Unknown vaping illness sickens over 500; Airbnb planning to go public, and more top news

The news professionals are talking about now, curated by LinkedIn’s editors. Join the conversation on today's stories in the comments. 

A mysterious vaping illness has now killed seven people and sickened up to 530 more in 38 states across the U.S. Federal health officials say they still don't know what's causing the "dangerous respiratory" disease, but they are leaving "no stone unturned," according to Bloomberg. The surge of this vaping illness, in addition to minors' rampant use of e-cigarettes, has prompted a nationwide reassessment of how the industry is regulated. Meanwhile, the FDA recently opened a probe into the vaping supply chain, and more and more areas globally are banning e-cigarettes and their flavored counterparts. ? Here’s what people are saying. 

Airbnb says it's going public in 2020. That's after reporting revenue of more than $1 billion in the second quarter. The company first mentioned a possible public listing in March, and it would be one of the last of the big unicorns that launched a decade ago, like Uber and Lyft, to go public. In addition, the company also revealed that users who list their homes and rooms on the platform have made more than $80 billion since it began. ? Here’s what people are saying. 

The streaming wars are generating huge hauls for rights holders of syndicated network television shows. “The Big Bang Theory” scooped up $1 billion; “Seinfeld” and “The Office” both landed $500 million and now, “Law & Order” producer Dick Wolf is eyeing a multibillion payday, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The deals, although fattening studio coffers and making fans happy, are a risk for streamers. Experts say it’s too early to know what causes fans to subscribe or unsubscribe and whether star syndication shows like “Bang,” will inspire binge watchers. ? Here’s what people are saying. 

Instagram says it will ban or restrict certain posts tied to diet products and plastic surgery after concerns over the impact on young people’s mental health and body image. Posts that make “miracle” claims about diets or weight loss products and are linked to discount codes will be removed from both Instagram and Facebook, while others will be limited to those over 18. Influencers and celebrities have drawn criticism for promoting potentially harmful weight loss products on the platform, according to the Verge. ? Here’s what people are saying. 

Lastly: Just 30% of private companies and 49% of public ones have identified internal candidates who are prepared to take over the business should the CEO retire, die or get fired, according to a National Association of Corporate Directors survey. While large firms have other executives that could step in, small and family-owned businesses have far fewer options, and experts say they should start developing a succession plan now. ? Here’s what people are saying. 

Idea of the Day: Be true to yourself in how you communicate and act at work, advises writer Bruce Kasanoff.

“To be a leader who is true to his or her own self—and to encourage others to do the same—requires a commitment to be genuine that extends from social media to personal interactions.”

What's your take on today’s stories? Share your thoughts in the comments.

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