Monday, March 15, 2021

 And another day of concerns, new bills, failing to follow through on promises, refusing to bless same-sex unions, a first for the Academy Awards, and a Starbucks app for the blind comes to a close:

“The secret of happiness is something to do.” -- John Burroughs

Deaths

US: 548,013 (+779)

World: 2,672,073 (+6847)

Cases

US: 30,138,586 (+56,929)

World: 120,770,923 (+357,159)

Plateauing COVID-19 cases are “concerning” to Washington health officials who worry about a potential fourth wave starting from the highest baseline in cases yet.

Texas Republican lawmakers introduced two dozen bills that would limit early voting, make it harder to get and return absentee ballots, and more.

A small but vocal group of critics says Cuomo often failed to follow through on promises and actively undermined women's rights leaders, allied lawmakers and even his own stated agenda when he saw their potential success as a threat to his grip on power.

Biden planning first major tax hike in almost 30 years. The planned increases reportedly include: raising the corporate tax from 21 percent to 28 percent; increasing the income tax rate on people making more than $400,000; expanding the estate tax; paring back tax preferences on pass-through businesses such as limited-liability companies; and setting up a higher capital gains tax rate for individuals making at least $1 million. -- In other words, the tax hikes are not directed at most of us.

The Vatican has decreed that the Catholic Church cannot bless same-sex unions, saying that God “cannot bless sin.” The decree distinguished between the church’s welcoming and blessing of gay people, which it upheld, but not their unions since any such sacramental recognition could be confused with marriage.

LGBTQ Catholics stung by Vatican rebuff of same-sex unions.

Steven Yeun on Monday became the first Asian American to be nominated for Best Actor at the Academy Awards.

In case you missed it: The governor of Nebraska claimed legalizing medical cannabis will "kill your kids".

Starbucks now offers access to app for blind, low-vision customers. The Aira app pairs customers with remote agents who can share product descriptions and other visual information.

Life’s short. Live, love, create, and help others.

Until next time, my friends. Stay safe and stay sane. Good night.