This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/27/us/coronavirus-today.html

The article has changed 29 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 10 Version 11
Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today Coronavirus Briefing: What Happened Today
(32 minutes later)
This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.This is the Coronavirus Briefing, an informed guide to the global outbreak. Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Grim milestones passed on Monday: more than 50,000 coronavirus deaths in the U.S., and more than 200,000 around the world.Grim milestones passed on Monday: more than 50,000 coronavirus deaths in the U.S., and more than 200,000 around the world.
New York canceled its Democratic presidential primary.New York canceled its Democratic presidential primary.
New Zealand will begin to reopen tomorrow, after saying transmission of the virus had been “eliminated” in the country.New Zealand will begin to reopen tomorrow, after saying transmission of the virus had been “eliminated” in the country.
Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.Get the latest updates here, plus maps, a tracker for U.S. metro areas, and full coverage.
Here’s promising news in the worldwide race to develop a vaccine to ward off the coronavirus. The Jenner Institute at Oxford University has one that seems to work in lab animals and is ready to test its effectiveness in humans, if regulators approve.Here’s promising news in the worldwide race to develop a vaccine to ward off the coronavirus. The Jenner Institute at Oxford University has one that seems to work in lab animals and is ready to test its effectiveness in humans, if regulators approve.
The institute had a big head start, our correspondent David D. Kirkpatrick reports. Its scientists had an approach that they already knew was safe: They had proved it in trials last year for a vaccine to fight MERS, a respiratory disease caused by a closely related virus.The institute had a big head start, our correspondent David D. Kirkpatrick reports. Its scientists had an approach that they already knew was safe: They had proved it in trials last year for a vaccine to fight MERS, a respiratory disease caused by a closely related virus.
That has enabled the institute to skip ahead and schedule tests of its new Covid-19 vaccine on more than 6,000 people by the end of May, hoping to show not only that it is safe, but also that it works.That has enabled the institute to skip ahead and schedule tests of its new Covid-19 vaccine on more than 6,000 people by the end of May, hoping to show not only that it is safe, but also that it works.
Scientists at the National Institutes of Health’s Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana got very good results when they tried out the Oxford vaccine last month on six rhesus macaque monkeys. The animals were then exposed to heavy quantities of the coronavirus. After more than four weeks, all six were still healthy.Scientists at the National Institutes of Health’s Rocky Mountain Laboratory in Montana got very good results when they tried out the Oxford vaccine last month on six rhesus macaque monkeys. The animals were then exposed to heavy quantities of the coronavirus. After more than four weeks, all six were still healthy.
“The rhesus macaque is pretty much the closest thing we have to humans,” said Vincent Munster, the researcher who conducted the test.“The rhesus macaque is pretty much the closest thing we have to humans,” said Vincent Munster, the researcher who conducted the test.
Immunity in monkeys doesn’t guarantee that a vaccine will protect people, but it’s an encouraging sign. If the May trials go well and regulators grant emergency approval, the Oxford scientists say they could have a few million doses of their vaccine available by September — months ahead of other vaccine projects.Immunity in monkeys doesn’t guarantee that a vaccine will protect people, but it’s an encouraging sign. If the May trials go well and regulators grant emergency approval, the Oxford scientists say they could have a few million doses of their vaccine available by September — months ahead of other vaccine projects.
“It is a very, very fast clinical program,” said Emilio Emini of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is helping to finance a number of competing efforts.“It is a very, very fast clinical program,” said Emilio Emini of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which is helping to finance a number of competing efforts.
All in the genes: The Jenner Institute isn’t following the classic approach of using a weakened version of the disease pathogen. Instead, its approach starts with another familiar virus, neutralizes it and then genetically modifies it so that it will prompt the body to produce the right antibodies for Covid-19.All in the genes: The Jenner Institute isn’t following the classic approach of using a weakened version of the disease pathogen. Instead, its approach starts with another familiar virus, neutralizes it and then genetically modifies it so that it will prompt the body to produce the right antibodies for Covid-19.
Researchers originally cooked up the technology in a quest to develop a vaccine for malaria, which is caused by a parasite. No luck there yet. But when the idea was borrowed to go after MERS, it worked well.Researchers originally cooked up the technology in a quest to develop a vaccine for malaria, which is caused by a parasite. No luck there yet. But when the idea was borrowed to go after MERS, it worked well.
The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.The Times is providing free access to much of our coronavirus coverage, and our Coronavirus Briefing newsletter — like all of our newsletters — is free. Please consider supporting our journalism with a subscription.
Colorado, Minnesota, Mississippi and Ohio have joined Georgia and South Carolina in relaxing some social distancing guidelines and allowing certain businesses to reopen, and more states are expected to follow this week — even though health experts and epidemiologists are warning that more widespread testing is needed to do so safely.Colorado, Minnesota, Mississippi and Ohio have joined Georgia and South Carolina in relaxing some social distancing guidelines and allowing certain businesses to reopen, and more states are expected to follow this week — even though health experts and epidemiologists are warning that more widespread testing is needed to do so safely.
Jim Tankersley, who covers the economy for The Times, writes that lifting these restrictions without an available treatment or vaccine threatens to worsen income inequality.Jim Tankersley, who covers the economy for The Times, writes that lifting these restrictions without an available treatment or vaccine threatens to worsen income inequality.
Better-off workers, who tend to be college-educated and white, may keep working from home and avoiding the virus. But lower-paid blue-collar workers, who are more likely to be black or Latino, will not have that option. They’ll face a tough choice: Return to work and put their health at risk, or stay home and put their jobs at risk.Better-off workers, who tend to be college-educated and white, may keep working from home and avoiding the virus. But lower-paid blue-collar workers, who are more likely to be black or Latino, will not have that option. They’ll face a tough choice: Return to work and put their health at risk, or stay home and put their jobs at risk.
The burdens of the pandemic have already fallen disproportionately on lower-income workers and minorities. The virus is killing black Americans at a disproportionately high rate, and people making less than $50,000 a year are more than twice as likely as others to say they or a family member lost their job during the crisis.The burdens of the pandemic have already fallen disproportionately on lower-income workers and minorities. The virus is killing black Americans at a disproportionately high rate, and people making less than $50,000 a year are more than twice as likely as others to say they or a family member lost their job during the crisis.
Some activists say the recovery from the crisis doesn’t have to be that way, if policymakers act responsibly and fairly.Some activists say the recovery from the crisis doesn’t have to be that way, if policymakers act responsibly and fairly.
“The inequality we’re seeing isn’t unfortunate, like a car accident,” said Rashad Robinson, the president of the racial justice advocacy group Color of Change. “It’s unjust. It’s being manufactured through a whole set of choices.”“The inequality we’re seeing isn’t unfortunate, like a car accident,” said Rashad Robinson, the president of the racial justice advocacy group Color of Change. “It’s unjust. It’s being manufactured through a whole set of choices.”
While most people can shelter at home, workers classified as essential to keeping the country running during the pandemic have been forced onto the front lines, jeopardizing themselves and their families. They are nurses and police officers and power-line repair crews, of course, but also workers in many less obvious occupations, from grocery cashiers to morticians.While most people can shelter at home, workers classified as essential to keeping the country running during the pandemic have been forced onto the front lines, jeopardizing themselves and their families. They are nurses and police officers and power-line repair crews, of course, but also workers in many less obvious occupations, from grocery cashiers to morticians.
They also include the truck drivers who move food and supplies through the paralyzed New York City region, often working long hours to handle a surge in delivery orders.They also include the truck drivers who move food and supplies through the paralyzed New York City region, often working long hours to handle a surge in delivery orders.
“I’m basically risking my life,” said Joseph Morales, who delivers liquor in the city.“I’m basically risking my life,” said Joseph Morales, who delivers liquor in the city.
It’s not known exactly how many truck drivers have gotten sick from the coronavirus, but the International Brotherhood of Teamsters says thousands of its New York members have reported having symptoms.It’s not known exactly how many truck drivers have gotten sick from the coronavirus, but the International Brotherhood of Teamsters says thousands of its New York members have reported having symptoms.
Sign-language interpreters have become some of the most visible essential workers, appearing on television and in live internet streams beside governors and public health officials. The challenge they face: ad-libbing new gestures for phrases like “bend the curve,” “social distance” and “don’t drink Clorox.”Sign-language interpreters have become some of the most visible essential workers, appearing on television and in live internet streams beside governors and public health officials. The challenge they face: ad-libbing new gestures for phrases like “bend the curve,” “social distance” and “don’t drink Clorox.”
Risky business: In mid-April, essential workers came into contact with an average of 22 other people a day, compared with four a day for nonessential workers, according to a new Gallup survey. More than half of the essential workers said they were moderately or very concerned about being exposed to the virus at work.Risky business: In mid-April, essential workers came into contact with an average of 22 other people a day, compared with four a day for nonessential workers, according to a new Gallup survey. More than half of the essential workers said they were moderately or very concerned about being exposed to the virus at work.
Under attack: In some countries, health care workers have faced assault and abuse from people who accuse them of spreading the virus.Under attack: In some countries, health care workers have faced assault and abuse from people who accuse them of spreading the virus.
Nurses in the Philippines and Mexico have been doused in bleach. Medical workers in India were chased by a stone-throwing mob. And in Pakistan, a nurse and her children were thrown out of their apartment.
Updated June 22, 2020Updated June 22, 2020
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Nurses in the Philippines and Mexico have been doused in bleach. Medical workers in India were chased by a stone-throwing mob. And in Pakistan, a nurse and her children were thrown out of their apartment.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began by listing just three symptoms for Covid-19: fever, cough and shortness of breath. But we now know that the disease can hit one patient very differently from another. So the C.D.C. has officially added six more:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began by listing just three symptoms for Covid-19: fever, cough and shortness of breath. But we now know that the disease can hit one patient very differently from another. So the C.D.C. has officially added six more:
ChillsChills
Repeated shaking with chillsRepeated shaking with chills
Muscle painMuscle pain
HeadacheHeadache
Sore throatSore throat
Loss of taste or smellLoss of taste or smell
Not everyone who is infected will have them all, and some people won’t have any. The only sure way to know if you have the virus is to get tested.Not everyone who is infected will have them all, and some people won’t have any. The only sure way to know if you have the virus is to get tested.
In Britain, deaths have topped 20,000. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to work after recovering from the virus.In Britain, deaths have topped 20,000. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has returned to work after recovering from the virus.
Afghanistan is poised to release 22,000 inmates — more than 60 percent of its prison population — as its confirmed coronavirus count climbs above 1,700, which is probably an undercount.Afghanistan is poised to release 22,000 inmates — more than 60 percent of its prison population — as its confirmed coronavirus count climbs above 1,700, which is probably an undercount.
Gov. Gavin Newsom of California warned residents that the timetable for reopening could be jeopardized by people ignoring social distancing rules, after images of crowded beaches circulated over the weekend.Gov. Gavin Newsom of California warned residents that the timetable for reopening could be jeopardized by people ignoring social distancing rules, after images of crowded beaches circulated over the weekend.
Attend to your pets’ needs. Forget caring about how they look and concentrate on keeping them safe and healthy. Thinking about adopting a quarantine puppy? Here are some things to consider.Attend to your pets’ needs. Forget caring about how they look and concentrate on keeping them safe and healthy. Thinking about adopting a quarantine puppy? Here are some things to consider.
Stock the liquor cabinet. Whether creating a small home bar or mixing Instagram-worthy cocktails, the trick is to improvise and innovate, and above all, keep it simple.Stock the liquor cabinet. Whether creating a small home bar or mixing Instagram-worthy cocktails, the trick is to improvise and innovate, and above all, keep it simple.
Get your rest. Practicing meditation may help you fall asleep. Here’s a guide.Get your rest. Practicing meditation may help you fall asleep. Here’s a guide.
Can I make a mask out of bra pads? They aren’t the most effective at filtering out particles, but they can work in a pinch. Here’s how other everyday materials, like denim, coffee filters and bandannas, stack up for mask-making.Can I make a mask out of bra pads? They aren’t the most effective at filtering out particles, but they can work in a pinch. Here’s how other everyday materials, like denim, coffee filters and bandannas, stack up for mask-making.
The Times reviewed hundreds of thousands of words spoken publicly by President Trump during the pandemic so far, and found some striking patterns and repetitions. For example, the person he praised more often than everyone else combined was himself.The Times reviewed hundreds of thousands of words spoken publicly by President Trump during the pandemic so far, and found some striking patterns and repetitions. For example, the person he praised more often than everyone else combined was himself.
A study of the arthritis drug sarilumab found no benefits to patients who were hospitalized with Covid-19 but were not on ventilators. It is still being studied for those on ventilators.A study of the arthritis drug sarilumab found no benefits to patients who were hospitalized with Covid-19 but were not on ventilators. It is still being studied for those on ventilators.
Women are less likely to become acutely ill from the coronavirus and far more likely to survive. Scientists who think hormones may be the reason are dosing men with estrogen in small clinical trials.Women are less likely to become acutely ill from the coronavirus and far more likely to survive. Scientists who think hormones may be the reason are dosing men with estrogen in small clinical trials.
Stores are running out of sympathy cards. “It seems just about everyone knows someone who has died,” one card maker said.Stores are running out of sympathy cards. “It seems just about everyone knows someone who has died,” one card maker said.
The outbreaks in New York City and Seattle emerged at roughly the same time, but have followed very different trajectories — in part because of how scientists and politicians in each region responded, The New Yorker writes.The outbreaks in New York City and Seattle emerged at roughly the same time, but have followed very different trajectories — in part because of how scientists and politicians in each region responded, The New Yorker writes.
Whenever I traveled, I bought postcards as souvenirs. Going through things, I started to find them. So I decided to start writing two each day, and share something great about each place with my friends. It’s a wonderful reminder of my pleasant past life, and it lets people know I am thinking of them!Whenever I traveled, I bought postcards as souvenirs. Going through things, I started to find them. So I decided to start writing two each day, and share something great about each place with my friends. It’s a wonderful reminder of my pleasant past life, and it lets people know I am thinking of them!
— Leslie Dunn Levine, Oceanside, Calif.— Leslie Dunn Levine, Oceanside, Calif.
Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.Let us know how you’re dealing with the outbreak. Send us a response here, and we may feature it in an upcoming newsletter.
Sign up here to get the briefing by email.Sign up here to get the briefing by email.
Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.Lara Takenaga, Jonathan Wolfe and Tom Wright-Piersanti contributed to today’s newsletter.