Jack Porter, an associate of Harvard's Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies, received a distressing letter from Harvard on Wednesday, suggesting that his late wife Raya's remains may have been impacted in a body part trafficking operation. The shocking news coincided with the indictment of a former Harvard Medical School employee, Cedric Lodge, who was charged with stealing and selling organs and body parts before they were meant to be cremated. In total, seven individuals were named as participants in the illegal operation.
Harvard has been cooperating with federal authorities and investigating its records to determine which donors may have been affected. Unfortunately, they could not rule out the possibility that Raya Porter's remains might have been impacted. As more information emerges, the university will keep in touch with the affected families.
Jack Porter was shocked by the news, recalling that he received his wife's cremated remains in February 2019 and had distributed them respectfully. Harvard had handled the donation appropriately and covered the funeral costs. However, Porter is now concerned that security protocols may not have been strictly followed.
He revealed that most families are deeply distressed by the situation, and he might be among the few who have agreed to interviews. Despite his shock, Porter doesn't hold hatred for Mr. Lodge, expressing pity for him instead. He shared that several factors are helping him cope, including the fact that his wife passed away six years ago and that he is a sociologist, trying to understand the mindset of those involved.
Raya Porter, a talented gynecologist in her native Ukraine, had donated her body to Harvard Medical School to further scientific and medical training for future doctors. Unfortunately, her generous decision has left her husband and other bereaved family members with many unanswered questions. The federal investigation into the body part trafficking ring is ongoing, and Porter and others affected hope that some of the missing parts can be recovered.
Jack Porter's wife, Raya, passed away in 2017 after battling colon cancer that had spread to her liver. Her body was in Harvard's possession for about a year and three months, which coincides with the period when Lodge allegedly started the operation.
Harvard terminated Lodge's employment in March 2022 after the federal investigation came to light. Lodge had been working at the university since 1995, and his responsibilities included handling anatomical donors' bodies and coordinating embalming and storage.
As the investigation continues, the affected families are left to grapple with the horrifying consequences of this illegal operation, hoping that justice will be served and some closure can be found.
Starting from spring 2024, Rivian customers will be able to use 12,000 Tesla Superchargers with adapters in the United States and Canada. Additionally, Rivian vehicles will have a Tesla-style charging port as a standard feature, beginning in 2025.
Rivian's CEO, RJ Scaringe, explained the decision, saying, "We prefer the Tesla connector, which is more compact, and we also see it as an opportunity to leverage the charging infrastructure that they built."
The move is part of Tesla's recent series of successes. In a single day, Tesla struck deals with BTC Power, which will incorporate Tesla's standard into its electric chargers; Texas, which will require state-backed charging stations to include Tesla's plug; and Hyundai Motor, which is considering making its vehicles more compatible with Tesla's standard.
These partnerships are a significant step in establishing Tesla's charging standard, competing with the Combined Charging System (CCS) that had the backing of President Joe Biden's administration. Tesla's recent agreements allow the company to profit from selling power to a wider group of EV drivers while giving other automakers access to its charging network.
Rivian, known for producing the R1T pickup truck and R1S SUV, also plans to expand its own fast-charging network, with over 3,500 charging stations in the works. Rivian's network will use Tesla's standard plugs, creating an additional revenue stream from Tesla owners using Rivian chargers.
Tesla's Superchargers currently make up about 60% of the total fast chargers available in the United States. This extensive network has been crucial for Tesla owners, and now, the company is taking steps to share it with other electric vehicle manufacturers.
While building charging networks requires significant investment, partnerships like these are becoming more common among EV manufacturers. As competition in the EV market intensifies, companies are recognizing the value of joining forces to offer better charging solutions to customers.
The recent partnerships also have implications for the U.S. government's efforts to promote EV adoption. Tesla's acceptance of the North American Charging Standard (NACS) has made it eligible for federal funding, and the government is providing $7.5 billion to accelerate EV charger deployment in the country.
Rebecca Tinucci, Tesla's senior director of charging infrastructure, commented on the industry's move toward the NACS, saying, "It's great to see the industry coming together to adopt the North American Charging Standard."
In conclusion, Rivian's adoption of Tesla's charging standard is another sign of the growing cooperation among EV manufacturers to improve charging infrastructure and promote EV adoption. Tesla's charging network remains a significant advantage for the company, and its recent deals with other automakers are helping to establish the NACS as the preferred charging standard in North America.
Senators Elizabeth Warren and Charles E. Grassley are teaming up to tackle the secretive practice of retired U.S. service members working as consultants and contractors for foreign governments. The bipartisan bill, set to be introduced on Tuesday, aims to clamp down on this practice by imposing new restrictions and greater transparency.
The proposed legislation will introduce several key measures. Firstly, it will prohibit troops from negotiating post-retirement jobs with foreign powers while still on active duty. Secondly, military intelligence personnel will be banned from working for any countries except for close allies like Britain, Canada, and Australia. Additionally, the bill will impose stiffer financial penalties for those who violate these rules.
A significant aspect of the bill involves requiring the federal government to publicly disclose the names, job duties, and salary details of all retired service members receiving compensation from foreign governments. This level of transparency is long overdue and has been resisted by the Pentagon and State Department for some time.
The senators' decision to introduce this bill was prompted by investigations conducted by The Washington Post and the nonprofit Project on Government Oversight (POGO). These investigations revealed that over 500 retired U.S. military personnel, including numerous high-ranking officials, have been working for foreign governments since 2015, often in countries known for political repression.
While federal law currently allows retired troops to work for foreign governments, provided they receive approval from their branch of the armed forces and the State Department, the details of these arrangements have been shrouded in secrecy. The Post had to use the Freedom of Information Act to obtain more than 4,000 pages of documents to shed light on the matter.
Senators Warren and Grassley believe that this situation demands greater transparency and accountability. Warren, who leads the Senate Armed Services subcommittee on personnel, highlights the serious risks to national security when retired military officers trade their expertise for cash with foreign governments. Grassley, the senior Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, stresses the need for judiciousness in allowing other countries to leverage the skills and experience of U.S. veterans.
The investigation by The Post also revealed that nearly two-thirds of the foreign jobs taken by retired U.S. veterans were in the Middle East and North Africa, with the government's approval for such posts being almost automatic.
In response to concerns raised by lawmakers, officials at the Pentagon and State Department stated that they are revisiting their policies and will report their findings to Congress in July. The senators' bipartisan bill seeks to address the current shortcomings and increase oversight to safeguard national security.
Are you tired of forcing down those bitter, peppery mustard greens while trying to be healthy? Well, worry no more! North Carolina's Pairwise, a gene-editing startup, is rolling out a new version of these leafy greens that promises to be less bitter and more delicious than ever before. Say goodbye to those contorted faces at the dinner table!
Mustard greens have always been a nutrient-packed powerhouse, but their intense flavor has deterred many from eating them raw. Usually, people resort to cooking them to make them palatable. But Pairwise's scientists put on their superhero capes and used the DNA-editing tool Crispr to save the day! By removing the gene responsible for the greens' pungency, they transformed the salad game for good.
Pairwise aims to make healthy foods more enjoyable and convenient, and they believe their revamped mustard greens will be a hit with shoppers. So, watch out, iceberg and butter lettuce, there's a new salad hero in town!
Tom Adams, the charismatic cofounder and CEO of Pairwise, claims they've created "a new category of salad" that's sure to excite taste buds. Initially, you'll find these greens at selected restaurants and outlets in certain areas, but don't worry, they'll soon be stocking up grocery stores in the Pacific Northwest.
But what's this Crispr magic? Crispr is like a fancy DNA magician that scientists started using in 2012. It holds the promise of producing all sorts of favorable traits in plants, from higher yields to pest resistance. While it hasn't yet solved world hunger (bummer!), it does bring a new level of variety to our plates.
But Pairwise isn't stopping at just mustard greens. They're on a mission to improve fruits too! Crispr is busy developing seedless blackberries and pitless cherries, making them more appealing and practical for our busy, nutrition-conscious lives.
What's fascinating about this new gene-edited greens revolution is that technically, it's not a genetically modified organism (GMO). While GMOs involve adding genes from different species (like some mad scientist experiment), Crispr works by gently tweaking an organism's own genes. Think of it as a gentle nudge, not a total DNA makeover.
And the best part? Gene-edited foods like these mustard greens don't have to carry the "GMO" label, avoiding the baggage and drama that comes with it. This could be a game-changer, considering that many folks still have mixed feelings about GMOs, with some seeing them as worse for health than non-GMO options (oh, the drama!).
Of course, not everyone is convinced that mustard greens' newfound charm will save the day. Critics argue that people won't suddenly start munching on greens just because they're less bitter. But hey, at least it's a step in the right direction, right?
So, get ready for a tastier salad experience coming your way! As gene-editing technology keeps evolving, who knows what other veggies and fruits will get a delicious makeover next? It's like a culinary adventure where science meets taste buds! Whether you're a fan of these new greens or a skeptic, one thing's for sure: the food revolution has only just begun.
Author Reema Patel, known for her debut novel "Such Big Dreams," offers a selection of seven books that vividly capture the essence of Bombay, now known as Mumbai. The city, with its intricate charm and dynamic energy, has been a rich backdrop in numerous literary works, spanning fiction and non-fiction genres.
Suketu Mehta's nonfiction work, "Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found," provides a whirlwind exploration of Bombay, delving into the lives of diverse inhabitants, from bar dancers to politicians. The book offers social commentary on power, pleasure, corruption, and labor, portraying Bombay as a symbol of the Indian dream for many migrants.
"Narcopolis" by Jeet Thayil takes readers on a haunting journey through Bombay's opium culture, spanning from the 1970s to the recent past. The novel, presented in vignettes, explores the lives of characters like opium addicts, a eunuch named Dimple, and a poet-slash-artist, offering a glimpse into the city's seedy underbelly.
Aravind Adiga's "Last Man in Tower" unfolds a tale of ruthless urban development in Bombay, as a developer seeks to replace an old apartment building with a luxury high-rise tower. The novel exposes the harsh reality that virtually everything in Bombay is for sale, reflecting the continuous market's diversity and the city's complexities.
Set in the 1990s, Amrita Mahale's "Milk Teeth" delves into the changing dynamics of Bombay through the lens of two childhood friends. The narrative explores nostalgia, urbanization, and the quest for freedom in a city characterized by diverse communities.
Sonia Faleiro's non-fiction work, "Beautiful Thing: Inside the Secret World of Bombay’s Dance Bars," presents the life of Leela, an ambitious bar dancer. Faleiro navigates Leela's world, portraying the paradoxes of glamour and squalor, pleasure and pain, as she strives for a better life.
Katherine Boo's "Behind the Beautiful Forevers" offers a non-fiction account of life in Annawadi, a sprawling slum near the international airport. Boo sheds light on the challenges and complexities of poverty, avoiding romanticization or patronization.
Vikram Chandra's epic saga, "Sacred Games," unfolds the cat-and-mouse game between a police officer and a larger-than-life gangster in Bombay's gritty underworld. The novel, with its vibrant Bambaiya slang, serves as both a lesson on Indian post-colonial history and a love letter to the city.
Reema Patel, the author of "Such Big Dreams," introduces readers to a curated list of books that offer diverse perspectives on Bombay. Patel's personal connection to the city, reflected in her debut novel, adds a unique dimension to her recommendations.
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In a recent episode of CBS' 60 Minutes, Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google, expressed his anticipation of AI's widespread impact on virtually every industry and product. Google has become deeply invested in the AI space, competing with other tech giants like Microsoft in the race to dominate consumer AI.
Pichai foresees AI playing a significant role in various sectors, including healthcare, where radiologists might collaborate daily with AI assistants to prioritize critical cases or detect overlooked details. Similarly, AI could aid students in their learning, helping them understand complex subjects like math or history.
Despite the potential benefits, Pichai acknowledged that AI might also disrupt certain job roles, particularly those of "knowledge workers" such as writers, accountants, architects, and software engineers. Furthermore, AI's influence on disinformation and "fake news" is a concerning aspect that needs careful consideration.
The Google CEO believes that AI's impact on society can be positively influenced if we start addressing its implications early on. Google has been working on AI guidelines since 2018, aiming to reduce potential harm by gradually releasing AI products, allowing time for society and Google's engineers to adapt and enhance their understanding of the technology.
Pichai emphasized the importance of involving not only engineers but also social scientists, ethicists, and philosophers in the development of AI. He stressed that the decision-making process should be thoughtful and not solely left to companies like Google.
As AI continues to evolve and integrate into our daily lives, it is crucial for society to remain vigilant, having meaningful discussions about its implications and working together to harness its potential for the greater good.
In Mulberry, Tennessee, a picturesque wedding venue with a beautiful white mansion, manicured landscaping, and a sprawling green lawn is battling a peculiar and pesky problem — whiskey fungus. This mysterious mold, named for its appetite for ethanol, has become a nuisance for property owners like Patrick Long, whose community attributes the fungus's spread to the recent boom in whiskey consumption.
The fungus feeds on the ethanol that evaporates into the air from aging whiskey barrels stored in warehouses nearby. Jack Daniel's, one of the top-selling whiskey brands in the U.S., has at least 90 warehouses in the region. As the whiskey matures, ethanol emissions increase, creating an ideal environment for the whiskey fungus to thrive.
Whiskey fungus might seem harmless at first glance, appearing soft and powdery, but its microscopic superglue-like adhesion makes it challenging to remove. It clings to surfaces such as roofs, windows, and even stainless steel, causing havoc for property owners who constantly have to power wash to keep the fungus at bay. Unfortunately, the effects of the cleanings are only temporary, as the fungus tends to return within a few months.
Despite its tenacious grip, whiskey fungus is not known to harm humans, as its spores are not airborne. University of Toronto mycologist James Scott, who named the fungus Baudoinia compniacensis, pointed out the limited research on the topic. Whiskey fungus remains an understudied phenomenon, and any new information about it is considered valuable.
The exact means of whiskey fungus propagation remain unclear, but scientists have observed snails leaving tiny trails in fungus-prone areas. Snails seem to have a fondness for this particular fungus and may contribute to its spread.
While whiskey fungus can be found worldwide, the black crusty appearance is predominantly associated with distilleries and bakeries. To address the issue, Jack Daniel's could potentially reduce its ethanol emissions, but implementing air-filtration systems would come at a significant cost, which the company seems hesitant to undertake.
For Patrick Long and his wedding venue business, the fungus has caused considerable damage. It coats everything in its vicinity, affecting the lush greenery that is essential for a picture-perfect backdrop during weddings. Unlike structures that can be power washed, the plants and trees face a more challenging situation, leaving property owners with few options to combat the relentless whiskey fungus.
As the demand for whiskey continues to grow, the issue of whiskey fungus poses a unique challenge for distilleries like Jack Daniel's and communities like Mulberry, Tennessee, where property owners are left grappling with the consequences of this enigmatic mold.
Michael Jordan's decision to sell his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for a staggering $3 billion is undoubtedly a smart business move, considering he originally purchased the team for just $275 million back in 2010. However, it is a bittersweet moment, as it highlights a concerning trend: there is currently not a single majority owner who is Black in the most popular and lucrative professional sports leagues in America.
The sale will see Jordan retaining a minority stake and maintaining some presence with the franchise, but it means he will no longer be the face of the Hornets, joining other Black celebrities who hold minority ownership stakes in teams.
In recent years, we've witnessed the sale of teams like the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Washington Commanders in the NFL, as well as the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns in the NBA—all acquired by non-Black individuals. Major League Baseball also saw the New York Mets being bought by a wealthy white buyer, Steve Cohen.
The issue here is not that white people are buying teams; rather, it's the lack of Black ownership due to socioeconomic factors and systemic racism. Black athletes dominate the NBA and NFL, yet they seldom have the opportunity to transition to team ownership.
LeBron James, who has owned a team in his financial portfolio, expressed his desire to bring a team to Las Vegas, emphasizing the need for Black ownership in sports. Magic Johnson, a minority owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Commanders, echoed the sentiment, but pointed out that change needs to start with existing team owners acknowledging the value of Black ownership.
The sale of the Hornets is the seventh-most expensive sale price ever for a sports franchise, indicating that Jordan chose a prime time to sell. However, the value of this decision depends on individual perspectives and priorities.
The New York Times published an article, "Michael Jordan was an activist after all," shedding light on the charitable endeavors Jordan has undertaken behind closed doors, particularly benefiting Black athletes. Still, Jordan's past comment, "Republicans buy sneakers, too," in response to the 1990 U.S. Senate race between Jesse Helms and Harvey Gantt, has drawn criticism from the Black community.
While Jordan has every right to do as he pleases with the Charlotte Hornets, history may perceive his decision to sell as a missed opportunity for progress in a time when sports desperately needs Black ownership representation. Activism requires being active, and some may see this move as a step back from that role for Jordan.
In conclusion, Michael Jordan's decision to sell his majority stake in the Hornets comes with mixed emotions. It's a smart business move, but it also shines a light on the lack of Black majority owners in professional sports, a void that many believe needs to be filled for progress to be made.
In the early 1980s, Maine was a place where gays and lesbians faced discrimination without any legal protection. It was a time when the murder of a young gay man, Charlie Howard, sent shockwaves through the community and ignited a movement for civil rights. But amid these challenges, a beacon of hope emerged in the form of "Our Paper," a pioneering LGBT newspaper founded in 1983.
At a time when the LGBTQ+ acronym was not widely recognized, "Our Paper" aimed to bring together a community that often felt like outsiders. Many individuals were still in the closet, fearing the consequences of being open about their sexual orientation, such as losing their jobs or homes. The newspaper provided a crucial connection for these individuals, offering information and acting as a forum for expressing their outrage in the aftermath of Charlie Howard's murder.
The early founders of "Our Paper" faced significant obstacles. After only two issues, the paper was refused publication by The Kennebec Journal due to what they deemed "tasteless content," particularly information on AIDS risk-reduction. The newspaper also faced a temporary ban from the Portland Public Library for printing a "safe-sex test" with objectionable material.
Yet, despite these challenges, "Our Paper" persisted. It chronicled the struggle for state civil rights legislation, including the addition of "sexual orientation" to the Maine Human Rights Act. The paper reported on significant events like the firing of Rev. Barry Wood from Saint Luke’s Cathedral for performing a commitment ceremony for two women. It also exposed instances of discrimination, such as an inn on Mount Desert Island refusing to rent a room to two women who wanted to share a bed and frequent assaults against gay men at Denny's Restaurant.
One of the driving forces behind "Our Paper" was the unfolding AIDS crisis, which was claiming many lives without effective treatments. The newspaper fought to provide essential health information during this crisis, even facing attempts to prevent distribution and printing of such material.
Fred Berger, one of the early founders, highlighted the newspaper's impact in shaping public perception of AIDS. An interview with an AIDS patient published in "Our Paper" helped bring the issue out of the closet, and the paper was ahead of its time in addressing the personal impact of the crisis on the community.
Today, as we look back almost 40 years later, we can see how "Our Paper" played a pivotal role in Maine's journey toward progress and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. From fighting discrimination to shedding light on the AIDS crisis, this upstart newspaper left a lasting legacy, paving the way for increased acceptance, same-sex marriage, and a clearer understanding of transgender issues.
Apple has unveiled a significant multibillion-dollar deal with Broadcom, a prominent U.S. technology and advanced manufacturing company. The partnership focuses on the development of 5G radio frequency components, particularly FBAR filters, and cutting-edge wireless connectivity components. Broadcom will manufacture the FBAR filters in various key American hubs, including Fort Collins, Colorado, where the company has a major facility.
Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting the commitment to leveraging American ingenuity and creativity in manufacturing. Apple's existing collaboration with Broadcom in Fort Collins has already contributed to supporting over 1,100 jobs, with the new deal expected to further enable investment in critical automation projects and upskilling for technicians and engineers.
The broader impact of Apple's partnerships extends across the nation, supporting over 2.7 million jobs through direct employment, iOS app development, and spending with a vast network of U.S. suppliers and manufacturers spanning all 50 states and various sectors.
The focus on 5G technology is a pivotal aspect of Apple's strategy, with substantial investments directed toward its development in the United States. These investments align with Apple's commitment made in 2021 to inject $430 billion into the U.S. economy over five years. The company is currently on track to meet this target through direct spending with American suppliers, investments in data centers, capital expenditures, and other domestic expenditures.
Since the introduction of 5G technology to Apple devices in 2020, the company has played a crucial role in expanding and expediting 5G adoption nationwide. This expansion has driven innovation and job growth among companies supporting 5G innovation and infrastructure. The global reach of 5G coverage and performance continues to grow, providing users worldwide with faster connectivity as they transition to 5G-capable products.