*Women must insist on pain relief during medical procedures.* It seems there are doctors who believe that suffering is, for a woman, normal and they don't really feel it.

The Interior department will gradually phase out all sales of disposable plastics on public land. (That includes the national parks, plus lots of additional land.) This is something campaigners have pushed for; I've signed and posted petitions for it.

The article falls into confusion when it speaks of the "falling recycling rate", since most disposable plastic items, including water bottles, are not in fact feasible to recycle.

The Tory government has systematically undermined management and supervision of state activities, from medical treatment to building codes to issuing passports. This seems to be a general structural problem with the functioning of the state.

The government ordered Covid-19 protective equipment (including masks) in a big hurry in 2020, but neglected to supervise the production. Around 6 billion dollars worth is substandard; they plan to burn it.

I hope that the incineration does not release dangerous chemicals that will harm the public. Regulation of air pollution is probably inadequate too.

(satire) *Ambien Unveils New 48-Hour Weekend Getaway Sleeping Pill.*

Specialized art thieves have stolen ancient Scythian treasures from various museums in Ukraine. There is suspicion that Putin organized this.