Causes of latest COVID surge: https://www.aol.com/news/happening-again-covid-cases-back-192204388.html . The article contends there are 3 main causes: (1) the new Omicron variants are the most infectious versions of COVID yet; (2) immunity is waning from prior vaccinations and infections; and (3) fewer people are taking basic precautions, such as masking up in high risk situations.
CDC approvers Pfizer COVID vaccine for kids: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-19-vaccine-boosters-cdc-clears-pfizer-for-children-as-young-as-five/ . Since this follows FDA approval, children ages 5 to 11 are now eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/cdc-advisers-consider-covid-19-boosters-for-5-to-11-year-olds-11652958000 .
WSJ: Moderna ready to ship kids’ COVID vaccine as early as June: https://www.wsj.com/articles/moderna-ready-to-ship-covid-19-shots-for-young-children-as-early-as-june-11652978048 . So why isn’t the FDA moving more rapidly on this?
Vaccines administered after infection may reduce long COVID risk: https://www.upi.com/Health_News/2022/05/19/vaccine-after-infection-long-COVID/5931652970141/ .
Infant formula factory may reopen next week: https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-politics-science-e4aef87dfb74039f1612ca5279e85227 . WSJ: WIC program revamp to help struggling parents: https://www.wsj.com/articles/baby-formula-shortage-hits-aid-dependent-families-prompting-revamps-11652958000 .
Cancer deaths among Blacks decline but remain above other racial groups: https://apnews.com/article/science-health-race-and-ethnicity-cancer-death-rates-4f2e66d907a8606408be17b279dfabd9 . So the most likely reason for this is environmental. Research has shown that minority groups disproportionately live in the areas with the most polluted air.
WSJ: Census undercounts and overcounts in 14 states: https://www.wsj.com/articles/2020-census-undercounted-six-states-overcounted-eight-11652970891 .
New COVID infections in Shanghai: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-05-20/shanghai-detects-new-infections-after-five-days-of-zero-covid .
North Korea COVID catastrophe in progress: https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2022/5/20/north-korea-shuns-outside-help-as-covid-catastrophe-looms . More: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-05-19/n-koreas-low-death-count-questioned-amid-covid-19-outbreak . WSJ: More (or less): https://www.wsj.com/articles/kim-jong-un-creates-an-opportunity-out-of-north-koreas-covid-crisis-11652959286 . The analysis in the Journal article is based on North Korea achieving herd immunity. However, it is now obvious that herd immunity against COVID will never be achieved. The Journal should do better.
Weekly US jobless claims rise to 218,000: https://apnews.com/article/covid-politics-health-economy-bbc2631da25e284ab592668cc0be66c8 . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-jobless-claims-rise-for-third-straight-week-11652964963 .
Biden’s Asia trip begins: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-storms-biden-covid-76f387d4e9e0599b5287325314e91023 . So one reason to help Ukraine win quickly is to limit the possibility of a two-front war should China try to seize Taiwan.
WSJ: Taiwan Semiconductor looks to build chip plant in Singapore: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tsmc-looks-to-build-multibillion-dollar-chip-plant-in-singapore-11652958840 . But do not lose your focus on building a chip plant in the US. This is literally about the survivability of TSMC given the risk China presents to Taiwan.
Senate okays $40 billion in aid for Ukraine: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-government-and-politics-economy-a8db447928bb5e3f0609d553252531b8 . Note that the total of $54 billion spent on Ukraine since the invasion exceeds our previous total annual foreign military and economic aid expenditures. Also, the vote was 86 to 11, all 11 naysayers being Republicans. Three Democrats missed the vote, for health or family reasons. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-aid-bill-set-to-pass-senate-with-bipartisan-support-11652972377 .
WSJ: Biden supports Finland and Sweden joining NATO: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-commits-u-s-support-to-finland-sweden-joining-nato-11652982075 . So when they get in, will he invite their leaders for a Turkey dinner?
WSJ: How will the war in Ukraine end?: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-war-end-11652967707 . The Journal seems to have just written down every possibility they could think of. However, a very real possibility is hidden in Item 1 (Russian collapse). Putin is clearly ill. So he could die or become too ill to retain control. And that could happen within months.
January 6 committee has photo evidence inside the White House for that day: https://www.politico.com/news/2022/05/19/jan-6-white-house-photos-capitol-riot-00033876 . However, the (missing) details are critical in understanding the importance of these photos.
House lawmakers introduce bill ending Puerto Rico’s colonial status: https://www.upi.com/Top_News/US/2022/05/19/House-lawmakers-introduce-bill-end-Puerto-Ricos-territorial-status/4521653001507/ . As the article notes, this won’t get through the Senate, but it may well pass the House.
New meaning for the phrase “pound the pillow”: https://www.rawstory.com/lindell-sanctions/ . It is well past time for the courts to stop these ridiculous election conspiracy theories. More: https://lawandcrime.com/2020-election/groundless-and-frivolous-federal-judge-orders-sanctions-against-mike-lindell-and-dismisses-the-mypillow-ceos-counterclaims-against-dominion-and-smartmatic/ .
Vangelis passes at 79: https://variety.com/2022/music/news/vangelis-dead-chariots-of-fire-blade-runner-1235272061/ . He was reportedly being treated for COVID.
WSJ: Stingrays can add and subtract: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-years-nuttiest-discovery-stingrays-do-math-11652981114 . So, good thing actuaries can multiply and divide. Accountants, however, should be concerned.