Molnupiravir may increase COVID mutations: https://seekingalpha.com/news/3930787-merck-covid-19-pill-linked-to-virus-mutations-study . Merck disputes the finding, saying no link has been established. However, the statistical basis of the study as described seems reasonable. Also, another study (mentioned in the article) indicates the benefits from Molnupiravir may be limited.
Fungi adapt to increasing temperatures: https://www.wsj.com/articles/fungi-spread-last-of-us-valley-fever-climate-11675260773 . Unfortunately, this may make them more tolerant of conditions within the human body, which is very bad news.
Minnesota protects abortion rights: https://news.yahoo.com/minnesota-enshrines-abortion-rights-into-state-law-heres-what-that-means-224840772.html .
Fed raises benchmark short-term interest rates another 25 basis points: https://money.yahoo.com/federal-reserve-interest-rates-decision-february-1-174421486.html . The interest rate range is now 4.50% — 4.75%, the highest level since October 2007. The Fed comments seem to lock in another 25 basis point increase for their next meeting (March 15-16), and suggest another 25 basis point increase for the following meeting (May 3-4). Interim data could drive the May increase to zero. However, since we are now nowhere near the 2% inflation target, expect another 25 basis point increase unless inflation slows dramatically in the next 3 months. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/fed-approves-quarter-point-rate-hike-signals-more-increases-likely-11675278190 .
Global factory activity contracted again in January: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2023-01-31/asias-factory-activity-contracts-despite-chinas-covid-reopening . The data storm continues in a negative direction. That direction is global recession.
WSJ: Strikes disrupt UK economy: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-k-hit-by-biggest-strikes-in-a-decade-11675260870 . Again, inflation is sticky. Workers need to catch up.
WSJ: US to supply longer-range smart bombs to Ukraine: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-expected-to-send-ukraine-longer-range-smart-bombs-in-next-aid-package-11675270504 . This development should be seen in context, which the Journal does not provide.
A year ago, the war opened with the expectation that Russia would roll into Kyiv with only token opposition from Ukraine. However, the poorly executed initial invasion left a huge Russian convoy stranded because the Russians could not resupply the invading troops and tanks. This gave the Western allies time to supply Ukraine, which halted the Russian invasion and indeed began to recapture significant territory. Winter slowed both sides, as expected.
However, both sides face a war of attrition. The US and its Western allies seem to be supplying the minimum weaponry that will achieve a Ukrainian victory without giving Russia the opportunity to wage a larger war. The staggering human cost on both sides apparently does not factor into the Western calculus.
WSJ: Ukraine claims Russia is preparing a major offensive: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-braces-for-major-russian-offensive-11675243895 . And the death toll will escalate again.
George Santos’ campaign contribution reporting falls apart: https://www.rawstory.com/george-santos-scandal-2659341675/ . Again, misreporting campaign finances is a federal crime. This is currently the most likely avenue for criminal prosecution of Santos.
WSJ: Will someone please save the GOP from Orange Julius?: https://www.wsj.com/articles/trump-is-the-gops-albatross-election-2024-nominee-candidate-voters-republicans-campaign-frontrunner-11675286850 . This remarkable criticism from Karl Rove has its status raised by publication in the Journal. Will WSJ readers listen?
Why are prosecutors re-examining Orange Julius’ hush money payment to Stormy Daniels?: https://www.rawstory.com/stormy-daniels-trump-2659339961/ . The typical reason for re-opening a case is indeed new evidence. I would also agree that Cohen’s testimony needs corroborating evidence.
Maxine Waters’ quick wit roils committee hearing: https://www.mediaite.com/politics/trump-maxine-waters-cracks-up-committee-hearing-when-answering-republicans-question-about-what-putin-xi-and-kim-have-in-common/ . This ad lib is so fast and so funny, you have to bow to Maxine Waters.
Reverend Sharpton expresses his outrage with the Black Memphis police officers who killed Tyre Nichols: https://www.yahoo.com/news/funeral-sharpton-calls-5-black-220821448.html . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tyre-nichols-funeral-to-be-attended-by-al-sharpton-kamala-harris-11675226797 .
WSJ: Prosecutors’ cogent presentation of evidence picks apart Alex Murdaugh: https://www.wsj.com/articles/video-places-alex-murdaugh-at-scene-of-double-murder-prosecutors-say-11675295797 .
Tom Brady retires – again – “for good” at age 45: https://sports.yahoo.com/7-time-super-bowl-champ-tom-brady-announces-hes-retiring-for-good-131729295.html . So Tom Brady is now football’s Wayne Gretzky … WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tom-brady-retirement-11675264408 . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/tom-brady-retirement-news-11675258394 .