A new variant of COVID-19 may be driving up cases in some parts of the world, WHO says
COVID-19 cases are rising again as a new variant begins to circulate in some parts of the world. The World Health Organization said Wednesday the rise in cases is primarily in the eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions.
Airport screening in the United States has detected the new variant in travelers arriving from those regions to destinations in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York.
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Associated Press
21 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Fed lifts restrictions placed on Wells Fargo in 2018 because of its fake-accounts scandal
NEW YORK (AP) — The Federal Reserve said Tuesday that Wells Fargo is no longer subject to the restraints the Fed placed on the bank in 2018 for having a toxic sales and banking culture. It's a win for Wells Fargo, which has spent nearly a decade trying to convince the public and policymakers that it had changed its ways. 'We are a different and far stronger company today because of the work we've done,' said Wells Fargo CEO Charlie Scharf in a statement. Scharf also announced that each of the 215,000 employees at Wells Fargo would receive a $2,000 award for turning the bank around. Wells Fargo used to have a corporate culture where it placed unreasonable sales goals on its branch employees, which resulted in employees opening up millions of fake accounts in order to meet those goals. Wells' top executives called its branches 'stores' and employees were expected to cross-sell customers into as many banking products as possible, even if the customer did not want or need them. After an investigation by The Los Angeles Times, Wells Fargo shut down its sales culture and fired much of its leadership and board of directors. The fake accounts scandal cost Wells Fargo billions of dollars in fines and lost business, and permanently tarnished its reputation, particularly because the scandal broke only a few years after the Great Recession and financial crisis. It was later revealed that Wells Fargo opened up roughly 3.5 million accounts that were not wanted or needed by customers. In order to push Wells to fix itself, the Federal Reserve took the unusual step of placing Wells Fargo in a program where the bank could grow no larger than it was in 2018. No bank had previously been placed into such a program, known as an asset cap. Since taking over in 2019, Scharf's goal has been to convince the Federal Reserve that Wells Fargo had fixed its toxic banking practices.
CBS News
30 minutes ago
- CBS News
Report: Martinez refinery fire caused by inadequate training and monitoring of contractors, regulatory issues
A new report on the fire and chemical release at the Martinez Refinery Company in February blames inadequate training and supervision of contractors, as well as regulatory hurdles that created a lack of qualified workers. Contra Costa Health hired an independent firm to perform a root cause analysis to determine why the fire happened and how it can be prevented from happening again. The February 1 fire lasted for three days, injured six workers, and emitted a host of harmful chemicals, prompting a shelter-in-place alert and public health advisory for the surrounding communities. Consultant JEM Advisors was set to present the report to the CCH's Martinez Refining Company Oversight Committee at its meeting on Tuesday. The report determined that the fire at MRC began when workers mistakenly opened a flange on the wrong side of an isolation valve during maintenance work, leading to the release of hydrocarbon material which quickly caught fire. The report concluded that the root cause of the fire was inadequate monitoring of the operations and work of the contractors, who had limited organizational capability to perform the work. Such limited capability required increased operator oversight, the report concluded. The report also listed four contributing causes, one of which was regulatory restrictions due to California Senate Bill 54, passed in 2013, and co-employment rules included in Assembly Bill 5, passed in 2019. SB 54 requires companies to use source contractor manpower from local union halls, meaning personnel experienced in refinery unit maintenance shutdowns from other locations cannot be used and experienced workers are more difficult to find, the report said. Meanwhile, co-employment rules for contractors prevent MRC from approving contractor safety plans and providing safety training directly to contractors. Instead, the rules require sharing such safety training with contractor company leaders, "with the expectation that contractor employees are fully trained in these prior to working on the refinery site," according to the report. "As a result of these two regulations, there is now a higher likelihood for human errors entering into maintenance work performed by contractor resources," the report stated. Other contributing causes were faulty work procedures, inadequate contractor training because of co-employment rules, and inadequate or missing contractor supervision. Among the issues affecting contractors' ability to perform was the small font on work permits, making them difficult to read, and inadequate procedures to mark or tag locations where work is to be done. Smoke billows from the Martinez Refining Company in Martinez, Calif., on Feb. 1, 2025, during a fire. Tony Hicks/Bay City News New Jersey-based BPF Energy acquired MRC from Royal Dutch Shell in 2020. Since then, there have been three major incidents at the refinery as well as other spills and chemical releases. On Thanksgiving Day in 2022, the refinery mistakenly released more than 20 tons of chemicals into the air, covering cars and homes in metallic dust. In July 2023, the refinery spewed petroleum coke dust, also known as petcoke, prompting a hazardous materials investigation. In February, CCH said the chemicals and combustion byproducts from February's fire and release included those that can cause cancer, and heart and lung disease. In a statement issued at the time, the county health director said it was fortunate the wind blew most of the toxic smoke north of the refinery and away from populated areas. "This could have been much worse," county health director Dr. Ori Tzvieli said. "We got lucky this time. But our community shouldn't have to rely on luck." CCH said in February that concentrations of chemicals in the air from the fire were mostly below the threshold considered dangerous, but there was a brief period when the particulate matter near the refinery was at a high level. The agency said it was working with toxicologists to determine whether there were any long-term health impacts from the release, including potential impacts to soil and water. The report from JEM Advisors said MRC has already implemented some changes recommended in the report, such as increasing company personnel presence during contractor maintenance work and reinforcing adherence to existing procedures. Other recommendations include increasing operations oversight, closely reviewing and endorsing safety assessment permits to ensure contractors are aware of risks, and providing consequences for poor performance as well as for excellence.
Health Line
31 minutes ago
- Health Line
12 Effective Ways to Relieve Bloating
Addressing the primary cause of bloating, engaging in light physical activity after eating, and identifying triggering foods may help reduce digestive symptoms like bloating and burping. Relieving bloating depends mainly on what caused it. If it results from a chronic condition or food intolerances, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional about management options. Before trying any remedies, it's a good idea to explore the cause of persistent bloating and accompanying symptoms. Here are 12 science-backed ways you can reduce or eliminate occasional bloating. 1. Identify the cause of bloating Gases like oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane enter your gut when you swallow air and food. Food also ferments (causes chemical changes) in your large intestine, which often leads to flatulence (gas) and bloating. Possible causes of recurrent bloating may include: eating foods that contain compounds that ferment in your colon, such as fiber, sugar alcohols, and FODMAPs a food intolerance, such as a lactose or fructose intolerance swallowing excess air, for example, when chewing gum or eating with your mouth open fluid retention in the abdomen, for instance, due to heart disease or liver failure constipation imbalances in your gut microbiome, the ecosystem of bacteria living in your gut ileus, when the bowel stops moving food forward due to surgery, medication use, or other causes health conditions, such as IBD, IBS, or endometriosis a bowel obstruction, which may also involve vomiting and constipation psychological stress If you have frequent, severe, or persistent bloating, or if symptoms worsen and cause pain, it's important to seek medical advice. 2. Limit foods and activities that trigger bloating Some food and dietary habits may increase the risk of bloating. They include: certain fruits, vegetables, and grains some sweeteners carbonated drinks large meals Some foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can cause bloating but also provide essential nutrients. If you're introducing them into the diet, do so gradually to reduce the risk of symptoms. Waiting an hour before eating fruit or having a drink after a meal may also help. Drinking through a straw and chewing gum may also contribute to bloating. Keeping a food diary may help you identify which foods and habits cause your symptoms so that you can avoid them or manage your consumption. 3. Check for lactose intolerance Lactose is a sugar found in milk. Your body needs an enzyme called lactase to break down lactose. If you don't produce enough lactase to do this, you may have a lactose intolerance. With lactose intolerance, lactose passes through your gut, pulling in more water until it reaches your colon, where it's fermented by bacteria and releases gas. This may lead to bloating, stomach pain, increased flatulence, and belching. If you suspect you have lactose intolerance, reducing your dairy intake may help. However, it's best to speak with a doctor first, as dairy products also provide calcium, A and B vitamins, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, protein, and other key nutrients. Alternatives with lower lactose levels or no lactose include: yogurt aged cheeses lactose-free dairy products non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk, although they may not have the same nutritional profile as dairy 4. Support regular bowel habits to alleviate constipation Constipation can lead to bloating because it can slow the outlet of gas as well as feces. Also, the longer certain substances spend in the gut, such as lactose, the more fermentation by bacteria can take place, increasing the amounts of gas. Ways of managing constipation may include: eating high fiber foods drinking plenty of fluids exercising regularly checking if current medications are making constipation worse using over-the-counter remedies asking a doctor about prescription medications It's best to add extra fiber gradually; otherwise, bloating might become worse until your body adjusts. 5. Try a low FODMAP diet Bloating is a common symptom of IBS, along with abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and constipation. Research has suggested that limiting certain carbs — fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAPs) — may reduce bloating and other IBS symptoms. Foods high in FODMAPs include: Grains: wheat and rye Dairy: milk, yogurt, and cheese Fruit: apples, pears, mangoes, peaches, as well as natural fruit juices and dried fruits Vegetables: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, asparagus, onions, leeks, zucchini and green beans Pulses: lentils and legumes Other: sugar-free gum and honey In a low FODMAP diet, certain foods are eliminated for several weeks, then gradually reintroduced, monitoring their effect. It is highly advised that you start a low FODMAP diet under medical supervision. 6. Try probiotic supplements Some research suggests probiotics may help reduce bloating and other digestive symptoms by boosting the number and types of healthy bacteria in your gut. In turn, this may reduce bloating and other symptoms common to IBS. They are available as supplements but also occur naturally in some foods, such as: yogurt sauerkraut kimchi kombucha miso pickles Still, most studies have focused on people with IBS, and the evidence is mixed. The results may depend on individual factors and the types of probiotic strains they consume. 7. Eat smaller portions and limit salt and fat Eating large meals and salty or fatty foods may contribute to bloating in the following ways: Large portions may stretch your stomach and lead to the pooling of gases and solids in the gut. High levels of carbs in the gut that are hard to digest will increase fermentation and, therefore, gas. A high salt intake can lead to water retention in the gut, producing feelings of bloating. Fats and refined carbs take longer to digest. The longer they spend in the gut, the greater the chance of gas and bloating. Reducing portion sizes and limiting your intake of foods high in salt and fat, such as fried foods, chips, and chocolate, may help manage bloating. 8. Try peppermint Peppermint as supplements or in other forms may help with digestion. In a 2016 study, for instance, 72 people with IBS took 180 mg of peppermint oil capsules three times daily for 4 weeks. They reported improvements in bloating and other symptoms. However, more studies are needed to confirm the usefulness of peppermint for bloating. 9. Avoid swallowing too much air Swallowing excessive amounts of air, known as aerophagia, can cause bloating. You may swallow air if you: eat too fast chew gum drink carbonated beverages 10. Physical activity Light physical activity, such as walking or cycling, may help reduce bloating after meals, according to some research from 2021 that focused on people with IBS. Additionally, regular exercise can help manage stress, a risk factor for bloating and other abdominal symptoms. Other benefits of exercise include weight management and a lower risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions. Current guidelines recommend doing at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, such as brisk walking. 11. Manage rapid weight gain Rapid weight gain can occur for various reasons and may increase the chance of chronic bloating. Some research suggests that 25% of people who have recently gained weight experience increased bloating. This may be due to visceral changes linked to digestion through the gut-brain axis, which links digestive functions with those of the brain. If you are concerned about sudden weight gain, it may be a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. They can advise on underlying causes and provide weight management strategies. 12. Biofeedback Bloating often involves a physiological reaction in the digestive system. Typically, when you eat, your diaphragm rises and the front wall of your stomach contracts to create more space without pushing out your belly. When bloating happens, the diaphragm — a muscle just below the ribs — presses down on the stomach, causing it to protrude. It's unclear why this occurs, but one possible solution is biofeedback. This technique enables you to see how your muscles are reacting on a screen. By trying different movements, you can see what works well and what doesn't. Some research suggests it may help you retrain your muscles to prevent bloating. »MORE ON THIS: What to know about biofeedback Frequently asked questions What relieves bloating fast? Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Light physical activity, such as a walk, after eating may help reduce bloating in the short term. Does drinking water help with bloating? Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. Water can help reduce the risk of constipation, which can cause bloating. It is also beneficial for overall health. However, if you're prone to bloating, it's best to avoid drinking anything while you're eating, as this may increase the risk. Instead, wait for 1 hour after eating before having a drink of any kind. What makes stomach bloat go away? Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Maintaining a healthy diet and weight, promoting good bowel habits, and getting regular exercise may help reduce bloating. If specific foods appear to trigger bloating, avoiding or eliminating these foods may help. If you have IBS, a low FODMAP diet — and potentially products like probiotics or peppermint oil — may be helpful. Am I bloated or fat? Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together. Bloating usually subsides as your body digests food, while additional body fat gain persists over time. When the bloating goes down, you will not notice that your weight may lower. If you lose body fat, your weight may fall. However, bloating often occurs with recent weight gain, and it's common in people with obesity, so they may happen together.
