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In a historic move, EPA bans asbestos nationwide

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently implemented a prohibition on importing the final type of asbestos allowed into the United States. This mineral, a naturally occurring fibrous silicate, is associated with various cancers, including lung cancer, and is responsible for approximately 40,000 American deaths annually.

Asbestos is known for its fire resistance and strength, which have made it a common component in construction materials such as insulation. However, asbestos fibers can be difficult for the body to eliminate once inhaled, potentially embedding in lung linings and leading to mesothelioma, a severe form of cancer. Although the use of asbestos has decreased since the 1970s, chrysotile asbestos, one of its six varieties, continued to be imported, mainly from Brazil and Russia, and used in the manufacture of car brakes, gaskets, and in some chlorine production plants in the U.S.

The ban on chrysotile asbestos marks the first chemical substance to be prohibited following the enhancement of the EPA's regulatory authority over toxic substances by a law passed in 2016.

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Minute Media strikes deal to publish Sports Illustrated

Digital sports content firm Minute Media has collaborated with Sports Illustrated, taking charge of its editorial functions across both digital and print mediums. This partnership is projected to last a decade, with an option to extend for an additional 20 years, though the specifics of the financial arrangement have not been disclosed.

This development follows a challenging period for the renowned sports publication. The CEO of Arena Group, the parent entity of Sports Illustrated that acquired its publishing rights from Authentic Brands Group, was removed from his position in December amid revelations of AI-generated content usage. Subsequent financial struggles led to significant staff reductions in January when Arena did not fulfill a $3.75 million licensing fee to ABG. Although there were plans to discontinue the print version of Sports Illustrated by May, Minute Media intends to sustain and even expand its print operations while enhancing its international reach. Additionally, through this agreement, ABG is expected to acquire an interest in Minute Media.

Minute Media is recognized for its ownership of platforms like The Players’ Tribune and FanSided, specializing in concise sports-related content.

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Apple’s AI ambitions could include Google or OpenAI

Apple is reportedly engaged in discussions with Google to integrate the Gemini generative AI technology into its iPhone lineup, according to Bloomberg. The tech giant is also contemplating the adoption of OpenAI's ChatGPT technology.

Apple's CEO, Tim Cook, has acknowledged the company's significant investment in artificial intelligence capabilities, indicating that these advancements are set to be introduced to consumers "later this year." The insights from Bloomberg hint at a future where Apple's offerings might utilize a combination of proprietary and external AI technologies. It's anticipated that Apple's own AI innovations could enhance the functionality of devices running iOS 18, expected to debut later this year, by enabling on-device generative AI capabilities. Concurrently, collaborations with entities like Google could enhance Apple's suite of cloud-based AI services, facilitating advanced text and image generation features.

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