“How does anybody know about love? If you can describe it, you may not fully be experiencing it.” — Hillary Clinton, answering a question in Seoul, South Korea, about how she knew that Bill was her one true love. [AFP via Google News]
THE FEED
Pfizer is looking at ways to make its COVID vaccine more effective
Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech have begun a study testing in people whether the companies’ Covid-19 shot can provide protection against emerging strains of the coronavirus.
The companies said Thursday they have started the small study to see whether a third dose of their authorized Covid-19 vaccine would increase its effectiveness against new variants, such as the strain first identified in South Africa.
The approach differs from that of Moderna Inc., which said Wednesday it had made a new vaccine targeting the strain found in South Africa and shipped doses to U.S. government researchers for human testing.
Pfizer and BioNTech said they are also in discussions with U.S., European and other health regulators about studying a tweaked version of their vaccine that researchers designed to protect against the variant found in South Africa.
“We are taking multiple steps to act decisively and be ready in case a strain becomes resistant to the protection afforded by the vaccine,” Pfizer Chief Executive Albert Bourla said in a statement.
the sports section
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coronavirus vaccine
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coronavirus
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south dakota
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sex scandals
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media
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goings
Scandal-Plagued McKinsey Ousts Leader
the democrats
Democrats Must Stop the IRS From Eating the Unemployed’s Stimulus Checks
Manchin got over his reservations about Haaland, a day after everyone pointed out that he had no problem confirming Jeff Sessions
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin will throw his support behind Congresswoman Deb Haaland to lead the Biden administration’s Interior Department, he said in a statement on Wednesday, likely securing her confirmation to become the first Native American in a cabinet position.
Manchin’s “yes” vote is seen as crucial to Haaland’s confirmation because he is a supporter of fossil fuel development who wields significant power in a U.S. Congress split 50-50 among Democrats and Republicans, meaning every Democratic backer counts. He had previously said that he was undecided on her bid.
“While we do not agree on every issue, (Haaland) reaffirmed her strong commitment to bipartisanship, addressing the diverse needs of our country and maintaining our nation’s energy independence,” Manchin said in a statement. “For all these reasons, I believe Deb Haaland will be a Secretary of the Interior for every American and will vote to confirm her.”
special delivery
Sure, Laugh Away. But Every Big Vehicle Should Look Like the New USPS Truck
politics
Former Aide Accuses Governor Cuomo of Sexual Harassment
republican party
Agonized Georgia Republicans Long for Herschel Walker to Run for Senate
politics
Pence Not Holding Grudge Against Trump Over Whole Riot Thing
power
Ahmaud Arbery’s Mother Is Suing the Three Men Who Killed Her Son
conservatism
Trump’s Reconquest of the GOP May Have an Upside for Democracy
vulture sports
Tiger Woods Hospitalized After Rollover Car Crash in L.A.
The Johnson & Johnson vaccine could be authorized in the U.S. as soon as this weekend
A Food and Drug Administration review released Wednesday of the single-shot coronavirus vaccine made by pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson found it was safe and effective and completely prevented hospitalizations and deaths in a large clinical trial.
… The review, though positive, was more nuanced than regulators’ assessments of the first two coronavirus vaccines, reflecting a pandemic that has entered a more complicated phase as variants capable of slipping by some aspects of immunity have emerged. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine was more than 85 percent effective at preventing severe illness, including in a region dominated by a concerning variant, but only 66 percent protective overall when moderate cases were included.
The FDA scientists found that the “known benefits” of the vaccine included reducing the risk of symptomatic and severe cases of covid-19 at least two weeks after vaccination. The review found vaccine efficacy against severe covid-19 “was similarly high across the United States, South Africa, and Brazil.”
“We know this vaccine prevents 85 percent of the severe disease. … It was 100 percent effective in preventing hospitalization and deaths, and that’s really what’s important,” said Nancy M. Bennett, a professor of medicine and public health sciences at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry. “Those facts are the most important thing to recognize.”
Imagine a future in which we don’t run out of masks (or toilet paper)
President Biden on Wednesday will formally order a 100-day government review of potential vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains for critical items, including computer chips, medical gear, electric-vehicle batteries and specialized minerals.
The directive comes as U.S. automakers are grappling with a severe shortage of semiconductors, essential ingredients in the high-tech entertainment and navigation systems that fill modern passenger vehicles.
Biden’s executive order, which he is scheduled to sign this afternoon, also is aimed at avoiding a repeat of the shortages of personal protective gear such as masks and gloves experienced last year during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We’re going to get out of the business of reacting to supply chain crises as they arise,” said one administration official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to brief reporters.
covid-19
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insurrection
Former NYPD Officer Charged With Assaulting an Officer at the Capitol Riot
police brutality
Rochester Police Officers Will Not Be Charged in Killing of Daniel Prude
texas
How Is Ted Cruz Trying to Defend His Cancún Vacation Now?
biden cabinet
Bernie Sanders Casts First Democratic Vote Against a Biden Cabinet Nominee
extremism
Conspiracy Theorist Ron Johnson the New Model for Swing State GOP Senators
capitol riot
Key Moments from the Senate’s First Hearing on the Capitol Riot
congestion pricing
Secretary Pete Is Already Coming Through for New York City on Congestion Pricing
Tiger Woods injured in car crash
Tiger’s manager Mark Steinberg to Golf Digest: “Tiger Woods was in a single-car accident this morning in California where he suffered multiple leg injuries. He is currently in surgery and we thank you for your privacy and support.”
—@mrewanmurray
2020 elections
Straight-Ticket Voting Took Another Big Leap in 2020
wall street
Oatly Is Going Public
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