Morning Reads for International Receptionists Day (May 13)

Good morning, and happy International Receptionists Day! A big thank you to all who serve as the first point of contact with businesses and government offices.

It’s also World Fair Trade Day, National Apple Pie Day, and National Fruit Cocktail Day, and I’m sure some of you will feel moved to celebrate those in your own way. I’m in no mood to make a pie today, so y’all please refrain from letting my family members know about that one, okay?

Now, let’s get to the news!

Pat Conroy

• The road test has returned for new Georgia drivers.
• An internal memo from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests Georgia hospitals cannot handle a surge in critically ill patients.
• Part of the reason we’ve seen a recent drop in emergent patients may be because people are afraid of seeking care, prompting some nurses to start making house calls.
• A poll from Public Opinion Strategies shows tight contests for both of Georgia’s U.S. Senate seats and President.
• Be on the lookout for popup farmers’ markets throughout the state this summer in an attempt to help small farmers.

Alice Walker

• Here’s a comprehensive overview of all the ways COVID-19 attacks the body.
• Many large chains are ending “hero pay” for their frontline workers.
• Grocery stores increased their prices 2.6% in April, a bigger monthly increase than any other time in the last 50 years.
• The California public university system became the first to declare its campuses will keep most of their classes online for the fall.
• Hospitals are seeing more severe child abuse injuries since the beginning of stay-at-home orders.
• The federal judge in charge of the Michael Flynn case is inviting briefs from third parties.

Flannery O’Connor

• SpaceX set the Arizona night sky ablaze with its Starlink satellites.