Elitist electric cars, comfort eating and smartphone snooping

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5 things we learned

The worst of the pandemic is (probably) behind us. Thanks to new treatments and effective vaccines, experts predict a more manageable phase of the pandemic. One caveat: the developing world cannot be left behind.

Fleeing Russians are wiping their smartphones. The crackdown on Russians who question the war is stepping up, with smartphones being allegedly seized and checked at borders across the country. 

Electric cars don’t have to be elitists. With fuel prices skyrocketing, Forbes Senior Contributor Marshall Shepherd makes the case for EVs as a tool for improving social equality. 

‘Don’t say Gay’ bill passed in the Florida Senate. The new bill would ban teachers from discussing sexual orientation and gender identity, despite 49% of Floridians reportedly opposing it. One step forward..two steps back.

Americans are eating like kids again. Rice Krispies, mac-and-cheese and lasagne have never been more popular as the pandemic saw the return of comfort food. At the same time, innovative food start-ups have slowed down as supply chain issues persist.

The good

Most side effects from Pfizer and Modern vaccines are short-lived. New peer-reviewed studies confirmed 92% of self-reported side effects were mild and faded within a day or two.

The bad

Fear of nuclear disaster is surging demand for iodine. Pharmacists across Europe are reporting sharp increases in requests for iodine tablets, a supplementary measure against radioactive energy. The best defense is simple: evacuation.

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Do this

Celebrate St Patrick's day in Chicago. From river dying and Irish pop-up bars to parades of pipe bands, step dancers, and multi-hued floats. Chicagoans know how to celebrate on St Paddy’s. March 12, Jackson Ave, free to attend.

Watch

Hillary Clinton’s advice to her former 40-year-old self. The former Sec. of State shared her words of wisdom at the Forbes 30/50 summit in Abu Dhabi. Forbes, available to watch worldwide.

Listen

Mental health at work. Struggling with your mental health while at work can be tough, especially as it’s often not taken as seriously as physical health. Here are some tools for employees and managers to make work a healthier place to be. NPR, free to listen worldwide.

Read

Invisible women. Data is fundamental in today’s world, informing our decisions on education, policy, and resource allocation - but it often fails to take into account gender. In honor of international women's day, celebrated feminist Caroline Criado Perez explores how a data bias has shaped the world in favor of men. Abrams Press, from $11.00.

Taste

What to eat this St Patrick’s day. Lucky Leprechaun Milkshakes to green-sprinkled potato donuts and mint chocolate chip stuffed French toast. Enhance your festive celebrations with these tasty dishes.

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