US life expectancy rises post-pandemic: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-11-29/u-s-life-expectancy-rebounds-but-short-of-pre-pandemic-levels . The graph in the article shows the shocking effect of the pandemic on US life expectancy.
Stem cells in spine can attract cancer: https://www.deseret.com/2023/11/28/23979419/bone-cancer-spine-stem-cells-explain-metastasis . The journalist’s source material here was The Washington Post, which requires a subscription: https://www.washingtonpost.com/science/2023/11/28/new-stem-cell-spine-cancer/?utm_campaign=wp_the7&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter&wpisrc=nl_the7 (this link might work for nonsubscribers). Here is the original article in Nature (scroll down to the transcript): https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02968-w .
FDA evaluates secondary cancer risks from approved CAR T cancer therapies: https://www.wsj.com/health/pharma/fda-looking-into-all-approved-car-t-therapies-on-risk-of-cancer-in-white-blood-cells-88675d1b . This article is frustratingly short on specifics. Even a ballpark estimate of the risk being evaluated would help. So is the risk 1 in 100, 1 in 10,000, or 1 in 1 million?
WSJ: No Surprises billing law pressures healthcare providers: https://www.wsj.com/articles/surprise-medical-billing-law-heaps-pressure-on-healthcare-providers-f9583485 . This result is … No Surprise …
Electrician abuses corpses in hospital mortuaries: https://apnews.com/article/murderer-necrophiliac-sex-with-hospital-corpses-7a510faf7f58014925c98ae4f6f19c4a . This deeply troubling story has illuminated a problem in hospital care that apparently no one has thought of before. Necrophilia is certainly a known mental condition, but it includes a risk that demands greater security than involved here.
Will US home prices decline?: https://www.wsj.com/economy/housing/the-price-is-wrong-for-housing-dff9d8bc . As readers know, I think very little of the Journal’s economic analysis. Mr. Lahart is correct provided we remain a country dominated by homeowners. However, Wall Street has become increasingly interested in acquiring houses as rental properties. This is bad for community quality of life and for the middle class accumulation of income. But the problem is, that doesn’t matter to Wall Street.
Hamas releases 12 hostages on Day 5: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-hamas-war-cease-fire-fifth-group-hostages-released-two-day-extension-gaza/ . As Israel released 30 Palestinian prisoners in response, my guess is that the 2 Thais released complete the separate Qatari arrangements. Hamas has now released 81 hostages out of an apparent total of 240. We hope at least 10 will also be released tomorrow, and that Hamas and Israel can agree to a further extension of the ceasefire based on the continued release of at least 10 hostages per day.
The hostages released so far have been almost entirely women and children, so Hamas may simply be releasing the hostages it does not wish to keep. Future releases may include more elderly hostages.
WSJ: Chaos in Gaza: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/gaza-is-falling-into-absolute-chaos-aid-groups-say-5d37e9bf .
Koch network endorses Nikki Haley: https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/anti-trump-koch-endorses-nikki-haley-desantis-rcna126605 . First of all, we can stick a fork in Ron DeMentis’ campaign – it’s done and nothing can save it. Sadly, I suspect Ron just doesn’t have the brains to get out. The Koch network is right that the challengers need to coalesce around an Orange Julius alternative to have any chance of beating OJ. Nikki Haley will not beat OJ in her home state, so she has no future unless legal decisions start coming down against OJ. Other than the New York fraud trial, there are no legal decisions that will be final before Super Tuesday (March 5). So Nikki Haley looks to be a lost cause. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/nikki-haley-koch-network-presidential-campaign-419d4d1f .
Alex Murdaugh sentenced to 27 years for financial fraud: https://apnews.com/article/alex-murdaugh-financial-crimes-sentencing-2c9664e2cd7b883a1c575f251a809642 . But as Murdaugh is already serving life without parole for murder, there is little practical consequence to this sentence.
Mark Cuban to sell majority interest in Dallas Mavericks, retire from “Shark Tank”: https://sports.yahoo.com/mavs-mark-cuban-working-3-012318914.html . So this looks like an attempt to pressure the Texas Legislature to legalize casino gambling. Cuban will retain control of basketball operations.
Oregon predicted to win next two games and enter college football championship game: https://www.aol.com/bowl-projections-michigan-back-college-120523849.html . Apparently smart money now agrees with my view that Oregon will reach the championship game (which I believe they’ll win based on their speed). Of course, the games have to be played and injuries can be a critical factor at this point in the season. But the Ducks clearly have a real shot, and they have to beat Washington and Michigan to reach the final. We will see.
Rosalynn Carter’s public service held in Atlanta: https://people.com/jimmy-carter-attends-rosalynn-carter-memorial-service-8407429 .
Charlie Munger, Warren Buffet’s investment partner, dies at 99: https://finance.yahoo.com/news/charlie-munger-warren-buffetts-longtime-investing-partner-dies-at-99-211406297.html .