The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week released a review of its Trump-era recommendations that were problematic and not based on scientific evidence. The new CDC head Rochelle Walensky had ordered the review and said in statement on Monday, “It is imperative for the American people to trust CDC. If they don’t, preventable illness and injury can occur — and, tragically, lives can and will be lost.” A large holdover from the previous administration was the skepticism fueled from the highest echelons of government over science and the seriousness of the virus. Now, Republicans are the most vaccine-hesitant group in the United States, posing a particular challenge to President Joe Biden’s administration. Another disturbing trend is how 25% of House Representatives have yet to be vaccinated in spite of having had access to the life-saving shots for months. In other communities of color in particular skepticism toward the medical establishment is also fueling vaccine hesitancy and the New York Times on Tuesday reported that in Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation there are currently more vaccines than people willing to get them. 

Several European nations have paused their rollout of the AstraZeneca vaccine developed in conjunction with Oxford university over concerns of potential links to severe blood clots. However, the European Union regulator remains “convinced” that there is no causal link and that any side effects are outweighed by the benefits of the vaccine. The BBC reports that, “the number of blood clots reported is no more than would have been expected to have happened naturally.” Meanwhile the U.S. drug manufacturer Moderna has just begun clinical trials on young children, as little as 6 months old. And China has just approved a fifth new vaccine for use. 

Indigenous groups across the U.S. are celebrating Deb Haaland’s inauguration as head of the Interior Department as the former New Mexico Congresswoman becomes the first Native American Cabinet secretary in history. The U.S. Senate voted 51 to 40 to confirm her with 6 Democrats and 3 Republicans choosing not to vote. Haaland’s opposition to the fossil fuel and particularly the fracking industry is what scares some pro-oil and gas lawmakers and what has thrilled the climate justice movement. 

The U.S. Commerce Department reports that retail sales fell by 3% in February in part due to poor weather and also because December’s stimulus checks were spent and struggling American...