News roundup for Fri, Nov 04, 2022

In Brief:
  • The White House has announced $13.5 billion in funding to support households struggling with energy costs.
  • Lisa, a tropical depression, is set to bring severe flooding to parts of Mexico over the weekend, while Storm Martin is forecasted to impact Ireland and northern UK with heavy rains and strong winds.
  • New research indicates that monkeypox can spread asymptomatically approximately half the time.
US Diesel Supply Stable, But Prices High; Fed Raises Interest Rates by 0.75%, As Expected; BoE Predicts Two-Year Recession.

Surprisingly, the number of job openings in the US rose from 10.3 million in August to 10.7 million in September. The Federal Reserve increased interest rates by another 0.75%, hinting at a possible slowdown in the near future if inflation starts to cool—a process that may take some time to fully materialize.

The Bank of England has implemented its largest interest rate hike in 33 years, warning of a potential two-year recession. Meanwhile, shipping giant Maersk, often seen as a barometer for global trade, has issued a warning about an impending global recession, particularly affecting Europe, with the possibility of spilling into the US as well.

While the US isn't running out of diesel in the next 25 days, prices are expected to remain high throughout the winter. The Energy Information Administration predicts that the average household will spend around $931 on gas heating this winter and approximately $1,359 for electric heating. The White House has committed $13.5 billion in aid to assist families with their energy expenses, with part of this funding available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Monkeypox Can Spread Asymptomatically Half the Time; RSV Vaccines Expected Within Two Years.

A recent study reveals that half of the monkeypox cases in the UK spread asymptomatically for up to four days before any visible symptoms appear. Global case numbers appear to be declining:

Via Our World in Data

Effective RSV vaccines are on the horizon and are anticipated to be available within 1-2 years. Until then, keep an eye out for updates regarding treatment options and prevention strategies.

It's worth noting that if you haven't visited your doctor in a while, there's a chance they might no longer have your records on file.

Ontario is considering reinstating mask mandates amid the current rise in respiratory illnesses.

https://twitter.com/DGBassani/status/1588121368649863171

Lisa will bring flash floods to Mexico and Storm Martin will hit Ireland and the UK this weekend; Google releases new FloodHub tool and expands flood and wildfire tracking.

Tropical Depression Lisa will cause flash floods in southeastern Mexico over the weekend:

Via NHC

Storm Martin is predicted to bring heavy rain and strong winds to Ireland and the northern UK over the weekend and early next week:

Via Accuweather

Accuweather anticipates potential tropical activity in the Atlantic next week:

Florida’s waterways could remain contaminated for months following Hurricane Ian. The hurricane released raw sewage into waterways, leading to reports of bacterial infections: