According to the CDC, a Salmonella outbreak could be connected to cucumbers that were recalled recently. The outbreak has affected many people across 25 states, with 162 people falling ill and 54 being hospitalized. Fresh Start Produce of Delray Beach, Florida, recalled whole cucumbers after salmonella bacteria was detected in one. Further testing is ongoing to determine if this strain of salmonella is the cause of the outbreak. Salmonella can result in severe illness, particularly in young children, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has postponed the implementation of a plan to charge high tolls for Manhattan drivers entering the city’s core. The “congestion pricing” system was set to launch soon, but Hochul expressed concern about potential unintended consequences at this time, stating that the $15 charge could negatively impact the individuals who are crucial to the city’s operations. This decision has dealt a significant blow to a program that was designed to generate funds for New York’s public transportation and reduce pollution on the streets.
After facing several delays, Boeing successfully launched astronauts using its Starliner capsule for the first time. Two NASA test pilots embarked on the journey from Cape Canaveral, Florida, heading to the International Space Station for a week-long mission. This launch followed two previous delays related to rocket issues. Boeing had to repeat Starliner’s initial test flight without a crew in 2019, as it failed to reach the space station, and subsequently addressed multiple capsule problems. While SpaceX has been transporting astronauts since 2020, NASA sought a backup taxi service.
Disney and Gov. Ron DeSantis’ appointees are set to approve an agreement that could lead to Disney investing up to $17 billion in its Florida parks. The settlement reached in March ended legal disputes between the two parties, paving the way for potential development around Disney World, including the addition of a fifth major theme park. The agreement, which will last for 15 years, received initial approval from the supervisors overseeing the Disney World district appointed by DeSantis. A final vote on the agreement is scheduled for the following week.
In a legal battle with Irish fast food rival Supermac’s, a top European Union court ruled that McDonald’s has lost its Big Mac trademark in the EU. The court concluded that McDonald’s failed to demonstrate genuine use of the Big Mac name for certain products and services over a five-year period. The decision has broader implications beyond burger names, as it emerged when Supermac’s sought to expand its presence in Europe. Following eBay’s announcement that it will no longer accept American Express, citing high fees, online customers have other payment alternatives for shopping.
Walmart has introduced new perks for its hourly employees, including a bonus plan and opportunities to transition into skilled trade roles within the company. The program aims to address worker turnover concerns at the nation’s largest private employer, as Walmart faces challenges in a competitive labor market. The bonus plan, based on store performance, offers eligible part-time and full-time employees varying bonus amounts based on experience. A training initiative is set to commence with 100 workers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Japanese government data revealed a continued decline in the country’s birth rate for the eighth consecutive year in 2023, signaling a critical situation. The fertility rate remains low at 1.2, underscoring Japan’s demographic challenges of an aging and shrinking population. The data highlights economic and national security concerns, especially in light of China’s regional assertiveness. As the U.S. and Russia maintain cooperation on the International Space Station, a Russian cosmonaut became the first individual to spend 1,000 days in space, setting a cumulative space time record.
As triple-digit temperatures hit the Southwest United States, Phoenix firefighters are utilizing ice immersion to treat heatstroke victims in hopes of saving more lives. The medical technique involves immersing individuals in ice on their way to hospitals, a strategy that hospitals are increasingly adopting. Known as cold water immersion, this method can rapidly lower body temperature, providing critical relief in extreme heat conditions. Experts warn of the upcoming hot weather, with concerns about heat-related deaths and the need for innovative medical interventions.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
