Year: 2024

AI-Powered Phones and Computers: A Convenience Boon, But a Privacy Challenge?
29
Jun
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By William Lee
Technology

AI-Powered Phones and Computers: A Convenience Boon, But a Privacy Challenge?

Related media - News 24 hours Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Microsoft are racing to develop smartphones and computers powered by artificial intelligence (AI). These devices promise to make our lives easier by automating tasks like editing photos or scheduling meetings. But there’s a problem: They require a lot of data from us. More data, more convenience, less privacy? These new AI capabilities come at the cost of increased data collection. The companies envision Windows PCs taking screenshots every few seconds, iPhones merging data from various apps, and Android phones analyzing calls in real time to detect scams. This…
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A Hungarian rapper’s caravan finds an unlikely new driver
29
Jun
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By William Lee
New miscellaneous

A Hungarian rapper’s caravan finds an unlikely new driver

Related media - Latest news "I'm in the middle of this whole thing, and even I find it hard to explain what happened," Mr. Toth said. "People are rooting for him like they are rooting for the Hungarian national soccer team." Politics, however, has destroyed Azahriah’s chances of representing her country in Europe’s musical equivalent of the World Cup, the Eurovision Song Contest. Authorities, alarmed by Eurovision’s reputation as Europe’s biggest gay event, ended Hungary’s participation in the annual competition in 2020. “It would have been amazing if I could have won Eurovision if I were a white, straight guy,”…
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The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation shows signs of cooling
29
Jun
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By William Lee
Business

The Fed’s preferred measure of inflation shows signs of cooling

More news - Breaking news The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge continues to show signs of cooling, accompanied by moderate growth in consumer spending - good news for central banks as they aim to control rising prices and curb demand. In May, the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) index rose 2.6% from a year earlier, in line with economists' expectations and down slightly from April's 2.7% increase. Excluding more volatile food and fuel prices, the measure of "core" inflation also rose 2.6% year-on-year, down from 2.8% in April. On a monthly basis, inflation remained particularly moderate, with overall prices showing no…
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Rising Drug Costs: Are Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers to Blame?
29
Jun
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By William Lee
Health

Rising Drug Costs: Are Pharmaceutical Benefit Managers to Blame?

Related media - News 24 hours For many Americans, the rising tide of prescription drug prices seems like an implacable force, threatening to overwhelm family budgets and access to health care. While pharmaceutical companies often shoulder public responsibility, the web of influence on drug costs is far more intricate. Today, we shine a spotlight on a key, but typically hidden, player in this system: pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs. Rebecca Robbins, a leading investigative journalist specializing in pharmaceuticals for the New York Times, will take us on a deep dive into the world of PBMs. We will explore their role…
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Colombia’s Peace Accord Creates Birdwatching Paradise
28
Jun
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By William Lee
Recent News

Colombia’s Peace Accord Creates Birdwatching Paradise

Related media - News 24 hours The 2016 peace treaty, which ended decades of civil conflict in Colombia, has transformed the country into a birdwatcher's paradise. This agreement has liberated vast swathes of forests previously dominated by armed groups, making them accessible to both wildlife enthusiasts and researchers. For years, Colombia’s rich biodiversity was hidden behind the barriers of a long-running civil war. The nation’s forests, home to an astonishing array of bird species, were largely off-limits due to the presence of guerrillas and the associated dangers. However, the peace agreement has opened up these once-inaccessible areas, revealing a treasure…
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Iran’s presidential candidates are united on one thing: Trump’s return
28
Jun
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By William Lee
New miscellaneous

Iran’s presidential candidates are united on one thing: Trump’s return

More news - News 24 hours During the Iranian presidential campaign, one recurring theme dominated debates, rallies, and speeches: the long-awaited return of Donald J. Trump. The six presidential candidates have repeatedly suggested that Trump's victory in the 2024 U.S. presidential election is inevitable. The central question for Iranian voters as they head to the polls on Friday is which candidate is best equipped to handle a Trump presidency. Interestingly, President Biden is barely mentioned and the numerous polls indicating a close US election are ignored. Instead, Trump's name is often invoked. “Wait and see what happens when Trump comes,”…
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