Scarlet Cardona, autor en thickcookie

Aug

2024

New Pandemic Threats: Are We Sufficiently Prepared?

Recent developments have heightened global health concerns, as the World Health Organization recently classified a new mpox outbreak in Africa as a global health emergency. A day later, Sweden confirmed its first case of a particularly virulent strain of the disease, underscoring the reality that the threat of a global pandemic persists. Monkeypox, formerly known as Mpox, has seen a dramatic increase in cases across Africa, with a 160 percent increase in the first seven months of this year compared to the same period in 2023. To date, the continent has reported more than 15,600 cases with 537 deaths, the…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

The Mistake That Led to the Arrest of Russian Cybercriminal Vladislav Klyushin

Politics

Vladislav Klyushin, through his seemingly legitimate cybersecurity firm M-13 in Moscow, secretly amassed more than $93 million over three years by illicitly acquiring corporate earnings information before it was publicly disclosed and using it to trade stocks. His targets included major American companies such as Skechers, Snapchat, and Roku. Although the FBI and U.S. prosecutors had gathered substantial evidence against him, Klyushin, a Russian citizen residing in Russia, appeared untouchable because of the unlikelihood of extradition by Russian authorities. An undated image of Vladislav Klyushin, linked to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, depicts him as a tech mogul with…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

The Long Uncertainty of AI: Navigating the Age of Excess and Uncertainty

Science and Technology

David Wallace-Wells, a leading science writer, delves into the current complexities and uncertainties surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in his exclusive newsletter for Times subscribers. Known for his insights into climate change and futuristic technologies, Wallace-Wells offers a critical perspective on the current state of AI, which he calls the “Age of Excess.” Not long ago, the narrative around AI was dominated by dire predictions and existential risks, with leading figures in the technology predicting dire implications for humanity. However, the conversation has changed dramatically. Recent financial analyses from major firms like Barclays and Goldman Sachs paint a grim picture of…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

Bronfman’s proposal could keep Shari Redstone’s role at Paramount.

Economy

Edgar Bronfman Jr. has made a major offer to acquire a major stake in Global Paramount, potentially ensuring that Shari Redstone remains a key figure within the organization. A source familiar with the negotiations said Bronfman's offer includes a clause that Redstone, who currently serves as Paramount's non-executive chairman, will continue his involvement with the company. This condition is contingent on his offer being accepted by Paramount's special committee by National Amusements, the major shareholder. Bronfman reportedly secured $6 billion to outbid Skydance Media for control of National Amusements, a company originally founded by Sumner Redstone. Both Bronfman and Skydance's…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

Austin Tops World Ranking for Nightlife in the United States

Politics

AUSTIN, Texas — From the bustling streets of Dirty Sixth Street to the vibrant Warehouse District and eclectic Red River Cultural District, Austin has been named the top nightlife destination in the United States, according to a global survey conducted by Time Out, a popular lifestyle and entertainment guide. Survey insights and methodology Time Out engaged thousands of participants in hundreds of global cities to explore and rank the world’s best nightlife spots. Respondents were asked to rate various aspects of their local nightlife scenes, including the quality and diversity of venues and events. Austin emerged as the best city…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

Haiti: Arrest in Connection with Murder of US and Haitian Missionaries

Politics

In a significant development, Haitian authorities have arrested a man suspected of involvement in the murders of two American missionaries and a Haitian director of a nonprofit organization. The incident, which occurred in May, involved an armed attack that shocked many in Haiti, a nation already grappling with serious security challenges. The tragic event took place on May 23 and claimed the lives of American missionaries Davy Lloyd and his wife, Natalie Lloyd, along with Jude Montis, the Haitian national director of the nonprofit Missions in Haiti Inc., based in Claremore, Oklahoma. The violence is blamed on criminal gangs that…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

National Affordable Airfare Day: Top 3 Strategies to Get Cheap Airfare

Politics

With the end of the summer travel season comes the celebration of National Affordable Airfare Day, which encourages travelers to look for cheap flights. Despite its name, this day does not necessarily guarantee the lowest prices on tickets. Katy Nastro, a travel specialist at Going, points out that “There’s no single day when airfares hit their lowest point. That’s just a myth.” According to Nastro, the optimal time to book flights varies depending on your planned travel dates. This ideal booking window, known as the Goldilocks window, strikes a balance: it’s not too early and not too late. For domestic…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

Noah Lyles Sets Conditions to Compete With NFL’s Tyreek Hill: 100-Meter Dash Must Be Official Event

Politics

The rivalry between Olympic champion Noah Lyles and NFL star Tyreek Hill has escalated this week, following new comments from Lyles. Having recently secured a gold medal in the 100-meter dash at the Paris Olympics, Lyles has taken on Hill’s challenge, saying any races he runs would have to meet professional standards. Lyles expressed his openness to a race, as long as it meets certain criteria. “If there’s a sponsor for the event, if we’re running for a substantial prize pool, on a professional track, in the 100 meters, then I’m all in,” Lyles said in a Wednesday interview with…

Aug

2024

By Scarlet Cardona

Failures in Psychedelic Medicine: A Reality Check for Research Integrity

Politics

It’s been a year of anticipation for Lykos Therapeutics, as they await a landmark decision from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The drugmaker had filed an application to approve MDMA as a treatment for PTSD, expecting a positive outcome that would catapult them to new heights. However, on August 9, the FDA responded with a rebuttal, culminating growing concerns about the quality of Lykos’ clinical trials. Following the decision, the journal Psychopharmacology retracted three studies related to MDMA research, citing unethical practices and making serious allegations, including sexual misconduct by an unlicensed therapist at one of the study sites.…