US new home sales soared 13.9% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 901,000 units, the highest level since December 2006, according to a Tuesday release from the US Census Bureau.
The median sales price jumped 7.2% from the year-ago period to $330,600.
Sales spiked by 58.8% in the Midwest and shrank by 23.1% in the Northeast.
The nation's housing market has been bolstered in recent months by record-low borrowing costs and strong construction activity.
Sales of new homes in the US soared to their highest level since December 2006 in July as Americans took advantage of historically low interest rates.
Single-family home sales leaped 13.9% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 901,000 units, according to data released by the US Census Bureau on Tuesday. Median sales price gained 7.2% to $330,600 from the year-ago period.
Economists surveyed by Bloomberg expected a rate of 790,000 sales.
The seasonally adjusted estimate for new houses for sale at the end of the month was 299,000, according to the Census Bureau. That level represents a four-month supply of homes should the sales rate hold steady.
Sales jumped the most in the Midwest, soaring 58.8% to 127,000 units. Home sales shrank in the Northeast by 23.1% to 40,000 units.
The summer sales boom was largely fueled by low borrowing costs and a lack of listings for existing homes. Mortgage rates sank through July before hitting record lows in early August. Surging homebuilding activity further fueled the spree, but July's rate is likely unsustainable and could cave to a weakened economic backdrop, Oxford Economics said in a note.
"While strong demand and lower mortgage rates are supportive of further growth in sales, the slow recovery and weak labor market pose downside risks," the firm said.
The better-than-expected data follows a similarly positive report on existing home sales. Sales of previously owned homes spiked a record 24.7% to a seasonally adjusted rate of 5.86 million last month, according to a Friday release from the National Association of Realtors. Economists anticipated a 5.41 million rate.
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Customization elevates an everyday item into something personal and special.
For newly engaged couples, customized gifts are an easy way to celebrate, and show off, their coming together.
If you're looking to gift some personalized gifts to a newly engaged couple in your life, we've curated 27 no-brainer options below.
If you're looking for a gift for a different occasion, person, or price point, you can check out all of our gift guides here.
Especially for engagements, there's something incredibly special about shared, customized gifts.
Instead of two of everything, a couple can begin seeing their lives — and the things they own — as being created with one unit in mind. Even the most mundane objects become a cause for excitement and celebration: Those are now our towels, our cutting board, and our invitation stamps.
For gift-givers, personalization is an easy way to celebrate the commitment of loved ones, shower them with keepsakes, and try to make each gift feel as unique as the love between two people.
These cute mugs can be personalized to fit the couple, making for a special weekend morning coffee routine or just a nice reminder in the kitchen cabinet. On the back, you can add a family name and the year the couple was established.
A professionally framed photo of one of their favorite memories or engagement photos
Frame one of their favorite engagement photos or memories to have at home. If you'd rather leave the final decision up to them, you can give a gift card.
A decanter set is a pretty safe bet for adults who like to enjoy a nice alcoholic drink from time to time. It's also something that they're probably unlikely to buy for themselves, but will love owning.
The BBQ board can also be used as a cutting board, and the subtle monogram in the middle is a nice way to celebrate the merging of two people with an item they'll love to own — both for what it means to them, and for how useful it is.
Give the newly engaged couple new sheets — and the freedom to personalize prints, sets, and sizes — with a gift card box to the internet's favorite bedding startup, Brooklinen. Executive editor Ellen Hoffman calls them one of the best purchases she's ever made.
Salt and pepper grinders they'll use for years to come
As they're beginning a new phase of their lives together, they're likely looking for practical upgrades for the home. These monogrammed salt and pepper mills will get a ton of use in their kitchen, while the customization demonstrates the level of thought put into them.
The world is their oyster — never let them forget it with this commemorative map. Personalized with their names and anniversary date, this map is only made more special when they mark their hometowns, honeymoon spot, and dream destinations with the included 100 pushpins.
If you're looking for more familiar and less formal champagne flutes, this etched set honors the couple with the same sweetness of carving initials into a tree trunk.
Vinebox sends a personalized wine flight to their door that's curated based on their personal tastes and preferences. It comes four times per year (so, a six-month membership means two boxes) so they can look forward to each new shipment, and trying them at home, as a couple. Each vial is portioned to be one full glass of fine wine, and members get $15 toward full-sized bottles each quarter.
There's a ton of information to keep track of while planning a wedding, and the last thing they may be thinking about is where they left their keys. This monogrammed catchall tray will not only add a pop of color to their home, but it's as practical as it is personable.
Planning a wedding includes quite a bit of snail mail — invitations and thank-you notes, for starters — and a custom stamp can make the process go by much faster. Each gift set includes a self-inking stamper, one black ink cartridge, and one gift certificate that allows them to customize a stamp plate online.
Before the lovebirds are swept into the undertow of wedding planning and the months of preparation before their big day, it's nice to have a moment — or a weekend — to reflect on one of the happiest and most momentous moments of their lives. With a gift card to Airbnb, they can book a weekend to spend together.
If you'd like to take it a step further, gift them a gift card to Journy — an online concierge system that makes personalized travel itineraries for as little as $25 per day. The service will even book hotels and make restaurant reservations. It takes the stress out of travel and it allows them to enjoy the anticipation of a trip without missing out on adventures. Read more in-depth about the service here.
Grafomap is a website that lets you design posters with maps of any place in the world. You can make one of their hometown, college town, or favorite travel destination and hone in on particular spots. If you're looking for a map gift but don't love Grafomap, there are seemingly endless options on both Etsy here and Uncommon Goods here.
Thoughtful coasters of a place close to their heart
An inexpensive homage to their hometown, where they met, or a place close to their hearts. No matter what their decor is like, coasters are small enough to mesh well, so you need to worry less about clashing. Personalize with an engraving of your choosing.
Driftaway is a gourmet coffee subscription that gets smarter the longer you use it — remembering preferences and steering members toward increasingly accurate brews for their palette. The first shipment is a tasting kit with four coffee profiles, which users rate online or in the app for the site to use as a flavor baseline.
If they love coffee, or they're going to need a lot of it to plan a wedding, this is a great way to ensure they'll discover new favorites and enjoy each morning cup, together.
This keepsake ring dish serves as a daily reminder of the day one of them proposed, the day they met, or their upcoming wedding date if they've announced it. It's more portable than carving their initials together on a tree trunk, but the style has the same sweet aesthetic.
Flowers are a classic for a reason — not every newly engaged couple needs more things. But, they'll appreciate having a beautiful reminder that their friends and family are happy for them.
A lot of people will show up with wine and Champagne to celebrate the occasion. If you'd like to take things one step further, order a custom label for them to keep. If you're feeling extra inspired, pick up a nice bottle of wine that will have aged to perfection on one of their big anniversary years.
If you want to celebrate the occasion without giving them a new piece of decor to contend with, soaps are a pretty wonderful and unique way to do it. This gift set comes with monogrammed guest soaps and 12 monogrammed guest towels.
A bunch of bucket list items for future date nights
Perfect for the many years of date nights to come, Uncommon Goods' Date Night Bucket List features a slew of fun and sweet ideas for how to spend time together. Couples can add their own, draw them at random, and add the date they experienced each "date night" in pencil on the back for a keepsake.
Gift them a personalized leather passport cover and luggage tag for their upcoming travels together — either as an adventurous, intrepid couple or as soon-to-be newlyweds with years of trips ahead of them.
This keepsake box is perfect for couples who have collected mementos from their time together. From movie ticket stubs to their upcoming wedding invitations, this is a nice way to consolidate memories together and in a lasting place. Choose from four timeless designs or opt for a simple blank box that they can personalize themselves.
A fun, personalized game they'll use for years of laughs
For the couple that doesn't take themselves too seriously, go for a game. The extra-large tumble tower is two feet tall when stacked and comes with a sturdy bag so they can take it on the go. Personalize it with their names and wedding date (if you know it) for a fun activity they can use at their wedding, rehearsal dinner, and game nights for years to come.
Gift them a piece that'll help them build their home together. Customize this pillow with a special address (in their hometown, the city where they met, or where they currently live) to add a sentimental touch to their shared space.
A blood donor in Bangkok, Thailand, lays on a transfusion chair. The Thai Red Cross has requested to donate blood plasma from patients recovering from COVID-19.
During the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, doctors discovered they could treat sick patients with the blood of those who had already recovered. The therapy, known as convalescent plasma, helped reduce mortality among people with acute infections. Now, the FDA has issued an emergency authorization for the therapy's use among COVID-19 patients.
Antibodies develop in plasma, the liquid portion of blood — they're part of our body's natural response to a foreign pathogen. So the idea behind the treatment is to help sick people mount an antibody response to the virus by transferring plasma intravenously from those who already have antibodies.
"What we really need are drugs that, when given early, can prevent a symptomatic person from requiring hospitalization or very dramatically diminish the time that they're symptomatic," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg last month.
Convalescent plasma is promising in that regard.
The emergency use authorization from the FDA will allow doctors to administer the treatment earlier in the course of an infection, when it's believed to be most effective. The agency was expected to authorize plasma treatment last week, but it was briefly delayed after federal health officials, including Fauci, called for more data from randomized control trials, The New York Times reported.
But Dr. Thomas File, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, said the available data on the treatment is still insufficient.
"While the data to date show some positive signals that convalescent plasma can be helpful in treating individuals with COVID-19, especially if given early in the trajectory of disease, we lack the randomized controlled trial data we need to better understand its utility in COVID-19 treatment," he said in a statement on Sunday.
As of Monday, more than 2,700 hospitals have already administered plasma therapy through an expanded-access program led by the Mayo Clinic. The program has delivered plasma to more than 100,000 patients, according to the program website.
However, there are still major limitations to plasma therapy's widespread use. Plasma must be transferred quickly from a donor to a recipient — and both must have compatible blood types. The quantity is also limited, since it depends on blood donations. That means plasma isn't likely to be a long-term treatment for the virus. Instead, researchers and pharmaceutical companies see it as an interim therapy until a vaccine becomes readily available.
Early research shows promise
A recovered coronavirus patient donates blood samples for plasma extraction to help critically ill patients at the National Blood Transfusion Center on June 22, 2020.
Ameer Al Mohammedaw/Getty
Preliminary studies on convalescent plasma have primarily focused on its efficacy among hospitalized patients.
A national study of 35,000 hospitalized coronavirus patients, which is still awaiting peer review, found that patients less than 80 years old who weren't on a respirator and received plasma containing high levels of antibodies within three days of their diagnosis had a 35% lower mortality rate than those who were treated four or more days after their diagnosis.
In a White House briefing on Sunday, FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn mischaracterized these findings, stating that there was "a 35% improvement in survival" among "optimal patients." He added that if the data continued to pan out, 35 out of 100 people could be saved by receiving plasma therapy. Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar called this "a major advance in the treatment of patients."
But Hahn walked back his remarks on Monday, following outcry from medical experts.
"I have been criticized for remarks I made Sunday night about the benefits of convalescent plasma. The criticism is entirely justified. What I should have said better is that the data show a relative risk reduction not an absolute risk reduction," Hahn tweeted.
To know whether the therapy really impacts survival — and how much — researchers need to do more comparisons of plasma recipients and untreated patients.
Some early data on this came from researchers at Mount Sinai in May, though that study hasn't yet been peer reviewed. The results showed that among hospitalized coronavirus patients, 18% of plasma recipients saw their conditions worsen two weeks after their transfusion compared to 24% of patients who didn't receive the treatment. But the study was small — only 39 patients received transfusions — and the results were only significant for patients who didn't need a ventilator.
In another study (also not yet peer reviewed), researchers at the Mayo Clinic found that convalescent plasma reduced the mortality rate among hospitalized coronavirus patients by 57%.
So far, research suggests that patients treated earlier in the course of their infection have better outcomes.
A recent study of 316 patients at Houston Methodist hospitals found that patients who received plasma transfusions within 72 hours of being admitted to the hospital had a lower risk of mortality over the next 28 days than patients who received transfusions after 72 hours had passed.
"We now have more evidence than ever that this century-old plasma therapy has merit, is safe, and can help reduce the death rate from this virus," Dr. James Musser, chair of the Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine at Houston Methodist, said in a statement.
Mayo Clinic researchers also determined that the treatment was relatively safe among 5,000 adults with severe or life-threatening cases. Less than 1% of the patients developed severe side effects within four hours of receiving a blood transfusion. Although transfusions always pose some risk to seriously ill patients, only four deaths were linked to the plasma therapy.
Drug companies are converting plasma into medicine
An Iraqi phlebotomist holds a bag of plasma donated by a recovered COVID-19 patient at the blood bank of Nasiriyah in Iraq's Dhi Qar province, June 24, 2020.
Asaad Niazi/AFP/Getty Images
In May, a coalition of medical institutions, drug companies, nonprofits, and COVID-19 survivors launched "The Fight Is In Us" — a campaign to get more recovered coronavirus patients to donate blood. Some of that blood will be used for direct transfusions, and the rest will go toward manufacturing hyperimmune globulin, a drug built from convalescent plasma.
The process of creating hyperimmune globulin involves pooling plasma from recovered patients and heat-treating it so that any remaining pathogens get destroyed. The result is a vial of medicine with consistent antibody levels that can easily be administered to patients. The drug focuses on the most common antibody found in blood — immunoglobulin G (IgG) — which usually confers long-term immunity.
"It's basically treated in a way that reduces the likelihood that it could pass on any infections," David Reich, president and chief operating officer of The Mount Sinai Hospital, told Business Insider in April. "Something like that could be helpful, potentially, to people in the early phase of the disease or potentially as prophylaxis against the disease."
Mount Sinai is working with Emergent BioSolutions, a Maryland-based biopharmaceutical company, to develop a hyperimmune globulin product. The group will study whether the drug can protect individuals at high risk of exposure, such as healthcare workers, from getting infected in the first place.
A coalition of 10 drug companies involved in the "The Fight Is In Us" campaign is also creating a hyperimmune globulin drug. The research is led by Takeda, Japan's largest pharmaceutical company, and CSL Behring, a Pennsylvania-based biotech company. They're hoping to determine whether hyperimmune globulin improves outcomes for coronavirus patients with severe cases.
"Our goal here isn't to continue to produce hyperimmune globulin ad infinitum," Christopher Morabito, head of research and development for plasma-based therapies at Takeda, previously told Business Insider. "Our goal here is to have an effective therapy to bridge us to a point where either the pandemic is over because it dies out, or because there's a vaccine available, or until there are many more effective treatments for patients with this disease."
The coalition hopes to secure regulatory approval from the FDA by the end of 2020. But there are plenty of hurdles: Drug quantities are still limited by the quantity of plasma people donate. Companies researching hyperimmune globulin and direct convalescent plasma treatments also still need to prove that the approaches are safe.
This story has been updated with new information. It was originally published August 11, 2020.
Performance denim gets a bad reputation for looking too much like leggings, but Revtown's jeans marry performance-forward fabrics with a really flattering fit.
Some of the men on our team have been fans of Revtown jeans for a while now, so when the brand launched a women's line, we knew we had to try them for ourselves. The jeans are comfortable, flattering, and affordable at just $79.
The idea of performance jeans has always seemed a little offputting — at least to me. Denim is meant to be stiff and durable — after all, the fabric was born out of a need for sturdy work pants. While denim has surely evolved over the years, making its way onto runways and into wardrobes everywhere, it's not typically associated with hiking, bike riding, or physical activities that require comfortable apparel.
But after testing performance jeans from Revtown, I quickly realized my preconceived notions about this kind of denim weren't universally true.
Revtown was founded by three Under Armour alumni. After years of working in athletic apparel, they wanted to find a way to bring the comfort we expect from workout clothing to other wardrobe staples. They set out to create high-quality, supremely comfortable denim that was affordable and accessible. Men's denim was the first step, and after rave reviews (including one from our own Insider Reviews reporter), the brand launched a line of women's denim that is equally as impressive.
What makes Revtown's jeans different?
The idea of performance denim may conjure up thoughts of jeggings that quickly bag out, but Revtown's pairs look and feel like regular jeans. The proprietary fabric blend — called Decade Denim — combines regular cotton denim with a bit of elastane for stretch. The end result is thick, durable denim that looks like it would be stiff, but is surprisingly stretchy. The brand also makes sustainability a priority, only using sustainably sourced cotton and working with a green mill to produce each pair.
As far as cost goes, the jeans aren't a far reach. Each pair from Revtown will only cost you $79. And while it's not uncommon to find jeans in the under $100 price range, performance denim tends to skew pricier.
Picking out a pair of jeans at Revtown is easy, as there are only three pairs to choose from: the Skinny, the High-Rise Skinny, and the High-Rise Straight. The skinny jeans come in a range of washes and fits, though the straight leg is only currently offered in a light wash and regular inseam. The skinnies come with three different inseam options: Ankle, Regular and Tall. The ankle inseam, recommended for people that are 5'2" and under, is 26 inches long. The regular inseams are between 28 to 29 inches and are intended for those between 5'3" to 5'11", while the tall inseam (34 inches) is recommended for those over 6 feet tall.
Pairs are finished with smart details like reinforced front pockets, strategically placed back pockets, and a three-piece waistband, all made for extra comfort and a universally flattering fit. To find your best fit, you can use the digital tailor tool. It helps you find the right size at Revtown based on your usual jean size, height, and weight.
Perhaps the best part about Revtown's jeans is that they weren't just made with one or two fit models in mind, but with a wide range of women considered. Revtown brought many women together to be fitted and provide feedback about the pairs, which the brand used as they were being developed.
We tried a few of the women's styles from Revtown. While our reactions differed, ultimately we found these jeans are a good value, boast a flattering fit, and are good for a variety of activities — from a night out dancing to a workday spent at a desk.
Read our personal reviews of Revtown women's jeans:
Having learned about Revtown earlier this year from my coworker Amir, I was excited to try these jeans for myself. I already love affordable, high-quality denim brands like Warp + Weft and Liverpool, so these days it's difficult to convince me to pay more than $100 for a pair of jeans. Revtown's $79 jeans have joined my list of affordable favorites. I wear the Skinny Jeans all the time — they're stretchy without losing form, flattering, and supportive. The denim is smooth and feels substantial, and the Daybreak Indigo color is the quintessential blue. I'd recommend using Revtown's digital tailor tool to find your best size. I'm be between a size 29 and 30, and its recommended 30R size fit me perfectly.
Dominique McIntee, former Insider Reviews editorial fellow:
I've been wearing the same skinny black jeans from Pacsun since college, so I was eager to get my hands on a pair from Revtown — a brand loved and recommended by a few of my coworkers. However, I have some suggestions on how to approach buying these jeans because I had a little trouble with the sizing.
I am a size 10 (30) across the board, so I opted for 30R, but they run small. They were tight at the waist, and while I love the slender skinny leg, I felt restricted while sitting and writing at my desk. After nearly two months of wash and wear, they've stretched out a bit, but not by much. I also made the mistake of selecting regular instead of long, as I'm near 5'10" in height. Basically, I'd recommend sizing up and if you're tall, and selecting the long inseam instead of regular legged jeans. I wouldn't say they're the most comfortable for every day — but, since they're slimming, I'd suggest reserving this pair for a night out. If you want more wiggle room, I'd say go with American Eagle's curvy jeans — they're life-changing, no exaggeration.
If you read the introduction to this article (which I wrote), you could probably assume that I didn't have high expectations for this pair before trying. I assumed that they would be stretchy and comfortable, but not super cute or flattering, and honestly, I was very wrong. I tend to be very picky with my denim and this pair has passed the test.
The fit is classic with a tapered, straight leg and an extra-high rise, which doesn't feel restrictive around the waist thanks to the added stretch. These jeans fit me like a glove. When I slipped them on I had to do a double-take — how were they so soft and stretchy, but so supportive? The light blue wash has a casual look that's perfect for everyday wear, so I've been wearing these a lot. My only qualm is that the jeans tend to bunch up in the front, as seen in the picture above. This maybe could have been remedied if I had sized down, though I can't be sure. Regardless, I love this pair and I'll definitely be wearing them often.
NIO ES8 electric SUVs are seen displayed at the second media day for the Shanghai auto show in Shanghai
Reuters
Nio surged 15% to record highs on Tuesday after the China-based electric vehicle manufacturer was upgraded from "sell" to "neutral" by UBS.
In a note published on Tuesday, UBS said improving fundamentals driven by operational cost cutting justified its price target boost from $1.00 to $16.30, representing an increase of 1,530%.
Still, UBS said it believes all the good news is likely priced in the stock already, as Nio shares hit an intraday high of $17.32 in Tuesday trades, representing 6% potential downside to UBS's price target.
Nio is starting to turn skeptics into believers, at least according to a UBS note published on Tuesday.
The firm upgraded the China-based electric vehicle manufacturer from "sell" to "neutral," and bumped its price target from to $16.30 to $1.00, representing a jump of 1,530%.
UBS said improving fundamentals at Nio have alleviated concerns around its balance sheet thanks to a successful capital raise in June. UBS did warn, however, that Nio will likely need to raise more cash from investors to help fund its rapid growth in the EV space.
Nio is benefiting from a recovery in 2020 sales volume, as there continues to be a strong appetite for electric vehicles from consumers around the world, according to the note. "With the refresh of the ES8 and warming of EV purchases, demand seems strong by its own scale," UBS said.
UBS primarily boosted its price target so substantially because operational improvements and cost reductions at Nio were well ahead of its previous expectations.
Still, despite the improved backdrop for shares of Nio, UBS thinks shares may be fairly valued. Its price target of $16.30 represents 6% downside potential from Tuesday's intraday high of $17.32.
Going forward, UBS said a wide range of outcomes for Nio's future are possible due to elevated valuations, limited visibility on growth, execution, and competition.
Shares of Nio have surged 609% since their March 18 low of $2.11 as of Monday's close, and are up 272% year-to-date.
Epic Games launched a parody of Apple's iconic "1984" ad in a swipe at the company.
Epic Games/YouTube
Epic Games has been caught in a legal battle with Apple over the tech giant's decision to remove "Fortnite" from the App Store after Epic violated its policies.
It's not the first time "Fortnite" has been at the center of a controversial policy imposed by large tech firm.
In 2018, "Fortnite" played an instrumental role in getting Sony to enable cross-play compatibility, which allowed "Fortnite" users on PlayStation 4 to play with friends on other systems.
In both instances, "Fortnite" has been used in an attempt to change policies that have been widely contested across the industry.
In the case between Apple and Epic, its Apple's App Store rules that are at the center of the debacle, policies that have been under increased antitrust scrutiny as of late.
Epic Games has been caught in an ongoing legal battle with Apple over the iPhone maker's decision to remove '"Fortnite" from the App Store after the gaming giant intentionally violated Apple's policies.
The move challenges Apple's longstanding controversial App Store rule which requires that developers use the company's in-app payment system rather than their own, giving Apple a 30% cut of the transaction.
It's not the first time "Fortnite" has been used to challenge the contentious rules of an industry stalwart. And last time, it worked.
Back in 2018, Sony was caught in hot water when it initially refused to enable cross-play in "Fortnite," meaning PlayStation 4 owners couldn't play "Fortnite" with friends that had an Xbox, Nintendo Switch, smartphone, or PC.
At the time, if "Fortnite" players linked their account to the PlayStation network, they wouldn't be able to access their "Fortnite" account — including items purchased in the game — on any other platform. It resulted in such backlash that the hashtag #BlameSony began to circulate.
That differed from the approaches taken by Nintendo and Microsoft at the time. The two companies not only supported cross-play for Fortnite, but Minecraft as well, further highlighting Sony's dissenting perspective.
Sony's reason: The PlayStation 4 provided the best experience for gamers in 2018.
"On cross-platform, our way of thinking is always that PlayStation is the best place to play," CEO Kenichiro Yoshida said to Press Association according to The Independent. "'Fortnite,' I believe, partnered with PlayStation 4 is the best experience for users, that's our belief."
Sony eventually gave in and launched cross-play compatibility for "Fortnite" in late September 2018, a choice that John Kodera, Sony Interactive Entertainment's deputy president, called "a major policy change." That opened the door for Sony to eventually enable cross-play more broadly for other games like "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare" and "Rocket League."
Apple's fight with Epic Games and the conflict over Sony's previous decision not to support cross-play are inherently different. The former is the result of a deliberate action by Epic Games to violate Apple's rules — as contested as they may be. The latter centered on backlash to Sony's initial refusal to change with the industry and play more nicely with competitors. (Although Epic did "accidentally" turn on cross-play briefly for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in 2017).
But that doesn't mean there aren't any similarities between the two episodes. Both challenge controversial rules from major tech companies that seemingly hold major business benefits for the firms involved. At the same time, critics have argued that such rules have had detrimental effects on their respective industries: In Apple's case, app developers, and in Sony's, the video game industry.
Sony's refusal to embrace cross-play was criticized as an example of Sonyattempting to maintain a competitive advantage in the industry while creating confusion and inconveniences for consumers. Before Sony deployed its cross-play offerings more widely, some developers argued that Sony was playing favorites by only enabling the feature for "Fortnite" and "Rocket League" at first.
Pete Hines, an executive for Bethesda Game Studios, also weighed in on the issue of cross-play compatibility when speaking with Game Informer in 2018.
"We cannot have a game that only works one way across everywhere else except for this one thing," Hines said in reference to the launch of the console version of "The Elder Scrolls Legends."
While Sony's decision not to enable cross-play certainly made waves in the gaming community, it hasn't drawn widespread antitrust scrutiny in the way that Apple's App Store rules have.
The "Fortnite" debacle has become something of a powder-keg moment for Apple's policies, which developers have rallied against for years, arguing that it makes it difficult to price their apps competitively enough to compete with Apple's own services. Epic earlier this month filed a lawsuit against Apple after the company removed "Fortnite" from the App Store, while the tech company accused the game maker of seeking special treatment.
A California judge ruled partially in favor of Apple in the dispute's latest development, a decision that keeps "Fortnite" out of the App Store but prevents Apple from cutting off Epic's access to its developer tools.
Before Epic Games intentionally violated Apple's policies, CEO Tim Sweeney even wrote to the company saying it would no longer adhere to its payment processing restrictions.
"We choose to follow this path in the firm belief that history and law are on our side," Sweeney wrote.
Apple's services business, which includes App Store transactions, is its second-largest generator of quarterly revenue following iPhone sales. It's played a crucial role in supporting the company's business during periods when iPhone sales have slowed in recent years.
This all comes as Apple's 30% commission on App Store transactions and its mandate that developers only use its payment system were at the center of a blockbuster tech industry antitrust hearing at the end of July.
The specifics may be different, but Apple's battle with Epic is another testament to "Fortnite's" industry-wide impact when it comes to challenging policies held by major platform holders like Apple and Sony. What remains to be seen is whether leveraging its popularity will work this time.
Boutique British automaker McLaren has only ever made two hybrid models. The first was the P1 in 2013. Only 375 were made. The second was the Speedtail in 2018. Only 106 were built. Since then, it's been gasoline all the way. But that's about to change.
On Tuesday, McLaren introduced an all-new platform intended to underpin its upcoming generation of electrified supercars. Designed specifically for future hybrid powertrains, the new carbon-fiber platform will ensure the cars are lightweight and safe. McLaren said the first hybrid supercar built on the platform will launch next year.
The new architecture is a sight that should be familiar to those who know how the automaker builds its current cars, since modern McLarens use versions of the company's carbon-fiber monocoque chassis design. "Monocoque" is French for "single shell," acting as a central structure in cars for heightened strength and rigidity.
McLaren's Monocage II carbon fiber monocoque chassis that underpins the 720S.
McLaren
The move toward hybridization is part of McLaren's plan to stop production of gasoline engines by the decade's end, according to a recent Financial Times story about the company's long-term plan to shift to EVs. The outlet's Peter Campbell reported that while McLaren will busy itself with building hybrid supercars over the course of the next 10 years, the ultimate goal is to "cease any traditional engine development by 2030."
McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt told the Financial Times: "We will be developing engines for the next 10 years, selling for the next 15 years, but we expect a lot of the world to be aligning around the 2035 date [for a full shift to electric cars]."
The new hybrid platform will allow drivers to charge their cars via plugs and drive more than 18 miles on battery-only power, the Financial Times noted. We won't see an all-electric McLaren until the back half of the decade, however, due to weight, performance, and range constraints, Flewitt said.
The McLaren Speedtail debuted in 2018.
McLaren
In 2018, McLaren announced its $1.6 billion "Track25" business plan that included launching 18 new models and having its entire lineup be hybrid by 2025.
It's unclear if that plan has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. CNBC reported in May that McLaren planned to lay off about a quarter of its workforce in restructuring efforts related to the virus. In the story, McLaren said it had to suspend retail and manufacturing, as well as cancel its motorsports events — all of which "severely" impacted the company.
Something strange happened on Monday. First it was one, then another, and then more still. S-1 filings — the prospectuses that companies file with the SEC when they plan to go public — were dropping everywhere, as if someone had waved a flag to let tech companies know that the time to IPO was now.
Asana cofounders Justin Rosenstein and Dustin Moskovitz
Asana
The most immediate thing you'll notice about all the companies that filed paperwork to go public on Monday is that they are enterprise tech companies, that is, tech companies that sell their products to other companies. We'll talk about why enterprise is having this moment shortly, but first, here are some of the other notable takeaways from the IPO stampede:
Old Timers: The youngest of the companies planning to go public — Snowflake — is eight years old. Asana and Jfrog were each founded in 2008, making them veritable geezers in the tech IPO world, where the median age of an IPO company is seven years. (And if Palantir's S-1 drops this week, as expected, the average age of this batch will skew even older, given that Palantir was founded way back in 2003!)
Red ink: An average 10.5-year-old human is able to read chapter books, control fine motor skills, and is losing the last of their baby teeth. For these soon-to-be-public companies of the same average age, the only consistent trait seems to be a propensity for losing money. None of the companies that filed S-1s are profitable; Three of the companies — Asana, Jfrog and Unity — have never posted an annual profit in all their years of existence. And in the cases of Asana and Snowflake, the losses are growing.
VC scorecard:Sequoia Capital has significant stakes in 2 of the 5 companies (Snowlake and Unity) and Sapphire Ventures has roughly 9% stakes in Jfrog and Sumo. Other VC and PE firms with sizeable stakes in the various companies include Benchmark, Accel, Founders Fund, and Silver Lake Partners.
So why are all the IPOs in Enterprise Tech anyway?
We talked to Business Insider Deputy Editor Matt Weinberger, who oversees the enterprise tech desk.
Five of the S1 filings yesterday were enterprise tech companies. Is this a sign that consumer tech doesn't have any successful startups, or is there something special about enterprise tech right now?
Matt: There's a recent quote from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella that keeps getting passed around: "We have seen two years' worth of digital transformation in two months." Which is to say, every company everywhere is suddenly under pressure to modernize their IT infrastructure — retailers are leaning harder on e-commerce than ever before, doctors need ways to consult patients remotely, and corporations need to make sure that newly-remote employees can access all their apps and data from wherever they are.
This means that it's the right time for enterprise- and developer-focused startups to shine. Snowflake, for example, helps companies store their cloud data in a way that makes it easier to analyze. Asana is a project management tool that's risen to prominence in the WFH world. JFrog is a popular tool to help developers deliver more code, more quickly, while Sumo Logic helps IT departments analyze their data. Even Unity, which makes software to help developers build games that can be more easily brought from PC to console to smartphone and back, is likely benefiting from how much more people are playing video games now that they're largely stuck at home.
All of which is a long way of saying that a lot of these companies seem to be in the right place at the right time.
Apex Legends is a video game made with Unity's technology.
"Apex Legends"/Electronic Arts
But wait, none of these companies are profitable. I thought enterprise tech was supposed to be the part of the tech industry that actually makes money?
Matt: Yeah, that's the other thing. For companies like Snowflake, the lack of profitability makes a certain degree of sense: Like Uber, Dropbox, and even Facebook before it, Snowflake is in growth mode, meaning that it's spending a lot of money to develop its product and acquire customers now so it can be even bigger later.
Asana and Unity, however, are a little older than Snowflake, and show fewer signs of that hypergrowth — though they do both show year-over-year revenue growth. It's hard to know what exactly to make of that, but it's not clear when or if either will reach profitability.
Anyway, when was the last time that profitability was a prerequisite for an IPO? (No, I'm seriously asking. I can't remember the last time a major tech company was profitable at the time it listed. Maybe Atlassian in 2015?)
Sumo Logic, one of the companies going public, has a customer case study in its S1 about Jfrog, another company going public. Is there an interdependence risk here, in which a slowdown at one company starts a chain reaction that takes other companies down too?
Matt: It's hard to say, honestly. There are always a few caveats when developer-focused startups talk about customers: JFrog, Sumo Logic, and pretty much every other startup of their ilk offer a free tier of service, or at least a free trial. This is a key part of the sales strategy — it means that they can spread by word of mouth, as developers who like a service can get their friends and colleagues to sign up, as well, eventually pushing a company into ponying up for a paid account with more features.
This approach, however, means that when companies like JFrog boast about having Microsoft, Amazon, or Netflix as customers, it's hard to know what that means. Is it just one team or division running the software? Or is it the whole company? It's not always clear, except in rare cases where a single customer accounts for so much revenue that they have to disclose it to investors.
The other piece is that a lot of customers, particularly the largest ones, don't always like speaking in depth about which technologies they use, or to what extent. The result is that a lot of the attention then falls on relatively smaller customers — like we see with Sumo Logic and JFrog — who are more willing to dive deep on how exactly they're using the product.
Finally, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a developer at a cutting-edge tech startup, being in possession of a novel use-case, should be in want of something equally new to play with. Which is to say, developers at companies like JFrog are so immersed in cutting-edge technologies that they make natural early adopters of products like Sumo Logic.
Of course, it's not a tech IPO without a founders' letter or an inspiring mission statement. And Monday's crop did not disappoint.
Sumo Logic is dedicated to empowering organizations to "close the intelligence gap," while Asana is on mission to "help humanity thrive by enabling the world's teams to work together effortlessly."
I'm going to give top honors to Jfrog however, for cleverly triggering a John Lennon song in your head when you think of the company: Imagine there's no version.
Trump says he can put an economy wrecked by the pandemic back on the right track.
Republicans are echoing him, and they appear to be rewriting his economic record to cast it in a more favorable light and ignoring the devastation that's taken place under his watch.
Their version of events also sharply diverges from the increasing hardship many Americans face with federal stimulus efforts now ending.
Putting it front and center in his campaign pitch, President Donald Trump maintains he can put an economy that's been devastated by the pandemic back on the right track.
Republicans are echoing his argument. They appear to be rewriting Trump's economic record, seeking to cast it in a favorable light and ignoring the damage that's taken place under his watch.
Their version of events also sharply diverges from the increasing hardship many Americans face with federal stimulus efforts now ending. Nearly 28 million Americans are on unemployment benefits and many also face the threat of evictions in the coming months.
Indeed, the president and other speakers at the Republican National Convention spoke of the state of the economy in glowing terms:
Donald Trump: "We just broke a record on jobs, an all-time record. There's never been three months where we've put more people to work, more than 9 million people."
Rep. Jim Jordan of Ohio: "Taxes cut, regulations reduced, lowest unemployment in 50 years... he's rebuilding the economy as we speak."
Donald Trump Jr.: He said the president "did what the failed Obama-Biden administration never could do, and built the greatest economy our country has ever seen," crediting Trump with the lowest unemployment rates on record for "Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, women, and pretty much every other demographic group."
The economy was undergoing a record expansion when Trump took office in January 2017, and it grew during much of Obama's presidency after the Great Recession. That growth lasted until earlier this year when the pandemic abruptly ended that decade-long stretch of growth, causing another recession.
In March and April, the economy shed nearly 22 million jobs and just under half of them were recovered over the spring as lockdowns eased and some people returned to work. However, the US is still down roughly 13 million jobs compared to before the coronavirus outbreak, which renders Trump's claim as misleading.
The unemployment rate stood at 4.7% at the onset of his presidency, and it fell to a half-century low of 3.5% in February. It surged to 14.7% in April before ticking downward to its current level of 10.2%.
The jobless rate did hit record lows for Black Americans and Hispanic Americans, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. But the same can't be said for women, who experienced lower unemployment in the 1950s. Trump Jr.'s claim of unbridled prosperity for every segment of the public is exaggerated.
Those trends on job creation and unemployment are illustrated in charts posted on Twitter by Aaron Sojourner, a former economist to President Barack Obama.
Given the ongoing nature of the pandemic, economists say it's extremely difficult to forecast whether the rebound in the labor market will endure.
It also reflects another reality of the economy: traditional metrics used to gauge the economy such as job growth and unemployment rates are often outside the president's direct control. But Republicans seem eager to make the opposite argument as they portray Democratic rival Joe Biden as a threat to the nation's economic recovery.
Fast-food giants such as Domino's, Chipotle, and Dunkin' are eyeing real estate opportunities presented by independent restaurants struggling to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Independent Restaurant Coalition estimates that up to 85% of independent restaurants may close permanently by the end of the pandemic.
"So much of your soul goes into building unique stuff, and if you see it become so homogenous, that's especially heart-wrenching," said Elliott Nelson, who owns 20 restaurants in Oklahoma and Arkansas.
After falling in love with Dublin's pubs on a study abroad trip, Elliott Nelson abandoned his plans of becoming a lawyer and decided instead to open up an Irish pub in economically depressed downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. He knew he'd face difficulties, but he never imagined the challenges the pandemic would bring.
That single Irish pub, McNellie's, is now McNellie's Group. It employed over 700 people across twenty restaurants before the pandemic. But now with Paycheck Protection Program money long gone and no additional aid in sight, Nelson is being forced to consider shutting down some of his restaurants permanently. And a major chain already has its sights set on one of those restaurants.
"That's the attitude right now: we're going to swallow up more real estate, we're going to expand these brands," Nelson told Business Insider.
While chains have announced planned closures of underperforming locations, it's independent restaurants across the US that are facing unprecedented challenges. And as independent restaurants falter, well-funded chains and their franchisees are eager to pounce on restaurant real estate.
In other words, the pandemic is paving the way for chains to take over the American restaurant industry. As independent restaurants struggle to stay afloat, the looming domination of chains seems inevitable.
Fast-food giants are eyeing soon-to-be empty real estate
Thousands of restaurants across the US have already been forced to shutter.
Getty
Fast-food executives have been emphasizing real estate opportunities as the silver lining of the pandemic.
Dunkin' executives said that the impending closures of independent local coffee shops presented opportunities for franchisees. In a statement, Dunkin's senior director of franchising development, Steve Rafferty, said that "franchisees, who are small, independent business owners, are always looking for new development opportunities, in the communities where they live and work."
Domino's CEO Ritch Allison said that the pizza chain planned to speed up expansion, thanks to real estate opportunities that "weren't available in the past." The pizza chain declined to comment further on its plans.
Restaurant Business reports that Chipotle has been reaching out to restaurants that aren't even closed yet, offering to buy out their leases in the case they are "looking for relief." Laurie Schalow, Chipotle's chief corporate affairs and food safety officer, said that the chain continues to "open new restaurants and sign new leases to satisfy customer demand for Chipotle restaurants."
"As new construction has slowed in many markets, we are seeing an increase in brokers reaching out to us with new lease opportunities," Schalow said. "We work through a network of brokers in each market, who know our site criteria for opening a successful Chipotle, and they bring deals to us where the landlord is already looking for a new tenant."
Most franchisors have a team dedicated to scouting out real estate opportunities, franchising expert Joel Libava told Business Insider.
As restaurants close up shop, these departments will spot desirable real estate in regions where chains wish to expand. With landlords lacking the leverage they had prior to the pandemic and corporate real estate lawyers on hand, chains are in an enviable position when it comes to negotiating rents.
"Some of the major franchise chains that have franchisees that really remained successful through this thing are going to want more units," Libava said. "And they're going to be able to snag them ... cheap."
Why chains will profit off the restaurant apocalypse
Dunkin' believes that the pandemic could create real estate opportunities.
Reuters
"It's not going to be pretty" for the kind of person who eats locally sourced food and seeks out cute independent coffee shops in the coming months, Libava said. While he notes many franchisees are run by local small business owners, the shock of seeing countless independent restaurants taken over by global brands will leave a bad taste in many people's mouths.
A Bank of America report from early July found that spending at big chains was down just 4% year-over-year, compared to a 25% drop for independent restaurants and small chains.
Chains are more likely to be fast-food and fast-casual concepts that are better prepared for to-go food than independents, the Bank of America report notes. The majority of these major restaurant companies invested in digital ordering and delivery prior to the pandemic, while mom-and-pop shops scrambled to transition to a model that relies on a thriving take-out business.
In New York alone, a report by the office of New York Comptroller Scott Stringer found that at least 1,289 restaurants closed permanently in the city between March 1 and July 10.
One neighborhood staple forced out of business by the pandemic was Bennie's Thai Cafe in Manhattan's Financial District. Thai immigrant Bennie Boon and her husband James had opened the restaurant in 1996.
"We made it through the dark days of 9/11, the recession and Superstorm Sandy, but the COVID-19 pandemic was just too much for us to undertake," the Boons wrote in a message to customers posted on their door.
"The pandemic is going to result in many vacant restaurant spaces around the city, which will provide an opportunity for better-capitalized restaurant companies to swoop in and take over these spaces if they see a good business opportunity, Andrew Rigie, the executive director of the NYC Hospitality Alliance, told Business Insider. "Unfortunately, many small business owners won't have the capital to start opening new restaurants."
Across the country, independent restaurant owners see the writing on the wall.
A July survey of independent restaurant owners by the James Beard Foundation and the Independent Restaurant Coalition found that just 66% of independent restaurant owners were confident they would still be open in October. The IRC estimates that up to 85% of independent restaurants may close permanently by the end of the pandemic, and restaurant consultancy Aaron Allen & Associates estimates that one in three may not make it to the end of the year.
More restaurants closures are inevitable
More restaurants are expected to close permanently in the US.
Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP Photo
As the pandemic stretches on, more closures seem inevitable.
"Get a vaccine, it'll turn around," said Robert Rattet, an attorney who specializes in bankruptcies. "Without a vaccine, you'll have more closures."
Companies buying restaurants now, Rattet said, are betting on a brighter post-vaccine future. At this point, chains — especially fast-casual and fast-food chains — are more likely to have the funds to gamble on recovery than independent restaurant owners, many of whom are struggling to pay their bills.
Nelson, the Tulsa pub owner, said he expects many independent restaurant owners to exit the industry altogether because of the pandemic.
"It's going to be hard to muster up the energy to want to keep going and do it again," Nelson said. "How would you feel if the biggest thing you worked really hard on was replaced by Taco Bell? So much of your soul goes into building unique stuff, and if you see it become so homogenous, that's especially heart-wrenching."
Vice President Mike Pence and Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr., share a joke during the school's commencement ceremonies in Lynchburg, Virginia, May 11, 2019.
Jonathan Drake/Reuters
A business partner of Jerry Falwell Jr. says he had a lengthy sexual relationship with the evalengical leader and his wife, Reuters reported.
Giancarlo Granda, the business partner, claims the relationship involved him having sex with Falwell's wife, Becki, while the evangelical leader watched.
Falwell is fervently denying that he was involved in the relationship, but did not deny his wife's involvement.
"Becki had an inappropriate personal relationship with this person, something in which I was not involved," Falwell said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
Falwell was an early supporter of President Donald Trump and has had a close relationship with the Trump administration.
Falwell resigned from Liberty University after the Reuters report. The university announced his resignation had been accepted on Tuesday.
Jerry Falwell Jr., perhaps the most prominent evangelical leader in the US, is fervently denying a bombshell Reuters report that says he had a years-long sexual relationship involving his wife, Becki Falwell, and a business partner.
Giancarlo Granda, the business partner, told Reuters that that the relationship involved him having sex with Becki while Jerry looked on.
"Becki had an inappropriate personal relationship with this person, something in which I was not involved," Falwell said in a statement to the Washington Examiner.
Michael Bowe, a lawyer for Falwell, told Reuters that the evangelical leader "categorically denies everything you indicated you intend to publish about him."
Granda said he met the Falwells while working as a pool attendant at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach hotel in March 2012, where the relationship reportedly began. He showed Reuters emails, text messages, and other evidence that he said proved the relationship existed. Granda said the relationship lasted until 2018.
Falwell denies he was personally involved in the sexual relationship, and in his statement to the Examiner accused Granda of attempting to extort him over the affair, an allegation that Granda vehemently denied.
"Any allegation of extortion is falsely, defamatory and belied by clear documentary evidence," Granda said in an email to the Examiner.
Giancarlo Granda, who was befriended by Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr and his wife Rebecca while he was working as a pool attendant at a luxury Miami Beach hotel and was later backed by them in a business venture involving a youth hostel, poses for a portrait in Washington, DC, August 10, 2020.
Jonathan Ernst/Reuters
The Falwells went into business with Granda around 2013 after buying a Miami youth hostel. A representative of the Falwell family in 2018 told BuzzFeed News that Granda, who acted as manager of the hostel, was "offered a share" the Alton Hostel.
Until recently, Falwell was best known as the president of the evangelical Liberty University, which was founded by his father, Jerry Falwell Sr. But in early August, the university announced Falwell was taking an "indefinite" leave of absence.
This came after Falwell, an early supporter of President Donald Trump, posted and deleted a photo of himself on a yacht with his pants unzipped and his arm around a woman, prompting heavy criticism.
"If you're running the largest Christian university in America maybe don't put photos of yourself on social media with your pants undone on a yacht — with random women in bad wigs. So gross, so hypocritical," Meghan McCain, host of "The View," said at the time.
Students at Liberty University are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct. "Cleanliness, neatness, appropriateness, and modesty are the general guiding factors with regard to dress," the university states. This honor code explicits bans students from having pre-marital sex and from same-sex dating, saying "sexual relations outside of a biblically-ordained marriage between a natural-born man and a natural-born woman are not permissible at Liberty University."
Falwell has resigned from the university. Though there was some back and forth between Falwell, the media, and Liberty University on the matter, the university on Tuesday announced that it had accepted his resignation.
"The Liberty University Board of Trustees acted today to accept the resignation of Jerry Falwell, Jr. as its President and Chancellor and also accepted his resignation from its Board of Directors. All were effective immediately," the university said in a statement. "After agreeing yesterday to immediately resign then reversing course, Falwell, through an attorney, sent the resignation letter late last night to members of the Board's Executive Committee pursuant to the terms of his contract of employment."
A worker processes mailed-in ballots from Tuesday's primary election, Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2020, at the King County Elections headquarters in Renton, Wash., south of Seattle.
Ted Warren/AP
This year, a record number of American voters are expected to cast their ballots from home for the November 3 election because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
North Carolina will be the first state to start sending out ballots to voters on September 4, 2020, 60 days before the election.
Most other states begin sending out ballots three to six weeks out.
There's no guarantee that you'll get your ballot or that it'll be returned back to your election office by any specific date, or within a specific time.
Voters can already request their November mail ballots in every state except Mississippi.
Experts and officials are encouraging voters to apply for their ballots as soon as possible to ensure every vote is counted.
More Americans than ever are expected to vote from home instead of going to the polls in person this November, with a Washington Post analysis finding that over 190 million voters will either receive ballots in the mail or be able to vote by mail without an excuse beyond fear of contracting COVID-19.
If you're a registered voter in California, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, Oregon, Utah, Vermont, Washington, or the District of Columbia, you'll most likely be receiving a ballot in the mail from your local election officials and won't need to take further action. Many, but not all Montana counties are holding all-mail elections.
Here's when states starting sending out November general election ballots to all voters or those who have affirmatively requested them, according to the National Council of State Legislatures.
While the timing varies between states and counties, in general, the earlier you request your ballot, the sooner you'll get it.
North Carolina will be the first state to start sending out ballots to voters on September 4, 2020, 60 days before the election. Most states begin sending out ballots three-to-six weeks out.
The DC Board of Elections told Insider they haven't nailed down a specific date for when they plan to start sending ballots, but hope to do so starting in mid-October.
It's also important to note that because election administration in the United States is decentralized down to the county level, the timeline for when states start sending out ballots can vary somewhat from county to county within states and may be changed due to the pandemic. When in doubt, check with your state and local election officials for more specific information.
By now, Americans are all-too-familiar with the concept of flattening the curve of the COVID-19 pandemic by keeping the rate of infections down to avoid overwhelming the capacity while extending the outbreak.
Experts have applied the same analogy to mail voting, telling Insider that in order to avoid overwhelming the capacity of their local elections offices, voters must flatten the curve of mail ballot requests by requesting theirs as soon as possible, ideally months or weeks in advance, and return their ballot as soon as possible.
The sooner you request your ballot, the sooner you'll receive it, which means you'll be able to send it back early and have the peace of mind knowing that your ballot arrived at your election office in plenty of time. If you send your ballot back at the last minute,you leave your vote up to chance.
The risk of depression, substance abuse, and suicide increases the longer one is unemployed, research has found.
Back in May, researchers at the Well Being Trust estimated there could be 75,000 "deaths of despair" directly related to the pandemic. One researcher from the study now tells Business Insider that number could double, up to 150,000, due to the slow economic recovery and lack of investment in mental healthcare.
Psychiatrists and psychologists offer tips for how to cope, including the importance of reaching out for help, and changing your internal narrative.
If you're struggling, call the SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741.
For one woman living in Beloit, Wisconsin, life is full of bills, stress, depression, and sleepless nights.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous for privacy, lost her job as a bartender in mid-March and, like many Americans, is struggling to get back on her feet.
When asked how she's getting by on a day-to-day basis, she responded simply, "I'm not."
The bar she worked for permanently closed and new job opportunities are slim to none. She relies on a food share to eat.
Her biggest fears are the possibility of eviction, becoming homeless, and "losing everything I worked hard for," she told Business Insider via email.
Her struggle is all too familiar to the 13 million Americans who have remained jobless since mid-March, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With each passing week, more will become long-term unemployed, or those who've been unemployed for six months or more.
But this isn't just an economic issue. It's a public health crisis waiting to happen.
Back in May, researchers from the nonprofit the Well Being Trust projected that the pandemic's economic fallout would lead to a median of 75,000 additional "deaths of despair" over a 10-year period.
"Deaths of despair" are deaths related to isolation, unemployment, and financial struggle, usually by overdose, suicide, or alcohol or drug-abuse-related illnesses. The term was coined by Princeton economist Anne Case and Nobel Prize winner Angus Deaton.
But now, due to the economy's slow recovery — and a lack of adequate investment in mental health funding — researchers who made that projection say the number of deaths could be even higher, up to 150,000.
"Our country is not recovering as quickly as expected. We're isolated. People are suffering," Benjamin Miller, chief strategy officer at the Well Being Trust foundation, told Business Insider. "I think if you look at the multiple data points, the number of deaths could be higher than what we originally expected."
"These deaths could have been prevented, and they could be prevented still by taking initiative in investing in mental health. But our government isn't there yet, our country isn't there yet," said Miller, who holds a doctorate in psychology.
A work-centric culture
A 2014 Gallup poll of 356,000 Americans that included 18,000 unemployed people, captures the troubling trend between long-term unemployment and declining mental health. As the number of weeks a person is unemployed increases, so does the likelihood of that person reporting depression, according to the data.
Indeed, studies have linked long-term unemployment to higher rates of depression and even suicide. A literature review of research on unemployment and substance abuse found unemployment is a "significant risk factor for substance use and the subsequent development of substance use disorders."
Sherif R. Soliman, a psychiatrist who works in the psychiatric emergency department at Atrium Health in North Carolina said over the past few weeks, he's seen an increase of people in mental distress because of unemployment and the risk of homelessness.
"Being unemployed can have a tremendous impact on someone's mental health. It can precipitate a wide-ranging crisis beginning with the most immediate and practical questions of how someone will provide for their basic needs and those of their family," Soliman told Business Insider.
It also leads to a crisis of personal identity.
"When you meet a new person, you usually learn what they do in the first minute or two, if not sooner. Job loss also leads to isolation," he said.
In a work-centric culture, not having a job can feel like not having meaning.
"Unemployment has long been recognized as a risk factor for suicide," he added.
Besides economic hardship and a loss of personal meaning, long-term unemployment can lead to isolation and a loss of one's daily routine, said Dr. Lily Brown, an assistant professor of Psychology in Psychiatry at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and director at the university's Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety.
"Unemployment raises the risk for depression because it reduces structure in a person's life. Lack of structure is a big risk factor for depression even under the best of circumstances, let alone during a pandemic," she said.
While increased financial support to those unemployed and additional public resources could help solve this problem on a national level, it's important to recognize what individuals can do on a personal level.
How to cope if you're struggling
There are free resources available to you 24/7 including the Crisis Text Line, at 741741.
Tony Anderson/Getty Images
Take the first step and get help
The very first thing to do if you're in crisis, are feeling overwhelmed, or feel that you might be at risk of harming yourself or relapsing is to get immediate help. Call the SAMHSA National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741 or message them on Facebook here. Both the SAMHSA and Crisis Text Line operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can point you to local resources. If you are in immediate danger to yourself or others, call 911.
Talking with you doctor, therapist, or sponsor, is also a good idea, Brown said.
Don't be ashamed
"People struggling with unemployment can sometimes feel a sense of shame that makes them want to avoid their social network. Hiding from shame amplifies the shame. Instead, practice vulnerability with trustworthy members of your network," Brown said.
Create a routine for yourself
Brown also suggested people stay as busy as possible.
"The more shutdown and inactive we are, the harder it is to accomplish goals," she said.
Incorporate exercise, reading, and connecting with others into your daily routine.
Change your narrative
Remember that you are more than your job or career. Start paying attention to the things you're telling yourself, psychologist and relationship therapist Dr. O. Christina Nelsen previously told Business Insider. Instead of thinking to yourself "I'm a failure. Nobody wants to hire me," counter that with thoughts like "I'm educated. I have a substantial work history. I have skills to offer."
People line up outside to wait for limited access indoors to order food from Taco Mama in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on August 15, 2020.
AP Photo/Vasha Hunt
On Monday, the University of Alabama reported a total of 566 coronavirus cases across all its campuses less than a week into the first day of class on August 19.
One student newspaper criticized the administration for not taking enough action, claiming that "students have taken the University's requirements as suggestions solely because administration has as well."
On Monday, the University of Alabama's president said in a letter to students, faculty, and staff that the rise in positive coronavirus cases is "unacceptable." He stressed that violations of health and safety protocols "both on and off campus" are subject to "harsh disciplinary action, up to and including suspension from UA." However, he noted that "completing the fall semester together" is his goal.
The University of Alabama did not immediately respond to Business Insider's request for comment on whether its plans to reopen have changed since the spike in COVID-19 cases.
Meanwhile, the student newspaper published an opinion column one day after reopening that criticized the university, appearing to fault campus officials for setting a poor example for students. "Students have taken the University's requirements as suggestions solely because administration has as well," the column read in part.
The op-ed, titled "No, President Bell, we won't be your PR," also reported the school's president of warning student journalists months earlier to "be careful what we publish during this time," to which the student newspaper responded by saying it is their job as campus journalists to "address accomplishments, opinions and concerns at this University."
Given the current delays with US Postal Service mail delivery in some areas, you'll want to make sure to get your paper application in well before the deadline.
AP Photo/Charles Krupa
The 2020 presidential election is on November 3, but some states' voter registration deadlines are up to a month earlier.
Thirty-nine states allow their residents to easily register to vote online with proof of residency. In the others, you must register by mail or in-person.
Twenty states currently allow voters to register to vote on Election Day with valid proof of residency if they miss the deadline to register by mail or online.
If you're already registered to vote or have recently moved within your state, it's also a good time to update your registration if necessary or verify your registration to make sure it's still active.
Currently, 39 states allow their residents to easily register to vote online with proof of residency.
If you live in Arkansas, the District of Columbia, Maine, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, or Wyoming, you must register to vote either in-person at your local elections office or with a paper application mailed to your election office by your state's deadline.
Given the current delays with US Postal Service mail delivery in some areas, you'll want to make sure to get your paper application in well before the deadline.
North Dakota has no voter registration, and instead requires voters to show ID at the polls in order to vote.
All the states that offer same-day registration require voters to present proof of residency with a valid photo or non-photo ID, with many states mandating those who do not have the requisite ID to cast a provisional ballot until their residency is verified.
While some allow voters to register directly at their polling places, others require same-day registrants to register at their county elections office, not a voting site, so be sure to double-check where to go in your county if you're registering on Election Day.
If you're already registered to vote or have recently moved within your state, it's also a good time to update your registration if necessary or verify your registration to make sure it's still active.
States perform routine voter list maintenance to remove people who have moved to another state, died, or become ineligible to vote due to a felony conviction from their voter rolls.
Under the 2002 Help America Vote Act, states are prohibited from making any changes to their voter rolls within 90 days prior to a federal election, so you don't have to worry about being removed between now and November 3.
But it's still worth taking the time to double-check both your registration and your local polling location, which may have have been moved due to the pandemic.
In most cases, it's not hard to figure out why your Switch won't turn on.
Nintendo
If your Nintendo Switch won't turn on, its battery likely needs a long charge — leave it plugged in for an hour or more before trying to turn it on again.
If your Switch stopped turning on suddenly, it might also be frozen, which you can fix by performing a quick hard reset.
Performing a hard reset on your Nintendo Switch won't delete any saved data.
So your beloved Nintendo Switch isn't turning on? Don't panic, it's probably a very small issue.
There are a few reasons why your Nintendo Switch might not turn on, and most of them aren't serious. Here's how to quickly troubleshoot a Nintendo Switch that won't start.
Most of the time, when a Switch refuses to turn on, you can chalk it up to a drained battery. This is especially true if it's been a long time since its last charge — over time, it may have lost even its residual charge.
Place it into its dock or plug the charging cable in directly and wait at least an hour for it to charge back up. The Switch should soon be operational, and will be fully charged in about three hours.
An unresponsive Nintendo Switch likely just needs some time to charge.
If your Switch remains unresponsive, even after a decent charging session, or if you can see a faint light coming from the blank screen, it's time to force a shutdown instead. Don't worry, your saved data won't be lost.
To shut the Switch off manually:
1. Hold down the little circular power button on top of the Switch for between 15 seconds.
The power button on top of the Switch can be hard to see.
Steven John/Business Insider
2. Release it and wait a few more seconds.
3. Push the power button normally.
If it still won't turn on, you may have a deeper issue. Contact Nintendo support and see if they can help.
On Monday, Zappos announced CEO Tony Hsieh was retiring after more than 20 years at the shoe and clothing company. While in charge of Zappos, Hsieh moved the company's headquarters to Las Vegas — where he still lives — as part of a larger effort to make Vegas the new Silicon Valley.
In 2014, he transformed an abandoned parking lot in the area into a micro-living oasis. While his overall downtown development project has faltered, the trailer park is thriving. About 30 Airstream trailers and tiny homes make up the village called "Llamapolis," and Hsieh actually lives there with his two alpacas, Marley and Triton.
While Hsieh has a net worth of about $840 million, he previously told Business Insider that he lives in "Llamapolis" because "[he] wanted to maximize serendipity and randomness in [his] life."
Below is a look at life within "Llamapolis."
The entrance to Llamapolis is a tunnel covered in recycled Christmas lights.
A post shared by Daniel Picciotto (@djdappy) on Mar 28, 2017 at 9:50pm PDT
They're not alone. The one-acre lot in downtown Las Vegas contains about 30 Airstream trailers and tiny houses where young professionals and visiting techies live.
A post shared by Jasmine Pedroso (@jasminepedroso) on Aug 31, 2015 at 9:28pm PDT
Residents communicate with one another on messaging app Slack. According to one visitor, it's not uncommon for a person who ordered too much takeout food to message their neighbors an invite to join in.
Community is central to Llamapolis. Hsieh (pictured left) told Business Insider in 2016 that his favorite aspect of living in the park is impromptu interactions with his neighbors.
Toys R Us is still working toward a comeback after it was purchased by Tru Kids Brands in 2019, two years after the retailer filed for bankruptcy and permanently closed all of its stores.
Efforts under Tru Kids Brands — including holiday pop-up shops and a relaunched website supported by Amazon — haven't quite managed to embody the spirit of the iconic decades-old brand.
We took a closer look at the tumultuous history of the company, from its swift rise and eventual downfall to its recent resurgence.
The beloved toy store seemingly rose from the dead in 2019 after it was purchased by Tru Kids Brands, which has since opened holiday pop-up shops and relaunched a website in the toy retailer's name.
The revitalization efforts came after Toys R Us filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2017 and — after failing to find a buyer to help refinance the company's mounting debt — ultimately shuttered and liquidated all 700-plus stores in an emotional farewell.
Though the prognosis for the new Toys R Us remains uncertain, as current pop-up stores don't actually generate any money for the brand — with toy manufacturers keeping all the profits — and the website only redirecting users to make purchases on Amazon, there's no denying the company's decades-long history as a top American toy seller.
After it was founded by Charles Lazarus in 1948, the company flourished by serving children and their families around the country — helping to put some of the most popular toys like Mr. Potato Head and Easy Bake Oven on the map.
We took a closer look at the history of the company over the years.
Toys R Us was founded in 1948 by Charles Lazarus after he returned from World War II. Lazarus was inspired by what was then the emerging post-war "baby boom" and sought a way to capitalize.
The late Charles Lazarus stands in front of his Paramus, N.J., store, May 20, 1982.
The company started as a baby goods and furniture store called Children's Bargain Town in Washington, D.C. In the subsequent years, Lazarus began expanding into toys and the company officially adopted the name Toys R Us in 1957.
Over the next two decades, Toys R Us played a significant role in putting iconic toys on the map for American youngsters, such as Mr. Potato Head.
Former NBA player Allen Iverson holds up a Mr Potato Head toy.
The same was the case for emerging technologies like the 16-bit Nintendo game console at the end of the century.
Boys looking at new 16-bit Nintendo video game machine on display at Toys R' Us toy store in 1991.
The company was also known for bringing big names in for promotional events or philanthropic work, such as NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson.
Magic Johnson at a Toys R Us event in 1992.
In 1966, Lazarus sold the company to Interstate Sales to help finance a larger national expansion. He transitioned from chief executive to head the Toys R Us division, which was already thriving at profits of $12 million.
President George H. Bush (left) and Charles Lazarus (right) in a Toys R Us store in 1992.
In 1969, Toys R Us developed its beloved Geoffrey the Giraffe character, that became synonymous with the brand and its advertising campaigns over the decades.
A young girl plays with a Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot at a New Jersey store.
Lazarus eventually stepped down as chief executive in 1994, a move that signified a series of woes for the brand including high executive turnover and the looming pressure of ecommerce.
A child visits the opening of a Toys R Us store in Stockton, California in 1990.
Getty Images
Building upon the success of Kids R Us, the company expanded into baby clothing with Babies R Us in 1996.
In the 1990s and early aughts, Toys R Us began expanding into major cities like New York, where it opened a multi-story store with a fully functioning ferris wheel in 2001.
New York City pedestrians are blurred as they pass under the Toys "R" Us marquee on Broadway, Nov. 9, 1990
Around this time, Toys R Us and its spinoff brands began to experience mounting competition from fellow big-box stores like Walmart and Target. In fact, in 1998, Walmart had already surpassed the company as the top US toy seller.
In 2005, a conglomerate of private equity firms — including Bain Capital, Kohlberg Kravis Roberts, and Vornado Realty Trust — purchased Toys R Us for $6.6 billion, taking the company private in the process.
In an attempt to compete with the ecommerce boom, the company purchased Etoys.com and Toys.com in 2009. That same year, it bought KB Toys and the famed New York City toy store, F.A.O. Schwarz.
Business Insider/Jessica Tyler
In 2010 the company registered once again to go public. However, by 2013 it withdrew from the process due to sales slumps.
Black Friday shoppers at Toys R Us in New York City.
According to USA Today, Brandon marked the fourth CEO over the course of 16 years "tasked with turning the company around."
Still the company continued to struggle, especially during the 2016 holiday season where it lost significant traction to ecommerce giants like Amazon, Target, and Walmart.
The company officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2017, in hopes of restructuring its mounting debt.
Richard Drew/AP Images
With its hopes for a financial savior ultimately dashed, Toys R Us announced in March 2018 that it would liquidate and permanently close all of its 700-plus stores across the US.
That same year, the company issued an emotional goodbye as it prepared to permanently shutter its Toys R Us and Babies R Us websites.
Toys R Us
"We encourage you to stop by your local store and take full advantage of hte deep discounts and deals available," the message read. "Thank you for your business and support over the years."
It was later announced that gift card holders could use any remaining funds at Bed Bath & Beyond stores.
The CEO of the toy company MGA Entertainment issued a last-minute bid of $890 million to save the company, an offer that was ultimately rejected.
Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Throughout the rest of 2018, stores like Walmart began to position themselves to take over the void left behind in the market by Toys R Us – adding mass amounts of baby-related products on shelves.
A Walmart baby clothes showcase.
Walmart
By fall of 2018, abandoned Toys R Us stores had bleakly been temporarily converted into Halloween costume shops across the country.
In February 2019, Toys R Us appeared to rise from the dead when Tru Kids Brands purchased the rights to the company and its Geoffrey the Giraffe mascot with plans to revitalize it.
Later that year, Tru Kids Brands announced it would open a series of holiday pop-up stores under the Toys R Us name, which would sell popular toys directly from manufacturers.
Toys R Us redesigned store rendering.
In October 2019, the company announced it was back online but with a catch — you couldn't actually buy anything directly from the Toys R Us site. Instead, users would be directed to make purchases from Target.com.
Ultimately, while Toys R Us is "back," it appears it simply will never be what it once was.
Retail Santas in training learn about popular toys at Toys R Us during the 2008 holiday season.
Microsoft has been the frontrunner in talks to buy TikTok's US operations from its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to avoid the Trump administration's ban on the app.
The investors, which include Sequoia Capital and General Atlantic, see Oracle's bid as their best bet to get "a piece of the action" in TikTok, and recognize the advantages of the company's political ties to the Trump administration, according to The Journal.
TikTok is facing pressure to sell off its US operations in the face of Donald Trump's executive order threatening to ban the app. TikTok has since sued the US government to challenge the order.
American investors with a stake in TikTok's parent company are reportedly pushing for Oracle to come out on top in the race to acquire the app's US operations.
The US investors in ByteDance — including big firms like Sequoia Capital and General Atlantic — see Oracle's bid as their bet to get "a piece of the action" in a acquisition of TikTok's US operations, according to the Wall Street Journal. Oracle, the US-based enterprise tech giant, emerged just last week as an interested buyer ahead of the Trump administration's September deadline of a nationwide TikTok ban.
Microsoft, the only company to publicly confirm its interest in TikTok, has been at the forefront of acquisition rumors since news of Trump's plan to ban the app came to light at the end of July. But Microsoft has only hinted at the possibility of inviting American investors to acquire a minority stake in TikTok, leading US investors to look for a deal with an alternate tech company to play a more significant role.
Despite Microsoft's ties with ByteDance CEO Zhang Yiming, Oracle has the advantage of strong political connections to President Donald Trump. Oracle cofounder Larry Ellison has publicly voiced his support for Trump, and held a fundraiser for the president at his home earlier this year. The company's CEO, Safra Catz, joined Trump's White House transition team in 2016.
Trump has also already spoken out in support for Oracle, telling reporters he thought Oracle could "handle" TikTok.
Even as Trump's initial deadline for issuing a nationwide TikTok ban draws near, it's unclear how close ByteDance is to selling off TikTok operations in the US, where the app has more than 100 million monthly active users. The Trump administration has issued a series of executive orders this summer targeting TikTok, claiming the app's ties to China pose a national-security risk to Americans. Trump initially set a September 15 deadline for ByteDance to sell off its US operations, but pushed back that deadline to mid-November in a subsequent order.
But TikTok has shown it's not leaving the US without a fight. The company sued the US government on Monday over the August 6 executive order banning "any transactions" between Americans and ByteDance. TikTok argues the Trump administration withheld the company's right to due process by failing to notify it of the executive order.
Court documents filed as part of the lawsuit also revealed that ByteDance and Microsoft had signed a "nonbinding letter of intent," a significant step in the acquisition process, in July prior to Trump's initial intervention.
Nevertheless, ByteDance's US investors have tried to get involved in acquisition talks since the possibility of Trump's ban reached headlines. Their initial interest in reportedly buying a majority stake in TikTok's US operations was shut down by the Trump administration in July.
The value of TikTok's US operations have been estimated between $10 billion and $50 billion.
Abby Johnson, who's set to speak at the RNC on Tuesday, in a recent video condoned police racially profiling her biracial son.
Citing "statistics," Johnson said that it "doesn't actually make me angry" that a police officer "would be more careful around my brown son than my white son."
Statistically, police in the US are for more likely to use force against Black people than white people.
Johnson told Insider she has no regrets about sharing the video or the sentiments expressed within it.
Abby Johnson, an anti-abortion activist with a top speaking spot on the second night of the Republican National Convention, in a video posted to YouTube in late June condoned police racially profiling her adopted, biracial son.
"Statistically, my brown son is more likely to commit a violent offense over my white sons," Johnson said in the video, which was reported by Vice News.
"I recognize that I'm gonna have to have a different conversation with Jude than I do with my brown-haired little Irish, very, very pale-skinned, white sons, as they grow up," Johnson said.
She described her son Jude as "an adorable, perpetually tan-looking little brown boy."
"But one day, he's going to grow up and he's going to be a tall, probably sort of large, intimidating-looking-maybe brown man. And my other boys are probably gonna look like nerdy white guys," Johnson added.
Johnson in the video appeared to defend the disproportionate rate at which Black men are arrested and incarcerated for crimes, ignoring the centuries of history and racist policymaking that led the US to this point.
"Statistically, I look at our prison population and I see that there is a disproportionately high number of African-American males in our prison population for crimes, particularly for violent crimes. So statistically, when a police officer sees a brown man like my Jude walking down the road — as opposed to my white nerdy kids, my white nerdy men walking down the road — because of the statistics that he knows in his head, that these police officers know in their head, they're going to know that statistically my brown son is more likely to commit a violent offense over my white sons."
Johnson went on to say that it "doesn't actually make me angry" that a police officer "would be more careful around my brown son than my white son."
She said that makes the officer "smart" because of "statistics."
At another point, Johnson said she would be angry in an instance in which police treated her "brown son violently, more violently than my white son."
Johnson's video first went up in June amid nationwide protests over police brutality. It was initially reported by the conservative outlet Daily Caller, and has since gone private, per Vice News.
Johnson told Insider she has no regrets about sharing the video or the sentiments expressed within it.
"I only made it private because of violent threats that were being made against my family," Johnson said. "You know, from the 'tolerant left.'"
Statistically, police are far more likely to treat Johnson's biracial son violently than her white son.
As Insider previously reported earlier this summer amid widespread protests following the brutal death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police:
In the US, where Black people are disproportionately incarcerated and killed by police, researchers have found widespread evidence of systemic racism in policing.
Data on policing in Chicago found that even though white people were statistically more likely to resist arrest, police used more force against Black citizens than any other race on average.
A Northeastern-Harvard study released in April, for example, found Black Americans are at greater risk of being killed by police, even though they are less likely to pose an objective threat to law enforcement. Researchers looked through shooting deaths by police across 27 states in 2014 and 2015 for the study, which was based on details from police and medical-examiner reports by the National Violent Death Reporting System.
"One in 15 firearm deaths is at the hands of police; among African-Americans it's about one in 10," Northeastern professor Matt Miller said in a report on the study. "Which isn't to say that these shootings are all unjustified. But it sure makes you feel like we should try really hard to figure out how to use less lethal ways of arresting someone's threatening behavior."
Though Black people make up roughly 13% of the US population, Washington Post data shows they are killed by police at more than twice the rate of white Americans. Black people are also incarcerated at a much higher rate than whites, making up roughly 33% of the adult US prison population as of 2017, per Pew Research Center. Comparatively, whites made up 30% of the prison population, while comprising 64% of the overall population.
Opponents of the Black Lives Matter, including white supremacist groups, will often cherry-pick statistics on crime and homicide to misleadingly present Black people as inherently criminal and violent against whites. The sentiments Johnson shared in the YouTube video echoed these racist tropes in defense of racial profiling by police, including in a hypothetical scenario involving her biracial son.
The reality is that the vast majority of violent crime is intra-racial, not interracial. And the vast majority of Black people do not commit violent crimes.
But it's not just white supremacist groups perpetuating these racist myths about Black people.
Studies show that local news disproportionately characterizes Black people as perpetrators of crime while portraying white people as victims. But Black people actually are far more likely than other races to be the victims of violent crime in the US, which remains fairly violent compared to other developed countries.
"Research has found that many young black men — the group most likely to be perpetrators and victims of gun homicides — suffer from a condition similar to PTSD, brought on by repeated exposure to violence, extreme poverty, high unemployment, drug and alcohol abuse and other social ills that create a sense of hopelessness," Shirley Carswell, lecturer at Howard University, wrote in the Washington Post last month.
"When white men respond to their life circumstances with gun violence, it's treated as a public health problem," Carswell added. "When black men do, it's portrayed almost solely as a criminal issue, caused by lawlessness and moral failing."