The World Health Organization reported that the number of measles cases worldwide totaled 229,068 in 2018, nearly two times more than in 2017, and that figure is expected to rise as final reports from the year trickle in. The organization said vaccine coverage has stalled at 85%, well below the 95% threshold required to prevent outbreaks, and second-dose coverage is 67%.
Toyota continues to expand its use of the Toyota Production System and is likely to incorporate agile principles, says Toyota Connected agile chief Nigel Thurlow. "One of the key values from the agile manifesto is responding to change over following a plan," he says.
A Georgia school district has adopted the nonprofit college-readiness program AVID -- Advancement Via Individual Determination -- to help bridge achievement gaps for students of color from low-income families. The program, founded by an English teacher about 40 years ago, is used at more than 6,400 schools in 47 states.
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The Securities and Exchange Commission has proposed allowing a wider range of companies to use the "test-the-waters" process, which lets prospective stock issuers discuss offerings with likely investors before bringing a deal to market. The process bars companies with more than $1 billion in yearly revenue.
Kroger will add robot-equipped Ocado warehouses in central Florida and the mid-Atlantic region in addition to its planned facility in Ohio, the company announced. Kroger plans to develop 20 of the "sheds," designed with Britain's Ocado, to offer high-speed fulfillment.
The CDC reported that there have been 127 confirmed measles cases in the US this year as of Feb. 14, surpassing the annual total for each of 2016 and 2017. Ten states have reported measles cases this year, and almost half of the cases occurred in Clark County, Wash.
ABC has sold all of the ad space available for this year's Oscars, with some 30-second spots reportedly costing $2.6 million. The network has allowed Marriott International to run the first-ever ad "pod" during the event, which features the brand taking over a full 90-second commercial break with two spots.
⋅ Forbes
There is no doubt trade restrictions and tariffs would force change within supply chains, but the uncertainty they've created thus far will alter global supply chains going forward, writes Willy Shih. Concerns from the US regarding overdependence on China, emerging manufacturing in China and regional focus on goods-producing supply chains will change the way supply chains operate, Shih adds.
Blockchain technology has been touted for the security it provides, but recent incidents show it can be breached by hackers in certain circumstances.
⋅ The Hill
Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., has introduced legislation that would allow patients, pharmacists and wholesalers to import cheaper insulin from Canada and other countries with similar safety standards as the US. Under the bill, patients would still need prescriptions to purchase the insulin, while the FDA would be required to certify and inspect all foreign insulin exporters.
Verizon has tapped CEO Hans Vestberg to become its board chairman as of March 8, replacing Lowell McAdam, who will retire after having served seven years in the position but will stay on the board until the May 2 shareholders' meeting. The company also named former Darden Restaurants CEO Clarence Otis as lead director.
US homebuilder sentiment reached its highest point in four months during February, according to the National Association of Home Builders. One of the biggest challenges facing the home construction and remodeling businesses right now is a lack of young labor entering the industry, said National Kitchen & Bath Association CEO Bill Darcy.
⋅ CityLab
The Florida 1st District Court of Appeal's decision earlier this month ordering the state to allow Kanter Real Estate to drill in the Everglades has unsettled some experts and government officials, who fear the project threatens the water supply as well as the area's fragile ecosystem. Since 1988, not a single oil well field has been developed in Florida, which produces a tiny fraction of what states such as Texas and North Dakota bring to the surface annually.
Opportunity, one of NASA's Mars rovers, has been silent since June, and after sending one last call to the robot Tuesday with no response, NASA says Opportunity is dead. The rover had been working on Mars since 2004, even though its original mission was intended to last three months.
Alaska Airlines on Tuesday launched new flights linking Texas' El Paso International Airport with California's San Diego International Airport and Washington's Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The flights are operated with Embraer E175 jets configured with three-class cabins.