Insurance company Allstate has reported that wildfires in Southern California last month will result in a significant loss of approximately $1.1 billion, pre-tax and net of reinsurance. CEO Tom Wilson stated that the losses are attributed to a decision made in 2007 to reduce market share and a comprehensive reinsurance program. The Los Angeles area … Read more
Private space station launch provider Vast has experienced significant delays, prompting a change in its materials selection. Instead of using stainless steel, which was initially chosen for its durability, Vast will now utilize an alternative material. The exact reasons behind this shift and the revised timeline remain undisclosed. Source: https://aviationweek.com/space/space-exploration/vast-delays-private-space-station-launch-ditches-stainless-steel
Anthony Davis is set to make his Dallas Mavericks debut on Saturday against the Houston Rockets, aiming to “give life back” to fans who were shocked by the stunning trade that sent star player Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers. Davis, along with Max Christie and Caleb Martin, was introduced at a press conference … Read more
A devastating series of wildfires ravaged Los Angeles in January, displacing over 200,000 people and causing an estimated $275 billion in damages. As the region grapples with recovery efforts, experts are pointing to five critical strategies to survive future wildfires: coherent fire strategy, hardening buildings, increased insurance flexibility, addressing the housing crisis, and tackling climate … Read more
A new Super Bowl betting system has emerged in the US, allowing users to trade on game outcomes. Crypto.com, a Singapore-based cryptocurrency exchange, has started offering “yes” or “no” positions on NFL playoff and college football games, including the championship. Users can buy and sell these swaps contracts, with prices fluctuating based on odds. For … Read more
A new study published in the journal Cell sheds light on the genetic changes that shaped human brain evolution, revealing how the process differed from chimpanzee evolution. Researchers at Yale focused on a class of genetic switches known as Human Accelerated Regions (HARs), which regulate gene expression during evolution. The study found that HARs fine-tune … Read more
Singer-activist Buffy Sainte-Marie has been stripped of her Order of Canada, the country’s most prestigious civilian honor. The decision was announced by Governor General Mary Simon on January 3, 2025, and comes after an investigation by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s “Fifth Estate” show. The show alleged that Sainte-Marie fabricated her Indigenous heritage, presenting a birth … Read more
Marc Lore, the serial entrepreneur behind Diapers.com and Jet.com, has become a billionaire by taking risks and diversifying his investments. His latest venture, Wonder, aims to disrupt the takeout and delivery market with a unique food hall concept. Wonder, which Lore founded in 2018, initially focused on purchasing recipes and branding from trendy restaurants and … Read more
A massive landslide in southwestern China’s Sichuan province has left over 30 people missing, prompting a high-level emergency operation. The incident occurred on Saturday when 10 houses were buried under the rubble. Rescuers, including firefighters, have been deployed to the area. State broadcaster CCTV reported that two people were pulled out from under the rubble, … Read more
Apple’s robotics researchers have unveiled a new lamp robot inspired by Pixar’s famous mascot, Luxo Jr. The robot is designed to learn and adapt to its environment, much like the character from the 1986 film “The Good Dinosaur.” According to Apple, the lamp robot is powered by artificial intelligence (AI) technology that enables it to … Read more