PFIZER is asking for clearance to offer booster shots of its coronavirus vaccine to all adults (Shutterstock).

The impending arrival of the holiday season – with its increased air travel and gatherings – has boosted concern about a possible rise in coronavirus cases. The answer could be a booster shot for those who have already been vaccinated.

According to the Associated Press, Pfizer is asking federal regulators to permit booster shots of its COVID-19 vaccine to all adults. Previously, booster shots were prescribed for senior citizens and people with special medical conditions.

Pfizer’s request comes at a time when new research is showing a decrease in effectiveness by vaccines over time. Los Angeles Times is reporting a study indicating that all three vaccines – Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson – become less powerful after three to six months. However, the study was of military veterans who tended to be male and older, making a conclusion about the overall population not valid.

Violations of Hatch Act are alleged

JARED KUSHNER (Wikipedia).

A federal watchdog agency issued a report on Tuesday claiming that 13 of former president Donald Trump’s top aides violated the Hatch Act, which prohibits government employees from campaigning for a political candidate.

According to The New York Times, the report from the Office of Special Counsel stated, “Senior Trump Administration officials chose to use their official authority not for legitimate functions of the government, but to promote the re-election of President Trump in violation of the law.”

Among those named were Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Also in the news …

• Ten more subpoenas have been issued by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Among those served were Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to former president Donald Trump.

Sports: SI ranks Bucs first, Rams third

Sports Illustrated’s mid-season rankings of NFL teams rates the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-2) the top team in the league. The Green Bay Packers (7-2), despite Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs are second and the Los Angeles Rams (7-2) – also despite a loss on Sunday – are third. Arizona (8-2) is fourth and Tennessee (7-2) is fifth. The Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) are ranked in a tie for 12th place with the New Orleans Saints (5-3).

In 32nd and last place are the Houston Texans (1-8). Almost in last are the Detroit Lions (0-8) in 31st.

Also in sports…

• Aaron Rodgers, the Green Bay quarterback sidelined last week by COVID-19, issued an apology Tuesday for the way he described his vaccination status. “I acknowledge I am a role model to a lot of people. I made some comments that people might have felt were misleading. To anyone who felt misled by those comment, I take full responsibility.”

Weather: Bring on the heat

Thermometers in the West Orange County area will be rising right through Friday, bringing a taste of summer weather here in the middle of fall. The forecast calls for a daytime high of 75 on Wednesday (overnight low of 58) under cloudy skies. The sun will return on Thursday with a high of 90 (62), rising to 93 (64) on Friday. After that, the heat will fade to the 70s by Monday. In coastal Huntington Beach, the same warming trend won’t be quite as toasty. Wednesday is forecast for 70, rising to 89 on Friday.