COVID ear: https://www.salon.com/2021/11/18/19-can-infect-the-ears–causing-a-chronic-condition-some-are-calling-covid-ear/ . As a chronic condition, this qualifies under the long COVID symptom list.
AstraZeneca antibody cocktail Evusheld advances as COVID preventative: https://www.aol.com/news/astrazeneca-antibody-drug-works-prevent-074520275-104955109.html . The drug is being positioned toward those who don’t respond well to vaccines. However, it is unclear whether some anti-vaxxers might find this to be an acceptable alternative. More: https://www.precisionvaccinations.com/vaccines/evusheld-azd7442-long-acting-antibody-cocktail .
Pfizer announces deal with US government on oral antiviral pill: https://www.aol.com/news/1-u-govt-buy-10-115723231.html . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-purchases-10-million-treatment-courses-of-pfizers-covid-19-pill-11637247263 . The US will purchase 10 million courses of treatment for $5.29 billion, or $529 per course. So, $5 billion of our tax money is going to dig anti-vaxxers out of the hole they’ve dug for themselves. Vaccination obviously costs less, has less risk and has better outcomes.
WSJ: Lockdowns return in Europe: https://www.wsj.com/articles/covid-19-surge-prompts-renewed-lockdown-in-parts-of-europe-11637267293 .
US confirms second case of monkeypox: https://people.com/health/maryland-resident-diagnosed-with-monkeypox-after-returning-from-nigeria/ . The mortality rate for monkeypox is 10%, so containing it is extremely important.
Weekly jobless claims drop 1,000 to 268,000: https://www.usnews.com/news/economy/articles/2021-11-18/jobless-claims-held-steady-last-week . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/weekly-jobless-claims-11-18-2021-11637179231 . These figures still scream economic dislocation.
WSJ: House plans to vote on reconciliation package Friday: https://www.wsj.com/articles/house-closes-in-on-vote-for-2-trillion-bill-11637262546 . The current details of the bill: https://www.wsj.com/articles/democrats-budget-plan-what-11626301275 . Manchin still remains the wild card in this process. Still, every Democrat understands they have to pass something, and soon.
WSJ: Politics of the Fed chair nomination: https://www.wsj.com/articles/political-calculus-confronts-biden-on-fed-pick-of-powell-vs-brainard-11637274025 . I continue to prefer Ms. Brainard. I also have no vote.
Paul Gosar declares himself mentally unfit for public service: https://www.newsweek.com/minutes-after-being-censured-rep-gosar-retweets-offending-aoc-video-1650542 . The GOP needs to revisit what level of nut they are willing to house under their Little Tent. The refusal of Kevin McCarthy to deal with this insanity clearly demonstrates his stance – no standards, win at all costs. And insanity is the correct term: https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/many-republicans-allegedly-say-privately-that-paul-gosar-is-not-all-there-and-hes-lost-it-080008246.html .
Judge sets next Bannon hearing date for December 7: https://www.politico.com/news/2021/11/18/judge-rejects-steve-bannon-delay-effort-522948 . So FYI, Steve, that’s the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor. Prepare to take on water.
WSJ: Willis restructures after collapse of Aon merger: https://www.wsj.com/articles/willis-towers-to-revamp-board-following-activist-pressure-11637240400 .
WSJ: Evergrande unwind continues, with more pain: https://www.wsj.com/articles/china-evergrande-to-shed-stake-in-tencent-backed-venture-for-273-million-11637231129 .