CDC to ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday - February 25, 2022

On Feb. 25, 2020, Turbine Labs began publishing our Daily Executive Briefing, a summary of the most relevant news on the pandemic as it shifted from nascent to the new normal. Over the past two years, in more than 500 editions, Turbine Labs has provided our readers with impactful information to start their day, and we remain committed to that mission. We value your readership and thank you for your support. U.S. consumer spending rose 2.1% in January despite price hikes and a surge in COVID-19 infections, but could cool in coming months if inflation continues to increase amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, economists forecast. Despite an increase in spending, roughly nine in 10 adults report being concerned about inflation. Additionally, the number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits fell to 232,000 last week. Federal officials plan to significantly loosen COVID-19 federal mask-wearing guidelines on Friday, including new metrics for when communities should consider recommending masks, according to officials. The new guidance will focus on loosening indoor masking requirements and come as many states have already lifted their indoor mask mandates as omicron subsides. Thousands of flights were canceled Thursday ahead of another winter storm that was expected to create dangerous and icy travel conditions and raise the risk of power outages across the Northeast on Friday. U.S. airlines canceled more than 2,000 Thursday flights, with roughly two-thirds of them going to and from Dallas, and have already canceled 1,100 Friday flights. U.S. mortgage applications fell to their lowest level in more than two years last week amid rising mortgage rates. Applications decreased 13.1% as mortgage rates hovered just below 4% for a second week, putting stress on potential buyers faced with high prices and low inventory. Applications to refinance dropped 15% weekly, 56% lower than compared to one year ago President Joe Biden announced new sanctions Thursday restricting the exports of some products from the U.S. to Rus