WSJ: Omicron variants evade vaccine protection: https://www.wsj.com/articles/why-variants-keep-covid-19-cases-simmering-in-the-u-s-11654513200 . However, as we have said all along, the pandemic is an arms race between the efficacy of the vaccines and the variant production of the COVID-19 virus. When we ease off on our efforts to improve the vaccine and distribute boosters, virus load can increase, raising the possibility of additional variants.
WSJ: Toddler vaccine approval opens limited market for manufacturers: https://www.wsj.com/articles/pfizer-and-moderna-wont-get-a-shot-in-the-arm-from-toddlers-11654532265 .
J&J dumps Emergent COVID vaccine manufacturing: https://money.usnews.com/investing/news/articles/2022-06-06/contract-manufacturer-emergent-says-j-j-breached-vaccine-contract . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/j-j-says-it-plans-to-end-covid-19-vaccine-supply-deal-with-emergent-biosolutions-11654550040 . Everyone knows Emergent made huge blunders in its vaccine manufacture. So Emergent will have a tough time with its alleged claims against J&J.
WSJ: Zelensky visits Ukraine’s front lines: https://www.wsj.com/articles/zelensky-visits-eastern-front-as-ukraine-tries-to-beat-back-russian-advance-11654506701 .
DOJ charges Proud Boys with seditious conspiracy: https://apnews.com/article/capitol-siege-biden-congress-proud-boys-government-and-politics-7b27b6550bd0f400aa61893df3386f38 . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/proud-boys-leader-enrique-tarrio-four-others-charged-with-seditious-conspiracy-in-jan-6-probe-11654546936 . These “folks” are well-known in Portland for coming into town and confronting local protestors. This of course often leads to violent escalation.
The Oath Keepers are already cracking under the weight of this very serious charge: https://www.npr.org/2022/04/29/1095538077/a-second-oath-keeper-pleaded-guilty-to-seditious-conspiracy-in-the-jan-6-riot . Frankly, the DOJ is all business to level this charge. Thus, I would expect plea deals and multi-year jail terms for most if not all of the 5 Proud Boys charged today.
A guide to Tuesday’s primaries: https://apnews.com/article/2022-midterm-elections-biden-politics-donald-trump-congress-a08dd4f80eb996f79f99a97afb925551 .
Boris Johnson narrowly survives party no-confidence vote: https://apnews.com/article/boris-johnson-london-government-and-politics-d1bc8ce279ee43a8854c53c698bc0e57 . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/boris-johnson-faces-vote-of-confidence-in-leadership-11654500337 . Despite Johnson’s attempt to rewrite this as a clear victory, this is a shot across the bow. So his next misstep could push him to resign. More: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/boris-johnson-dead-man-walking_uk_629e5ef1e4b016c4eefc42f6 .