In Erfurt, Germany, a group of women in their 70s, part of the nationwide “Grandmas against the far-right” movement, are actively engaging with the public to counter the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which leads the polls in Thuringia ahead of state elections. Cofounder Gabriele Wölke-Rebhan emphasizes the importance of speaking out against hate, drawing parallels to the rise of the Nazis. These women aim to reconnect with AfD supporters to revive debate and potentially change minds, though their efforts face significant challenges.
Read more at: https://www.npr.org/2024/08/27/g-s1-19581/germany-elections-afd-far-right-migration-grandmothers
Mexican authorities seized over seven tons of suspected cocaine in two Pacific Ocean raids, captured in dramatic video. In the first operation near Manzanillo, naval officers intercepted three speedboats, seizing 5.6 tons of cocaine and arresting 15 suspects. In the second operation near Lazaro Cardenas, authorities retrieved 1.6 tons of cocaine from the water and confiscated a speedboat. Both operations involved helicopters and patrol boats, marking significant drug busts amid ongoing cartel violence.
Read more at: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/mexico-navy-seize-cocaine-high-speed-chases-pacific-video/
The Kremlin is downplaying fears that the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov in France could disrupt the messaging platform, crucial for Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed calls to delete sensitive messages as “stupid” and emphasized that serious evidence is needed to back the allegations against Durov. French President Macron stated the charges, including aiding money laundering and trafficking, are not politically motivated. The Kremlin’s reassurances highlight Telegram’s importance to Russia’s military operations.
Read more at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/tech/pavel-durov-telegram-kremlin-intl/index.html
Farhan Al-Qadi, a 52-year-old Bedouin Israeli citizen, was rescued from Hamas’ tunnel network in Gaza by Israeli special forces. Held hostage since October 7, Al-Qadi was found alone in a complex operation based on intelligence. He is now in stable condition at Soroka Medical Center. Al-Qadi is the first hostage to be rescued alive from the tunnels, and his family expressed immense relief and joy, likening his rescue to being “brought back to life.”
Read more at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/middleeast/israel-hostage-rescue-gaza-hamas-intl/index.html
Eli Lilly announced the availability of starter doses of the weight-loss drug Zepbound in single-dose vials, aiming to expand supply amid high demand. Patients will use syringes instead of preloaded injector pens. The active ingredient, Tirzepatide, is popular for treating obesity and diabetes, causing shortages. The new vials, available through LillyDirect, cost $399 for 2.5 mg and $529 for 5 mg for a four-week supply, less than half the price of other GLP-1 obesity medications. This move broadens access, especially for those not eligible for savings programs, like Medicare patients.
Read more at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/27/health/zepbound-tirzepatide-new-vials/index.html
On Monday, August 26th, U.S. stocks closed mixed. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq declined, with Nvidia falling 2.25% ahead of its earnings report. The Dow edged up, boosted by gains in Caterpillar and American Express. U.S. new orders for manufactured durable goods rose by 9.9% in July, recovering from a revised 6%.
Read more at: https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/08/40571520/asia-markets-mixed-europe-edges-up-crude-oil-and-gold-retreat-global-markets-today-while-us-slept
Former Peloton CEO John Foley revealed his fortune has vanished two years after leaving the fitness company he co-founded. Foley, who once had significant paper wealth, admitted to The New York Post that he has lost all his money and sold nearly everything. Peloton, which he co-founded in 2012, peaked at a $50 billion valuation during the pandemic but struggled post-lockdowns. Foley stepped down as CEO in February 2022 and left as executive chair in September. By year-end, he raised $25 million for his new venture, Ernesta, a custom rug company.
Read more at: https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/ex-peloton-billionaire-ceo-says-hes-lost-all-his-money
Nvidia’s stock surge, up over 3,000% since 2019, has made many employees millionaires, but they endure a demanding and sometimes unhealthy work culture. Despite the wealth, employees often work long hours, with some working seven days a week and late into the night. The pressure has led to yelling fights in meetings, particularly in engineering and marketing departments. Few are willing to leave due to the risk of losing vested shares. Nvidia declined to comment.
Read more at: https://fortune.com/2024/08/27/nvidia-employees-stress-pressure-work-place-stock-grants-wealth/
The 2024–25 influenza vaccination recommendations advise annual vaccination for everyone aged ≥6 months without contraindications. Age-appropriate vaccines should be used, with specific options for solid organ transplant recipients aged 18-64 on immunosuppressive regimens. No preferential vaccine recommendation is made except for those aged ≥65 years. Vaccination should ideally occur in September or October but can continue as long as the flu virus is circulating and vaccines are available. Providers should offer vaccines during routine visits and hospitalizations to avoid missed opportunities.
Read more at: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/73/rr/rr7305a1.htm
Nigeria has received 10,000 doses of mpox vaccine from the US, becoming the first African country to do so amid the outbreak. The US will also donate vaccines to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has over 18,000 suspected cases and 615 deaths. Nigeria, with 40 confirmed cases but potentially over 700, will prioritize health workers and at-risk communities. Africa, hardest hit by the mpox spread, needs 10 million doses continent-wide, with DRC in greatest need. Smallpox vaccines, effective against mpox, are being produced by two pharmaceutical companies.
Read more at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd734115e5eo