Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (which we love because it means “the wine”) is ordering polls closed on Tuesday as a health emergencey. This happened just after a judge ordered the polls to stay open. “During this time when we face and unprecedented public health crisis, to conduct an election tomorrow would force poll workers and voters to place themselves at a unacceptable health risk of contracting coronavirus” DeWine said in his press release.
Good for him. He had orginally thought to postpone the elections untul June, but the Governor doesn’t have the power to do that, so officials recruited a pair of women to sue Ohio to block in-person voting. The state didn’t fight it and suggested that June delay, but the judge ruled against them. DeWine and Secretary of State Frank LaRose reiterated their position by saying “The only thing more important than a free and fair election is the health and safety of Ohioans”
If this election is forced to go as scheduled, not only would there be low turnout, but there would practically be no turnout for voters 65 and older. It would be early voting and healthy people under 60 deciding the fate of everybody, and no chance that is recognized by the people of Ohio as legitimate.
BioXcel could be a buy before it makes a profit
The novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 is crushing the overall markets making everything look like a buy, but some things were a buy before they got cheaper. BioXcel Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:BTAI) was holding in really well until about 4 days ago, now the stock is down 66% from its recent high.
BioXcel focuses on developing treatments for conditions within the fields of immuno-oncology and neuroscience and especially in areas with “significant unmet medical need and large market opportunity.” Seems like all pharma and biotech should focus on that, but I guess that’s what makes a market.
Like many early stage Biotech firms, BTAI does not turn a profit, but they are also deep into AI and machine learning for enhancing the speed and accuracy of developing and delivering new products to market. One of the areas where this has helped them make great strides is in the development of a product to treat acute agitation in schizophrenics and those with bipolar disorder.
Not only does the stock seem to come at a healthy discount thanks to the novel coronavirus, it seems poised to take a run back to it’s old highs and more once the overall market settles down.
Electric cars could power homes
That’s a bit of a misleading headline, but a study of four countries that was commissioned, admittedly by an NGO called Transport & Environment, selected four countries – France, Italy, Spain and the UK – and found that between them they could save €1.3 billion ($1.5 billion) each year by employing this smart vehicle charging.
Smart vehicle charging consists of taking EV’s that have extra large storage batteries (often a pricey option), and charging them during off hours. Then during high demand hours those same batteries could kick power back out to the house and spare the power grid the extra strain, and spare the public the future cost of building out the grid.
Enrique Moreño, a storage innovation manager at Spanish utility Iberdrola, said during a speech discussing the report, that the difference between a smart role-out of electric cars and a dumb one will mean a difference of billions of euros.
“The main issue is the simultaneous charging of electric vehicles at the same time, because it’s a power and grid issue,” he said. “We’ve studied the implication of full electrification. In a passive scenario [where smart charging plans aren’t implemented], €14 billion will be needed in grid reinforcement. With smart charging we could decrease that amount by 60%”.
Deliveries during lockdown
I know I’m not the only one who thoroughly enjoys a night in with the one they love, a nice bottle of wine, a great flick and even better take out. And with food delivery services surging lately, your meal options are practically endless!
Thankfully that’s the case, and hopefully while this pandemic continues to control our lives, we are still able to access these services. As things get worse out there, services such as GrubHub and Uber Eats are implementing contactless delivery options. You just have to be specific with your drop off requests.
Do keep in mind that you may not be interacting with a person, but someone still touched the bag and the contents within. So, wash your hands before you eat or touch your face. Social distancing may make a visible difference, but the virus can hop a ride on anything to get to where it wants to go.
For those of you utilizing these delivery services, don’t forget there is someone risking their own health to make sure you get a good meal. Take care of your delivery person as they take care of you, and if you decide to tip in cash…wash your hands after!
The virus and performing artists
Due to the severity of the coronavirus, athletes and performers all over the world are cancelling events to ensure the safety of their fans. This includes Alison Wonderland, an EDM artist who was scheduled to perform at The Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado in the near future.
As a way to stay connected with her fans, Allison uploaded her 2019 Red Rocks show in 4K HD and those with headsets can watch the full performance in virtual reality. The video is also interactive for those without VR headsets, so check out her site and if you’re down with her style, get your tickets for September before they sell out!