Author: Salako Temitope

Zimbabwe initiated an urgent campaign to vaccinate over 4 million children against polio after detecting three cases linked to a rare mutation of the weakened virus used in oral vaccines. The cases included a 10-year-old girl who experienced paralysis in January. According to the health ministry, laboratory tests from sewage sites in various areas of the capital, Harare, revealed the presence of a mutated polio virus originating from an oral vaccine utilized in the global eradication effort. Instances of the live polio virus in vaccines mutating into forms capable of causing new outbreaks are rare but can occur, particularly in…

House Speaker Mike Johnson is spearheading the formation of a formal “task force” aimed at delving into how the United States can maintain its competitive edge in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) while effectively managing the associated risks. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, emphasized the importance of bipartisan collaboration in navigating the transformative potential and complexities of AI technology. “Because advancements in artificial intelligence have the potential to rapidly transform our economy and our society, it is important for Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to understand and plan for both the promises and the complexities of this…

An Israeli AI cybersecurity startup, Clarity, has secured its first $16 million in seed funding to develop software aimed at detecting and safeguarding against deepfakes, a growing concern in the digital landscape. Co-founder Michael Matias, formerly an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) officer and leader in the 8200 Intelligence Unit, emphasized the significance of AI and cybersecurity in protecting democratic institutions. Matias noted the absence of adaptive solutions to combat emerging cybersecurity threats in this domain, prompting the inception of Clarity’s technology. Describing Clarity’s innovation as a defensive mechanism akin to a water filtration system, Matias highlighted its ability to identify…

A 33-year-old amateur ballerina holding dual U.S.-Russian citizenship finds herself detained in Russia, facing potential life imprisonment over allegations of contributing $51 to Ukraine’s war efforts. The Federal Security Service of Russia, the country’s primary domestic intelligence agency, announced the woman’s arrest on charges of treason, accusing her of soliciting funds for the Ukrainian military. According to the FSB, she has been actively gathering donations since February 2022 for Ukrainian organizations, allegedly utilized to procure tactical medical supplies, equipment, weaponry, and ammunition for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Identified by the independent news outlet Mediazona as Ksenia Karelina, the woman purportedly…

Charlotte Cowles, the financial advice columnist who recently revealed her ordeal of falling victim to a costly fraud, is defending herself, highlighting that there is “no stereotypical scam victim.” In an interview with CNN, Cowles emphasized the diverse range of individuals targeted by scammers, including professionals like doctors, lawyers, and government employees. She shared her own experience, shedding light on how sophisticated scammers are in exploiting vulnerabilities. Cowles recounted the gradual unfolding of the fraudulent scheme over five hours on the phone, during which the scammers manipulated her by exploiting her familial ties and leveraging intimate details about her life.…

Prince William issued a statement urging an end to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The Prince emphasized the need for “permanent peace” in the region, expressing deep concern over the human toll of the ongoing violence. He called for increased humanitarian support for Gaza and stressed the importance of delivering aid and securing the release of hostages. Despite the royal family’s usual avoidance of political matters, Prince William’s carefully worded remarks sidestepped direct political language. Instead, he focused on the humanitarian aspect of the conflict and the urgent need for peace. His statement coincided with a significant…

Artificial intelligence is making waves in the world of beauty with a groundbreaking application in eyelash extensions, pioneered by a Bay Area-based company called Luum. Their AI-powered eyelash extension machine has hit select California locations, promising to revolutionize the eyelash extension experience. Nathan Harding, CEO, and co-founder of Luum, based in Oakland, California, expressed the transformative impact of robotics and AI on eyelash extensions, emphasizing enhanced speed, comfort, and consistency for clients, along with a significant increase in appointments for providers. The innovative system allows salon owners and lash technicians to focus more on the artistic aspect of eyelash extensions…

Florida lawmakers are poised to deliberate on a new bill aimed at imposing stricter penalties on minors caught carrying firearms, with the state House expected to debate the proposal this week. Dubbed House Bill 1181, or the Juvenile Justice Bill, the legislation seeks to elevate a minor’s initial illegal possession of a firearm from a first-degree misdemeanor to a first-degree felony, alongside an extension of juvenile detention periods. Under the bill, first-time offenders face a five-day detention, escalating to 21 days for second-time offenders, and subsequent commitment to a juvenile residential program for third-time offenders. Republican State Rep. Berny Jacques,…

Rwandan authorities rebuffed U.S. demands for the withdrawal of troops and missile systems from eastern Congo, asserting their actions as defensive measures against perceived threats to Rwandan territory amid a purported “dramatic military build-up” by Congo near the border. In a statement, Rwanda’s Foreign Ministry underscored concerns over national security, particularly citing the presence of the rebel group FDLR, including individuals implicated in the 1994 genocide, reportedly integrated into the Congolese army. While Rwanda has historically highlighted the menace posed by FDLR, it had refrained from acknowledging a military presence in eastern Congo, where Congolese officials accuse Rwanda of backing…

President Joe Biden’s political operation continues to expand its financial lead over potential GOP rival, former President Donald Trump, having amassed $42 million in January alone. Combining forces with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), they boast a collective war chest of $130 million. Biden has utilized joint fundraising committees with the DNC and state parties, enabling him to accept donations of up to $929,600 from individual contributors, significantly exceeding Trump’s $3,300 per person limit. As Trump, yet to formally secure the GOP nomination, faces constraints in fundraising, Biden’s financial prowess is underscored by his substantial advantage. The ongoing primary race,…