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Newsweek
15-07-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Illinois Residents Issued Drinking Water Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Thousands of Americans have been warned that their drinking water has elevated levels of a contaminant, lead, posing a potential risk to public health. Illinois American Water Company issued an alert to those it serves in Peoria District, a total of more than 120,000 Americans, according to the water information website Waterzen. "We would like to inform you that during routine water testing in Peoria, certain test sites showed some samples with elevated levels of lead," the company wrote. In 14 of the 103 samples tested, levels of lead were elevated - meaning they were higher than the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb). Newsweek has contacted Illinois American Water Company via email for comment. Why It Matters As contaminants in water systems can pose risks to public health, particularly at levels higher than legally enforced by the EPA—and some even argue that these levels should be lowered—advocacy groups have called for advancing the treatment of drinking water to maximize public safety. The Environmental Working Group (EWG)'s water contaminant database shows some harmful contaminants are present in drinking water cross the country at levels higher than the EPA's maximum contaminant levels. The EWG also recently reported more than 50,000 lifetime cancer cases in the U.S. could be prevented if drinking water treatment adopted a "multi-contaminant approach, tackling several pollutants at once," highlighting the impact contaminated drinking can have in the long-term on public health. File photo: Tap water boils in a kettle in a kitchen. File photo: Tap water boils in a kettle in a kitchen. Silas Stein/dpa via AP What To Know While the EPA has an action level for lead at 15 ppb, the maximum contaminant level goal is set at zero because, as the EPA said, there is "no level of exposure to lead that is without risk." Even at low levels of exposure, lead poses a risk to human health as it is persistent, meaning it can accumulate in the body. In infants and children, lead can result in behavior and learning problems, as well as lower IQ and hyperactivity and other issues, the EPA warns. Birth outcomes can also be affected by a pregnant mother's exposure to lead, it says. Adults exposed to lead can suffer from cardiovascular effects, increased blood pressure, hypertension, decreased kidney function, and reproductive problems. However, as enforcing public drinking water services to adhere to a zero policy on lead is difficult, the 15 ppb action level makes water treatment expectations more "feasible." If 10 percent of samples checked by a company have water concentrations of lead greater than 15 ppb, then the company "must perform actions such as public education and lead service line replacement," as Illinois American Water Company had to do by sending an alert to its customers. "Please understand that these test results are specific to each of the individual sites tested," Illinois American Water Company said in its alert. "We are working with customers whose samples showed elevated levels and have been notified of their specific location results." Those in affected regions have been advised to flush their taps - as levels of lead can increase over time as the water sits in lead-containing plumbing materials - as well as to use cold water for drinking as hot water may contain more lead than cold water. The Illinois American Water Company warned that "boiling water will not remove or reduce lead." The company also recommended an alternative source of water, such as bottled water, for those who are more vulnerable to the impacts of lead exposure, including pregnant women, infants, and young children. What People Are Saying Illinois American Water Company said: "If the water in your faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, flush the tap with cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before drinking or using it to cook. If your service line is lead, you may need to flush the water for three to five minutes. To conserve water, catch the running water and use it to water your plants. Use cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water has the potential to contain more lead than cold water. If hot water is needed for cooking or baby formula, heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave." What Happens Next Illinois American Water Company said it would be conducting additional lead and other water quality monitoring to "determine the extent of the situation as well as any site-specific concerns." For those who have any questions or concerns related to their drinking water quality in the Peoria District or are interested in receiving a lead sampling kit, they can contact the Illinois American Water Company Water Quality Team at leadfreeil@
Local Germany
02-07-2025
- General
- Local Germany
OPINION: German school grading is unfair on foreign students and it's maddening
No school system is perfect, and the German system is arguably better than most. It has its flaws, however. In many parts of the country there are too few teachers , which can have a significant impact on morale. The lack of teachers, combined with inadequate resources and declining facilities, are frustrating but manageable aspects of raising school-aged children in Germany. Less manageable, in my opinion, is the weight given to Mitarbeit and the wholly counter-productive interpretation of the term which too many schools seem to have adopted. What is Mitarbeit? Literally, the term means "working with". In the context of education, it is usually translated as "participation'. Essentially, it's a system whereby teachers are obliged to judge their pupils based on how frequently, effectively, and enthusiastically they answer questions in class. READ ALSO: How all-day school could worsen Germany's teacher shortage The things they don't tell you about raising kids in Germany The concept was introduced in German schools in the 1950s, by a post-war generation keen to overcome authoritarian structures and strengthen democratic awareness among children. Since the 1970s, Mitarbeit has developed from a general concept for learning in German schools into an explicit performance assessment criterion. Advertisement In other words, responsibility for participation has shifted from teachers to students. A shift which has been enforced by giving Mitarbeit heavy weight in students' overall grades, and by making the judgement criteria almost completely arbitrary. Today, the proportion of an overall grade which rests on the teacher's Mitarbeit assessment is often between 30 and 50 percent, and in some cases even higher (in languages or subjects like ethics, for example). The exact weighting varies depending on the state and the type of school, and is often left to the discretion of individual teachers. Why Mitarbeit grading is problematic In my own experience raising children in the German school system, I've witnessed a number of problems with this practice. Children tend to thrive when they feel a measure of control over their environment. My own 13-year-old daughter has figured out how to give her teachers what they want when it comes to exams. In ethics, for example, her exam results for the current school year combine to give her a Grade 1 (the highest grade in the German system). Last week, her teacher told her she would receive a Grade 4 for Mitarbeit, bringing her overall average for the subject down to a Grade 3. ILLUSTRATION - A report card can be seen on a computer in a primary school in Hanover. Photo: picture alliance / Silas Stein/dpa | Silas Stein My daughter came home in tears, prompting my wife to contact the teacher for an explanation. There are 33 children in my daughter's class. My wife learned that the teacher keeps a list of their names on her desk. The teacher asks a question and the children raise their hands. The teacher chooses a child to answer the question and makes a cross alongside the relevant name on her list. Advertisement Earlier in the school year, my daughter volunteered to sit at the back of the classroom because so many other children wanted to sit at the front – in order to improve their Mitarbeit grades. The teacher does not regard my daughter's behaviour as an example of Mitarbeit. My daughter has not been disruptive in class, according to what the teacher told my wife, and the answers she gave when called upon to speak were correct. READ ALSO: What parents in Germany should know about the planned schools shake up The teacher's decision to give her a 4 was based purely on the number of crosses next to her name. The teacher explained that my daughter had to compete with some very energetic Mitarbeiters in her class. My wife asked her whether the energetic Mitarbeiters had also received low grades, for refusing to allow the other students more of a chance to participate. The teacher did not appear to understand the question. A personal gripe or a genuine problem? I know there's a risk I'm coming across as just another over-protective parent, crying about the way his precious daughter has been treated. Maybe there's a grain of truth in that, but I think the system as it's currently practiced makes an absolute mess of the teacher-pupil relationship, and unfairly penalises the children of foreign parents. I agree that pupils should avoid disrupting classes as much as possible. And that they should be able to demonstrate that they've learned what the teacher requires them to learn. But I do not agree that they should be forced to put on a performance of energetic enthusiasm and deep interest. Nor do I think it's ok to enforce this obligation with the threat of poor grades. In fact, I think it's outrageous and a complete abdication of responsibility on the part of their teachers. In my opinion, it's the teacher's job to make the material interesting and relevant for his or her students. A study conducted in 2023 by Dr. Carolin Krüll at the University of Münster also came to the conclusion that the Mitarbeit system discriminates against quiet or introverted students. Advertisement In addition, constant observation can lead to 'permanent performance pressure', according to the report. Students learn to avoid making mistakes so that 'pure learning situations' hardly ever occur in the classroom. An outsized impact on non-German children The dangers identified by Dr. Krüll seem particularly acute for children who have an immigrant background or who have only recently arrived in the country. A name badge with an Ukrainian name seen in an international class at the Max-Ernst comprehensive school (Gesamtschule) in Cologne. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP) However bright and hard-working these children are, they may not be as confident as their peers when it comes to talking aloud in class. READ ALSO: Q&A - What we know about Germany's plan to give kids pensions If they're bilingual or have direct experience of the cultures or experiences being discussed in class, they may inadvertently contradict the teacher and earn a reputation for being disruptive. In addition, they and their parents will probably find themselves even more mystified by the whole concept of Mitarbeit than German families. The study by Dr. Krüll made numerous recommendations for how the system could be improved, including greater standardization of assessment criteria, more transparency in the assessment process, and better communication between teachers and students. Frankly, these changes can't come soon enough for me (although I'm not holding my breath). The current system, of enforced enthusiasm and constant pressure to show interest, seems to make a mockery of the stated aim of the concept – to encourage students to engage actively, cooperatively, and reflectively in the learning process.
Forbes
01-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
GENIUS Act Supporting Stablecoins Offer Opportunity During Instability
11 July 2022, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Rottweil: The logo of the stablecoins Tether USDT and USD Cohn ... More USDC can be seen on the screen of a computer in an office. Photo: Silas Stein/dpa (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images) dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images The U.S. Senate passed the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins ('GENIUS') Act in June 2025, regulating stablecoins and the Act is now headed to the House of Representatives to be reconciled with the House's Stablecoin Transparency and Accountability for a Better Ledger Economy (STABLE) Act. GENIUS represents a landmark milestone not only for the cryptocurrency industry, but also for the U.S. tax system. While the GENIUS Act establishes a tight regulatory framework for a novel use of digital currency in the U.S. market and it is backed by the U.S. dollar, enforcement will be challenging. The act establishes significant penalties for unlicensed issuance but tracking the movement of stablecoins may need additional monitoring and regulatory systems. Determining tax implications with the rapid movement of stablecoins will also require further guidance. Stablecoins being backed by the U.S. dollar is especially powerful and lends to the international reliance on U.S. backed currencies. In the same month that stablecoins hit the Senate floor under the GENIUS Act, the Israel-Iran conflict surged. Stablecoins have, historically, flourished where there is economic instability and global crisis may further support the cross-border reliance on the stability of the U.S. currency. Stablecoins are accepted globally because they are pegged to the U.S. dollar. flow of assets moves rapidly, outpacing the rate at which the law can adapt. Stablecoins are a class of cryptocurrency designed to maintain a stable value by tying their worth to traditional assets, such as fiat currencies, specifically, the U.S. dollar. This backing aims to reduce the volatility that is associated with other cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin (BTC), which have shown to be increasingly volatile because of their magnetic response to supply and demand, user sentiment, and government regulations. More specifically, the stablecoin is capable of maintaining stability by pegging its value on a 1:1 basis to an underlying asset, meaning that for every stablecoin in circulation, there is an equivalent amount of that asset held in reserve to back it. These coins are housed and exchanged on decentralized networks, blockchains, which act as a transparent ledger to account for all transactions. Unliked traditional payment systems, such as credit cards or wire transfers, the decentralized structure does not need intermediaries, enabling consumers to move funds rapidly and without the additional intermediary and exchange fees. Stablecoin allows for reduced transaction costs, increased speed, and the expansion of investment opportunities and integration, without a reporting trail. Regulation Of Stablecoins Widens Trust But Clarity Is Needed The GENIUS Act provides a regulatory framework to mitigate the risk associated with digital currency, especially cryptocurrency. to do exactly that. The bill outlines a federal regulatory framework that provides clearer rules for operation, issuance, and reserve requirements. Some of the bill's requirements include 100% reserve backing with U.S. dollars, or similar assets along with disclosure and audit requirements including prohibilitions on misleading representations on whether the stablecoin is government-backed or insured. For foreign issued stablecoins, the legislation requires the Federal Reserve to conduct a study regulatory reciprocity, which signals a broader interest in aligning international frameworks. Further guidance on applicable fees on transactions, cross-border use, tax implications and applicability especially with use in non-treaty countries, and privacy considerations will need to be further detailed. While the GENIUS Act brings clarity for regulatory matters, issues concerning consumer protection remain unanswered. Future legislation may need to address necessary consumer protection measures, such as deposit insurance, dispute resolution, and limited oversight to all regulators. Significant treasury regulations may be necessary to fully address tax implications, particularly in the estate and gift tax area on transfers of and by stablecoins and similar digital currency. The GENIUS Act is the beginning of signaling acceptance of a currency system that is increaseing being globally embraced but will need significant additonal provisions to address the implications of transactions made with stablecoins. Additonally, while stablecoins have gained favor for cross-border payments, the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act ('FATCA'), Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts ('FBAR'), and Statement of Specified Foreign Financial Assets ('Form 8938') imposing significant reporting obligations on foreign holdings and transactions add additional layers of complexity and the need for clarity in the application to stablecoins. Under FACTA, for instance, foreign banks must identify U.S. account holders and report their financial details to the IRS, making compliance and enforcement dependent on institutional cooperation, which may be inapplicable due to stablecoins being built on public blockchains. With stablecoin, users are able to download a wallet, receive stablecoins, and move funds globally without triggering institutional reporting requirements. This is where the institutional gap begins to widen. An individual who is equipped with financial and legal advisors would be able to shift assets to the stablecoin network or decentralized finance ('DeFi') protocols swiftly, limiting IRS visibility by not holding assets in reportable institutions. For those who do not fall within the crypto-savvy elite or do not have sophisticated advisors, they will find themselves facing mandatory disclosure and also full exposure of their assets. Digital tools promise access, but in practice, the lack of reporting standards in the crypto universe tends to favor those who are already positioned to navigate around friction. The Hidden Opportunity During Instability With Stablecoins In a situation where a country is facing an economic and political collapse and is liquidating national assets, such as foreign exchange reserves, government-held equities, enterprises, and commodities, including oil reserves and gold, at steep losses, a wealthy investor may be able to profit from the buy opportunity especially when they have access to moving funds quickly using stablecoins. In this scenario, a strategic buyer may be able to use stablecoins to invest through holding companies, to buy ports, land, or tech infrastructure. This transaction would move quickly and be difficult to trace fully In the current regulatory landscape of cryptocurrency, the GENIUS Act may live up to its name as a first smart stepintegrating with the global, fast-paced, economic landscape but enforceable oversight and additional regulations to address reporting, compliance, and taxation as the stablecoins move through transactions will be vital to its longterm success. Future regulations may address wallet level transparency thresholds, stablecoin transaction reporting triggers, and most importantly, international coordination to make the use and U.S. participation in the global market with stablecoins effective and seamless.
Forbes
30-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Buy, Sell, Or Hold SNAP Stock At $9?
SYMBOL - 07 June 2025, Baden-Württemberg, Rottweil: The Snapchat app can be seen on the display of a ... More smartphone. Photo: Silas Stein/dpa (Photo by Silas Stein/picture alliance via Getty Images) dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images Snap's stock (NYSE:SNAP) rose 7% on Friday, June 27, following comments from a research institution regarding advancements in Snap's direct response advertising. This favorable news might enable Snap to surpass the consensus earnings estimate for the ongoing quarter. Nevertheless, despite this recent increase, SNAP's stock remains down 20% year-to-date. However, we think SNAP stock, which is currently valued at around $9, offers a good buying opportunity. While there are certain concerns, its moderate valuation seems to have already accounted for these risks, indicating potential for further growth. Our findings are based on a thorough evaluation of Snap's financial health and operational performance. We analyzed its current valuation in relation to its operating performance over recent years, as well as its historical and current financial situation. Our in-depth assessment, concentrating on Growth, Profitability, Financial Stability, and Downturn Resilience, suggests that Snap exhibits moderate operating performance and financial health. That being said, if you are looking for upside with less volatility compared to individual stocks, the Trefis High Quality portfolio offers an alternative — having outperformed the S&P 500 and generated returns exceeding 91% since its inception. Separately, see – QuantumScape: 40x Upside For QS Stock? When considering the cost per dollar of sales or profit, SNAP stock appears inexpensive compared to the overall market. Snap has a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 2.6 compared to a figure of 3.1 for the S&P 500 Snap's Revenues have experienced significant growth in recent years. Snap's top line has increased at an average rate of 9.4% over the past 3 years (compared to an increase of 5.5% for the S&P 500) over the past 3 years (compared to an increase of 5.5% for the S&P 500) Its revenues have risen 16.4% from $4.6 Bil to $5.4 Bil in the last 12 months (against a growth of 5.5% for the S&P 500) from $4.6 Bil to $5.4 Bil in the last 12 months (against a growth of 5.5% for the S&P 500) Moreover, its quarterly revenues increased 14.4% to $1.6 Bil in the latest quarter from $1.4 Bil a year prior (compared to a 4.8% rise for the S&P 500) Snap's profit margins are significantly lower than those of most companies in the Trefis coverage universe. Snap's Operating Income over the last four quarters was $-787 Mil, representing a very poor Operating Margin of -14.7% Snap's Operating Cash Flow (OCF) over this time was $413 Mil, indicating a poor OCF Margin of 7.7% (compared to 14.9% for the S&P 500) (compared to 14.9% for the S&P 500) For the last four quarters, Snap's Net Income was $-698 Mil — demonstrating a very poor Net Income Margin of -13.0% (as opposed to 11.6% for the S&P 500) Does Snap Look Financially Stable? Snap's balance sheet seems robust. Snap's debt was $4.2 Bil at the end of the most recent quarter, while its market capitalization stands at $15 Bil (as of 6/29/2025). This results in a moderate Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 30.0% (versus 19.4% for the S&P 500). [Note: A low Debt-to-Equity Ratio is favorable] (versus 19.4% for the S&P 500). Cash (plus cash equivalents) accounts for $3.2 billion of the $7.6 billion in Total Assets for Snap. This results in a very strong Cash-to-Assets Ratio of 42.5% SNAP stock has performed worse than the benchmark S&P 500 index during certain recent downturns. While investors are hopeful for a soft landing for the U.S. economy, what might happen if another recession occurs? Our dashboard How Low Can Stocks Go During A Market Crash illustrates how key stocks performed during and after the last six market crashes . Inflation Shock (2022) SNAP stock decreased 90.7% from a high of $83.11 on 24 September 2021 to $7.76 on 21 October 2022, compared to a peak-to-trough decline of 25.4% for the S&P 500 from a high of $83.11 on 24 September 2021 to $7.76 on 21 October 2022, compared to a peak-to-trough decline of for the S&P 500 The stock is still struggling to recover to its pre-crisis high The highest the stock has achieved since then is 17.45 on 6 February 2024 and currently trades around $8.70 COVID-19 Pandemic (2020) SNAP stock dropped 56.5% from a high of $19.25 on 23 January 2020 to $8.37 on 18 March 2020, while the peak-to-trough decline for the S&P 500 was 33.9% from a high of $19.25 on 23 January 2020 to $8.37 on 18 March 2020, while the peak-to-trough decline for the S&P 500 was The stock completely returned to its pre-crisis peak by 1 June 2020 In conclusion, Snap's performance across the mentioned parameters can be summarized as follows: Growth: Very Strong Profitability: Extremely Weak Financial Stability: Very Strong Downturn Resilience: Very Weak Overall: Neutral The company has shown moderate performance across critical financial metrics, which is mirrored in its current valuation. We expect an expansion of its valuation multiple from current levels, particularly in light of the recent acceleration in revenue growth alongside subscriber growth and the anticipated improvement in profitability driven by positive advertising trends. While it would likely be beneficial to acquire SNAP stock now, you may also consider the Trefis Reinforced Value (RV) Portfolio , which has outperformed its all-cap stocks benchmark (a combination of the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 benchmark indices), yielding strong returns for investors. What accounts for this? The quarterly rebalanced mixture of large-, mid-, and small-cap RV Portfolio stocks provided a flexible approach to capitalize on favorable market conditions while minimizing losses when markets decline, as outlined in RV Portfolio performance metrics .
Newsweek
26-06-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Nationwide Rice Recall As FDA Issues Risk Warning
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A nationwide recall of multiple rice products has been issued with the second-highest risk classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). NatureMills US Inc., a Texas-based company, issued a voluntary recall for numerous products on May 13 because of the undeclared presence of allergens, including milk and wheat. The FDA issued a Class II risk classification for the recalled rice products on June 25. Newsweek contacted NatureMills US Inc. for comment by email. A stock image shows rice following NatureMills US Inc. issuing of a voluntary recall for various rice products. A stock image shows rice following NatureMills US Inc. issuing of a voluntary recall for various rice products. Silas Stein/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images Why It Matters A Class II risk classification refers to a situation in which the "use of or exposure to a violative product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences or where the probability of serious adverse health consequences is remote," according to the FDA. Milk and wheat are among the nine major food allergens as set out in law. The others are eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and soybeans. The FDA warned that people who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to milk and wheat "run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products." Allergic reactions vary in severity from mild symptoms such as hives and lip swelling, to life-threatening complications such as anaphylaxis that may include fatal respiratory problems. What To Know The recalled rice products for which the FDA has issued Class II risk classifications are: Sesame Rice Mix, 200g - 6712 units - undeclared milk - codes: SRMIXG / SRMXIIG / SRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026 and June 2026. Dal Garlic Rice Mix, 200g - 6712 units - undeclared milk and wheat - codes: DRMIXG / DRMXIIG / DRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026. Moringa Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: MRMIXG / MRMXIIG / MRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026. Vallarai Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: VRMIXG / VRMXIIG / VRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026. Horsegram Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: HRMIXG / HRMXIIG / HRMVH - best-by dates: October 2025, January 2026, June 2026. Curry Leaf Rice Mix, 200g - undeclared wheat - 6712 units - codes: CRMIXG / CRMXIIG / CRMVIIH - best-by dates: June 2026, August 2026 The products were sold between December 1, 2023 and May 10, 2025 and were distributed throughout the US through the firm's website. The FDA said that the recall was initiated after a routine internal audit found missing ingredients and allergen labels. It added that the problem was the result of an oversight in the packaging process, and that measures were taken to resolve the issue immediately. As of May 13, no illnesses had been reported in connection with recalled products. What People Are Saying The FDA says on its website: "People with food allergies should read labels and avoid the foods they are allergic to. The law requires that food labels identify the food source of all major food allergens used to make the food." Dr. Sebastian Lighvani, the director of New York Allergy & Asthma PLLC, previously told Newsweek: "Every three minutes in the United States, someone ends up in an emergency room because of an allergic reaction after accidental ingestion of food. So even when we try hard, these reactions are happening. And if you look at the incidence of anaphylaxis, it has skyrocketed in the last five, 10, 20 years. And in the U.S., there's like a 300 to 400 percent increase in the rates of anaphylaxis to foods." What Happens Next The recall of the products is listed as ongoing, according to the FDA. Consumers who purchased the items and are allergic to milk and wheat have been told not to consume them. They can contact NatureMills US Inc. for a full refund or replacement.
