Category: Innovation

In today’s world, high-speed internet service has become as vital as other utilities like water and electricity. It’s the gateway for everything from news to education, dating to dining, and all manners of entertainment, from music to gaming — and even what we used to call “TV.” For most Americans, a reliable and high-speed internet connection is now a mandatory part of both work and family life.

According to the most recent data available, the US ranks 10th (see 2017 PDF report) among countries for the highest average internet speeds (at 18.7 megabits per second, or Mpbs). But to the chagrin of citizens and politicians alike, high-speed internet isn’t yet universally available. Roughly 19 million Americans, or 7% of the US population, still don’t have access to a broadband provider, according to the FCC. This means they aren’t able to access the fastest speeds, unlimited data and other pleasures that come with top-notch high speed internet access. 

And we can’t even agree on the scale of the problem. A more recent survey from research firm NPD Group puts the estimate much higher: It says that 100 million Americans don’t have access to 25 Mbps

Disney is finally making an Artemis Fowl movie based on the beloved children’s book series, almost 20 years after its original publish date. The story’s got everything from centaurs to criminal masterminds, and Dame Judi Dench is in the cast. Buckle up for a twisted fairy tale.

Release date: When can I see it? 

Originally slated to release Aug. 9, the movie was later pushed back to May 29, 2020. However, due to the spread of coronavirus across the globe, the movie will now debut on Disney Plus. 

“Due to uncertain times, cocooned fans will join together for the movie’s release on Disney Plus,” Eoin Colfer tweeted April 3. “Streaming to millions of homes is prob how Arty would have wanted it. Release date TBC, stay tuned.”

The plot: What’s it all about?

Artemis Fowl is a 12-year-old genius who lives in a mansion in Ireland with his bodyguard. Before the story begins, his crime lord father has gone missing along with the

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expected to reverse its recommendation on wearing face masks — including cloth masks sewn at home — to suggest that individuals wear coverings in public in addition to taking measures like social distancing. 

The White House could announce the new guidelines, based on the CDC’s evaluation. But during a press conference Thursday, President Trump suggested that the CDC will issue the new guideline itself, and soon. “A recommendation is coming out. We’ll see what that recommendation is,” he said.

The CDC is the US authority on coronavirus protocols and protection to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. The CDC did not respond to multiple requests for comment. 

New York City and Los Angeles are now advocating the use of face coverings in public. “We’re advising New Yorkers to wear a face covering when you go outside and will be near other people,” said New York Mayor Bill de Blasio in a public address. 

For weeks, the debate has

COVID-19 has spread across the globe with unseen speed and ferocity. It’s forced the cancellation of major events including the Tokyo Olympics and sent the world into self-isolation in an attempt to curb the spread. Health authorities and governments are attempting to flatten the curve and mitigate extensive transmission in the community, while scientists and researchers turn their attention to the coronavirus causing the disease: SARS-CoV-2.

Since it was first discovered as the causative agent of COVID-19, scientists have been racing to get a better understanding of the virus’ genetic makeup and trying to unravel how to effectively treat infections. There’s no cure and medical specialists can only treat the symptoms of the disease. Many different treatment options have been proposed and some older drugs seem to be associated with positive outcomes — but much more work is required. However, the long-term strategy to combat COVID-19, which has spread to every continent on Earth besides Antarctica, is to develop a vaccine.

Developing new vaccines takes time, and they must be rigorously tested and confirmed safe

The deadly coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, and you can use an online dashboard to keep up with all reported cases. The Center for Systems Science and Engineering has built a tool pulling in data from the World Health Organization, as well as the centers for disease control in the US, China and Europe. It shows all confirmed, suspected and recovered coronavirus patients, as well as deaths.

Coronavirus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has so far killed 41,654 people and infected over 850,000 as of 2:30 p.m. PT on March 31, according to the dashboard. Around 176,000 people have recovered.

The 10 countries with the highest case count are the US with 184,183; Italy with 105,792; Spain with 94,417; mainland China with 82,278; Germany with 70,985; France with 52,827; Iran with 44,605; the UK with 25,474; Switzerland with 16,605; and Turkey with 13,531. The dashboard shows the virus has spread to 180 countries, with even the smallest areas including Faroe Islands and Vatican City reporting cases.

Monday night, James Cordon will host a primetime special episode of The Late Late Show Starring James Corden, called Homefest. The special will feature musicians livestreaming from their own homes around the world in hopes of lifting fans’ spirits and encouraging them to do their part to help stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Corden will air the special from his garage, with guests including Billie Eilish, John Legend, Andrea Bocelli, BTS, Dua Lipa, Will Ferrell, David Blaine and Ben Platt. 

“Shooting from James’ garage may be far from perfect, but under the circumstances we hope it can help someone, somewhere, who needs some cheer right now,” The Late Late Show Executive Producers Ben Winston and Rob Crabbe said in a statement.

In addition to encouraging viewers to follow CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the show will raise money for the nonprofit Feed the Children and The CDC Foundation.  Each dollar donated to Feed the Children will provide $7 worth of food and essentials to struggling children and families. The CDC Foundation is