📖 Is Claudine Gay plagiarizing?

It’s Thursday, December 21 — people are talking about Claudine Gay’s “duplicative language”, the pros and cons of electrolyte powders, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly. Here at Shades we believe that seeing multiple points of view is the best way to stay informed.

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📖 Is Claudine Gay plagiarizing?

Harvard president Claudine Gay faces heat for “duplicative language”. How big a deal is this potential plagiarism?

📖 Amidst an ongoing antisemitism scandal, the NYT reports that Harvard president Claudine Gay faces renewed scrutiny over “duplicative language” and insufficient citation in her doctoral dissertation.

📖 The Washington Examiner says Harvard needs to take Gay's plagiarism seriously — students get expelled for plagiarism, but Gay seems exempt.

📖 And OutKick thinks the scandal is proof of Harvard's academic decay. There are 40 new plagiarism claims, but Harvard isn’t doing anything about it.

📖 But @samhaselby argues that Gay's plagiarism issue is minor compared to elite schools' bigger problems — like bending to corrupt billionaires.

📖 Either way, the WSJ says Harvard continues to back Gay, showing the university's commitment to due process.

💧 Are electrolyte powders effective?

Electrolyte powders: Some swear by them for workouts, but others call them overhyped. What's the real scoop?

💧 Electrolyte powders are supplements that help replenish minerals lost through sweat. Verywell Fit says using them daily can be beneficial, but it's possible to overdo it.

💧 NY Mag likes them, and recommends the brand Skratch Labs for intense workouts. It's a favorite among experts for its balanced electrolytes and carbs.

💧 Tailwind Nutrition agrees: Electrolyte powder is a game-changer for hydration, especially for athletes. It helps prevent muscle cramps.

💧 But Axios doesn’t buy the hype: Most people don't need fancy electrolyte mixes — a normal diet is fine. Only extreme athletes might benefit from these types of extra supplements.

Quick hits

🤝 The US has reached a deal to release 10 detained Americans in Venezuela, including convicted defense contractor Leonard “Fat Leonard” Francis. (CNN)

🏛️ An Oklahoma judge ruled that Glynn Simmons, a man who served 48+ years for a murder he didn't commit, is actually innocent. (USA Today)

✈ Texas flew 120 migrants from El Paso to Chicago. The state has already bussed 80,000+ migrants to Democrat-leaning cities around the US. (AP News)

🏈 The Jets activated quarterback Aaron Rodgers from injured reserve, but said he won't play in any games. Rodgers tore his Achilles in September. (CBS Sports)