4 minute read
NEWS
Around North America in seven stories…
FORMER US President Donald Trump recently announced that he plans to launch a new social media platform called TRUTH Social.
During his tenure as President, social media played as a significant means of his communication and, prior to that, a pivotal role in Trump’s bid for the White House. Following the storming of the US Capitol Building and his criticized online posts, Trump was banned from Twitter and Facebook.
Trump accused large tech companies of silencing voices in the US, and stated that if created, TRUTH Social would be used to “stand up to the tyranny of big tech”, although there is varied speculation as to whether the platform will materialize, and the notion has faced much criticism.
FOOD & DRINK
US spirits industry pushing for lower excise taxes
THE SPIRITS industry is pushing for states to lower excise taxes on canned cocktails across the US. Excise taxes have been placed on alcoholic beverages for centuries, and since the repeal of the Prohibition, taxes on spirits in particular have been higher than others, such as wine and beer.
The substantial rise in the popularity of canned cocktails has brought with it more attention to the issue, and this in turn has helped the states of Michigan and Nebraska pass laws to lower taxes on such drinks in this year, with New Jersey and Pennsylvania having bills sitting in each of their state legislatures, and many other states having bills that will roll into their 2022 sessions.
HEALTHCARE
COVID-19 boosters Moderna and J&J FDA approved
BOTH MODERNA and Johnson & Johnson vaccines have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used as booster jabs. The FDA said that Americans are able to receive booster doses that vary from the vaccine jabs they had initially.
This new option to ‘mix-and-match’ arrives a month after the FDA’s authorization of Pfizer booster jabs for some US citizens, including the over 65, frontline workers and those of high risk. However, so far less than five percent of Americans have received a booster jab, and the FDA’s ruling requires a further final approval by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) before the alternative boosters can be delivered.
TRANSPORT
Tesla to change battery cells used in standardrange cars
TESLA IS changing the battery cell chemistry that is currently used in its standard-range cars. The new form of battery will make use of lithium-ionphosphate (LFP) as opposed to the current nickel-cobalt-aluminium; this present version will still be used for the company’s longer-range vehicles.
It is speculated that this action will allow Tesla to increase profit margins on its fully electric vehicles (EVs) without necessarily having to increase the price. Tesla is currently producing cars with LFP at its factory in Shanghai, and these are sold in China, Europe and across the AsiaPacific region.
AEROSPACE United Airlines posts unexpectedly high revenue in wake of travel demands
AN INCREASED travel demand over the course of the summer has seen United Airlines report a higherthan-expected level of revenue despite the COVID-19 Delta variant having been speculated to damage third-quarter revenue.
Chicago- based United’s thirdquarter sales totaled over $7.7 billion compared to estimates given by analysts from Wall Street, and the airline revealed a net income of $473 million thanks to an over $1.1 billion boost in federal payroll aid.
United is the second major US airline to report its third-quarter revenue, and the company said that its fourth quarter may be affected by a rise in fuel cost at $2.39 per gallon up from $2.14 in the third. THE NUMBER of US citizens claiming unemployment benefits has fallen to a new low point since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic period.
One year ago, around 24 million people were receiving unemployment aid, and September saw around seven million people lose jobless benefits after the expiration of two emergency programs, one of which provided aid to independent contractors and the self-employed, and the second that covered those unemployed for over six months.
ECONOMY
US UNEMPLOYMENT CLAIMS FALL
TECHNOLOGY FACEBOOK PLANS TO CHANGE ITS NAME
FACEBOOK IS planning to change its name to encompass its multiple companies (including Instagram and WhatsApp), and because of a mounting pressure caused by the criticism of its business practices.
The social media giant plans to announce a new name soon and wants to be known for more than just social media. On top of its flagship social media network, Facebook’s name change could place the three platforms under an umbrella brand like that of Google’s overarching parent company Alphabet. The name change represents a new direction for Facebook, and the combination of platforms under one body points to the formation of a metaverse in the works that will engage users on another level using both virtual and augmented reality technology.
Outlook Creative Services
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DESIGN: Stephen Giles +44 (0) 1603 363 634 steve.giles@outlookpublishing.com
Devon Collins +44 (0) 1603 363 656 devon.collins@outlookpublishing.com EDITORIAL: Phoebe Harper +44 (0) 1603 363 655 phoebe.harper@outlookpublishing.com
Marcus Kääpä +44 (0) 1603 363 653 marcus.kaapa@outlookpublishing.com
