Global COVID deaths up sharply as cases continue decline: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/covid-deaths-up-40-but-cases-falling-globally-world-health-organization/ . The death increase of 40% over the prior week is at least partially caused by reporting changes. WHO laments the continued decline in data quality and timeliness.
CDC says only 25% of Americans have had COVID: https://knewz.com/more-than-half-of-americans-say-theyve-had-covid-19-that-doesnt-corroborate-cdc-numbers/ . The poll numbers released yesterday indicated 52% of Americans say they’d had COVID. We are likely seeing overreporting in the poll and underreporting by the CDC.
Biden receives second COVID booster: https://www.yahoo.com/now/biden-receive-second-covid-19-152905397.html .
End of COVID pandemic may cause major disruption in US healthcare: https://apnews.com/article/covid-health-business-coronavirus-vaccine-medicaid-fbb66b72937f3517a5d3d1ba8840f339 . The headline may seem counterintuitive. However, liberal coverage policies during the pandemic will likely end, displacing many from their current coverage.
WSJ: CDC drops cruise ship COVID travel notice: https://www.wsj.com/articles/cdc-removes-covid-19-travel-warning-for-cruise-ships-11648666706 . Really? I guess we’re going full bore on survival of the fittest.
Border asylum limits expected to end May 23: https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2022-03-30/ap-sources-broad-asylum-limits-at-border-may-end-by-may-23 . This OJ policy was allegedly to reduce the spread of COVID. A surge of asylum seekers waits for the policy’s end. That in turn will be a GOP talking point for the November elections. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-administration-to-lift-title-42-border-policy-officials-say-11648664142 .
Split FDA panel rules against ALS drug: https://apnews.com/article/science-business-health-medication-4d9e420f94a29b9dcddf9977a69a62ec . Note that the more effective of the two current drugs extends life by a few months.
WSJ: DOJ investigates counterfeit HIV drug sales: https://www.wsj.com/articles/justice-department-probes-network-accused-of-selling-counterfeit-hiv-drugs-11648653345 .
China suffers under Zero COVID policy: https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/china-covid-outbreak-rcna21128 . It baffles me why every government in the world has failed to accept the public health realities of a pandemic. We know public health strategy requires a multifaceted approach. However, every government has emphasized one approach (vaccination or lockdown). And then they just go on cruise control. WSJ: Shanghai COVID surge continues: https://www.wsj.com/articles/shanghais-covid-surge-sinks-hopes-of-speedy-reopening-11648635077 . This is beginning to look like Hong Kong but on a much larger scale. The so-called Zero COVID fine-tuning may end up looking really silly.
WSJ: Other Asian nations learning to live with COVID: https://www.wsj.com/articles/despite-high-covid-19-case-counts-asian-nations-learn-to-live-with-the-virus-11648643055 .
No one believes Russia is sincere about a diplomatic solution: https://news.yahoo.com/this-war-is-far-from-over-history-says-russia-isnt-really-interested-in-peace-135034377.html . There is no question that the war continues, and that each side will use any ceasefire to consolidate gains and reposition.
Ukraine refugees now exceed 4 million: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-europe-migration-united-nations-5c10d8fed0cbcc003f64b478fd217620 . Remember, there are also over 6.5 million people displaced within Ukraine in a country of 44 million. This newsletter has said all along that 7 million refugees (the EU estimate) seemed more realistic. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/four-million-refugees-have-now-fled-ukraine-says-u-n-11648634931 . Note that another 12 million remain trapped in areas where they cannot leave. The total of 22.5 million is more than half of Ukraine’s population.
WSJ: Economic outlook for Russia and Ukraine: https://www.wsj.com/articles/russia-set-for-steep-slump-and-long-stagnation-in-wake-of-ukraine-war-11648702801 .
Question 1 remains: How can anyone believe Orange Julius about anything?: https://news.yahoo.com/trump-denies-calling-putin-a-genius-214302904.html . We all know what OJ said. The article quotes one instance of it. And by the way, OJ, everyone knows you’re an ignorant BS’er. That is a position of weakness, not strength, and Putin knows that about you. We also know you heavily criticized NATO. Has anyone explained videotape to you? What a maroon, to quote Bugs Bunny …
Here’s Question 2: Do GOP voters just vote for anyone within the tribe?: https://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/us-elections-government/ny-rep-madison-cawthorn-cocaine-orgies-allegations-20220330-5oedlfij25bztijiuczrf3cwb4-story.html . Here’s what we do know. Whether what Cawthorn said is true or false, it should be obvious to anyone that the GOP caucus would be upset and force him to either name names or retract. Kevin McCarthy could not be reached for further comment, as he is hosting a cocaine-fueled orgy to pacify his caucus.
Meanwhile, DeMentis is getting roasted over his “Don’t Say Gay” bill: https://www.nbcnews.com/nbc-out/out-news/billboards-florida-encourage-people-say-gay-rcna22037 . What a clever way to say that DeMentis is a loser. I fervently hope this costs him the governor’s chair.
WSJ: Hubble spots most distant star ever seen: https://www.wsj.com/articles/hubble-space-telescope-spots-most-distant-star-ever-seen-11648655351 . Here, “most distant” equates to “earliest”. This star presumably formed within 1 billion years of the creation of the universe, as the article notes. That’s because we see the star as it was 12.9 billion years ago.