New COVID Variant , Already the Dominant , US Strain .
The World Health Organization has
warned of a new COVID-19 strain
called EG.5, otherwise known as 'Eris.'.
CNBC reports that Eris accounts for a growing
number of cases in countries around
the world, including the United States and China.
According to the WHO, Eris is a "variant of interest"
and will be monitored for mutations
that could make it more dangerous.
The organization said that current evidence
suggests a low risk to public health at a global
level, similar to other variants currently circulating.
In May, the WHO announced that COVID was now , âan established and ongoing health issue
which no longer constitutes a public health
emergency of international concern.â.
In May, the WHO announced that COVID was now , âan established and ongoing health issue
which no longer constitutes a public health
emergency of international concern.â.
While EG.5 has shown increased prevalence,
growth advantage, and immune escape
properties, there have been no reported
changes in disease severity to date, WHO risk evaluation, via CNBC.
According to the WHO, the properties
of Eris suggest that it may become a dominant
strain, potentially around the world.
According to the WHO, the properties
of Eris suggest that it may become a dominant
strain, potentially around the world.
Data from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data
(GISAID) suggests the largest number of Eris cases are in
China, followed by the U.S., Canada, Japan and South Korea.
Data from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data
(GISAID) suggests the largest number of Eris cases are in
China, followed by the U.S., Canada, Japan and South Korea.
The new strain has also reportedly
been identified in Australia, Singapore,
the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal.
The new strain has also reportedly
been identified in Australia, Singapore,
the United Kingdom, France, Spain and Portugal.
According to the CDC, Eris has already become
the dominant strain in the U.S., accounting
for 17.3% of all cases the week of August 5
Walgreens Plans , âSignificantâ Store Closures.
On June 27, Walgreens announced quarterly earnings
that were poorer than expected, NBC News reports.
The company's stock fell 15% in pre-market trading.
CEO Tim Wentworth issued a press release.
We continue to face a difficult operating
environment, including persistent
pressures on the U.S. consumer and the
impact of recent marketplace dynamics
which have eroded pharmacy margins, Tim Wentworth, Walgreens CEO, via press release.
Our results and outlook
reflect these headwinds, Tim Wentworth, Walgreens CEO, via press release.
Wentworth elaborated in an interview with CNBC.
The consumer is absolutely stunned by
the absolute prices of things, and the
fact that some of them may not be
inflating doesnât actually change their
resistance to the current pricing, Tim Wentworth, Walgreens CEO, via CNBC.
On a call with analysts, Wentworth said that Walgreens' strategy will have to "include the closure of a significant portion of these underperforming stores.".
75% of our stores drive 100% of our
profitability today. What that means is
the others we take a hard look at, we are
going to finalize a number that we will close, Tim Wentworth, Walgreens CEO, via call with analysts.
The pharmacy chain currently
operates about 8,600 stores
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
US Water System May Be , Vulnerable to Cyberattack, by China, Russia and Iran.
CNBC reports that the United States
water system has been the target of a series
of cyberattacks over the past few years. .
In response, the Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has been forced to issue an alert warning
that 70% of water systems do not comply
with the Safe Drinking Water Act.
According to the EPA, some have âalarming
cybersecurity vulnerabilities,â including
unchanged default passwords and former
employees who retain access to vital systems.
In February, the FBI issued a warning to
Congress that Chinese hackers have embedded
themselves into the U.S. cyber infrastructure. .
Those hackers have targeted water treatment
plants, the electrical grid, transportation
systems and other vital infrastructure.
Those hackers have targeted water treatment
plants, the electrical grid, transportation
systems and other vital infrastructure.
Water is among
the least mature
in terms of security, Adam Isles, head of cybersecurity
practice for Chertoff Group, via CNBC.
Stuart Madnick, an MIT professor of engineering
systems and co-founder of Cybersecurity at
MIT Sloan, warns that an attack that shuts off
water to the population is the main concern.
We have demonstrated in our
lab how operations, such as
a water plant, could be shut
down not just for hours or
days, but for weeks, Adam Isles, head of cybersecurity
practice for Chertoff Group, via CNBC.
Recently, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan sent a letter
to governors stressing the urgency of the threat. .
Recently, EPA Administrator Michael Regan and
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan sent a letter
to governors stressing the urgency of the threat. .
CNBC reports that budgets, outdated
infrastructure and an overall reluctance to take
action may prevent necessary fixes from
being made before a serious attack.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
European Union Announces , Higher Tariffs on Chinese EVs.
On June 12, the EU said it will
impose higher tariffs on imports of
Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), CNBC reports. .
The increase in tariffs is the result of a
probe launched by the EU in October.
According to the EU, the Chinese imports benefit "heavily from unfair subsidies" and threaten "economic injury" to European EV producers.
The influx of subsidized Chinese imports
at artificially low prices therefore
presents a threat of clearly foreseeable
and imminent injury to EU industry, European Commission, via statement.
A 38.1% tariff will be imposed on battery electric vehicle producers who refused to cooperate with the bloc's investigation.
A 21% tariff will be implemented for carmakers in China who complied
but have yet to be "sampled.".
On June 11, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce called the higher
tariffs a "protectionist act.".
The findings disclosed in the EU
ruling lack factual and legal basis, Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, via statement.
This is a naked protectionist act,
creating and escalating trade
frictions, and 'destroying fair
competition' in the name of
'maintaining fair competition.' , Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, via statement.
This move by the EU not only damages the
legitimate rights and interests of Chinaâs
electric vehicle industry, but will also disrupt
and distort the global automotive industry
chain supply chain, including the EU, Spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Elon Musk Drops Lawsuit , Against OpenAI.
In February of this year, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two of its co-founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.
In February of this year, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two of its co-founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.
In February of this year, Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI and two of its co-founders, Sam Altman and Greg Brockman.
The suit alleged that OpenAI initially worked
to develop artificial general intelligence
"for the benefit of humanity" but later strayed
from that goal to become a for-profit entity. .
Musk, who had a hand in launching
OpenAI, was suing "for breach of contract
and fiduciary duty," CNBC reports.
In March, experts told CNBC that the suit had a murky legal foundation because there was no formal written agreement signed by each party.
On June 11, Musk dropped the lawsuit.
It was dismissed without prejudice.
His decision to drop the lawsuit comes
one day after he threatened Apple over
its new partnership with OpenAI.
His decision to drop the lawsuit comes
one day after he threatened Apple over
its new partnership with OpenAI.
He called the partnership "an unacceptable security violation" since Apple has
"no clue what's actually going on.".
Itâs patently absurd that Apple isnât
smart enough to make their own
AI, yet is somehow capable of
ensuring that OpenAI will protect
your security & privacy!, Elon Musk, via X.
Musk went on to say that if Apple
"integrates OpenAI at the OS level," the company's devices will be banned at his businesses.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Apple Is Reportedly Building , a Dedicated Passwords App.
On June 6, Mark Gurman from 'Bloomberg' reported that Apple intends to build next-gen iPhones and Macs with a built-in password management app.
On June 6, Mark Gurman from 'Bloomberg' reported that Apple intends to build next-gen iPhones and Macs with a built-in password management app.
The new app will be called Passwords, Engadget reports.
The app will be revealed at the
Worldwide Developers Conference in June.
While Apple already offers password
services via the iCloud Keychain.
it can be tedious to find
or change passwords with it.
A dedicated passwords app would make the whole process easier and likely encourage some people to stick with Apple.
Similarly to subscription password managers 1Password and LastPass, Apple's app will
split passwords into categories.
Similarly to subscription password managers 1Password and LastPass, Apple's app will
split passwords into categories.
Such categories include "accounts, WiFi networks and Passkeys," CNBC reports. .
Users will be able to
import passwords from other apps.
Two-factor verification codes
will also be supported.
It's not clear if Passwords will let you
store files and images as its rivals do.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
A fight for better pay among workers at South Korea tech giant Samsung will now result in an indefinite strike, according to a top union official. Sky News
An Indian-origin bar owner in Singapore was sentenced to 13 years for raping a runaway 17-year-old girl. The victim's trauma was acknowledged by the court,.. IndiaTimes
High tech farms are no longer unusual in Singapore. In fact they have been sprouting up like mushrooms over the past five years. While many of the innovative farms in the city state still have to become profitable, a vertical shrimp farm has achieved price parity with coastal aquaculture ponds in Indonesia or Vietnam. This is thanks to an AI operated system which controls day to day operations.
#HighTechFarming #SingaporeAgriculture #VerticalFarming #ShrimpFarming #AIFarming #InnovativeAgriculture #UrbanFarming #SustainableFarming #AgriTech #AIinAgriculture #Aquaculture #FoodTech #SmartFarming #AIControlled #TechInnovation
~PR.152~ED.194~GR.125~
Authorities in the popular resort island of Sentosa, Singapore commenced the clean-up after an oil spill caused by a dredger boat that hit a stationary cargo tanker on Friday, blackened part of Singaporeâs southern coastline.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:00Published
Injured Passengers on Turbulent , Singapore Airlines Flight, Offered Compensation.
'Time' reports that Singapore Airlines has
greed to compensate passengers on a deadly
flight that hit extreme turbulence last month.
The incident on the Boeing 777,
which was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, resulted in the death of one passenger and injuries sustained by dozens of others.
The flight ran into unexpected strong turbulence
on the way from London to Singapore, throwing
both people and items around the cabin.
One man, a 73-year-old British man, is believed to
have died from a heart attack, while dozens of others
suffered injuries that included spinal and brain damage.
'Time' reports that nineteen people remain
hospitalized in Bangkok, where the flight
was diverted following the incident.
According to officials, the incident occurred
while meals were being served, meaning that many
passengers were not wearing their seat belts.
Passengers with minor injuries
have been offered $10,000 in
compensation from the airline. .
For those who sustained more
serious injuries from the incident,
we have invited them to discuss
a compensation offer to meet
each of their specific circumstances
when they feel well and ready to do so, Singapore Airline statement, via 'Time'.
All passengers on the flight will receive full refunds,
in addition to delay compensation, which is required
by European Union and U.K. regulations.
A preliminary investigation by Singaporeâs Transport Ministry
revealed that the jet dropped 178 feet in less than one
second, though it remains unclear what caused the turbulence
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Climate change has heightened the risk of forest fires and wildfires in Europe. EU agencies are cooperating across borders and using artificial intelligence to predict and prevent disasters.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:41Published
The two southern European countries can now join forces in case of an emergency thanks to coordinated communication, training and new technical equipment.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 03:00Published
US Surgeon General , Declares Gun Violence in America , a âPublic Health Crisisâ.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy
made the declaration in a new advisory released on June 25, CNN reports.
It is the first time that a surgeon general
has focused on gun violence's "profound consequences" in a national publication. .
Over the last decade or two,
this problem has been worsening and we
have now reached the point where gun violence is the leading cause of death among kids and teens â the leading cause of death. , Dr. Vivek Murthy, to CNN's John Berman.
That is something that we should
never take as the new normal.
Thereâs nothing normal about that, Dr. Vivek Murthy, to CNN's John Berman.
According to Murthy, the advisory is intended to take the polarizing issue of firearms "out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs.".
According to Murthy, the advisory is intended to take the polarizing issue of firearms "out of the realm of politics and put it into the realm of public health, which is where it belongs.".
The advisory highlights measures that Murthy believes can have an impact on gun violence.
just as steps to address vehicle crashes and tobacco-related illnesses have in the past. .
just as steps to address vehicle crashes and tobacco-related illnesses have in the past. .
Historically, we have seen how the
release of Surgeon General reports on
public health issues such as the dangers
of smoking ignited a wave of policy,
legal, and public health initiatives.., Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady board chair
and chief medical officer, via CNN.
... that saved countless American
lives and in this case led to
deprogramming our nation from
the tobacco industryâs lies. , Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady board chair
and chief medical officer, via CNN.
We hope this report will have
the same resounding impact on
the gun violence epidemic, Dr. Joseph V. Sakran, Brady board chair
and chief medical officer, via CNN.
In 2022, over 48,000 people in America died from gun-related injuries, according to CDC data.
In the new advisory, Dr. Murthy said, "It is up to
us to take on this generational challenge with
the urgency and clarity the moment demands.".
The safety and well-being
of our children and future generations are at stake, Dr. Vivek Murthy, via advisory
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA Reverses Ban , on Juul E-Cigarettes.
On June 6, the Food and Drug Administration
announced that it has reversed its ban on Juul
e-cigarettes while the agency reviews new information.
On June 6, the Food and Drug Administration
announced that it has reversed its ban on Juul
e-cigarettes while the agency reviews new information.
NBC reports that the FDA first ordered Juul to take its
product off the market in 2022, however the e-cigarettes
have remained on shelves pending the company's appeal.
NBC reports that the FDA first ordered Juul to take its
product off the market in 2022, however the e-cigarettes
have remained on shelves pending the company's appeal.
In that time, Juul has maintained
its position as the second-most
popular e-cigarette in the U.S.
The FDA noted that reversing the ban
temporarily was not an indication that the
company's product would be ultimately cleared. .
The FDA noted that reversing the ban
temporarily was not an indication that the
company's product would be ultimately cleared. .
Sales of alternative nicotine
products, like e-cigarettes, have
continued to grow in the past decade. .
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reported that e-cigarette use had
grown by almost 50% between 2020 and 2022. .
In 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention reported that e-cigarette use had
grown by almost 50% between 2020 and 2022. .
Juul released a statement
following the FDA reversal, .
... saying the company looks forward to "re-engaging
with the agency on a science- and evidence-based
process to pursue a marketing authorization.".
We remain confident in the quality
and substance of our applications
and believe that a full review of
the science and evidence will
demonstrate that our products
meet the statutory standard
of being appropriate for
the protection of public health, Juul statement, via NBC.
We remain confident in the quality
and substance of our applications
and believe that a full review of
the science and evidence will
demonstrate that our products
meet the statutory standard
of being appropriate for
the protection of public health, Juul statement, via NBC.
'The Wall Street Journal' reports that Juul has argued
that the 2022 ban significantly disrupted the company's
finances, resulting in an investor bailout.
Currently, the FDA has only granted approval for 23
e-cigarette products, manufactured by only three
companies, to be marketed and sold to consumers
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Coronavirus has been changing and evolving ever since it was first discovered in the year 2019 and became a global concern in a matter of a few months. The original Covid strain soon turned into the..
Covid cases are once again witnessing an uptick in numbers in several countries. The new spike in cases is attributed to the latest Covid variant EG.5 or Eris as it is named. The World Health..