News roundup for Fri, Sep 24, 2021

Soft drink producers are running out of carbon dioxide, and the UK is stepping in to support a US fertilizer company to restart CO2 production. This shortage is causing major disruptions in the UK food supply chain. The situation is complex and surprising—many companies and countries were caught off guard by the gas crisis and had little time to respond effectively. Rising gas prices are also playing a role in the CO2 shortage, and heating costs in the UK could spike dramatically this winter. Meanwhile, everyday items like Lunchables, Gatorade, and juice boxes are becoming harder to find. Shelves in grocery stores are increasingly sparse, and it's only a matter of time before soft drinks face similar shortages. A Twitter user shared their frustration with widespread supply chain issues: "I went to Macy’s to buy shoes, and the guy said he usually has 8,000 pairs but only had 400 today. My wife’s car brake rotors are on backorder, and the paint store shelves were half-empty." The problem isn’t limited to food—liquor shortages are also emerging in the US. Some manufacturers can't get enough glass bottles, and distribution challenges due to trucking shortages are making things worse. In response to rising temperatures, the Biden administration is working with OSHA to address heat-related risks for workers. The CDC had previously recommended such measures, but they were never fully implemented until now. As the holiday season approaches, it’s wise to start shopping early. In Minnesota, hundreds of community solar projects are stalled as Xcel Energy struggles to move forward, with some suggesting a third-party investigation may be needed. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is testing reflective streets to cool down hot neighborhoods, a promising initiative that could inspire other cities. With the government shutdown deadline approaching, agencies are preparing for potential disruptions if a stopgap bill isn’t passed by September 30. A tragic mass shooting occurred at a Memphis grocery store, leaving 12 injured and one person dead. Globally, the pandemic continues to surge, with over 231 million confirmed cases and more than 4.7 million deaths. The US remains the hardest-hit country, with over 43.5 million cases and 700,000 deaths. Some states are making controversial decisions, like Tennessee, where vaccinated individuals are being denied access to monoclonal antibody treatments to preserve supplies for unvaccinated people. Johnson & Johnson may also push for third doses of its vaccine, as new data shows a 94% effectiveness rate against severe illness. While the FDA has authorized boosters for certain groups, the CDC hasn’t fully aligned with these recommendations, causing confusion among healthcare workers and teachers. Africa still lags behind in vaccination coverage, with only 4% of its population fully immunized. The Biden administration is donating 500 million doses to help address global inequities. Nursing shortages are worsening, putting patients at risk as hospitals struggle to maintain safe staffing levels. Burned-out nurses and resistance to vaccine mandates are contributing factors. Finally, the Mormon Church has announced mask mandates in temples to help curb the spread of the virus.

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