The Daily Valet. - 4/8/20, Wednesday
✔️ Watchdogs, Sneakers and Deliveries
Wednesday, April 8th Edition
Could a stamp be the new “I Voted” sticker?
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s Big Story
Trump Fires Watchdog
Inspector General Glenn Fine was overseeing the $2 trillion stimulus fund
President Trump moved on Tuesday to oust the leader of a new panel of watchdogs charged with overseeing how his administration spends trillions of taxpayer dollars in coronavirus pandemic relief. It was the latest step in an unfolding White House power play over semi-independent inspectors general across the government, reports the New York Times.
The official, Glenn A. Fine, has been the acting inspector general for the Defense Department since before Trump took office—serving under both Presidents Obama and Bush. He was selected by the head of a council of inspectors general to lead the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, created by the March 27 law.
In just the past four days, the president has ousted two inspectors general and expressed displeasure with a third. Trump’s critics have taken aim at a wave of removals that stand to reshape the ranks of independent federal watchdogs, the system of independent oversight for the executive branch that was established after Watergate.
Taking over for Fine is the current inspector general of the Environmental Protection Agency, Sean O’Donnell. Though, according to Intelligencer, his additional responsibilities—O’Donnell’s is now the watchdog for coronavirus economic relief, the Pentagon and the EPA—suggest the administration might be giving one man three jobs in the hopes he won’t be able to do any of them all that well.
↦ FYI: Late Tuesday, RealClearPolitics reported that the clearing had only just begun and that several other inspectors general will be fired.
Would You Vote by Mail?
Most Americans say they would
A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted on Monday and Tuesday found that 72% of all U.S. adults, including 79% of Democrats and 65% of Republicans, supported a requirement for mail-in ballots as a way to protect voters in case of the continued spread of the coronavirus later this year.
Last week, President Trump said he's confident the general election in November won't be delayed by the coronavirus, but he rejected the idea of having every state prepare to conduct mail-in voting—claiming that he believed it would lead to voter fraud.
Senator Michael Bennet, a Democrat from Colorado tweeted in response: “Mr. President, we’ve had vote by mail in Colorado for years ... We don’t have fraud. But we do have the second highest turnout in America.”
The outbreak has already upended the Democratic race. And while every other state with an election scheduled this month postponed, Wisconsin held its primary yesterday. CNN reports that so many poll workers quit that Milwaukee consolidated its 180 polling places down to just five locations, with long, spaced-out lines stretching multiple blocks (as seen in the dystopian pic above). Honestly, the only upside I see to voting in person is the smug satisfaction of wearing the sticker afterward.
↦ FYI: On Tuesday evening, the president was asked why, despite being against it, he voted by mail in Florida's election last month.
New Zealand’s “Elimination” Approach
Strict lockdown likely to be short-lived as number of new cases falls
New Zealand implemented a strict lockdown last month, beginning on March 25, set to last four weeks with a focus on eliminating the coronavirus rather than containing it. Less than two weeks in, the number of new coronavirus cases per day has decreased two days in a row, despite more testing.
A total of 65 recoveries were confirmed on Tuesday, higher than the 54 reported new cases, reports the Washington Post. Only one person, an elderly woman with underlying health conditions, has died from the virus.
The lack of deaths and decreasing new cases have prompted some to call for the government to loosen restrictions, but Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has maintained the country will continue lockdown for two full 14-day incubation cycles.
Business Insider notes that New Zealand is the only Western nation to pursue an elimination strategy. But it seems to be working. Data from Johns Hopkins University shows as of this morning, the country of 5 million had just over 1,200 confirmed cases.
↦ FYI: The prime minister is reportedly considering a mandatory quarantine for New Zealanders returning to the country.
Are We Getting Tired of Sneakers?
The sneaker is dead, long live the sneaker
What are you wearing on your feet these days? Me, I'm mostly padding around the house in socks or Birkenstocks. But what would you wear if you had someplace to go? Are you interested in sneakers or looking for something a bit more polished or grown-up?
It seems that the COVID-19 crisis has been particularly rough on the rapidly rising sneaker industry. Matt Powell, a longtime sportswear analyst and consultant for the NPD Group, reported that athletic footwear sales were down by 65% the week of March 21, when compared to the previous year.
Highsnobiety investigates whether the hype for sneakers has died down, noting how Nike’s famed “Air Max Day,” one of the most memorable corporate holidays manufactured this decade, didn’t feel half as exciting this year.
Jian DeLeon speaks with the hosts of the Throwing Fits podcast, who have been prophesying the rise of a “post-sneaker world.” It's not about sneakers going away. For them, it’s a way of holding brands accountable for creating less-than-stellar products and calling out the endless stream of collaborations. It's a way of opting out of the race and just enjoying good shoes—sneakers or otherwise.
↦ Looking for Loafers? This roundup includes a few of our favorites in a range of styles and price points.
In Other News
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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Food Delivery Isn’t As Big As You Might Think
Food apps and services have been knocked off course by the coronavirus crisis
The lockdown of millions of people at home across the globe should have been the perfect recipe for success for the growing online meal delivery market.
But according to Reuters, some of the world’s largest players, like Uber Eats, are running into road blocks. Some people are afraid to order food. Others are simply using their extra time at home to cook for themselves. Furthermore, restaurant suppliers have been ordered to shutdown, making it harder for restaurants to stay open and offer delivery.
Grubhub said demand for takeout appeared to be recovering in some parts of the country, but it was a different picture in places like New York, where a busy restaurant scene has battened down the hatches as restrictions kick in.
I'm definitely cooking more at home these days, but using the weekends as a time to support the local eateries I want to see survive. In the end, it's clear ... we're not sure who will still be standing when this is all said and done.
↦ FYI: CNET's Dale Smith recommends tipping food delivery drivers 20% or more during special circumstances like these.
Sales We’re Eyeing
$145 / $108 at Saturdays NYC
Saturdays NYC is known for their high-quality, comfortable clothing with an understated, minimalist aesthetic. What better to pull on when you're working from home or looking for some cozy comfort? Especially when the brand is offer 25% off sitewide. Consider their modern take on the slide sandals or one of their popular graphic tees, but for sure check out the lightweight reversed crew for a warm weather alternative to your favorite sweatshirt.
↦ Shop the Sale at Saturdays NYC
Today’s Deals
Expires 4/8
Expires 4/18
Ongoing Sale
↦ Want More? See all 64 sales
Morning Motto
Embrace the unknown.
↦ Follow: @troublewithprabal
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