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New Phone Link Features Connect Smartphone to PC on Windows 11 Beta Channel

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Microsoft has unveiled a significant upgrade to the Windows 11 Start menu, integrating Phone Link messages and notifications. To access these new features, Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel can now test the capabilities, including viewing phone information directly from the Start menu, accessing messages, calls, and photos, and seamlessly transitioning between a phone and a PC.

The latest additions are currently being rolled out to Beta Channel Insiders running Windows 11 Build 22635.3790 or later. Users must also have Phone Link version 1.24052.124.0 or higher to experience these new functionalities. Microsoft is introducing three key features for Phone Link, aiming to enhance the connection between smartphones and PCs.

While already offering various ways to connect devices, Phone Link will now provide a deeper integration with Windows 11, allowing users to access smartphone information conveniently from the Start menu. Additionally, Microsoft is reportedly developing a feature that will enable navigating files from a smartphone through Windows 11’s File Explorer wirelessly.

The tech company continues to innovate and improve user experiences across devices, emphasizing seamless connectivity and accessibility. As Microsoft evolves its software offerings, users can expect a more integrated and intuitive digital environment, bridging the gap between mobile and desktop platforms for enhanced productivity and efficiency.

Trump Proposes Automatic Green Cards for Foreign Graduates in 2024 Pivot, US

US former President Donald Trump has proposed an automatic green card provision for foreign students graduating from US colleges, a significant departure from his traditionally stringent immigration policies. This proposal was unveiled during his appearance on the All-In podcast, indicating a strategic pivot in his 2024 campaign platform, which emphasizes immigration reform.

During the podcast, Trump articulated a vision that sharply contrasts with his previous tenure’s policies. What I want to do and what I will do is, you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country, he stated. This suggestion implies a broader and more inclusive approach, potentially benefiting a wide range of graduates, including those from two-year junior colleges and doctoral programs.

A green card, or permanent resident card, is a critical step toward US citizenship, granting its holder the right to live and work permanently in the United States. Trump’s proposal to link this privilege directly to educational achievement underscores his recognition of the value that international graduates bring to the US economy and society.

Trump’s rationale for this shift centers on retaining talent within the United States. He recounted stories of international students from top colleges who, after being unable to stay in the US, returned to their home countries and founded successful enterprises. They go back to India, they go back to China. They do the same basic company in those places and they become multi-billionaires employing thousands and thousands of people, Trump remarked. This brain drain, he argues, is a missed opportunity for the US economy.

Moreover, Trump highlighted the practical challenges faced by US companies that struggle to retain highly skilled graduates due to current immigration policies. They can’t even make a deal with a company because they don’t think they’re going to be able to stay in the country, he noted, promising that such hurdles would be addressed on his first day in office if elected.

Trump’s comments come in the wake of President Joe Biden’s recent immigration reforms. Biden announced a pathway to citizenship for immigrants married to US nationals and eased visa rules for the spouses of US citizens, benefiting around half a million individuals. Additionally, Biden simplified the process for Dreamers-migrants who came to the US illegally as children-to obtain work visas if they have graduated from college and secured high-skilled job offers.

While Biden has often faced criticism from Republicans for being lenient on immigration, he has also taken steps to address illegal border crossings. Earlier in June, he signed an executive order barring migrants who enter the US illegally from claiming asylum when numbers surge past 2,500 in a day, showcasing a balanced approach to immigration control.

During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, Trump was known for his hard-line stance on immigration. His administration implemented a series of restrictive measures, including the construction of a wall along the US-Mexico border and a travel ban affecting several predominantly Muslim countries. These actions were part of a broader agenda to curb illegal immigration and enhance national security.

Given this background, Trump’s recent proposal marks a notable shift. By advocating for automatic green cards for graduates, he appears to be acknowledging the economic and innovative contributions that international students can make to the US.

Trump’s proposal has elicited mixed reactions. Supporters argue that it is a pragmatic move to retain top talent and strengthen the US workforce. They contend that international graduates who have invested time and resources in their education should be given the opportunity to contribute to the US economy.

Critics, however, question the consistency of Trump’s stance, viewing this proposal as a political maneuver aimed at broadening his appeal in the run-up to the 2024 election. They also point to the potential challenges in implementing such a policy, including the need for legislative approval and the possible impact on existing immigration systems.

As the 2024 election approaches, immigration is set to remain a pivotal issue. Trump’s latest proposal indicates a willingness to adapt and respond to evolving economic needs and public sentiment. Whether this shift will resonate with voters and translate into policy changes remains to be seen.

New Study Links Cannabis Use to Increased COVID-19 Severity, US

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A recent study conducted by researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has shed new light on the potential risks associated with cannabis use in relation to COVID-19. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, revealed a concerning connection between cannabis consumption and an increased likelihood of severe illness from the virus. Analyzing health records of over 72,000 individuals with COVID-19, the researchers found that those who reported using cannabis within the year before contracting the virus were more likely to require hospitalization and intensive care. Notably, the study indicated that the risk of severe illness for cannabis users was comparable to that of tobacco smokers. While the exact reasons behind this correlation remain unclear, the findings underscore the importance of further research on the impact of cannabis use on COVID-19 outcomes.

Frasers Group Sells Faltering Outdoor Gear Chains EMS and Bob’s Amid Financial Struggles, US

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Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob’s Stores file for bankruptcy
U.K. company Sports Direct, now known as Frasers Group, bought the chains in 2017 out of a previous bankruptcy, then sold them to GoDigital in 2022.

Outdoor gear purveyor Eastern Mountain Sports and Bob’s, which sells athletic gear and casual apparel, are faltering at a tough time for those categories. Sporting goods sales have declined each month this year, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Meanwhile, competition is fierce. Dick’s Sporting Goods in particular has been taking share from rivals, expanding its experiential House of Sport concept and wooing outdoor enthusiasts via its Public Lands and Moosejaw banners, though even it isn’t immune to pressures in the outdoor sector.

Last year EMS and Bob’s generated $131.9 million in net revenue, per court filings. A crisis brewing earlier this year made the Chapter 11 filing necessary, Barton said. On March 29, PNC declared a default under their loan agreement, took control over the chains’ cash and receivables, and would only fund certain expenses. The retailers and the bank couldn’t resolve their issues, and on June 12 PNC stopped funding their operations, per the filing.

Some $935,000 in wage obligations have accrued and remain unpaid, along with other outstanding debts, Barton said. In addition to the immediate need to pay employees on Friday, the company doesn’t have sufficient unencumbered cash and need liquidity to operate their businesses and pay operating expenses critical to the businesses, including utilities, payroll, rents, insurance, and taxes, so has sought to have a cash collateral motion heard on an emergency basis.

To save money, the chains are in the process of vacating a distribution center, deciding to operate from their larger stores instead, per court documents. At press time, the Bob’s website was under construction, while the EMS site was operational, advertising everything on sale.

Disney Unveils Private Peninsula Paradise in the Bahamas

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We got a sneak peek of Disney’s newest private peninsula, Lookout Cay, at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera, Bahamas. The exclusive island destination is available to Disney cruise line guests, offering crystal blue waters, private cabanas, and delectable dining options. From educational experiences to family-friendly play areas and adult-only retreats, Lookout Cay caters to all travelers seeking a touch of Disney magic in a tropical paradise setting. With Bahamian artists contributing unique art and merchandise, guests can take home authentic memories of their enchanting experience. Explore the magic of Lookout Cay, Disney’s latest island haven in Eleuthera.

Australian Opposition Leader Plans to Build Seven Nuclear Reactors in Five States

SYDNEY – For decades, Australian politicians – mainly from the conservative side – have toyed with the notion of adopting nuclear power for the country, but have typically shelved the idea after realising the immense scale and cost involved.

But, on June 19, Australian opposition leader Peter Dutton – a hardline conservative from the Liberal Party and a former Defence Minister – stunned the nation by confirming that, if elected, he planned to proceed with a plan to build seven nuclear reactors on the sites of retired coal-fired power stations in five states. The next election is expected to be held early next year.

Climate Change Impact: Women to Spend 30% More Time Collecting Water by 2050, Study Reveals, Germany

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Climate change could spike the time women around the world take to collect water for their households by up to 30 per cent by 2050, a new study has found.

In South America and Southeast Asia, higher temperatures and less rainfall, driven by climate change, could double the time spent on collecting water in households without running water, according to the research published in the journal Nature Climate Change.

Globally, for the period between 1990 to 2019, researchers from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK), Germany, found that women in households without running water would on average spend about 23 minutes everyday collecting water, considered primarily a women’s responsibility.

The researchers found that collecting water each day took anywhere between four minutes in parts of Indonesia to 110 minutes in regions of Ethiopia.

Compared to these numbers, we found that women will have to spend up to 30 per cent more time each day collecting water by 2050 under a high-emission scenario. This can be reduced to 19 per cent, if global warming is kept below 2 degree Celsius, said study author Robert Carr, a guest researcher at PIK.

For regions in eastern and central Africa that currently have the longest water collection times, temperature rises in a high-emission scenario would cause increases of between 20 and 40 per cent, said author Maximilian Kotz from PIK.

The results presented a gendered dimension of climate change impacts, highlighting how women are particularly vulnerable, according to author and PIK researcher Leonie Wenz.

They show how strongly climate change will affect women’s well-being, causing them to lose time for education, work and leisure, Wenz said.

Estimating welfare losses, Wenz said, By 2050, the cost of lost working time, calculated at the country-specific minimum wage, would be substantial, reaching tens to hundreds of millions of US dollars per country and year under a high-emission scenario.

As of 2016, women over the world spend up to 200 million hours a day on this vital task of collecting water, according to the authors.

Hackers Publish Confidential Data from London Hospitals in Cyber Attack, UK

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Britain’s National Health Service said on Friday it was investigating claims that hackers had published confidential data stolen from several London hospitals in a cyber attack on a blood testing lab. Services at large London hospitals including Guy’s, St Thomas’ and King’s services were still being disrupted following the attack by hackers reportedly demanding ransom from Synnovis, a lab company which provides testing services, on June 3. NHS England has been made aware that the cyber criminal group published data last night which they are claiming belongs to Synnovis and was stolen as part of this attack, the state-run unit said. We understand that people may be concerned by this and we are continuing to work with Synnovis, the National Cyber Security Centre and other partners to determine the content of the published files as quickly as possible.

Man in Wheelchair Struck in Hit-and-Run Near Ben Franklin Bridge, Philadelphia 2024, US

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A man in a wheelchair was struck by a hit-and-run driver — thrown about 50 feet — near the foot of the Ben Franklin Bridge and entrance to Vine Street Expressway early Friday, Philadelphia police said.

The crash happened just after midnight along Vine Street — near Franklin Street, Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said. It appeared the crash caused the man to be launched about 50 feet.

Police officers and medics found the man — believed to be in his 50s — suffering from head trauma and unresponsive next to his wheelchair, Small said. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was listed in critical condition while undergoing surgery.

It appeared that a driver going westbound from the Ben Franklin Bridge struck the man, Small said. A witness said after impact the striking driver made a right turn onto 7th Street.

The victim may have been out here panhandling, Small said. The area is known for panhandling and police officers said they recognized the man as previously having been asking for money in the area.

Another driver’s dashcam captured the hit-and-run clearly, Small said.

The car appeared to be a white sedan — possibly a Hyundai — with New Jersey tags, Small said. The car likely has front-end damage.

Ford CEO Announces Level 3 Autonomous Driving Progress: Hands-Free Highway Travel Coming Soon

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Ford’s CEO Jim Farley has revealed that the company is making significant strides towards achieving Level 3 autonomous driving, allowing for hands-free and eyes-off-the-road operation. Farley shared during a recent interview that Ford’s prototype vehicles are already capable of Level 3 autonomous driving, with the technology expected to be ready for passenger electric vehicles in approximately two years. This development marks a crucial advancement in Ford’s commitment to autonomous driving technology, positioning the company as a key player in the race towards safe and efficient self-driving vehicles. While detailed specifics of Ford’s roadmap to Level 3 autonomy remain undisclosed, the announcement underscores the company’s dedication to innovation and progress in the automotive industry. The news comes at a time when autonomous driving technologies are gaining momentum across the sector, with Ford’s latest advancements paving the way for a future where hands-free highway travel could become a reality.