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☆ Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway are beating the market this year
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-15 | by ( Paul R. La Monica | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

But Warren Buffett has no reason to be worried. Shares of Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRKB) are up about 5.5% in 2022. Berkshire has big stakes in Coca-Cola (KO) and Kraft Heinz (KHC), which are each up around 10% this year. Buffett turns 93 next August while Berkshire vice chair and long-time Buffett confidant Charlie Munger will celebrate his 99th birthday on New Year’s Day. Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren has introduced a bill with Republican Sen. Roger Marshall that would crack down on money laundering in the crypto world.

☆ Freight railroad service is terrible, even without the threat of a strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-11 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

But that doesn’t mean freight railroads are providing good service to their customers. Many of the problems tangling up the supply chain, driving up prices and slowing the economy can be traced to the steady decline in freight rail service in recent years. Some experts who represent rail customers who have complained about service in the past say service has gotten better since earlier this year. “The national freight rail network is broken, and the need for long-term rail reform is clear. Union Pacific (UNP), Norfolk Southern (NSC) and Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRKA) Burlington Northern Santa Fe all reported record earnings in 2021.

☆ Arid wheat fields and dead cows: a snapshot of Argentina's worst drought in decades
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-09 | by ( Maximilian Heath | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The drought in Argentina has led to sharp cuts to the country's wheat harvest forecast and is threatening to derail corn and soy too. Russo said soil moisture levels were worse than the 2008/09 campaign, when the South American country produced only 31 million tonnes of soybeans, from 18 million hectares planted. Russo said that the current wheat crop forecast of 11.8 million tonnes, already slashed from an original 19 million tonnes, could be trimmed further. In 2008/09 the wheat harvest was 8.3 million tonnes. Reporting by Maximilian Heath in Navarro, Argentina Editing by Adam Jourdan and Matthew LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Remote Work Is Gutting Downtowns, Will Cost Cities $453 Billion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Emil Skandul | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +13 min

Even 2 1/2 years later, most city downtowns aren't back to where they were prepandemic. Without more-robust policies to address failing downtowns, cities are going to start hurting. The increased cancellations of office leases have cratered the office real-estate market. Since 2016, only 112 commercial office spaces in the US have been converted, while 85 projects are underway or have been announced, according to CBRE's data. The birth of the central social districtTo avoid a commercial real-estate apocalypse, cities will need to streamline conversions.

☆ This former tech worker is helping change laws for people who get laid off
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Faith Karimi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —Ifeoma Ozoma’s path as an advocate for tech workers started with a series of tweets one morning in June 2020. She emerged as a passionate advocate for tech workers by seeking legal protections for whistleblowers. “So many people reached out when I told my story, and most of them were tech workers or workers within the tech industry,” she said. The 30-year-old mentors activists and other people fighting all over the world against workplace discrimination. After leaving Pinterest, Ozoma moved to a farm near Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she grows her own vegetables and raises a flock of chickens nicknamed the Golden Girls.

☆ Ifeoma Ozoma is a passionate advocate for tech whistleblowers. It all started with tweets
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-06 | by ( Faith Karimi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

☆ This graphic shows how many more stars you can see under truly dark skies vs. city, suburban, and rural areas
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Paola Rosa-Aquino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Astronomers classify night skies from dark to bright using the Bortle Scale, ranked from one to nine. Light pollution is when artificial light washes out the night sky and makes it hard to see stars. While it might not be as potentially harmful as other kinds of pollution, light pollution can affect human health. Level four classifies the transition from suburban to rural areas, where you can see the Milky Way. The night sky is brimming with stars, making it harder to parse out faint constellations.

☆ How an arcane 96-year-old law stopped the rail strike
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-02 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

The Railway Labor Act was passed in 1926 as one of the very first labor laws in the nation. Because of the law, the House was able to vote Wednesday to impose unpopular contracts on four rail unions whose members have already rejected the terms, followed by a vote by the Senate vote late Thursday that did the same. The Railway Labor Act, passed in 1926, is the reason Congress could intervene this week to block a strike by freight railroad unions. But under the Railway Labor Act, management can fall back on hopes that Congress will give them the deal it wants. When he served in the Senate, Biden voted against an earlier effort to impose a contract on the rail unions to keep them on the job.

☆ America may dodge a crippling rail strike. Here’s how we got here
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Chris Isidore | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The House approved two pieces of legislation Wednesday, one to impose the tentative agreements that members of four of the unions have already rejected, keeping 115,000 rail workers on the job and averting a strike. More than just sick daysThe fact that this is still an issue more than two months after an 11th-hour tentative deal was reached goes beyond the issue of paid sick days. All 12 rail unions agreed to the tentative deals that generated so much opposition. But he said the issue of sick days will not be going away. Senator Bernie Sanders, a close ally of the labor movement, tweeted “At a time of record profits in the rail industry, it’s unacceptable that rail workers have ZERO guaranteed paid sick days.

That's why we're incredibly hyped about this Cyber Monday sale: Samsung is selling both the Galaxy S22 and Galaxy S21 FE for some of the lowest prices we've ever seen. First, you can save $300 on the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. Deal Samsung Galaxy S20 FE The Samsung Galaxy S1 FE is an updated version of the original Galaxy S21 phone, which means that this is a fantastic high-end Android phone. $349.99 from Amazon Originally $599.99 Save 42%Second, you can save $100 on the newer Samsung Galaxy S22. Great Price Samsung Galaxy S22 (256GB) The Samsung Galaxy S22 is the newest entry in Samsung's line of high-end Android smartphones.

☆ Jeffrey Epstein's unsold former New Mexico ranch is no longer the most expensive home in the state after nearly $10 million price reduction
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Zorro Ranch, previously owned by Jeffrey Epstein, has dropped from $27.5 million to $18 million after over a year on the market. It was once the most expensive home in New Mexico before the price cut, Realtor reported. His 7,500-acre New Mexico mansion was listed for $27.5 million in June 2021, but the price has since dropped to $18 million, according to a Realtor report. Realtor.com listing for Jeffrey Epstein's Zorro Ranch in New Mexico. Dolly Lenz, founder and CEO of Dolly Lenz Real Estate, explained to Realtor why Zorro Ranch has been more difficult to sell than Epstein's other luxurious properties.

You can take $100-$150 off Google's Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Pixel 6a during a limited-time deal ahead of Black Friday, available from Google's store and Amazon. In addition, you could get one of these phones for free — or close to it — via Google's trade-in program, if you currently have the right Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, or iPhone. (We called Pixel 6a the best Android phone you can buy for under $500, and it's now even cheaper.) The discounts are the lowest for the Pixel 7 ($100 off $599 for the 128GB model) and Pixel 6a ($150 off $499), and nearly the lowest for the Pixel 7 Pro ($150 off $899 for the 128GB model). Considering that the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro are brand new, we don't think you'll get a better deal until next year.

Forecasts suggest La Nina may fade into a neutral phase midway through Argentina’s growing season, but it is too early to say with certainty. Current trade wind and ocean temperatures, including those in the Indian Ocean, could support further strengthening of La Nina in the coming weeks. But that should not necessarily heighten concerns since crop impacts are not perfectly correlated with La Nina strength. Rain during the 2008-09 growing season was less than two-thirds of normal, resulting in terrible crop yields, particularly for soybeans. Growing season rains were a third heavier than usual, and soybean yields were very good, but corn was excellent.

CNN —Text messages pulled from Alec Baldwin’s phone in the days and weeks following the deadly shooting while filming the movie “Rust” indicate the actor was concerned the incident was the result of possible sabotage and questioned the Santa Fe Sheriff Department’s ability to properly investigate that angle. The Baldwin text messages were among a trove of investigative items publicly released by the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Department on Friday in a 551-page document that also contained previously released forensic reports, search warrant affidavits, investigator logs and witness statements. Baldwin’s phone was turned over months after the fatal October 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins during a rehearsal for the movie, which was being filmed near Santa Fe, New Mexico. Earlier this month, Baldwin filed a lawsuit in California against several individuals associated with the “Rust” film, according to a cross-complaint obtained by CNN. Baldwin told Matt Hutchins in another text, “the gun WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE FIRED in that camera angle.

☆ Alec Baldwin files suit over 'Rust' shooting, seeks to 'clear his name'
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-12 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Baldwin named all four as cross-defendants in a lawsuit originally filed against him last year by Mamie Mitchell, the film’s script supervisor. Baldwin said he relied on all four to do their jobs, and that Hutchins died as a result of their negligence. As a result, Baldwin says he has experienced “immense grief” and suffered an “emotional, physical and financial toll.”“More than anyone else on that set, Baldwin has been wrongfully viewed as the perpetrator of this tragedy,” wrote Baldwin’s attorney, Luke Nikas. Further, Baldwin accuses Seth Kenney, the supplier, of showing a “cavalier disregard for proper separation between live and dummy ammunition.”All four have previously denied culpability. In a statement Thursday, Gloria Allred, who represents Mitchell, said Baldwin should take responsibility for his actions.

☆ Three U.S. tourists die in Mexico City Airbnb from carbon monoxide poisoning
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-09 | by ( Brendan O'Boyle | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] General view shows the housing complex where three American tourists were found dead in an apartment last week due to carbon monoxide poisoning, as Mexican authorities confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday, in Mexico City, Mexico, November 9, 2022. REUTERS/Luis CortesMEXICO CITY, Nov 9 (Reuters) - Three American tourists were found dead last week in a Mexico City apartment they were renting after apparent carbon monoxide poisoning, Mexican authorities confirmed to Reuters on Wednesday. The Mexico City Attorney General's office, which opened an investigation into the deaths, said the victims' bodies were found Oct. 30 and that studies indicated they died of carbon monoxide poisoning. Last month, Mexico City's government signed an agreement with the short-term rental site in what Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum described as an effort to boost the number of "digital nomads" coming to Mexico City. The U.S. embassy in Mexico City did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Hyundai has issued a new recall for approximately 44,000 model year 2018 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport vehicles due to a risk of fire. In a release on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's website, Hyundai urged owners of the vehicles to park outside and away from homes and other structures until the vehicles have been repaired. The latest recall is in addition to the approximately 357,000 2016-2018 Hyundai Santa Fe vehicles recalled earlier this year for the same safety defect. To date, there have been four fires in the U.S. associated with the defect, the automaker said. Owners can take their vehicles to a Hyundai dealer for a repair free of charge, the company said.

☆ New frontline of U.S. abortion battles emerges in New Mexico
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( Brad Brooks | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

A woman and child attend an anti-abortion rally outside of the Hobbs City Commission Chamber in Hobbs, New Mexico, U.S., October 17, 2022. The New Mexican abortion provider within closest reach for most Texas women is currently in Albuquerque - about a four-hour drive from Clovis and five hours from Hobbs. Voters in Lubbock, Texas, which is near the New Mexico border, outlawed abortion in 2021. In New Mexico, Dickson worked with conservative lawyer Jonathan Mitchell, who was the architect of Texas’ 2021 “heartbeat” abortion law. Read more:U.S. abortion clinic moves up the street to escape one state’s banEXPLAINER-How abortion became a divisive issue in U.S. politicsHow Texas’ abortion ban hurts Big Oil’s effort to transform its workforceWIDER IMAGE-With U.S. abortion access in jeopardy, this doctor travels to fill a void

☆ Union Pacific cuts volume growth forecast as worker shortage weighs
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Union Pacific rail car is parked at a Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train yard in Seattle, Washington, U.S., February 10, 2017. REUTERS/Chris HelgrenOct 20 (Reuters) - Union Pacific Corp (UNP.N) on Thursday cut its annual volume growth forecast despite a rise in third-quarter shipments, as the U.S. railroad operator struggles with worker shortages. "Inflationary pressures and operational inefficiencies continued to challenge us," Union Pacific Chief Executive Officer Lance Fritz said in a statement. The company trimmed its forecast for full-year volume growth to about 3% from 4%-5%, even after a 3% rise in the third quarter led by higher coal and renewables shipments. Excluding a $114 million charge from the tentative labor deal, the company posted a net income of $3.19 per share, ahead of Refinitiv IBES estimates of $3.06 per share.

☆ 'Rust' filming will not return to New Mexico after shooting
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Andrew Hay | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Kevin Mohatt/File PhotoOct 20 (Reuters) - When Western movie "Rust" resumes filming it will not be in New Mexico, the state where actor Alec Baldwin fatally shot the film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in 2021, a lawyer for the production company said on Thursday. The announcement followed a civil lawsuit settlement on Oct. 5, between Baldwin, Rust producers and Hutchins' family under which filming will restart in January with the same principal actors and director. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com Register“The production of Rust will not return to New Mexico," attorney Melina Spadone said in a statement on behalf of Rust Movie Productions. New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies has said she may make a decision this month on possible criminal charges. The state's worker safety agency fined Rust Movie Productions the maximum amount possible for what it called "willful" safety lapses leading to Hutchins' death.

People are seen shopping in a Walgreens, owned by the Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., November 26, 2021. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterSteven Derringer, arguing for Walgreens, blamed the opioid crisis on excessive prescriptions and smaller, "mom and pop" pharmacies with lax controls. The U.S. opioid crisis has caused more than 500,000 overdose deaths over two decades, according to government data. One, brought by two Ohio counties, resulted in a jury verdict against Walgreens, Walmart and CVS Health Corp (CVS.N) last year, and a judgment of more than $650 million last month. Walmart and CVS settled with West Virginia last month for $82.5 million and $65 million, respectively, a week before a scheduled trial.

☆ I make $5,000 a month renting out baby gear on the platform BabyQuip. Here's how I set up this super flexible side gig.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-18 | by ( Claire Turrell | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Sarah Huff, a 38-year-old BabyQuip Quality Provider. Now I make an average of $5,000 a month renting out baby gear to traveling families. Babierge, which was just starting to branch out, had created a platform like Airbnb, but instead of showcasing houses, it showcased baby gear. After years of answering emails from new BabyQuip Quality Providers and running classes, in July 2020, I joined the BabyQuip corporate officeI now manage the BabyQuip Quality Providers. I earn a salary, but I still wanted to keep my BabyQuip business because I love it so much.

Alec Baldwin settled a lawsuit filed by loved ones of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was killed on the set of his movie "Rust" last year, representatives from both sides of the civil action said Wednesday. Other parties still face civil, criminal penaltiesThe movie set's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, was also named as a defendant in the estate's lawsuit. "She is too traumatized to return to that set, because Mamie was standing next to Halyna Hutchins when Halyna was shot and killed," Mitchell's lawyer Gloria Allred said in a statement. She is very happy that Halyna's son and family have reached a settlement that they believe is fair to them. However, Mamie will continue her pursuit of justice in her civil case, and she will also be willing to testify in a criminal case if one is filed."

☆ Wildfire Smoke Is Erasing Progress on Clean Air
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-22 | by ( Mira Rojanasakul | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +8 min

Smoke from wildfires has worsened over the past decade, potentially reversing decades of improvements in Western air quality made under the Clean Air Act, according to research published Thursday from Stanford University. The new analysis reveals a picture of daily exposure to wildfire smoke in better geographic detail than ever before. Where Wildfire Smoke Pollution Increased Over the Past Decade 0 0.25 0.5 1 2 4+ micrograms of PM2.5 Seattle Spokane WASH. Portland MAINE Missoula MONT. FLA. Micrograms of PM2.5 0 0.25 0.5 1 2 4+ Note: Map shows increase in average wildfire smoke from 2006-2010 to 2016-2020. The research isolated wildfire smoke from background pollution from other sources, which has actually decreased in recent decades.

Known for chart-topping hits like "Feliz Navidad" and his rendition of "Light My Fire," award-winning Puerto Rican artist José Feliciano is being honored for his prolific career with the first Billboard Legend Award. The new award was created to honor artists like Feliciano for their fruitful careers and their contributions, which have transcended the industry. By 23, Feliciano had earned five Grammy nominations, winning two for his album "Feliciano!" A critically acclaimed documentary chronicling his career, "José Feliciano — Behind This Guitar," will be released on Sept. 29 on Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming service. Feliciano will be honored with the Billboard Legend Award during the 2022 Billboard Latin Music Awards on Sept. 29 at 7 p.m. EST, which will be aired by Telemundo.

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