The Daily Valet. - 6/22/20, Monday
✔️ This Isn't Waiting
Monday, June 22nd Edition
We’re officially halfway through a year that’s felt like a decade.
Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf
Today’s Big Story
Virus Isn’t Waiting for a Second Wave
COVID-19 cases are rising in nearly two dozen states
The World Health Organization on Sunday reported the largest single-day increase in coronavirus cases by its count, as more than 183,000 new cases emerged in the last 24 hours. The UN health agency said Brazil led the way with 54,771 infections, followed by the U.S. with 36,617.
Peter Navarro, the White House director of trade and manufacturing policy, said in an interview on Sunday that the White House was working to prepare for the possibility of a second wave of the coronavirus in the fall, reports the New York Times.
But health experts maintain that we’re still riding out the first wave. And the virus is still gaining ground. Nationwide, cases have risen 15 percent over the last two weeks. Cases are rising in 18 states across the South, West and Midwest. Seven states hit single-day case records Saturday, and five others hit a record earlier in the week.
“When you have 20,000-plus infections per day, how can you talk about a second wave?” said Dr. Anthony Fauci of the National Institutes of Health. “We’re in the first wave. Let’s get out of the first wave before you have a second wave.”
New daily cases in the U.S. appeared to be going down throughout May, but started to tick back up roughly two weeks after states started to re-open in early June, reports CNBC. Officials are warning that some clusters of infections are apparent among younger people who are crowding bars and parties.
Meanwhile, Comedian D.L. Hughley announced he tested positive for COVID-19 after losing consciousness and collapsing onstage during a performance in Nashville, Tennessee over the weekend.
↦ Fight It: Yes, wearing masks really does help. NPR’s “Shot” column explains why.
Trump’s Tulsa Campaign Kickoff Rally Was Underwhelming
And it highlights vulnerabilities heading into election
President Trump's Oklahoma rally on Saturday, which he considered the kickoff to his 2020 campaign, failed to convey the strength and enthusiasm they'd been hoping for, reports the Wall Street Journal.
The campaign had said as many as a million tickets had been requested ahead of the rally, but the Tulsa Fire Department said a tally taken at the event counted less than 6,200 people—well below the 19,000 indoor capacity of the BOK Center. Outdoor overflow space was unused. The lower-than-expected turnout at the comeback rally, in particular, left Trump fuming, reports the Associated Press.
In a one-hour and 41-minute speech, Trump pitched a law-and-order message, warning against an attack on “our heritage” as protests over policing and racial injustice continued across the country. He made no mention of Juneteenth nor offer any reference to national unity.
Trump talked about slowing down testing for the coronavirus, echoing previous remarks that higher case numbers look bad. But he did say he had saved “hundreds of thousands of lives” through actions to combat the virus. According to ABC News, six members of the Trump campaign team, including two secret service agents preparing for the rally, tested positive before the event.
↦ FYI: Did TikTokers and K-pop fans foil Trump’s Tulsa rally? According to the Washington Post, it’s complicated.
John Bolton Is Talking
Says the White House was “like living inside a pinball machine”
John Bolton’s memoir officially comes out on Tuesday after surviving a security review and a legal challenge from the Justice Department. But over the weekend, Trump's former national security adviser started making the media rounds.
In an interview with ABC News, Bolton called Trump “naive and dangerous.” He said he hopes Trump is remembered as a one-term president, adding “I don't think he's fit for office. I don't think he has the competence to carry out the job.”
He also sat down with USA Today, describing the president as enamored with foreign strongmen and driven solely by self-interest. “He's almost proud of not learning much about the subject matter of national security,” Bolton said.
The president has responded by calling Bolton “a washed-up guy,” “Wacko John Bolton” and a “dope.” But it should be noted that Bolton held one of the most powerful jobs in the White House for nearly two years before he resigned (says Bolton) or Trump fired him (says Trump).
↦ Dig Deeper: Get your own copy of the book.
Getting Into Hiking During the Pandemic?
You’re not alone
If you've been itching to get out and sweat, you're not alone. But why compete for sidewalk space on a run when you could go for a socially distant hike instead? Is hiking becoming the new bread baking? It seems so.
“We live in such a world where we're always connected to our phones, internet and schedules,” says hiking expert and author Jeff Alt, who shares some tips with Weather.com. “This is a chance to clear your mind, drift into your inner self, and physically, you’re also getting a good workout in.”
Thillist hit up a handful of outdoor experts for the essentials any day hiker might need. And Vice pulled together some pointers on how to do it responsibly and respectfully. After all, it's important to use your manners and respect your fellow hikers, right?
And if you're really into it, consider applying for this dream job: Devils Backbone Brewing Company, owned by Anheuser-Busch, is hiring a Chief Hiking Officer who'll be paid $20,000 to hike the Appalachian Trail (with brews in tow, no doubt).
↦ Buy: The best hiking boots for your money, from Danner to On Running and Adidas.
In Other News
Other Things We’re Talking About Today
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There Could Be Some Big Apple News Today
How to watch the WWDC and what to expect
Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference will take place today from its Cupertino headquarters. This year, of course, the event is going to be a little bit different, due to the pandemic—it'll be a digital-only event. Meaning you'll get the same access as any tech big shot.
Usually, the WWDC involves a number of key software announcements and updates (after all, it's really an event for developers), but Apple usually squeezes some hardware news to get Apple fans around the globe hyped, reports Gear Patrol.
Both GP and Wired speculate that we could expect to see everything from a built-in translation app for the iPhone to new over-ear AirPod headphones or even a new Mac desktop computer.
The keynote event starts at 10 a.m. PT. You can stream it on Apple's homepage, the Apple Events app on Apple TV, or on the company's developer website and app.
↦ FYI: Apple has re-closed some retail stores in four states with surging numbers of COVID-19 cases.
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Morning Motto
Don’t let your stress impede your health.
↦ Follow: @johandeckmann
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