Raw Data: Killings of Reporters Were Down In 2020
Reader LL emails to ask a question: “I read a lot of stories lately of reporters being assassinated. How does the current rate compare with past years?” That made me curious myself. Here’s the answer, via Reporters Without Borders: In 2020, a total of 51 reporters were killed, the smallest number since 2004. The trendline…
Coronavirus Growth in Western Countries: January 1 Update
As usual during holiday weekends, it’s best not to take the mortality data too seriously right now. The end of next week is probably the earliest that everyone will be caught up and the trendlines will match up with reality. Here’s the officially reported coronavirus death toll through January 1. The raw data from Johns…
After an Astronomical Rise in COVID Cases, Wyoming Has Stopped Contact Tracing
A Health Care Worker seals a coronavirus swab after testing at the Pro Health Urgent Care coronavirus testing site on April 30, 2020 in Wantagh, New York. Al Bello/Getty Let our journalists help you make sense of the noise: Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily newsletter and get a recap of news that matters.This story…
Raw Data: How Everyone Is Doing on Getting People Vaccinated
Here’s how Britain, the US, Europe (represented by Germany), and Israel are doing on getting people vaccinated against COVID-19: I’m putting this up because I keep seeing people wonder why Europe is “doing so badly.” Or why “we aren’t doing as well as Britain.” Generally speaking, the answer is that countries that approved the vaccine…
Here’s Why the $15 Minimum Wage Has Gained So Much Support
The New York Times reports today that the $15 minimum wage, once a “fringe idea,” is now becoming mainstream. The article attributes this to pressure from labor activists, and that certainly has some truth to it. But I suspect that good ol’ inflation is the bigger culprit: Back when the $15 minimum wage started to…
Friday Cat Blogging – 1 January 2021
The cats all decided to roam around the roof yesterday, and Hopper chose this spot outside our bedroom window to roll over and scratch her cheek on the lovely, rough, stone roof tiles. She’s such a happy cat.