Why people get winter illnesses: https://www.cbsnews.com/sacramento/news/scientists-colds-flu-winter-breakthrough/ . This is quite interesting. Note, however, that the underlying study was published in 2022. CNN reported on it at the time: https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/06/health/why-winter-colds-flu-wellness/index.html (note the date in the link of 12/6/22). CNN just updated this report from last December, and now other media have picked it up.
Pregnant women become vaccine hesitant: https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-news/covid-flu-rsv-vaccines-urged-pregnancy-fewer-want-cdc-finds-rcna119749 . Sigh. It’s fine to ask questions. It’s not fine to then ignore your doctor’s advice.
Mishandled body count at Colorado funeral home raised to 189: https://apnews.com/article/colorado-funeral-home-remains-d83e65897404bef632dbb7ad4a8e4bfe . Right now, it appears that this operator just dumped bodies at this remote location and pocketed the money. For those who wonder why we need government regulations (and enforcement), this is a powerful reason.
Both Hamas and Israel have committed war crimes under international law: https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-crimes-explainer-cd019114fac21c919000ef80276980d9 . Quite clearly Hamas’ invasion, the hunting and slaughter of unarmed civilians, and the taking of hostages all violate international law. Israel’s denial of food and water to civilians also violates international law.
The problem here is that Hamas refuses to abide by international law. Israel has concluded that the only way to create lasting security for its population is to annihilate Hamas. In other words, international law does not provide a meaningful response to Hamas’ atrocities. Because Hamas has embedded itself in the Palestinian population, Israel has told the population to depart the northern portion of Gaza in advance of its intended neutralization of Hamas.
It will be exceedingly difficult to completely neutralize Hamas. There will be significant casualties for both the Israeli military and Gaza civilians. Further, Israel will gain the animosity of the Arab world regardless of their success or failure. However, Israel has decided to try. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/how-the-israel-hamas-war-tests-international-law-85e86e47 .
Hundreds killed in Gaza hospital blast: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/middleeast/israel-gaza-rafah-crossing-week-2-tuesday-intl-hnk/index.html . This is a horrific mistake by someone. A failed rocket launch by a fringe terrorist organization is a more likely explanation than targeting by the Israelis. We must wait to see how the evidence develops. WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/what-we-know-about-the-gaza-hospital-blast-b238a40d . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/israel-attacks-200-targets-in-gaza-ahead-of-biden-visit-cd6889d6 .
WSJ: Biden’s trip to Israel: https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/bidens-trip-to-israel-carries-risks-for-u-s-policyand-his-own-legacy-9962b2a2 .
Ukraine uses US-supplied ATACMS missiles for the first time: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ukraine-uses-u-s-supplied-long-range-atacms-missiles-for-first-time-in-counteroffensive-against-russia/ . WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/a-look-at-the-u-s-missiles-ukraine-seeks-to-hit-russian-forces-c12419da . Still more: https://www.wsj.com/world/europe/ukraine-fires-atacms-missile-at-russian-forces-for-the-first-time-3bebcdb1 .
WSJ: Both sides are unable to make significant advances along the front line: https://www.wsj.com/world/russia-goes-on-the-offense-in-ukraineand-suffers-heavy-losses-fd73202a . However, Ukraine’s ability to strike with precision behind Russia’s front lines may still move the conflict in their favor.
Twenty potentially sane House Republicans vote against Jim Jordan for Speaker: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/politics/jordan-speaker-vote-house-floor/index.html . Jordan’s allies thought there were 8 to 10 holdouts. Once again, these people are too stupid to count. I just don’t understand how the House GOP can vote for Jim Jordan. Jordan founded the Freedom Caucus. The GOP seems increasingly likely to lose their House majority in 2024. Installing Jordan will in my view result in a shellacking. Of course, I’m fine with that. Let’s go, Jordan! WSJ: More: https://www.wsj.com/politics/jim-jordan-needs-to-win-over-final-holdouts-to-clinch-speaker-vote-9256441 . Sigh. Since when is Jim Jordan “the favorite of the Republican base”? After that foolishness, the Journal mostly agrees with the media commentary in the next paragraph.
What to know about Jim Jordan, according to CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/politics/jim-jordan-2020-election-what-matters/index.html . CNN is quite right. Jordan has no interest in governing. When will the GOP figure out that this viewpoint has no place in government? More: https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4260761-aguilar-jordan-speaker-nomination-jeffries/ . If Jordan becomes Speaker, the people’s business is not going to get done at any time in 2023 or 2024. This would be utterly irresponsible. Sadly, 200 House Republicans supported Jordan. What a disgrace.
Two former GOP speakers support power sharing over Jim Jordan: https://apnews.com/article/jim-jordan-house-speaker-mccarthy-trump-994067b90a874ed46dd6a1766d89a163 . As the article points out, right-wing Republicans have screwed up all recent attempts at governance by GOP Speakers.
Opinions are slowly shifting against the GOP: https://news.yahoo.com/house-speaker-chaos-new-poll-shows-americans-increasingly-blame-republicans-for-dysfunction-in-congress-184926836.html .
Fulton County prosecutor gets more documents on Georgia election fraud: https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/17/politics/fulton-county-documents-georgia-election-case-trump/index.html .
“Rust” prosecutors to re-indict Alec Baldwin: https://abcnews.go.com/US/alec-baldwin-rust-shooting-grand-jury-charges/story?id=104048178 . We will see how this plays out. Unquestionably, the prosecutors have mishandled the case up to this point.
WSJ: Home insurance pricing out many Florida residents: https://www.wsj.com/real-estate/home-insurance-is-so-high-in-this-florida-town-residents-are-leaving-bb00c96f . The problem is that losses are high. Therefore, premiums must be high.