🦠 Will the world be prepared for Disease X?

It’s Tuesday, January 23 — people are talking about the hypothetical world health risk Disease X, a California bill to ban tackle football, 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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- Jeff (co-founder of Shades)

🦠 Will the world be prepared for Disease X?

Disease X is a name for the hypothetical next big pandemic. Experts say we need to prepare fast. Some see it as fear-mongering, others as crucial foresight.

🦠 NY Post: The W.H.O. is urging countries to sign a treaty in preparation for the next pandemic, driven by “Disease X” — a hypothetical illness that could be 20x deadlier than COVID.

🦠 New Scientist: “Disease X” is strictly hypothetical, by the way! The W.H.O.'s conversation is all about stressing preparedness over panic.

🦠 But The Brownstone Institute isn't on board: The W.H.O. is fear-mongering with “Disease X”, using it as a tool for control, not health.

🦠 Bloomberg disagrees: The preparations for “Disease X” aren’t about fear-mongering; they’re about creating proactive measures to stop a pandemic before it starts.

🏈 California’s bill to ban tackle football

Should kids under 12 be allowed to play tackle football? The debate between safety and parental choice takes center stage in California.

🏈 CBS: Gov. Newsom rejected a ban on youth tackle football in California, citing freedom for parents to choose.

🏈 Proponents of the ban just want to protect kids, reports the Press Democrat, and don't think it will affect their love of the sport. They can still develop solid skills while playing flag football instead.

🏈 But Golden Gate Media says critics worry that a ban would negatively affect at-risk youth. They turn to tackle football to find a place of community and purpose.

🏈 And Express News thinks it's all about choice. The government shouldn't be telling people what's good for them or not.

Quick hits

👩‍🏫 California State University and a professors' union reached a tentative deal, ending a faculty strike. (NYT)

🛥 The Colombian navy intercepted a homemade submarine carrying 800 kilograms of cocaine. (AP News)

🏀 Joel Embiid scored 70 points in the 76ers’ win over the Spurs, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's franchise scoring record of 68. (ESPN)

⚫ MLK Jr's youngest son, Dexter, died at 62 of prostate cancer. (CNN)

Thanks for reading. If you have any feedback or want to share your thoughts or ideas, please email me at [email protected].