A new study of over 2.5 million U.S. children finds no link between the MMR vaccine and autism, reinforcing existing safety data amid dropping vaccination rates and political debate involving health officials.
Poland appeals a Brussels court ruling to pay Pfizer €1.3 billion for 64 million unwanted COVID-19 vaccine doses, citing overlooked factual and legal circumstances, and seeks to freeze the order's enforcement.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. engaged in a heated interview with CNN's Dana Bash, accusing her network of "press malpractice" during the Covid-19 pandemic. The debate covered vaccine efficacy, treatment of skeptics, and the role of media and experts, following recent measles outbreaks and a contentious hearing involving Anthony Fauci.
TechCrunch and Hudson Labs analysis of GM and Ford earnings calls reveals a significant drop in EV discussions, indicating a shift from prior heavy investment. Both automakers have altered or delayed EV plans, citing regulatory changes and a focus on profitability, despite still selling EVs.
Busan welcomed over 2.42 million foreign visitors from January to June, a 43.9% increase year-on-year, putting it on track for its 4 million annual target. Travellers from Taiwan and mainland China led the influx, significantly boosting the local economy.
A Senate committee hearing reignited political divisions over the US response to COVID-19, with Republicans criticizing Anthony Fauci and reviving the Wuhan lab leak theory, despite no conclusive evidence.
Social prescribing, a practice more common in the UK, connects individuals with non-medical, community-based activities like sea swimming and art to improve health. Amanda, from Devon, England, found significant relief from major depressive disorder through sea swimming, reducing her antidepressant dosage. Experts advise matching hobbies to symptoms, finding intrinsic motivation, and using mindfulness to identify beneficial activities.
Peter Lee*, a 28-year-old, spent HK$90,000 on loot boxes in mobile games over six years, driven by randomised rewards and a "sunk cost" mentality to obtain desired items for team performance, a practice he started during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination at a Senate hearing, refusing to answer questions from Senator Rand Paul regarding the COVID-19 pandemic response and alleged perjury, citing potential prosecution.
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment during a Senate hearing led by Sen. Rand Paul, refusing to answer questions about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, citing potential self-incrimination. This move followed years of accusations by Paul that Fauci lied about the pandemic, which Fauci termed 'preposterous'. Meanwhile, the U.S. Postal Service faces scrutiny over its ability to deliver mail ballots on time ahead of the midterms.
Professor Fiona Devine, Vice-President and Dean of Humanities at the University of Manchester, visited Hong Kong to discuss the evolving higher education landscape. She advocated for holistic leaders combining business, human understanding, and technological fluency, detailing Manchester's '2035' strategy and its approach to AI integration.
Owners of Brombil Reservoir, a "blue lagoon" in Margam, warn against public entry due to safety risks, littering, and damage. The site, which went viral on TikTok, now charges £2 to deter unauthorized visits and fund clean-up efforts.
The IEA reports global oil demand will decline by 1 million barrels/day in 2026 due to the US-Iran war disrupting Middle Eastern oil production and exports, despite gradual export resumption.
Reed Jobs discusses his oncology-focused venture firm Yosemite, which builds biotech companies from academic research using philanthropy and venture capital. He highlights the firm's progress, the impact of AI on drug discovery and clinical trials, and the potential of targeting previously undruggable genes like p53.
Government figures show a 4% decrease in school suspensions (913,000) and a 9% drop in permanent exclusions (9,900) in England for 2024/25. While rates fell in secondary and special schools, they rose in primary schools. Persistent disruptive behaviour remains the main reason for suspensions.
India's IT services industry, valued at over $315 billion, is undergoing silent layoffs and job cuts, with estimates suggesting 25,000-35,000 jobs could be lost this year. Companies are prioritizing productivity improvements and workforce restructuring due to intense competition and weaker business conditions.
Hong Kong's food and beverage sector is experiencing numerous restaurant closures, including fast-food chain Maxim's MX and high-end eatery Howard's Gourmet. Rents for commercial street shops have dropped significantly, prompting relocations to prime areas, while upper-floor units also saw substantial rent declines with no immediate recovery signs.
India's credit card market has grown significantly, yet only 1 in 4 credit-active consumers holds one. Despite improving delinquency, penetration remains low compared to global peers, and credit cards contribute less to formal credit expansion. Usage is also challenged by competition from UPI and personal loans.
Netflix's new "Little House on the Prairie" reboot taps into contemporary desires for simplicity, self-sufficiency, and a rejection of technology, mirroring cultural trends like cottagecore and tradwifery. The franchise's history shows its adaptability to societal fears and hopes, from the Great Depression to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Scientists are developing methods to predict which newly discovered viruses could cause public health emergencies. By analyzing historical data on RNA viruses, transmissibility, and disease severity, researchers aim to identify potential pandemic threats like "disease X" before they spread widely.
An 80-year-old doctor, Tai Kong-shing, is on trial for allegedly issuing 3,713 fake medical certificates without proper diagnosis for personal gain. He is also accused of laundering HK$10.96 million. A merchant, Kriselle Young, is also on trial for dishonest computer access.
Finn Wolfhard, now 23, reflects on the jarring transition to celebrity at 13 after Stranger Things aired. He discusses the challenges of public scrutiny, fan expectations, and the unique experience of growing up on screen, while also detailing his burgeoning music career and future acting aspirations.
US small businesses in tourist destinations report a surge in domestic summer travel as Americans prioritize road trips and local experiences over expensive international or long-haul domestic vacations due to rising costs.
Australia faces economic pressures from inflation, high interest rates, and slowing demand, increasing public expectation for government support. Businesses report negative impacts from fuel prices, delaying investments and reducing workforces. An economist argues for realistic government intervention and greater entrepreneurial spirit.
