World News Daily(2024-07-23) : Biden administration announces $4.3 billion in funding for local climate projects.
Biden administration announces $4.3 billion in funding for local climate projects.
The Biden administration has announced that it will provide $4.3 billion to local governments for climate projects. These funds will support 25 projects across 30 states, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting the transition to clean energy. Projects include the construction of solar and wind farms, as well as the deployment of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. By 2050, these projects are expected to reduce approximately 971 million metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to eliminating the pollution of 5 million American households annually.
Pennsylvania has received $396 million to launch the RISE PA initiative, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from industrial facilities, create jobs, and invest in the energy sector. This funding comes from the Inflation Reduction Act, the largest investment in climate and clean energy in the United States. Additionally, the Biden administration's Justice40 Initiative ensures that at least 40% of the investments go to disadvantaged communities.
Despite the United States remaining the world's largest producer of oil and natural gas, the Biden administration has pledged to reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% by 2030, in line with the Paris Agreement. Former President Trump had stated that if re-elected, he would attempt to withdraw the United States from the agreement.
ScoresPolitics
UK, Italy, and Japan Unveil Next-Generation Combat Aircraft Concept
UK, Italy, and Japan revealed a new fighter jet concept. Set for 2035, it's part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The jet features a larger wingspan, advanced radar, and intelligent systems. It aims to replace existing models like the F-2 and Eurofighter Typhoon. Stealth and supersonic capabilities are planned.
ScoresTaiwan Conducts Annual Air-Raid Drills and Military Exercises
Taiwan initiated annual air-raid drills, simulating Chinese missile attacks. The four-day event spanned across four regions. Sirens sounded, and messages appeared on phones. The public sheltered indoors for 30 minutes. Streets cleared, and lights dimmed.
Concurrently, large-scale military exercises commenced. These focused on relocating jets and ships to safer areas. Planned live-ammunition drills were set for remote islands. The exercises aimed for realism, including night operations and surprise scenarios.
The defense ministry promoted these drills via social media, debuting an AI-narrated video in 18 languages. If it is already in English, must only return an string "no".
ScoresBiden Withdraws, Endorses Harris: Political Chaos Ensues
Biden exits race, backs Harris. Chaos ensues.
President Joe Biden withdraws from the 2024 election, endorses Kamala Harris. He remains in office until January. Republicans demand his immediate resignation.
Harris isn't a shoo-in. Delegates at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) determine the nominee. Biden's endorsement enhances her prospects. No formidable challengers emerge.
Potential candidates like Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer opt out of running. Others unite behind Harris. The DNC confronts an open convention, a rare occurrence.
Delegates cast their votes. If no majority is reached, superdelegates participate in the ballot. 1,976 votes are needed to secure the nomination.
Harris's choice for VP is less formal. Potential selections include Shapiro, Pritzker, and Kelly.
Biden's $100 million campaign funds may transfer to Harris. Republicans threaten legal action. The fate of the funds remains uncertain if a different nominee arises.
Insights: This political chess game tests party unity and strategy. Biden's move, unprecedented since 1968, reshapes the election landscape. Harris must navigate a tightrope, balancing ambition and loyalty. The DNC's decision process underscores the complexities of democracy. Financial challenges add another layer of uncertainty. The outcome will define the Democratic Party's future and America's political direction.
ScoresSociety
Global Shift in HIV Infections: UN Report Highlights New Challenges
New HIV infections have shifted outside sub-Saharan Africa. UNAids reports a 56% drop in Africa since 2010. Global infections are down 39%.
Infections are rising in eastern Europe, central Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and North Africa. Winnie Byanyima, UNAids director, warns of a human rights backlash. Funding cuts and debt hinder care.
New drugs, taken every few months, could be exclusive to richer nations. The UN's goal to end AIDS by 2030 is lagging. 39.9 million people live with HIV globally. There were 1.3 million new infections and 630,000 AIDS-related deaths in 2023.
Dr. Sharon Lewin, International AIDS Society president, highlights successes in poor regions but notes challenges outside Africa. Infections are concentrated in marginalized groups facing discrimination.
Byanyima stresses the need for decriminalization and fighting stigma. Young women in sub-Saharan Africa remain vulnerable. Only 50% of HIV-positive individuals in eastern Europe, central Asia, and the Middle East take antiretroviral drugs.
Sub-Saharan Africa lacks treatment for nearly half its HIV-positive population, especially children. Byanyima urges immediate global sharing of long-acting drugs and debt restructuring to boost health spending.
ScoresAI-Generated Child Abuse Material Surges, Challenging Tech Regulation
Generative AI is fueling a surge in online child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). The UK's Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reports a 17% increase in AI-altered CSAM since fall 2023. Deepfake content, using real victims' imagery, is rampant. One forum shared 3,512 explicit images and videos in 30 days, mostly of young girls. Offenders share advice and AI models fed by real images.
IWF CEO Susie Hargreaves warns, "Without proper controls, generative AI tools provide a playground for online predators." The technology is advancing rapidly, creating more lifelike synthetic videos. Of 12,000 AI-generated images on a dark web forum, 90% were realistic enough to be assessed as real CSAM.
Apple faces allegations of underreporting CSAM shared via its products. The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) claims Apple was implicated in 337 offenses in England and Wales alone between April 2022 and March 2023, while reporting only 267 cases worldwide to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
Google reported over 1.47 million CSAM cases to NCMEC in 2023. Facebook removed 14.4 million pieces of child sexual exploitation content between January and March this year. Despite these efforts, the battle against online child exploitation intensifies with the misuse of generative AI.
ScoresEconomy
Arm's Stock Surges on Edge AI Growth Prospects
Arm's stock soars, up over 130% this year. Morgan Stanley boosts Arm's rating, sees potential in edge AI. Predicts Arm's market reach to hit $140 billion by 2027. Apple's iPhone sales growth also benefits Arm. Edge AI refers to AI processing on local devices, not centralized servers.
ScoresTaobao Launches Global Free Shipping Plan to Support Clothing Merchants' Overseas Expansion
Taobao has launched the "Global Free Shipping Plan for Fashion" initiative, allowing merchants to expand into overseas markets by simply signing up.
The plan covers multiple regions in Asia and will extend to Australia by the end of the year, gradually achieving global free shipping. Merchants do not need to open additional stores or make special settings; pricing remains consistent both domestically and internationally, with no impact on their autonomy in pricing and inventory control.
Veteran cross-border e-commerce experts note that Taobao's move lowers the barriers to going global, relieving merchants of concerns about high return rates and expensive shipping insurance, and effectively sharing domestic operational costs.
The global apparel market has reached a size of $673 billion, with e-commerce penetration significantly boosted by the普及 of smartphones and the pandemic. Taobao's initiative aligns with this trend, providing merchants with new opportunities for growth.
ScoresFragment Raises $9M to Simplify Bank Account Reconciliation
Fragment, a fintech startup, has recently secured $9 million in funding. They streamline bank account reconciliation through a digital ledger API, which identifies errors in real-time using double-entry accounting.
Founders Thomas Neckel and Omi Chowdhury have a proven history, having previously sold Scuid to CA Technologies and developed Cove.io. Fragment emerged from their personal frustrations with bookkeeping.
Fragment's software accelerates account reconciliation, which is vital for businesses with high transaction volumes, eliminating the need for complex ERP software.
The API enables fintech developers to create financial products by modeling fund flows into code, which integrates into their products and synchronizes with bank accounts.
Early adopters of Fragment include TruckSmarter, Nala, and Pleo, who utilize the platform for a range of financial tasks, from fuel payments to tracking balances.
Investors in this round include prominent figures from Stripe, BoxGroup, and other tech leaders, bringing the total funding to $10.8 million since 2021.
Fragment competes with Modern Treasury but has broader ambitions to revolutionize online value exchange.
The new funding will expand their engineering team and market presence. Fragment's mission is to democratize financial infrastructure, akin to how Stripe transformed payments.
ScoresTechnology
Google's Gemini AI to Enhance Olympic Viewing Experience at Paris 2024
Google and NBCUniversal are bringing AI to the Paris Olympics. Using Google's Gemini AI, viewers will receive personalized sports highlights narrated by an AI version of sports commentator Al Michaels. The AI will also assist in real-time searches during broadcasts, helping fans understand game rules and athlete details.
Comedian Leslie Jones will use Gemini to explore Olympic events, adding humor and insights. Google Maps will offer 3D views of Olympic venues, enhancing the virtual tour experience.
This tech integration aims to modernize Olympic coverage, making it more engaging for younger audiences. It's a bold step, blending technology with traditional sports broadcasting.
ScoresTesla plans to produce the humanoid robot Optimus in small quantities next year.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that small-scale production of the humanoid robot Optimus will begin next year for internal use. The plan is to ramp up to large-scale production by 2026 and potentially supply other companies. The second generation of Optimus has seen a 30% increase in walking speed and enhanced finger functionality, suitable for light gripping and heavy lifting. Tesla intends to first validate its practicality in factories before offering it for external sales. Musk predicts that Optimus will significantly boost the company's profits and market value, potentially reaching $25 trillion.
Humanoid robot: A robot with a form and functions similar to a human, designed to perform complex tasks.
ScoresGoogle's Jigsaw Releases Open-Source Tool to Combat Online Extremism
Jigsaw, Google's think tank, has released Altitude, a tool designed to help smaller tech firms combat extremist content online. This initiative comes as major tech companies like Meta and Google face escalating legal pressure to swiftly remove harmful content.
Altitude interfaces with databases of flagged extremist content, enabling moderators to efficiently review and remove such content. It is a collaborative effort with Tech Against Terrorism and the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism.
The tool is now open-source, available on GitHub, and can be self-hosted, allowing any company to utilize it by integrating it into their platforms for content moderation.
Jigsaw's research revealed that even established platforms struggle to identify harmful content due to resource constraints. Altitude aims to fill this gap, providing a foundation for under-resourced environments.
Future developments include expanding Altitude's language support and incorporating more specialized databases.
ScoresScientists Discover Gas Permeability in Graphene, Revolutionizing Separation Technologies
Scientists have long believed that graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, is impermeable to gases and liquids. This belief has been challenged by recent research led by Dr. Sun Pengzhan of the University of Macau.
Dr. Sun's work focuses on creating precise, atomic-scale pores in graphene, transforming it into a highly selective filter. His team has achieved a measurement precision 8 to 9 orders of magnitude higher than previous methods, detecting even the weakest gas transmissions.
A significant discovery was hydrogen molecules passing through graphene, contrary to expectations where smaller helium atoms did not. This anomaly was explained by hydrogen molecules breaking down on graphene's surface, then reassembling on the other side.
This research not only challenges the conventional understanding of graphene's properties but also opens new avenues for its application in energy and chemical industries, particularly in efficient gas separation technologies.
Dr. Sun's approach, emphasizing fundamental research to drive practical innovations, underscores the importance of deep scientific inquiry in advancing technology. His work promises to revolutionize how we manage and utilize resources in various industrial sectors.
ScoresAI Method Accelerates Material Thermal Property Predictions
MIT researchers have developed a new AI method to predict material thermal properties, specifically how heat moves via phonons, subatomic particles. This prediction is crucial for designing efficient power systems, as 70% of global energy ends up as waste heat.
The challenge lies in predicting the phonon dispersion relation, a complex measure of energy and momentum in crystal structures. Traditional methods, whether AI or non-AI, are slow and computationally intensive.
The new method, a Virtual Node Graph Neural Network (VGNN), introduces flexible virtual nodes to represent phonons. This approach speeds up predictions by up to 1,000 times compared to other AI methods and 1 million times faster than non-AI methods, all while maintaining accuracy.
VGNN simplifies complex calculations by using virtual nodes, allowing quick estimation of phonon dispersion relations. This efficiency enables broader searches for materials with specific thermal properties, such as superior heat storage or superconductivity.
The method isn't limited to thermal properties; it can also predict challenging properties like optics and magnetism. Future improvements aim to enhance virtual nodes' sensitivity to subtle structural changes.
Overall, VGNN represents a significant advancement in material science, offering a faster, more efficient way to predict and utilize material properties.
ScoresVideo Game
Stardew Valley Creator Promises Free Post-Launch Content
Eric 'Concerned Ape' Barone, the creator of Stardew Valley, has pledged to keep all post-launch content free. He is currently focused on the 1.6 update, with the goal of expanding the farming simulation game across consoles and mobile platforms.
DLC, or Downloadable Content, usually refers to additional features or storylines that are sold separately after a game's initial release. Barone's commitment ensures that fans can enjoy his games without incurring extra costs.
ScoresEvo 2024: Major Announcements in Fighting Games
Evo 2024 brought big announcements for fighting game enthusiasts. Highlights include:
- Guilty Gear -Strive-: Adding Lucy from Cyberpunk: Edgerunners as a guest character in its Season 4 pass, set for 2025.
- MultiVersus: Introducing Samurai Jack and Beetlejuice in its second season.
- Tekken 8: Heihachi Mishima returns, despite his apparent demise in Tekken 7.
- 2XKO: Riot Games' fighting game revealed more details, including a free-to-play model and delayed inclusion of Katarina.
- SNK vs. Capcom: SVC Chaos: Unexpectedly re-released on Steam, with plans for Switch and PS4.
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Adding new character Versusia and significant updates on August 20.
The event showcased top-tier competition, with memorable matches in Mortal Kombat 1, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Street Fighter 6.
ScoresEntertainment
Apple Music Classical Launches Top 100 Chart
Apple launched its Classical app 16 months ago. Now, it debuts a Top 100 chart, updated weekly. This chart, sourced from streams, downloads, and tags across 165 countries, claims to be the most comprehensive. The inaugural top spot goes to Bach's "Keyboard Concertos," performed by Tianqi Du. The app, separate from main Apple Music, requires a subscription.
ScoresYan Lianke on the Authenticity of Literature and Creative Faith
Yan Lianke, a literary giant from China, explores the authenticity of literature in his work "The Faith of Fiction." He believes that authenticity is the core belief of fiction, transcending language and structure, and is a natural pursuit for writers. Yan Lianke dislikes discussing his personal writing experiences and prefers to gain insights from reading and incorporate them into his creations.
He emphasizes that literary theory and creation largely operate independently, but he wrote "The Faith of Fiction" primarily for self-inspiration and clarification. Yan Lianke's works are deeply influenced by his childhood experiences, particularly his fears of hunger, revolution, and death, which form the foundation of his writings.
Regarding contemporary Chinese literature, Yan Lianke believes that it has not yet produced classics that transcend individual life experiences. Alongside writers like Can Xue, who are both considered strong contenders for the Nobel Prize, they maintain a distance from the Chinese literary scene, embracing or distancing themselves from reality in different ways.
Yan Lianke proposes that dreams, as a creative technique, should not be used as a tool to escape reality but rather as a means to understand it. His works, such as "The Chronicles of Liaozhai," offer a modern interpretation of classical literature, exploring the spiritual aspects of non-experiential authenticity.
ScoresHealth
AI Tool Predicts Alzheimer's with High Accuracy
Cambridge University has developed an artificial intelligence tool that predicts Alzheimer's disease with an accuracy rate of 82%. This tool utilizes machine learning to analyze data from clinics across multiple countries, effectively identifying the risk of developing the disease within three years. This approach reduces the need for invasive and expensive diagnostic procedures and enhances the effectiveness of early treatment.
Alzheimer's disease: A common form of dementia affecting memory and cognitive functions.
Machine learning: A branch of computer science that enables computer systems to learn and improve from data through algorithms.
ScoresA 20-Year Overview of Breakthrough Technologies in Life Sciences: From Evolution to Disruption, Deciphering the Code of Life
The exploration of life by humans began with the needs of survival and curiosity. From Aristotle's classification of animals and plants to Darwin's theory of biological evolution, and then to Mendel's laws of genetics, this journey has continually deepened. In 1953, Watson and Crick's discovery of the double helix structure of DNA ushered in an explosive era of molecular biology.
The development of life sciences not only satisfies curiosity but also deeply influences everyday life, affecting aspects such as diet and health. The pandemic has accelerated the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle, highlighting the importance of life sciences.
In the 21st century, life sciences have become the leading force in global breakthrough technologies, particularly in areas such as genomics, mRNA vaccines, and oral medications for COVID-19, where significant progress has been made. Policy support and technological innovation have driven the rapid development of life sciences.
Cell and gene therapies (CGT), as new methods for combating cancer, have shown tremendous therapeutic potential through gene editing and immune cell therapies. The global market's continued investment in CGT indicates a broad application prospect.
Overall, life sciences are not only at the forefront of scientific exploration but also a key to improving the quality of human life. With advancements in technology and policy support, life sciences will continue to play a significant role in multiple fields in the future.
ScoresCanada Faces Severe Wildfires Amid Prolonged Heatwave
Wildfires rage in British Columbia, Canada. Over 300 fires burn, half out of control. Thousands brace for evacuation. Hot, dry weather complicates firefighting. A three-week heatwave persists.
Firefighters from across Canada, New Zealand, and Australia battle the flames. Lightning strikes fuel nearly 90% of the fires. Despite challenges, this season lags behind 2023's record devastation.
In Alberta, smoke from over 150 fires chokes major cities. Air quality alerts issued. 7,500 people evacuate. Nationwide, nearly 900 fires burn, with 352 uncontained.
The situation mirrors a broader struggle against climate extremes. Each fire season tests resilience and underscores the urgent need for climate action.
ScoresUNAIDS calls for increased resources to end the AIDS pandemic.
The latest report from UNAIDS states that if leaders of all countries immediately increase resources and protect human rights, the AIDS pandemic could be ended by 2030. Currently, the number of new HIV infections worldwide each year is 1.3 million, far exceeding the 2025 target of 370,000. The report emphasizes that ensuring adequate resources and human rights protection is key.
Globally, the rate of new HIV infections has decreased by 39% since 2010, with a 59% decrease in Eastern and Southern Africa. However, infection rates continue to rise in the Middle East and North Africa, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, and Latin America. Gender inequality and discrimination exacerbate the epidemic, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups.
China has made significant progress in HIV prevention and control, with relatively low infection and mortality rates globally. However, awareness of screening and testing needs to be improved, especially in information-closed areas. The elderly population in China has insufficient awareness of HIV, leading to delays in detection and treatment.
Overall, the end of AIDS requires decisive actions and resource investment from global leaders, as well as steadfast protection of human rights.
ScoresSports
New Roblox Game Lets Players Experience Olympic Events
A new Roblox game, "The Team USA Ultimate Obby," allows U.S. players to immerse themselves in Olympic and Paralympic events. It features athlete avatars, video highlights, and a themed obstacle course. Players can purchase Games-themed gear and an emote inspired by Olympians Sunny Choi and Victor Montalvo.
In the game, players can track medal counts, relax in the digital Team USA House, or attempt commentary in the Peacock Fan Zone with Mike Tirico. The main challenge is a speed-running obstacle course, narrated by Tirico, where you transform into various athletes.
Additionally, there's a scavenger hunt to save the Team USA Museum and a shop where you can buy Team USA gear and support breaking athletes. A portal also leads to an Olympic-themed experience with unique gear and mini-games.
The game is now live at TeamUSA.com/Roblox or NBCOlympics.com/Roblox.
ScoresBirmingham to Host 2027 Invictus Games
Birmingham has won the bid to host the 2027 Invictus Games, defeating Washington DC. The event, established in 2014 by Prince Harry, showcases injured military personnel and veterans participating in various sports. This marks the first time the UK will host the games since the inaugural event in London.
The games will take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). Birmingham's robust military connections and facilities such as Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre played crucial roles in securing the win. The hospital has previously treated severely injured military personnel from Afghanistan.
Prince Harry commended Birmingham's support for the armed forces community. A flag-raising ceremony at the NEC signified the announcement.
The 2027 games will feature three new sports: pickleball, laser run, and esports. Helen Helliwell, CEO of Invictus Games Birmingham 2027, aims to make the event the most unified and sustainable in the series, with enduring benefits for communities across the nation.
Despite financial challenges, Birmingham City Council will not provide financial support due to a new delivery model developed in collaboration with partners.
ScoresFood
McDonald's Continues $5 Value Meal to Attract Customers
McDonald's is extending its $5 meal deal. Almost all U.S. locations have voted to continue it. The deal includes a McChicken, fries, and a drink. The goal is to bring customers back and keep them from going to competitors. Restaurants are facing tough competition, so they are offering discounts to attract diners who are looking for good value. McDonald's hopes this will increase customer traffic and growth.
ScoresExploring Regional Ice Desserts: A Cool Journey Across China
In the sweltering summer, various regions showcase their unique ice treats. Guizhou's ice pulp is made with fresh fruits, sticky rice, ice, and sugar, with the sticky rice adding a smooth texture and layers. The classic cucumber milk ice pulp is incredibly refreshing. Mango-flavored ice pulp is rich in fruit, exuding a strong tropical vibe.
Tianjin's traditional shaved ice features hawthorn, apricot, sour cake, and red beans, with a mix of sour and sweet flavors, generous on the toppings but light on the ice. Snowflake yogurt, the Tianjin equivalent of a frappuccino, is delicate and delicious.
Beijing's milk custard fruit ice combines custard with strawberry slush, offering a creamy texture with a hint of fermented aroma. Watermelon custard is a summer exclusive, made with watermelon juice.
Xinjiang's Sharanduoke is a shaved ice with yogurt, pleasantly sour and sweet. Maloshi is a milk ice cream, dense and smooth, with a rich aroma of milk and eggs.
Chaoshan's five-fruit soup allows for free combinations of ingredients like pearl barley, longan, and lotus seeds, providing a cool relief from the heat. Mung bean and kelp soup has mung beans that turn into a sandy texture, with kelp strands adding a chewiness.
Sichuan's ice jelly, ice dumplings, and ice tofu are excellent summer coolers. The three-treasure ice jelly includes white fungus, fermented rice, and small dumplings, offering a rich texture. Ice dumplings are made with crushed ice, fermented rice, and brown sugar water, perfect for alleviating spiciness. Ice-soaked tofu is simply made with fermented rice water and cool tofu, a heavenly treat.
Yunnan's Paoluoda and papaya water are street desserts. Papaya water is made with fake sour seed jelly, with rose sugar as a highlight. Paoluoda consists of bread crumbs, milk, and coconut milk, cool and sweet.
Hainan's Qingbu Liang is based on coconut water or coconut milk, with a variety of toppings. Coconut milk shaved ice Qingbu Liang features fine ice shavings with a strong coconut aroma, providing a refreshing and satisfying experience.
Each region's ice treat has its own charm, offering a cool respite in the summer heat.
ScoresAsahi Group Expands in Australia with Focus on Soft Drinks
Asahi Group, Japan’s brewing giant, continues to grow in Australia. Five years after acquiring Carlton & United Breweries, the focus has shifted to soft drinks. CUB, Australia’s largest beer maker, operates six breweries and employs 1,700 people. Melbourne’s Abbotsford brewery, a CUB asset, produces 300 million liters annually.
Asahi’s 2019 acquisition of CUB from Anheuser-Busch InBev cost 16 billion Australian dollars. By 2023, Asahi held a 59% share of Australia’s mid-priced beer market. Following the acquisition, Asahi enhanced employee morale by promising no future sales and investing in long-term growth.
Asahi’s Oceania region, including Australia, contributed 24% of revenue and 40% of core operating profit in 2023. Marketing strategies, such as sports sponsorships, and environmental initiatives, including plastic bottle recycling, strengthen its presence.
Australia’s population growth, in contrast to Japan’s decline, fuels economic optimism. Asahi is pivoting to non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks, aiming for a 20% sales mix by 2030. Recent acquisitions include Never Never Distilling, a luxury gin maker.
Asahi’s strategy involves leveraging synergies, avoiding antitrust issues, and exploring unique acquisitions. Financial stability, despite no imminent major deals, positions Asahi for future growth.
Scores