(The Wall Street Journal) While hopes are rising that a rapid rollout of Covid-19 vaccines is helping to tame the pandemic in the U.S., in much of the world the virus is still surging. Covid-19 case rates across the globe are at their highest levels since the start of the pandemic, illustrating the continuing race between vaccinations and the virus and the stiff … [Read more...] about Covid-19 Is Still Raging in Much of the World as Global Cases Hit Record Highs
Tech & Science
Pfizer Identifies Fake Covid-19 Shots Abroad as Criminals Exploit Vaccine Demand
(The Wall Street Journal) Pfizer Inc. says it has identified in Mexico and Poland the first confirmed instances of counterfeit versions of the Covid-19 vaccine it developed with BioNTech SE, the latest attempt by criminals trying to exploit the world-wide vaccination campaign. Vials seized by authorities in separate investigations were tested by the company and confirmed to … [Read more...] about Pfizer Identifies Fake Covid-19 Shots Abroad as Criminals Exploit Vaccine Demand
Amazon Is Bringing Palm-Scanning Payment System To Whole Foods Stores
(CNBC) Amazon is expanding its palm-scanning payment system to a Whole Foods store in Seattle, the company announced Wednesday, the first of many planned rollouts at other locations. Amazon One, which debuted in September and is currently in use at about a dozen Amazon physical stores, allows shoppers to pay for items by placing their palm over a scanning device. The first … [Read more...] about Amazon Is Bringing Palm-Scanning Payment System To Whole Foods Stores
Likes and Prayers: Facebook Tests New ‘Prayer Post’ Feature
by Emily McFarlan Miller (RNS) When the unfamiliar pop-up touting a new feature appeared on Robert P. Jones' Facebook, the CEO and founder the CEO and founder of PRRI (Public Religion Research Institute) posted a screen grab to Twitter. “Wondering what fb algorithm thinks it knows about me?” Jones mused. The new Facebook feature? Prayer posts. The function will allow … [Read more...] about Likes and Prayers: Facebook Tests New ‘Prayer Post’ Feature
Apple Will Let Parler Back on the App Store
Washington (CNN Business) Apple has approved Parler's return to the iOS app store following improvements the social media company made to better detect and moderate hate speech and incitement, according to a letter the iPhone maker sent to Congress on Monday. The decision clears the way for Parler, an app popular with conservatives including some members of the far right, to … [Read more...] about Apple Will Let Parler Back on the App Store