DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ China roughly doubled the number of missiles it could use to go after US bases in Japan, new Pentagon report shows
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The US Department of Defense released its annual China Military Power Report last week. The report says China's has increased in missile stockpiles, doubling its supply of the DF-21 missile. The increase in what an expert called "Japan Killers" gives China greater capability to threaten US bases. The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force's includes a significant increase in DF-21 medium-range ballistic missiles. The new figures were released last week in the Department of Defense's annual China Military Power Report.

Persons: China's, —, That's, GREG BAKER, Tom Shugart, who's, that's, Shugart, Joe Biden, Xi Jinping, Roosevelt, Mandel Ngan Organizations: US Department of Defense, China, Service, People's Liberation, Pentagon, Department, Taiwan . Military, Getty, NATO, US, Center, New, New American Security, DF, . Navy, Japan, Self, Defense Force, Reuters, US Navy, Defense, RAND, PLA, Artillery, White, American, DoD Locations: China, Japan, People's Republic of China, Taiwan, Beijing, AFP, Guam, New American, Korea, Soviet, Washington , DC

☆ CNN Investigates: Forensic analysis of images and videos suggest rocket caused Gaza hospital blast, not Israeli airstrike
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( Paul P. Murphy Katie Polglase Benjamin Brown Gianluca Mezzofiore Eliza Mackintosh | Paul P. Murphy | Katie Polglase | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +18 min

But CNN’s analysis suggests that a rocket launched from within Gaza broke up midair, and that the blast at the hospital was the result of part of the rocket landing at the hospital complex. All agreed that the available evidence of the damage at the site was not consistent with an Israeli airstrike. In the past few days, a number of outlets have published investigations into the Al-Ahli Hospital blast. CNN geolocated the hospital blast by referencing nearby buildings just west of the complex. Marc Garlasco, the former defense intelligence analyst and UN war crimes investigator, says there are signs of a lack of evidence at the Al-Ahli Hospital site.

Persons: Joe Biden, “, Israel, –, Abed Khaled, Jazeera, Al, ” Markus Schiller, Cedric Leighton, Chad Ohlandt, PIJ, Fadel Na’eem, Na’eem, Dr, ‘, ”, Marc Garlasco, Chris Cobb, Smith, I’ve, we’ve, ” Cobb, Patrick Senft, Senft, it’s, There’s, Cobb Organizations: CNN, Palestinian, National Security Council, Shifa, Ahli Baptist Hospital, Israel, Al, NATO, European Union, US Air Force, US National Security Agency, Rand Corporation, ’, Brigades, Quds Brigades, IDF, UN, Amnesty International, Armament Research Services, Islamic Locations: Ahli, Gaza City, Gaza, Israel, Islamic, Al, Al Jazeera, Tel Aviv, Europe, Washington , DC, Ashdod, Quds, rummage

☆ Earnings are still good, but stocks are acting like the economy is slowing
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-19 | by ( Bob Pisani | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

There are macro cross currents: earnings are still good, but stocks are acting like the economy is slowing, and the commentary on the consumer has turned cautious. The markets are not sure, but parts are acting like the consumer is slowing down. The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index, a measure of activity at major architecuture firms, reported the lowest levels in September since December 2020, during the height of the pandemic. Earnings growth at 2.8% is good but also lower than the earlier reporters. earnings beat: 5.5% Earnings growth: 2.8% Revenue growth: 6.4% Source: Earnings Scout Welcome to 'higher for longer limbo' The bottom line: there is no escape velocity without relief on bonds.

Persons: Elon Musk, Tesla, Peter Arvan, JB Hunt, Parker Hannifin, Donaldson, WESCO, Martin Marietta, Parker, Hannifin, Ingersoll Rand Organizations: General Motors, Ford, Pool Corp, Revenue, Rand, Caterpillar, AIA, Billings, billings, Ingersoll, Vulcan, Fed Locations: Union, Ingersoll, Fluor

☆ Mercedes-Benz local boss urges South Africa to speed up EV shift
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-18 | by ( Promit Mukherjee | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

For South Africa as a whole, three quarters of its vehicle production is exported. At the same time, South Africa's policy paper on EVs is two years behind schedule. "The train (EV shift) is a global one, and it's leaving the station. If South Africa doesn't jump onto the train, it runs the risk of being left behind," Mark Raine, co-CEO Mercedes-Benz Cars South Africa, told Reuters in an interview. Specifically, South Africa will need to boost local demand by cutting the import tax for EVs, setting up large-scale EV charging stations and investing in skills needed for the new ecosystem that EVs bring, he said.

Persons: it's, Mark Raine, Mercedes, Raine, Promit Mukherjee, Barbara Lewis Organizations: Mercedes Benz Group AG, Mercedes, Benz, Reuters, Thomson Locations: JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, Africa, Europe

☆ Zahmire Lopez, 8-year-old with dance moves and rap skills, was killed in his New Jersey home
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-17 | by ( Eric Levenson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Delivered in an excited pre-pubescent voice, this untitled rap song is a lasting memory of the joy and bravado 8-year-old Zahmire Lopez always brought to the world. Zahmire, or “Zah,” was shot and killed at his home in Newark, New Jersey, in May. Some say when time goes by it gets easier but it doesn’t get easier.”Leontine Niangara described her son Zahmire Lopez as her "shadow." Read other profiles of children who have died from gunfireWyleek Shaw, 27, was also killed in the shooting, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office. It’s just flag football,’” Niangara said.

Persons: Lil Zah, Zahmire Lopez, ”, Leontine Niangara, “, Zahmire, ” Niangara, “ It’s, Niangara, Wyleek Shaw, Tajion Simmons, Everett Rand, Rand, Shaw, ‘, “ Zahmire, ” She’s Organizations: CNN, won’t, Firearms, New, New Jersey Attorney General’s, Police, Prosecutor’s, Fords, NJ, General’s, University Hospital Locations: Newark , New Jersey, America, Niangara’s Newark, New Jersey, Essex, Fords , New Jersey, Rand, East Rutherford , New Jersey, Newark

☆ As Israeli jets devastate Gaza, air force photos show fighter aircraft armed with what look like unguided 'dumb' bombs
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-16 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

But the Israeli Air Force recently published photos of fighter jets armed with what experts said look like unguided bombs. Israeli Air Force personnel "arming and continuing the series of attacks," per an X post on October 12, 2023. Israeli Air ForceIsraeli Air Force aircraft outfitted with bombs. AdvertisementAdvertisementAn Israeli Air Force video posted on Monday also showed fighter jets armed with unguided bombs ahead of footage of airstrikes. The unguided munitions in the photos look noticeably different from those equipped with JDAM kits, which turn unguided munitions into precision weapons.

Persons: —, it's, Israel, Michael Bohnert, Justin Bronk, Bronk, jet's, Momen Faiz, NurPhoto, JDAMs, they're, MAHMUD HAMS, Yoav Gallant Organizations: Israeli Air Force, Service, Attack Munitions, Twitter, Israeli Air Force Israeli Air Force, Rand Corporation, Royal United Services Institute, Royal Norwegian Air Force Academy, US Army Air Force, Israel Defense Forces, Air Force, Boeing, Guardian, ISIS, Hamas, Getty, Israeli Air, Israeli, IDF Locations: Israel, Gaza, Vietnam, Gaza City, AFP

A child collecting chunks of coal looks on at a colliery while smoke rises from the Duvha coal-based power station owned by state power utility Eskom, in Emalahleni, in Mpumalanga province, South Africa, June 2, 2021. South Africa is facing its worst power crisis, with Eskom's ageing, coal-fired plants often breaking down. "It's a policy development loan which supports critical reforms," Marie-Nelly said of the potential World Bank funding. The World Bank loan would also support South Africa to make a "just transition" away from coal, to ensure vulnerable people do not suffer as a result, Marie-Nelly said. In November 2022, the World Bank approved $497 million in financing to decommission and repurpose one of Eskom's coal-fired power plants.

Persons: Siphiwe, Marie Francoise Marie, Nelly, Marie, Eskom, Rachel Savage, Jorgelina, Kopano Gumbi, Mark Potter, Mike Harrison Organizations: REUTERS, World, Reuters, Bank, South, World Bank, Thomson Locations: Emalahleni, Mpumalanga province, South Africa, MARRAKECH, Morocco, Marrakech, Africa, Rosario

☆ Israel dropped more bombs on Gaza in 6 days than the US-led coalition dropped in any month fighting ISIS
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-13 | by ( Jake Epstein | Lloyd Lee | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Israel said it dropped 6,000 bombs on the Gaza Strip during the first six days of war with Hamas. That's more bombs than the US-led coalition dropped in any month during the fight against ISIS. Allied forces dropped 5,000 bombs in August 2017 — at the peak of their air campaign. But that August saw a record 5,075 bombs dropped, marking the only time that figure ever surpassed 5,000. AP Photo/Asmaa WaguihAveraged out, Israel's 6,000 bombs dropped on Gaza between October 7 and October 12 comes out to 1,000 per day — smashing the average of 164 bombs dropped per day by the US-led coalition in August 2017.

Persons: Israel, —, Ahmad Hasaballah, Raqqa —, Waguih, Joe Biden —, deescalation Organizations: ISIS, Allied, Service, Islamic, Israeli Air Force, IAF, US Air Forces Central Command, RAND Corporation, AP, US, Israel Defense Forces, United Nations, UN Locations: Gaza, Islamic State, Gaza City, Iraq, Syria, Raqqa, Syrian, California, Afghanistan

☆ Putin says he can be a peacemaker in Israel — but he has far more to gain from prolonging the war
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The Kremlin says Putin wants to act as mediator in the Israel-Hamas war. But Putin has little to gain from bringing an end to the conflict. AdvertisementAdvertisementAs violence erupted between Israel and Hamas this week, the Kremlin sought to cast Russian President Vladimir Putin in the role of peace broker. They say Putin has more to gain, not by bringing a swift end to the conflict, but by prolonging it to further Russia's strategic goals, notably in Ukraine. Abbas Gallyamov, a former speechwriter for Putin, told CBC News that Russia had become an "Iran proxy" in the region, like Hamas or Hezbollah.

Persons: Putin, —, Vladimir Putin, Dmitry Peskov, Peskov, We've, shouldn't, Ukraine Putin, Ukraine's, Robert Dover, Aleksandar Vucic, Benjamin Netanyahu, ALEXEY DRUZHININ, Ann Marie Dailey, Bashar al, Assad, Arkadi Doubnov, Le, Abbas Gallyamov, you've, Gallyamov Organizations: Kremlin, Service, Intelligence, National Security, University of Hull, Getty, Rand Corporation, Bloomberg, Hull University, Hamas, CBC News Locations: Israel, Russian, Russia, Gaza, Palestine, Ukraine, Dover, Serbian, Moscow, AFP, Saudi Arabia, Soviet Union, Iran, Israeli, India, South Africa, China, Tehran

☆ Nancy Mace won't support Steve Scalise as speaker because of past 'David Duke' comments despite touting his endorsement in 2020
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-12 | by ( Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Rep. Nancy Mace said she "cannot in good conscience" support Rep. Steve Scalise as speaker. She pointed to a years-old report alleging Scalise had compared himself to a KKK grand wizard. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementAdvertisementRepublican Rep. Nancy Mace said she won't be backing Rep. Steve Scalise to become the next speaker of the House because of his previously reported comments about being similar to a Ku Klux Klan leader. Appearing on CNN on Wednesday evening, Mace told host Jake Tapper that she "personally cannot, in good conscience, vote for someone who attended a white supremacist conference and compared himself to David Duke."

Persons: Nancy Mace, Steve Scalise, Scalise, —, Mace, Jake Tapper, David Duke, David Duke's, Scalise's, Nancy Mace Facebook, Rand Paul, Elise Stefanik, Kevin McCarthy, George Santos, Thomas Massie Organizations: Service, Klux Klan, CNN, New York Times, Ku Klux Klan, Duke, American Unity and Rights Organization, for Growth, Sen, Republican, Louisiana Republican Locations: Louisiana, American

☆ Blood tests needed for widespread Alzheimer's diagnosis on the way
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Deena Beasley | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Several Alzheimer's blood tests are in the works – and one is already being sold to consumers – but none have been established as accurate, formally approved by regulators or reimbursed by insurers. Researchers have been working for years on blood tests for Alzheimer's that can replicate these diagnostic tools. The need for blood tests has become more pressing since the FDA approved Leqembi in July. Accurate blood tests are expected to help identify which dementia patients actually have Alzheimer’s, the most common but not the only cause of dementia. "When there are widely available, scalable, sensitive and specific blood tests it will be an absolute game changer for Alzheimer's patients."

Persons: Denis Balibouse, Eli Lilly, Dr, Sarah Kremen, Eliezer Masliah, Eisai, Michael Irizarry, Roche, Bruce Jordan, Russ Paulsen, Deena Beasley, Caroline Humer, Bill Berkrot Organizations: Memory Centre, of Readaptation, University Hospital, REUTERS, FDA, Sinai Medical Center, Wednesday, Quest Diagnostics, National Institute, Aging, U.S . National Institutes of Health, C2N Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics, Alzheimer's Association, RAND, Thomson Locations: Geneva, Switzerland, Leqembi, Eisai, Los Angeles, U.S

☆ Israel vowed to blaze through Gaza and destroy Hamas — a task it may find impossible
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to destroy Hamas. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the wake of the devastating terror attacks by militant group Hamas in Israel, the country's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, vowed to destroy the group. And even if Israel succeeds in its assault, it is unlikely to completely destroy Hamas. Hamas could use the hostages as human shields, placing them at military and other sites likely to be targeted by the Israeli military. According to a 2017 study by RAND, Israel has sought to contain Hamas, but not outright destroy it.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, —, Netanyahu, Israel, Insider's Jake Epstein, Tobias Borck, It's, Israel didn't, Michael Eisenstadt, Daniel Byman, Vohra Organizations: Service, Hamas, Royal United Services Institute, NBC, RAND, Israel, Military and Security, Washington Institute for Near East, Georgetown University, Foreign Locations: Gaza, Israel, London, Hamas

Military promotions, including for the chief of naval operations, have been held up by a single senator because of abortion policy. "It could make our response significantly less effective" and imperil aid to both Israel and Ukraine. That followed the sending of a U.S. aircraft carrier strike group and military aircraft closer to Israel as a show of support. The United States is also supplying Israel with munitions and other military supplies, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. "This kind of situation is what many were worrying about, with all the holds on nominations and military promotions.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Israel, Sen, Jack Reed, Israel –, Reed, Laura Blumenfeld, Blumenfeld, Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, “, Lloyd Austin, Jonathan Lewallen, –, Donald Moynihan, Moynihan, Rand Paul, J.D, Vance, Tommy Tuberville, Tuberville's, Chuck Schumer, …, Gerry Connolly, Lewallen Organizations: Rhode Island, Armed Services Committee, United States Central Command, GOP, Johns Hopkins School, International Studies, State, Palestinian, U.S, Hamas, Defense, University, Tampa, Georgetown University, Senate, Kentucky Republican, Ohio Republican, Alabama Republican, Military, White, New, New York Democrat, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Army, Marine Corps, Virginia Democrat, House Foreign Affairs, MSNBC Locations: Israel, Kuwait, Oman, Lebanon, Egypt, U.S, Palestinian, Ukraine, United States, France, Germany, Great Britain, Kentucky, China, Ohio, Alabama, New York, Virginia

The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel is reprehensible. Israel is under heavy attack right now by Hamas and taking action to defend itself and its people. Israel has every right to defend itself.”Sen. Jon Tester, Montana Democrat“I strongly condemn the terrorist attacks launched by Hamas against our ally Israel. I will continue to closely monitor the situation.”Sen. Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire Democrat“Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel is nothing short of horrifying. Israel has every right to defend itself from this unjust war.”Sen. Ron Wyden, Oregon Democrat“The terrorist attack on Israel is appalling.

Persons: Hakeem Jeffries, “, Steve Scalise, ” Kevin McCarthy, ” Chuck Schumer, –, Herzog –, ” Mitch McConnell, ” Tom Emmer, ” Katherine Clarke, ” Dick Durbin, ” John Thune, ” Sen, Debbie Stabenow, Michigan Democrat “, Israel, Amy Klobuchar, Mark Warner, Elizabeth Warren, Massachusetts Democrat “, Bernie Sanders, Cory Booker, Cory Booker , New Jersey Democrat “, Joe Manchin, West Virginia Democrat “, Tammy Baldwin, Wisconsin Democrat “, Gary Peters, Gary Peters , Michigan Democrat “, Catherine Cortez Masto, Brian Schatz, Hawaii Democrat “, Jeff Merkley, Oregon Democrat “, John Barrasso, Joni Ernst, Iowa Republican “, Sen, Shelley Moore Capito, West Virginia Republican “, Steve Daines, Montana Republican “, Mike Lee, Mike Crapo, Chuck Grassley, Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt, Lisa Murkowski, Dan Sullivan, Kyrsten, Mark Kelly, John Boozman, Tom Cotton, Arkansas Republican “, Alex Padilla, Laphonza Butler, California Democrat “, today’s, Michael Bennet, Colorado Democrat “, John Hickenlooper, Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut Democrat “, Chris Murphy, Tom Carper, Delaware Democrat “, Chris Coons, Marco Rubio, Rick Scott, Jon Ossoff, Georgia Democrat “, Anat Sultan, Raphael Warnock, “ I’m, Mazie, Tammy Duckworth, Todd Young, Mike Braun, Jerry Moran, Kansas Republican “, Hamas’s, Roger Marshall, Netanyahu, Rand Paul, Kentucky Republican “, Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy, Susan Collins, Maine Republican “, Ben Cardin, Maryland Democrat “, Chris Van Hollen, Ed Markey, Tina Smith, Minnesota Democrat “, Roger Wicker ,, Roger Wicker , Mississippi Republican “, Cindy Hyde, Josh Hawley, Eric Schmitt, Jon Tester, Montana Democrat “, Deb Fischer, Nebraska Republican “, Pete Ricketts, Jacky Rosen, Nevada Democrat “, Jeanne Shaheen, Jeanne Shaheen , New Hampshire Democrat “, Maggie Hassan, Maggie Hassan , New Hampshire Democrat “, Bob Menendez, Bob Menendez , New Jersey Democrat “, Martin Heinrich, New Mexico Democrat “, Biden, Ben Ray Lujan, Kirsten Gillibrand, New York Democrat “ I'm, Thom Tillis, Ted Budd, North Carolina Republican “, John Hoeven, John Hoeven , North Dakota Republican “, Kevin Cramer, Sherrod Brown, Ohio Democrat “, J.D, ”, Vance, James Lankford, Markwayne Mullin, Israel –, Ron Wyden, Bob Casey, John Fetterman, craven, Jack Reed, Sheldon Whitehouse, Lindsey Graham, Tim Scott, South Carolina Republican “ I’m, Mike Rounds, South Dakota Republican “ Shocked, Marsha Blackburn, Marsha Blackburn , Tennessee Republican “ Israel, Bill Haggerty, Tennessee Republican “, John Cornyn, John Cornyn , Texas Republican “, Ted Cruz, Mitt, Vile, Peter Welch, Vermont Democrat “, Tim Kaine, Patty Murray, Washington Democrat “, Maria Cantwell, Ron Johnson, Wisconsin Republican “ Israel, Cynthia Lummis, Wyoming Republican “, Jim Jordan, Jared Moskowitz, Abigail Spanberger, Elissa Slotkin, Don Bacon, perpetrating, Cori Bush, Missouri Democrat “, Kevin Hern, Kevin Hern , Oklahoma Republican “, ” Rep, Ritchie Torres, Ritchie Torres , New York Democrat “, Michael McCaul, Michael McCaul , Texas Republican “ I, Ilhan Omar Organizations: Palestinian, Hamas, Biden, House, Michigan Democrat, Minnesota Democrat, Virginia Democrat “, Senate Intelligence, Massachusetts Democrat, Islamic, Cory Booker , New, Cory Booker , New Jersey Democrat, West Virginia Democrat, Wisconsin Democrat, Gary Peters , Michigan Democrat, Nevada Democrat, Hawaii Democrat, State, Oregon Democrat, John Barrasso , Wyoming Republican, Iowa Republican, West Virginia Republican, Montana Republican, Utah Republican, Idaho Republican, Alabama Republican, Alaska Republican, Alaska Republican “, Arizona Democrat, John Boozman , Arkansas Republican “, Jewish, Arkansas Republican, California Democrat, Colorado Democrat, Connecticut Democrat, Delaware Democrat, Israel, Florida Republican, Georgia Democrat, Hawaii Democrat “, Indiana Republican, Indiana Republican “, Kansas Republican, Kentucky Republican, Louisiana Republican, Maine Republican, Maryland Democrat, Roger Wicker , Mississippi Republican, Smith , Mississippi Republican, Josh Hawley , Missouri Republican, Missouri Republican, Montana Democrat, Nebraska Republican, Jeanne Shaheen , New, Jeanne Shaheen , New Hampshire Democrat, Maggie Hassan , New Hampshire Democrat, Bob Menendez , New, Bob Menendez , New Jersey Democrat, New Mexico Democrat, New, New York Democrat, United, North Carolina Republican, John Hoeven , North Dakota Republican, Kevin Cramer , North Dakota Republican “, Ohio Democrat, Vance , Ohio Republican, James Lankford , Oklahoma Republican, Oklahoma Republican, “ Hamas, Rhode, Lindsey Graham , South Carolina Republican, South Carolina Republican, South Dakota Republican, Marsha Blackburn , Tennessee Republican, Tennessee Republican, John Cornyn , Texas Republican, Ted Cruz , Texas Republican, Vermont Democrat, Washington Democrat, Wisconsin Republican, Wyoming Republican, ”, Ohio Republican “, Missouri Democrat, Kevin Hern , Oklahoma Republican, Ritchie Torres , New, Ritchie Torres , New York Democrat, Jewish State, Michael McCaul , Texas Republican Locations: Israel, United States, Tehran, The United States, Iran, Michigan, U.S, Minnesota, Massachusetts, Vermont, Cory Booker ,, Cory Booker , New Jersey, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Gary Peters , Michigan, Nevada, Hawaii, Oregon, John Barrasso , Wyoming, America, Iowa, West, Montana, Iranian, Utah, Idaho, Alabama, Alaska, Alaska Republican “ America, @Israel, Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona, John Boozman , Arkansas, Jewish State, Arkansas, Saudi Arabia, California, Gaza, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Mazie Hirono, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Palestine, Roger Wicker , Mississippi, Smith , Mississippi, Josh Hawley , Missouri, Missouri, Nebraska, Jeanne Shaheen ,, Jeanne Shaheen , New Hampshire, Maggie Hassan , New Hampshire, Bob Menendez ,, Bob Menendez , New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North, John Hoeven , North, Kevin Cramer , North, Ohio, Vance , Ohio, James Lankford , Oklahoma, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Lindsey Graham , South, South, States, Marsha Blackburn , Tennessee, Tennessee, John Cornyn , Texas, Ted Cruz , Texas, Mitt Romney, Virginia, “ Hamas, Washington, Wyoming, Ohio Republican “ America, Kevin Hern , Oklahoma, Ritchie Torres ,, Ritchie Torres , New York, Michael McCaul , Texas

☆ Opinion: Biden’s stunning reversal on border barriers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-07 | by ( Stuart Ross | Opinion Jon Gabriel | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Former President Donald Trump promised to build a border wall that Mexico would pay for during the 2016 campaign but the neighboring country never did. Candidate Joe Biden vowed “not another foot” of the border wall would be built during his presidency. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre continues to dodge questions while Biden bizarrely claimed that the border wall he approved won’t work. “I’ll answer one question on the border wall,” Biden said to reporters in the Oval Office Thursday. “The border wall — the money was appropriated for the border wall.

Persons: Jon Gabriel, Donald Trump, Joe Biden, “, Biden, Jon Gabriel Immigration, Alejandro Mayorkas, ”, Eric Adams, J.B . Pritzker, Robert Trenschel, we’ve, ” Trenschel, Oscar Leeser, Raphael S, Cohen, ” Cohen, Elisabeth Vallet, Karine Jean, Pierre, Mayorkas, ” Biden Organizations: The Arizona, Twitter, CNN, Homeland, US Border Patrol, US Customs, Border Protection, Border, Democratic, New York City, Apple, Illinois Gov, Gallup, Yuma Regional Medical Center, RAND Corporation, Center, University of Quebec, White Locations: The Arizona Republic, Mexico, Arizona, Texas, climes, New York, America, Chicago, Yuma , Arizona, Yuma, . El Paso, El Paso, York, Montreal

Google was the first big tech company to say it would impose new labels on deceptive AI-generated political advertisements that could fake a candidate's voice or actions. The pressure on the social media companies comes as both lawmakers are helping to lead a charge to regulate AI-generated political ads. Google has already said that starting in mid-November it will require a clear disclaimer on any AI-generated election ads that alter people or events on YouTube and other Google products. This policy applies both in the U.S. and in other countries where the company verifies election ads. Facebook and Instagram parent Meta doesn’t have a rule specific to AI-generated political ads but has a policy restricting “faked, manipulated or transformed” audio and imagery used for misinformation.

Persons: Tom Hanks hawking, Pope Francis, Rand Paul, Mark Zuckerberg, Linda Yaccarino, ”, Sen, Amy Klobuchar, Yvette Clarke, didn't, Clarke, Klobuchar, “, ” Klobuchar, Republican Sen, Josh Hawley of, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Anthony Fauci, Ron DeSantis, Democratic Sen, Elizabeth Warren, Ari Cohn, haven't, ” Cohn, Ali Swenson Organizations: Sen, Capitol, Google, Facebook, Democratic, Associated Press, Klobuchar, U.S ., Twitter, Meta, Senate, YouTube, Republican, Republican National Committee, GOP, Florida Gov, Administration, Commission, Public Citizen Locations: Minnesota, York, U.S, Josh Hawley of Missouri, United States

☆ South African rand slightly firms as US dollar dips
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

South African Rand coins are seen in this illustration picture taken October 28, 2020. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings/Illustration Acquire Licensing RightsJOHANNESBURG, Oct 4 (Reuters) - The South African rand traded slightly higher on Wednesday following several days of weakness as the softening of the U.S. dollar supported risk sentiment. At 1619 GMT, the rand traded at 19.2800 against the dollar , about 0.3% stronger than its previous close. South Africa's benchmark 2030 government bond was weaker in afternoon deals, with the yield up 6.5 basis points to 11.085%. Reporting by Tannur Anders and Anait Miridzhanian; Editing by Alexander Winning and Chris ReeseOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mike Hutchings, Tannur Anders, Anait, Alexander Winning, Chris Reese Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, U.S ., P, Africa PMI, Local, Woolworths, Africa's, Thomson Locations: Rights JOHANNESBURG, Africa, Stillwater, Johannesburg

☆ Ukraine is getting better at using NATO tanks and armored vehicles in its counteroffensive, CNN reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Tom Porter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Ukraine is getting better at using Western tanks, CNN reported. AdvertisementAdvertisementUkraine is improving its ability at using sophisticated tanks provided by its Western allies in its counteroffensive against Russia, CNN reported. He reported that it was deploying assets like its German-made Leopard tanks for rapid assaults on Russian positions but not across densely packed minefields. The German Leopard tanks have better armor, engines, and navigation systems than the Soviet-era tanks used by Ukraine and Russia, and it was hoped they enable Ukraine to punch through Russian defenses. Instead of seeking a quick breakthrough in large attacks using tanks, Ukraine reverted to using small groups of infantry backed up by artillery.

Persons: —, CNN's Frederik Pleitgen, Pleitgen, Ukraine's Organizations: CNN, Service, RAND Locations: Ukraine, Ukrainian, Russia, Germany, Soviet

☆ Russia's fake tanks in Ukraine aren't always convincing, a struggle another army faced trying to trick NATO jets decades ago
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Yugoslav forces in the Kosovo War faced similar struggles trying different tricks to fool NATO jets. The drone's operator seemed to notice the tanks were not real, zooming in on the puffy tanks in the video. AdvertisementAdvertisementNATO air forces prioritized an aerial bombing campaign called "Operation Allied Force" against Yugoslav troops, which lasted over two months. Outgunned by superior NATO airpower, Yugoslav forces took extra steps to try to make their fakes convincing. Even trays of water, also heated by sunlight, were placed inside the fake tanks to give the impression the tank was crewed, running, and operational.

Persons: —, Mitch Fuqua, Wesley K, Clark, they'd, It's Organizations: NATO, Service, Ukraine's 116th Mechanized Brigade, Ukrainian, Portuguese Air Force Detachment, Aviano Air Base, USAF, Federal, Kosovo Liberation Army, Serbian, Yugoslav, Allied Force, The New York Times, Defense Department, Times, RAND, US Air Force, Usaf, Getty, Government Locations: Russia, Ukraine, Yugoslav, Kosovo, Ukraine's, Russian, Italy, Yugoslavia, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia

☆ Elon Musk's dad said he turned down a free Tesla from his son
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Errol Musk, Elon Musk's dad, said he turned down his son's offer to send a Tesla to South Africa. In January 2022, Errol Musk turned down his son's offer to gift him a Tesla and ship it to his home in South Africa, he told Insider. South Africa charges a 25% tariff on automotive imports. While Tesla has begun selling its EVs in Europe and China, the vehicles are not for sale in South Africa. "You go to Austin and every time you turn around you're at a Tesla charging station."

Persons: Errol Musk, Elon Musk's, Errol, —, Elon, doesn't, it's, Elon wasn't, Tesla, Winstone Jordaan, It's, Ryan, I've, Kimbal, Walter Isaacson's, Royce Corniche, he's, Isaacson, he'd, I'm Organizations: Royce, Service, Auto Transport, Plaid, Elon, Tesla Locations: South Africa, Europe, China, Austin, North America, Florida

Just hours before the government was set to shut down, lawmakers reached a funding deal. AdvertisementAdvertisementLawmakers in Congress miraculously managed to avoid a government shutdown, just three hours before the 12:01 a.m. deadline. AdvertisementAdvertisementNotably, the bill did not contain more funding for Ukraine, a key objection for some Republicans. The consequences of a shutdown would have been drastic for thousands of federal workers, along with Americans who rely on a range of federal programs. House Democrats said in the statement that they expect McCarthy to advance a bill to the House floor for an up-or-down vote on Ukraine funding.

Persons: —, Kevin McCarthy, Joe Biden, Marsha Blackburn, Mike Braun, Ted Cruz, Bill Hagerty, Mike Lee, Roger Marshall, Rand Paul, Eric Schmitt, JD Vance, Matt Gaetz, McCarthy, Gaetz, Andrew Bates, Biden Organizations: Service, Federal Aviation Administration, National Flood Insurance, Ukraine, Republican, Social, GOP, Democratic, House Republicans, House Democrats, Republicans Locations: Ukraine

☆ A government shutdown would be a 'gut punch' to Head Start programs that serve 10,000 low income children
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-30 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Head Start programs, which serve over 10,000 children across the nation, would lose funding. If the shutdown isn't averted, Head Start programs serving more than 10,000 children would immediately lose federal funding, including Ferguson's program. This is a particular concern with nearly 20% of Head Start staff positions vacant nationwide, according to the National Head Start Association. The 16-day October 2013 shutdown was the last to hit Head Start hard, affecting 19,000 children and shuttering programs in several states. Laketia Washington, a mother of eight whose 3- and 5-year-olds attend Head Start programs in Tallahassee, Florida, lamented the turmoil as she rang up customers at a discount store.

Persons: —, Monette Ferguson, Ferguson, Tommy Sheridan, Sheridan, Bobby Kogan, Lori Milam, she's, Philip Shelly, Nikki Budzinski, Maureen Coffey, Lynn Karoly, John, Laura Arnold, what's Organizations: Service, Alliance for Community Empowerment, Start Association, Sunday, Center for American Progress, West Virginia, Democratic U.S ., Start, Center for American, Rand Corp, Tim Center, Capital Area Community Action Agency Locations: Connecticut, Florida , Alabama , Connecticut, Georgia , Massachusetts, South Carolina, Illinois, Minnesota , New York, Maine, Houston, Florida, Laketia Washington, Tallahassee , Florida

CNN —Federal agencies are making final preparations with the government on the brink of a shutdown and congressional lawmakers racing against Saturday’s critical midnight deadline. “After meeting with House Republicans this evening, it’s clear the misguided Senate bill has no path forward and is dead on arrival,” McCarthy wrote on X. But there is still no consensus on what - if anything - they will put on the House floor Saturday to avoid a government shutdown. McCarthy argued on Friday that aid to Ukraine should be dropped from the Senate bill. Border security has also become a complicating factor for the Senate bill as many Republicans now want to see the bill amended to address the issue.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” McCarthy, ”, Friday’s, “ We’re, CNN’s Manu Raju, GOP Sen, Rand Paul of, “ Nothing’s, Sen, Mike Braun, “ Organizations: CNN, Federal, GOP, Republicans, House Republicans, Capitol, Senate, Indiana Republican Locations: Ukraine, America, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Indiana

CNN —The House is expected to take up a GOP stopgap bill to extend government funding on Friday – but House Speaker Kevin McCarthy appears to lack the votes to pass it and Congress is still on track to trigger a government shutdown. McCarthy is gearing up to have his chamber consider a GOP stopgap bill with border provisions attached as House GOP leaders have insisted that border security must be addressed as part of the spending fight. “I still got time, I got time to do other things,” McCarthy responded when asked by CNN’s Manu Raju what will happen if the stopgap bill fails. Separately, House GOP leaders brought a series of spending bills to the floor Thursday evening as they try to show conservatives they are working in good faith to advance full-year funding bills. Meanwhile, the Senate is working to advance a bipartisan stopgap bill that would keep the government open through November 17 and provide additional aid to Ukraine and disaster relief.

Persons: Kevin McCarthy, McCarthy, ” McCarthy, CNN’s Manu Raju, GOP Sen, Rand Paul Organizations: CNN, GOP, California Republican, of Agriculture Locations: California, Ukraine

☆ Republicans sure don't sound like they're about to block Democrats from filling Dianne Feinstein's Judiciary Committee seat
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Dianne Feinstein's seat on the Judiciary committee is now empty in the wake of her death. AdvertisementAdvertisementIn the wake of Sen. Dianne Feinstein's death, questions are swirling over how the California Democrat's now-empty seat on the Senate Judiciary Committee will be filled. In order to change the membership of any Senate committee, the chamber has to pass a resolution to make that change official. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer can do so via a simple voice vote if no Republicans object to the change. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio said it was up to Republicans on the Judiciary Committee and that he would "probably support" whatever decision they made.

Persons: Dianne Feinstein's, —, Sen, Joe Biden's, Josh Hawley, Chuck Schumer, Republican Sen, Ron Johnson, Johnson, Marco Rubio, Ted Cruz, Mike Braun, JD Vance, Ohio, Todd Young, Rand Paul of Kentucky, Paul, Ben Cardin, Bob Menendez, Feinstein, Mitch McConnell, Sheldon Whitehouse, Whitehouse, Hawley, I'm, She's Organizations: Service, Republicans, Democratic, GOP, Republican, Indiana, Committee, Senate Foreign Relations, Bob Menendez of New, Judiciary, Twitter, Democrats Locations: California, Josh Hawley of Missouri, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Marco Rubio of Florida, Ted Cruz of Texas, Ben Cardin of Maryland, Bob Menendez of, Bob Menendez of New Jersey, Rhode

Search resuls for: "rând"

25 mentions found