NoneI am an unabashed admirer of President Joe Biden. He has done a remarkably good job for the American people. But I am deeply disappointed by . I respect and admire the president’s devotion to his son and feel great sympathy for the Shakespearian dilemma he faced ahead of Hunter’s sentencing. This is a president who has made devotion to duty and . Thus, pardoning Hunter can be viewed as the understandable act of a loving father, especially one worried about a . But I still think it was the wrong decision. Biden’s choice gives credence to that justice under his predecessor was tainted by favoritism toward his friends and animus toward his political opponents. Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, . “The failed witch hunts against President Trump,” he said in a statement, “have proven that the Democrat-controlled DOJ and other radical prosecutors are guilty of weaponizing the justice system. That system of justice must be fixed... which is exactly what President Trump will do as he returns to the White House with an overwhelming mandate from the American people.” Trump followed suit on Truth Social: “Does the Pardon given by Joe to Hunter include the J-6 Hostages, who have now been imprisoned for years? Such an abuse and miscarriage of Justice!” This should be seen for what it is: an effort to tee up to grant clemency to the people who tried to prevent the peaceful transfer of power. Nothing Hunter was accused of doing compares to that. And I also believe there is credence to the president’s claim — echoed by legal analysts like Joyce Vance — that Hunter was singled out because of his family. Indeed, it looked for a time that serious punishment, as others in his situation typically do. That plea deal fell apart, however, and Hunter was ultimately convicted on three felony charges related and for the lie he told “on a mandatory gun-purchase form by saying he was not illegally using or addicted to drugs.” That trial featured, what the AP called, “deeply personal testimony from former romantic partners and embarrassing evidence such as text messages and photos of Hunter Biden with drug paraphernalia or partially clothed.” Still, the president stood by his son. A few hours after the verdict in the Delaware case, the president . It was a courageous and admirable thing for a father to do. At the time, Biden made clear that he was torn between his role as president and as Hunter’s father. “I am the President, but I am also a Dad,” . But it seemed he had resolved that tension by leaning into his presidential duties and putting the interests of the nation first. Even before the verdict, the president had volunteered that “he would not pardon his son Hunter.” When ABC’s David Muir asked him if he “would rule out a pardon for Hunter,” Biden said “yes.” One week later, that “I will not pardon him,” and Jill Biden also . Then, in September, Hunter appeared in a federal court in Los Angeles to face charges of three felony tax offenses and six misdemeanor tax offenses. He pled guilty. Hunter was due to be sentenced in Delaware on Dec. 12. He could have faced up to 25 years in prison, “though as a first-time offender he likely would not have gotten anything like that or even been sentenced to prison.” Three days later he was to return to Los Angeles where faced a maximum penalty of 17 years in prison. Meanwhile, the White House continued to insist that the president would not pardon him. Fox News notes that between July and November, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre . All the while, , Biden had “discussed pardoning his son with some of his closest aides at least since Hunter Biden’s conviction in June.” Those reports indicate that “it was decided at the time that he would publicly say he would not pardon his son, even though doing so remained on the table.” This is hardly a reassuring note for the president’s supporters. Last night’s pre-emptive act of mercy covers any offenses Hunter Biden has “committed or may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014, through December 1, 2024.” Notably, the pardon only applies to federal charges; it does not preclude Trump’s allies at the state level from bringing charges. Still, this decision feels unprecedented. While other presidents , this is the first time any commander in chief has granted clemency to their child. In his statement about the pardon, the president that Americans “will understand why a father and a President would come to this decision.” I do understand why Joe Biden, who so would do what he did. But understanding it does not make it right. In the end, this is a gift to Donald Trump, and a blow to whatever confidence Americans in our political and legal institutions. It risks feeding what I fear is a growing cynicism about politics and their . Democrats still have not recovered from Trump’s election, and this makes them look like hypocrites as they . Loyalty, it turns out, matters to Biden too.

E! may get a commission if you purchase something through our links. Learn more . While many retailers were having huge doorbuster sales on Black Friday , REI famously did not. Instead, they closed all their stores to give their thousands of employees the day off. Now, that doesn’t mean they don’t have any holiday sales. In fact, REI’s Cyber Monday Sale and Cyber Week Sale is the biggest you’ll see all year, with savings of up to 50% on top brands like The North Face , Columbia , Hoka , prAna , Garmin , and more. You don’t see sales on these items often, so now is the time to shop the cozy outerwear, base layers, fleeces , puffers, and more, that you’ll be needing this season. Plus, there are tons of giftable items to help you shop for everyone on your list. What are you waiting for? Head over to REI’s Cyber Week Sale and get shopping . Columbia Panorama Long Jacket - Women's Made of polyester sherpa fleece, this long Columbia jacket might be the winter staple you've been waiting for. It's warm, cozy, and most importantly, 25% off. HOKA Bondi 8 Road-Running Shoes - Women's Ideal for walking, running, and comfort, the Bondi 8 is a great Hoka option. It's soft and light, with plush cushioning and a comfy memory foam collar. This fan raved, "They are so comfortable that they are like not having any shoes on at all! Very light weight yet very sturdy." REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket - Women's Warm and insulating, this fleece jacket is perfect for layering or wearing solo. This fan reported, "It makes you feel super comfy, cozy and soft when out in the world and is not bulky or cumbersome like some fleece jackets can be." REI Co-op Midweight Base Layer Tights - Women's If you see me walking in NYC in the winter, I'm usually wearing tights under my pants as a base layer -- like these . Soft, stretchy, and moisture-wicking these base layer tights will keep you warm and dry all season long. Columbia Boundless Discovery Full-Zip II Jacket - Women's Plush sherpa fleece and elastic cuffs on this full zip jacket will make sure the wind and cold won't keep you down. Stylish and cozy, get it now while it's 25% off. KEEN Targhee IV Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots - Women's Available in wide and half sizes, you're sure to get the perfect fit with these hiking boots . They're waterproof (which is a must for hiking boots) and feature resilient cushioning to keep you comfy step after step. REI Co-op 650 Down Vest - Women's Made from recycled materials, this down vest is a cold-weather must-have. Warm, windproof, and water-resistant, it checks all the boxes. Reviewers add that it's also lightweight and great for travel. prAna Railay Pullover - Women's Whether you're going on a hike or just walking the dog, this prAna pullover has a relaxed fit and stylish silhouette to keep you looking good. The drawstring allows you to wear it cropped or fitted, and it even comes with UPF 50+ sun protection. prAna Laurel Creek Sweater - Women's With a cable knit style and trendy cropped length, this prAna sweater is as chic as it is warm. Pair it with high-waisted corduroy pants or jeans for a cozy fall look. Columbia Harmony Falls Mid Down Jacket - Women's Save 25% on this Columbia down jacket while you can. It can take on all the elements with a rain- and stain-resistant finish, plus a plush fleece-lined hood and thermal-reflective technology that captures warmth. Garmin Forerunner 55 I swear by my Garmin Forerunner GPS watch . It tracks my runs, steps, sleep, yoga, and more, and has the perfect amount of functions (without feeling overwhelming). Plus the battery lasts up to 2 weeks in smartwatch mode. REI Co-op Magma 850 Down Hoodie - Women's According to REI, this down hoodie is their lightest yet. It's made with recycled nylon and high-quality goose down and can be packed in its own pocket for convenient portability. Still shopping? Then check out these Black Friday UGG deals . Technically, no. REI gives all their 15,000 employees off for Thanksgiving and Black Friday so they can spend that time with their families. But REI and REI Co-op offer deals on Cyber Monday, Cyber Week, and throughout the holiday season. You can save on outdoor gear and clothing from top brands like The North Face, Smartwool, Mountain Hardwear, Blundstone, Garmin, Arc’teryx, Smith, Ruffwear, REI Co-op, and more. Black Friday is the day following Thanksgiving in the United States, traditionally marking the start of the holiday shopping season. The term "Black Friday" originated in the 1960s and refers to the point in the year when retailers begin to turn a profit, moving from being "in the red" (indicating losses) to "in the black" (indicating profits). Retailers offer significant discounts and promotions, attracting millions of shoppers looking for the best deals. Online Black Friday deals can often be just as good, if not better, than in-store deals. Many retailers offer exclusive online discounts and free shipping options. Plus, shopping online allows you to avoid crowds and shop from the comfort of your home. Trust us, we recommend not storming the local Macy’s and instead finding the best deals from us. To prepare for Black Friday, start by making a shopping list of items you want and compare prices in advance to catch the best deals. Be sure to bookmark your favorite retailers and set up accounts for faster checkout. Sign up for our E! Insider Shop newsletter for exclusive access to deals, and follow us on Instagram for real-time updates on flash sales. While Black Friday 2024 will take place on November 29th, many brands start their sales online on Thanksgiving evening or even days prior, allowing shoppers to take advantage of deals before the official day begins. So far, Coach , Lululemon , and Michael Kors have already marked down tons of items. However, these deals won't last forever—most sales will continue through Cyber Monday, while some may end sooner depending on stock availability. Be sure to shop early to avoid missing out on your favorite items! We have already put together a list of the best deals to shop this Black Friday , featuring all of our favorite brands and products. If you’re looking for a specific brand, we've seen incredible discounts from Dyson , Nordstrom Rack , Kate Spade , Lululemon , and many others. Whether you're shopping for stylish activewear , luxury handbags , or classic wardrobe staples , these brands are offering some of the most impressive deals of the season.Share Tweet Share Share Email In the ever-evolving world of home improvement, staying informed about the latest trends and technologies is crucial. Recent news, as covered on platforms like TechTimes, frequently highlights stories that emphasize the importance of safety, maintenance, and security. These topics are not just relevant for global issues but also resonate deeply with homeowners concerned about their property. At Superior Garage Door Repair, we understand the value of proactive care for one of the most vital entry points of your home: the garage door. For more about our services and how we can help, visit our website . Why Garage Door Maintenance Matters RadarOnline recently reported on structural failures in bridges and other public infrastructure, underscoring how neglecting routine maintenance can lead to catastrophic results. While these incidents focus on public safety, the underlying principle is clear: regular inspections and timely interventions prevent larger problems. This same logic applies to your home, especially your garage door. Your garage door serves as both a functional entryway and a critical component of your home’s security system. A malfunctioning door not only causes inconvenience but can also pose risks such as break-ins, accidents, or even damage to your vehicle. Regular maintenance, performed by professionals, ensures that your garage door operates smoothly and remains a strong barrier against external threats . Integrating Technology for Better Security The rise of smart home technology has revolutionized how homeowners approach security, and garage doors are no exception. Today’s smart garage door systems offer features like remote operation, motion detection, and real-time notifications to your phone. These features help you monitor and control your garage door even when you’re away, providing peace of mind. For example, imagine a scenario where you’ve left your home in a rush and forgotten to close the garage door. With a smart system, you can easily check its status and close it remotely. These advancements are not only convenient but also significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized access to your property. Common Garage Door Issues and Solutions While advancements in technology are exciting, the core of garage door care remains addressing common mechanical issues. Over time, components such as springs, cables, and rollers can wear down, leading to potential malfunctions. Warning signs include unusual noises, slower-than-usual operation, or uneven movement. These issues should never be ignored, as they can worsen quickly. At Superior Garage Door Repair, we specialize in diagnosing and resolving such problems efficiently. Whether you need a spring replacement, opener repair, or an entirely new installation, our team is equipped with the expertise and tools to handle it all. With our commitment to quality and same-day service, you can trust us to keep your garage door in top condition. Tips for Garage Door Maintenance Here are a few tips to ensure your garage door remains reliable: Conduct Visual Inspections: Regularly check for signs of wear, such as frayed cables, rusted springs, or dents in the tracks. Test the Balance: Disconnect the opener and manually lift the door. If it doesn’t stay halfway open, the balance might need adjustment. Lubricate Moving Parts: Use a silicone-based lubricant on rollers, tracks, and hinges to reduce friction and extend their lifespan. Check the Safety Features: Test the auto-reverse mechanism and photo-eye sensors to ensure they’re functioning properly. Of course, while these tasks are essential, some issues require professional attention. For a detailed inspection or repair, reach out to our team. The Superior Advantage At Superior Garage Door Repair, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional service tailored to your needs. Whether you’re interested in upgrading to a smart garage door system or simply ensuring your current door operates efficiently, we’re here to help. Our team provides a range of services, including installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. To schedule a consultation or learn more about our offerings, contact us today . Final Thoughts Your garage door is more than just a functional part of your home—it’s a key component of your security and convenience. By staying proactive with maintenance and embracing the latest in smart technology, you can ensure your garage door serves you well for years to come. Let Superior Garage Door Repair be your trusted partner in achieving peace of mind and a safer home. Invest in your home’s future by prioritizing garage door care today. Visit our website for more information or get in touch with us to schedule your service. Remember, a secure garage door is not just an upgrade—it’s a necessity. Related Items: Door Maintenance , home security Share Tweet Share Share Email Recommended for you Enhancing Security: The Top 10 Must-Have Apps and Gadgets for Smart Homes Smart Home Security: Integrating Cameras for Maximum Protection Are Your Home Locks Safe? Tips for Evaluating Residential Security CommentsI will be happy to take up a national role: Snehasish Ganguly

Government secrecy protects sources and methods. And liars and errors. And obsolete military procurement contracts that are too politically important to challenge or change. That may be the story behind government secrecy about UFOs, more recently called Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena, or UAPs. On Nov. 13, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, chaired a hearing by two House Oversight subcommittees on UAPs, seeking to determine whether information about them has been withheld from Congress and the American people. One of the witnesses was journalist Michael Shellenberger. He recently revealed in a report for his online news site Public that the U.S. government has an “Unacknowledged Special Access Program” about UAPs. It’s called “Immaculate Constellation,” and it has collected high-resolution images, sensor data and first-hand reports about UAPs for decades without any authorization from Congress, without even informing Congress of the existence of the program. Shellenberger obtained an 11-page report on Immaculate Constellation from a whistleblower and turned it over to Mace and the House Oversight subcommittees. Mace made the report available to the public on her congressional website. “This document is the result of a multi-year, internal investigation into the subjects of Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP), Technologies of Unknown Origin (TUO), and Non-Human Intelligence (NHI),” the report begins. It’s wild reading. According to the report, the U.S. government possesses full-motion video and forward-looking infrared imagery of a formation of a dozen “metallic orbs,” 3-6 meters in diameter, “skimming the ocean surface at high speed before dispersing in multiple directions.” Their maneuvering was “rapid and agile” and in the infrared footage they were “white-hot against the black-cold ocean.” Then there was a report of a “small-medium oval UAP” flying fast and low over a “sensitive coastal facility.” And there was another report of a “large equilateral-triangle UAP” that was “hovering and slowly rotating” directly over a grouping of ships that were engaged in intelligence collection in the Pacific Ocean. A report in the government’s files described a saucer-shaped UAP that ducked in and out of the clouds as if it “had become aware that it was under observation.” Another report told of a “boomerang UAP” that was observed “rapidly decelerating to a stationary hover, followed by the sudden emission of a sphere of light from the junction of the two ‘wings’ which expands to partially engulf the craft in a rotating sphere of light, at which point the available footage ends.” In 2021, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence reviewed reports of UAPs and concluded that some of the flying objects appeared to have technological capabilities that the U.S. and its adversaries couldn’t match. Congress has been pressing the executive branch for more information. In March, the Department of Defense released a report stating that in decades of investigations, no evidence had been found that these UAPs were extraterrestrial spacecraft piloted by non-human intelligence from another planet. But what are they and why are they here? Former Department of Defense official Luis Elizondo testified at the November hearing that the government has a secret program to retrieve the wreckage of crashed UAPs and reverse engineer them. “Advanced technologies not made by our government, or any other government, are monitoring sensitive military installations around the globe,” Elizondo testified. Last December, swarms of mystery drones buzzed Langley Air Force Base for 17 days, raising significant concerns. A Langley spokesman told the publication The War Zone that the “uncrewed aerial systems” didn’t “exhibit hostile intent, but anything flying in our restricted airspace can pose a threat to flight safety.” U.S. F-22 Raptor stealth fighter jets are based at Langley, where they are part of the nation’s defense forces protecting Washington, D.C. In March, the Senate Armed Services Committee heard testimony from U.S. Air Force General Gregory Guillot, who had recently become the head of U.S. Northern Command and North American Aerospace Defense Command, also known as NORTHCOM and NORAD. Guillot told the committee that drone incursions over the U.S. southern border numbered “in the thousands,” describing it as “alarming.” Since at least 2017, military experts have been warning of the danger presented by swarms of unmanned drones armed with surveillance equipment or weapons. “Imagine a world where somebody flies a couple hundred of those and flies one down the intake of my F-22s with just a small weapon on it,” General James Holmes said in a speech to the Air Force Association. The War Zone noted that the greater danger might be to fighter jets sitting “idle and vulnerable on the flight line.” One swarm of armed drones could destroy “a whole squadron of tightly packed fighters” without any chance to fight back. Non-hypothetical drone warfare is happening right now in the Russia-Ukraine war, and separately, a Pentagon spokesman acknowledged a series of drone incursions over U.S. air bases in England over the last 10 days. That raises a question: What has the Pentagon been doing all this time while the threat of inexpensive weaponized drones was developing? Is it possible that U.S. presidents, defense contractors, intelligence agencies and Pentagon officials intentionally hid from Congress and the public, for decades, all evidence that military drones were gradually becoming a reality, in order to protect existing defense procurement contracts that otherwise might have been questioned or rejected? To carry out a plan like that, multiple U.S. administrations would have to impose strict secrecy on every report of an unidentified flying object, then refuse to declassify the reports, or release them only with heavy redactions. In addition, the people making the reports would have to be ridiculed and marginalized to the point where they question their own sanity, making others afraid to report what they themselves have seen. If that sounds like a description of exactly what has happened, we may finally have solved the unsolved mystery of Unidentified Flying Objects. Sorry. I was rooting for it to be space aliens, too. Write Susan@susanShelley.com and follow her on X @Susan_ShelleyWho Was Art Cashin? New York Stock Exchange Legend Dies At 83

This report is from today's CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here . 24/7 San Diego news stream: Watch NBC 7 free wherever you are Martial law declared and lifted in South Korea South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared early Wednesday morning he would lift emergency martial law after the National Assembly voted to overturn Yoon's decree issued late Tuesday night. Yoon has in recent weeks clashed with the opposition party over 2025's budget. A coalition of lawmakers from opposition parties are reportedly planning to propose a bill to impeach Yoon on Wednesday. South Korean markets roiling South Korean markets opened lower on Wednesday as investors digested the political turmoil. The Kospi lost around 1.6% as South Korean heavyweight stocks like Samsung Electronics, Hyundai Motor and Korea Gas Corporation stumbled. The won rebounded from earlier steep losses — it plunged to a two-year low against the U.S. dollar — but still ended the day lower against the greenback. Emergency measures by BOK In the morning after Yoon's shocking move, the Bank of Korea said it would boost short-term liquidity and offer special loans to stabilize the country's financial and foreign exchange markets, as necessary. However, the impact on markets might be "short-lived," wrote Citi analysts in a note, if there is "proactive policy response." Mixed markets U.S. markets were mixed on Tuesday . The S&P 500 was flat, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell but the Nasdaq Composite rose. Asia-Pacific markets also traded mixed on Wednesday . Australia's S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.38% as the country's statistics agency reported that gross domestic product grew a slower-than-expected 0.3% in the three months through September. [PRO] Opportunities amid France's political chaos South Korea aside, France is also facing its own political chaos, as the country's lawmakers tabled a vote of no-confidence against the government of Prime Minister Michel Barnier. That political uncertainty is reverberating through financial markets, giving rise to trading opportunities . Money Report European markets head for mixed open with all eyes on French confidence vote Kospi heavyweight stocks fall in volatile trade after President Yoon's martial law flip-flop December may have triggered the thawing of Mariah Carey, but stocks are beginning the month chilly. The S&P 500 was essentially flat and the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.17%. The Nasdaq Composite , however, managed to climb 0.4%, thanks to Apple rising 1.3% for a new 52-week high. It's unlikely that stocks will remain in permafrost this month. December's historically the third-best month of the year , according to the Stock Trader's Almanac. The stock market may falter a little at the start of December, writes CNBC's Bob Pisani, because of tax loss selling – a phenomenon in which investors sell assets that are making a loss to reduce the tax burden on other assets making capital gains. But stocks tend to regain forward momentum as the year wraps up. "These strong returns are historically often back-end loaded," said George Smith, portfolio strategist at LPL Financial. Moreover, in presidential election years, December typically moves up one notch to become the second-best month for stocks. As Ken Mahoney, CEO of Mahoney Asset Management, noted, "When the market is up 10% or more with a newly elected President, it has never gone down in the month of December." Also, investors are likely awaiting the U.S. jobs report for November, out this Friday, before making any major moves. The numbers will be the U.S. Federal Reserve's last look at the labor market before their rate-setting meeting from December 17 to 18. The markets are currently pricing in a 73.8% chance the Fed will lower rates by 25 basis points at that meeting, a more optimistic bet than the 59.4% last week, according to the CME FedWatch tool . If the Fed does cut rates, that incision will probably scrape off any lingering frostbite on the stock market as well, in time for them to hear sleigh bells ringing. — CNBC's Bob Pisani, Sarah Min, Hakyung Kim, Sean Conlon, Lisa Kailai Han and Alex Harring contributed to this report. Also on CNBC U.S. stocks began December chilly, but will probably warm up soon Investors are filled with the festive spirit Investors are filled with the holiday spiritRivalry Closes Non-Brokered Private Placement Of Approximately $2.0 MillionBY MELISSA GOLDIN Social media users are misrepresenting a Vermont Supreme Court ruling , claiming that it gives schools permission to vaccinate children even if their parents do not consent. The ruling addressed a lawsuit filed by Dario and Shujen Politella against Windham Southeast School District and state officials over the mistaken vaccination of their child against COVID-19 in 2021, when he was 6 years old. A lower court had dismissed the original complaint, as well as an amended version. An appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court was filed on Nov. 19. But the ruling by Vermont’s high court is not as far-reaching as some online have claimed. In reality, it concluded that anyone protected under the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act, or PREP, Act is immune to state lawsuits. Here’s a closer look at the facts. CLAIM: The Vermont Supreme Court ruled that schools can vaccinate children against their parents’ wishes. THE FACTS: The claim stems from a July 26 ruling by the Vermont Supreme Court, which found that anyone protected by the PREP Act is immune to state lawsuits, including the officials named in the Politella’s suit. The ruling does not authorize schools to vaccinate children at their discretion. According to the lawsuit, the Politella’s son — referred to as L.P. — was given one dose of the Pfizer BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at a vaccination clinic held at Academy School in Brattleboro even though his father, Dario, told the school’s assistant principal a few days before that his son was not to receive a vaccination. In what officials described as a mistake, L.P. was removed from class and had a “handwritten label” put on his shirt with the name and date of birth of another student, L.K., who had already been vaccinated that day. L.P. was then vaccinated. Ultimately, the Vermont Supreme Court ruled that officials involved in the case could not be sued. “We conclude that the PREP Act immunizes every defendant in this case and this fact alone is enough to dismiss the case,” the Vermont Supreme Court’s ruling reads. “We conclude that when the federal PREP Act immunizes a defendant, the PREP Act bars all state-law claims against that defendant as a matter of law.” The PREP Act , enacted by Congress in 2005, authorizes the secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services to issue a declaration in the event of a public health emergency providing immunity from liability for activities related to medical countermeasures, such as the administration of a vaccine, except in cases of “willful misconduct” that result in “death or serious physical injury.” A declaration against COVID-19 was issued on March 17, 2020. It is set to expire on Dec. 31. Federals suits claiming willful misconduct are filed in Washington. Social media users described the Vermont Supreme Court’s ruling as having consequences beyond what it actually says. “The Vermont Supreme Court has ruled that schools can force-vaccinate children for Covid against the wishes of their parents,” reads one X post that had been liked and shared approximately 16,600 times as of Tuesday. “The high court ruled on a case involving a 6-year-old boy who was forced to take a Covid mRNA injection by his school. However, his family had explicitly stated that they didn’t want their child to receive the ‘vaccines.’” Other users alleged that the ruling gives schools permission to give students any vaccine without parental consent, not just ones for COVID-19. Rod Smolla, president of the Vermont Law and Graduate School and an expert on constitutional law, told The Associated Press that the ruling “merely holds that the federal statute at issue, the PREP Act, preempts state lawsuits in cases in which officials mistakenly administer a vaccination without consent.” “Nothing in the Vermont Supreme Court opinion states that school officials can vaccinate a child against the instructions of the parent,” he wrote in an email. Asked whether the claims spreading online have any merit, Ronald Ferrara, an attorney representing the Politellas, told the AP that although the ruling doesn’t say schools can vaccinate students regardless of parental consent, officials could interpret it to mean that they could get away with doing so under the PREP Act, at least when it comes to COVID-19 vaccines. He explained that the U.S. Supreme Court appeal seeks to clarify whether the Vermont Supreme Court interpreted the PREP Act beyond what Congress intended. “The Politella’s fundamental liberty interest to decide whether their son should receive elective medical treatment was denied by agents of the State and School,” he wrote in an email to the AP. “The Vermont Court misconstrues the scope of PREP Act immunity (which is conditioned upon informed consent for medical treatments unapproved by FDA), to cover this denial of rights and its underlying battery.” Ferrara added that he was not aware of the claims spreading online, but that he “can understand how lay people may conflate the court’s mistaken grant of immunity for misconduct as tantamount to blessing such misconduct.”

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