🐛 The Paris bedbug crisis

Happy Thursday! It’s October 5 — people are talking about the bedbug crisis in Paris, the pros and cons of drinking on an airplane, and more.

As always, we’ve summarized and organized the different shades of perspective, so you can see the big picture quickly.

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🐛 In the news: The Paris bedbug crisis

Paris has a bedbug outbreak. Bedbugs have been spotted in hotels, public transit, airports, and even theaters. What’s causing this?

🐛 Fast Company thinks the problem is caused by the uptick in travelers to France — so the bugs have developed a higher resistance to insecticides.

🐛 Outkick says French authorities' efforts to address the crisis don’t seem to be working. Paris better figure this out — it's hosting the 2024 Olympics.

🐛 CNN agrees: The French government hasn't been handling the crisis well. Politicians can't decide on how to get rid of the pests.

🐛 But Vice points out that Paris's situation isn't unique. Bedbugs are on the rise globally — and anyway, your chances of seeing a bedbug in Paris are slim.

🐛 France's Health Minister says there's “no reason for widespread panic” about the critters. People are acting a bit too paranoid!

✈ Cultural trend: Drinking on the plane?

Drinking on the plane can be great — but is it worth getting dehydrated and sleeping poorly?

✈ People like to drink on airplanes, writes HuffPo — it helps them relax or fall asleep. Others do it because it helps them unwind or feel less anxious.

✈ Thrillist says it’s not worth it. Turbulence is no fun when you're drunk, and do you really want to be standing at baggage claim when your buzz wears off?

✈ Plus, you actually feel drunker in the air than you would on the ground, explains Wine Traveler. There's less oxygen at altitude.

✈ But Travel & Leisure thinks a mid-flight cocktail is a real treat, as long as you get the right one. Drinks taste different in the sky!

✈ Maybe don’t drink too much — you might end up like this!

Quick hits

🏛️ The Biden administration canceled $9b in student debt after payments resumed in September. (NYT)

📉 US public support declined for arming Ukraine, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed. (Reuters)

🥾 Acting House Speaker Patrick McHenry ordered Nancy Pelosi and her longtime deputy Steny Hoyer to leave their workspaces in the US Capitol. (BBC)

🧱 Biden approved a new section of the US-Mexico border wall as crossings continued to rise. (BBC)

That’s it for today. Reply at [email protected] to let me know what you think of our newsletter, or to suggest a topic for next time.

Here at Shades we’re trying something new – quick summaries from different points of view. We think it’s a better way to stay informed and see the big picture. Please reach out if you’re curious to learn more!

- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)