DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Palantir CEO says the company 'eviscerated' sales so hard execs have stopped talking about how 'crazy' he is
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

CEO Alex Karp said revenue growth was driven by AI demand in the US. AdvertisementPalantir CEO Alex Karp took a victory lap on Monday as the company reported big third-quarter earnings. "We absolutely eviscerated this quarter, driven by unrelenting AI demand that won't slow down," Karp, who co-founded Palantir in 2003, said in an earnings release. In a letter to shareholders that accompanied the earnings report, Karp said the US market was still the core of Palantir's business. The CEO added that Europe was being "left behind" in AI innovation and needed to adapt or "risk ruin."

Persons: Alex Karp, Karp, —, " Karp, unravels ChatGPT, it's Organizations: Service Locations: US, Palantir, New Hampshire, Silicon Valley, Europe

☆ US embassies are holding off on election watch-night parties, fearing they could get awkward
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Joshua Nelken-Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Some US embassies in Europe are skipping traditional election-night viewing parties. Similarly, Politico spoke to then-Ambassador Anthony Gardner, who hosted a 2016 viewing party at the US Embassy in Brussels. A senior diplomat in Europe, who was not named, told Politico that the 2016 embassy events had been "calamitous." There's another, more practical reason some embassies may be forgoing a traditional viewing party. AdvertisementSimply put, the outcome may not be clear on election night — it could drag on for days or possibly weeks.

Persons: —, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Samantha Power, Madeleine Albright, Gloria Steinem, Hillary Clinton, Anthony Gardner, Trump, There's Organizations: Service, Politico, United Nations, UN, HBO, Trump, White Locations: Europe, London, Paris, Brussels, Berlin, Rome

☆ China is so crazy about durian that it's now Pizza Hut's best-selling pizza ingredient in the country
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Durian pizza is now Pizza Hut's hottest pie in China, with Yum reporting 30 million sold this year. Yum China, which runs Pizza Hut in the country, said in its quarterly earnings call on Monday that durian pizza has become its top pie nationwide. "One in every four pizzas sold in Pizza Hut China is now a durian pizza. A promotional image for Pizza Hut China's durian pizza. Net income also grew to $297 million, up 22% from $244 million in Yum China's third quarter of 2023.

Persons: Yum, Joey Wat, —, Wat Organizations: durian, Service, HSBC, Yum, KFC Locations: China, Pizza Hut, China China, Asia, Southeast Asia, Yum China

☆ It's not getting any easier for fast-food chains
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Mary Hanbury | Nora Redmond | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Both KFC and Burger King saw sales fall in the US in Q3. On Tuesday, Burger King owner Restaurant Brands International and the parent company of KFC followed in its footsteps. AdvertisementMeanwhile, Restaurant Brands International, which owns chains including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes, reported a weaker-than-expected 0.3% increase in same-store sales across the group for Q3. McDonald's, KFC, and Burger King are among those trying to lure back diners with new value menu deals. Some consumers say they're increasingly turning to independent restaurants, casual dining chains, or home cooking to get a better deal.

Persons: It's, —, McDonald's, Burger, Taco Bell, Burger King, Tim Hortons Organizations: KFC, Burger King, Service, Restaurant Brands, ! Brands, Taco, Burger, Taco Bell Locations: Popeyes

☆ 7 documentaries to watch if you liked 'Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare'
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Ayomikun Adekaiyero | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

"Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare" is the latest true crime documentary to hook Netflix viewers. Advertisement"Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare" is the latest internet scammer documentary to grab the attention of Netflix viewers. But within that genre, internet-focused crime documentaries are thriving on the streamer. AdvertisementIn 2022 Netflix's "The Tinder Swindler" became one of the streamer's most-watched documentaries, sparking memes and raising awareness of dating app scams. Here are seven internet-focused true crime shows and documentaries to watch after "Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare."

Persons: Bobby, —, Jeffrey Dahmer Organizations: Netflix, Service

☆ North Korea told the UN point blank that it's speeding up nuclear weapons development
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The UN Security Council met on Monday to press North Korea on nuclear non-proliferation. But North Korea instead doubled down on its nuclear plans, declaring that it will accelerate its program. "There will ever never be any change in this line," he added, referring to North Korea as a "responsible nuclear weapon state." The US says North Korea 'emboldened' by Russia and ChinaThe US, in turn, accused Russia and China of protecting North Korea. South Korea said earlier this year that in return, North Korea has been acquiring food, raw materials, and tech expertise from Russia.

Persons: —, Kim Song, Kim Jong, Kim, Robert Wood, Mark Rutte Organizations: UN Security, Service, Pyongyang, United Nations, North, UN, UN Security Council, DPRK, Russian, NATO Locations: Korea, Pyongyang, North Korea, United, North Korean, Japan, South Korea, United States, Russia, China, Moscow, Beijing, Ukraine

☆ I drove 2 popular hybrid SUVs from Honda and Hyundai. Here's how they stack up and which I'd buy.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Benjamin Zhang | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

I recently drove the Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and Honda CR-V Hybrid compact SUVs. The Tucson Hybrid wins for its stylish looks, great tech, and solid performance and efficiency. The Honda CR-V offers a refined hybrid powertrain, build quality, and excellent cabin ergonomics. AdvertisementI recently had the chance to drive the top-spec hybrid versions of two of the US' most popular compact SUVsThe 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring is one of the finest compact SUVs money can buy, with a refined hybrid system, great build quality, and excellent cabin ergonomics. But the 2024 Hyundai Tucson Limited Hybrid is my pick.

Persons: —, Here's Organizations: Hyundai Tucson, Honda, Tucson, Service

☆ Jeff Bezos just made his latest bet in the AI robotics space. Here are the 6 startups he's backed so far.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Samantha Stokes | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

BI has compiled a list of which AI robotics startups Bezos has backed so far, per PitchBook. Physical Intelligence is at least the third spatial intelligence startup Bezos has backed this year, according to PitchBook. Related storiesFigure AIFigure AI builds AI robots that can take over unsafe jobs from humans. Bezos invested in an undisclosed funding round in 2021, while Bezos Expeditions invested in its $24 million Series A funding round in 2020. Bezos Expeditions invested in the startup's $30 million Series E in 2017, $40 million Series D in 2015, $30 million Series C in 2012, $20 million Series B in 2010, $7 million Series A1 in 2009, and $5 million Series A in 2008.

Persons: Jeff Bezos, —, Andreessen Horowitz, Bezos, OpenAI Organizations: Service, Khosla Ventures, Intelligence, The New York Times, Bezos Expeditions, New York Times, Sentinel, HAHN Group

☆ Joe Rogan endorsed Donald Trump, saying Elon Musk made a 'compelling case' for the former president
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Podcaster Joe Rogan endorsed Donald Trump in a Monday evening post. Rogan cited Elon Musk, saying the billionaire made the "most compelling case" for Trump. AdvertisementJoe Rogan endorsed former President Donald Trump hours ahead of Election Day in a Monday evening podcast and social media post. The influential podcaster cited billionaire Elon Musk in his X post announcing the endorsement, saying the Tesla CEO makes "the most compelling case for Trump." Enjoy the podcast pic.twitter.com/LdBxZFVsLN — Joe Rogan (@joerogan) November 5, 2024The endorsement accompanied a two-hour and forty-minute podcast on which Musk appeared.

Persons: Podcaster Joe Rogan, Donald Trump, Rogan, Elon Musk, —, Joe Rogan, Tesla, Trump, LdBxZFVsLN — Joe Rogan, Musk, I'm, Kamala Harris Organizations: Trump, Service, Republican, YouTube Locations: Austin

☆ Boeing machinists' bumper pay packet is just the latest win for unionized workers
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Pete Syme | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Striking Boeing workers voted in favor of a 38% pay rise. The latest big victory for US labor unions could inspire others despite the tense process. AdvertisementThe machinists' victory is the latest to highlight the power of labor unions in the US. It has been a tense road for the roughly 33,000 unionized Boeing workers who began their strike on September 13. That may only grow more common as workers find inspiration from others' victories, something noted by the president of the Boeing union.

Persons: we've, Joe Biden, —, Gary R, Allen, Julie Su, Brian Bryant Organizations: Boeing, Service, International Association of Machinists, Aerospace Workers, IAM Union, IAM, Territory, machinists, Teamsters, United Auto Workers, National Labor Relations Board, US Locations: Seattle, United States

☆ BYD's hybrid popularity catches up to Tesla in China
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla is falling behind in China as BYD's hybrids take off. Hybrid sales have helped to drive up overall plug-in sales in China this year. AdvertisementPlug-in sales in China (which include hybrid models) increased nearly 51% in October compared to last year, and the segment accounted for more than half of all car sales in China last month. Related storiesWhile Tesla continues to focus on battery-powered vehicles solely, BYD has grown its market share in China with popular hybrid offerings. At an earnings reporter earlier this year, Musk blamed a focus on hybrids for eating into Tesla's sales.

Persons: Tesla, —, Elon, BYD, Musk Organizations: Tesla, Service, China Passenger Car Association, EV Locations: China, Shanghai

☆ OpenAI hires Meta's former AR glasses lead to head its robotics team
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

OpenAI has hired Meta's former hardware lead to head up its robotics team. Caitlin Kalinowski previously led Meta's AR glasses hardware team. Caitlin Kalinowski, who served as Meta's head of AR glasses hardware until July, said she was joining OpenAI to lead the company's robotics and consumer hardware efforts. "Thank you to the OpenAI team, Sam, Kevin Weil, PW, and to my friends and colleagues in engineering and beyond!" In May, Forbes reported that OpenAI had been hiring research engineers to rebuild the previously abandoned robotics team, something the company later confirmed.

Persons: OpenAI, Caitlin Kalinowski, Kalinowski, —, Sam, Kevin Weil, Orion, Jony, Laurene Powell Jobs, Steve Jobs Organizations: Service, Orion, Forbes, Intelligence, Apple, The New York Times, Business

☆ A 114-year-old woman is now the oldest living American. She says 3 things have helped her live so long.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Serafina Kenny | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Naomi Whitehead, 114, is the oldest living person in the US. She shared some of the lifestyle choices that she thinks have helped her live so long. Whitehead never expected to live so long, telling New Castle News in 2023: "I'll live as long as the Lord lets me." But average life expectancies are growing, alongside interest in how our lifestyles can help us live longer. Whitehead is now the oldest living person in the US after the previous titleholder died in October.

Persons: Naomi Whitehead, —, Whitehead, Elizabeth Francis, centenarians, Bryan Johnson, Dan Whitehead, Paul's, Jack Gordon Organizations: Service, New, News, Pew Research, British, of Sports Medicine, Research, Harvard, Chan, of Public Health, World Health Organization, European, WHO, American Cancer Society Locations: Georgia, St, Toronto, Europe

☆ Ukraine says it attacked North Korean troops for the first time
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Mia Jankowicz | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

North Korean troops have come under fire after joining Russia's war, Ukrainian officials said. The Pentagon says that North Korean troops engaged in combat would make them a fair target in the war. Kovalenko's statement on Monday was the first to suggest that North Korean troops were now actively fighting alongside Russian troops and against Ukraine. Last month, South Korean intelligence said that 1,500 North Korean troops had been shipped to Russia for training and likely deployment in the war. On Saturday, Ukrainian intelligence shared details of the military equipment it says Russia has issued to North Korean troops, including mortars, rifles, and machine guns.

Persons: Antony Blinken, —, Lloyd Austin, Pat Ryder, Kim Jong Organizations: Pentagon, Service, North, Ukraine's Center, Financial, Kyiv, Ukrainian, US, Korean, Russian, Ukraine, Air Force, Armed Forces of, Defence Intelligence Locations: Kursk, Russia's Kursk, Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian, Russia, Moscow, Pyongyang, Ukraine, Korea, Armed Forces of Ukraine

☆ I lived in rural Pennsylvania for 23 years before moving to a big city. The culture shock was real.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Olivia Bardo | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

I moved to Washington, DC, after living in rural Pennsylvania for 23 years. The work culture was a bit intense, but I loved how much there was to do after work and on weekends. AdvertisementI grew up in rural Pennsylvania, tucked away in a stretch of the Appalachian Mountains known as the Endless Mountains. AdvertisementThe work culture in DC was intenseMy first full-time job was in the Capitol Hill neighborhood, so right out of college, I felt like I was thrown into the most competitive work culture. Although I loved discovering what people do for a living, work culture is often prioritized over everything else.

Persons: —, I'm, Olivia Bardo, tahini, ube waffles Organizations: Service, ESPN, ACLU, Peace Corps, Hirshhorn Museum, Renwick Locations: Washington, Pennsylvania, Columbia, Washington ,, Colorado

Unionized Boeing workers on Monday voted to accept a contract proposal, ending a seven-week strike. AdvertisementBoeing union workers approved a labor contract proposal on Monday that will increase pay by 38% over four years and end a seven-week strike. This was after Boeing union leaders endorsed the offer on Thursday. The first was when over 30,000 union workers voted to strike after being displeased with the 25% pay increase they were originally offered. The company's second offer with a 30% pay increase was withdrawn after talks broke down.

Persons: —, Jon Holden, Brandon Bryant, Boeing machinists, Brian Bryant, Kelly Ortberg, Ortberg Organizations: Bank of America, Boeing, Service, International Association of Machinists, Aerospace Workers, IAM, BI Locations: Seattle

☆ Target changes app to curb 'double-tapper' customers who caused chaos with drive-up orders
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Target released an update to its app to curb a shopper behavior workers call the "double tap." Workers previously said drive-up order customers caused chaos by waiting until arrival to tap a button saying they were en route. Whether by accident or on purpose, hundreds of Target drive-up customers using the retailer's mobile app arrive each day in the stores' parking lots before hitting the "I'm on my way" button. Now, following a mobile app released last week, shoppers will no longer be able to "double-tap" their drive-up orders. The company confirmed the change to Business Insider and said it continues to look for ways to improve the app for both workers and customers.

Persons: —, hasn't Organizations: Workers, Service, Business Locations: New York, Wisconsin

☆ OpenAI is making moves toward becoming a for-profit company
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Erin Snodgrass | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

OpenAI is one step closer to becoming a for-profit company. A for-profit structure would be much more conventional for the investors OpenAI is courting. Reports of the California attorney general's involvement in the process indicate the company is one step closer to formalizing the unprecedented shift, which would require the attorney general's approval. Neither OpenAI nor the California attorney general's office immediately responded to Business Insider's request for comment. A for-profit structure would be much more conventional for the big-name investors OpenAI is increasingly courting, including Microsoft and Nvidia.

Persons: —, Sam Altman, general's, OpenAI, Rob Bonta, Bret Taylor Organizations: Bloomberg, Service, Microsoft, Nvidia Locations: California, Delaware

☆ I want to lose weight but maintain my muscle. A dietitian said to eat more carbs, and keep prioritizing whole foods, protein, and plants.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Rachel Hosie | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A dietitian said that measuring foods for a brief period help with knowing how many calories to eat. She said that her goals are to lose fat and maintain muscle. AdvertisementMockler said she loves that Silvia is prioritizing mostly whole foods, protein, and lots of plants. "She focuses a lot on protein, which is fantastic for both fat loss (keeps you full) and maintaining muscle (protein helps build muscle)," Mockler said. "She didn't mention how much protein she eats, but generally 1.6 to 2.2 grams per kilogram of body weight is a safe range for active individuals looking to build or maintain muscle."

Persons: —, Silvia, Kara Mockler, Mockler, seltzer, Silvia isn't, carbs Silvia, carbs, needn't Organizations: BI's Nutrition Clinic, Service, Insider's Nutrition Clinic Locations: carbs, Cava

☆ China is boosting market sentiment by playing up hopes for stimulus
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese Premier Li Qiang spurred market expectations for more stimulus in a speech. China's services activity and business confidence rose in October, boosting market sentiment. Beijing is monitoring the US presidential election and may adjust its fiscal stimulus based on its outcome. He also drummed up market expectations for more economic stimulus, saying Beijing has "ample space for fiscal policy and monetary policy." AdvertisementBeijing is likely to roll out a bigger stimulus to buffer market volatility if Republican candidate Donald Trump wins, Varathan wrote.

Persons: Li Qiang, —, Li's, Wang Zhe, Wang, Hong, Harris, Vishnu, Mizuho Bank's, Donald Trump, Varathan Organizations: Service, P Global, Protesters, Caixin Insight, Deutsche Bank, PMI, National People's Congress, Trump Presidency, Reuters Locations: Beijing, China, Asia, Japan

☆ A 14-year-old's award-winning invention uses AI to detect pesticides on fruit and vegetables
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Jessica Orwig | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A 14-year-old invented a handheld device that uses AI to detect pesticides on produce. It attaches to a smartphone and uses AI to detect the presence of certain pesticides on common produce. Courtesy of 3MTo use it, you download a phone app, point Pestiscand at the fruit or vegetable, and tap the scan button, Subash told Business Insider. Holger Leue/Getty ImagesEven though washing produce may not remove all pesticides, it's one of the best ways to reduce your exposure, de Montagnac said. She recommends washing for 15 to 60 seconds depending on the produce — for produce that typically contains a lot of pesticides, wash longer.

Persons: —, Subash, Subash wasn't, Gilles Benoit, Alexis Temkin, Benoit, Holger Leue, Montagnac, Temkin Organizations: Service, Business, Environmental Locations: EWG

☆ I'm a father of 2. I won't give my children smartphones while they live at home.
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

He doesn't plan on giving his children smartphones until they leave home. Archer is part of a nationwide parents pact that aims to delay giving children smartphones. I have two children, one 9-year-old and one 7-year-old, and I'm not planning to give them smartphones until they leave home. AdvertisementI don't judge parents who already have given their children smartphones. Collective actionI recently signed up for the Smartphone Free Childhood Pact, a group of parents who pledge to delay giving their children smartphones.

Persons: Rob Archer, Archer, —, I'm, you'll, we've, I've, they're, it's Organizations: Service, Pact Locations: London

☆ How companies are looking to cash in on Election Day
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

For many Americans, election night is a chance to blow off steam after an intense few months of campaigning that included a last-minute candidate switch and two assassination attempts. The homebodies are also set to make their economic mark on election night. In 2020, one food delivery company showed sales increased 20% on election night compared to the Tuesday prior. With tensions high, the country is bracing for civil unrest after the election , writes BI's Katie Balevic. The 2024 presidential race is already the most litigated in history, with more than 200 pending preelection lawsuits across 40 states , writes BI's Natalie Musumeci.

Persons: —, Insider's Juliana Kaplan, Kamala Kush, MAGA, rita —, Brian Williams, James Carville, Shepard Smith, BI's Lucia Moses, Williams, Jonathan Wald, Tim Paradis, ResumeBuilder.com, Katie Balevic, BI's Natalie Musumeci, Dan DeFrancesco, Jordan Parker Erb, Hallam Bullock, Ella Hopkins, Amanda Yen, Milan Sehmbi Organizations: Business, Service, Amazon, Veteran, American Psychological Association Locations: Brazil, Colombia, Chile, South Africa, New York, London

☆ Parts supplier cuts thousands of jobs as Germany's auto woes deepen
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Thousands more jobs are under threat in Germany's beleaguered automotive industry. Parts supplier Schaeffler said it would cut thousands of jobs for a net reduction of about 3,700 workers. Union officials said Volkswagen plans to shut factories in Germany for the first time. AdvertisementGermany's auto industry is under intense pressure — and now thousands of jobs will go at a key company in the supply chain. Auto parts supplier Schaeffler said on Tuesday it would cut about 4,700 jobs across Europe and close two of its 10 locations in Germany.

Persons: Schaeffler, —, Klaus Rosenfeld, Schaeffler's, Mercedes, BYD Organizations: Service, VW, BMW, Mercedes, Benz, Volkswagen, EV, EVs Locations: Germany, Europe, Frankfurt, Europe's, China, Hungary, Turkey

☆ Tesla criticizes Biden's plan to ban Chinese tech in cars
▼ + stars: | 2024-11-05 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Tesla has criticized the US government's plans to ban Chinese software from US cars. President Joe Biden announced plans to ban Chinese software after clamping down on China's EV giants. AdvertisementTesla has criticized plans to ban Chinese tech in US cars, warning that doing so risks burying automakers in a deluge of red tape. Related VideoThe Biden administration unveiled plans to ban Chinese and Russian tech from internet-connected cars in September. Officials warned that cars with Chinese components posed a threat to national security and the privacy of US citizens.

Persons: Tesla, Joe Biden, —, Biden, Elon Musk Organizations: China's EV, Service, Telegraph, Officials, EV Locations: China

Search resuls for: "Scoop"

25 mentions found