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- July 17, 2024
July 17, 2024
 | Get Smart in 5 Minutes Trustworthy, relevant & unbiased news briefs curated for 65+ |
Good Morning. It’s Wednesday, July 17
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Thunderstorms with possible tornadoes hit the Chicago area and the Midwest, toppling trees and power poles, cutting electricity to hundreds of thousands, and sending weather forecasters to safety. A woman in Indiana died after a tree fell on a home. The National Weather Service in suburban Chicago briefly passed coverage to northern Michigan due to the storms. Wind speeds reached up to 75 mph (120 kph). A tornado hit Des Moines, Iowa, and tornado warnings were issued in northern Illinois and Chicago. By 10:30 a.m., 233,000 customers in Illinois were without power. Chicago reported one serious injury and flight cancellations at its airports. The storms also affected Ohio and Pennsylvania, causing property damage but no injuries.
WORLD NEWS
With the Paris Olympics less than two weeks away, concerns linger about whether the Seine River will be clean enough for athletes to swim in. Triathlon and marathon swimming events are scheduled in the Seine, where swimming has been illegal for over a century. Despite efforts to clean the river, recent tests show fluctuating water safety. Paris invested 1.4 billion euros in infrastructure to manage stormwater and reduce wastewater contamination. A new underground basin can hold 20 Olympic pools' worth of dirty water for treatment. However, heavy rain could still push E. coli levels beyond safe limits. If water quality issues arise, the triathlon swim could be canceled, and marathon swimming moved to another venue. Organizers remain hopeful for dry weather, which helps kill bacteria. The debate over the Seine's cleanliness frustrates some athletes, but improvements have been noted since new infrastructure was implemented. The situation remains uncertain as the Games approach.
MONEY
July is now synonymous with online retail sales, with Prime Day kicking off and competitors like Walmart and Target launching their own sales. However, this also creates opportunities for scammers. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) warns of phishing scams, misleading ads, and lookalike websites. Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, using tactics like phishing emails and fake websites to steal personal and payment information, according to Ariel Parnes, former head of the Israeli Intelligence Service Cyber Department. Shawn Waldman, founder of Secure Cyber Defense, advises shoppers to slow down and trust their instincts if something looks suspicious. Common scams include phishing emails and fake websites designed to steal information. Shoppers should verify email addresses and avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails.
HEALTH
The US Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission issued warnings to five companies Tuesday as part of a joint effort to crack down on illegal sales of copycat food products containing delta-8 THC.
Delta-8 THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa plant, of which marijuana and hemp plants are two varieties.
The packaging for THC edibles closely resembles popular foods like Froot Loops and Chips Ahoy!, raising concerns about accidental ingestion, especially by children. The FDA highlighted risks from impurities and unpredictable effects of delta-8 THC. Dr. Namandjé Bumpus, FDA principal deputy commissioner, warned that confusing labeling can lead to unintentional consumption. Earthly Hemps, one of the companies warned, claimed it hasn't sold certain THC products this year. The FDA has given companies 15 days to address violations or face legal action. The FDA and FTC are collaborating to protect consumers from illegal delta-8 THC products. From January 2021 to December 2023, the FDA received over 300 adverse event reports, including hallucinations and hospitalizations, related to delta-8 THC. Poison control centers handled 10,448 cases involving THC edibles, mostly affecting those 19 or younger. One pediatric case resulted in death. Samuel Levine of the FTC emphasized the legal risks for companies prioritizing profits over children's safety. Consumers experiencing adverse reactions should stop using the product and contact a healthcare provider. The FDA will continue monitoring and taking action against unsafe products.
ENTERTAINMENT
“Faye,” a documentary memoir of Faye Dunaway, begins with the “Chinatown” star commanding her interviewer, reflecting her “difficult” or “diva” reputation. The film is an unvarnished yet laudatory tribute to Dunaway, whose career peaked with films like “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The Thomas Crown Affair,” “Chinatown,” “Three Days of the Condor,” and her Oscar-winning role in “Network.” Directed by Laurent Bouzereau, the 90-minute documentary also explores Dunaway’s upbringing, personal life, and later career, including her controversial role in “Mommie Dearest” and her failed attempt to direct “Master Class.” Now 83, Dunaway discusses her relationships, including with Marcello Mastroianni and her marriage to photographer Terry O’Neill. Interviews include her son Liam O’Neill, Sharon Stone, and Mickey Rourke. The film highlights Dunaway’s beauty and talent, as well as her complex reputation, with director James Gray noting the different standards for women in the industry. “Faye” offers a multifaceted look at Dunaway’s life and career, premiered July 13 at on HBO.
TRAVEL
Delta Air Lines may soon "unbundle" its premium cabins, a trend where passengers pay separately for services once included in ticket prices. This practice has been common in coach for years, with fees for checked bags and more restrictive tickets. Delta hinted at a "business light" or "basic business" option during a recent earnings call, though no official announcement has been made. Delta president Glen Hauenstein suggested more details might be revealed at the company's fall Investor Day. This potential change has sparked industry speculation about its impact on Delta One, First Class, and Premium Select passengers.
FOOD
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The 2024 Paris Olympics will start on July 26 with an Opening Ceremony featuring 10,500 athletes parading down the River Seine. Krispy Kreme is celebrating early with its “Passport to Paris” doughnut collection, inspired by Parisian desserts. The new flavors include Créme Brûlée, Double Chocolate Eclair, and Raspberry and Vanilla Créme doughnuts. They also introduced a Créme Brûlée Latte. The collection is available at Krispy Kreme stores, through their app, and at select retailers. Krispy Kreme, which opened its first Paris shop last December, now has six locations in France, with more to come.
NOSTALGIA
FUN STUFF
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