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Europe’s coronavirus vaccine glut leads to call for contract transparency

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

Poland’s Health Minister Adam Niedzielski called on the European Commission on Tuesday to explain why it entered into a large COVID-19 vaccine contract at the height of the pandemic that has left the bloc on the hook for millions of unused doses. Niedzielski was answering a request for comment by POLITICO on Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s personal involvement in securing Europe’s biggest vaccine contract, for up to 1.8 billion doses of the BioNTech/Pfizer vaccine. The top EU official’s exact role in the negotiations has been an open question since the New York Times reported that she personally exchanged messages with Pfizer’s Chief Executive Albert Bourla in the run-up to the deal. The minister called the issue of how the negotiations were conducted “the next question mark.”“People are also asking questions in Poland. How it is possible that the number of doses is so high? … We want a straight explanation,” s...

More than two feet of snow hits parts of Mass. as nor’easter flakes head south before tapering off Wednesday

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

The nor’easter storm slamming New England left some communities in central Massachusetts with over two feet of snow while rain continued to switch to flakes closer to Boston.Road conditions were fairly clear for much of the metro area compared to parts of Worcester and Middlesex County, where crews spent the day trying to keep up with an onslaught of snowfall.Towns like Ashby (27.3″), Hubbardston (27″), and Fitchburg (20″) saw inches falling by the hour, as plows attempted to tackle loads of heavy, wet snow that brought down trees and power lines throughout the region.RELATED: Snow totals in New England (so far!) March 14Compared to the Worcester Hills, where totals were forecasted to average 18-24 inches, the snowfall appeared to drop off as precipitation made its way south, breaking off from the snow/rain line that held for most of the morning along I-495.https://twitter.com/joshwurster_/status/1635725955372122112As of the early afternoon, temperatures ...

EPA proposes first standards to make drinking water safer from ‘forever chemicals’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

(CNN) — The US Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday proposed the first national drinking water standard for “forever chemicals” that are dangerous to human health. The move could radically affect drinking water for nearly everyone in the United States.The new rule intends to set drinking water standards for six per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS or “forever chemicals.” PFAS are a family of ubiquitous synthetic chemicals that linger in the environment and the human body, where they can cause serious health problems.Although there are thousands of PFAS chemicals, according to the National Institutes of Health, under the rule, water systems would have to monitor for six specific chemicals, notify the public about PFAS levels and work to reduce them if levels go above the standard allowed.“I am thrilled to announce that EPA is taking yet another bold step to protect public health,” said US Envi...

Patriots reportedly signing Broncos O-lineman to 2-year deal

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

The Patriots have reached terms with their first outside free agent.Related ArticlesNew England Patriots | Jakobi Meyers explains decision to leave Patriots for team-friendly Raiders deal New England Patriots | Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers leaving for 3-year deal with AFC West team, per report New England Patriots | Retired Patriots captain Devin McCourty buys 37 billboards to thank fans New England Patriots | Source: Patriots expected to re-sign DT Carl Davis to 1-year deal New England Patriots | Patriots re-signing CB Jonathan Jones, one of their top free agents According to the NFL Network, the Pats and former Broncos offensive tackle Calvin Anderson have agreed to terms on a 2-year deal. Anderson projects as a swing tackle in New England, where Trent Brown is the only proven starter on the roster.Anderson, who turns 27 this month, has 11 career starts at left tackle and one at right tackle. Last season,...

Cape and Islands DA Robert Galibois cited by Barnstable police for ‘failure to report a motor vehicle crash’

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

The new Cape and Islands district attorney has been cited by one of his county’s police departments for “failure to report a motor vehicle crash” after the other driver reported the DA sped away from the accident scene.Cape and Islands DA Robert Galibois (Herald file photo)Robert Galibois, a Democrat who took over as DA at the start of the year, has been cited by Barnstable Police for failure to report a motor vehicle crash, marked lanes violation, and improper turn.The car crash happened in Hyannis on Thursday, Feb. 23, at around 11:15 a.m., near the intersection of Barnstable Road and Baxter Road in a busy commercial area. It wasn’t until six days later on March 1 that Barnstable Police received a call about the incident.The other driver’s mother reported to police that Galibois had been involved in a hit-and-run with her son, that the DA was not responding to her, and that he later denied hitting anyone. The driver’s mother was urging police to...

Comcast hypes 10G network. Is it twice as good as 5G? Actually, there’s no comparison

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

Ron Hurtibise | (TNS) South Florida Sun SentinelJust when you finally traded up to a 5G phone, Comcast’s newest marketing campaign promises to hook you up to its 10G Network.TV commercials debuted during the Super Bowl, boasting, “The next generation 10G Network. Only from Xfinity. One giant leap for mankind!”Sounds like Comcast is offering a service that’s twice as good as 5G, right?That might be what the cable and internet giant wants you to think is happening. But don’t throw that 5G phone out just yet.There’s literally no comparison between 5G and 10G.Despite having the letter G in common, the two phrases refer to completely distinct technology, and some tech-oriented websites are criticizing companies that leave the wrong impression in consumers’ minds.Let’s clarify what the two terms mean: 5G refers to the fifth generation of cellular technology, while 10G refers to the speed by which data can enter homes through cable and fiber connections.5G is the latest iteration in an evo...

Dolphins bringing back RBs Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson on two-year deals

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

The Miami Dolphins are bringing back the running back tandem of Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, according to multiple sources Tuesday.The return of the duo essentially solves the Dolphins’ backfield puzzle this offseason as the team began free agency with all of its active-roster tailbacks from last season entering free agency. Rumors have been swirling of Miami exploring options for trades for top running backs like the Titans’ Derrick Henry or Vikings’ Dalvin Cook.Both are on two-year deals. Mostert’s contract is for two years and $5.6 million with $2.2 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network. ESPN reported the deal can be worth up to $7.6 million with incentives. Wilson’s contract, according to a source, has a max value of $8.2 million.The news on the two backs that go back with coach Mike McDaniel to time together with the San Francisco 49ers comes after the Dolphins also re-signed fellow running back Salvon Ahmed, who was entering restricted f...

Collapse of SVB, Signature Bank explained: What to know

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

Two banks have collapsed since Friday, the federal government swooped in to save the day, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty about what comes next.Depositors at Silicon Valley Bank — which failed Friday after a bank run — and New York-based Signature Bank — which collapsed Sunday — will see their money guaranteed by the federal government. In a joint statement Sunday, the U.S. Treasury Department, the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. said all deposits at both banks would be guaranteed — but not at the expense of taxpayers. Depositors were told they would have access to their money Monday.» Ask a Nerd: How Does SVB’s Closure Affect Me?The move was an attempt to alleviate systemic risk to the banking system and shore up public confidence, according to the statement. In other words, the federal government hoped to ward off the potential for a contagion of collapses that could destabilize the banking system and cause an economic crisis akin to the Great ...

Pfizer receives FDA approval for migraine nasal spray, claims pain relief in 15 minutes

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

Jessica Schladebeck | (TNS) New York Daily NewsThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a nasal spray developed by Pfizer as a means to quickly treat the painful symptoms associated with suffering a migraine.The drug, Zavzpret, also known as zavegepant, was approved on Thursday for the treatment of acute migraines with or without an aura in adults. It’s expected to launch in July, Reuters reported.“The FDA approval of Zavzpret marks a significant breakthrough for people with migraine who need freedom from pain and prefer alternative options to oral medications,” said Pfizer’s Angela Hwang, Chief Commercial Officer, President, Global Biopharmaceuticals Business.The FDA’s greenlight hinged on late-stage study data, which showed Zavzpret was more effective than the placebo in 13 of 17 test categories, including providing pain relief in 15 minutes and restoring normal function at around half an hour.Among the 1,405 people who participated in the trial between October 2020 and ...

Ottawa councillor denounces police wearing ‘thin blue line’ symbol on hockey jerseys

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 11:14:43 GMT

Ottawa police are facing criticism after officers wore the “thin blue line” symbol at a charity hockey game over the weekend.Photos from the friendly Friday night game between the Ottawa Police Service and the Ottawa Fire Service have been circulating online, with many commenters panning the choice of jersey.Police forces across the country have banned members from wearing the controversial symbol while on duty because of its adoption in recent years by groups on the far right.A spokesperson for the police says the jerseys were provided by the Ottawa Police Association and officers are not allowed to wear it on their uniforms.The association is defending the use of the symbol, saying they believe it is a way to honour officers who have died on the job.But city Coun. Ariel Troster is denouncing the jerseys and says they are creating division at a time when the police service is supposed to be rebuilding trust with the community.