has tested positive for COVID-19.

Update On Trump Niece ‘Tell-All’ Book

The release date for Mary Trump’s ‘tell-all’ book was moved up 2 weeks (to July 14) on Monday. Advance copies were sent out to news publications for viewing, leading to a slew of excerpts published on Tuesday. Take a look at some of the allegations in the book (and the White House’s response).

U.S. To Withdraw From The WHO

The U.S. submitted a notice to the UN secretary-general yesterday, formally beginning the withdrawal process from the WHO. U.S. officials had previously criticized the WHO for its delayed response to the pandemic and close ties with China. The withdrawal is effective on July 6, 2021.

More: FBI Director Christopher Wray gave a speech on Tuesday outlining how the China Communist Party is a direct threat to the U.S. Read more here.

The Coronavirus Effect

• Yamaha is testing a remote cheering app that would allow fans of Japanese baseball and soccer clubs to virtually cheer on their team if they are unable to attend in person.
• Levi Strauss said it plans to cut about 15% of its global corporate workforce (~700 jobs) as the company announced a 62% drop in sales for Q2.
• Novavax announced a $1.6 billion contract with the U.S. government to fund clinical studies and manufacturing of its COVID-19 vaccine. Likewise, Regeneron said it has received a $450 million federal contract to manufacture its treatment if authorized for use by regulators.

Plus One

Per Vox Recode, Walmart plans to launch a new subscription service to compete with Amazon Prime later this month. The membership program, dubbed Walmart+, will reportedly cost $98 a year, and include perks like same-day delivery of groceries and other products, discounts on fuel, and early access to product deals. It is unclear whether the program will launch nationally, or first at a regional level.

Deutsche Bank Fined For Epstein Connection

Deutsche Bank has agreed to pay a $150 million penalty to NY state financial regulators regarding the bank’s lack of oversight in dealings with accused child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and two client banks. Deutsche Bank was fined for failing to properly monitor account activity that included hundreds of suspicious transactions from Epstein totaling tens of millions of dollars.

Prison Refarm

In 1979, North Carolina had more prisons than any other state in the country, as well as the highest incarceration rate. Evidence of the state’s former prison boom can be found in the Wagram town, where the abandoned Scotland Correctional Center decays on a 67-acre plot of land.

Over the past five years, the nonprofit Growing Change kept at-risk high-school youth out of the criminal justice system by allowing them to convert the defunct prison into a sustainable farm. Led by social worker Noran Sanford, young men struggling with academic, familial, and emotional concerns can tend livestock, organic compost waste, and grow crops for those experiencing food insecurity.

Credit For Edits

Although most of the summer’s blockbuster films have been delayed for months, moviemakers around the country are still hard at work, crafting magical escapes for audiences. One such artist is Julian Bass, a 20-year-old theater major at Georgia State University, whose video editing skills have captured the eyes and hearts of Internet users.

In a viral video posted last week on Twitter, Julian showed off his special effects skills by transforming himself from a student, to a Jedi, to an alien, to Spider-Man – all within 20 seconds. The original video quickly gained the attention of Hollywood’s biggest names, including director James Gunn, actor Mark Hamill, and Disney Executive Chairman Robert Iger.

Working A Treat

When the COVID-19 lockdown began, fifth-graders Daniel Grant and Max Caponigro of Milton, MA were doggedly determined to find a way to give back to their community. Since they live next to a food pantry, the best friends set their sights on establishing a small business to support the hungry in their community.

Over the past three months, Daniel and Grant have baked and sold hundreds of dog treats to raise money for the Milton Food Pantry, raising more than $400 for the nonprofit organization. Whether they are taking orders, mixing flour and bacon bits, or delivering dog treats on their bikes, the two ten-year-old boys take care of every task within their thoughtful operation.

Attention All Tea Lovers:

Here at Cup & Leaf, we’re always on the hunt for new tea to sip and fresh knowledge to share.

We started Cup & Leaf to create an inviting space where experts and novices alike can enjoy our wide selection of tea, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated. We write about tea on our blog and sell it on our online store.

Cup & Leaf is your one-stop-shop for all things tea, especially if you are:

• New to tea, but want to learn more without feeling bombarded with information
• Want the basic and proper tools to make a perfect first cup of tea
• An experienced tea drinker who’s looking for a new favorite blend
• Buying a gift for someone, but aren’t sure what to get them

Do any of these sound like you? If so, we’re excited for you to begin your tea journey with us.

And because you’re a smart and informed Donut reader, we’re offering you 15% off your first online purchase with us. Simply use the code DONUT at checkout.