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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs launches Smaisma Project

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Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs launches Smaisma Project

DOHA, Qatar, June 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — His Excellency the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, launched today, Smaisma Project, the latest project by the Ministry of Municipality which will be managed by Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company. Upon completion, the project is expected to become a new urban landmark in the country, adding to the growing list of unique tourist destinations along Qatar’s coast.

HE Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs Launches Smaisma Project
HE Prime Minister Minister of Foreign Affairs Launches Smaisma Project

Speaking at the launch, His Excellency Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiyah, Minister of Municipality, stressed the importance of collaboration between partners in the public and private sector to continue and reinforce the growth trajectory that Qatar has been witnessing. “As we move steadily towards achieving Qatar National Vision 2030, we are building a future more prosperous and stable for future generations, economically, socially and environmentally. We look forward to enriching the tourism sector with more projects that meet the needs of this vital industry.”

Eng. Ali bin Mohamed Al-Ali, CEO of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, expressed his pride in the trust awarded to Qatari Diar by the Ministry of Municipality to  manage the project, stating, “This latest project has been planned under the umbrella of the Ministry of Municipality and in line with the path of continued economic growth pursued by the State of Qatar. This project will set a new standard for tourism in the region and write a new and exciting chapter in Qatar’s ongoing success story.”

He continued, “The Qatari real estate market is valued at US$485 billion in 2024, and attracts the most foreign direct investments after the energy sector. This industry has witnessed notable growth in the past few years, driven by an increase in demand on residential and retail spaces, growth in visitor numbers, Qatar’s hosting of mega events and development in the business and trade sector.”

The Smaisma Project will span eight million square metres, and extend along seven kilometres of pristine beachfront on Qatar’s eastern coast, in the area known as Smaisma Beach, providing novel tourist and entertainment experiences to the people of Qatar and its visitors.

The project provides promising investment opportunities, with 16 tourism zones available for development by the private sector, including resorts spread out over four zones each with a unique design and character. In addition, the project will feature a large-scale theme park, 18-hole golf course, residential villas, a yacht marina, as well as luxury restaurants and retailers.

Sustainability will be a fundamental pillar of the project, with reliance on smart construction systems, the use of local and recycled materials, as well as the latest in construction technology.

Considered an integrated tourism development, Smaisma Project will open up promising investment opportunities for real estate, development and tourism companies, encouraging foreign direct investments. 

Qatari Diar has 50 investment projects under development in 20 countries around the world, combining an investment value of around US$35 billion. The company seeks to provide investment opportunities for both local and foreign real estate developers in many of its projects around the world.

The company has also contributed significantly to the growth of Qatar’s real estate sector though pioneering projects, including Lusail City, one of the largest smart and sustainable cities in Qatar.

Qatari Diar’s vision is to consolidate its position as a real estate investment company with the highest levels of trust, credibility and efficiency, while harnessing its energies and capabilities to provide sustainable development of high quality, careful planning and the use of innovative methods in the world of real estate. 

Media Contact: Peiwen Zou; Peiwen.zou@ogilvy.com; 44103000

Smaisma Project Rendering
Smaisma Project Rendering

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AIMA Q7: Redefining Intelligent Two-Wheeled Electric Vehicles with a Grand Launch at the 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo

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AIMA Q7: Redefining Intelligent Two-Wheeled Electric Vehicles with a Grand Launch at the 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo

TIANJIN, China, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On June 20th, AIMA made a notable presence at the 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo with the launch of the AIMA Q7 official product under the theme “Intelligent Flagship, Born for Family”. The 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo showcases the latest artificial intelligence technology and industrial advancements globally. This is the second consecutive year that AIMA has been invited to participate in the expo. This event held great significance within the global intelligent industry landscape, as AIMA showcased its pioneering single electric vehicle product, asserting its leadership in the industry. Additionally, the expo served as a platform for AIMA to communicate its visionary approach to intelligent transportation, presenting its significant achievements and outlining plans for an intelligent future, garnering attention on a global scale.

Chic Technology Pioneers the Industry

AIMA Redefines Intelligent Mobility with Advanced Products

During the AIMA Q7 product launch, Mo Xuan, Chief Brand Officer of AIMA Technology Group Co., Ltd, underscored AIMA’s commitment to crafting exceptional vehicles for every family travel. With its sleek design, Pantone color, comfortable ride, TCS safety tech, and intelligent features, AIMA Q7 embodies the essence of home and travel, epitomizing AIMA’s brand ethos while showcasing the brand’s profound exploration and fusion of beauty, fashion, and technology.

Mo Xuan, Chief Brand Officer of AIMA Technology Group Co., Ltd, proudly presents AIMA Q7.
Mo Xuan, Chief Brand Officer of AIMA Technology Group Co., Ltd, proudly presents AIMA Q7.

“Transforming Intelligent Two-Wheeled Electric Vehicles,” as described by Xiao Bing, Chief of Research and Development at AIMA Technology Group Co. Ltd, showcases how AIMA’s flagship intelligent vehicle, AIMA Q7, embodies a true evolution in intelligence. Through the seamless integration of intelligent interaction terminals, intelligent riding terminals, and intelligent ecological interconnection, AIMA Q7 establishes a perfect closed loop of innovative experiences. By leveraging advanced technologies such as lead-acid BMS, self-developed full-stack controllers, 4G&BeiDou applications, and multiple intelligent driving modes, AIMA continues to set the standard in the industry for advanced products.

Embedded within AIMA’s vision and strategic plans is an unwavering dedication to user-centric principles, a commitment to scientific and technological innovation, and a resolute action to dispel doubt. Within these pursuits, we witness the commitment and responsibility of an industry leader, as well as a warm and compassionate approach that is both forward-thinking and technologically advanced. AIMA’s endeavors bring joy and love to users across the globe.

AIMA Q7 appeared at the 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo
AIMA Q7 appeared at the 2024 World Intelligent Industry Expo

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Helen Keller’s birthplace, Ivy Green, is key travel destination for fans of ‘The Miracle Worker’

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Helen Keller’s birthplace, Ivy Green, is key travel destination for fans of ‘The Miracle Worker’

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Rock ‘n’ roll lovers on a musical mecca throughout the South are likely, during their travels, to make a stop at the famed recording studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

But just a few miles away in the nearby city of Tuscumbia lies another legendary locale — attracting its own enthusiastic visitors. (See the video at the top of this piece, plus another video within this article.)

Not far from the Tennessee River sits Ivy Green, the birthplace of Helen Keller. The American woman overcame her inability to see or hear at an early age and emerged an acclaimed author and advocate for disability rights.

MIGHTY MUSCLE SHOALS, ALABAMA FLEXES ITS LEGACY AS BIRTHPLACE OF GLOBAL MUSIC AND MIRACLES

It’s also the setting of William Gibson’s “The Miracle Worker” stage play, based on Keller’s 1903 autobiography “The Story of My Life.”

Not only is Ivy Green the central location for Gibson’s Tony Award-winning play, but each summer the grounds become the centerpiece of the tale of Keller’s early home struggles. Teacher Annie Sullivan, as Keller once wrote of their relationship, “gave me love and opened my mind and helped me acquire knowledge and greatness of life.”

Hellen Keller is shown, age 13, with teacher Anne Sullivan in 1893.

Helen Keller, left, in 1893 at age 13, is pictured with Annie Sullivan, who traveled from Boston to teach the young student. (Bettmann/Contributor/Getty Images)

Sullivan, partially blinded herself at age 5, had traveled from Boston to Alabama in 1887 to teach Keller.

The performances of “The Miracle Worker” during the last weekend of June coincide with the annual Helen Keller Festival, which Colbert County, Alabama, tourism president Susann Hamlin described to Fox News Digital as a “typical southern festival paying homage to Helen Keller.”

The four-day festival is held each year in June to commemorate Keller’s birthday on June 27, 1880.

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About 50,000 visitors flock to Ivy Green every year, Hamlin said, many of whom take part in the festivities.

‘The Miracle Worker’ performances span generations

Now in its 63rd year, “The Miracle Worker” at Ivy Green is more than just an acting opportunity for its 13-year-old star. 

Lillie Meyer, in her third season of portraying Keller on the stage, was always interested in Keller’s life story, but Meyer said the experience has been educational.

“I thought, before I started this, that I knew a lot about her, but now I realize that I didn’t,” Meyer told Fox News Digital in a video interview.

“The Miracle Worker” at Ivy Green has been Alabama’s official state outdoor drama since 1991, according to its website. 

The inaugural performance on the property took place on June 29, 1962 – the same year the play was adapted into a film starring Patty Duke as Keller and Anne Bancroft as Sullivan (performances that earned Oscars for both actresses).

Anne Bancroft and Patty Duke in a scene from the 1962 movie 'The Miracle Worker.'

Actress Anne Bancroft, playing educator Annie Sullivan, pleads with actress Patty Duke, playing Helen Keller, in the 1962 production of “The Miracle Worker.” Both won Oscars for their performances. (Bettman/Contributor/Getty Images)

Initially, the play was staged behind the house near the well pump where Sullivan taught Keller her first word, Hamlin said.

“They had so many people coming that they built this outdoor theater there, which made it more comfortable and better, I’m sure, from that early time when it first started,” Hamlin explained.

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Even Gibson, the late playwright whom Hamlin said visited Keller’s childhood home for the first time in 1996 before his death, was “so impressed” and “amazed at how they were able to bring the Helen Keller story to life right there at Ivy Green.”

Being a part of “The Miracle Worker” in Keller’s backyard makes it extra special for Meyer.

Lillie Meyer stars as Helen Keller in a scene from "The Miracle Worker" performed on the grounds at Ivy Green, Keller's birthplace, in Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Lillie Meyer, age 13, stars as Helen Keller in a scene from “The Miracle Worker,” performed on the grounds of Ivy Green, Keller’s birthplace, in Tuscumbia, Alabama. (Courtesy Mary Carton)

“It is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she said.

The part is also the “most challenging” for a relative newcomer. “It is a very different character from what you might see in other shows,” Meyer said.

2 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL GARDENS IN THE WORLD ARE IN THE US, THE OTHERS ARE SCATTERED ACROSS THE GLOBE 

The young actress described undergoing training that spanned “a couple of weeks” spent with her “Helen coach” (a previous performer), during which time she learned the physical movements necessary for the role.

“The show is very physical throughout,” she said, referring to Keller’s scripted tantrums.

‘Simplistic’ beauty

Magnolia trees — which have been at Ivy Green since the house was built in 1820 — greet visitors, Hamlin said.

“The grounds are immaculately kept,” she said.

Inside the “simplistic” house with green shutters and a wooden shingle roof, tour guides take visitors through each room, sharing tales of Keller’s life.

Helen Keller, pictured here at age 7, was born at Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and lived there as a child.

Helen Keller, pictured at left in 1887 at age 7, was born at Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama. She lived in the house as a child. (Bettman/Contributor/Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau)

“It’s not a huge home, but it’s beautiful,” Hamlin said.

Guests can see the mostly authentic furnishings on the inside. Hamlin said 85% of the furnishings at Ivy Green are original, including the beds where Keller and Sullivan slept and the pre-Civil War cutlery on the dining room table.

TOP SUMMER TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR 2024: THESE INTERNATIONAL SPOTS WERE THE MOST SEARCHED

Thanks to the Helen Keller Festival, Hamlin said, this weekend’s guests will also be treated to a parade through downtown Tuscumbia. 

There is also live music and a children’s program in which “they learn to, sort of, relive the days of blind and deaf children just as Helen had to do it.”

Visitors take a look inside Ivy Green, Helen Keller's birthplace in Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Visitors inside Ivy Green, Helen Keller’s birthplace in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Colbert County’s tourism president Susann Hamlin said 85% of the furnishings at Ivy Green are original.  (Colbert County Tourism & Convention Bureau)

Ivy Green first opened to the public in 1954. It has also been home to “Camp Courage” since 2013, Hamlin said. 

The free camp is intended for children with visual or hearing impairments.

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“It’s been a very successful program,” Hamlin said. “We’ve had people from several states across the U.S. and one international child who came to ‘Camp Courage.'”

National Register of Historic Places

Ivy Green is in the city of Tuscumbia, Alabama, about 125 miles southwest of Nashville and 140 miles southeast of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s home in Memphis.

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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Ivy Green is open to visitors Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The last tour of the day starts at 3:45 p.m. 

It is closed on Sundays, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Dec. 24-26 and New Year’s Day.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

Remaining performances of “The Miracle Worker” at Ivy Green are scheduled for June 28, June 29, July 12, July 13, July 19 and July 20. 

Each show begins at 8 p.m.

The Helen Keller Festival runs through June 30.

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Dalian leverages Summer Davos to attract foreign investment

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Dalian leverages Summer Davos to attract foreign investment

DALIAN, China, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from chinadaily.com.cn:

[Photo/Dalian's coordination office for 2024 Summer Davos]
[Photo/Dalian’s coordination office for 2024 Summer Davos]

The Summer Davos Forum is more than just a meeting, it’s a gateway for Dalian to enhance its international openness, global recognition, and participation in international economic cooperation.

The northeastern port city of Dalian, in Liaoning province, will again take center stage at the 2024 Summer Davos Forum, showcasing its vibrant business environment and robust industrial support for foreign investment.

Since partnering with the forum in 2007, Dalian has drawn significant interest from Fortune 500 companies and new champion enterprises, bringing numerous cooperation opportunities.

In 2013, during that year’s Summer Davos Forum, Dalian introduced 100 key investment projects across various sectors, including industrial real estate, equipment manufacturing, fine chemicals, electronic information, biopharmaceuticals, and new materials. The city identified and engaged over 1,000 potential clients, successfully establishing project-matching channels.

At the 2015 forum, Dalian secured new clients and cooperation agreements, signing 13 investment projects in finance, advanced manufacturing, e-commerce, elder care, and industrial real estate. In 2017, the city signed 17 foreign investment projects, boosting its industrial transformation and upgrading.

The 2019 Summer Davos Forum saw 2,066 representatives from 101 countries and regions in Dalian, with nearly 70 percent being foreign guests and 60 percent business leaders. During this period, Dalian signed 16 key projects in information technology, biopharmaceuticals, intelligent equipment, and cultural creativity.

In recent years, Dalian has introduced policies to broaden channels for attracting foreign investment, improve services for foreign investors, and leverage foreign capital more effectively. The city aims to establish itself as a high-level open gateway hub.

Dalian is committed to enhancing its investment environment to attract foreign capital effectively. It ensures equal treatment for domestic and foreign investments, pioneering the “Regulation of Dalian City on the Promotion of Foreign Investment”, a first in Northeast China. Additional measures, such as the Three-Year Action Plan for Deepening Cooperation with Japanese and Korean Industries, aim to optimize the environment, expand channels, stabilize scales, and improve the quality of utilization.

According to the Dalian Municipal Bureau of Commerce, the city has attracted over 17,000 foreign-invested enterprises to date, with over 5,000 currently active, accounting for more than half of the province’s total. A total of 124 Fortune Global 500 companies have invested in 288 projects in Dalian.

Significant projects have bolstered industrial cooperation and quality enhancement, led by companies such as SK Hynix, Goodyear, Volkswagen, Nidec, and SKF, driving advancements in integrated circuits, equipment manufacturing, automobiles, and components. Japanese firms like Sompo Japan Insurance, Mizuho Bank, and Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group have played pivotal roles in developing regional financial centers.

High-quality foreign investment projects landing in Dalian reflect foreign investors’ recognition of the city’s business-friendly environment and its efforts to build a high-level open gateway hub, and demonstrate the city’s success in attracting substantial foreign investment.

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Onboard forests, street markets and reefs: Disney releases details about its new cruise in Singapore

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Enchanted valleys, vibrant street markets and fantastical forests.

Those are just some of what fans of Disney cruises can expect on board the upcoming Disney Adventure, according to details announced Tuesday by Disney Cruise Line.

The ship — the sixth cruise liner from Disney — is the company’s first to homeport in Asia. Its maiden voyage is scheduled to depart from Singapore in 2025.

The Disney Adventure will sail three- and four-night voyages and can hold some 6,700 passengers and 2,500 crew members, according to a press release. All sailings will depart from Marina Bay Cruise Centre, it said.

What to expect on board

The Disney Adventure is designed around seven themed areas inspired by Disney, Pixar and Marvel films, including:

  • Imagination Garden: described as the heart and gateway to the ship; it features an “enchanted valley,” garden and open-air performance venue
  • Discovery Reef: a place to shop and dine with characters and stories from Disney’s nautical movies, such as “The Little Mermaid” and “Finding Nemo”
  • San Fransokyo Street: a street market-inspired family entertainment area with interactive games, shops and movie theaters

A rendering of Disney Adventure, launching in Singapore in 2025.

Source: Disney Cruise Line

  • Wayfinder Bay: a Pacific island-inspired poolside retreat reflecting the colors and look of “Moana”
  • Town Square: a gathering place for fans of Disney royalty with shops and restaurants built into a forest reminiscent of “Tangled,” “Cinderella,” “Frozen” and “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”
  • Marvel Landing: a place with all-new attractions designed for fans of Avengers’ superheroes
  • Toy Story Place: a play land with themed food venues and water play areas inspired by Pixar’s “Toy Story” franchise

Staterooms will feature discreet Disney touches and the cruise line’s split-bath concept, so two people can get ready at once, according to the release.

Like other Disney cruises, Disney Adventure will have characters on board, entertainment based on Disney songs and viewings of its most popular movies.

Billed as “the ultimate holiday at sea” for families, Disney Adventure is for cruisers of all ages, with a spa, fitness area and “premium dining” for parents, according to the press release.

Plus, it will have distinct touches of Asia, in a nod to the company’s first cruise ship based in the region.

“By infusing Disney’s signature service with handpicked experiences unique to Asia, guests can look forward to the magic at sea through personalized touches, a selection of global cuisines, and abundant retail offerings carrying a distinct local flavor,” said Sarah Fox, vice president and regional general manager for Asia at Disney Cruise Line.  

Other Disney cruises

Disney Adventure joins Disney Cruise Line’s fleet of five ships, alongside two others — the Disney Treasure and Disney Destiny — that are on the way, according to the release.

Disney cruises sail to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, Canada, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand.

The AquaDuck water coaster aboard a Disney cruise ship — the Disney Dream — in Nassau, Bahamas.

Matt Stroshane | Disney Cruise Line | Getty Images

Singapore’s “strategic location, world-class air connectivity and port infrastructure make it a thriving cruise hub in Southeast Asia,” according to Tuesday’s press release.

Cruises will run for at least five years, according to an agreement between Disney Cruise Line and Singapore Tourism Board.

The ship’s first departure date, as well as voyage pricing, have not been announced.

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Vienna is the world’s most livable city for the third straight year: EIU report

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Vienna is the world’s most livable city for the third straight year: EIU report

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Syetarn Hansakul, senior analyst for Asia at the Economist Intelligence Unit, discusses its Global Liveability Index 2024, saying the “usual suspects” in Asia-Pacific continue to be in the top 10.

03:20

3 minutes ago

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Slovenia Celebrates 10 Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Hiša Franko Maintains Three Stars. Restaurant Milka Retains Two, and Pavus Earns a New Star

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Slovenia Celebrates 10 Michelin-Starred Restaurants: Hiša Franko Maintains Three Stars. Restaurant Milka Retains Two, and Pavus Earns a New Star

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia, June 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Slovenian gastronomy has achieved another milestone. In 2024 Michelin Guide for Slovenia, the number of listed restaurants has risen to 63, an increase of four from the previous year. This places Slovenia among Europe’s gastronomic superpowers. Five new restaurants have been awarded the Bib Gourmand for their excellent value for money. Eight restaurants boast a Green Star for sustainability, making Slovenia once again the number one European country in terms of the number of Michelin Green Stars per capita.

Slovenian Tourist Board
Slovenian Tourist Board

Michelin Guide highlighted the best Slovenian restaurants for the fifth time in a row, reaffirming the top quality, sustainability and diversity of Slovenian gastronomy. Hiša Franko, under the guidance of chef Ana Roš, continues to shine brightly with three Michelin stars. What sets Hiša Franko apart even further is its Green Star, emphasizing its commitment to sustainability. This dual recognition places Hiša Franko among a select group of just 33 restaurants worldwide honoured with both distinctions. Ana Roš also stands as one of only eight female chefs globally to hold three Michelin stars and one of two chefs worldwide to combine three Michelin stars with the Green Star.

Among the other standout restaurants, Milka under chef David Žefran maintains its impressive two Michelin stars. The guide also highlights eight restaurants awarded one Michelin star, including the newcomer Pavus Restaurant, led by Chef Mark Pavčnik. Additionally, eight restaurants have earned a prestigious Michelin Green Star, with Galerija Okusov and Chef Marko Magajne as the newest recipient. In the Bib Gourmand category, ten restaurants have been acknowledged for their excellence, with newcomers Faladur Restaurant & Winebar, Kodila, Lalu, Majerca Restaurant and Triangel Restaurant joining the list. Explore Michelin Stars in Slovenia by following this link.

Since Slovenia welcomed its first Michelin guide edition in 2020, the culinary scene has achieved success. In the first year, five restaurants were awarded with one star and one with two stars. In 2021, the number increased with six restaurants receiving one star and another achieving two stars. In 2022, the number of one-starred restaurants grew to nine, with one restaurant retaining its two-star status. In 2023, Slovenia celebrated its first three-star restaurant, alongside one restaurant holding two stars and seven others earning one star.

Discover Slovenian gastronomy on TasteSlovenia.

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CDC warns of increased risk of dengue fever infections. Here’s what experts say about mosquito-borne illnesses.

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CDC warns of increased risk of dengue fever infections. Here’s what experts say about mosquito-borne illnesses.

Federal health officials are warning that dengue fever risks are elevated in the United States as cases in the Americas for the first half of 2024 are already more than double last year’s rates. This year has also set a record for global cases of the potentially fatal mosquito-borne illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a June 25 advisory.

Rising global temperatures are fueling a similar boom of dengue-infected mosquitoes, the CDC said. That’s particularly concerning during the summer when Americans are more likely to travel to territories and countries with high rates of the virus, including to Puerto Rico, which has declared a public health emergency due to its nearly 1,500 cases of the illness, the agency said.

What does this mean for you, and how can you reduce your risk of a mosquito-born illness? Here’s what to know.

Surges in cases are happening closer to home this year. There have been more than twice as many cases of dengue fever across North, South and Central America — more than 9.7 million — in the first half of 2024 than there were in all of 2023, the CDC said.

In Puerto Rico, at least 1,498 people have caught dengue from mosquitoes, prompting the local government to declare a public health emergency. And 745 U.S. travelers have been infected, the CDC notes. Most cases of dengue among residents of U.S. states are acquired from mosquitoes during travel to other territories or countries. This year’s rate of these travel-associated infections is higher than usual, and cases are being reported in states that don’t normally see dengue fever infections.

The virus is always prevalent in the territories Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau. And, historically, there are “sporadic cases or small outbreaks” of people bitten and infected with dengue locally in Florida, Hawaii and Texas, the CDC said.

“As more individuals with dengue in their blood” from being bitten by mosquitoes carrying the disease in parts of the world where the virus is prevalent “are traveling … you can start to see local transmission,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, a Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security senior scholar, tells Yahoo Life.

In the past two years, dengue fever has been locally transmitted from mosquitoes in Arizona and California, too. Adalja says that these cases are rare but can happen anywhere, typically when someone travels to a place with endemic dengue, gets bit by a mosquito carrying the disease and brings it back to their home state, where they are bitten by another mosquito that can then transmit to yet another person.

Adalja says your level of concern should vary widely, depending on where you live. For those who live in Florida or near the Mexico border, risks are considerably higher (and more precautions should be taken) compared to someone living in, for example, Colorado.

But it’s certainly worth checking the dengue activity in places you’re planning to travel, he says. Dengue can be dangerous, causing high fever, headache, body aches, nausea and rash, per the World Health Organization. In severe cases, it can be fatal.

Amid the surge in cases, the CDC is urging health care providers to be vigilant and test people who have fevers and have been in “areas with frequent or continuous dengue transmission within 14 days before illness onset.”

Adalja says that aside from minimizing standing water around your property, there isn’t too much for an average American in the continental U.S. to do. However, if you’re going to travel to areas like Puerto Rico, he says to ask tour guides or hotels about areas that have a lot of mosquitoes. He also recommends always wearing repellant and keeping as much of your skin covered as possible if you’re going to be near, for example, swampy areas, where the insects congregate and breed.

Speaking to Yahoo Life last year amid an uptick in dengue, malaria and West Nile cases, Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, also suggested wearing repellant “if you’re living in areas where these cases have occurred.”

The CDC recommends picking an insect repellent that’s registered with the Environmental Protection Agency and contains one of the following ingredients:

  • DEET

  • Picaridin

  • IR3535

  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE)

  • para-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)

  • 2-Undecanone

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The ‘funflation’ effect: Why Americans are spending so much on travel and entertainment this summer

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The ‘funflation’ effect: Why Americans are spending so much on travel and entertainment this summer

Taylor Swift fans queue outside Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, Scotland, on June 6, 2024. Her fans, known as Swifties, had made the superstar $200 million in Eras merchandise sales as of November 2023.

Jeff J Mitchell | Getty Images News | Getty Images

The price of ‘funflation’

Some ticket prices have surged in recent months, according to federal data.

Admission prices for sporting events jumped 21.7% in May 2024 from a year earlier, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ consumer price index data. The category saw the highest annualized inflation rate out of the few hundred that make up the inflation gauge. Admission to movies, theaters, and concerts rose a relatively modest 3% on an annualized basis.

The CPI as a whole was up 3.3% in May from a year ago. The index gauges how fast prices are changing across the U.S. economy. It measures everything from haircuts to household appliances.

Why Americans go all out on entertainment

Despite rising costs, 38% of adults said they plan to take on more debt to travel, dine out and see live entertainment in the months ahead, according to a report by Bankrate.

Meanwhile, 27% of those surveyed said they would go into debt to travel this year, while 14% would dip into the red to dine out and another 13% would lean on credit to go to the theater, see a live sporting event or attend a concert — including the European leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Bankrate found.

Taylor Swift performs on stage at Wembley Stadium in London on June 22, 2024.

Kevin Mazur | Getty Images Entertainment | Getty Images

“There’s still a lot of demand for out-of-home entertainment,” Ted Rossman, senior industry analyst at Bankrate, recently told CNBC.

“Some of that reflects a ‘you only live once’ mentality that intensified during the pandemic, and some of that is because many economic indicators — including GDP growth and the unemployment rate — are in favorable shape,” Rossman said.

Younger adults, particularly Generation Z and millennials, were more likely to splurge on those discretionary purchases, Bankrate found.

The problem with Gen Z is that they're 'not frugal,' says Jim Cramer

Although an increased cost of living has made it particularly hard for those just starting out, young adults are taking a more relaxed approach to their long-term financial security, other research shows.

Nearly two out of five Gen Z and millennial travelers have spent up to $5,000 on tickets alone for destination live events, a recent study from Bread Financial found.

And many say it’s well worth it. Rather than cut expenses to boost savings, 73% of Gen Zers between the ages of 18 and 25 said they would ultimately rather have a better quality of life than extra money in the bank, according to another Prosperity Index report by Intuit. 

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The Future of Telehealth Relies on Seamless UC&C Monitoring

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The Future of Telehealth Relies on Seamless UC&C Monitoring
  • IR launches a healthcare bundle to meet the demands of proactive communication monitoring in healthcare organizations.

SYDNEY, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — IR (ASX:IRI), a leading provider of global performance management and analytics for Unified Communications and Collaboration (UC&C), has announced a healthcare bundle to maintain fault-free communication, in response to mission-critical requirements in healthcare organizations.

The healthcare industry has experienced a significant technological shift due to the proliferation of telehealth or telemedicine services since the COVID-19 pandemic. The global telehealth market size[1] was estimated at USD 101.2 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24.3% from 2024 to 2030.

IR has extensive experience working with many large healthcare providers globally.  The healthcare offering from IR covers Unified Communication (UC) and Contact Center (CC) monitoring. This flexible solution ensures optimal customer experience even if customers migrate to UCaaS, offering ongoing system monitoring and active testing to ensure optimal customer experience. With advanced remote worker flexibility, the bundle includes robust troubleshooting to maintain high-quality performance, regardless of location.

“Over 70% of millennials prefer telehealth visits to in-person examinations as per a GlobalMed[2] study,” said John Ruthven, CEO and Managing Director of IR. “The widespread adoption of UC&C tools presents both opportunities and risks for healthcare providers. Any technical glitches can negatively impact patient experiences, operational efficiencies, and ultimately, patient outcomes.  The launch of the healthcare bundle from IR ensures comprehensive monitoring capabilities to maintain high-quality performance for these healthcare organizations.”

Healthcare depends heavily on video and audio calls for virtual meetings, multidisciplinary consultations, and collaborative decision-making.

Healthcare organizations now navigate hybrid ecosystems incorporating numerous platforms alongside contact centers and electronic health record systems. This complexity is compounded by the expansive modern workplace, spanning traditional offices and remote settings.

Deploying a multi-vendor UC&C monitoring solution is paramount to address potential issues across disparate platforms before they escalate.

For more information on the impact of UC&C on Digital Healthcare, visit https://info.ir.com/ucc-in-digital-health

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