America is again one of the worst hotspots for coronavirus infection on Earth. Covid-19 patients are dying in U.S. hospitals at levels not seen since February—and the numbers are expected to keep climbing. In Alabama, the entire state is out of intensive care beds. Florida, Mississippi, Georgia and Texas’s ICUs are at 90% capacity. Complicating the fight, a new study showed vaccines are less effective against the now-dominant delta variant, and lose effectiveness over time. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization has condemned President Joe Biden’s plan to dole out boosters to U.S. adults when much of the world has yet to get one shot. Here’s the latest on the pandemic. —Margaret Sutherlin

Bloomberg is tracking the progress of coronavirus vaccines while mapping the pandemic worldwide. 

Evacuation efforts underway in Afghanistan expanded Thursday with 5,200 U.S. troops now stationed at Kabul airport. Adding to growing evidence the Taliban hasn’t changed its traditional approach to rule (and notwithstanding what its leadership has said), its members gunned down protesters in several Afghan cities. For his part, Biden said he doesn’t believe the militant group has changed its ways. 

It was another tough day for Chinese stocks listed in the U.S. after Beijing policymakers unleashed a fresh round of regulations. Alibaba and Tencent tumbled roughly 5% each as more investors drop Chinese companies. Here’s your markets wrap. 

Amazon is testing Wall Street’s devotion. After a banner year for e-commerce, its stock is down 14%, wiping out $253 billion since early July. For all its side-hustles, Amazon is apparently doubling down on retail—only this time it looks like department stores. 

In India, the amount of money raised in initial public offerings this year has reached $8.8 billion. At the current pace, 2021 would exceed the all-time record of $11.8 billion. And everyone wants to get in on the action. 

The White House told Congress that it’s “appropriate” for expanded federal unemployment benefits approved in a coronavirus relief bill to expire in about two weeks despite surging Covid cases. 

OnlyFans is getting out of the pornography business. After facing pressure from its banker backers and payment providers, the platform said it was switching gears as it tries to position itself as a forum for musicians, fitness instructors and chefs—instead of sex workers.  

After an hours-long standoff that evacuated buildings and shut down parts of Washington, a North Carolina man in an oversized pickup truck who claimed to have a bomb was arrested. He reportedly professed his support for former President Donald Trump.

• The U.S. spent $1 trillion in Afghanistan. Here’s how it was wasted.
• The chip shortage threatens to cut auto output this year by 7.1 million.
• China stops fleeing Hong Kong citizens from getting retirement cash.
• More vaccinated U.S. senators said they tested positive for Covid.
• The next vertical farming frontier: conquering kale. 
• There are more U.S. 401(k) and IRA millionaires than ever before. 
• Adidas was supposed to be Reebok’s savior. Guess what? 

High-end retreats of years past might have focused on lush surroundings, pleasant accommodations and expertly-prepared food. Today they feature spiritual healing and self-discovery via guided psychedelic experiences. The menu features magic mushrooms. 

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