Discussion of targeted vaccine upgrade: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/tweaked-covid-boosters-are-close-but-how-much-will-they-help/ar-AA116Y6l?cvid=9d2bfe8474c64775bd8a74aeef4eae98 . This discussion is essentially anti-science drivel. Dr. Offit is clearly a recognized expert, but his comments are unhelpful and border on the ridiculous. Of course it would be nice to have more data, but it would be utterly stupid to delay making a logical update in these circumstances. The specific advantage of the mRNA vaccine technology is that the vaccine can be rapidly updated because it does not involve either dead or live virus. There is virtually no risk in the update.
Dr. Offit’s comments could discourage people from taking the booster, which is exactly the last thing we want or need. So, Doctor, as far as the FDA panel is concerned, methinks you should get Offit.
New Mexico governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has COVID: https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-covid-health-antiviral-drugs-santa-fe-cd1c43c1e4b475f34d99322c8faad753 .
WSJ: Novartis to spin off Sandoz: https://www.wsj.com/articles/novartis-to-spin-off-list-sandoz-generics-drugs-business-11661427195 . Sandoz is the generic drug manufacturer within Novartis.
Fed officials noncommittal on September rate hike: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2022-08-25/fed-officials-say-no-call-yet-on-50-vs-75-bps-rate-hike-in-september . Well, at least we’re down to the only two reasonable choices, 50 and 75. My view continues to be that as a policy matter, 50 is the right call. But the Fed may have to go to 75 because the market so far does not hear what they are saying. In this bizarre situation, 75 may be necessary to hammer home the message. Either way, I expect further rate raising to continue after September. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/feds-bostic-says-more-strong-data-could-tip-fed-toward-75-basis-point-rate-increase-11661419802 . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/feds-george-says-its-unclear-what-size-rate-rise-is-needed-in-september-11661434998 .
WSJ: US second quarter GDP figure revised upward: https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-jobless-claims-eased-last-week-in-tight-labor-market-11661432194 .
Finland prepares to join NATO: https://www.wsj.com/articles/finland-a-country-built-on-military-self-reliance-prepares-for-nato-collective-defense-11661425200 . Pretty major screw-up, Vlad.
Ukraine’s largest nuclear plant goes offline: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-kyiv-united-nations-climate-and-environment-c4b57d9b04e43d35747148b230eed187 . I realize the Russians are desperate. However, the UN proposal to demilitarize this area, Europe’s largest nuclear plant, is a sound solution which does not give military advantage to either side. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/death-toll-climbs-in-russian-strikes-on-ukraine-as-moscow-says-it-foiled-terror-plot-at-home-11661424085 .
Putin orders increase of 137,000 in Russian troops: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-putin-moscow-armed-forces-1b3a54763df874238478c1cd5d958fd5 . This will not increase the popularity of the war with the Russian people. One expert suggests in this article that draftees will not go to the front. However, the failed attempt to take Kyiv involved draftees in the supply lines. Ukrainian forces are currently focusing their attacks in the south on supply lines. I suspect some draftees will be going home in boxes.
WSJ: Ukraine war transforms Germany’s global outlook: https://www.wsj.com/articles/how-the-ukraine-war-is-transforming-germany-olaf-scholz-putin-russia-energy-prices-natural-gas-defense-upgrade-diplomacy-11661441288 . The realignment to two axes of global trade continues.
Utah sues Biden administration over restoration of Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monuments: https://apnews.com/article/biden-donald-trump-lawsuits-utah-climate-and-environment-ee1eb3fd9597652f187d642f9996f952 . These two national monuments in Utah were established under the Obama Administration. They were significantly downsized under OJ’s corrupt interior secretary, Ryan Zinke. In brief, Zinke favored energy development over land protection: https://www.npca.org/articles/2017-after-20-tumultuous-months-for-national-parks-and-public-lands-department .
As Biden simply restored these monuments to their former size, ordinarily this lawsuit would have no chance. Unfortunately, in today’s environment (pun intended), this may depend on the judge hearing the case. I would expect amicus briefs from the tribes and conservation groups.
Possible electoral effects of student loan debt cancellation: https://www.aol.com/news/bidens-student-debt-forgiveness-potential-090058286.html . The Democrats have a better case here. We all know college tuition has increased dramatically, and many young people labor to repay their loans. This in turn causes them to put off buying homes and starting families. This spending is an investment in the young, as opposed to the Orange Julius tax cuts which were a major give-away to the wealthy.
Another benefit: The White House took the opportunity to stuff Marjorie Taylor Greene’s hypocritical criticism bock down her throat: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/white-house-twitter-account-clapped-000543764.html . What are the odds this story is covered on Fox? Right.
DOJ submits redacted Mar-a-Lago affidavit to judge: https://apnews.com/article/justice-providing-redacted-trump-affidavit-a734bd242eef7f9a47fc11293c35e396 . The document remains under seal until the judge rules. UPDATE: Judge orders release of redacted document by noon Friday: https://news.yahoo.com/judge-orders-release-redacted-version-201357481.html . Apparently the judge has accepted the DOJ redactions without further revision. However, it is unclear whether DOJ will accept release of the redacted document or will appeal. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/justice-department-to-file-redacted-mar-a-lago-affidavit-to-judge-11661433643 .
DOJ January 6 arrests continue, including 5 Three Percenters: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/feds-charge-members-b-squad-militia-allegedly-run-former-gop-house-can-rcna44621 . One would guess that Jeremy Liggett was on the phone to his lawyer. At least, he should have been. Running for Congress was not a good move.