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Stranger Than Fiction
A brief daily note of things you might find interesting or useful
You can support the newsletter that you’re reading right now using PayPal, Venmo, CashApp, or purchase a subscription on Substack.Don’t forget to join us in the Stranger Slack for access to source documents and a running feed of news throughout the day. (this link was broken for awhile and has now been fixed)TOP NEWS
Pfizer, BioNTech Get Covid-19 Vaccine Order From U.S. Government “Pfizer and BioNTech said they have signed a $1.95 billion agreement with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Defense Department for millions of doses of a Covid-19 vaccine which Americans would receive for free.”
U.S. Orders China to Close Its Consulate in Houston “The U.S. ordered the closure of China’s consulate in Houston in order to protect American intellectual property and private information of U.S. citizens, the State Department said.”
Facing unrest on American streets, Trump turns Homeland Security powers inward “Legal analysts say that while the department has broad authority to enforce federal laws, officers’ actions seemed to be pushing the boundaries and pulling DHS into a domestic policing role.”
Trump warns pandemic may ‘get worse before it gets better’ “Six months after the first U.S. coronavirus case was confirmed, President Trump’s attempt to re-engage with the pandemic and embrace public health guidelines marked a notable departure from his recent approach to the crisis.”
U.S., Britain change diplomatic immunity rules after fatal traffic crash “The crash last August involved the wife of a U.S. official at a nearby air base who was able to leave the country rather than face prosecution for Harry Dunn’s death. Anne Sacoolas admitted at the time to driving on the wrong side of the road.”
WHAT I’M READING + WATCHING + LISTENING TO
🎧 LISTEN: Unmasking the Gettysburg trollFor years, an internet troll provoked the far right using online aliases — sometimes with dangerous results.
A Black Lives Matter Sign Stirs Debate in a Boston SuburbMany residents in predominantly white communities are divided over the message they see in Black Lives Matter signs—or whether bigotry is prevalent in their towns.
Portland’s ‘Wall of Moms’ faces off with federal officers at tense protests
THE COMMENT
“Trump’s call for mask-wearing would be more persuasive if he were wearing a mask himself, or if he had worn one at a fundraising event at his Trump International Hotel Monday night after tweeting a photo calling mask-wearing “patriotic.” Asked about the mixed message, Trump pulled a presidential-seal mask out of his hip pocket. He explained that he puts it on in close quarters to protect others. “Anything that potentially can help — and that certainly can potentially help — is a good thing,” Trump said. This is the right thing to say. Too bad the new season of his pandemic reality show is headed for an early cancellation — not because of the ratings, but because the lead actor clearly hates his role.” - Dana Milbank
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