Leads:
- Merck announcing it submitted an application with the FDA for authorization for the drug Molnupiravir. It's an antiviral pill to treat mild to moderate COVID in at-risk adults. 8 pills are taken over 5 days. The U-S has already bought 1.7 million courses for more than 1 billion dollars-- if authorized-- which could happen by the end of the year. The drug would not be a replacement for a vaccine -- but is likely more effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Lionel Moise, ABC News.
- Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law that phases out the sale of gas-powered leaf blowers, lawn mowers and other small off-road engines by as soon as 2024. Assembly Bill 1346 directs the California Air Resources Board to phase out the sale of small off-road engines, including generators, by 2024. Under the new law, retailers will be limited to selling zero-emission equipment, such as electric- or battery-powered gear as part of an effort to cut down on emissions.
- Hundreds of Southwest Airlines flights are being cancelled or delayed due to air traffic control issues and disruptive weather. Over a thousand flights were affected yesterday, including some from Sacramento International Airport. Southwest says the delays were triggered by the weather and unexpected air traffic control issues out of Florida. Some are speculating the delays are due to the airline's vaccine mandate.
- Power shutoffs are still likely to happen today, but PG&E has dialed back the scope of customers that will be impacted. Officials said yesterday that about 25,000 customers in Northern and Central California would get the public safety power shutoff notification. This is down from the 44,000 that was originally announced by PG&E on Saturday. The shutoffs are expected to impact over 20 counties across the state.
Extra Links:
- Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) said on Sunday that there is “a lot left to be learned” about former President Trump’s efforts to overturn the election.
- Chris Krebs, the first director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency who was fired by former President Trump for refuting stolen election claims.
- Facebook’s vice president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, said on Sunday that people would encounter more hate speech and misinformation if algorithms ranking content were removed from the social media.