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Massachusetts Reports First EEE Detection in Mosquitoes for 2024, Raises Public Health Alert
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) virus has been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts for the first time in 2024, prompting health officials to raise the risk level in several communities. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) confirmed that EEE was found in mosquito samples collected on June 30 in Carver, Plymouth County.
Potential Drop in Social Security COLA for 2025 as Inflation Moderates
Retirees reliant on Social Security may face a lower cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) in 2025 as inflation moderates, according to recent estimates. Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security and Medicare policy analyst, projects that the COLA for next year could be around 3%. This figure is slightly below the 3.2% increase that beneficiaries received in January and significantly lower than the record 8.7% adjustment seen in 2023.
Oil Prices Climb as U.S. Crude Inventories See Sharp Decline
Oil prices saw a notable rise on Wednesday, spurred by a significant decline in U.S. crude inventories, although gains were tempered by broader concerns over global supply and demand dynamics. Brent crude futures increased by $1.10, or 1.3%, to settle at $87.34 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures gained $1.07, or 1.3%, closing at $83.88 per barrel.
White House Stands Firm: Biden 'Absolutely' Staying in 2024 Race Despite Calls to Step Aside
President Joe Biden is unwavering in his commitment to the 2024 presidential race, despite mounting pressure from within his party and recent speculation about his potential withdrawal. In a decisive statement on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declared that Biden is "absolutely not" considering dropping out of the race, refuting a New York Times report suggesting otherwise.
Stormy Daniels Faces Escalating Death Threats After Testifying Against Donald Trump
In a candid interview with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC, adult film star Stormy Daniels, whose real name is Stephanie Clifford, disclosed the alarming increase in death threats she has faced following her testimony against former President Donald Trump in his hush money criminal trial. Daniels expressed her growing concern for her safety and that of her family as the threats have become increasingly graphic and bold.
Prince Harry Abandons Kate Middleton During Her Darkest Days with 'No Sign of a Bridge,' Experts Claim
Once close confidants, Prince Harry and Kate Middleton's relationship has deteriorated significantly since the Duke of Sussex stepped down from royal duties and relocated to California with his wife, Meghan Markle. Despite Kate Middleton's ongoing battle with cancer, insiders believe this significant health challenge is not enough to mend the rift between the two.
Microsoft Settles for $14 Million Over Employee Leave Discrimination Allegations
Microsoft Corp. has agreed to a $14.4 million settlement to resolve allegations of discrimination and retaliation against employees who took legally protected leave, including parental and disability leave. The California Civil Rights Department announced the proposed settlement on Wednesday, marking the end of a multi-year investigation into the tech giant's employment practices.
Shares of Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk Fall Amid Reports Linking Ozempic to Vision Loss
Shares of pharmaceutical giants Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly experienced significant declines on Wednesday following a report suggesting a potential link between their popular weight-loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy, and a rare eye condition that can cause sudden vision loss. The findings, stemming from a study conducted by Massachusetts Eye and Ear, have sparked concerns among investors and patients alike.
'Everything Lost': Prince Harry's US Residency Timed with Frogmore Exit to Send Powerful Message to King Charles
Prince Harry's decision to declare the United States as his official residence on the same day Buckingham Palace confirmed his eviction from Frogmore Cottage is seen as a symbolic message to the British royal family. This move underscores the ongoing tension and the significant changes in his life since stepping down as a working royal and relocating to California in 2020.
Ford's Sales Climb 1% in Q2, Driven by Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Surge
Ford Motor Co. reported a 1% increase in sales during the second quarter of 2024, driven primarily by a 5% gain in truck sales, the company announced on Wednesday. The automaker's truck segment, including pickups and vans, saw its best second-quarter performance since 2019, with 308,920 vehicles sold. Ford's flagship F-Series contributed significantly, with 199,463 units sold.
Southwest Airlines Adopts Poison Pill to Thwart Elliott Management's Activist Push
Southwest Airlines has adopted a shareholder rights plan, commonly known as a "poison pill," in response to activist hedge fund Elliott Management's investment and its push to remove CEO Bob Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly. The move underscores Southwest's determination to fend off the aggressive maneuvers of one of the world's most successful activist investors.
U.S. Jobless Claims Rise Amid Gradual Labor Market Slowdown
The U.S. labor market shows signs of a gradual slowdown as weekly jobless claims rise, reflecting a cooling in employment momentum. This trend, combined with easing inflation pressures, keeps the Federal Reserve on track to potentially start cutting interest rates later this year.
Hurricane Beryl Shatters Records and Wreaks Havoc Across the Caribbean
Hurricane Beryl has emerged as the most powerful hurricane ever recorded in July, leaving a trail of devastation across the Caribbean. This tropical cyclone, now a Category 5 storm, has set numerous records, which experts attribute to the impacts of climate change. Beryl developed rapidly and much earlier in the season than usual, marking the fastest intensification of any hurricane before September 1, a typically more intense period of the Atlantic hurricane season.
California Endures Record-Breaking Heatwave and Wildfires: 13,000 Evacuated Amidst Extreme Conditions
California is currently grappling with a severe heatwave that has pushed temperatures to dangerously high levels, reaching up to 117°F in some areas, and triggered widespread wildfires. The heatwave, described as potentially life-threatening, is expected to intensify during the Fourth of July holiday week, affecting nearly 90 million people under heat alerts across the United States.
Slower-Than-Expected Private Payroll Growth in June Raises Concerns About U.S. Labor Market
According to the ADP National Employment Report released on Wednesday, private sector employment increased by just 150,000 jobs in June, down from an upwardly revised 157,000 in May. This figure also missed the Dow Jones consensus estimate of 160,000 and marked the smallest monthly gain since January.
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