Welcome to the weekly newsletter, where I share my musings on world events. I’ll also use this to identify those deserving of our collective side-eye. I’ll share thought-provoking online gems or things that make me laugh (because we need both). And sometimes, I may include personal nonsense. I hope this brightens your week and makes you think.
Nonsense
Y’all think Texas is bad? Here’s an update regarding the state of democracy in Tennessee…
The Tennessee GOP majority passed a bill that requires students in public schools to view a 3-minute fetal development video made by an anti-abortion group. There is no opt-out option for parents. They also passed a bill requiring public school students to have “gun safety training.” Again, parents are not able to opt out. Also advancing in the Tennessee legislature is a bill allowing teachers and other school personnel to carry concealed firearms.
Even The Guardian has noted Tennessee’s rollback of democracy and embrace of extremism. Over the past year:
“Tennessee Republicans have passed laws to fund pro-life “crisis pregnancy centers”, to ban gender-affirming care for minors, to define male and female in state law in a way that makes it impossible to change gender on driver’s licenses or birth certificates, and to bar lawsuits against teachers who do not use a transgender student’s preferred pronouns. Federal courts have blocked new laws restricting drag shows.”
The Tennessee legislature recently passed a bill banning chemtrails, a widely debunked conspiracy theory. It also passed a “vaccine lettuce” bill that would require vaccine-laden lettuce (and other produce) to be labeled as a drug. However, this technology doesn’t yet exist; the University of California Riverside is merely studying whether it is possible.
Moving through committee this week? A bill allowing open carry of assault rifles.
Tennessee tyranny.
What’s Goin’ On?
The Israeli government killed seven World Central Kitchen aid workers who were delivering food in Gaza.
Bridget Jones’s Diary 4 is on the way! It begins filming in London next month.
What to know about the recent bird flu outbreak.
A 7.4-magnitude earthquake hit Taiwan.
Arby’s rewards members can get a free sandwich, gyro, or wrap once a week during the month of April.
Happy Autism Acceptance Month! If you know one person with autism, you know one person with autism. Here’s a great autism story about a set of twins and how their autism differs.
A 4.80-magnitude earthquake hit west of New York City (a.k.a. New Jersey) on Friday. No major damage or casualties were noted.
Undefeated South Carolina beat Iowa to win the NCAA basketball championship.
Bless Their Hearts
Maybe you need to read this as much as I did.
Woman discovers Fleetwood Mac.
The Empire State Building checks in after the northeastern earthquake.
Classic NYC response.
A different earthquake perspective.
Can you identify with a solar eclipse, too?
For my fellow Little Shop of Horrors fans.
Random Cats
I Want to Go to There
What did you find interesting this past week? Tell me in the comments.