In this latest issue of my weekly podcast, we discuss Biden's infrastructure package. The plan will cost nearly $4T over ten years. The money will be divided as follows: $1.4T for straight infrastructure, $600B for clean energy, $400B for manufacturing, $300B for innovation/R&D, and $800B for the caregiver economy. To pass this bill, Senate Democrats will need to use reconciliation. If it does pass, it will be a major win for Biden. Infrastructure has broad bipartisan appeal among the general public.
Lula is eyeing a return to Brazilian politics. In a surprise ruling, a Supreme Court judge has annulled the "lava-jato" convictions against former Brazilian president Lula da Silva. If the verdict stands, Lula could once again run for president. As Brazil's iconic if aging left-wing populist, he could be a strong candidate against Bolsonaro.
Italy’s political parties are in disarray. Since PM Mario Draghi came to power with a large coalition government, Italy’s political parties have struggled to define their future. As the Five Star Movement and the Democratic Party scramble, Lega is looking to fill the gap.
US mortality rate skyrockets. Covid-19 triggered a 15% estimated spike in the mortality rate for 2020, according to the CDC. This jump would mark the largest single-year increase since 1918.
Japan dodges C19 deaths. Last year, the number of deaths in Japan declined for the first time in more than a decade. The decrease appears to have been driven by a large decline in other respiratory illnesses like influenza and stands in stark contrast to the steeply rising mortality experienced by other countries during the pandemic.
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