Japan pledges $2 billion in funding for pandemic vaccine research initiative
The country lagged behind other regions when it came to COVID-19 vaccine development and rollout.
Covid-19
Uber and Lyft ditch their mask requirement in New York
The move follows policy updates from the state and NYC's Taxi & Limousine Commission.
Apple no longer requires most corporate employees to wear masks
There are still over 110,000 new cases per day in the US.We have two newsletters, why not sign up for both?
Meta asks Oversight Board if it should soften COVID-19 misinformation policies
The board is also investigating disputes over nudity and rap music.
Hitting the Books: COVID set off an exodus of urban artisans
After being locked inside for a year, recommitting to the 9-5 proved impossible for some.
Meta's first human rights report defends the company's misinformation strategy
Facebook's parent company also tried to avoid blame for violence in India.
Crosby, Stills and Nash return to Spotify after COVID-19 misinformation boycott
The band followed Neil Young in protesting Joe Rogan.
FDA says updated COVID-19 Omicron boosters won’t require new clinical trials
The agency will use data from previous trials to assess vaccines targeting the BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
FDA asks COVID-19 vaccine makers to update boosters to target new Omicron variants
The BA.4 and BA.5 strains now account for over half of infections in the US, according to the CDC.
Google's latest Pixel feature drop includes a Teenage Engineering music app
You'll also have easier access to doorbell video and vaccination cards.
Recommended Reading: High-tech COVID-19 testing at home
The week's best writing on technology and more.
Elon Musk is reportedly looking to cut the Tesla workforce by 10 percent
The automaker employs 100,000 people.
Valve further delays Steam Deck dock due to supply shortages
You'll have to wait a while longer for the official docking station.
Report finds remote learning apps collected and sold kids’ data
The majority of services Human Rights Watch reviewed actively infringed on the privacy rights of their young users.
Apple softens its stance on remote work amid return-to-office delays
Staff can stay at home if they're not comfortable.
Amazon ends paid COVID-19 leave policy for workers
The company also won't offer time off for testing.
Airbnb will stop offering refunds when a host or guest contracts COVID-19
An updated extenuating circumstances policy will apply to bookings made on or after May 31st.
Spotify still grew despite Joe Rogan boycotts and Russia closure
It saw free and paying subscriber figures grow, despite calls for people to leave the service.
Uber and Lyft drop mask requirements for US drivers and passengers
The moves come after a judge overturned a key federal mask mandate.
Amazon ordered to reinstate warehouse worker who was fired after protest
Gerald Bryson worked at the warehouse that just voted to unionize.
