Newsletter Feb 17, 2021

The U.S. is seeing its first drop in COVID-19 cases in three months, but there are many major obstacles in the way of a quick return to normalcy.

3 Things

Pandemic paradox: The decline in new COVID-19 cases for the first time since November is the good news on the pandemic front. However, health officials are warning that the war is far from over.
"New cases are going down now, below 100,000 confirmed new cases a day. That's great news, but I'm worried we're going to start seeing an uptick again," one U.S. health official said. "This UK variant... it seems to be accelerating in the United States.â€
The seven new variants that have been identified in the U.S. are one of the primary threats to a speedy recovery. Shown to be more contagious and more resistant to the vaccines currently in use, the CDC is trying to get a handle on how to battle the new mutations.
Another enemy comes from within -- the anti-vaxxer movement. Despite the proven effectiveness of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines that are being widely distributed to the tune of more than 1 million inoculations per day. The latest study shows a third of the population is hesitant to be vaccinated. That's a huge snag in the plan to inoculate the overwhelming majority of Americans by late summer.
And then there's the issue of the weather, which seems to be working against the effort. Major winter snow storms and bitter cold temperatures from the polar vortex have hindered both the transportation and the administration of vaccines nationwide.
JUST HOW DARK THINGS COULD GET BEFORE THE DAWN?

Popularity contest: President Joe Biden knew when he took office four weeks ago today that his success or failure would depend almost entirely on his handling of the pandemic. So far, so good.
Biden posted an approval rating of 57% in his first impression as president, which might not seem like much to brag about at first glance. But Biden's approval rating ranks right up there with some of the highest figures for first-month presidents in recent history.
Biden's approval rating matched George W. Bush's rating from early February 2001, and it towered over Donald Trump's 45% four years ago. Only Barack Obama's 68% in January 2009 and Bill Clinton's 58% in January 1993 scored higher in their first months since 1981.
Perhaps more telling are Biden's negatives; 37% disapproved of the job he is doing and only 6% had no opinion, which is a number that has consistently shrank during the recent polarization of the nation. The first George Bush once posted an indifference rating of 43%.
SEE HOW BIDEN STACKS UP AGAINST RECENT PRESIDENTS

Cross-court pass: Trump barely had time to exhale from his second impeachment trial before facing more legal issues from the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. He was named in a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday for conspiring to incite an insurrection (sound familiar?).
Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., claims Trump actively worked with right-wing extremist groups like the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers to violate a seldom-used piece of legislation. Enacted in 1871, the Ku Klux Klan Act prohibits actions aimed at preventing Congress from carrying out its duties, as was the case when the pro-Trump mob stormed the Capitol while Congress was certifying election results.
The suit also named Trump's personal attorney, Rudy Giuliani: "Pursuing a purpose shared by Defendants Trump and Giuliani as well as Defendant Proud Boys, Defendant Oath Keepers played a leadership role in the riotous crowd and provided military-style assistance sufficient to overcome any Capitol Police resistance."
Trump has proven elusive to political charges, twice beating the impeachment conviction rap and effectively using executive privilege to thwart would-be prosecutors. But as he transitions to private life, Trump is sure to see more legal challenges in the near future.
CHECK OUT THE LATEST LAWSUIT TARGETING TRUMP

Markets

DJIA	31,522.75	0.20%
S&P 500	3,932.59	-0.06%
Nasdaq Composite	14,047.50	-0.34%
Japan: Nikkei 225	30,292.19	-0.58%
UK: FTSE 100	6,748.86	-0.11%
Crude Oil Futures	60.11	0.10%
Gold Futures	1,788.20	-0.60%
Yen	105.97	-0.07%
Euro	1.21	-0.16%
* As of market close

Bitcoin blowup

You know things are volatile on the stock market when the safest bet on the board in these uncertain times appears to be a cryptocurrency.

Bitcoin hit another all-time high mark Tuesday, pushing past the $50,000 threshold for the first time before finishing slightly behind the record level. Industry analysts, speaking on an otherwise mixed day for the markets, say bitcoin's increasing acceptance is what's driving the price to the peak.

Despite concerns about the ever-inflating price (and the fact that cryptocurrency is essentially an invisible investment), bitcoin has climbed 75% just since the start of 2021. Bolstered by Tesla CEO Elon Musk's decision to purchase $1,5 billion in bitcoin, investors can't seem to stash their piggy banks full enough of the front-running cryptocurrency.

The news of bitcoin topping the magical $50,000 mark comes amid mixed reviews for global markets. With so many markets tied directly to the U.S. dollar and economy, global investors appear to be taking a wait-and-see approach based on how the U.S. economy navigates the pandemic.

FIND OUT WHY BITCOIN CONTINUES TO MAKE MASSIVE GAINS

Go nuts

They say you'd have to be nuts not to apply for this opening. And given that the position entails driving a 26-foot peanut-shaped vehicle across the country, it probably wouldn't hurt to be a little nuts to get the job either.

Planters is hiring drivers to serve as brand ambassadors, or "peanuters," as they are called, to hit the highway in the famed NutMobile and spread the word about the nature's nutritious snack. Planters is "pecan" a team of nine drivers to pilot the fleet, so getting hired is a tough nut to crack.

"THIS IS NUT A DRILL," Planters' mascot Mr. Peanut tweeted Tuesday. "Iâ€™m looking for a new team to travel with me in the @planterrsnutmobile bringing substance and snacks to fans all over the country."

The one-year assignment involves traveling to major sporting events and other entertainment venues to tell curious onlookers about all things nuts. Applicants must have a valid driver's license, great communications skills and a love for the legumes. Just don;t let them "cashew" speeding.

FIND OUT HOW TO APPLY TO BE A PLANTERS NUTMOBILE DRIVER

Game day

Nintendo gamers have had to wait over a year to get some insider info from the company. The wait is over today with the next Nintendo Direct.

Taking place today at 2 p.m. ET, Nintendo Direct features company executives sharing secrets and seldom-seen screens for gamers looking for the inside scoop. The 50-minute presentation covers a wide range of Switch games, including spring releases of â€œMonster Hunter Riseâ€ and â€œPokÃ©mon Snap,â€ as well as updates on its popular long-running games.

Perhaps the most sought-after knowledge comes in popular sequel games like â€œBayonetta 3,â€ â€œMetroid Prime 4â€ and â€œThe Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild 2â€ -- which have soared in interest during the pandemic. The only requirement to learn the tricks of the gaming trade is to go to Nintendo website and register for session.

GET A SNEAK PREVIEW AND INSIDE TIPS VIA NINTENDO DIRECT