Current Events in April 2019

Twitter announced on Wednesday that it’s rolling out a new feature which will enable users to report misleading tweets related to voting.

The feature will launch first in India on April 25, then in Europe starting April 29 -- two major areas where elections are set to take place soon. The company says it plans to extend the option to users who will be participating in other elections around the world “throughout the rest of the year.”

In a blog post announcing the feature, Twitter said users can report tweets that contain the following types of misleading information:

• Inaccurate content related to the date or location of polling stations;

• False claims about identity requirements for being eligible to vote;

• Misleading information about how to vote or register to vote (for example, that you can vote by Tweet, text message, email, or phone call).

Cracking down on false information

To report a tweet, users can tap the arrow menu on the tweet and select the “report tweet” option. From there, choose the “It’s misleading about voting” option from the dropdown menu.

"Voting is a fundamental human right and the public conversation occurring on Twitter is never more important than during elections. Any attempts to undermine the process of registering to vote or engaging in the electoral process is contrary to the company’s core values,” Twitter said.

Back in February, Twitter officials were called to appear before a Parliamentary Panel in India to present the company’s views on “safeguarding citizens’ rights on social/online news media platforms.” Following the meeting, Twitter agreed to appoint a nodal officer to work with the Election Commission to ensure that the Lok Sabha polls are not influenced by foreign entities.

The company says the new reporting feature is in addition to its "existing proactive approach to tackling malicious automation and other forms of platform manipulation on the service.”

Apple, which last month apologized to MacBook users experiencing keyboard issues, is making another effort to ease consumer frustration over its notoriously problematic “butterfly” keyboards.

The tech giant is now offering in-store MacBook keyboard repairs, according to Mac Rumors. In a memo to Genius Bar technicians obtained by the website, Apple said keyboard repairs should be "prioritized to provide next-day turnaround time.”

“Most keyboard-related repairs will be required to be completed in store until further notice. Additional service parts have been shipped to stores to support the increased volume,” Apple said. “These repairs should be prioritized to provide next-day turnaround time. When completing the repair, have the appropriate service guide open and carefully follow all repair steps.”

Years of user issues

In recent years, Apple has been hit by a scourge of consumer issues with its “butterfly” keyboards. Though the keyboards were advertised as being “refined for greater comfort and responsiveness,” users began noticing that the keyboards tended to start malfunctioning after being exposed to dirt or dust.

A lawsuit filed last May alleged that the updated MacBook and MacBook Pro keyboards are “prone to fail,” and over 35,000 people have signed a Change.org petition asking for Apple to recall the flawed keyboards.

Apple says it is now making sure that all of its retail locations have the necessary parts to repair keyboard issues in order to allow consumers to have their keyboard fixed in-store instead of waiting for their laptop to be returned from an off-site service center.

Mitigating the issue

Last year, Apple updated its keyboards to include a new silicone membrane inside each key to keep dust and other particles out. However, the company never confirmed that the improvement was related to keyboard issues.

The company’s first acknowledgement of problems with MacBook keyboards came last month in response to a Wall Street Journal article, which let readers choose whether to view the story with or without e’s and/or r’s in order to see the impact of a keyboard that isn’t working properly.

Apple made sure to emphasize that the “vast majority of Mac notebook customers are having a positive experience with the new keyboard” before stating that consumers who are still experiencing keyboard issues should contact Apple Support.

The old saying “happy wife, happy life” could ring true, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the Association for Psychological Science.

The group found that when spouses are happy and satisfied with their lives overall, they are not only more likely to be happier in their relationships, but they could also live longer.

“The findings underscore the role of individuals’ immediate social environment in their health outcomes,” said researcher Olga Stavrova. “Most importantly, it has the potential to extend our understanding of what makes up individuals’ ‘social environment’ by including the personality and wellbeing of individuals’ close ones.”

Prioritizing well-being

To see how spouse’s overall life satisfaction -- which the researchers say is determined by several factors, including physical activity and diet -- affected their life span, the researchers analyzed data from 4,400 couples nationwide.

Over the course of the study, participants completed self-reports on their health status, as well as what their regular routines looked like and how content they were with their lives and spouses.

All of the couples involved in the study were over 50 years old, and they provided information on important demographic factors, including education, household income, gender, age, ethnicity, and spouse mortality, which included things like chronic illnesses that could impact lifespan.

The overwhelming consensus revealed that partner satisfaction was crucial to longer life. When spouses were happy with their lives, it reduced their risk of dying, and vice versa -- unhappiness led to faster death.

The researchers also found certain characteristics that played a role in participants’ likelihood of dying: those who had poor physical health, were unhappy in their lives and relationships, were older, had less money, and weren’t as educated were all more likely to have an increased risk of mortality.

At the end of the eight-year study, 16 percent of participants had a spouse die, and they were more likely to die themselves once their spouse passed.

The researchers believe there could be several possible explanations for these findings, but they did note that engaging in physical activity as a couple was beneficial to overall happiness.

“This research might have implications for questions such as what attributes we should pay attention to when selecting our spouse or partner and whether healthy lifestyle recommendations should target couples (or households) rather than individuals,” said Stavrova.

Living longer

While one recent study explored how regular exercise can lead to a longer life, this idea of spouses’ happiness affecting each other’s lifespan -- or health in general -- isn’t entirely new.

A few years ago, researchers from the American Psychological Association (APA) conducted a study that showed how having a happy spouse can be better for health and emotional well-being.  

"This finding significantly broadens assumptions about the relationship between happiness and health, suggesting a unique social link," said William Chopik, PhD, an assistant professor of psychology at Michigan State University and principal investigator of the study. "Simply having a happy partner may enhance health as much as striving to be happy oneself."

Toyota is recalling 270 model year 2019 Siennas.

During the manufacturing process of the passenger side front doors, a component may not have been welded properly.

This could affect an airbag system sensor and could lead to nondeployment or inadvertent deployment of the passenger side front seat and curtain shield airbags, increasing the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash.

What to do

Toyota will notify owners and dealers replace the passenger side front door sub-assembly with a new one at no cost to customers.

The recall is expected to begin by mid-June.

Owners may contact Toyota at (800) 331-4331

Weis Markets is recalling Weis Quality Banana Puddin Ice Cream.

The product contains egg, an allergen not declared on the label.

There are no reports of illness to date.

The ice cream, packaged in a 49-0z., scround container with a UPC of 041497-01305, was sold in 200 Weis Market stores in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Delaware and West Virginia.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled product may return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Customers with questions may contact Weis customer service at (866) 999-9347 Monday through Friday, 8am – 5pm.

AT&T and Sprint have settled a lawsuit in which Sprint accused its larger rival of using “numerous deceptive tactics” to mislead consumers into thinking it was offering next-generation 5G wireless service.

Both companies called the settlement “amicable” but would not comment beyond that, most likely due to confidentiality agreements.

AT&T drew heavy criticism in January when it branded portions of its 4G LTE network as 5GE, with the “E” standing for evolution. It updated the LTE icon on three Android smartphone models to make them read “5GE.”

AT&T justified the branding by saying the logo only appeared when a device was connected to portions of AT&T’s LTE network that received some speed-boosting upgrades. The other carriers immediately cried foul, arguing that users may believe their phone is capable of connecting to 5G networks even though it’s still using 4G connections.

Taking it a step farther

A month later, Sprint took it a step farther by filing a lawsuit in federal court asking for an injunction to stop AT&T from using 5GE logos on its devices or advertising.

To bolster its argument, Sprint submitted a survey it commissioned that showed 54 percent of consumers believed the "5GE" networks were the same as or better than 5G. Additionally, 43 percent thought that their AT&T phone would be 5G capable if they went out and bought one that day.

The speedy settlement, first reported by Law360, only tells us that the two sides reached a mutually satisfactory agreement. Details of that agreement have not been disclosed.

Work continues on 5G

Meanwhile, work by all carriers continues on actual 5G wireless networks, which will have 100 times the capacity of 4G. That, experts say, will dramatically improve internet speeds. Response times will be much faster as well. While a 4G network takes an average of 45 milliseconds to respond to a command, 5G will take only one millisecond to respond.

Sprint and T-Mobile have cited a need to cooperate on building a 5G network as an argument for their proposed merger. Recently, T-Mobile CEO John Legere warned that without a merger, both companies would have a difficult time building out their 5G networks the way their customers would want.

With the merger, he says the new 5G network would be able to provide low-cost high-speed internet service to underserved areas at a low cost.

Walgreens announced Tuesday that it will increase the minimum age to buy tobacco products at its stores to 21 starting September 1. The move comes about a month after the FDA issued a warning to the pharmacy chain over its high rate of tobacco sales to minors.

The FDA said its inspectors found 1,800 cases of illegal tobacco sales to minors since 2010. Of more than 6,000 stores inspected, 22 percent had made illegal sales.

“These illegal sales must stop,” former Commissioner Scott Gottlieb wrote in a letter to Walgreens president of operations Richard Ashworth. “The stakes are too high for our young people and our country’s decades-long fight to reduce the morbidity and mortality that accompanies tobacco product use.”

Raising the minimum buying age

In the wake of the FDA warning, Walgreens says it will now implement a stricter policy for tobacco sales. The new policy, called “Tobacco 21,” will require customers to be at least 21 years old to purchase any tobacco products in its stores.

“We’ve seen positive results from other recent efforts to strengthen our policies related to tobacco sales, and believe this next step can be even more impactful to reduce its use among teens and young adults,” Ashworth said in a statement. “Through ongoing training and certification for pharmacists and technicians, we also continue to help and support people looking to quit the use of tobacco in their lives.”

Ashworth added that Walgreens will also be rolling out new support tools for patients who want to quit smoking. The retailer says it will promote smoking cessation products, as well as provide digital resources that may help people who are interested in quitting.

Lawmakers in a dozen states have already bumped the minimum tobacco-buying age from 18 to 21 under the Tobacco 21 policy. Walgreens said its new policy “aligns with the efforts of states and municipalities who have recently enacted, or are considering, laws to restrict tobacco sales to people 21 and older.”

“Walgreens has supported such legislative proposals,” the company said. “Studies have shown cities that have enacted Tobacco 21 laws have seen a sharp decline in tobacco use among young adults 18-20 years old.”

CVS Health, Walgreens’ largest competitor, stopped selling cigarettes in 2014.

Millennials are on track to become the biggest spenders at grocery stores and restaurants within the next ten years, according to a recent CBRE report.

As their spending power ramps up, CBRE predicts that millennials will start to eat out at full-service and high-end establishments and grocery stores. However, amid the demographic shift, there will still be demand for low-priced food options such as fast casual and fast food.

The food-and-beverage sector is “just as susceptible as others to sweeping demographic changes, which we’ll see influence real estate through formats such as grocery-restaurant combinations, more kitchen-only outlets, and delivery services,” said Melina Cordero, CBRE Global Head of Retail Research, in a statement.

Millennials likely to shift toward higher-end options

The constraints of student loan debt will ease up as millennials’ income grows, which is likely to drive an increase in preference for higher-end options among this age group. CBRE predicts that millennials will start spending more on food and beverage, “sometimes in volume and sometimes in price.”

At the same time, baby boomers are expected to spend less as they transition into retirement. The report authors say these demographic changes in spending habits highlight the need for retailers and retail-center owners to analyze and understand their customer base so that they can plan their menus and locations to cater to age group nuances.

“We see consumer preferences influencing many facets of retail real estate, including store location; store design to accommodate delivery pickup or prepackaged meals; and different store layouts to incorporate automated ordering and self service,” said David Orkin, an Executive Vice President leading CBRE’s Restaurant practice in the Americas.

The report found that although millennials dedicate the highest share of their income to food and beverage, they don’t spend more on food than older generations did at the same age.

In 1989, baby boomers spent 14.7 percent of their income on food; In 2001, Gen Xers put 13.2 percent of their expenditures toward food; In 2016, millennials spent 13.1 percent of their income on food.

In the midst of crazy workweeks, it can be difficult for consumers to find the time to exercise or take care of themselves.

Now, according to a new study conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 50 percent of workplaces in the country offer their employees health and wellness programs.

“Employers have an opportunity to shape work environments and work conditions in ways that support employee health,” said researcher Laura Linnan. “The Workplace Health in America Survey identifies gaps in knowledge to help practitioners and researchers set the agenda for future progress in worker and workplace health.”

Prioritizing health

The researchers analyzed responses from the 2017 Workplace Health in America Survey, the first survey of its kind that asks participants from across the country to report on their employer’s healthcare offerings, including interventions for sleep, nutrition, and alcohol and substance abuse, among others.

One of the biggest findings from the survey was that the size of the company played a large role in what kind of health and wellness program was offered to employees.

The survey revealed that 92 percent of businesses with 500 or more employees offered a health and wellness program, while under 40 percent of businesses with 10 to 24 employees offered the same.

The researchers also found that not all healthcare offerings were the same; the most comprehensive programs were an integral part of company life and provided employees with several outreach and educational opportunities and support.

The study found that nearly 20 percent of health and wellness programs tackled obesity, nearly 30 percent helped employees get better about physical fitness and exercise, and nearly 20 percent aided those who were trying to quit smoking.

The researchers found that the most successful programs, in addition to being incredibly beneficial to employees, had a thought-out budget and an experienced member of personnel at the helm.

“Most American adults work, and many spend half or more of their waking hours at work,” said Linnan. “Where we work, how long we work, the conditions of our work, who we work with -- all of these factors impact our health.”

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling 298,439 model year 2013-2016 Dodge Darts with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

The shifter cable bushing may fail allowing the cable to detach from the transmission.

If the shifter cable detaches from the transmission, the vehicle may not perform the shifts performed by the driver.

Additionally, despite selecting PARK with the shifter, the vehicle may roll away. These scenarios may increase the risk of a crash.

What to do

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission side shifter cable bushing free of charge.

The recall is expected to begin on May 31, 2019.

Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V34.

Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited is expanding its earlier recall of Losartan Potassium tablets and Losartan Potassium/hydrochlorothiazide tablets.

The products, used to treat high blood pressure, hypertensive patients with Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and nephropathy in Type 2 diabetic patients, contain trace amounts of an unexpected impurity, N-Methylnitrosobutyric acid that are above the acceptable daily intake levels released by the FDA.

There are no reports to date of adverse events related to this recall.

The expanded recall includes the following 36 lots of Losartan potassium tablets and 68 lots of Losartan Potassium/Hydrochlorothiazide tablets:

What to do

Patients who are taking the recalled products should continue taking their medication, as the risk of harm to the patient’s health may be higher if the treatment is stopped immediately without any alternative treatment.

Patients should contact their pharmacist or physician who can advise them about an alternative treatment prior to returning their medication.

Torrent is notifying its customers by phone and in writing, and arranging for return of all recalled products to Qualanex. Instructions for returning recalled products are given in the recall letter.

Consumers with medical questions regarding this recall or to report an adverse event may contact Torrent Pharmaceuticals Limited at (800) 912-9561 from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm (ET) with voicemail available 24/7, or by email at Medinfo.Torrent@apcerls.com

Consumers with general questions regarding the return of the recalled product may contact Qualanex at (888) 280-2040 from 8 am - 9:00 pm ET).