Good afternoon, and happy World Chocolate Day! This day celebrates chocolate’s introduction to Europe in 1550. If you need any encouragement to indulge, chocolate has some noted benefits. However, the story of chocolate’s production hasn’t always been positive, which is worth remembering as well. If you’re in Atlanta and looking to celebrate World Chocolate Day, here are some events for you.
Now, let’s get on to the news.
Pat Conroy
- Patricia Murphy of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has begun a political road trip through the state that should be worth following. (Alternate link.)
- Governor Brian Kemp will soon appoint a new justice to the state Supreme Court, filling a third vacancy since 2020.
- Elsa will roll through Georgia tomorrow, so Governor Kemp has already declared states of emergency in 92 counties.
- An investigation has found that a record number of inmates died in Georgia prisons in 2020 – and the reasons are varied.
Alice Walker
- More bodies of the victims of the Miami condo collapse have been recovered.
- North America just recorded its hottest June on record. (Alternate link.)
- Microsoft users should update their PCs immediately.
- House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy is fielding candidates for the January 6th insurrection panel.
- Eric Adams has won the Democratic primary to become New York’s next mayor. (Alternate link.)
- The delta variant now makes up more half of new COVID cases in the United States.
- An Israeli study has found that the Pfizer vaccine is only 64% effective against the delta variant. On the upside, it’s still 64% effective! (Alternate link.)
- The Denver Zoo will begin vaccinating its animals against COVID.
- Haiti President Jovenel Moïse has been assassinated at his home.
- Israel’s parliament failed to renew a controversial law that prevents Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Gaza from getting residency in Israel after they marry Palestinians with Israeli citizenship on a 59-59 vote.
- The massive container ship that blocked the Suez Canal last year has finally been released to its owner following a settlement.
- Iceland has declared its trials of a four-day work week were a “overwhelming success.” (Alternate link.)
Flannery O’Connor
- A giant 3D cat has “taken over” a billboard in Tokyo.