DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

In the House of Representatives, Republicans remained favored to win a majority that would allow them to halt Biden's legislative agenda. By early Wednesday, the party had flipped six Democratic House seats, Edison Research projected, one more than the minimum they need to take over the chamber. But Republican hopes for a "red wave" of victories faded as Democrats showed surprising resilience in several key races. The Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement, "It is clear that House Democratic members and candidates are strongly outperforming expectations around the country." Voter anger over the Supreme Court's June decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion helped Democrats to curb their losses.

SummarySummary Companies Key House, Senate races still too close to callRepublican-controlled Congress would stymie Biden agendaPHOENIX, Ariz./BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Nov 8 (Reuters) - Control of Congress was up for grabs after Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections with many of the most competitive races uncalled, leaving it unclear whether Republicans would seize control from President Joe Biden's Democrats. In the House of Representatives, Republicans had been favored to win a majority that would allow them to halt Biden's legislative agenda. By early Wednesday, the party had flipped four Democratic House seats, Edison Research projected, one short of the number they need to take over the chamber. The Georgia Senate race could end up in a Dec. 6 runoff, possibly with Senate control at stake. Democrats currently control the 50-50 Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break any ties.

Vance won Ohio's U.S. Senate race in Tuesday's midterm elections, but control of the chamber remained up for grabs with several contests too close to call. Democrats currently control the 50-50 Senate with Vice President Kamala Harris able to break any ties. In addition to every House seat, 35 Senate seats and three dozen governors' races are on the ballot. (Live election results from around the country are here.) In Pennsylvania, Republican gubernatorial candidate Doug Mastriano, who sought to overturn the state's election results after Trump lost, was defeated by Democrat Josh Shapiro.

[1/14] A voter waits in line to cast their ballot during the midterm elections, in McAllen, Texas, U.S., November 8, 2022. REUTERS/Callaghan O'HarePHOENIX, Ariz./BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Nov 8 (Reuters) - Republicans were favored to wrest control of the U.S. House of Representatives away from President Joe Biden's Democrats based on early returns in Tuesday's midterm elections, though the prospects of a "red wave" appeared to have dimmed. But importantly, that number can change as close to 200 of the 435 House races had yet to be called, including some with vulnerable Republican incumbents. But even a narrow Republican House majority would be able to block Biden's priorities while launching politically damaging investigations into his administration and family. (Live election results from around the country are here.)

REUTERS/Mary F. CalvertPHOENIX, Ariz./BIRMINGHAM, Mich., Nov 8 (Reuters) - Senate incumbents including Democratic leader Chuck Schumer and senior Republican John Thune won re-election in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections, on a day Republicans were expected to wrest control of Congress away from President Joe Biden's Democrats. Thirty-five Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats are on the ballot. The final outcome, particularly control of the 50-50 Senate, is unlikely to be known any time soon. Democrats currently control that chamber through Vice President Kamala Harris' tie-breaking vote. The Georgia race could end up in a Dec. 6 runoff to determine which party holds the Senate.

DeSantis, a possible contender for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024, turned away Democratic Representative Charlie Crist, Edison Research projected. Seven Republicans also won U.S. Senate seats, according to Edison, though none was unexpected. Thirty-five Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats are on the ballot. Republicans are widely favored to pick up the five seats they need to control the House, but control of the Senate could come down to tight races in Pennsylvania, Nevada, Georgia and Arizona. In Maricopa County, Arizona - a key battleground - the Republican Senate nominee, Blake Masters, and the national party filed an emergency lawsuit seeking to extend voting hours after some tabulation machines malfunctioned.

Edison Research projected that incumbent Republican Senators Tim Scott in South Carolina and Todd Young in Indiana would win re-election. Fox News projected Republican Rand Paul would win re-election in Kentucky and Democrat Peter Welch would win an open Senate seat in Vermont. I blame the current administration for that," said Bethany Hadelman, who said she voted for Republican candidates in Alpharetta, Georgia. A Republican Senate would hold sway over Biden's judicial nominations, including any Supreme Court vacancy, intensifying the spotlight on the increasingly conservative court. Those concerns swayed even some Republican leaning voters like Henry Bowden, 36, an Atlanta lawyer who said he voted for a mix of Republican and Democratic candidates.

[1/8] Voters fill out ballots at a polling station during the 2022 U.S. midterm election in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 8, 2022. With voting underway, U.S. officials said they did not see a "specific or credible threat" to disrupt election infrastructure. I blame the current administration for that," said Bethany Hadelman, who said she voted for Republican candidates in Alpharetta, Georgia. A Republican Senate would hold sway over Biden's judicial nominations, including any Supreme Court vacancy, intensifying the spotlight on the increasingly conservative court. Reuters GraphicsINFLATION AND ABORTIONThe Supreme Court's June decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion had galvanized Democratic voters around the country, temporarily raising the party's hopes they could defy history.

[1/10] Voters fill out ballots at a polling station during the 2022 U.S. midterm election in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 8, 2022. With voting underway, U.S. officials said they did not see a "specific or credible threat" to disrupt election infrastructure. A Republican Senate would hold sway over Biden's judicial nominations, including any Supreme Court vacancy, intensifying the spotlight on the increasingly conservative court. The Supreme Court's June decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion had galvanized Democratic voters around the country, temporarily raising the party's hopes they could defy history. The prevalence of election deniers among Republican candidates has elevated down-ballot races that typically receive little attention.

[1/10] Voters fill out ballots at a polling station during the 2022 U.S. midterm election in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 8, 2022. Even before the midterm elections were completed, the 2024 presidential election was taking shape. In Congress, a Republican-controlled House would be able to block bills addressing Democratic priorities such as abortion rights and climate change. The Supreme Court's June decision to overturn the nationwide right to abortion had galvanized Democratic voters around the country, temporarily raising the party's hopes they could defy history. Those concerns swayed even some Republican leaning voters like Henry Bowden, 36, an Atlanta lawyer who said he voted for a mix of Republican and Democratic voters.

☆ U.S. voters decide control of Congress, and Biden's agenda, in midterms
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Joseph Ax | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

[1/10] Voters fill out ballots at a polling station during the 2022 U.S. midterm election in downtown Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, U.S., November 8, 2022. The party that controls the White House typically loses seats in midterm elections. Thirty-five Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats are on the ballot. In Congress, a Republican-controlled House would be able to block bills addressing Democratic priorities such as abortion rights and climate change. A Republican Senate would hold sway over Biden's judicial nominations, including any Supreme Court vacancy, intensifying the spotlight on the increasingly conservative court.

☆ Control of Congress - and Biden's power - on the ballot in U.S. midterms
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Joseph Ax | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Thirty-five Senate seats and all 435 House of Representatives seats are on the ballot. A Republican-controlled House would be able to block bills addressing Democratic priorities such as abortion rights and climate change. A Republican Senate, meanwhile, would hold sway over Biden's judicial nominations, including any Supreme Court vacancy. However, some Democrats in tough races have deliberately distanced themselves from the White House as Biden's popularity languishes. "Democracy is literally on the ballot," Biden said on Sunday at a rally in Yonkers, New York.

Biden's comments reflected the deep political divide in the United States ahead of Nov. 8 elections that could see Republicans win control of one or both chambers of Congress. Analysts said Republicans also could pick up the one seat they need to win control of the Senate. If Republicans win the House or the Senate, that would spell the end of Biden's efforts to get abortion protections and other Democratic priorities through Congress. It also would open the door to Republican-led investigations that could potentially damage the White House. But the White House said on Monday that law enforcement had not reported any specific, credible election-related threats.

Biden's comments reflected the deep political divide in the United States ahead of Nov. 8 elections that could see Republicans win control of one or both chambers of Congress. Analysts said Republicans also could pick up the one seat they need to win control of the Senate. But dozens of candidates also have echoed former President Donald Trump's baseless claims of fraud in his 2020 election defeat. Trump traveled to Ohio to campaign alongside the Republican Senate nominee, J.D. REUTERS/Hannah BeierFEARS OF ELECTION VIOLENCETrump supporters, spurred by his false election claims, have threatened and harassed election workers and voters.

☆ Biden, Trump make final pitches to U.S. voters on eve of midterms
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Andy Sullivan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Trump, meanwhile, is headed to Ohio to campaign alongside the Republican Senate nominee, J.D. Weighed down by voter frustrations over rising prices, Biden's Democrats fear Tuesday's elections could see them lose control of one or both chambers of Congress. If Republicans secure a House majority, they plan to use the federal debt ceiling as leverage to demand that Biden accept deep spending cuts. Trump supporters, spurred by his false election claims, have threatened and harassed election workers and voters. But surging inflation and concerns about high crime have led many voters to sour on his leadership.

☆ Biden, Trump make final pitches to U.S. voters on eve of midterm elections
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-07 | by ( Andy Sullivan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Trump, meanwhile, is headed to Ohio to campaign alongside the Republican Senate nominee, J.D. Weighed down by voter frustrations over rising prices, Biden's Democrats fear Tuesday's elections could see them lose control of one or both chambers of Congress. A Republican Congress would also seek to make the 2017 individual tax cuts passed under Trump permanent. But surging inflation and concerns about high crime have led many voters to sour on his leadership. The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on Sunday seeking to extend the deadline to return the ballots past Election Day on Tuesday.

☆ Black Panther stars say film changed perceptions of Africa
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Cameras flashed as stars of the highly-anticipated sequel to Marvel's "Black Panther" walked the red carpet at the "Wakanda Forever" premiere in London. Set in the fictional African land of Wakanda, "Black Panther" became a global hit and was hailed as a milestone for racial diversity in Hollywood when it came out in 2018. Released by Disney-owned Marvel, it was the first superhero film to feature a predominantly Black cast. "Black Panther" was 2018's top-grossing movie in the United States and Canada, and second-highest worldwide, with $1.3 billion in ticket sales. Rather than supporting the African film industry, "Black Panther" was just another exploitation of Africa by Westerners out to profit from their own idealized version of it, said one member of the Nigerian film industry.

☆ Cryptocurrencies posted strong gains in October. Here’s why investors are optimistic on the rest of the year
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Tanaya Macheel | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Things are looking up for crypto after bitcoin and ether finally climbed enough to post gains for October. Prices were unusually flat for most of the month, but several investors have interpreted that as stability and resilience. Still, investors say that while it may be too early to call a bottom, recovery is in sight. McClurg also a highlighted a recent move of $940 million in bitcoin investors removed from exchanges, calling it a typically bullish signal and an indicator that people are saving their bitcoin rather than selling it. While the central bank continues to dominate investors' attention, the case for bitcoin continues develop for other market participants.

☆ Analysis: Crime is a top concern for many Americans in midterm vote. How bad is it?
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-01 | by ( Joseph Ax | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

All violent crime – including offenses such as rape and assault – went up 5.2%. FBI data showed violent crime overall dropped in 2021 while murders rose 4%, though a change in the agency's methodology means some police departments were unable to report crime statistics. WHY DID CRIME RISE DURING THE PANDEMIC? Experts have pointed to several causes for the rise in violent crime during the pandemic. FBI data showed more than three-quarters of all 2020 murders were committed by firearms, the highest share ever reported.

☆ With U.S. midterms ahead, Musk's Twitter takeover raises fear of misinformation wave
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-28 | by ( Joseph Ax | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Republicans say many social media platforms are biased against them, and numerous conservative Twitter accounts - including Republican politicians - on Friday welcomed Musk's takeover. Democrats fear that Trump supporters will promote far-right views or false claims of election fraud on Twitter if permitted. Since his ban, Trump has launched his own social media app, Truth Social, and has said he will not return to Twitter even if Musk reinstates him. Conservatives have accused the site of censoring their view points for political reasons, an allegation Twitter has denied. Rapper Kanye West, whose Twitter account was suspended for posting anti-Semitic remarks, appeared to be active again on Friday.

Oct 26 (Reuters) - Mark Meadows, Donald Trump's former White House chief of staff, was ordered by a South Carolina judge on Wednesday to testify in a Georgia criminal probe investigating whether the former president and his allies broke the law by trying to overturn the 2020 election, according to media reports. The court hearing took place in Pickens County, South Carolina, where Meadows resides, because the Fulton County grand jury technically needs a local judge to approve witness subpoenas for out-of-state residents. Meadows' lawyer, James Bannister, had argued that the grand jury is civil in nature, not criminal, and thus cannot compel his client's testimony. The grand jury probe has already ensnared a number of inner-circle Trump allies, including his personal lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, who testified before the grand jury in August and has been informed he is a target of the investigation. The petition seeking Meadows' testimony noted that in addition to the Raffensperger call, he also attended a White House meeting in December 2020 with members of Congress to discuss allegations of voter fraud.

☆ Explainer: What's at stake as Lebanon faces presidential vacuum?
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

What makes electing a president so difficult, what's at stake, and who are the candidates? In the event of a vacuum, presidential powers should pass to cabinet led by Sunni Muslim Prime Minister Najib Mikati. The Maronite community is more politically fractured than others in Lebanon, giving rise to many presidential hopefuls. Anti-Hezbollah lawmaker Michel Mouawad has won the most votes in four unsuccessful presidential election sessions so far, but not enough to win. But analysts and political sources say he would face opposition, notably from the Maronite politician Gebran Bassil, President Aoun's son-in-law and a presidential hopeful himself.

Oct 24 (Reuters) - Challenges to election results are not new in the United States. That has raised fears among election experts that 2022 will see a wave of baseless rejections of vote tallies. There are multiple points where a rogue official could disrupt the process – by refusing to certify results, for instance. THE FUTURESeveral election experts said they are more concerned about the 2024 election than 2022, given how many Trump-inspired election deniers are running for key positions this year. A Washington Post analysis found more than half of Republican candidates for Congress and key statewide offices have questioned the 2020 results.

☆ These 15 people are shaping the office of the future, designing meeting pods, hologram calls, and buildings that actually make workers healthier
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-24 | by ( Robert Davis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +27 min

These 15 power players are just a handful of the people designing workplaces to balance productivity, interaction, and employee well-being through indoor-air-quality monitoring systems, building amenities, holographic meeting spaces, and more. AftershipCities like Austin, Texas; Nashville, Tennessee; and Raleigh, North Carolina, began offering business-relocation incentives during the pandemic to boost their workforces and help increase occupancy in office buildings. Room's office suite includes a phone booth, a meeting room, an open meeting room, and a focus room. Room also makes a soundproof meeting room that fits two people, a more open meeting booth, and a focus room designed for quiet concentration. "The future of office work needs to be guided by a new, genuine form of flexibility in which the work, not the workers themselves, become even more malleable," Petersen writes.

Oct 24 (Reuters) - A former Minneapolis police officer charged in connection with the murder of George Floyd pleaded guilty on Monday as his trial was about to begin, a court spokesperson confirmed. Kueng and Thomas Lane helped Chauvin restrain Floyd, an unarmed Black man, while another officer, Tou Thao, kept bystanders from approaching the scene. Chauvin was convicted of murder in a state trial and sentenced to 22-1/2 years; he also pleaded guilty to related federal charges and is serving a federal sentence of 21 years concurrently. Kueng's plea agreement includes a sentence of 3-1/2 years that will be served concurrently with his federal sentence, according to Matt Lehman, a spokesperson for Hennepin County District Court. Kueng's defense attorney and the Minnesota attorney general's office, which is prosecuting the case, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Search resuls for: "Joseph A"

25 mentions found