The One-Minute Meeting

Pedestrian deaths along U.S. roadways are rising. One reason is that people seem to be walking more, but traffic safety experts say it may be time to reconsider “turn right on red” laws, which began nationwide in the 1950s. A handful of cities are already banning right-on-red traffic laws but states have been reluctant to do so. Right-on-red laws expanded nationwide in the 1970s during the oil crisis as a way to keep traffic moving and cut down on fuel use.

Antisemitic attacks are rising in the United States, according to data just compiled by the Anti-Defamation League. Attacks on Jewish people set new records in three of the last five years, including last year. Texas, Florida, California, New York and Illinois (all population centers) had the most attacks. 

There is an unfolding catastrophe in Somalia, where drought has killed a stunning 43,000 people and almost half of the victims are under age 5. The United Nations says the country is on the edge of famine. Kenya and Ethiopia also are suffering.

You may have noticed that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has dropped some weight, which observers say is a sure sign that he will run for president. If there is a correlation, it would not be without precedent. Americans generally do not vote for candidates who struggle with weight, and I will point you toward research showing pounds cost votes. I will explain why even if voters are overweight, they shy away from overweight candidates.