Variant Whiplash, Rare Standoff, & Saving for College
Good morning! ☀️
Hope you’re sitting down—because today’s headlines are giving us whiplash.
😷 First up, meet Nimbus, the new COVID subvariant sweeping California, complete with a lovely symptom called “razor blade throat” (yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like).
Meanwhile, the U.S. and China may have smiled for the camera in London, but the real drama’s offstage—where rare earth magnets and AI chips are locked in a passive-aggressive trade standoff.
And if that wasn’t enough economic anxiety for your morning, T. Rowe Price wants parents to know: if your baby was born yesterday, you’ll need to save over $100K just to cover half of their college bill. Half. 😮💨
Buckle up, supply chain friends—today’s dash isn’t slowing down.
“To love what you do and feel like it matters – how could anything be more fun?”
COVID’s Back (Again)... and This Variant Isn’t Playing Nice
Say hello to Nimbus (NB.1.8.1), the new COVID subvariant rising fast in California—and bringing with it a nasty new symptom folks are calling “razor blade throat.” Wastewater data is up, test positivity is climbing, and yes, this thing is spreading fast in key logistics hubs like Santa Clara and L.A.
😷 Meanwhile, vaccine guidance is in chaos. The CDC has pulled back official recs—especially for pregnant women and kids—and all CDC vaccine advisors were just fired by RFK Jr.
🚛 Why it matters:
No, we’re not talking lockdowns—but enough sick workers can still mean delayed loads, staffing issues, and ops scrambling to keep freight on schedule.
🔥 Hot take:
You don’t need a COVID surge to go viral—just enough sick calls to break your supply chain. Prevention still matters. So does clarity. And right now? We’ve got neither.
U.S.-China Trade Truce? More Like a Tactical Timeout
Yes, the U.S. and China shook hands in London—but behind the scenes, a key battle over rare earths vs. AI chips is still heating up.
🇨🇳 China’s holding back export approvals for military-grade rare earth magnets (think fighter jets + missile systems), while 🇺🇸 the U.S. is keeping its foot down on AI chip restrictions, citing national security risks.
So while some licenses for non-military use are getting fast-tracked, the big stuff? Still stuck in limbo. And with the August 10 tariff deadline creeping up, we’re likely looking at another 90-day extension—not a full deal.
📦 Why it matters to logistics:
Rare earths power EVs, med tech, defense systems—you name it. Delays here = freight reroutes, cost hikes, and more pressure on your upstream and downstream planning.
🔥 Hot take:
When superpowers bicker, supply chains bleed. And right now? We’re all pawns on the rare earth chessboard.
Saving for College: Start Early, Save What You Can
If you’ve got a newborn today, get ready to save over $100K just to cover half their future in-state college costs. That’s the latest from T. Rowe Price, who say stashing $280/month in a 529 plan (earning 6%) could get you there. Can’t hit that number? That’s okay. Experts agree—even $50/month adds up. Just start somewhere.
But here's the kicker: college savings isn’t just a family issue. It’s a workforce issue.
Why logistics should care:
Rising college costs = debt-heavy talent pool. That means fewer young adults with flexibility, and more job hoppers looking for financial relief. Think about how that affects hiring, retention, and benefits. Tuition assistance, financial literacy programs—those aren’t just perks anymore. They're part of your competitive edge.
🔥 Hot take:
If you think college costs are a “them” problem, wait till their debt becomes your turnover problem. Talent is cargo. Protect your shipment.
The Workday Dash is an aggregation of articles regarding the transportation logistics, trucking, and supply chain industries for June 26, 2025, from iLevel Logistics Inc.