June 2022

Elvis warbles some notes, but is mostly a catchy cinematic tune

Elvis immediately establishes its offbeat affectations by beginning with the final days of Col. Tom Parker (Tom Hanks), the former manager of the great Elvis Presley (Austin Butler). Now a withered old man, Parker recounts to viewers how he first came to know Presley back in the 1950s. Here was a kid that seemed like a joke to everybody when he initially waltzed onto the music scene. Being a veteran carny, Parker prides himself on knowing how to tempt people with “feelings they don’t think they should be having.” Seeing how the ladies react to Presley’s on-stage behavior, not to mention hearing his voice, Parker sees an opportunity for fame and fortune. So begins the duo’s dynamic, which stretches on for decades.

Read MoreElvis warbles some notes, but is mostly a catchy cinematic tune

The world must come together to combat food shortages, inflation

It is a natural human impulse, and a political one, to turn inward when threatened by a crisis that appears beyond our control. The world is facing several such forces at once: food shortages, inflation, the persistence of COVID-19 and the effects of global warming. Taken together, they threaten the stability and prosperity of nations around the world. That threat could hasten the retreat that many countries are already making away from globalization and international cooperation.

Read MoreThe world must come together to combat food shortages, inflation

Uvalde schools police chief placed on leave amid fierce criticism of school shooting response

Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District police Chief Pete Arredondo has been placed on administrative leave amid criticism of his response to the worst school shooting in Texas history. Uvalde CISD Superintendent Hal Harrell announced the move in a news release Wednesday, one day after Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw placed much of the blame of the delayed response to the shooting at Arredondo’s feet.

Read MoreUvalde schools police chief placed on leave amid fierce criticism of school shooting response