Current Events in July 2021

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2021

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    Apple delays employees’ return to office due to rise in COVID-19 cases

    Thousands of workers are pushing for a more flexible work-from-home policy

    With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, Apple has decided to delay its workers’ return to offices. 

    Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook told workers that they would have to go into the office at least three days a week starting in early September. Cook reiterated at the time that he believes face-to-face collaboration plays a crucial role in driving innovation and results. 

    "For all that we've been able to achieve while many of us have been separated, the truth is that there has been something essential missing from this past year: each other," Cook said in a June memo. "Video conference calling has narrowed the distance between us, to be sure, but there are things it simply cannot replicate."

    On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Apple is pushing back its deadline for the resumption of in-person work “by at least a month to October at the earliest.” Employees will reportedly be given a month’s notice before they’ll be required to return to offices. 

    Some employees pushing back 

    Apple’s decision to have employees come back to offices has faced criticism. On an internal Slack channel, thousands of “remote work advocates” began circulating a petition asking for the company to adopt a more flexible work-from-home policy. 

    "We continue to be concerned that this one-size-fits-all solution is causing many of our colleagues to question their future at Apple," employees said in a letter last month. "With COVID-19 numbers rising again around the world, vaccines proving less effective against the delta variant, and the long-term effects of infection not well understood, it is too early to force those with concerns to come back to the office."

    In response, company executives underscored their belief that “in-person collaboration is essential to our culture and our future.”

    With COVID-19 cases continuing to rise, Apple has decided to delay its workers’ return to offices. Last month, Apple CEO Tim Cook told workers that the...

    Bitcoin drops below $30,000 as $90 billion is erased from the cryptocurrency market

    One analyst says Bitcoin’s value could drop even further

    The cryptocurrency rollercoaster took another massive downward plunge between Monday and Tuesday. Bitcoin -- which hit an all-time high earlier this year -- was in the front seat, falling over 5% to below $30,000 for the first time since late June. Other digital coins were also dragged down, including Ethereum (down 6%) and XRP (down 9%)

    In a 24-hour span, nearly $90 billion was erased from the total cryptocurrency market, according to CoinMarketCap tracking.

    It’s not just cryptocurrency taking the hit

    Cryptocurrency isn’t alone on this stock market roller coaster ride. Bitcoin’s plunge was part of a large sell-off in global stock markets on Monday. It was prompted by the Dow Jones Industrial Average having its worst day since last October.

    “There’s been a broad sell-off in global markets, risk assets are down across the board,” Annabelle Huang, partner at cryptocurrency financial services firm Amber Group, told CNBC.

    There are “concerns of the quality and strength of economic recovery” and “broader risk assets turned weaker including high yields,” Huang said. “Coupled with recent BTC (bitcoin) weakness, this just sent crypto market down further.”

    Where will Bitcoin bottom out?

    For those who think cryptocurrency is pure folly, they probably find Bitcoin’s herky-jerky movement laughable. But those who invest in the digital money market might be having some second thoughts now too.

    Bitcoin’s tumble to under $30,000 could be important, says Vijay Ayyar, the head of business development at cryptocurrency exchange Luno. Ayyar told CNBC that the recent sell-off -- as well as more regulatory focus -- could send Bitcoin values as low as $22,000.

    “I would see bitcoin between 20-40K ($20,000 to $40,000) for a while now before any bullishness returns,” Ayyar said.

    Investors should exercise caution

    Is chasing cryptocurrency worth the time and trouble? For the faint of heart, it might not be, said Evan Thurmond, a founding partner at Lifetime Wealth Strategies. Thurmond thinks if you’re tempted to jump in the cryptocurrency game, you might want to think long and hard about what you’re getting into.

    “People have to understand that currencies are not supposed to appreciate so rapidly as bitcoin has relative to other currencies,” Thurmond told ConsumerAffairs.“Be careful. Do not be afraid to hit the sell button. Anyone can get lucky and make money, but hogs always get slaughtered.”

    The cryptocurrency rollercoaster took another massive downward plunge between Monday and Tuesday. Bitcoin -- which hit an all-time high earlier this year -...

    Delta variant now accounts for over 80% of new coronavirus infections

    CDC officials expect cases to continue rising in areas with low vaccination rates

    The highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant, which was first discovered in October, is now responsible for the majority of all COVID-19 cases in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

    During a Senate hearing on Tuesday, CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said the variant is estimated to make up 83% of all sequenced COVID-19 cases in the country.

    “This is a dramatic increase from up from 50%, the week of July 3,” Walensky said. She noted that fatalities stemming from the virus have risen by nearly 48% over the past week to an average of 239 per day.

    “Each death is tragic and even more heartbreaking when we know that the majority of these deaths could be prevented with a simple, safe available vaccine,” she said.

    Cases keep rising

    The CDC said the Delta variant is circulating mainly in parts of the U.S. with low vaccination rates. Nearly two-thirds of the counties in the U.S. have vaccinated less than 40% of their residents, “allowing for the emergence and rapid spread of the highly transmissible delta variant,” Walensky said. 

    "In areas where vaccine coverage is low, cases and hospitalizations are starting to climb again," she said.

    The Delta variant was first identified in India, but data from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that it has since spread to more than 100 countries. 

    “The reason it’s so formidable is the fact that it has the capability of transmitting efficiently from human to human in an extraordinary manner, well beyond any of the other variants that we’ve experienced, up to now,” Dr. Anthony Fauci, medical advisor to the president, said during the hearing.

    The highly transmissible COVID-19 Delta variant, which was first discovered in October, is now responsible for the majority of all COVID-19 cases in the U....

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      COVID-19 vaccine isn't detectable in breast milk, study finds

      Experts say women shouldn’t stop breastfeeding after getting vaccinated

      While a number of studies have looked at the risks associated with COVID-19 and pregnancy, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of California at San Francisco explored how the vaccine may impact women who are breastfeeding

      Their work showed that lactating women who were vaccinated to protect against COVID-19 didn’t pass any part of the vaccine into their breast milk. 

      “The results strengthen current recommendations that the mRNA vaccines are safe in lactation, and that lactating individuals who receive the COVID vaccine should not stop breastfeeding,” said researcher Dr. Stephanie L. Gaw. 

      Protecting against COVID, keeping infants safe

      The researchers had seven lactating women around the age of 38 involved in the study. They all received either the Pfizer or Moderna COVID vaccines, and the researchers collected samples of their breast milk before vaccination and then up to two days post-vaccination. At the time of the study, the women’s babies were between one and three months old. 

      The researchers learned that none of the breast milk samples contained any traces of the mRNA vaccine. This means that women were able to get vaccinated without passing any part of the vaccine into their breast milk and onto their infants. The researchers hope these findings provide some comfort to women who are breastfeeding and have gotten vaccinated against the coronavirus.

      “We didn’t detect the vaccine associated with mRNA in any of the milk samples tested,” Dr. Gaw said. “These findings provide an experimental evidence regarding the safety of the use of mRNA-based vaccines during lactation.”  

      While a number of studies have looked at the risks associated with COVID-19 and pregnancy, a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Cali...

      Peloton launches new fitness game called ‘Lanebreak’

      The company hopes the rhythm-based game will get users to work out more often

      Peloton has launched its first fitness game, describing it as an experience that straddles the line between gaming and exercise. Ultimately, Peloton is hoping the game will incentivize its members to work out more. 

      The stationary bike maker said the fitness game is the result of months of design and research, but more feedback is needed. To collect that feedback, it’s started actively testing an early version of the game with its members. 

      “Lanebreak is a rhythm-based game on Bike and Bike+ rooted in something core to Peloton’s DNA, music,” Peloton explained in an announcement. “Players are challenged to match and sustain their resistance or cadence according to the cues on the tablet to get the highest score possible, which they can then compare with other Members.” 

      “Along the virtual track, riders control their cadence with their leg speed and can ‘switch lanes’ left or right by turning the resistance knob. They face multiple obstacles, all synchronized with the beat of the music,” the company added. 

      There are different levels, workout types, and lengths to choose from, and each level is set to a different playlist. Each level has difficulties ranging from beginner to expert. 

      Early access mode

      Lanebreak is in early access mode, but a full launch is planned for this winter. The company is hoping that tests of the early version will help it glean some insight into “how non-gamers react to and engage with this experience.”

      Peloton said it found through early tests that people who previously wouldn’t have used Peloton but were interested in the fitness game concept were more likely to work out. The company said it sees connected fitness as “an opportunity to open up the power of gaming to a new audience” and build off of what works in Peloton classes.

      “Just like Alex Toussaint would challenge you to finish the last 30 seconds of a tough interval, games offer a way to not only cue you to do so, but to reward you in real time for your actions,” the company said. 

      Peloton isn’t the first company to offer a fitness game. It joins rivals including Zwift, which offers an app with multiplayer cycling and running in a virtual world, and “Supernatural” -- a company that offers VR workouts in “stunning destinations” on Oculus Quest.

      Peloton has launched its first fitness game, describing it as an experience that straddles the line between gaming and exercise. Ultimately, Peloton is hop...

      More homes came on the market in June

      But with no letup in demand, prices keep rising

      There’s good news if you’re in the market to purchase a home. Realtors report that more homes came on the market in June after months of record-low inventory.

      But that relief may be hard to notice. Real estate marketplace Zillow reports that inventory remains low while there has been no letup in demand. Median home prices in June set records for both monthly and annual appreciation.

      Zillow economists say the number of home listings increased by 3.1% in June on the heels of another increase in May. Even so, the number of available homes is still nearly 30% below 2020 levels, which in turn was lower than in 2019.

      "Another month of rising housing inventory gives buyers some additional options and a little more bargaining power," said Jeff Tucker, senior economist at Zillow. "While the level of inventory remains incredibly low by historic norms, it is now on a trajectory that should give buyers reason to hope for a cooldown in price growth this winter, consistent with normal seasonal trends." 

      Sales are also rising, along with prices

      While inventory levels are building, so are sales. In an independent report, real estate broker REMAX found that sales of its listings soared 14.2% over a strong May. It also topped all other months in the 13-year history of the report, which covers 53 metro markets. 

      The Median Sales Price of $336,000 was also a record, beating the previous record of $320,000 – set in April and tied in May. By REMAX’s count, inventory levels grew by less than 2% last month, with inventory falling by more than 37% below June 2020, levels.

      "June saw a unique case of supply and demand rising in unison, thanks to an uptick in sellers listing their homes for sale – a very welcome sign for frustrated buyers," said Nick Bailey, President, RE/MAX, LLC. "People are relocating as companies and individuals make long-term decisions about remote work and getting back to the office.”

      Bailey said another factor encouraging the increase in listings is growing confidence among sellers that they can find another home after selling their current one.

      “If these trends continue, inventory levels should keep growing," Bailey said.

      By Zillow’s estimate, the growth in the number of available homes still has a long way to go before it evens out the market. Sellers will remain in the driver’s seat until that happens, and buyers will have to face the twin challenges of rising prices and near record-low inventory.

      There’s good news if you’re in the market to purchase a home. Realtors report that more homes came on the market in June after months of record-low invento...

      Ford recalls F-350 Super Duty trucks

      Drivers may experience vibration and/or shaking at highway speeds

      Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 34,939 model year 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty trucks with a 6.7-liter engine and single rear wheel axle for a rear axle housing spring seat interface weld issue.

      The vehicles may experience rear driveline disconnection leading to vibration and/or shaking at highway speeds, and/or shuddering upon acceleration.

      A disconnected driveshaft could result in a loss of motive power while the vehicle is being driven or loss of transmission park function if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash.

      What to do

      Dealers will inspect the rear axle to determine if deformation is present. If the axle is deformed, the axle housing will be replaced. If it is not deformed, the dealer will perform a weld repair on the spring seats.

      Owner notifications letters are expected to be mailed the week of August 16, 2021.

      Owners may contact customer service at (866) 436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 21S31.

      Ford Motor Company is recalling approximately 34,939 model year 2020-2021 F-350 Super Duty trucks with a 6.7-liter engine and single rear wheel axle for a...

      Academy Sports + Outdoors recalls Ozone 500 girls’ and boys’ bicycles

      The bicycles can stop unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard

      Academy Sports + Outdoors of Katy, Texas, is recalling about 3,860 Ozone 500 Girls’ and Boys’ Elevate 24-Inch bicycles.

      The rear shock spring on the bikes can become stuck, creating a pinch point between the spring and the seat, posing a risk of injury, or causing the bicycles to stop unexpectedly, posing a fall hazard to the rider.

      The firm has received one report of a person injuring his hand under the seat when the rear shock spring compressed.

      This recall involves the Ozone 500 Girls’ and Boys’ Elevate 24-Inch bicycles with “Ozone 500” printed on the frame.

      The girls’ bicycle frame is fuchsia with black script and the boys’ bicycle frame is black with red script.

      The style numbers -- 164538 for the girls' model and 164540 for the boys' -- may be found on the seat tube.

      The bicycles, manufactured in China, were sold at Academy Sports + Outdoors stores and online at www.academy.com from October 2020, through May 2021, for about $300.

      What to do

      Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and bring them to any Academy Sports + Outdoors store for a free repair or a full refund. Consumers may also contact the firm for a replacement shock and repair instructions, or to receive a pre-paid shipping label to return the bicycle for a full refund.

      Consumers may contact Academy Sports + Outdoors toll-free at (888) 922-2336 from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (CT) daily, by email at customerservice@academy.com, or online at www.academy.com and click on “Product Recalls” at the bottom of the page for more information.

      Academy Sports + Outdoors of Katy, Texas, is recalling about 3,860 Ozone 500 Girls’ and Boys’ Elevate 24-Inch bicycles. The rear shock spring on the bik...

      E.U. condemns use of spyware on journalists following widespread spyware breach

      The accused cybersecurity intelligence agency says E.U. officials have it all wrong

      The European Union (E.U.) says any use of spyware to take advantage of what journalists are communicating on their electronic devices is not only improper but also ill-advised.

      The reaction comes after reports by non-profit journalism group Forbidden Stories suggested that Israeli software had been leveraged to break into the smartphones of up to 50,000 journalists, government officials, and rights activists across the globe.

      "What we could read so far -- and this has to be verified, but if it is the case -- it is completely unacceptable. Against any kind of rules we have in the European Union," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said during a trip to the Czech Republic. 

      The Israeli spyware von der Leyen is referring to is called “Pegasus”, and it comes from NSO Group Technologies -- the same cybersecurity intelligence agency that was accused of hacking WhatsApp and installing spyware on users’ phones. Pegasus is especially dangerous because it can allegedly infect phones without a user ever having to click on something.

      According to reports, an investigation of the hacked phone numbers revealed that journalists from Al Jazeera, CNN, The Financial Times, the Associated Press, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg News, and French newspaper Le Monde were targeted. Amnesty International says potential surveillance targets have also included heads of state, activists, and journalists, including Jamal Khashoggi’s family.

      NSO denies involvement

      In response, NSO says Forbidden Stories’ report is “full of wrong assumptions and uncorroborated theories.” While defending its own credibility, it did its best to discredit Forbidden Stories, questioning the reliability and interests of the group’s sources. 

      “It seems like the ‘unidentified sources’ have supplied information that has no factual basis and are far from reality,” NSO said in a statement posted on its website.

      NSO is taking the allegations seriously and says that they’re so outrageous that it's considering a defamation lawsuit. Furthermore, it claims that software like Pegasus is available to “anyone, anywhere, and anytime” and is part of the arsenal of software many governmental agencies and private companies already have in place. 

      “We would like to emphasize that NSO sells its technologies solely to law enforcement and intelligence agencies of vetted governments for the sole purpose of saving lives through preventing crime and terror acts. NSO does not operate the system and has no visibility to the data,” the company stated.

      “Our technologies are being used every day to break up pedophilia rings, sex and drug-trafficking rings, locate missing and kidnapped children, locate survivors trapped under collapsed buildings, and protect airspace against disruptive penetration by dangerous drones. Simply put, NSO Group is on a life-saving mission, and the company will faithfully execute this mission undeterred, despite any and all continued attempts to discredit it on false grounds.”

      The European Union (E.U.) says any use of spyware to take advantage of what journalists are communicating on their electronic devices is not only improper...

      Coronavirus update: Most hospitalized people haven’t been vaccinated, CDC mask guidance questioned

      The threat of COVID-19 is hanging over the Olympics

      Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ 

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌confirmed‌ ‌cases:‌ 34,085,761 (34,070,286)‌

      Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌deaths:‌ 609,041 (608,898)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌cases:‌  190,600,596 (190,126,854)

      Total‌ ‌global‌ ‌deaths:‌ 4,092,565 (4,084,757)‌

      Hospitals are filling up with the unvaccinated

      For the first time since early this year, coronavirus hospitalizations are increasing. Health officials say that, for the most part, nearly all the patients have not been vaccinated.

      AdventHealth, which manages 41 hospitals across seven largely Midwestern and Southern states, told the Wall Street Journal that about 97% of some 12,700 coronavirus patients treated this year were unvaccinated or only partially vaccinated.

      On CBS Face the Nation on Sunday, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), warned unvaccinated Americans that they are in danger of contracting the Delta variant and that it will be “the most serious virus they get in their lifetime.”

      CDC mask guidances comes under scrutiny

      Some businesses were caught off guard when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued new guidance in early May stating that vaccinated people no longer needed to wear masks in public. Now, Former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams says that advice was probably premature.

      In a series of social media posts over the weekend, Adams said the CDC did not foresee the rapid growth of the highly contagious Delta variant in the U.S. He said the CDC should change its guidance to reflect that threat.

      Adams served as surgeon general for nearly four years during the Trump Administration. He admitted that both he and current Biden administration health adviser Dr. Anthony Fauci were wrong at the beginning of the pandemic when they urged people not to wear masks.

      U.S. gymnast tests positive

      The coronavirus continues to hang over the Olympics. A teenage alternate on the U.S. women’s gymnastic team has tested positive for the virus and has begun quarantine protocols at her hotel, 35 miles from Tokyo. The woman was not identified.

      The rest of the team does not appear to have been exposed, according to officials. The six regular team members were photographed in the Olympic Village at the time the news was announced.

      Last week, a member of the U.S. Olympic basketball team was placed in health and safety protocols after being exposed to someone who tested positive for the virus.

      Around the nation

      • Virginia: Jeffrey Forbes, of Hampton, is a so-called “long hauler” who has recovered from COVID-19 but still has symptoms. Besides the normal lingering symptoms, Forbes told a Richmond TV station that he “constantly smells burning trash.”

      • Wisconsin: State health officials report that cases are climbing but not at the rate they were early in the year. The virus is spreading fastest in 15 counties. Almost half the state’s population is fully vaccinated, officials say.

      • New Jersey: The 38th annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning returns this weekend after being disrupted and canceled last year due to the pandemic. The annual event is the largest summertime hot air balloon and music festival in North America.

      • Arizona: With new cases on the rise, some state health officials say Arizona should consider following California’s lead by requiring all people to wear masks indoors. "The evidence is clear that face masks slow transmission," said Dr. Joe Gerald, an associate professor of Public Health Policy with the University of Arizona. "Not only should we consider it, we should do it.

      • Alabama: To encourage young people to get vaccinated, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is sponsoring a TikTok contest for people between the ages of 13 and 29 to encourage vaccination against COVID-19 before the beginning of the school year. Participants are asked to post a TikTok video of themselves getting the shot.

      Coronavirus‌ ‌(COVID-19)‌ ‌tally‌ ‌as‌ ‌‌compiled‌‌ ‌by‌ ‌Johns‌ ‌Hopkins‌ ‌University.‌ ‌(Previous‌ ‌numbers‌ ‌in‌ ‌parentheses.)‌ Total‌ ‌U.S.‌ ‌conf...

      Federal appeals court says CDC can continue imposing safety protocols on cruise ships

      The ruling follows the state of Florida’s decision to ban vaccine passports

      A federal appeals court has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can continue enforcing safety protocols on cruise ships. 

      In June, a lower court ruled that the CDC was likely stepping outside its legal authority by imposing restrictions on the cruise industry. At the time, U.S. District Judge Steven Merryday from the middle district of Florida ruled that the agency’s conditional sailing order "likely constitutes an unconstitutional delegation of legislative power to CDC.” 

      But on Saturday, the Court of Appeals for the Atlanta-based Eleventh Circuit decided that the lower court’s earlier decision ignored "what the protocols actually require: conventional communicable-disease control measures for cruise ships engaged in international travel, which fall easily within the CDC's longstanding statutory and regulatory authority." 

      The court added that Florida "disregards the threat to public health that would arise if cruise ship operators were at liberty to ignore the CDC guidance or to act without oversight from public-health authorities."

      Florida feuds with the CDC 

      While the cruise industry has taken steps to resume operations in a safe way, the state of Florida has been locked in a legal feud with the CDC regarding its COVID-19 protocols. After regulators voted to ban vaccine passports, Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCLH) made the decision to file a lawsuit against the state. 

      The company said it can’t promote its cruises as safe if it’s unable to make sure its crew and passengers are vaccinated against COVID-19 in “a way that [NCLH] has determined will be best for all concerned.”

      Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis' press secretary Christina Pushaw told ConsumerAffairs that NCLH made a “disappointing and unlawful choice to join the CDC in discriminating against children and other individuals who cannot be vaccinated or who have opted not to be vaccinated for reasons of health, religion, or conscience."

      A federal appeals court has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can continue enforcing safety protocols on cruise ships. In...

      Buying furniture during the pandemic requires a lot of patience

      Delivery times are growing because of shortages and supply chain issues

      Cars and trucks are not the only things in short supply in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As consumers who have shopped for furniture lately will know, delays in receiving a new couch or sectional are getting longer.

      That may seem surprising because showrooms at furniture stores seem to be full of merchandise. However, most stores don’t sell their floor samples. They take your order and send it to the factory or importer.

      That’s where the delays begin. Supply chain issues that developed during the pandemic still haven’t been straightened out. The backup doesn’t just affect the shipment of the finished product; it also affects the materials that go into making the furniture.

      USA Today reports that there is a shortage of foam. The shortage reportedly began early this year when a major winter storm shut down all five U.S. foam-producing plants – four in Texas and one in Louisiana. Since foam is a major component in most couches, fewer of them are rolling off the assembly line, creating major delays. Keelin, of Nashville, Tenn., discovered that when he purchased a sofa at Crate and Barrel

      “We ultimately decided to go with the lounge sofa in a stock fabric because they told us it was in stock and would only be three to four weeks to deliver and the other companies told us it would be more likely 10 weeks,” Keelin wrote in a ConsumerAffairs post.  “We are at three months and still don't have our couch that was ‘in stock with stock fabric.’" 

      Universal problems

      All major furniture retailers are dealing with the same set of problems. One national retailer advertises a sofa on its website with an estimated delivery window of “22 to 24 months.” According to Fortune, La-Z-Boy delivery times are estimated to be five to nine months.

      Another reason for the shortages and shipping delays is a significant increase in demand. Consumers began buying new furniture last year when they began spending so much time at home. That buying trend has continued even though vaccinations have allowed for a return to a more normal life.

      Because of the shortages at retail furniture stores, a growing number of consumers are turning to consignment and second-hand stores. But even these stores are having trouble keeping sofas and chairs in stock.

      "Anything for the outdoors is super popular and has been for a while," said Natalie Angelillo, vice president of community and communications at OfferUp, a second-hand shopping app.

      Angelillo told KING-TV in Seattle that seasonal demand for patio furniture may be traced back to restaurants that were limited to outdoor seating last year. She says many of these businesses purchased large quantities of available inventory that haven’t been replaced.

      Cars and trucks are not the only things in short supply in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As consumers who have shopped for furniture lat...

      Biden claims Facebook ‘is killing people’ with misinformation about vaccines

      The social media giant has pushed back hard against the White House attack

      The Biden administration, frustrated by a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases among Americans who refuse to be vaccinated, is blaming social media platforms.

      Departing the White House late Friday, Biden responded to a reporter’s question about misinformation on social media. The president didn’t hold back.

      "They’re killing people," Biden said. Then, to underscore the charge, he repeated it.

      "The only pandemic we have is among the unvaccinated, and that’s — they’re killing people," he said.

      Facebook pushes back

      Facebook responded immediately, saying the president’s accusation is not supported by the facts. In a statement, the company said it has contributed to the success of the vaccination program.

      "The fact is that more than 2 billion people have viewed authoritative information about COVID-19 and vaccines on Facebook, which is more than any other place on the internet,” the statement said. “More than 3.3 million Americans have also used our vaccine finder tool to find out where and how to get a vaccine. The facts show that Facebook is helping save lives. Period.”

      A spokesperson for Facebook also said the company "removed more than 18 million pieces of COVID misinformation, removed accounts that repeatedly break these rules, and connected more than 2 billion people to reliable information about COVID-19 and COVID vaccines across our apps."

      Then, on Saturday, Facebook pushed back even harder. In a blog post, company vice president Guy Rosen threw out some numbers suggesting that Facebook users aren’t being misled.

      "The data shows that 85% of Facebook users in the US have been or want to be vaccinated against COVID-19," Rosen wrote. "President Biden’s goal was for 70% of Americans to be vaccinated by July 4. Facebook is not the reason this goal was missed."

      Under attack

      Facebook and other large technology companies have increasingly found themselves in the government’s crosshairs. Democrats generally consider companies like Facebook and Google too large and too dominant. Republicans tend to be suspicious of Big Tech’s politics, claiming that these platforms tend to censor conservative viewpoints.

      Facebook, Google, and Amazon already face antitrust lawsuits by federal and state governments. Late last month, a federal judge dismissed the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) antitrust suit against Facebook. 

      The judge ruled that prosecutors had failed to explain what social networking is or how they determined that Facebook controls more than 60% of the market. He also said the FTC had failed to show how Facebook’s business model harms the public, noting that the public pays nothing to use Facebook.

      A week later, 37 states, led by both Republicans and Democrats, filed an antitrust lawsuit against Google parent company Alphabet. The regulators claimed that the Google Play Store constitutes “illegal and anticompetitive conduct” that gives it monopoly power in mobile app distribution.

      The Biden administration, frustrated by a surge in coronavirus (COVID-19) cases among Americans who refuse to be vaccinated, is blaming social media -- Fac...

      Biden administration accuses China of being behind major cyberattacks

      The U.S. and its allies say China used ‘criminal contract hackers’ to execute Microsoft Exchange hack

      On Monday, the Biden Administration, along with governments in Europe and Asia, formally accused China of being behind a string of hacks and cyberattacks in recent months. 

      In a coordinated announcement, the U.S. and its foreign allies accused China's Ministry of State Security of using "criminal contract hackers" to carry out malicious cyber activities with the intent of making a profit. The U.S. said China’s MSS used these contract hackers "to conduct unsanctioned cyber operations globally, including for their own personal profit."

      "The United States has long been concerned about the People's Republic of China's irresponsible and destabilizing behavior in cyberspace," a senior U.S. administration official said. "Their operations include criminal activities, such as cyber-enabled extortion, crypto-jacking, and theft from victims around the world for financial gain.” 

      Large ransom requests

      Specifically, the governments blamed China for the hack of Microsoft’s Exchange email server software, which compromised tens of thousands of computers across the globe and gave hackers access to large amounts of sensitive data. 

      E.U. policy chief Josep Borrell said in a statement that the hacking was "conducted from the territory of China for the purpose of intellectual property theft and espionage." U.K. Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said China's actions represent "a reckless but familiar pattern of behavior” and that the Chinese government “must end this systematic cyber sabotage and can expect to be held account if it does not.” 

      The U.S. official said China was also behind a ransomware attack against a U.S. target that involved a "large ransom request.” Ransom demands from China have been in the “millions of dollars,” the official added.

      No sanctions announced

      No punishments against China have been announced, but the U.S. said it has “raised its concerns” with Beijing. 

      "The first important piece is the publicly calling out the pattern of irresponsible malicious cyber activity, and doing it with allies and partners,” the official said, adding that the U.S. is "not ruling out further actions to hold (China) accountable."

      Separately, four Chinese nationals and residents of China were indicted Monday over "a campaign to hack into the computer systems of dozens of victim companies, universities and government entities in the United States and abroad between 2011 and 2018."

      On Monday, the Biden Administration, along with governments in Europe and Asia, formally accused China of being behind a string of hacks and cyberattacks i...

      Tesla launches subscription plan for Full Self-Driving package

      Owners of pre-2019 vehicles will have to buy a pricey hardware upgrade first

      Tesla has launched a new $199-per-month subscription plan for its Full Self-Driving package. Previously, Tesla owners would have had to purchase the Full Self-Driving package for a one-time payment of $10,000.

      The automaker said on its support page that there are two options available to consumers: Basic Autopilot to FSD for $199 a month or Enhanced Autopilot to FSD for $99 a month. The appropriate option will depend on the vehicle’s current Autopilot capability. 

      Tesla said owners can subscribe by opening the “Upgrades” menu in their Tesla app or by signing in to their Tesla Account. Subscriptions can be canceled at any time. 

      Tesla noted that “Full Self-Driving” does not mean that the vehicle is completely autonomous. Users will get features like Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Auto Park, Summon and Traffic Light, and Stop Sign Control. However, “the currently enabled features require active driver supervision and do not make the vehicle autonomous,” the company said. 

      Owners outraged by upgrade price

      Some Tesla owners are expressing outrage that they would have to drop money on an upgrade before buying into the new subscription plan. The plan requires version 3.0 of the FSD hardware. The computer upgrade has been standard in Tesla vehicles since mid-2019, but those without it will have to pay $1,500 for it. 

      Electrek reported over the weekend that Tesla owners who purchased their vehicles between late 2016 and mid-2019 “were told that no further hardware upgrades would be required” for full self-driving. Some users have supposedly called for legal action regarding the matter. 

      Tesla has launched a new $199-per-month subscription plan for its Full Self-Driving package. Previously, Tesla owners would have had to purchase the Full S...

      AT&T and DISH sign $5 billion deal to create a wireless network

      Getting services to rural America is one of the goals of the pact

      Time to add another partnership to the growing list of telecom, broadband, and content services that have come together to bolster their position. On Monday, AT&T and DISH announced that they’ve inked a deal that will make AT&T the primary network services partner for DISH customers. 

      As part of the agreement, DISH will provide current and future customers of its retail wireless brands -- Boost Mobile, Ting Mobile, and Republic Wireless -- access to coverage and connectivity on AT&T's wireless network, in addition to DISH’s 5G network. 

      "Teaming with AT&T on this long-term partnership will allow us to better compete in the retail wireless market and quickly respond to changes in our customers' evolving connectivity needs as we build our own first-of-its kind 5G network," said John Swieringa, DISH COO and Group President of Retail Wireless. 

      "The agreement provides enhanced coverage and service for our Boost, Ting and Republic customers, giving them access to the best connectivity on the market today via voice, messaging, data and nationwide roaming on AT&T's vast network, as well as DISH's 5G network." 

      Bigger, faster...

      In a parade of superlatives, both AT&T and DISH crowed loudly about what this partnership will create.

      For one thing, DISH says it will solidify the company as the U.S.’ fourth facilities-based carrier. For its part, AT&T is being handed the opportunity to use a portion of DISH's spectrum in various markets to help support DISH customers on AT&T's network. 

      As a duo, the deal is something that should make the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) happy. If all goes according to plan, it should boost DISH's expansion of retail wireless distribution to rural markets where it provides satellite TV services. 

      "Teaming with DISH on this agreement is not only a testament to the strength of our network, but it further validates the investments we've made in our fiber and wireless infrastructure," said Thaddeus Arroyo, CEO, AT&T Consumer. "We welcome DISH wireless and its customers to the nation's largest and best wireless network for all of their streaming, data and roaming needs." 

      Time to add another partnership to the growing list of telecom, broadband, and content services that have come together to bolster their position. On Monda...

      Children hospitalized with COVID-19 may experience brain complications, U.K. study finds

      Though children typically experience milder cases of the virus, it’s important for consumers to know the risks

      A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool explored how severe childhood cases of COVID-19 may impact brain and nerve health. 

      Although severe coronavirus infections aren’t common among younger people, the researchers say their results showed that one in 20 children hospitalized with the virus experience nerve or brain-related complications. 

      “The risk of a child being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 is small, but among those hospitalized, brain and nerve complications occur in almost 4%,” said researcher Dr. Stephen Ray. “Our nationwide study confirms that children with the novel post-infection hyper-inflammatory syndrome PIMS-TS can have brain and nerve problems; but we have also identified a wide spectrum of neurological disorders in children due to COVID-19 who didn’t have PIMS-TS. These were often due to the child’s immune response after COVID-19 infection.” 

      Children’s brain health and COVID-19

      For the study, the researchers analyzed health outcomes from children who had been hospitalized with COVID-19 across the U.K. between April 2020, and January 2021. In that time, over 1,330 children under the age of 18 were hospitalized with the virus, and more than 50 of those children experienced brain-related complications. 

      They also looked at how PIMS-TS -- pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporarily associated with SARS-CoV-2 -- played a role in children developing neurological complications following a COVID-19 infection. PIMS-TS is a severe immune response to COVID-19 that occurs in children. It typically results in prolonged symptoms like fever, fatigue, and headaches and can also affect the heart, gastrointestinal system, and kidney function. 

      The researchers identified different neurological side effects in children with PIMS-TS and those without the condition. More than 50% of the hospitalized children didn’t have PIMS-TS, but they still experienced brain and nerve-related complications, including psychosis, brain inflammation, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and seizures. Children with PIMS-TS also had an increased risk of hallucinations, stroke, and changes in behavior. 

      The researchers hope their study draws attention to the potential long-term complications associated with children contracting COVID-19. Their goal moving forward is to be able to better identify hospitalized children with brain and nerve complications and provide them with the best quality of care. 

      “Now we appreciate the capacity for COVID-19 to cause a wide range of brain complications in those children who are hospitalized with this disease, with the potential to cause life-long disability, we desperately need research to understand the immune mechanisms which drive this,” said researcher Dr. Benedict Michael. “Most importantly -- how do we identify those children at risk and how should we treat them to prevent lasting brain injury?” 

      A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool explored how severe childhood cases of COVID-19 may impact brain and nerve health....

      Ultra-processed food may increase the risk of inflammatory bowel disease, study finds

      Experts encourage consumers to choose healthier options for optimal digestive health

      Eating ultra-processed foods has been associated with several health risks, including poor heart health and an increased likelihood of cancer. Now, a new study is exploring how this type of diet can impact consumers’ gut health

      According to researchers, eating large quantities of ultra-processed foods may increase consumers’ risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

      “We found that higher intake of ultra-processed foods was associated with an increased risk of IBD,” the researchers wrote. “This was seen for all ultra-processed foods, as well as individual types, including processed meats, soft drinks, refined sweetened foods, and salty foods and snacks.” 

      Health risks of processed foods

      For the study, the researchers analyzed data from more than 116,000 participants who were enrolled in the Prospective Urban Rural Epidemiology (PURE) study. They looked closely at the participants’ dietary habits and followed up with them over the course of nearly 10 years to determine how their food choices impacted their health. 

      The researchers learned that participants who ate the most ultra-processed foods were at the highest risk of developing IBD, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Participants who ate as many as four servings of processed foods each day were nearly 70% more likely to develop IBD, while those who ate five or more servings each day were more than 80% more likely to develop IBD. 

      The researchers also looked at the effects of specific food choices on the risk of IBD. They determined that it wasn’t necessarily the food choices that were bad, but the way the foods were prepared. The team doesn’t recommend entirely eliminating things like red meat, dairy products, or certain legumes; however, they say consumers should opt for fresher varieties of these options instead of ultra-processed versions.  

      Eating ultra-processed foods has been associated with several health risks, including poor heart health and an increased likelihood of cancer. Now, a new s...

      Volkswagen recalls Audi TT Coupes, TT Roadsters and A4s & S4s

      The airbag inflators may underinflate the bag

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 62,812 model year 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupes, TT Roadsters, and model year 2000-2002 A4s & S4s with Non-Azide Driver AirBag Inflators (NADI) that do not contain phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant.

      Due to a manufacturing issue, the NADI inflators may absorb moisture, possibly causing the airbag to deploy improperly.

      In a crash necessitating airbag deployment, the airbag may not properly protect the occupant, increasing the risk of serious injury or death.

      What to do

      Dealers will replace the driver front airbag inflator with an alternative inflator free of charge.

      Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 20, 2021.

      Owners may contact Audi customer service at (800) 253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69CJ.

      Volkswagen Group of America is recalling 62,812 model year 2000-2001 Audi TT Coupes, TT Roadsters, and model year 2000-2002 A4s & S4s with Non-Azide Driver...