US birthrate remains unchanged: https://apnews.com/article/us-births-2022-pandemic-61da497183e03b80f236fa50720b26be . For many years, the US has solved its low birth rate with immigrants, whether legal or illegal. We absolutely need comprehensive immigration reform, if for no other reason than access to workers.
Medicare paying for Alzheimer’s drugs: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/medicare-plans-pay-alzheimers-drugs-win-full-fda-approval-rcna87332 . This expense will significantly affect the cost of Medicare, and its financial stability.
FDA allows drug imports to cover US drug shortages: https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-allows-imports-of-china-made-chemotherapy-to-ease-u-s-shortage-8ee88e7e .
Texas bans gender-affirming care: https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/texas-becomes-largest-state-to-ban-transgender-care-for-minors/ar-AA1c3Rcv?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=f82eac6e96b044caa56195c4309e2d2c&ei=38 . Once again, legislators prove they make lousy doctors. The GOP has now taken away control over your body from women and transgender youth. How does this represent small government?
US adds 339,000 jobs in May: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/may-jobs-report-june-2-2023-123218296.html . US Treasuries gained 10 to 15 basis points today as this report increases the possibility of a Fed rate hike. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/jobs-report-is-unlikely-to-resolve-fed-rate-debate-1690ff2e . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/articles/super-powered-labor-market-fights-the-fed-5100ab4e .
WSJ: Debt ceiling deals claws back $30 billion in unspent COVID funds: https://www.wsj.com/articles/debt-limit-bill-cancels-almost-30-billion-in-pandemic-relief-funding-98c2dbdc . Winners and losers in the debt ceiling deal: https://www.wsj.com/articles/debt-ceiling-limit-winners-losers-a212028d . Note that the Senate is looking to add back some of the military cuts to fund military aid to Ukraine. The House conservatives may be bypassed by the popularity of Ukraine’s fight.
Two passenger trains derail in India, killing at least 290 and injuring over 900: https://apnews.com/article/india-passenger-train-derail-deadly-accident-dceafe2a5fe9c287f2ebd8b6cce37f93 . The numbers of dead and injured have increased rapidly Friday evening (Pacific time), suggesting the toil will continue to rise. WSJ: More or less: https://www.wsj.com/articles/indian-train-crash-kills-more-than-200-people-1308cfb3 . WSJ’s reporting is behind other media reports, as is often the case.
Qualification rules for August 23 GOP presidential debate: https://www.politico.com/news/2023/06/02/first-gop-debate-qualification-00100080 . Seems rather early for a debate, doesn’t it? Clearly, the majority of the GOP candidates have no viable path to the nomination. However, winnowing the field too early makes the process look rigged.
Two more Oath Keepers sentenced to prison for January 6 participation: https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/oath-keeper-defendants-sentenced-jan-6-sedition/story?id=99795052 . The two were found guilty of sedition. Their sentences, of 3 years and 3 years and 6 months, respectively, strike me (and prosecutors) as excessively lenient. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/articles/oath-keepers-latest-sentencing-pushes-groups-total-prison-time-beyond-half-century-59a62c85 .