Air Force cadets may not graduate: https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-graduation-lloyd-austin-748ecd1d5f9bb5977d0bc3ea7aa4f616 . The four cadets refused vaccination. They could be forced to repay their tuition, which could be as much as $200,000. While I understand the military’s position, it seems unfair to bankrupt these kids when the vaccine did not exist when they enrolled.
China COVID battle continues: https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2022-05-14/shanghai-hunkers-down-for-final-covid-battle-beijing-outbreak-stubborn . Shanghai may try to ease lockdown again in a few days: https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-china-beijing-58f75c0c30e9d579fd6d1a1b9432aeaa .
The Lancet confirms that Alito’s opinion will cause women to die: https://news.yahoo.com/lancet-editorial-alito-supreme-court-roe-v-wade-abortion-women-will-die-173530575.html . Um, women have a right to life, too. And each person should have control over their own body. To deny that is reminiscent of slavery, and the treatment of women as property.
WSJ: Abortion pill providers gear up: https://www.wsj.com/articles/abortion-pill-providers-prepare-to-reach-patients-in-restrictive-states-11652439601 . As we have previously reported, the majority of US abortions are now completed through medication. One would expect that trend to continue.
Sweden moves toward NATO membership, but Turkey objects: https://www.aol.com/news/sweden-sets-benefits-nato-membership-105457831-153829311.html . This objection is likely to be resolved, as all other NATO members want to see Finland and Sweden join. More: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/finland-nato-russia-sweden-ukraine-united-states-vladimir-putin/ . To clarify, the Russian-Finnish border is 810 miles. Russia and Sweden do not share a border. The Russian-Norwegian border is 122 miles (Norway is an original NATO member). WSJ: More on Finland: https://www.wsj.com/articles/putin-russia-ukraine-finland-nato-11652386254 .
Another day, two more Ukrainian victories: https://www.aol.com/news/ukraine-says-damaged-russian-ship-051236703-100535165.html . Yes, Western military materiel is playing a decisive role in Ukraine’s success. But the obvious difference in motivation between the Ukrainian and Russian forces cannot be understated. More, from the BBC: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61399440 . Still more: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/the-russian-navy-keeps-exposing-its-vulnerable-support-ships-to-ukrainian-attack/ar-AAXehbS?cvid=b20dc320049f44fabb740da81274ecd2 . The details in the last two articles give a clear picture of how Ukraine is winning this war.
Pence steps out against Orange Julius: https://www.aol.com/news/pence-backs-georgias-kemp-opposition-133320998-140404116.html . Polls indicate Governor Kemp will easily defeat OJ’s pick, former Senator David Perdue. Pence is taking the opportunity to rehabilitate his reputation (he assumes that’s possible). Meanwhile, a Georgia state judge tossed Perdue’s election fraud lawsuit: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/news/georgia-judge-dismisses-david-perdue-2020-election-lawsuit .
Jen Psaki’s last day as press secretary: https://news.yahoo.com/white-house-press-secretary-jen-210231519.html . She will likely land at MSNBC. As readers know, in my view she has been the premier press secretary of all time. As such, this is not a welcome change for the Administration, especially in an election year.
WSJ: We highlight the problems of incumbent Democrats: https://www.wsj.com/articles/oregon-voters-angry-over-crime-and-inflation-create-tough-race-for-rep-kurt-schrader-11652443200 . And the race the Journal picked is right here in Oregon. It is remarkable that four of the six county Democratic groups in Schrader’s district have endorsed his opponent against the seven-term incumbent. This is especially so when the district has been redrawn to become more conservative (the effect of our new Congressional seat).
WSJ: Why CNN+ shut down so quickly: https://www.wsj.com/articles/inside-the-collapse-of-cnn-the-news-channels-apollo-mission-11652439600 .
Musk says Twitter deal on hold: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/musk-accounts-excuse-twitter-deal-a-huge-problem-160539934.html . Musk confirms our speculation. But if Musk walks away, even with the $1 billion penalty he must pay, in my view he has damaged Twitter’s business. Many employees, including two senior execs, have left. I would think shareholders could sue him for his behavior.
WSJ: More change at Twitter: https://www.wsj.com/articles/twitter-ceo-signals-more-change-after-hiring-freeze-cost-cuts-11652474242 . And: https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-ruffles-twitters-feathers-11652457698 . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/elon-musk-ruffles-twitters-feathers-11652457698 .
WSJ: Higher rates slow Canada’s real estate sector: https://www.wsj.com/articles/slowdown-in-canadas-housing-sector-shows-risk-of-higher-rates-11652443201 . As discussed yesterday, this is a real risk in the US.
China real estate developers continue to struggle: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2022-05-13/chinese-developers-debt-woes-worsen-as-sales-yuan-weaken .