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☆ The US was getting too expensive. So this artist relocated to France for a slower-paced life
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Silvia Marchetti | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

CNN —Ditching the US and relocating close to the French Pyrenees wasn’t part of Taylor Barnes’ life plan. ‘Visually inspiring’US artist Taylor Barnes, from Los Angeles, relocated to the medieval village of Saissac close to the French Pyrenees in 2021. Taylor Barnes“I considered, among many things, where I would like to live out the last quarter of my life,” Barnes tells CNN. Cozy hideawayIn 2019, Barnes bought an abandoned crawfish restaurant and converted it into a residency for artists. Since moving to Saissac, Barnes says she has happily embraced a slower-paced lifestyle.

Persons: Taylor Barnes, Barnes, Taylor Barnes “, ” Barnes, “, ”, she’d, Cozy hideaway, Dennis Miranda Zamorano, Sonya, Berger Blanc, apéros, She’s, it’s, Carte, Barnes isn’t Organizations: CNN, Berger Blanc Suisse, Barnes Locations: Los Angeles, Saissac, Aude, France, Montagne, French, California, Spain, Saissac ., England, Ireland, Netherlands, America

☆ Activists helped shut down an oil refinery after a series of explosions. The consequences weren’t what they expected
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-14 | by ( Rachel Ramirez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Philadelphia CNN —Bilal Motley, utilities manager at a former Philadelphia oil refinery, was working the graveyard shift when a massive explosion broke out in the early morning hours of June 21, 2019. “This oil refinery was talked about and passed down through generations,” Sanders said. Rachael WarrinerPES is no longer functioning as a refining company, but Sunoco, whose subsidiary Evergreen owned the former PES site, did not respond to requests for comment. The PES refinery complex was the largest source of particulate air pollution in Philadelphia. Hilco Redevelopment PartnersBut UPenn’s Neises said given the scale and history of the property, Hilco will need to take its time to redevelop the area of redevelopment.

Persons: Philadelphia CNN — Bilal Motley, I’m, ” Motley, ’, ”, Motley, trekked, Hilco, Ellen Neises, they’ll, Sonya Sanders, Sanders, ” Sanders, “, Rachael Warriner, Rachel Ramirez, Phil Rinaldi, Matt Rourke, Mike Smith, ” Roberto Perez, Amelia Chasse Alcivar, UPenn’s Neises, Neises, she’s, you’re, Philly Thrive’s Sanders, there’s Organizations: Philadelphia CNN, Philadelphia Energy Solutions, US Chemical Safety, Hazard Investigation, Hilco, Partners, CNN, University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman, of Design, longtime, Evergreen, PES, Environmental Protection Agency, Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania’s School of Medicine, Philadelphia International Airport, City of, City of Philadelphia Refinery Advisory, Hilco Redevelopment Partners, Industrial Realty, ., Philadelphia Energy Solutions Refining, United Steelworkers Union, Oil Bargaining, EPA, “ Locations: Philadelphia, East, Schuylkill, New York City, Chicago, longtime South Philadelphia, South Philadelphia, Grays Ferry, Breeze, City of Philadelphia, New York, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Bellwether District, ”, Bellwether

☆ I moved from the US to Vienna, the world's most livable city. Here's what it actually costs me to live here.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-08 | by ( Sonya Matejko | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementSince 2022, I've had the pleasure of living in Vienna, the world's most livable city . It makes sense to me — living in Vienna comes with many perks, from its walkability to its vibrant culture. I dined out a few times and went grocery shopping twiceVienna has an excellent café culture. My favorite wine in the US was $23 a bottle. MyClubs is 49 euros for four classes a month, so the classes cost me about 25 euros this week.

Persons: I've, —, Sonya Matejko, Wilding, I'm, It's, Uber, I'd Organizations: Service, expats Locations: Vienna, Austrian, Europe, New York City, Florida, Austria, Airbnbs, Naples, NYC

☆ 'Quiet luxury' is alive and well in 2024. Here's why the old money style is so hard to shake
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Jessica Dickler | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Rick Bowmer | Getty Images"Quiet luxury" is back under a new name: Old money style. But experts say quiet luxury is still alive and well, although the emphasis is now on "old money," which is still expensive but grounded in a timeless, classic look and lifestyle — with or without the generational wealth. What is 'old money style'? Quiet luxury, classic prep and even "mob wife" all fall under the old money aesthetic, which is reflective of the current economic climate, according to Glyn. Why quiet luxury won't go away

Persons: Gwyneth Paltrow, Rick Bowmer, Gwyneth Paltrow's, Sonya Glyn, Glyn Organizations: Gentleman Locations: Park City , Utah

☆ Supreme Court rules states can't remove Trump from presidential election ballot
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-04 | by ( Dan Mangan | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The Supreme Court on Monday unanimously reversed the Colorado court ruling that barred former President Donald Trump from appearing on the state's Republican presidential primary ballot because of a provision in the U.S. Constitution related to people who engage in insurrection. "The judgment of the Colorado Supreme Court therefore cannot stand." "This suit was brought by Colorado voters under state law in state court," Barrett wrote. "The Court has settled a politically charged issue in the volatile season of a Presidential election," she wrote. Monday's ruling reverses decisions by two other states, Maine and Illinois, which acted after the Colorado Supreme Court, to bar Trump from their primary ballots.

Persons: Donald Trump, Trump, Joe, disqualifying Trump, Elena Kagan, Kagan, Sonya Sotamayor, Ketanji Brown Jackson, Amy Coney Barrett, Barrett Organizations: Republican, Colorado, Trump, U.S . Capitol, Electoral, Colorado Supreme Locations: Conway , South Carolina, Colorado, U.S, United States, Maine, Illinois

☆ I teach journaling workshops to help people process tough emotions and communicate better. Try these prompts to get started.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Sonya Matejko | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

If you're having trouble getting started, try this prompt: What is every emotion you've felt since you woke up today? To get yourself thinking, try this prompt: Write a letter to yourself one year ago today. Try this prompt: Pick an emotion and write a letter to them as if they were a real person. To get started, try this prompt: Think of someone you want to reconnect with. But my favorite is this prompt: Write yourself an encouraging note in your email and then schedule it for weeks away to get a pleasant surprise in your inbox.

Persons: I'd, who'd, you've, Amber Rae, It's Organizations: Service, Research, Journal Locations: New York City

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A suspended magistrate judge in Pennsylvania shot her estranged boyfriend in the head as he slept last weekend, police said Thursday in filing attempted murder and aggravated assault charges against her. Police wrote that McCoy, 54, had tried “numerous times” to get McKnight to move out after he ended their one-year relationship. He went to bed at about 11 p.m.McCoy awoke to “massive head pain” and was unable to see, police said, and when he began to scream McKnight told him, “Mike what did you do to yourself?" McCoy told police at the scene and later at the hospital that he did not shoot himself. Pennlive.com reported McKnight was not charged for shooting her estranged husband in 2019 — after inviting him to her home to help her move furniture.

Persons: Sonya M, McKnight, Michael McCoy, McCoy, Mike, Detectives, Sean McCormack, McCormack, Pennlive.com, Pennlive Organizations: Susquehanna, Susquehanna Township Police, Police, Judicial, Pennsylvania Locations: HARRISBURG, Pa, Pennsylvania, Harrisburg, Susquehanna Township, Dauphin, Dauphin County, Cumberland County

“As there is no factual basis that could reasonably justify requiring opposing counsel and other employees to be a witness in the case, the State respectfully requests that the Court quash each of the subpoenas served,” Willis wrote. Among the Fulton County staff subpoenaed are Executive District Attorney Daysha Young and Deputy District Attorneys Sonya Allen and Dexter Bond. An attorney who represented Wade in his divorce proceedings as well as Wade’s personal and business records were also subpoenaed, according to Willis’ filing. Last month, Trump co-defendant Mike Roman and his attorney filed a motion to dismiss the case over allegations Willis had an improper romantic relationship with Wade and financially benefited by hiring him as a special prosecutor on the case. Because Defendant Roman cannot establish the necessity of any of the testimony or documents he has demanded, the subpoenas should be quashed,” she wrote.

Persons: Fani Willis, Donald Trump, ” Willis, Nathan Wade, Willis ’, —, Daysha Young, Sonya Allen, Dexter Bond, Wade, Mike Roman, Willis, ” Organizations: CNN, “, Fulton County, Trump Locations: Fulton County, Georgia

They are among nearly a dozen witnesses who were subpoenaed, including other Fulton County prosecutors, Willis’s assistant and bodyguard, and Wade’s current and former law partners. CNN first reported last week that Willis, Wade and others were expected to receive subpoenas to testify at the February 15 hearing. The other prosecutors who were subpoenaed are Deputy District Attorney Sonya Allen and Executive District Attorney Daysha Young. Both are members of Willis’ executive team, according to the Fulton County website. Mike Roman, one of Trump’s co-defendants, is suing the Fulton County district attorney’s office, accusing prosecutors of withholding information that the lawsuit claims could prove allegations of an improper romantic relationship.

Persons: Fani Willis, Nathan Wade, Donald Trump, Wade, Willis, Sonya Allen, Daysha Young, Michael Hill, Tia Green, Mike Roman, Trump’s, Roman, they’ve, Willis’s, –, Scott McAfee, McAfee, Mr, ”, Roman’s, Trump Organizations: CNN, Executive, Fulton, ”, Records Locations: Fulton County, Georgia, Fulton

☆ 'The NRA is not Wayne LaPierre,' gun lobby lawyer tells NY corruption jury, distancing the group from longtime leader
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Laura Italiano | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewThe National Rifle Association continued walking a fine line in fighting New York's civil corruption charges on Tuesday, praising outgoing leader Wayne LaPierre as "visionary" in opening statements while also calling themselves his victim. AdvertisementThe NRA told its membership in a surprise announcement on Friday that LaPierre will step down on January 31. Advertisement"You will learn from members of the NRA board that the NRA continues to honor the legacy of Wayne LaPierre," she told the jury, before repeating, "but the NRA is not Wayne LaPierre." New York Attorney General Letitia James sued the gun lobby, LaPierre, and three other longtime NRA leaders three years ago. The jury must determine if the NRA, LaPierre, Phillips and Frazer are liable for breaking state not-for-profit law, and what amount of money, if any, should be repaid to the NRA.

Persons: —, Wayne LaPierre, Sarah B, Rogers, LaPierre, Sonya Rowling, Wayne, Mr, Letitia James, Joshua Powell, Wilson, Woody, Phillips, John Frazer, Powell, Frazer, Joel Cohen, Nick Suplina, Suplina Organizations: Service, Rifle Association, Business, NRA, New, AG, New York, Safety, Chaos Locations: Manhattan, Texas, Lyme, New York, Wayne's, Orange

☆ Facebook staff were less willing to talk to the press than dissenters in the Middle East, a reporter says
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-09 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

An NYT reporter said talking to Middle East dissenters was easier than getting to Meta staff. AdvertisementGetting Meta staff to speak was more difficult than finding Middle East dissenters willing to do the same, a reporter told a new documentary about Mark Zuckerberg. Sheera Frenkel of The New York Times made the comments in "Zuckerberg: King of the Metaverse" that's being broadcast on Sky Documentaries in the UK this week. She described a culture of fear within staff at the Facebook and Instagram owner about the media. Sheera Frenkel reports on cybersecurity for The New York Times.

Persons: Sheera Frenkel, —, Mark Zuckerberg, Zuckerberg, Frenkel, New York Times Frenkel, Cecilia Kang, Leakers, Sonya Ahuja, Meta Organizations: Meta, Facebook, Service, The New York Times, Sky, Times, NPR, New York Times, Guardian, Big Tech, Twitter, Harvard, Business Locations: San Francisco, London

☆ The top 9 AI people in finance
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( Bianca Chan | Leena Rao | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Business Insider's 2023 AI 100 list included several experts from the world of finance. These people blend AI know-how with experience in trading, payments, VC, and other finance sectors. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementGenerative AI is the hottest venture capital investment theme in at least a decade. Business Insider's 2023 AI 100 list includes several experts who combine AI know-how with experience in areas of finance such as payments, trading, banking, financial data, and startup investing.

Persons: Sarah Guo, Reid Hoffman, Sonya Huang, — Organizations: Service, Business

☆ Jewish peace activists across the US call for immediate ceasefire and justice for Palestinians
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-23 | by ( Alaa Elassar | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

It is these lives that Wise and other Jewish American peace activists are mobilizing to save with their calls for an urgent ceasefire. Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow organized a rally on Capitol Hill calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Jewish peace activists carried the Palestinian flag and wore keffiyehs as they marched on Capitol Hill. Jewish peace activists embrace during a rally on Capitol Hill for a ceasefire in the Israel-Gaza war. Jewish Voice for Peace and IfNotNow believe that only by addressing these issues can peace ever be achieved between Israelis and Palestinians.

Persons: Rabbi Alissa Wise, “, ” Wise, ”, Wise, IfNotNow, Allison Bailey, Sonya Meyerson, Joe Biden, Israel –, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Eva Borgwardt, ‘, Rabbi Wise, ’, We’re, it’s, Alex Wong, ” Borgwardt, Jonathan Greenblatt, –, Meredith Weisel, ” Weisel, Rather, It’s, I’m, Will Oliver, Shutterstock, Biden, Chip Somodevilla, ” That’s, Knox, Israel, they’re Organizations: CNN, Palestinian Ministry of Health, United Nation’s Office, Humanitarian Affairs, Jewish Voice, Peace, Israel Defense Forces, Capitol, Jewish, Getty, Israel, Defamation League, DC, Congress, ”, West Bank, World Health Organization Locations: Gaza, Israel, Knox, United States, “, Palestine, British, Egypt, Jordan, Syria

☆ Finnish Nobel Peace laureate and former president Ahtisaari dies at 86
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Anne Kauranen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/2] Nobel Peace Prize laureate Martti Ahtisaari poses with his medal and diploma during the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo December 10, 2008. REUTERS/Ints Kalnins/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsHELSINKI, Oct 16 (Reuters) - Nobel Peace laureate Martti Ahtisaari, who served as Finland's 10th president between 1994 and 2000, died on Monday at the age of 86, the Finnish president's office said in a statement. Ahtisaari was celebrated around the world for brokering peace in conflict zones in Kosovo, Indonesia and Northern Ireland. All conflicts can be settled, and there are no excuses for allowing them to become eternal," Ahtisaari said when he accepted the Nobel award in 2008. Several months afterwards, the Nobel committee gave him the peace prize, citing work on multiple continents over more than three decades.

Persons: Martti Ahtisaari, Ints, Ahtisaari, Mara, Martti, Finland's, Slobodan Milosevic, Eeva, Marko, Anne Kauranen, Ritsuko Ando, Sonya Hepinstall, Alex Richardson, Nick Macfie Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Soviet, Social Democrats, Finland's European Union, NATO, Finland's Ministry, Foreign Affairs, EU, Yugoslav, Crisis Management, Free Aceh Movement, Nokia, Thomson Locations: Oslo, Rights HELSINKI, Finnish, Kosovo, Indonesia, Northern Ireland, Finland, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Viipuri, Russia, Pakistan, Tanzania, Namibia, South Africa, Aceh, Balkans

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s immigration minister argued Tuesday that international refugee rules must be rewritten to reduce the number of people entitled to protection, as the Conservative government seeks international support for its tough stance on unauthorized migration. Britain’s government has adopted an increasingly punitive approach to people who arrive by unauthorized means such as small boats across the English Channel. Sonya Sceats, chief executive of campaign group Freedom from Torture, said: “LGBTQI+ people are tortured in many countries for who they are and who they love. The U.K. has sought international allies in its attempts to stop Channel crossings and toughen refugee laws, with limited success. British authorities also leased a barge to house migrants in a floating dormitory moored off England’s south coast.

Persons: Suella Braverman, ” Braverman, “, Braverman, ”, Braverman’s, Sonya Sceats, Alejandro Mayorkas, General Merrick Garland Organizations: —, Conservative, Nations Refugee Convention, American Enterprise Institute, Conservatives, U.S, Homeland Locations: Washington, Cambridge, Britain, France, Rwanda

☆ Dolehide stuns Kenin, books Guadalajara title clash with Sakkari
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Playing in her first career semi-final, the 25-year-old Dolehide fought back from a break down in both sets against Kenin to win the all-American clash 7-5 6-3 in an hour and 25 minutes. "I'm really proud of myself for getting through that one today, because Sonya is not an easy player to get by," Dolehide, 25, said before Saturday's final, using Kenin's nickname. World number nine Sakkari reached the Guadalajara final for the second straight year after a 6-3 6-0 win over third seed Caroline Garcia of France. Sakkari, who lost to Jessica Pegula in last year's final, has not dropped a set this week and is aiming to win her first title since the WTA 250 tournament in Rabat in 2019. Reporting by Hritika Sharma in Hyderabad; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Caroline Dolehide, Sofia Kenin, Henry Romero, Maria Sakkari, Dolehide, Kenin, Martina Trevisan, Sonya, Caroline Garcia of, Sakkari, Jessica Pegula, that's, couldn't, Hritika Sharma, William Mallard Organizations: Panamerican Tennis Center, Sofia, U.S, REUTERS, Rights, WTA, Guadalajara, Caroline Garcia of France, Wimbledon, U.S ., Thomson Locations: Guadalajara, Mexico, Rights GUADALAJARA, Greece, Rabat, Hyderabad

☆ How the founder of Girls That Invest grew her media business to $1.4 million in revenue using podcasts and Instagram
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-19 | by ( Shriya Bhattacharya | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

One of the main tenets of Girls That Invest is its weekly podcast , which is how Kaur and Gupthan came to discuss their own personal finance journeys. Today, Girls That Invest isn't just a podcast — it's a million-dollar media company. In the last three years, the company has made $1.4 million in revenue, according to documentation viewed by Insider. "We're successful because we went to where the audience already was — on TikTok, on Instagram — and inserted ourselves in," she said. "If I was worried about what other people would say and let that stop me, I wouldn't have a successful media company today."

Persons: Simran Kaur, Sonya Gupthan, Kaur, Gupthan, It's Organizations: Apple, Indian, L'Oreal Locations: New Zealand, Zealand

PARIS (AP) — Apple has agreed to install updates for the iPhone 12 in France after French regulators ordered the company to stop selling the model because it emits electromagnetic radiation levels that exceed European Union standards. On Tuesday, France’s government ordered a halt to sales of the iPhone 12 and told Apple to issue a software update to address the problem or face a recall. Apple said in a statement Friday that it “will issue a software update for users in France to accommodate the protocol used by French regulators.” It did not elaborate. The radiation produced by cellphones cannot directly damage DNA and is different from stronger types of radiation like X-rays or ultraviolet light. Experts have recommended that people concerned about their cellphone radiation exposure use earphones or switch to texting.

Persons: Apple, France’s, Sonya Gospodinova Organizations: PARIS, World Health Locations: France, French

☆ HGTV's Galey Alix wants to be a star. Will the spotlight crush her — or set her free?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( Anna Peele | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +19 min

Alix is the creator and star of the HGTV show "Home in a Heartbeat With Galey Alix," which premiered in April and streams on Max. Galey Alix Gravenstein comes from a family of overachievers. Alix got to work with Jay Delgado, remaking Calloway's blank white box into a Galey Alix take on a rich person's beach house. In April 2021, Parker, who had no renovation experience, offered to help Alix with an install. He and Lauren Parker insist Alix is OK because she's able to ask people like them for help without fear.

Persons: Galey Alix, Nancy Meyers, Dale Moss, Alix, semiprivate, fiancé, Goldman Sachs, Joanna Gaines, Drew Scott, Alix gravitates, Jay Delgado, PJ Fetscher, Instagram, she's, she'll, Sonya Revell, —, It's, Goldman, I'm, Galey Alix Gravenstein, she'd, Alix didn't, Alix's fiancé, Carrie Calloway, who'd, Mac, Calloway, I'd, Lauren Parker, Parker, Delgado, Fetscher, Kay Marryshow, she's fallible, Phil, Alix's Instagram, it's, She's, Moss, of Moss, he's, Rebecca Zisser, Crystal, Anna Ruiz, Agency Gerard, Ester Gattuso, Susana Betancourt Organizations: grays, Goods, Fort, HGTV, Goldman, Target, University of Florida, Home Depot, Parker, Netflix, Crystal Cox, Agency, Agency Gerard Artists Locations: Italian, Fort Lauderdale, Max, Florida, overachievers, New York, Connecticut, fiancé's Connecticut, Westport , Connecticut, Target, Instagram, Australia, London, India , Puerto Rico, Wyoming, Orlando, peeking

☆ ‘Uncle Vanya’ Review: Confidences by Candlelight
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-06 | by ( Laura Collins-Hughes | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Leaning close in the flickering candlelight, Sonya and the man who makes her stomach flutter share a sneaky midnight snack. He is Astrov, her houseguest, and he is frankly a bit of a mess — drinks too much, is in fact drunk at the moment. He is also endearingly odd and smart and sweet, an eco-nerd physician who’s sending her some incredibly mixed signals. So is Sonya’s Uncle Vanya, whose play this is meant to be. Doomed to receive nothing better from Yelena, the professor’s wife, than a pathetic kiss on the forehead, Vanya doesn’t even have a woman to love him.

Persons: Sonya, We’re, ”, sotto, Laura, Uncle Vanya, Chekhov, Jack Serio, “, ” Sonya, Astrov, Will Brill, Maisel, Yelena, Bill Irwin, Vanya doesn’t Organizations: Marin Locations: Flatiron, Manhattan, Marin Ireland, Oklahoma

"He's vulnerable and kind of finding his way in this," Jackson told Reuters about his character, the protagonist with the eye patch in the TV action series "Secret Invasion." It follows Nick Fury as he and his allies fight to stop the shapeshifting reptilian humanoids known as the Skrulls from committing international terrorist attacks and eventually invading Earth. The cast includes Ben Mendelsohn as Talos, a Skrull ally of Nick Fury, Emilia Clarke as G'iah, Talos' daughter, and Olivia Colman as agent Sonya Falsworth. While the series, directed by Ali Selim, is based on other projects from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), it takes a different direction from previous Marvel shows. "It happens in a very organic kind of way, to know that we're inside something that doesn't have a superhero solution," Jackson said.

Persons: Samuel L, Jackson, Marvel, Nick Fury, Ben Mendelsohn, Emilia Clarke, Talos, Olivia Colman, Sonya Falsworth, Ali Selim, Clarke, they're, They're, Danielle Broadway, Rollo Ross, Mary Milliken, Rosalba O'Brien Organizations: Reuters, Disney, Marvel, Strategic, Intervention, Logistics, Thomson Locations: ANGELES

☆ VC firm Sequoia is pulling out all the stops to dominate AI, insiders say. The firm is using everything from 'speed dating' to star studded summits to woo founders.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Stephanie Palazzolo | Ben Bergman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

It's just one move of many the VC firm has taken to cement its position in the white-hot AI space. Huang and Grady wrote a public blog post on Sequoia's website inviting AI founders to email them their ideas and pitches directly. But the firm has been louder where it counts, investing in splashy AI startups like Harvey and LangChain. Every member of the firm, from managing partner Roleof Botha on down, has made AI a top priority, with Grady, Huang, and Buhler most prominently involved. Both Huang and Buhler now spend over 90% of their time researching AI companies, versus 50% in previous years, they said.

☆ 10 things in tech: Epstein appeared to threaten Gates, Apple gets its AI cut, and a Twitter hotel
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Michael Cogley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Cupertino-based tech giant is taking its usual 30% cut from users signing up to ChatGPT Plus through the app, according to a note from Bernstein analysts. A spokesperson for Gates told the WSJ that Epstein had "tried unsuccessfully to leverage a past relationship" to threaten the tech billionaire. Microsoft's marketing chief told staffers to bump the stock prices for raises. The tech giant has already managed to outpace the market with shares up 33% so far this year. The tech giant just launched two new Pixel phones.

☆ 'Zombie' companies are headed for a year of pain as rates move higher and access to credit gets cut off, think tank expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

"Zombie" companies are facing a year of pain ahead, according to think tank expert Sonya Gibbs. Gibbs pointed to higher interest rates, which could strain finances at overborrowed firms. But higher rates are necessary to correct major problems in the market, she added. In the short term though, higher rates are going to cause a lot of pain," Gibbs warned. Other market observers have raised similar concerns as the Fed continues to raise interest rates.

☆ Exclusive: AI startup LangChain taps Sequoia to lead funding round at a valuation of at least $200 million
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Stephanie Palazzolo | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

AI startup LangChain is raising between $20 and $25 million from Sequoia, Insider has learned. The latest round scored the hot upstart a valuation of at least $200 million, according to sources. Just a week after announcing a $10 million seed investment from Benchmark, AI darling LangChain has scored even more capital from yet another top-tier VC. As an open-source project, LangChain is especially known for its strong community — one that Chase is personally involved in. Chase's dedication to openness and collaboration is a major differentiator for the founder's community, and therefore, his startup, Turow said.

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