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☆ Exclusive: Health AI startup Anterior raised $20 million from NEA and Sequoia. Here's the pitch deck it used.
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Many healthcare startups have targeted administrative tasks on the provider side, like SmarterDx, which just raised a $50 million Series B in June. Wu said NEA chose to invest in Anterior in part because of its focus on health plans. Anterior's $20 million Series A will help the startup accelerate hiring to take on more health plan customers, Mahmoud said. Wu said the firm sees a big opportunity for Anterior to package a range of tools for health plans as AI technologies become more widespread. See the 18-slide pitch deck Anterior used to grab a $20 million Series A.

Persons: —, It's, Mustafa Suleyman, Adrian Aoun, Blake Wu, Abdel Mahmoud, we'd, we've, Mahmoud, Wu, Anterior's Organizations: Service, NEA, Business, Sequoia, Lion, Microsoft, Cohere, Meta, Google, McKinsey & Company, Amazon Locations: Sequoia Arc

☆ Bunq, the $1.8 billion European neobank, hopes to secure license for UK expansion this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Ryan Browne | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Dutch digital bank Bunq is plotting re-entry into the U.K. to tap into a "large and underserved" market of some 2.8 million British "digital nomads." Bunq, known for its rainbow-colored cards and a focus on so-called "digital nomads" not bound by any one country or location, initially launched in the U.K. in 2019. The passage of Brexit into law meant that EU-based financial institutions couldn't rely on their own country authorizations to operate in the U.K. market. Currently, Bunq only holds a banking license with the Dutch central bank. Challenges of reentering UK market

Persons: Pavlo Gonchar, Ali Niknam, it's, Niknam Organizations: Getty, PARIS, CNBC, Viva Tech, reentering Locations: Europe, Paris, U.K

☆ Businesses push Biden to grant work permits to longtime undocumented immigrants
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

She knows there’s a bigger pool of experienced workers out there, but she can’t hire them because they are undocumented immigrants. The coalition argues Biden can do more through executive action under current law, including by expanding work permits to spouses of US citizens. All of Indiana dairy farmer Steve Obert's employees are authorized to work, but he is among the business leaders advocating for more work permits for longtime undocumented residents. Courtesy Steve ObertAll of Obert’s 15 non-family employees are foreign born and have work permits. But he knows that undocumented workers contribute a lot to the industry, as well as to the communities where they live.

Persons: Lisa Winton, Winton, Biden, ” Winton, ” Lisa Winton, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Trump, , ”, Karoline Leavitt, “, ” It’s, Steve Obert, Jessica Vaughan, Rebecca Shi, ‘, ’ ”, Shi, Vaughan, Tara Watson, Bush, Obama, Kerri Talbot, Trump’s, Steve, ” Obert Organizations: CNN, Winton Machine Company, American Business Immigration Coalition, Employers, Time, Trump, Pew Research Center, Labor, National Agricultural Workers Survey, Center, American, National Milk Producers Federation, Immigration Services, Center for Immigration Studies, Department of Homeland Security, Migration Policy Institute, Williams College, Immigration, Indiana Dairy Producers Locations: Suwanee , Georgia, Winton, Georgia, America, Indiana

☆ Short seller alleges Oddity Tech is misleading investors
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Gabrielle Fonrouge | In Gabrielle-Fonrouge | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

A short seller on Tuesday alleged that beauty and wellness company Oddity Tech has been misleading investors and isn't the online-only retailer it's claimed to be. Ningi has a short position in Oddity but didn't disclose the size of that position. Oddity Tech, the parent company of makeup brand Il Makiage and skincare brand Spoiled Child, sold investors on the premise that it's disrupting the legacy beauty industry by changing the way people buy makeup online. Ningi Research is alleging that Oddity is not a purely digital company and that its Il Makiage brand has more than 40 stores in Israel, where the company is based. Oddity previously told CNBC that more than half of its business is from repeat customers.

Persons: it's, Ningi, didn't, ODDITY's, they've, Oran Holtzman, Holtzman, authorizations, We'll, we've Organizations: Tech, CNBC, Ningi, U.S . Ningi, Better Business Locations: Israel, U.S

☆ Sri Lanka travel visa costs doubled to $100 last month. The reason for the hike is disputed
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-14 | by ( Monica Pitrelli | Erica Lamberg | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The cost to obtain a short-term visa to visit Sri Lanka rose from $50 to $100 in April. In response, VFS Global said, "Visa categories were introduced as per the directives of [Sri Lanka's] Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E)." Both parties agreed that 30-day travel visas priced at $50 had been reinstated as of May 7. But VFS Global's fees angered many in Sri Lanka's travel industry and led to allegations of corruption by Sri Lankan opposition leaders. "The government of Sri Lanka won't be charging, but the platform … will," he said.

Persons: Harin Fernando, VFS, scammers, Fernando, — Organizations: VFS, Sri, Harin, CNBC, of Immigration, E, Sri Lanka's Ministry of Public Security, VFS Global Locations: Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka's, Sri Lankan, India, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Thailand

☆ The US Army's new plan to counter Russia and China has a glaring problem, experts say
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-11 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The 2024 Army Force Structure Transformation would be the Army's fifth major reorganization since 2003. The most striking aspect of the Army's plan is the large number of new units, for counter-drone protection as well as air and missile defense. In addition, there would be nine counter-small UAS batteries tasked with destroying small drones, and four more Maneuver Short Range Air Defense (M-SHORAD) battalions to stop manned aircraft, helicopters and drones. Monica K. Guthrie/US ArmyThe Army is also basing its plans on untried weapons, such as the Long-Range Hypersonic Missile and air defense lasers. China and Russia have much stronger air and missile forces than the regional opponents the army has faced for the last generation."

Persons: Monica K, Mark Cancian, Cancian, Michael Peck Organizations: Service, US Army, 2024, Army, Business, Congressional Research Service, Congress, Air Defense, Domain, Forces, CRS, Special Operations Forces, Security Force, Guthrie, Energy, Center for Strategic, International Studies, US, Nuclear Forces, Defense, Foreign Policy, Rutgers Univ, Twitter, LinkedIn Locations: Russia, China, Soviet Union, Ukraine, Forbes

☆ AstraZeneca withdraws Covid-19 vaccine citing low demand
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-08 | by ( Hanna Ziady | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

London CNN —AstraZeneca is withdrawing its highly successful coronavirus vaccine, citing the availability of a plethora of new shots that has led to a decline in demand. But the vaccine has not generated revenue for AstraZeneca since April 2023, the company said. “As multiple, variant Covid-19 vaccines have … been developed, there is a surplus of available updated vaccines. “AstraZeneca has therefore taken the decision to initiate withdrawal of the marketing authorizations for Vaxzevria within Europe,” it added. AstraZeneca said it would work with regulators in other countries to “align on a clear path forward,” including withdrawing marketing authorizations for the vaccine where no future commercial demand is expected.

Persons: University of Oxford —, “, Vaxzevria, ” AstraZeneca Organizations: London CNN, AstraZeneca, University of Oxford, CNN, “ AstraZeneca, European Medicines Agency, Union Locations: United Kingdom, Vaxzevria, Europe

☆ Cybersecurity professionals say generative AI can be exploited in cyberattacks — but it can also be a powerful defense
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-07 | by ( Rosalie Chan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Generative AI is revolutionizing cybersecurity in connected networks. Generative AI has become a double-edged sword for the security of connected networks. On one hand, generative AI can speed up cybersecurity problems, making it easier and cheaper for bad actors to conduct identity attacks. Business Insider spoke with several cybersecurity professionals who attended the annual RSA conference this week in San Francisco about how generative AI is increasingly used in cybersecurity for 5G devices and networks. Now that mobile and Internet of Things devices have become more ubiquitous, they're using even more data, which generative AI can help filter and secure.

Persons: —, David Cooper, Cooper, Shaun McAlmont, Chris Novak, David Aviv, Steve Wilson, Ev Kontsevoy, It's, Rohit Ghai, Ghai, Wilson Organizations: Service, Accenture Security, RSA, Verizon Business Locations: cybersecurity, San Francisco

Arm Ukraine With Fanfare and Israel in Secret? That package will pay for billions of dollars of arms flowing to Ukraine, Israel and other nations. As soon as the bill became law, the administration issued new announcements about weapons shipments to Ukraine, but not about transfers to Israel. Press releases about military aid for Ukraine and Israel Since both wars began, the U.S. government has issued at least 126 press statements or updates describing military aid sent to Ukraine and just three describing military aid sent to Israel. Information on maritime support sent to … Ukraine IsraelInformation on air-based weaponry and drones sent to … Ukraine IsraelThere is another distinction worth noting.

Persons: Biden, Jonathan Ernst, Antony Blinken, ”, Josh Paul, Israel —, Ukraine Israel “, Daniel C, it’s, Benjamin Netanyahu Organizations: Reuters, Israel Defense Forces, Israel . Press, U.S . Department of State, U.S . Department of State ; U.S . Department of Defense, Internet, State Department, Defense Department, State and Defense, Washington Post, Ukraine authorizations, Democratic Party, West Bank, White, New York, Facebook Locations: Israel, Ukraine, U.S, U.S . Department of State ;, Ukraine Israel, Gaza, American, Egypt, Russian, Rafah, Lebanon, Iran, Iranian, Syria, United States

☆ Healthcare Startup Valuations Are Coming Back to Earth — Except in AI
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-15 | by ( Rebecca Torrence | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The frenzy has investors across industries rushing to get into AI deals, including in healthcare. AdvertisementStill, healthcare startups using AI have already raised hundreds of millions of dollars this year, especially to automate tedious administrative tasks for providers and health plans. Andrew Arruda, CEO of Flexpa FlexpaThe AI long-haulNot every startup needs to be an AI startup. AdvertisementPlus, healthcare companies that do want to use AI face higher stakes than other industries, contending with numerous privacy, regulatory, and safety issues, Kong noted. For example — if healthcare AI makes a mistake, could patient health be impacted?

Persons: —, Scott Barclay, Nina Achadijan, Shiv Rao Abridge, VCs, nabbed, CodaMetrix, Aike Ho, Christina Farr, Andrew Arruda, that'll, Flexpa, he's, Flexpa's, Kong, Todd Cozzens, it's Organizations: Service, Business, Insight Partners, ACME Capital, nab, Catalyst, HealthQuest, Transformation Locations: Tech, Kong

☆ I worked at a popular hotel chain for 3 years. Here are 10 common mistakes I saw guests make.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Dani Quesnel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Read previewI worked at a hotel chain that was always busy — during peak tourist season, we were sold out most nights. Companies like Marriott, Hilton, Choice Hotels, and IHG have thousands of hotels worldwide that you can earn points to redeem for free hotel rooms and gift cards at popular retailers. AdvertisementTrying to use someone else's credit cardYou need a credit card to check in, and it should ideally be your own. Monkey Business Images/ShutterstockHotels only allow you to use someone else's credit card if the card owner has provided the hotel with a credit-card-authorization form. AdvertisementShowing up without a credit card or IDHaving an ID is crucial for a smooth check-in process.

Persons: —, you've, I've, That's, Marriott, Justin Sullivan, there's, I'm, John Smith's, John Smith, they've Organizations: Service, Business, Companies, Marriott, Hilton, Choice, Getty Locations: It's

— Alex Harring 6:46 a.m.: HSBC sees Snowflake pulling back after rally Snowflake's good news has already been priced in with a recent rally, according to HSBC. Analyst Sara Russo upped her price target by $26 to $72, now implying a smaller downside of 43%. — Alex Harring 6:05 a.m.: Macquarie moves to sidelines on Sony There's reasons for pause on Sony , Macquarie warned. Still, the analyst noted the "many" risks to the stock price, including valuation and if the ETFs become a competitor to Coinbase itself. The bank initiated coverage of the medical technology stock with a buy rating and a price target of $100 per share.

Persons: Ulta, Oppenheimer, Rupesh, Parikh, Alex Harring, Snowflake, Stephen Bersey, Bersey, Bernstein, Sara Russo, Russo, — Alex Harring, Skechers, Jesalyn Wong, Wong, Macquarie, Damian Thong, Thong, deconsolidation, Colin Isaac, Eastman, Isaac, EBITDA, Piper Sandler, Harsh Kumar, Kumar, Kenneth Worthington, Worthington, Sezgi Oezener, Taha Kass, Oezener, Fred Imbert Organizations: CNBC, JPMorgan, HSBC, GE Healthcare, ISI, Distributors, Sony, Macquarie, U.S, Eastman, Eastman Chemical, Nvidia, GE Healthcare HSBC, General Electric, Learning, Amazon, Science & Technology Locations: Wednesday's, Sony's U.S, premarket, Coinbase

The Federal Reserve on Wednesday did what everyone expected, holding interest rates steady for now. But it also avoided saying anything about what it plans to do with rates in the future, dashing hopes for now that rate cuts are in the offing soon. “The Committee judges that the risks to achieving its employment and inflation goals are moving into better balance,” the statement read. Over 12 months, the core rate has come down to 2.9%, he pointed out, adding, “We’re wanting to see more data. “However, they do need to be careful about holding rates up too far, too long.”Economists are predicting a slowdown this year.

Persons: Jerome Powell, ” Powell, “ We’re, You’ve, Powell, ”, Greg Friedman, Brian Henderson, “ There’s, Charlie Wise, Wise Organizations: Federal Reserve, Fed, ”, Dow Jones, Peachtree Group, BOK, “ Locations: American

Why did Biden delay consideration of LNG export terminals? Biden's action would not affect those projects, but could delay a dozen or more LNG projects that are pending or in various stages of planning. A public comment period after that will likely delay any decisions on pending LNG projects until after the November election. Environmentalists hailed Biden's decision, saying LNG exports not only pollute communities and add to the climate crisis but also raise energy prices for U.S. families and businesses. A single proposed LNG export terminal in Louisiana would produce about 20 times the greenhouse gas emissions of Willow, activists say.

Persons: —, Biden, Joe Biden, ”, Vladimir Putin, Ali Zaidi, Jennifer Granholm, ″ Zaidi, Granholm, Biden's, Abigail Dillen, Sen, Ed Markey, Mike Sommers, Mitch McConnell, Israel's, “, “ Biden, ″, Bill McKibben, Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt Organizations: WASHINGTON, Democratic, Industry, Republicans, Russia, U.S, Energy Department, Energy, Seven, American Petroleum Institute, U.S . LNG, GOP Locations: United States, Europe, Asia, Ukraine, Alaska, U.S, Russia, Louisiana, Texas, Calcasieu, Coast, Kentucky, Gaza, Willow

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Biden administration is delaying consideration of new natural gas export terminals in the United States, even as gas shipments to Europe and Asia have soared since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. A proposed LNG export terminal in Louisiana would produce about 20 times the greenhouse gas emissions of Willow, McKibben noted. “We need to have an even greater understanding of the (global energy) market need, the long-term supply and demand of energy resources and the environmental factors,'' she said. Symons called the gas project "bad for our nation, bad for our health and bad for our economy.'' "The true irony is this policy would hurt the climate and lead to increased (greenhouse gas) emissions, as it would force the world to pivot to coal'' instead of natural gas, Hynes said.

Persons: —, Biden, Joe Biden, “, MAGA, Donald Trump, Bill McKibben, it’s, McKibben, Jennifer Granholm, Granholm, Vladimir Putin, Mike Sommers, Sommers, ”, ‘ ’ Granholm, we’re, Jeremy Symons, Symons, Shaylyn Hynes, Hynes, Trump Organizations: WASHINGTON, Democratic, Energy Department, Industry, Russia, Energy, American Petroleum Institute, U.S . LNG, Environmental Protection Agency, Venture, LNG Locations: United States, Europe, Asia, Ukraine, Alaska, Paris, Louisiana, U.S, Calcasieu, Gulf, Cameron Parish, Virginia

☆ Eli Lilly's Zepbound is off to a strong start, but here's what needs to happen to push shares higher
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-24 | by ( Christina Cheddar Berk | In | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Lilly's Mounjaro and Zepbound both use tirzepatide as an active ingredient, but Mounjaro is indicated for type 2 diabetes, while Zepbound aids weight loss. A rich valuation LLY 1Y mountain Eli Lilly shares over the past year. But even good news about Zepbound's launch might not be enough to propel Lilly's stock higher. Goldman's Shibutani has a neutral rating on Lilly shares and a price targe of $600, which implies shares could fall nearly 5% from they started the week. He has a buy rating on Lilly shares, and expects the stock could hit $700 over the next 12 months.

Persons: Eli Lilly's, Lilly, Goldman Sachs, Chris Shibutani, IQVIA, Shibutani, Lilly's, Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, Geoff Meacham, NASH, Meacham, there's, Morgan Stanley, Terence Flynn, Flynn, Morgan Stanley's, Michael Bloom Organizations: Food and Drug Administration, Zepbound, Novo Nordisk's, Medicare, Bank of America, Novo Nordisk, Bank of, FDA, CNBC Locations: Indianapolis, Mounjaro

What Biden is asking forBiden's emergency request to Congress included aid for Ukraine, Israel and other U.S. allies, along with $14 billion to bolster the immigration system and border security. “It is unanimous that our broken immigration system is in dire need of reform,” Mayorkas said. Republicans have made clear that will not be addressed in this package, which they want to be more narrowly focused on border security measures. Republicans argue that Ukraine aid could be a tough sell to some of their voters, and the border policy is the compromise. It’s border security for Ukraine aid.”So far, leaders in both parties have encouraged the talks.

Persons: Joe Biden, Arizona Sen, Kyrsten, ”, Pramila, Biden, Donald Trump, Alejandro Mayorkas, ” Mayorkas, Illinois Sen, Dick Durbin, What's, Barack Obama, Democratic Sen, Chris Murphy of, ” Murphy, Arkansas Sen, Tom Cotton Organizations: WASHINGTON, —, Republicans, House Democrats, Republican, Democratic, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Infrastructure, Homeland, U.S, Democrats, Trump, House Locations: Ukraine, U.S, Mexico, United States, Arizona, Washington, Venezuela, Israel, Russia, Illinois, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, Arkansas

☆ Charter to pay $25 million for stock buyback controls violations, SEC says
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Charter said in a statement that it fully cooperated with the SEC's inquiry and that its share repurchase plans were well-documented and disclosed in financial statements. "We remain committed to a share buyback program and our previously stated leverage targets," the company said. U.S. regulators have ratcheted up scrutiny of rearranged stock trading programs, known as 10b5-1 plans, in the face of criticism from lawmakers and others. The SEC last year overhauled the rules for such plans to deter insiders from trading on material information that investors do not have. Reporting by Chris Prentice in New York and Jasper Ward in Washington; Editing by Bill BerkrotOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Chris Prentice, Jasper Ward, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Communications, WASHINGTON, SEC, U.S, Securities, Exchange Commission, Thomson Locations: U.S, New York, Washington

BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts shelters are being pushed past their capacity, running out of beds for families, including migrants arriving from other states and residents weathering a housing crunch right before winter, said Democratic Gov. “We were informed we hit the cap and due to the cap, families are being put on a waitlist,” said Cherlin Dubon, triage case specialist for the group. Healey has said she doesn’t want to see families out on the street but that the state has essentially reached its shelter capacity. Some states led by Republicans — including Texas and Florida — have bused or flown immigrants to states and cities led by Democrats, including California, Massachusetts, New York and Chicago. Critics argue Healey’s decision to cap shelter placements violates the state’s “right-to-shelter” law.

Persons: Maura Healey, Healey, —, Chelsea , Massachusetts —, ”, Cherlin, Republicans —, Eric Adams, Ronald Mariano, Mariano, Kelly Turley, We’re, ” Turley, Geralde Gabeau, “ Organizations: BOSTON, Democratic Gov, Republicans, Democrats, York City, Democratic, Hynes Convention Center, Massachusetts Coalition, Homeless, Family Services, Housing Locations: Massachusetts, Colaborativa, Chelsea , Massachusetts, Texas, Florida, California , Massachusetts, New York, Chicago, York, Hynes, Boston

☆ Cuba seeks foreign investment, thumbing nose at US sanctions
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( Nelson Acosta | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

HAVANA, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Cuba hosted a business fair with over 800 companies from more than 60 countries on Monday as it lobbied for new investments, thumbing its nose at U.S. sanctions that have long spooked foreign companies from engaging with the communist-run island. "Today we work ...to minimize the negative impact of the economic, financial and commercial blockade," said Cuba foreign trade minister Ricardo Cabrisas at the forum's opening event. Cuban president Miguel Diaz-Canel told attendees "massive" participation at the fair this year was proof of business confidence in Cuba. The trade fair includes promotional stands from countries ranging from Spain to Russia, Iran and China. Foreign companies also complain that local regulations, bureaucracy and problems with the peso currency and payments also bog down business in Cuba.

Persons: Ricardo Cabrisas, Miguel Diaz, Canel, Diaz, Jay Brickman, Biden, Hugo Cancio, Cancio, Nelson Acosta, Dave Sherwood, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Reuters, Miami, U.S, DeCancio, Thomson Locations: HAVANA, Cuba, U.S, Cuban, Spain, Russia, Iran, China

WASHINGTON (AP) — Biden administration officials hosted big city mayors at the White House on Thursday to discuss how to manage a growing number of migrants, one day after those leaders sent a letter asking for more federal help. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson met with White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and Homeland Security Department officials before heading to Capitol Hill for meetings with lawmakers. If they could work, the cities would require less federal aid to help house them. “I think they seem receptive,” Johnston said of federal officials. It's unclear whether House Republicans will fund any of Biden's request for help for the cities.

Persons: — Biden, Mike Johnston, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Jeff Zients, “, ”, Johnston, Joe Biden, Karen Bass, Sylvester Turner, Houston, Eric Adams, Adams, Biden, ” Johnston, Karine Jean, Pierre, “ We're Organizations: WASHINGTON, White, Denver, Chicago Mayor, White House, Homeland Security Department, Capitol Hill, Democratic, Adams, Republicans Locations: Los Angeles, New York, Washington, United States

In Denver, the number of migrants arriving has increased tenfold and available space to shelter them has withered. With fewer available work authorizations, these migrants cannot find work that would allow them to get into proper housing. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, who is leading the coalition, said nearly every conversation he has had with arriving migrants is the same: Can he help them find a job, they ask. He is increasingly under fire from members of his own party who are managing the growing number of migrants in their cities. “Our cities need additional resources that far exceed the amount proposed in order to properly care for the asylum seekers entering our communities," the mayors' letter says.

Persons: Joe Biden, Mike Johnston, ” Johnston, Biden, Johnston, Eric Adams, Karen Bass, Brandon Johnson, Chicago, Sylvester Turner, Houston Organizations: WASHINGTON, Democratic, The Associated Press, Denver, Republicans, Republican Locations: Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles and New York, In New York, U.S, Mexico, United States, New York, “, Los Angeles

☆ Panama Canal to slash booking slots due to drought over coming months
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER bulk carrier transits the expanded canal through Cocoli Locks at the Panama Canal, on the outskirts of Panama City, Panama April 19, 2023. REUTERS/Aris Martinez/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsPANAMA CITY, Oct 31 (Reuters) - The Panama Canal, one of the world's main maritime trade routes, will further reduce daily ship crossings in the coming months due to a severe drought, the authorities managing the canal said late on Monday, increasing shipping costs. Booking slots will be cut to 25 per day starting Nov. 3 from an already reduced 31 per day, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) said in a client advisory, and will be gradually reduced further over the next three months to 18 slots from Feb. 1. In recent months, the ACP has imposed various passage restrictions to conserve scarce water, including cutting vessel draft and daily passage authorizations. It also said delays for some gas transporters were at record highs in Panama, pushing up the cost of shipping liquefied gas from the U.S.

Persons: Aris Martinez, Eli Moreno, Brendan O'Boyle, Isabel Woodford, Josie Kao Organizations: Monrovia NSU CHALLENGER, REUTERS, PANAMA CITY, Panama Canal Authority, U.S . Energy, Administration, Thomson Locations: Cocoli, Panama, Panama City, PANAMA, Gatun Lake

WASHINGTON (AP) — In response to Venezuela’s government and a faction of its opposition formally agreeing to work together to reach a series of basic conditions for the next presidential election, the U.S. agreed Wednesday to temporarily suspend some sanctions on the country's oil, gas and gold sectors. Tuesday's agreement between President Nicolás Maduro’s administration and the Unitary Platform came just days before the opposition holds a primary to pick its candidate for the 2024 presidential election. The ban on trading in the primary Venezuelan bond market remains in place, Treasury says. We stand with the Venezuelan people and support Venezuelan democracy,” he said. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. and the international community “will closely follow implementation of the electoral roadmap, and the U.S. government will take action if commitments under the electoral roadmap and with respect to political prisoners are not met.”

Persons: Nicolás, Minerven, Brian E, Nelson, ”, Antony Blinken Organizations: WASHINGTON, U.S . Treasury, U.S Locations: U.S, Treasury's, United States, Venezuela, Venezuelan

☆ Exclusive: US easing Venezuela oil sanctions after election deal -official
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Matt Spetalnick | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro speaks during a meeting with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi at the Miraflores Palace, in Caracas, Venezuela June 12, 2023. The U.S. imposed tough sanctions on Venezuela to punish President Nicolas Maduro's government following his 2018 re-election, which the U.S. and other Western governments rejected as a sham. Since 2019, U.S. sanctions have banned state-run oil company PDVSA from exporting to its chosen markets. The official warned, however, that U.S. decisions on relaxed sanctions would depend on Maduro complying with the latest agreement and working toward free and fair elections. Some opposition figures told Reuters on Monday they doubt Maduro's administration will follow through on the election pledges.

Persons: Nicolas Maduro, Ebrahim Raisi, Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Joe Biden's, Nicolas Maduro's, Biden, Donald Trump's, We're, Maria Corina Machado, Maduro, Matt Spetalnick, Marianna Parraga, Mayela Armas, Josie Kao Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Venezuelan, U.S . State Department, Reuters, U.S, EIA, Biden, Thomson Locations: Miraflores, Caracas, Venezuela, U.S, Maduro, Caribbean, OPEC, The U.S, Barbados, BARBADOS

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