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☆ Leila de Lima: Philippine court clears fierce Duterte critic of drugs charges after long legal battle
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-24 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The charges stemmed from allegations by Duterte that De Lima had received payoffs from convicted drug gangs to fund her 2016 senatorial bid. Speaking to reporters outside the court, De Lima said Duterte would be held responsible for “sins committed” against Filipinos. Jam Sta Rosa/AFP/Getty ImagesDuring his tenure as president, Duterte repeatedly said the killings of drug suspects are lawful if police are acting in self defense. In July last year, the International Criminal Court (ICC) rejected an appeal by the Philippine government to block an investigation by prosecutors into Duterte’s drug war. The Philippines was formerly a signatory to the ICC but Duterte canceled the country’s membership after the court began probing his drug war.

Persons: Rodrigo Duterte’s, Leila De Lima, Duterte, De Lima, De, “ Leila, “, ”, Leila de Lima, Sta Rosa, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, pullout Organizations: CNN, PTV, ” Former, Criminal Court, ICC, Hague, Duterte Locations: Muntinlupa, ” Former Philippine, AFP, Davao City, Philippine, Philippines

☆ 'Only pirates do this,' a general said after China's Coast Guard, armed with bladed weapons, clashed with Philippine boats in the South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-21 | by ( Ella Sherman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

"Only pirates do this," General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a social media post regarding the recent actions of the Chinese coast guard. This is how barbaric the Chinese Coast Guard is in the recent RoRe mission of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. The Chinese coast guard might have used pirate-like tactics, but it's not legally piracy. This photo taken on February 15, 2024, shows an aerial view of Scarborough Shoal in the disputed South China Sea. The nine-dash line is a map marking designating China's sweeping and controversial claims to the South China Sea.

Persons: —, Romeo Brawner Jr, …, 7vzFDem1DE — Jay Tarriela, it's, Harrison Prétat, Thomas Shoal, Prétat, Thomas, Brawner, Philippines MaryKay Carlson Organizations: Service, Staff, Armed Forces, Business, China, China's Coast Guard, South China, Coast Guard, Center for Strategic, Studies, Maritime Transparency Initiative, BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, UN, ROSA, Philippine Navy, Mutual Defense, People's Locations: Philippines, China, Philippine, Beijing, South, BRP Sierra, Scarborough Shoal, AFP, South China, Manila, It's, People's Republic of China

☆ Houthi attacks in the Red Sea: Ship attacked by Iran-backed rebels believed to have sunk
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-19 | by ( Niamh Kennedy | Michael Rios | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A Greek-owned coal carrier appears to have capsized in the Red Sea days after it was struck by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels, according to a report published by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The MV Tutor is thought to be the second ship sunk by Houthis since March, when the British-registered vessel Rubymar was downed after being struck by ballistic missiles fired from Houthi territory in Yemen. The rebels have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks directed at ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel launched its invasion of Gaza following the Hamas-led October 7 attacks. Israeli attacks in Gaza have since killed at least 37,396 Palestinians and injured another 85,523 people, according to the Ministry of Health there. Dozens of ships have been attacked in the Red Sea, as regional tensions flare over Israel's war in Gaza.

Persons: Christian Domarique, Sta Rosa, “, Al Masirah, CENTCOM Organizations: CNN, UK Maritime Trade Operations, Hamas, Ministry of Health, Getty, US Central Command Locations: Red, Iranian, British, Yemen, Gulf of Aden, Israel, Gaza, Metro Manila, AFP

☆ We're initiating a position in a turnaround stock and buying more of another name
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Jeff Marks | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Shortly after the opening bell, we will initiate a position in Dover by buying 100 shares at roughly $184.20. Meanwhile, total revenue was up 1% — the first positive growth since the first quarter of last year — to $2.09 billion, ahead of the expected $2.03 billion. That business posted 9.2% organic growth and total revenues of $543 million, far above the expected $495 million. Another standout business was pumps and process solutions, which had 4.5% organic growth and total revenue of $466 million, beating the expected $441 million consensus estimate. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio.

Persons: Jim Cramer's, DOV, We'll, Jim Cramer, Jim Organizations: DuPont, Dupont, Management, Dover, Citi, CNBC Locations: Dover

☆ Here are Friday's biggest analyst calls: Apple, Target, Coinbase, Berkshire Hathaway, Estee Lauder & more
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-03 | by ( Michael Bloom | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

JPMorgan upgrades Williams-Sonoma to neutral from underweight JPMorgan said in its upgrade of the stock that the home furnishings category is stabilizing. "We are downgrading shares of EXPE to Mkt Perform from OP with a target price of $145 vs. $165 previously." JPMorgan upgrades Joby to neutral from underweight JPMorgan said its bear thesis has largely played out for the aviation company. Guggenheim reiterates Target as buy Guggenheim said investors should buy the dip in shares of Target . Morgan Stanley downgrades Estee Lauder to equal weight from overweight Morgan Stanley said it sees a slower recovery for shares of Estee Lauder .

Persons: Stifel, Wells, Truist, OLLI, Guggenheim, Tim Cook, William Blair, Amgen, Jefferies, We've, Ari sta, it's, Morgan Stanley downgrades Estee Lauder, Morgan Stanley, Estee Lauder, TD Cowen, Parsons, Bernstein, Oppenheimer, CFRA, Berkshire Hathaway Organizations: RBC, FTAI Aviation, Pacific, Union Pacific, JPMorgan, Williams, WSM, BMO, Bank of America, Apple, Kiniksa Pharmaceuticals, JOBY, Guggenheim, Target, Citi, MCW, Arista, PSN, Avidity, ~$ Locations: Sonoma, EXPE, GEICO

☆ The red flags that will tell us when China's actually ready to invade Taiwan
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-27 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +12 min

"I don't think they lack for anything that they need," Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at Defense Priorities, said of China's forces. Military forces are being deployed nearer to Taiwan than ever, effectively shortening Taiwan's reaction time. Stockpiling of China's rocket force, too, suggests it would have more than enough missiles and rockets to target Taiwan. One common concern is that as China's military exercises around Taiwan have grown in frequency and size, the line between exercise and potential attack is becoming blurred. Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via Getty ImagesExperts, as well as US and Taiwan lawmakers and military officials, have long debated about the readiness of the People's Liberation Army as China's military is known.

Persons: —, Lyle Goldstein, Stringer China, Xi, Thomas Shugart, who's, Shugart, Goldstein, Mike Studeman, Xi Jinping, Dean Cheng, haven't, Cheng, Xie Huanchi, There's, Kyle Amonson, Dane Egli, Annabelle Chih, Getty Images Goldstein, Joe Biden Organizations: Service, Business, Defense, REUTERS, Taiwan's, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense, US Department of Defense, China Economic, Security, PLA, Patriot, US, Center, New, New American Security, Marine Corps, China Coast Guard, Scarborough, ROSA, Military, of Naval Intelligence, Pacific Command, US Institute of Peace, of, People, Getty Images, People's Liberation Army, CCP, Soviet, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Japan, US Coast Guard, Chinese Communist Party, Democratic Progressive Party, Kyodo, Stills Locations: China, Taiwan, Asia, Liaoning, Beijing, New American, AFP, Hong Kong, Xinhua, DoD's China, Cuba, US, Tainan, Japan, Philippines

☆ Chinese fishing vessels are going scorched earth and pumping cyanide into contested waters, Philippine fishing authority says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Matthew Loh | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The bureau on Saturday accused Chinese vessels of pumping cyanide into the shoal's waters. AdvertisementThe Philippines' fishing bureau has accused Chinese fishing vessels of using cyanide to destroy the Scarborough Shoal, a fish-rich atoll in the South China Sea contested by both Manila and Beijing. Cyanide fishing is a controversial fishing method that typically involves dumping the highly toxic chemical near coral reefs or in fishing grounds to stun or kill fish so they can be easily captured. Notably, the Philippines' fishing industry was known to use cyanide fishing back in the 1960s to capture live fish for aquariums and restaurants, though the practice has become less common. The Scarborough Shoal is contested by The Philippines, China, and Taiwan.

Persons: —, Nazario Briguera, Brigeura, Briguera, hadn't, Jay Tarriela, Guo Shoujing, Hague Organizations: Service, Bureau of Fisheries, Aquatic Resources, The Philippine, Philippine, Scarborough, Philippine Star, ROSA, GMA, Philippine Coast Guard, Conservation, Education Foundation, Global Times, The, TED, Getty, Google, Fisheries, Business Locations: Philippines, China, Scarborough, South, Manila, Beijing, Masinloc, Spanish, Scarborough Shoal, AFP, Bajo de, Cebu, South China, Taiwan, The Philippines, Quezon City, Philippine

☆ Unruly passengers were a problem before the pandemic. Now they’re even worse
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Francesca Street | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +18 min

Levels of unrulinessIATA classifies unruly behavior incidents into four levels. The latest available IATA data, from 2022, indicates most disruptive passenger incidents involved non-compliance, verbal abuse and intoxication. Passengers refusing to wear masks was a contributing factor to the rise in unruly incidents during that period. Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP/Getty ImagesOf the 5,981 unruly passenger incidents reported to the FAA in 2021, 4,290 were face mask-related. “If you are a potentially unruly passenger, do you really not become unruly because you saw some zero tolerance unruly behavior video?” he questions.

Persons: Philip Baum, Baum, “, ” Baum, stank, ‘ Philip, can’t, ’ ”, –, Susannah Carr, ”, There’s, Liz Simmons, Simmons, Ronaldo Schemidt, It’s, Kris Major, Mizuki Urano, ” John Franklin, Franklin, EASA’s, there’s, Aleksandra Kapela, Kapela, ” Kapela, Sta Rosa, restaffing, “ We’re, ” There’s, Philip Baum’s, Polly Hilmarsdóttir, Daniela Modnesi, Modnesi, it’s, Jim Vondruska, they’re, we’ve, EASA’s Franklin, EASA, “ We’ve Organizations: CNN, CNN Travel, Transport Security International Magazine, Management, International Air Transport Association, European Aviation Safety Agency, Federal Aviation Authority, FAA, American, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, International Civil Aviation Organization, Japan Airlines, Staffing, Aviation, European Transport Workers ’ Federation, FBI, TSA, Airlines, Dutch, KLM, Nippon Airways, ANA, American Airlines Locations: Oceania, AFP, Icelandair, Tokyo, Montreal, Europe, Texas

☆ Black Nazarene procession in Philippines draws millions of Catholic devotees to Philippine capital
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-10 | by ( Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The Black Nazarene statue is paraded through downtown Manila. It is also called the Traslacion, or “transfer,” referring to the relocation of the Black Nazarene to Quiapo Church. In 1620, the first confraternity dedicated to the Black Nazarene was established. People watch the procession from their homes as the Black Nazarene statue passes by in Manila. About 3 million devotees took part in the last pre-pandemic Traslacion procession in 2020, which lasted some 16 hours, according to police.

Persons: Jesus Christ, Aaron Favila, “, Rizza, Jesus, Ezra Acayan, Sta Rosa, Emilio Edgardo Quilatan, ” Quilatan Organizations: CNN, Black Nazarene, Quirino, Quiapo, Catholic, CNN Philippines, Nazarene, Getty, Cross Locations: Philippine, Manila, Philippines, Quiapo, Mexico, AFP, Mesquite

☆ Philippines woos neighbours to craft code on South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Chinese Coast Guard vessel (L) blocks the ML Kalayaan chartered supply boat (R) during a mission to deliver provisions at Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea on November 10, 2023. Speaking in Hawaii at a livestreamed event, Marcos said escalating tension in the South China Sea required the Philippines to partner with allies and neighbors to maintain peace in the busy waterway, with the situation now "more dire". The embassies of China, Malaysia and Vietnam in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment on a possible code. ON-OFF CONFRONTATIONSTalks on components of the code have yet to start, with concerns about how far China, which claims ownership of most of the South China Sea, is committed to a binding set of rules that ASEAN nations want to align with existing international law. China has turned submerged reefs into military installations equipped with radar, runways and missile systems, some inside the Philippines' EEZ.

Persons: Shoal, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Marcos, Xi Jinping Organizations: Guard, ROSA, Getty, South China, ASEAN, Economic Cooperation, PLA, People's Liberation Army Navy Locations: South, AFP, Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam, China, United States, Hawaii, ASEAN, Manila, Asia, San Francisco, South China, Brunei, Indonesia, Beijing, Philippine

☆ Slovenia deploys police on borders with Croatia, Hungary
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

OBREZJE, Slovenia, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Slovenia on Saturday deployed police on border crossings with Croatia and Hungary to prevent potential security threats, leading to queues as travellers waited to have their documents checked. The Slovenian government had on Friday decided to introduce temporary border controls until Oct. 30, following its neighbour Italy which introduced controls on its border crossing with Slovenia to improve home security. Police were deployed on 14 border crossings with Croatia and Hungary, Slovenian news agency STA reported. Travellers queued to have their papers checked at the Obrezje crossing on the border with Croatia, where checks had not taken place since Jan. 1 this year when Croatia joined the control-free Schengen Area. Reporting by Antonio Bronic; Writing by Ivana Sekularac; Editing by David HolmesOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: queued, Fjacko, Antonio Bronic, Ivana Sekularac, David Holmes Organizations: Saturday, Slovenian, Police, Croatia, Croatian, Thomson Locations: OBREZJE, Slovenia, Croatia, Hungary, Italy, Slovenian, Zagreb, Europe, Balkans

☆ Securities traders are gathering in Washington, trying to figure out what the SEC is doing
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

The seal of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission hangs on the wall at SEC headquarters in Washington, June 24, 2011. The big topic: trying to figure out what the Securities and Exchange Commission is doing. These wholesalers may send the orders to exchanges, but often match the orders against their own internal order flow. Gallagher will also likely weigh in on payment for order flow as well. "I'm doing everything backwards, I'm leaving a trade group and going into politics, but sometimes you gotta step up."

Persons: There's, Gary Gensler, Gensler, Schwab, ETrade, Hester Peirce, Jonathan Kellner, Peirce, Hope Jarkowski, Rostin Behnam, Dan Gallagher, Matt Andresen, Gallagher, Jim, George Santos, Santos Organizations: U.S . Securities, Exchange, SEC, Securities, Securities and Exchange, Security Traders Association, Security Traders Association of New, Marriott Marquis, Intelligence, Citadel, Republican, MEMX, Democratic, NYSE, CFTC, Corporate, Headlands Technology, Congress Locations: Washington, Security Traders Association of New York, U.S, Long

☆ China's US envoy urges 'practical' steps to help restore ties
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

FILE PHOTO-Xie Feng, China's new ambassador to the U.S., addresses the media as he arrives at JFK airport in New York City, U.S., May 23, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Sept 28 (Reuters) - China's ambassador to the United States said the Biden administration could help restore fraught relations by starting with "practical" steps, such as renewing a decades-old pact on science and technology. "We must start from me, start from now, and start from practical things that benefit the people of the two countries," Ambassador Xie Feng said at an embassy reception on Wednesday, ahead of China's National Day on Oct. 1. "The China-U.S. Science and Technology Agreement (STA) is mutually beneficial and win-win," added Xie, who took up his posting in May. This week, the United States said Beijing had allowed a U.S. soldier being expelled by North Korea to stop over in China before continuing home.

Persons: Xie Feng, Brendan McDermid, Biden, Xie, Ryan Woo, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, . Science, Technology, Treasury Department, Thomson Locations: U.S, New York City, Rights BEIJING, United States, Beijing, Washington, Taiwan, China, North Korea

☆ 16 Adults on the Virtues and Pleasures of Being Bad - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +14 min

They’re almost enough to make you forget the pleasures of being a little bit bad. We asked 16 writers — most of them respectable adults — about the irresponsible, immoral, indulgent things they do. Years later, we bumped into each other in public, resulting in a humiliating exposition that left everyone questioning my sanity. Can’t stop won’t stop ShopliftingWhenever I’m at the airport, I like to do a little shopping at the Free Store. Yes yes yes.

Persons: —, it’s, I’ve, Kennedy, Dan Cathy, Burger King, Jack, they’re, Chick, I’m, ”, Tell, Wranchers, pant, Henry Hill, Bob Hughes, — let’s, Kelly I, It’s, Saint Augustine, “, It’s icky, Jamieson Webster, Rinee Shah Organizations: Harvard, New York Times Locations: British, New York, “, YOLO, San Francisco

☆ Biden resists pressure from lawmakers and seeks short extension to key China science pact
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Jennifer Jett | Abigail Williams | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The Biden administration is seeking a short-term extension to a landmark science and technology agreement with China despite pressure from some U.S. lawmakers who say Beijing could exploit it to gain a security and military advantage. A six-month extension to the Science and Technology Agreement, or STA, will keep the pact in force as the U.S. seeks "authority to undertake negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms," a State Department spokesperson told NBC News on Wednesday. "If it were to go away, not only would it impede government-to-government cooperation, but it would also put other science cooperation at risk," said Seligsohn, a former environment, science, technology and health counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing. China also considers it the enabling document for all other science cooperation with the U.S., including with academic and research institutions. The State Department spokesperson said it was aware of the issues involved with working with China in the are of science and technology.

Persons: Biden, Jimmy Carter, Deng Xiaoping, Deborah Seligsohn, Antony Blinken, Elise Stefanik, Mike Gallagher of, Blinken, Sen, Rick Scott, Donald Trump Organizations: Central South University, Science, Technology, State Department, NBC News, U.S, Villanova University, Embassy, House Republican Conference Locations: China, Central, Changsha city, Hunan province, Beijing, U.S, New York, Mike Gallagher of Wisconsin, United States

☆ U.S. says it seeks six-month extension to science agreement with China
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Flags of China and U.S. are displayed on a printed circuit board with semiconductor chips, in this illustration picture taken February 17, 2023. REUTERS/Florence Lo/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Aug 23 (Reuters) - The United States is seeking a six-month extension to a science and technology agreement with China so that it can undergo negotiations with Beijing to "amend and strengthen" the landmark deal, the State Department said on Wednesday. "This short-term six-month extension will keep the agreement in force while we seek authority to undertake negotiations to amend and strengthen the terms of the STA (Science and Technology Agreement). It does not commit the United States to a longer-term extension," a department spokesperson told Reuters. Reporting by Michael MartinaOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Florence Lo, Michael Martina Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, State Department, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, United States, Beijing

☆ 'Nature fights back': Slovenia's worst floods kill six
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Fedja Grulovic | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A view of a damaged building in a flooded area, following heavy rains, in Prevalje, Slovenia August 6, 2023. REUTERS/Fedja Grulovic/File photoPREVALJE, Slovenia, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Slovenia's worst floods on record have killed at least six people, swept away homes and clogged villages with debris, authorities and media said on Monday. "You know, nature fights back against everything (we do). The Slovenian Environment Agency said floods were starting to recede on Monday, but some areas were still cut off. Residents of villages along the river Mura had to be evacuated on Sunday night after part of the levee collapsed.

Persons: Fedja, Drago Hudofisk, Fedja Grulovic, Daria Sito, Andrew Cawthorne Organizations: REUTERS, Slovenian Environment Agency, Authorities, European Union, NATO, Thomson Locations: Prevalje, Slovenia, Austria, Kranj, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Hungary, Germany, Sucic, Sarajevo

☆ Amid US-China rivalry, a landmark science deal faces new scrutiny
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-18 | by ( Michael Martina | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

"Extending the Science and Technology Agreement between the U.S. and China would only further jeopardize our research and intellectual property," said Representative Mike Gallagher, the Republican chair of a congressional select committee on China. "The administration must let this outdated agreement expire." "It is hoped that the U.S. side will expedite the internal review before the expiration of the agreement," he said. Given the state of U.S.-China ties, trying to renegotiate could derail the agreement, they said. Proponents of renewing the deal argue that without it, the U.S. would lose valuable insight into China's technical advances.

Persons: Florence Lo, Antony Blinken, Mike Gallagher, Liu Pengyu, Joe Biden, Kurt Campbell, Denis Simon, Anna Puglisi, Michael Martina, Don Durfee, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, WASHINGTON, ., China Science, Technology, Science, U.S, State Department, National Security Council, Hudson Institute, University of North, Chapel Hill, Georgetown University's Center for Security, Emerging Technology, Thomson Locations: China, U.S, United States, Beijing, Washington, Pacific, University of North Carolina, East Asia

☆ The Southern Tornado Alley: Where the deadliest twisters touch down in the US
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-09 | by ( Amy O'Kruk | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

Some climate scientists call it the Southern Tornado Alley (STA): An area above the Gulf of Mexico that stretches from the western borders of Arkansas and Louisiana to eastern Georgia, encapsulating Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee in between. But in the Southern Alley, tornadoes are uniquely dangerous and often much more fatal. “The Southern Alley is where you get the human population to meet up with the storms. “Because when it gets down to it, the minutes matter.”Tornadoes that occur in the Southern Tornado Alley are far less predictable than in the Great Plains Tornado Alley, often making them more deadly. “A lot of times people hear Tornado Alley and they just think Kansas.

Persons: Oz ”, twisters, ”, John Gagan, who’s, Gagan, there’s Organizations: Southern Tornado, Tornados, CNN, National Weather Service, ”, Tornado, Rockies Locations: of Mexico, Arkansas, Louisiana, Georgia, encapsulating Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Kansas, Sullivan , Wisconsin, Mississippi

☆ Saudi Arabia says LGBTQ visitors are now welcome
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-04 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN —As Saudi Arabia continues its drive to attract tourists, authorities in the country appear to be reaching out to a particularly lucrative section of the market: LGBTQ travelers. “Everyone is welcome to visit Saudi Arabia and visitors are not asked to disclose such personal details,” is the website’s response to the question on its FAQ page: “Are LGBT visitors welcome to visit Saudi Arabia?”It is not known exactly when the website was updated. Same-sex sexual activity is an offense in Saudi Arabia, according to Human Rights Watch. LGBTQ+ travelers are a lucrative market, according to Darren Burn, CEO of Out Of Office, a luxury travel planning service for the community, and of Travel Gay, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ travel platform. Human rights researcher Nora Noralla told CNN that the kingdom is following Qatar and Dubai in its bid to attract LGBTQ+ travelers.

☆ Top US, Philippine officials to meet after expanding defense pact
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

April 5 (Reuters) - The top foreign and defense officials of the United States and the Philippines will meet in Washington next week, the U.S. State Department announced on Wednesday, just as the two countries have expanded their defense cooperation agreement. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin will receive Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo and defense chief Carlito Galvez on Tuesday. The near doubling of EDCA sites was achieved at a time of growing concern over China's conduct in the South China Sea and tension over self-ruled Taiwan. The locations are significant, with Isabela and Cagayan facing north towards Taiwan, while Palawan is near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, where China has built artificial islands equipped with runways and missile systems. Reporting by Daniel Trotta, editing by Donna Bryson & Shri NavaratnamOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Philippines reveals locations of 4 new strategic sites for U.S. military pact
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Karen Lema | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The locations are significant, with Isabela and Cagayan facing north towards Taiwan, while Palawan is near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, where China has built artificial islands equipped with runways and missile systems. Defence chief Carlito Galvez called the sites "very strategic" and stressed the Philippines had a responsibility to the international community in the South China Sea. "Their locations are in areas where they are needed," said Jay Batongbacal, a South China Sea expert at the University of the Philippines. "It also provides us with coverage not only on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) but also on the Pacific side," he added. The United States has committed more than $80 million worth of infrastructure at the five existing sites - the Antonio Bautista Air Base in Palawan, Basa Air Base in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Benito Ebuen Air Base in Cebu and Lumbia Air Base in Mindanao.

☆ A new Pentagon map shows how China is beefing up what a top US general calls its 'dangerous position' in the South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Benjamin Brimelow | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

China and several of its neighbors have claimed parts of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea. The map also gives rough locations for seven Chinese outposts, including three airfields, and 63 other outposts in the Spratlys. China's outposts "are capable of supporting military operations" and "have supported non-combat aircraft," the Pentagon report says. Recent action by those forces around Taiwan, as well as ongoing Chinese activity in the South China Sea, have worried US commanders. The Spratly IslandsFilipino fishermen sail by a Chinese coast guard ship near Scarborough Shoal on February 5.

☆ A couple that went from having 'terrible credit' and working restaurant shifts built a multi-million dollar real estate portfolio that earns $30,000 a month in revenue. They explain how anyone can sta
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-26 | by ( Kathleen Elkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Here is their four-step guide to investing in real estate. Get your personal finances in orderThe first and most important step to take before investing in real estate is to establish a solid financial foundation, the couple emphasized. You're not going to learn everything you need to learn about real estate in a five second TikTok video. Real estate investor Natia SeegarsThe more time you invest in educating yourself about real estate, the more likely you are to succeed, they emphasized. "You're not going to learn everything you need to learn about real estate in a five second TikTok video," said Natia.

☆ SEC Chair Gary Gensler tees up changes to how the stock market operates
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-13 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

These wholesalers may send the orders to exchanges, but often match the orders against their own internal order flow. However, Gensler has claimed that pension funds and other institutional investors are not able to interact with that retail order flow. Execution quality disclosure Market participants are required to submit monthly reports indicating how well they are executing client orders. Gensler has said investors today need a better understanding of how well their trading orders are being executed. Gensler's broad agenda The proposals on market structure are part of a broad agenda Gensler has undertaken this year.

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