The Daily Valet. - 7/20/20, Monday

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July 20, 2020

Monday, July 20th Edition

Cory Ohlendorf, Editor in Chief of Valet.

It’s a grab bag type of day today ...

Cory Ohlendorf , Editor ⋯ @coryohlendorf

Today’s Big Story

An Outbreak Update

The U.S. death toll has topped 140,000 while masks are still being debated

Coronavirus cases in the U.S. rose to 2.2% this past week, above the 1.9% daily average, as the nation’s deaths from COVID-19 topped 140,369, according to data from Johns Hopkins University, reports Bloomberg.

In Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti warned that the city is on the brink of another stay-at-home order. Across the rest of California, new cases accelerated, while the pace of deaths have slowed in Arizona and Florida. Texas cases have dropped and New York City is set to enter the final phase of reopening today.

On Sunday, President Trump played down rising coronavirus cases in an interview with Fox News Sunday, saying many people experience nothing more than “sniffles,” that positive tests are only up because of wider testing, and that the U.S. response has been the “envy of the world.”

However, a New York Times investigation found that Trump and his top aides started to shift their pandemic strategy in mid-April after seizing on optimistic data suggesting the virus would disappear—and this set the country on a course that lead to the surges we’re seeing today.

Meanwhile, the virus has worked its way through the military in the last week at an alarming rate, with more than a 20% increase in cases. Over 20,000 service members of the armed forces have now tested positive for COVID-19.

And unfortunately, the director of the National Institutes of Health, Frances Collins, told NBC News that the “divide between different political perspectives” is “getting in the way” of curbing the coronavirus. He said mask-wearing shouldn’t be optional as the nation attempts to tamp down an outbreak that is running at record levels.

Remembering the Tenacious John Lewis

The civil rights icon and longtime Georgia Congressman never gave up or gave in

U.S. Rep. John Lewis, a legendary civil rights leader and Georgia Democrat, died on Friday at age 80 after a six-month battle with cancer, reports the New York Times.

The son of Alabama sharecroppers, Lewis was arrested more than 40 times protesting segregation. He was involved in lunch counter sit-ins; freedom rides on interstate buses; and was the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington with Martin Luther King Jr.

Lewis served on the Atlanta city council before being elected to Congress in 1986. Known less for sponsoring major legislation than for his relentless pursuit of justice, he was called “the conscience of the Congress” by his colleagues.

His fighting spirit never waned, even in the face of advanced pancreatic cancer. “I am going to fight it and keep fighting,” he said when revealing his diagnosis in December. “We still have many bridges to cross.” And on Sunday, Democratic senators called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to honor his legacy and restore the Voting Rights Act and rename it the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020.

↦ Read: President Obama issued a statement, which noted that not many people “live to see our own legacy play out in such a meaningful, remarkable way.”

Taco Bell Drops a Dozen Menu Items

Out with the old. In with the new.

After “decluttering” the menu by eliminating nine classic items, Taco Bell is dropping an additional 12 items next month—including four items from its popular Cravings Value menu—a move made to streamline operations and clear the space for new additions such as plant-based meals.

Starting August 13, you'll no longer be able to order the Grilled Steak Soft Taco, 7-Layer Burrito, Nachos Supreme, Beefy Fritos Burrito, Spicy Tostada, Triple Layer Nachos, Spicy Potato Soft Taco, Cheesy Fiesta Potatoes, Loaded Grillers, Chips & Dips and the Mini Skillet Bowl.

While it is eliminating four value items, the company said it's permanently adding a $1 Beef Burrito to the Cravings menu. The company is also bringing back the $5 Grande Nachos Box for a limited time.

I'll be honest, I'm more of a Chipotle man myself. But I sympathize with any Taco Bell mourner—we've already lost so much this year.

↦ FYI: The Quesarito will also be removed from menu boards, but can still be ordered digitally through the Taco Bell app.

A National Suicide Lifeline Is Coming

Help will soon be available by dialing “988”

Amid all the troubling news, there are some bright spots. Like the approval of a simple three-digit phone number that instantly connects people in crisis with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

According to The Verge, the Federal Communications Commission voted unanimously to finalize 988 as the number Americans can call to be directed to the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline hotline.

As of right now, those dealing with suicidal thoughts or anxiety can reach that hotline by dialing 1-800-273-8255 (TALK), but a three-digit number (much like 911) will be easier to remember. It's slated to rollout on July 16, 2022.

As of right now, the suicide hotline doesn't provide texting services—something that would obviously be helpful for younger people. Democratic Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel took issue with the FCC's decision not to include the ability to text in its rulemaking.

↦ Want to Text? The Crisis Text Line connects you with a crisis counselor. Just text HOME to 741741 to get started.

In Other News

Other Things We’re Talking About Today

Combatting oily skin

The 25th anniversary of ‘Clueless’

This haunting Zuckerberg pic

Go Back in Time

A round-up of American roadside attractions

Photographer John Margolies spent four decades taking photos during his travels around America, documenting the country's unique roadside attractions.

Now, thanks to the Library of Congress, you can take a road trip back in time. Because Margolies's photos, taken from 1969 to 2008 from an archive of more than 11,000 color slides are now available on the Library of Congress website.

“Margolies utilized a straightforward, unsentimental approach that emphasized the form of the buildings,” the LOC writes in its introduction to the collection online.

From head-turning “one of a kind” novelties and classic drive-ins to roadside motels and car washes, there's a lot to scroll through.

↦ FYI: Some of these attractions still exist and could be used as inspiration for an actual road trip if you're looking to get out on the open road.

What We’re Buying

Todd Snyder Camp Collar Gingham Seersucker Shirt

Right now, with the code TAKE20, you can score an additional 20% off sale items at Todd Snyder. And the designer must've just added a bunch of new items, because the section is stacked with warm weather goods to help you get through the summer and early fall in style. Like these handsome camp collar shirts cut from dyed seersucker.

↦ Get It $158 / $87.20 at Todd Snyder

Special Promotion

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