Due to potential salmonella contamination, cucumbers from Agrotato S.A. in Sonora, Mexico, distributed by SunFed Produce and sold between October 12 and November 26, have been recalled. This recall follows an outbreak affecting 68 people across 19 states, with 18 hospitalizations. Separately, approximately 11,000 cartons of Kirkland Signature organic eggs, sold in five southern states, were recalled by Costco due to the presence of eggs not intended for retail sale. Consumers are advised to check product codes and dispose of recalled items immediately.
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In short, Canada’s Competition Bureau is suing Google for alleged anti-competitive practices in online advertising, seeking a court order forcing the sale of two ad tech tools and financial penalties. The Bureau alleges Google abused its dominant market position to maintain its power. Google counters that the complaint overlooks robust competition and the benefits its ad tech provides to businesses and websites. This action mirrors a similar U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit, though Google contests those claims as well.
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A New Zealand military inquiry determined that the HMNZS Manawanui sank due to human error; the crew mistakenly left the autopilot engaged, causing the ship to ground on a reef. The ship, tasked with ocean floor mapping, was lost in October, marking New Zealand’s first naval loss since WWII. Although the 950 tons of diesel fuel onboard initially raised environmental concerns, salvage efforts are underway to prevent a spill. This incident follows the grounding of a U.S. Navy oil ship off Oman, highlighting recent maritime mishaps.
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Elon Musk’s embrace of Donald Trump and far-right ideologies has sparked a backlash among Tesla owners, many of whom are publicly expressing their disapproval through anti-Musk stickers and merchandise. Sales of these items have surged following the election, reflecting owners’ discomfort with Musk’s political affiliations and actions. This sentiment is driven by a perceived disconnect between Musk’s past image as a technology pioneer and his current political involvement. The long-term impact of this consumer sentiment on Tesla’s sales remains uncertain, although some analysts predict potential future consequences.
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Australia has enacted a world-first law prohibiting children under 16 from using social media, holding tech companies accountable for non-compliance with substantial fines. The legislation mandates that tech companies implement measures to prevent underage access, facing penalties of nearly $32 million AUD for breaches. While supported by many Australians and some opposition members, the swiftly passed law faced criticism for its rushed process and potential unintended consequences, such as increased isolation for young people. Despite concerns from some experts and tech companies, the government will now consult before setting a final enforcement date.
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Following a devastating 2019 fire, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris has undergone a €700 million restoration. President Macron recently toured the rebuilt cathedral, showcasing its renewed interior, including a newly constructed roof replacing the medieval structure destroyed in the blaze. The extensive renovation also involved a thorough cleaning of the interior, revealing a “fresh face” after nearly two centuries of accumulated grime. The project, completed within five years, involved thousands of craftspeople and has revitalized French craftsmanship.
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Following the acquittal of Airman 1st Class Grant Harrison for the murder of German national Michael Ovsjannikov, a second protest occurred outside Spangdahlem Air Base. Approximately 200 demonstrators demanded accountability, citing conflicting witness testimonies and the inadmissibility of Harrison’s confession in the US military court. The incident has triggered a legal review by the Rheinland-Pfalz state justice ministry regarding the transfer of jurisdiction to US authorities. Protestors voiced concerns about the handling of the case and the perceived lack of justice for Ovsjannikov’s death.
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Research from King’s College London reveals benralizumab, an injectable drug already used for severe cases, as the first new asthma attack treatment in 50 years. Targeting eosinophils, a type of white blood cell contributing to lung inflammation, the therapy significantly reduced treatment failure rates compared to steroids (45% vs. 74%) in a 158-person trial. This new approach offers improved symptoms, quality of life, and reduced hospitalizations, potentially impacting the two million asthma attacks annually in the UK. While further large-scale trials are needed, the findings suggest a potential “game-changer” in asthma and COPD treatment.
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Analysis of 500 fossilized dinosaur droppings and vomit from Poland, spanning 247 to 200 million years ago, reveals insights into the dinosaurs’ rise to dominance. The study, published in *Nature*, shows an increase in bromalite size and diversity over time, correlating with the emergence of larger and more varied dinosaur diets. Researchers linked bromalite contents to skeletal remains and footprints, reconstructing a five-phase model of dinosaur ascendancy driven by dietary adaptability and possibly enhanced by volcanic activity increasing plant diversity. This suggests a combination of superior physical adaptations and advantageous responses to environmental change were key to their evolutionary success.
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A recently uncovered contract reveals a significant business partnership between Camorra drug boss Raffaele Imperiale and Dubai’s sheik Marwan al Maktoum. The 2015 agreement involved the development of luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah, with Imperiale, even while a wanted fugitive, acting through a shell company. Al Maktoum held majority shares in the venture until 2018, highlighting Dubai’s history as a haven for illicit funds. Imperiale’s arrest in Dubai in 2021 and subsequent cooperation with authorities followed years of operating in the city.
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John Q. Hosedrinker