The coronavirus is surging across the United States once more in what observers are calling a “third wave” of the pandemic. There are now nearly 60,000 cases of infection being documented each day—a staggeringly high number, and an indication that the worst is not behind us. Representative Jim Clyburn, chair of the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis released to the public several reports from the White House task force that showed the government’s executive branch was well aware of rising infections earlier this year even as President Donald Trump was indicating things were under control. Those reports had been shared privately with state governments but not made public until now. Mr. Clyburn, a Democrat, released a statement saying, “Contrary to his empty claims that the country is ‘rounding the turn,’ more states are now in the ‘red zone’ than ever before. … It is long past time that the Administration implement a national plan to contain this crisis.” The President has not just ignored or downplayed the virus’ spread but has continued holding massive, crowded public rallies with little to no social distancing rules. One optimistic outcome is the result from two new studies showing that mortality rates from the virus have dropped by 18% as physicians are better able to treat a disease they now know more about. But the long-term health impacts to virus survivors remains a high price to pay. 

Meanwhile there is some progress on vaccine development too. Two biotech companies, Pfizer and Moderna will be on track to release interim results within weeks in high-profile vaccine trials as officials from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gather to assess them. The Trump administration had been found to be interfering with the FDA’s vaccine approval process but the New York Times reports that FDA Commissioner Stephen Hahn has managed to retain some measure of independence from Trump’s politically motivated pressure on a vaccine. State officials meanwhile are in the dark about how a vaccine will be distributed once approved and are pleading for more information as it will likely fall on states to ensure availability. 

Talks are continuing on approval for a new stimulus package to deal with the pandemic-related economic fallout with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi sounding optimistic after discussions with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows went as far as saying an agreement was expected over the next two days. Speaking to reporters Pelosi said she was optimistic. However Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has other plans and has already indicated he does not want to make progress on a Covid relief bill. Indicating to his Republican colleagues that he wanted to put politics above economic relief for millions of strug...