Video Credit: Reuters - Politics - Duration: 01:35s - Published
U.S. agrees to share vaccines with Canada, Mexico
The United States plans to send roughly 4 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine that it is not using to Mexico and Canada in loan deals with the two countries, yielding to requests to share vaccines with allies.
The United States is planning to share around 4 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine with Mexico and Canada.
The Biden administration has come under pressure from countries around the world to share vaccines, particularly AstraZeneca's, which is authorized for use in both Canada and Mexico but not yet in the U.S. White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Thursday Mexico will receive 2.5 million doses of the vaccine and Canada 1.5 million doses.
"Our first priority remains vaccinating the U.S. population.
The reality is that the pandemic knows no borders and ensuring our neighbors can contain the virus is a mission critical step to ending that pandemic." The news comes as EU and UK regulators confirmed on Thursday that AstraZeneca's vaccine is safe and effective, after reports of a rare form of blood clotting prompted over a dozen countries to suspend its use.
President Biden has previously said the U.S. will share vaccines if there is a surplus.
The White House says it will begin rolling out the AstraZeneca vaccine domestically if it gets FDA approval, but it also said it doesn't need the shots to meet its target of vaccinating all American adults by the end of May.
The three vaccines currently authorized in the U.S., Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson, have all promised to deliver nearly 500 million doses to Americans by then.
WHO consultation proposes 'through the air' descriptor for disease transmission, aiming to clarify pathogen transmission methods. Experts like Dr Neeraj Nischal.. IndiaTimes
These Foods Will Either
Boost or Drain Your Energy.
As the COVID-19 pandemic drags on, it can be a struggle to maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.
While a cup of coffee can provide a
much-needed boost of energy, experts say eating the
right food is actually a better option. .
Here are 10 foods that'll either boost or drain your energy,
according to three registered dietitian nutritionists. .
1. Black Beans
(Energy Booster) .
2. Caffeine/Energy Drinks
(Energy Drainer).
3. Bananas
(Energy Booster).
4. Candy
(Energy Drainer).
5. Eggs
(Energy Booster).
6. Steak
(Energy Drainer).
7. Water
(Energy Booster).
8. Fruit Smoothies
(Energy Drainer).
9. Pistachios
(Energy Booster).
10. Low-Calorie
Frozen Meals
(Energy Drainer)
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US Life Expectancy on the Rise , Following Pandemic Decline, CDC Report Says.
According to the latest federal
mortality data, life expectancy in
the United States increased in 2022. .
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The report published by the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health
Statistics (NCHS) raised life expectancy to 77.5 years.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
The positive change comes after two
years of decline following the pandemic.
While life expectancy has yet to reach
pre-pandemic levels, 2022 showed
an increase of 1.1 years compared to 2021.
2022 ended up recording 3.27 million
deaths in the U.S., which was
184,374 fewer deaths than the year before.
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
According to the report, heart disease
and cancer remained the two most
prevalent causes of death in the U.S. .
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
COVID-19 dropped to fourth on
the list, and unintentional injuries
took over the number three spot.
ABC reports that both males and
females saw approximately the same
increase in life expectancy from 2021 to 2022.
Over the same period of time,
the death rate decreased
for nearly every age group. .
Another NCHS report found that rates of
drug overdose deaths from synthetic opioids
increased by 4.1% between 2021 and 2022.
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Study Investigates Link Between, COVID, Mental Health and Insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
PsyPost reports that a new study by Phenikaa University
in Vietnam has highlighted one of the more common and
lingering symptoms of COVID-19: insomnia.
As a sleep researcher, I received
many questions and complaints
from relatives, friends, and colleagues
about their sleep disturbances
after recovering from Covid-19, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
I found that the majority of papers
focused on hospitalized patients.
The environment of their treatment
and quarantine would differ greatly
from those with milder symptoms, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Patients were asked to compare the quality and length
of their sleep, as well as how easy it was for them to
fall asleep, before and after they contracted COVID.
Of the 1,056 people surveyed, over 76.1% of
participants said they experienced insomnia.
22.8% of those surveyed reported
experiencing severe insomnia.
The study found that two groups experienced
a statistically significant increased rate of insomnia,
including those with depressive or anxious symptoms.
The authors of the study note that further
investigation of the connection between COVID,
mental health problems and insomnia is needed.
Since this is a cross-sectional
study, the relationship of anxiety
and depression with insomnia
cannot be fully investigated, Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost.
In addition, collecting data
online and a convenience
sampling method can cause
recall bias and selection bias. , Dr Huong T. X. Hoang, Lead author of the article
published in 'Frontiers in Public Health,' via PsyPost
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FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
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Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt – no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
There’s no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
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Biden Announces Deal With Taiwan’s TSMC , to Ramp Up US Chip Production.
On April 8, the White House said that it has reached an agreement with TSMC to help build new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Arizona, 'The Hill' reports. .
The Biden administration will
provide up to $6.6 billion in funding
via the CHIPS and Science Act.
The president said that the money
will “support the construction of
leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities right here in the United States.” .
Funding would also go toward
training local workforces at the new facilities.
A year and a half ago, I toured
the site of TSMC’s first new
fab in Phoenix, Arizona, President Joe Biden, via statement.
TSMC’s renewed commitment
to the United States, and its
investment in Arizona.., President Joe Biden, via statement.
... represent a broader story for
semiconductor manufacturing that’s
made in America and with the strong
support of America’s leading technology firms
to build the products we rely on every day, President Joe Biden, via statement.
America's ability to produce its own microchips remains a key area of concern for Biden.
The CHIPS and Science Act, which was passed
with bipartisan support in 2022, is intended to
make the U.S. less dependent on foreign suppliers.
The White House has also made
agreements with Intel, GlobalFoundries
and Bae Systems, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Brussels, my love? explores the potential threat of Trump 2.0. What would happen if a NATO ally were attacked by Putin? Would Trump respond proportionately and in the interests of America's closest partners? Or would he take the view that he bore no responsibility to respond?
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 32:26Published
President Biden had yet another teleprompter gaffe while speaking at a conference Wednesday ... and it's not the first time the prez fumbled a speech, far from.. TMZ.com
President Biden just signed a bill banning TikTok in America (unless it's sold to a U.S.-based company) -- but the current CEO says they're gonna fight like hell.. TMZ.com
Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Today’s action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The European Commission has launched a probe to examine how China favours its domestic companies in tenders for medical devices and weigh possible tit-for-tat measures.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 01:49Published
UNRWA’s commissioner general says attacks on the agency’s reputation were intended to strip Palestinians of refugee status, a day after independent report found Israel still hadn’t provided any evidence staff had links to terror groups.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 02:16Published
Is Cereal Good for You?.
'USA Today' reports that these are the
10 most-purchased cereals in America, according to data compiled by Google:.
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Honey Nut Cheerios, Frosted Flakes, Cap'n Crunch, Kellogg's Froot Loops, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, .
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Lucky Charms, Special K, Chex,
Cheerios and Rice Krispies.
Cereal requires minimal preparation,
is shelf-stable, convenient, affordable
and can be a good way to get
some fiber in the morning, Leslie Bonci, a sports dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs
and founder of Active Eating Advice, via 'USA Today'.
Cereal can also be a great way to
get micronutrients and one of the
best ways to ensure B vitamin
intake is included in your diet. , Leslie Bonci, a sports dietitian for the Kansas City Chiefs
and founder of Active Eating Advice, via 'USA Today'.
However, "cereals that are made of refined grains – grains that have had parts of the grain kernel removed – are lower in fiber and nutrients," according to registered dietitian Kate Zeratsky.
Added sugars are also a concern. For adults, the FDA advises consuming no more than 50 grams of added sugars per day as part of a 2,000-calorie diet.
The agency recommends that
children don't exceed 25 grams.
But some cereals contain large amounts of added sugars, such as Post's Golden Crisp, which has
21 grams of added sugars in just one cup.
Zeratsky suggests sticking with cereal brands that have added sugars "in the single digits" that also contain whole grains.
Cheerios and Rice Krispies contain
low amounts of added sugars, .
Cheerios and Rice Krispies contain
low amounts of added sugars, .
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains.
while Grape Nuts, Cracklin' Oat Bran, Wheaties, Shredded Wheat, Raisin Bran and Special K are
high in dietary fiber and whole grains
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Latest Weight-Loss Drug , Faces Shortages .
The United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) says that high demand has left the latest
weight-loss drug, Zepbound, in short supply.
'Newsweek' reports that the Eli Lilly product
is expected to experience limited availability
through Q2 of 2024 as surging demand has
outpaced the manufacturer's expectations.
We have experienced
an unparalleled surge in
demand for our type 2
diabetes and obesity medicines, Eli Lilly spokesperson, via 'Newsweek'.
We recognize this situation may
cause a disruption in peoples'
treatment regimens and are
working with purpose and
urgency to help meet
the surge in demand, Eli Lilly spokesperson, via 'Newsweek'.
The FDA said that Novo Nordisk's weight-loss
drug, Wegovy, is also experiencing a
widespread supply shortage with no end
in sight for the drug's limited availability.
By the year 2030, 'Newsweek' reports
that the weight-loss drug market is
expected to grow to about $100 billion.
We expect our investments
in manufacturing and supply
capacity to progressively increase
production of our medicines
throughout 2024 and beyond, Eli Lilly spokesperson, via 'Newsweek'.
Over the past year, manufacturer Eli Lilly
has already seen share prices rise over 102%.
The company has announced plans
to expand operations to meet increased
demand for its incretin products which are
used in the firm's diabetes treatments. .
Incretin mimics gut hormones
that regulate blood sugar
while also suppressing appetite
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Experts' Tips on Taking, Supplements as Sleep-Aids.
'Time' recently spoke with experts regarding
over-the-counter sleep aids and whether they
can really help someone with insomnia.
'Time' recently spoke with experts regarding
over-the-counter sleep aids and whether they
can really help someone with insomnia.
Melatonin has become a popular
supplement in recent years for being
a safe and effective sleep aid.
According to a 2023 study by the American Academy of Sleep
Medicine (AASM), nearly two-thirds of people in the
United States have tried using melatonin to help them sleep. .
It’s not something that is generally
harmful or toxic, which is probably
why people are tempted to take
more when a little bit doesn’t work, Dr. Milena Pavlova, neurologist at Brigham and Women’s
Faulkner Hospital and an associate professor of
neurology at Harvard Medical School, via 'Time'.
'Time' points out that supplements, such as
melatonin, are not regulated by the
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Similar to melatonin, over-the-counter antihistamines
like Benadryl have become a popular sleep-aid due to
containing doxylamine, which causes drowsiness.
However, doxylamine also comes
with a number of side effects,
including a potential hangover the next day.
The big problem with antihistamines
is they can make people extremely
groggy and really impair cognitive
function the next day, Dr. Indira Gurubhagavatula, professor of medicine
in the division of sleep medicine at the
University of Pennsylvania, via 'Time'.
While antihistamines can induce
drowsiness, they don't normally
result in quality, restorative sleep.
Experts suggest eliminating things that prevent healthy sleep, like alcohol and caffeine, while also incorporating physical activity into your daily routine.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA to Outlaw Soda Ingredient , Already Banned Around the World.
Brominated Vegetable Oil (BVO) has been used as an emulsifier in various products
since the 1930s, ScienceAlert reports. .
Countries such as India, Japan and nations within
the European Union have banned BVO for years.
California also outlawed it in 2022.
Studies have indicated that BVO builds up in fat tissue when consumed and prevents iodine from properly functioning within the thyroid. .
BVO has also been linked with heart and behavioral problems, ScienceAlert reports. .
Recent toxicology studies prompted
the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
to propose banning BVO in November.
The proposed action is an example of how
the agency monitors emerging evidence
and, as needed, conducts scientific research
to investigate safety related questions, , James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
... and takes regulatory action when the
science does not support the continued
safe use of additives in foods, James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
Over the years many beverage makers
reformulated their products to replace
BVO with an alternative ingredient, and
today, few beverages in the US contain BVO, James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, via ScienceAlert.
The FDA's BVO reclassification will still need to
go through a review process before completion.
James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner
for human foods, said that regulations
for authorizing other food additives are
currently being reviewed by the agency...
... in order to automatically block
the approval of ingredients known to
cause cancer in animals or humans
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FDA Warns These , Cinnamon Brands , Could Contain Lead.
NPR reports that the Food and Drug Administration
has issued an advisory that several brands
of cinnamon could potentially contain lead.
The six brands impacted by the advisory are: , La Fiesta, Marcum, MK, Swad,
Supreme Tradition and El Chilar. .
These brands are commonly on sale at
discount stores and were found to contain
between 2.03 and 3.4 parts per million of lead.
The FDA said that while no illnesses have been
linked to the products, it has recommended
a voluntary recall of the cinnamon brands.
It is important to note that the lead
levels found in the ground cinnamon
products listed above are significantly
lower than lead levels in cinnamon in
the recalled apple sauce pouches
removed from the market this past fall, FDA statement, via NPR.
The FDA added that the impacted products , "could be unsafe for prolonged use.".
NPR reports that long-term lead exposure
in children can lead to slower development,
brain and nervous system damage,
as well as behavioral and learning problems.
According to the CDC, while adults
can experience similar impacts, higher
amounts of exposure are necessary.
The FDA said that "historically, lead chromate has
been illegally added to certain spices" to increase
their weight and enhance their color, "which
increases the monetary value of the adulterated spices." .
FDA's leading hypothesis
remains that this was likely
an act of economically
motivated adulteration, FDA statement, via NPR
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The Biden administration is finalizing plans to send millions of AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine doses to Mexico and Canada, according to White House press secretary Jen Psaki. CNN’s Paula Newton..