Fine-tuning the mRNA COVID vaccines: https://www.bbc.com/news/health-67625180 . This UK study showed that in about 35% of cases, the mRNA used in COVID vaccines also results in the unintended production of harmless proteins. An easy fix eliminates this side effect. Incremental improvements in these vaccines and their targeting are welcome, especially as the technology will be used in a wide range of medical applications.
China lacks research on long COVID: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2023-12-13/scientists-see-risk-of-lost-opportunity-for-long-covid-research-in-china . What fantasy world are these scientists living in? As of today, China has publicly reported just over 500,000 cases and 5,272 deaths: https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/ . Any remotely honest reporting of long COVID would blow up their ridiculous reporting to date.
Medication abortion goes to Supreme Court: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/abortion-pill-access-case-texas-judge-11651775689 .
Weight-loss drug poisonings spike: https://people.com/poison-centers-1500-percent-increase-calls-weight-loss-drugs-accidental-poisonings-8415331 .
Fed holds rates steady: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fed-holds-rates-steady-again-191040831.html . The surprise here is that the number of expected rate cuts next year has increased from 2 to 3. To restate the facts in the article, 8 officials wanted to stay at 2 rate cuts next year, 8 wanted 3, and 3 wanted more than 3. I agree with the 8 wanting to stay at 2. However, the process now should be heavily data driven. Current evidence does not suggest inflation will get to 2% anytime soon, and indeed the Fed projections agree with that. I think there is trouble ahead. We will see.
WSJ: Country Garden sells stake in commercial center operator to advance restructuring: https://www.wsj.com/finance/country-garden-to-make-cny3-07-billion-disposal-to-aid-debt-restructuring-f5b181fc .
WSJ: Israel pumps seawater into Gaza tunnels: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-pumping-seawater-gaza-tunnels-2ed3b3f2 . This is unlikely to kill anyone. However, it will destroy any munitions held in those tunnels.
Senate passes defense bill with Ukraine aid 87-13: https://www.aol.com/senate-passes-886-billion-defense-003914188.html . You can’t get more bipartisan than that. Speaker Johnson needs to cut the crap and get this passed. Instead, however, they’re getting even nuttier on the right, if that’s possible, because …
House GOP votes for Biden impeachment inquiry, with no public evidence: https://www.aol.com/senate-passes-886-billion-defense-003914188.html . This is appallingly bizarre. If a prosecutor did this to a private citizen, he’d be subject to sanctions by the court and/or the government he works for. There’s no hint of probable cause. But the President of the United States apparently has fewer rights than you or I do, at least when he’s a Democrat. More: https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/4359149-biden-blasts-baseless-house-gop-impeachment-stunt/ .
Judge Chutkan pauses Orange Julius January 6 trial until appellate courts act: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/judge-hits-pause-trump-federal-election-case-presidential-immunity-app-rcna129603 . The Supreme Court has already agreed to consider the special prosecutor’s request for a timely ruling on this BS argument from the OJ team. The question is now clearly framed – does our system include a check on presidential power? Of course it does. As screwed up as this Supreme Court is (thanks largely to the defendant), I really can’t imagine they’ll get this wrong or take time doing so. Still, argument may not be heard until after the holidays.
Everyone knows OJ is just trying to run out the clock. Justice delayed is justice denied. WSJ: We’re drinking the KoolAid over here: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/trumps-jan-6-case-put-on-hold-imperiling-march-4-trial-date-7b6e4b9e . Quoting the OJ spokesperson without any reality check is not journalism – it’s hucksterism.
Speaking of stupid legal arguments, thieves argue for lesser penalty because items were on sale and they had coupons: https://www.aol.com/news/2-men-convicted-stealing-2-112602757.html . If this was OJ, he’d appeal.