PICKS are stories from many sources, selected by our editors or recommended by our readers because they are important, surprising, troubling, enlightening, inspiring, or amusing. They appear on our site and in our daily newsletter. Please send suggested articles, videos, podcasts, etc. to picks@whowhatwhy.org.
|
Listen To This Story
 |
Thousands of Hotel Workers Strike After Talks With Top Chains Stall (Maria)
The author writes, “Thousands of hotel workers began a multi-day strike in several cities across the US to press for higher wages and increased staffing after contract negotiations with major hotel chains Hyatt, Hilton and Marriott stalled. Workers walked off the job on Sunday in 25 cities including San Francisco, Seattle, Greenwich, Conn., and Honolulu, said Unite Here, a union representing hospitality workers across North America. The strikes are planned to last between two to three days, organizers said, noting the timing of the strike happening on Labor Day.”
California Is Racing to Combat Deepfakes Ahead of the Election (Reader Steve)
From the Los Angeles Times: “On Friday, California lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that would prohibit the distribution of deceptive campaign ads or “election communication” within 120 days of an election. Assembly Bill 2839 targets manipulated content that would harm a candidate’s reputation or electoral prospects along with confidence in an election’s outcome.”
What Kamala Harris Meant by ‘Most Lethal Fighting Force’ in Her DNC Speech (Laura)
From The Intercept: “The Pentagon buzzword can apply to anything from missiles to pepperoni pizzas inside the military — while papering over the corpses that ‘lethality’ produces.”
Where Vance and Walz Stand on Major Health Care Issues (Mili)
From MedPage Today: “With this abridged overview, MedPage Today examines the health policy records of the Republican and Democratic vice presidential nominees, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D).”
Insects, Mold and Puddles of Blood Found at Boar’s Head Plant Linked to Listeria Outbreak, Records Show (Sean)
The author writes, “The U.S. Agriculture Department found dozens of violations at a Boar’s Head plant in Virginia — including insects, mold and puddles of blood — that has been linked to a deadly listeria outbreak that has killed nine people, newly released records from the department show. Agriculture Department officials logged 69 instances of noncompliance with federal regulations at the Boar’s Head plant in Jarratt from Aug. 1, 2023, through Aug. 2, 2024.”
Marijuana Is Too Strong Now (Reader Jim)
The author writes, “In 2022, the federal government reported that, in samples seized by the Drug Enforcement Administration, average levels of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC — the psychoactive compound in weed that makes you feel high — had more than tripled compared with 25 years earlier, from 5 to 16 percent. That may understate how strong weed has gotten. Walk into any dispensary in the country, legal or not, and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a single product advertising such a low THC level. Most strains claim to be at least 20 to 30 percent THC by weight; concentrated weed products designed for vaping can be labeled as up to 90 percent.”
Cryptominers Allegedly Made $100,000 From Mining at an Airbnb for Three Weeks — Guests Ran Up a $1,500 Electricity Bill (Russ)
The author writes, “A popular Airbnb host has been forced to implement a bizarre new rule when renting her house to guests: no crypto-mining. The change came after guests amassed a $1,500 electric bill during their stay. The guests were seen hauling out at least ten computers and also set up an improvised electric vehicle charging station.”
