A report, cleared by the CDC’s scientific review process and scheduled for publication in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, utilized the same methodology also employed by numerous leading medical journals to assess vaccine efficacy. This report, obtained by the Post, found that between September and December 2025, healthy adults vaccinated against COVID-19 experienced a 50 percent reduction in urgent care or emergency room visits and a 55 percent decrease in COVID-related hospitalizations compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. The agency had previously published a similar report on the flu vaccine using this methodology.
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The White House has issued a stern reminder to staff regarding the illegality of insider trading following a surge of bets placed on online prediction markets like Polymarket, which cashed in on President Trump’s foreign policy decisions. These wagers, often placed hours before official announcements concerning events in Iran and Venezuela, generated significant profits for anonymous users, prompting concerns about the misuse of nonpublic government information. The email reiterates that using such information for private financial gain is a serious federal offense and will not be tolerated, a stance echoed by bipartisan calls from lawmakers for increased regulatory oversight of these platforms.
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France is shifting its government computers away from Microsoft Windows to the open-source operating system Linux as part of a broader effort to regain control of its digital infrastructure and reduce reliance on U.S. technology companies. This move, driven by concerns over data control and digital sovereignty, follows previous instances of France seeking to use domestically developed or open-source alternatives for government services, such as replacing Microsoft Teams with Visio. While no specific timeline has been provided, the initiative reflects a growing trend across Europe to decrease dependence on foreign technology providers.
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Ukraine’s international partners have requested Kyiv to cease drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, citing concerns over rising global fuel prices. These appeals, communicated at various leadership levels, stem from worries that Ukrainian strikes could exacerbate the impact of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on energy markets. Despite these requests, Ukraine has continued its operations, viewing them as responses to Russian aggression and a means to deplete the adversary’s resources.
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Federal prosecutors must now provide records related to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer’s fatal shooting of an observer to assist in the defense of a separate case. This critical information, including the officer’s personnel file and statements made during the incident, is due to a magistrate judge by May 1 for review. The defense argues these documents are essential for a fair trial and could shed light on the shooting of Renee Good. This development is seen by some as a crucial step toward transparency and accountability following the incident.
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Despite a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations, Republicans in the House of Representatives blocked a Democratic bill aimed at halting military hostilities in Iran. This action prevented Democrats from considering legislation to end what they term a “war of choice,” even as a critical deadline under the War Powers Act approaches. Congressional Democrats have pledged to continue efforts, with Senate Democrats planning to force a vote on a similar resolution next week. The persistent division over the conflict within the GOP could prove significant for the upcoming midterm elections.
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Vice President JD Vance’s approval rating has experienced a significant decline, reaching what CNN data analyst Harry Enten characterizes as the lowest point for any vice president at this stage of their term. Polling data indicates Vance’s standing has shifted dramatically from positive territory to a net approval rating of minus 18, representing a 21-point swing downward. This downturn is not occurring in isolation, with Enten suggesting that Vance is being “dragged down along with the president of the United States” amidst broader political headwinds facing the administration.
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A senior Pentagon official overseeing AI efforts, Emil Michael, realized a significant profit of up to $24 million from the sale of his investment in Elon Musk’s AI company, xAI. This divestment occurred shortly after the Pentagon entered into multiple agreements with xAI, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest. Despite official statements affirming compliance with ethics regulations, the rapid and substantial gain on a previously modest stake has drawn scrutiny from former ethics lawyers.
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A central California sheriff’s deputy was fatally shot Thursday morning while serving an eviction notice to a 60-year-old man in Porterville. The man then barricaded himself inside the home with a rifle and fired at law enforcement. After a several-hour standoff, the man exited the residence and was subsequently run over and killed by an armored vehicle driven by a Kern County SWAT team when he began shooting at them. The slain deputy was identified as Detective Randy Hoppert, a veteran officer who joined the department in 2020.
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South Korea has launched a universal basic mobile data access scheme providing over seven million subscribers with unlimited downloads at 400 kbps after their data allowances expire. This initiative, agreed upon by dominant carriers SK Telecom, KT, and LG Uplus, aims to ensure citizens can access essential online services. The plan also seeks to address recent security lapses by telcos and contribute to public welfare by guaranteeing basic telecommunications rights. Alongside this, carriers will introduce low-priced 5G plans, increase data allowances for seniors, and upgrade public Wi-Fi services.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
Court Orders Government to Release ICE Agent Files in Renee Good Killing
Federal prosecutors must now provide records related to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer’s fatal shooting of an observer to assist in the defense of a separate case. This critical information, including the officer’s personnel file and statements made during the incident, is due to a magistrate judge by May 1 for review. The defense argues these documents are essential for a fair trial and could shed light on the shooting of Renee Good. This development is seen by some as a crucial step toward transparency and accountability following the incident.
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