HERE’S WHAT’S HAPPENING

More European countries suspend the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine. Germany, France, Italy and Spain paused the inoculations amid reports that a handful of recipients had developed blood clots. Medical experts said there was “no evidence” linking the vaccine to increased risk of clots, but the moves could add to the problems of Europe’s vaccination initiatives.

Volkswagen outlines plans to counter Tesla’s battery dominance. The European carmaker announced efforts to cut costs and improve vehicle charging times, as well as build six battery factories. One analyst said it served as “a blueprint for what legacy carmakers need to achieve.”

Warren Buffett bucks calls for E.S.G. disclosures. In Berkshire Hathaway’s annual proxy, Mr. Buffett’s conglomerate urged shareholders to reject proposals for more transparency of climate-related risks and diversity and inclusion efforts. It’s a marked contrast to the increasing disclosure into environmental, social and corporate governance issues (more on that below).

The Sackler family may relinquish control of OxyContin’s maker. Purdue Pharma has released its bankruptcy restructuring plan, which includes a pledge from its founding family to pay $4.3 billion — $1.3 billion more than previously offered — to reimburse the costs of the opioid epidemic.
The New York Times