Author
I’m a professional comedy writer — Republicans have a ‘punching down’ problem
By Jon Savitt There’s one rule in comedy so universal that it connects comics of every background, genre, and skill level: Never punch down. These three simple words can be the difference between being a headliner or being hated. “Punching down” is more than being mean, rude, or vulgar. It’s the intentional act of attacking […]
Rainbow fentanyl – the newest Halloween scare
By Joel Best Every year around the middle of October, reporters start contacting me wanting to talk about rumors of contaminated Halloween treats. That’s because I track media coverage of reported incidents of trick-or-treaters receiving razor blades in apples or pins and poison in candy bars. My data go back to 1958, and my principal […]
Judge blocks prosecutors from enforcing Michigan’s ‘chilling and dangerous’ abortion ban
An Michigan judge has ruled that an injunction on the state’s abortion ban will remain in effect, preventing local prosecutors from enforcing a 1931 law that prohibits doctors in Michigan from performing any abortions except to save the life of the “pregnant woman.” Circuit Court Judge Jacob Cunningham issued the ruling Friday after two days […]
In combating racism, truth telling remains the best and most effective tool
“Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” “If we do not learn history, we are condemned to repeat it.” Americans often turn to these two aphorisms in discussions of public policy and usually for good reason. Both emphasize the value of openly and honestly confronting the truth — wherever it may lead. Strangely and maddeningly, however, both […]
Health experts worry CDC’s COVID-19 vaccination rates appear inflated | Analysis
By Phil Galewitz For nearly a month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s online vaccine tracker has shown that virtually everyone 65 and older in the United States — 99.9 percent — has received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose. That would be remarkable — if true. But health experts and state officials say it’s certainly […]
Don’t wait until after the holidays to seek treatment for substance abuse
By Bea* I was a mother and a wife with a career where I made six figures. My life probably looked charmed from the outside, but I was hiding a painful secret. I was addicted to opioids. That years-long addiction eventually prompted me to check into rehab for substance use treatment. It happened the day […]