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☆ U.S. bankruptcy judge halts 40,000 Johnson & Johnson talc and cancer lawsuits
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Annika Kim Constantino | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In this photo illustration, a container of Johnson and Johnson baby powder is displayed on April 05, 2023 in San Anselmo, California. A federal bankruptcy judge on Thursday halted roughly 40,000 lawsuits that allege Johnson & Johnson 's baby powder and other talc products caused cancer. Amid the ongoing legal fights, J&J has continued to deny the allegations that its talc products caused cancer. The suits allege J&J's talc products were contaminated with the carcinogen asbestos, which caused ovarian cancer in thousands of individuals. Some lawsuits link several deaths to J&J's talc products.

☆ Home Maintenance Inflation Is Real
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Michael Kolomatsky | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Unfortunately for homeowners, the cost of maintenance is going up. The costs were reported directly by consumers or service professionals and were limited in the study to maintenance work, such as repairs to appliances and HVAC systems, landscaping and window washing. Nationally, the average annual maintenance cost of single-family homes during the first quarter of 2023 was $6,409, up about 9 percent year over year. Townhouse costs rose about 4 percent and condo costs rose less than 2 percent. Price drops near the other end of the spectrum were found in Columbus, Ohio, where the annual maintenance cost fell 16 percent, to $4,783, and in Greenville, S.C., where it fell 10 percent, to $5,353.

[1/2] A view shows the logo of Credit Suisse on a building near the Hallenstadion where Credit Suisse Annual General Meeting took place, two weeks after being bought by rival UBS in a government-brokered rescue, in Zurich, Switzerland, April 4, 2023. UBS and Credit Suisse declined to comment. What's more, UBS doesn't tend to lend to potential clients as Credit Suisse has often done, a move that can persuade some customers. "There are clearly parts of Credit Suisse that have had a bad culture," UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher told reporters on March 29. UBS ranked 14th advising on mergers globally last year, behind 11th placed Credit Suisse, according to data compiled by Dealogic.

☆ How to view the rare hybrid eclipse
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Taylor Nicioli | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —A hybrid solar eclipse — the first of its kind in nearly 10 years — is on the way. The hybrid eclipse will begin at 10:37 p.m. What makes a hybrid eclipse uniqueOtherwise known as an annular-total eclipse, a hybrid eclipse is a function of Earth’s curvature and the event’s path. During full eclipse, at the very middle of the eclipse path, the antumbral shadow will create an annular eclipse for some and the umbral shadow will create a total eclipse for others. If you live in North, Central or South America, an annular solar eclipse will take place on October 14.

LTL has said litigation against J&J would imperil its effort to negotiate a comprehensive settlement of all current and future talc claims in its bankruptcy. Before the talc lawsuits could resume, LTL filed for bankruptcy a second time, re-opening the legal battle over the bankruptcy's legitimacy. It has said its second bankruptcy is different because it has less funding available and more plaintiff support for a settlement. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Michael Kaplan agreed to protect J&J from lawsuits during LTL's first bankruptcy, saying at the time it offered the best way to fairly resolve all of the talc lawsuits together. Kaplan, who is also presiding over the second bankruptcy, will now decide whether to stop the lawsuits again to give LTL a second shot at a bankruptcy settlement.

Cook will meet Modi on Wednesday in New Delhi, said the two sources, who included an Indian government official. One of the sources added the Apple chief would also meet India's deputy IT minister Rajeev Chandrasekhar. Modi's office declined to comment, while Apple and the IT ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The sources did not elaborate, but Cook's meetings come amid Apple's growing focus on India, the world's second-largest smartphone market. The Mumbai store is in the premier Reliance Jio World Drive mall, home to luxury clothing and jewellery brands like Michael Kors, Kate Spade and Swarovski.

☆ Chartreuse, a green herbal liqueur, has skyrocketed in popularity. But monks make it and they refuse to meet demand
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-16 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Chartreuse, a centuries-old liqueur, is made by the Carthusian order of monks in the French Alps. In 2019, the monks capped production to lower their environmental impact and focus on prayer. "It used to be something you could rely on being available, so I never really paid much attention to it," Joshua Lutz, a loyal lover of the liqueur, told the Times. According to the New York Times, the Carthusian monks implemented a production cap in 2019, in order to limit their environmental impact, and focus more strongly on solitude and prayer. Michael K. Holleran, a former monk who oversaw Chartreuse production in the 1980s, told the Times.

President Joe Biden suggested on Thursday morning that officials appeared to be nearing a breakthrough in their investigation into who leaked the documents online. The Washington Post was the first news outlet on Wednesday night to report about the gaming group, and only identified him as "OG." The Post said it reviewed approximately 300 photos of classified documents that the suspect allegedly leaked, most of which the report said have not been made public. NBC News has not yet verified the details about the gaming group and that it was the source of where the classified documents were first shared. He also said that it appears that some of the classified documents had been altered from their original form.

Kaplan said he shared Richenderfer's concerns, but would not take any action to stop LTL's second bankruptcy filing until he gets more information. J&J faces more than 38,000 lawsuits that have been consolidated in federal court in New Jersey alleging that its talc products sometimes contained carcinogenic asbestos, and those cases have been on hold while LTL pursues a bankruptcy settlement. J&J has said its baby powder and other talc products are safe, do not cause cancer or contain asbestos. LTL attorney Greg Gordon said at Tuesday's court hearing that the second bankruptcy is different because the company has fewer assets available and more support for a bankruptcy settlement. Gordon called that an "over the top accusation," saying plaintiffs' support for the settlement is real and substantial.

☆ Russian jets, some flown by Wagner mercenaries, are making risky attacks to test Ukraine's defenses around Bakhmut
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Russian aircraft, some operated by mercenaries, are also being used in fighting around the city. Yet the Russian Air Force is still conducting airstrikes with limited success, including around Bakhmut. Russian aircraft "are bombing in Bakhmut, particularly at night so that they can avoid most types of MANPADS. A retired Russian air force general named Kanamat Botashev may have been one of them. In addition to its other struggles, Russia's air force has been plagued by a shortage of fully trained pilots.

☆ MLB roundup: Rays crush A's, run opening win streak to 9
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

The Rays' matched the 2003 Kansas City Royals for the hottest streak to start a season in baseball's wild-card era. The Rays' plus-57 run differential through nine games is the largest ever in MLB since 1900. Padres starter Seth Lugo (2-0) gave up one run on five hits and four walks with five strikeouts over six innings to earn the win. Chicago starter Michael Kopech (0-2) gave up one run and two hits in six innings, with three walks and five strikeouts. Rangers starter Jon Gray (1-1) allowed Edwin Rios' two-run homer in the second inning.

☆ MLB roundup: Rays improve to 8-0 with rout of A's
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Springs scattered three hits, struck out seven and walked three while logging seven innings. The Astros rallied in the ninth on Jeremy Pena's two-run homer against Jovani Moran. Adam Duvall blasted a two-run homer and a pair of doubles while scoring three times. Pete Alonso and Eduardo Escobar each hit two-run homers for the Mets, who have won five of six games against the Marlins. Perdomo had three RBIs and two hits as Arizona racked up season highs for runs and hits (17).

☆ Ukraine is forced to recycle unexploded bombs amid serious ammunition shortages
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-09 | by ( Isobel Van Hagen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Ukrainian troops are rationing their shells as they face ammunition shortages, The Washington Post reported. Western allies are struggling to keep up ammunition production to aid the country. "The current rate of Ukraine's ammunition expenditure is many times higher than our current rate of production," he added, saying allies should invest and expand in the ammunition production for Ukraine. While the Biden administration promised to send Ukraine over 200,000 rounds of artillery, rockets, and tank rounds, the US is facing extremely high production shortages, Insider reported. Similarly, the European Union has created a plan to send one million rounds of ammunition but is facing challenges in meeting Ukraine's needs.

Credit Suisse's investment bankers are not waiting around to find out if UBS will give them jobs. UBS executives have pulled no punches when discussing the future of Credit Suisse's investment banking teams and trading desks. Jeff CohenA two-decade Credit Suisse veteran, Cohen heads up Credit Suisse's leveraged and acquisition finance business from New York. Previously, Cohen was Credit Suisse's head of global credit products and global head of leveraged finance capital markets. Marco SuperinaA Credit Suisse veteran since 1997, Superina heads Credit Suisse's M&A efforts in the firm's native Switzerland.

☆ After the next round of major fighting with Russia, Ukraine may be living 'paycheck to paycheck' with Western gear, expert says
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-07 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The US and its NATO partners have provided Ukraine with heaping military aid to start the year. But after the next round of fighting with Russia, Ukraine could find itself hamstrung by support. With more intense fighting on the horizon, there are doubts about whether Western countries will be able to maintain that level of support. "However this offensive goes, Ukraine is going to lose personnel, it's going to lose equipment, and it's going to spend a lot of ammunition," Kofman said. After a future offensive, Ukraine's military will have to replenish its stocks of artillery ammunition and replace its troop losses.

☆ How Russia’s Offensive Ran Aground
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-06 | by ( Josh Holder | Marco Hernandez | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +15 min

But within months of the invasion, Russia’s rapid advances ran out of steam, even as it narrowed its ambitions and focused on eastern Ukraine. No Russian gains No Russian gains No Russian gainsIn September 2022 Grid of cities taken by Russia in the Donbas in September 2022. No Russian gains No Russian gains No Russian gainsIn October 2022 Grid of cities taken by Russia in the Donbas in October 2022. Russia captured the small salt-mining town. Kurdiumivka Soledar Kurdiumivka Soledar Russia captured the small salt-mining town.

☆ ‘Schmigadoon!’ Season 2 Review: Willkommen to a New Era
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( John Anderson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

It has been almost two years since Josh and Melissa (Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong ) stumbled into the enchanted world of Schmigadoon, where “Oklahoma!” seemed to have collided with “Carousel,” and the Wells Fargo Wagon was always a-comin’ down the street. At the risk of being oxymoronic, it was a highly original parody. At the risk of profaning a wonderful show, the second season is even better. Melissa got it right away; Josh was a skeptic. But he was won over so completely that, as season 2 begins, Josh is the one who suggests that the couple take their static and as-yet-childless marriage back to the world of virtual nonstop happiness, where even that annoying leprechaun ( Martin Short ) can’t bum him out.

☆ Fact Check-No evidence Karine Jean-Pierre was involved in a drunk driving accident in March 2023, posts use unrelated photos
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

There is no evidence for claims that White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was involved in an accident for drunk driving in March 2023, despite posts retweeted at least 18,000 times. “DC METRO POLICE REFUSING TO RELEASE BODYCAM FOOTAGE OF KARINE JEAN-PIERRE ACCIDENT,” reads part of the text. White House spokesperson Michael Kikukawa said the claim “is not true.”Outlets (here ) (here) have reported that Jean-Pierre lives in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. DC Metro Police said there is no record of White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre being involved in an accident for drunk driving. The White House called the allegation false, and photos used to illustrate the claims show unrelated events.

☆ Wagner Group mercenaries are getting a lot more help from Russia's military than Prigozhin would like you to think
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Yevgeny Prigozhin, leader of Russia's Wagner Group, has been highly visible during the war in Ukraine. Prigozhin frequently casts his mercenary group as fighting on its own, without Russian military support. Indeed, Prigozhin has claimed over the past few months that Russia's military — the real military — is sabotaging Wagner's efforts. But Wagner is actually working closely with Russia's regular forces, which are supporting Wagner's fighters, according to a US expert on the Russian military. Misha Japaridze/Pool/ReutersThe dispute between Prigozhin and Russian military leaders was widely cast as a struggle between power centers seeking influence with the Kremlin.

☆ 'The Super Mario Bros. Movie' is set for a big opening weekend — despite bad reviews
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

In this article 7974.T-JP Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTChris Pratt and Charlie Day voice Mario and Luigi in Universal and Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Universal"The Super Mario Bros. Movie" isn't looking like a smash with the critics. And box office analysts don't foresee poor critical reviews deterring moviegoers, particularly families, from venturing to the cinema to see "The Super Mario Bros. Jack Black voices the villainous Bowser in Universal and Illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" UniversalRadheyan Simonpillai, Globe and MailLong before critics sat down to watch "Super Mario Bros.," there was a big question about the film's top-billed voice actor — Chris Pratt. "I wonder whether the filmmakers were too timid to draw outside the lines with this copyright protected material, lest they end up with something like the disastrous live-action 1993 movie, 'Super Mario Bros.,'" he said.

☆ Western countries are speeding up tank deliveries to Ukraine, but tanks aren't what Ukrainian troops need to get around Russian forces
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Michael Peck | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Western countries are hustling to deliver main battle tanks to Ukraine's military. Tanks will be useful in taking on Russian tanks and fortifications in a counterattack this spring. But Ukraine needs other armored vehicles to counterattack Russia effectively, one expert says. "There is a lot of mechanized infantry and tank brigades in each" corps that Ukraine is forming, Kofman said. Without the ability to build bridges strong enough to bear the weight of armored vehicles, a Ukrainian offensive would stall.

☆ This China ETF is a bullish bet with mitigated risk, options trader says
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

The iShares China Large-Cap ETF (FXI) could be a good bet for investors bullish on Beijing, according to Michael Khouw of Optimize Advisors. "I think this is sort of a risk-mitigated way to make a bullish bet if you're inclined to go that way," he said Tuesday on CNBC's "Fast Money." A call option gives the buyer the right but not the obligation to buy a security at a specified price and by a set date. A call spread strategy is a bet that an asset's price will rise within a specified range: An investor uses two call options, one with a lower strike price and one with a higher strike price, to create that range. The ETF has gained 3.4% this year, meaning it has underperformed the broader S & P 500 's 6.8% gain.

☆ MLB roundup: Padres go back-to-back in 9th, edge D-backs
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

The A's were down 10-8 when Seth Brown followed a walk to Aledmys Diaz with a two-run homer off Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase in the last of the ninth. Angels 7, Mariners 3Shohei Ohtani and Taylor Ward hit two-run homers as Los Angeles defeated host Seattle. Yankees 8, Phillies 1Anthony Rizzo ignited a five-run fifth inning with a two-run homer, and host New York cruised to victory over Philadelphia. His counterpart, Jose Berrios (0-1), allowed eight runs, nine hits and two walks while striking out seven in 5 2/3 innings. Ozzie Albies hit a two-run homer and Austin Riley had a solo shot for the Braves, who have won three of four games to start the season.

☆ Ukraine's tech entrepreneurs fight war on a different front
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Michael Kahn | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

It's an example of how some startups in Ukraine's dynamic tech sector are switching to pursue military projects. Pavlo Kartashov, director of the Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF), a government-backed organization that seeds technology startups, told Reuters his group resumed funding in October. Demand from the government has driven the shift to military technology, but most of the entrepreneurs who spoke to Reuters said that patriotic duty also played a role. "There are much more ideas in military technology," said Krasovsky, the founder and chief executive of Swedish-Ukrainian Sigma Software Group. Groups like the Polish-Ukrainian Start Up Bridge - a Polish-government backed venture - offer emerging Ukrainian tech companies small grants to fund basic business needs and a co-working space in Warsaw.

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