New York City has been grappling with a deadly cold snap, with 18 fatalities reported as of Monday, according to Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The city has endured an extended period of extreme cold, including 13 days of temperatures at or below freezing, marking one of the longest stretches of sub-zero weather in six decades.
The recent cold snap, which began in late January, has taken a significant toll. Mayor Mamdani confirmed the loss of another life on the streets over the weekend, emphasizing the tragedy of each death and the city's commitment to supporting the affected families. While temperatures are expected to rise this week, they remain below average.
In other news, a recent study from the University of Oxford has raised concerns about the accuracy of medical advice provided by AI chatbots. Researchers found that these AI systems often give inconsistent and unreliable information, potentially posing risks to users seeking healthcare guidance. Dr. Rebecca Payne, a lead medical practitioner on the study, warned that it could be "dangerous" for individuals to rely on chatbots for symptom diagnosis.
Meanwhile, a new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (Ipbes) has warned that businesses face potential extinction if they fail to protect and restore the natural world. The report, based on contributions from leading scientists and approved by 150 governments, highlights the urgent need for companies to shift from harmful practices to those that support nature's recovery.
In the tech sector, some firms are embracing a demanding work culture. One New York-based tech business, Rilla, is advertising positions with a warning that potential employees should not apply if they are not prepared to work 70 hours per week in person. The company, which develops AI-based systems, offers various perks, but the long working hours are a central part of the job.
Food fraud continues to be a persistent issue, even with advancements in technology. According to one estimate from 2025, food crime costs the global economy around $81 billion (110 billion). Fraudsters often target commonly consumed and high-value foods, such as honey, which can be easily substituted with cheaper alternatives like plant-based syrup.
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