DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Elon Musk's X AI shared false election information after Biden dropped out, officials say
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Kevin Breuninger | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Five secretaries of state on Monday urged Elon Musk to fix his social media platform X's artificial intelligence search assistant after it allegedly shared false information about the 2024 presidential election . Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, had endorsed Republican presidential nominee Trump before Biden quit the race and backed Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee. "In all nine states the opposite is true," said the letter, which was first reported by The Washington Post. Musk has previously said that he created and is donating to a political action committee that is supporting Trump and Republicans. That group, America PAC, is being investigated by Benson's office over its efforts to collect voter data in key swing states.

Persons: Musk, chatbot Grok, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, Trump, Biden, Kamala Harris, Steve Simon, Simon, Al Schmidt, Steve Hobbs, Jocelyn Benson of, Maggie Toulouse Oliver, Schmidt Organizations: Monday, SpaceX, Democratic, The Washington Post, Pennsylvania, Republican, CNBC, Trump, Republicans, America PAC Locations: Pennsylvania , Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, Alabama , Indiana , Ohio , Texas, Washington, United States, Jocelyn Benson of Michigan

☆ Elon Musk under pressure to stop X's AI feature from spreading false election information about Kamala Harris
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-05 | by ( Alice Tecotzky | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The secretaries asked Musk to "immediately implement changes to X's AI Search Assistant, Grok." After Biden dropped out, Grok said that crucial ballot deadlines had passed in 9 states. AdvertisementFive secretaries of state penned a letter to Elon Musk on Monday morning, asking him to fix his AI chatbot after it sent false election information to millions of Americans. Musk must "immediately implement changes to X's AI Search Assistant, Grok, to ensure voters can have accurate information in this critical election year," the letter read. According to the letter, Grok told users, "The ballot deadline has passed for several states for the 2024 election.

Persons: Musk, Biden, Grok, —, Elon Musk, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Alabama , Indiana , Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico , Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington

☆ Finding cheap birth control is becoming harder for many in states with abortion bans
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-03 | by ( Kaitlin Sullivan | Kaitlin Sullivan Is A Contributor For Nbcnews.Com Who Has Worked With Nbc News Investigations. She Reports On Health | Science | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +8 min

A renewed spotlight on protecting access to birth control may not help women who are already struggling to find affordable contraception in some states with the strictest abortion laws. Few community clinics have the amount of money needed to cover birth control each month, McCollum said. But over-the-counter birth control pills haven’t reached many women in rural areas. Because of the Texas policy change an estimated one-quarter of family planning clinics in the state closed by 2013. “If someone does not have insurance, we can pay for their visit and their birth control method,” McCollum said.

Persons: Robin Marty, ” Marty, Court’s Dobbs, Roe, Wade, Kate McCollum, McCollum, “, Adek Berry, haven’t, ”, Marty, Jitoria Hunter, It’s, ” McCollum, ” Hunter, Micaela Sanchez, it’s, Sanchez, ” Sanchez, Meta Anderson, ” Anderson Organizations: Healthcare, Medicaid, Getty, and Drug Administration, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Center for Healthcare, Mississippi Delta Locations: Tuscaloosa , Alabama, Alabama, Southern, Mississippi, Texas, Dallas . Federal, AFP, ” In Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama , Mississippi, Louisiana , Arkansas, Oklahoma, In Texas, In Mississippi, Alabama , Texas, Dallas County, Dallas, Louise , Mississippi, Georgia

The Republican Party platform, updated last month for the first time since 2016, appeared to shift away from the party’s long-held opposition to same-sex marriage. We will end policies that punish families.”Many took this to mean the party was softening its stance on gay nuptials in a nod to growing public support for same-sex marriage, even among Republicans. The Republican National Committee did not return multiple requests for comment regarding whether the language in the new platform is inclusive of same-sex couples. We must do what is legally necessary to defend the sanctity of marriage.”Weeks later, Bush announced his support for a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The phrase “sanctity of marriage,” Maril said, is “inherently exclusionary” of same-sex couples.

Persons: ”, Charles Moran, “, ” Moran, Donald Trump, Joe Raedle, Robin Maril, ” Maril, George W, Bush, ” Bush, ” Weeks, Gabriele Magni, Magni, ” Magni, Mladen Antonov, Moran, I’m, “ They’re Organizations: Republican Party, Republican National Committee, Republican, GOP, Republican National Convention, Willamette University, U.S . Conference of Catholic, Los Angeles Times, Loyola Marymount University, Research Initiative, “, U.S, Supreme, Getty, Federal, Republicans, NBC Locations: Milwaukee, Massachusetts, Alabama

Federal court records show that Joshua Conner Jones entered into a plea agreement with prosecutors regarding the treatment of two inmates at the Walker County jail. Jones agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to deprive an inmate of their rights related to the 2023 death of Tony Mitchell. The plea agreement indicated there were five co-conspirators in the mistreatment that led to Mitchell’s death, an indication that the investigation is ongoing and more people could be charged in the death. Court documents did not name the inmate who died, but Bower confirmed the charge was related to Mitchell’s 2023 death. Prosecutors wrote in the plea agreement that Jones admitted that “collectively we did it.

Persons: Joshua Conner Jones, Jones, Tony Mitchell, W Scott Brower, Bower, Mitchell, Mitchell “, Prosecutors, “, ” Jon C, Goldfarb, ” Mitchell, Jan, ” Organizations: U.S, Prosecutors Locations: MONTGOMERY, Ala, —, Alabama, Walker

House Freedom Caucus Chairman Bob Good, R-Va., has lost his primary recount, a Virginia court certified Thursday, cementing his narrow defeat to GOP state Sen. John McGuire. The recount results confirmed McGuire beat Good after McGuire initially led Good by just 374 votes in the June primary in Virginia’s 5th District. “If you’re on the Republican team and you’re part of the Democrat team to take out the Republican team, you’re not on the Republican team,” McGuire said. “Bob is on the Bob Good team.”McGuire is expected to win in November, given the 5th District’s Republican lean. Rep. Jerry Carl lost to a fellow incumbent, Rep. Barry Moore, in an Alabama GOP primary spurred by redistricting.

Persons: Bob Good, Sen, John McGuire, McGuire, Good, Donald Trump, Kevin McCarthy of, Trump, “, ” McGuire, ”, Ron DeSantis, “ John, I’ve, ’ ” McGuire, ” McCarthy, McCarthy, wasn’t, you’re, Bob, Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Jamaal Bowman, George Latimer Organizations: GOP, Good, Republican, U.S, Capitol, NBC, Florida Gov, Navy, NBC News, Democrat, Daily, Alabama GOP, Westchester, New, New York Democratic Locations: Virginia, Virginia’s 5th, Kevin McCarthy of California, “, Alabama, Israel, Westchester County, New York

☆ Black Muslim group endorses Harris after its 'uncommitted' stance on Biden
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Yamiche Alcindor | Yamiche Alcindor Is An Nbc News Washington Correspondent. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

The first national Muslim organization that had declared itself "uncommitted" on President Joe Biden's re-election bid is endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris' candidacy. “She has shown more sympathy towards the people of Gaza then both President Biden and former President Donald Trump,” Suswell said of Harris. The group’s endorsement is significant given the backlash the Biden administration has faced from the Muslim community over its handling of the war. “It wasn’t an easy meeting for the president,” Suswell said. I think she’s more open to having conversations around ending the war.”Suswell added that her group was also moved to support Harris publicly because of her stances on domestic issues.

Persons: Joe Biden's, Kamala Harris, Salima Suswell, Biden, Donald Trump, ” Suswell, Harris, “, Netanyahu’s, Suswell, ”, ” Harris, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel, Netanyahu, Donald Trump’s, Trump Organizations: Muslim, Black Muslim Leadership Council Fund, NBC, Black Muslim Leadership Council, Biden, Israeli, White Locations: Gaza, Israel, Selma , Alabama, ”, Wisconsin , Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Palestine

☆ How Does Your State Make Electricity?
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Nadja Popovich | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +58 min

Wind turbines provided just 1 percent of the electricity produced in the state in 2001 and nearly 60 percent last year. How Kentucky made electricity from 2001 to 2023 Percentage of power produced from each energy sourceCoal still generates the majority of the electricity produced in Kentucky, a longtime coal mining state. Since then, virtually all of the electricity produced in the state has come from renewable sources, including hydropower, biomass, wind and solar. It has supplied more than 85 percent of the electricity produced in the state every year for more than two decades. Last year, wind supplied more than a fifth of the electricity produced in the state.

☆ Trump Cites Opportunity Zones as a Triumph. Their Success Is Middling.
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-02 | by ( Lydia Depillis | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“This was one of Birmingham’s white-whale buildings,” Mr. Flachsbart said of a former Red Cross office that had been renovated into 192 rental residences. (“One of the greatest programs ever for Black workers and Black entrepreneurs,” he called the incentive in an appearance this week at a National Association of Black Journalists conference.) But the relatively low-income areas covered by the incentive, known as opportunity zones, didn’t benefit equally. On Mr. Flachsbart’s tour of new projects in downtown Birmingham, the stops dry up in the historically African American northwest quadrant. There, developable lots and vacant buildings haven’t received as much of the capital flowing toward the buzzier parts of downtown.

Persons: Alex Flachsbart, Mr, Flachsbart, Donald J, Trump, ”, haven’t Organizations: Red, Democrats, National Association of Black Journalists Locations: Alabama, Birmingham

His comments rattled health care providers, who might advise a pregnant woman seeking an abortion to travel out of state, and abortion funds that help arrange and fund such travel. Stefan Jeremiah / AP fileThe plaintiffs, who include the Yellowhammer Fund, an abortion fund, and West Alabama Women’s Center, now known as WAWC Health Care, along with other health care providers, have some reason for optimism. Although Marshall has not brought any charges, abortion-rights advocates say his remarks have had a chilling effect on abortion funds and health care providers. More than a decade ago, an abortion fund supported her through ending a pregnancy. Evelyn Hockstein / ReutersWAWC Healthcare, another plaintiff in the case, which is being represented by the ACLU, used to offer abortions, but has remained open to provide prenatal care and other reproductive health care, such as wellness exams.

Persons: Roe, Wade, Steve Marshall, Marshall, “, Marshall’s, Steve Marshall's, Stefan Jeremiah, Myron Thompson, ”, Jamila Johnson, Kelsea McLain, ” McLain, Evelyn Hockstein, Robin Marty, She’s, ” Marty Organizations: U.S, Supreme, Republican, Alabama, Yellowhammer Fund, West Alabama Women’s Center, Middle, Middle District of, Yellowhammer, NBC News, Medical, WAWC Healthcare, Reuters WAWC Healthcare, ACLU Locations: Alabama, State, U.S, Middle District, Middle District of Alabama, California, Idaho, Texas, Reform, Ala

☆ Student loan forgiveness may be on the way for roughly 25 million borrowers. Here's what to know
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Kevin Lamarque | ReutersThe Biden administration is sending emails to tens of millions of borrowers this week about its new plans to cancel student debt. The Department of Education estimates that at least 25 million borrowers could qualify. The same day the Supreme Court blocked President Joe Biden's first attempt at sweeping student loan forgiveness, Biden announced that the White House would try to deliver the relief another way. People who are already eligible for student loan forgiveness under one of the government's existing programs but just haven't yet applied. The Education Department is expected to publish its final rule on the debt relief sometime in October.

Persons: Joe Biden, Kevin Lamarque, Biden, Joe Biden's, IRAs, Luke Herrine, Herrine, Mark Kantrowitz, Kantrowitz, Will Organizations: Madison Area Technical, Truax, Reuters, U.S . Department of Education, CNBC, of Education, Education Department, Finance, University of Alabama Locations: Madison , Wisconsin, U.S

☆ A Costco trucker in Atlanta shares the best part about driving for the wholesale club
▼ + stars: | 2024-08-01 | by ( Dominick Reuter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThis as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with a Costco truck driver in Atlanta, who has requested anonymity as they are not authorized to speak with the media. The worker has shared employment details with Business Insider to verify their identity. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. AdvertisementThe job requires a commercial driver's license and Costco usually wants to see three years of experience working for another reputable company. Responses will be kept confidential, and Business Insider strongly recommends using a personal email and a non-work device when reaching out.

Persons: —, it's, we're, I'm, Dominick Organizations: Service, Costco, FedEx, Business Locations: Atlanta, Atlanta , Georgia, Montgomery , Alabama, Montgomery, Hoover , Alabama, Greenville , South Carolina

The average FICO credit score is 718, and the average VantageScore credit score is 702. Minnesota has the highest average FICO credit score, with an average FICO score of 742. Understanding credit scoresWhat a credit score meansA credit score is a number that indicates how likely a person is to repay their creditors back on time, based on payment history from their credit report. The 10 states with the lowest average VantageScore credit scores show a similar pattern, predominantly comprised of southern states. Along with exploring credit scores, credit reports, and how to build credit, Jennifer analyzes how current economic trends impact everyday people and offers her expert advice on budgeting, saving, and growing wealth in today’s economy.

Persons: you've, Experian, You'd, aren't, Jennifer, Read Organizations: Minnesota, . Vermont, Wisconsin, ., . New Hampshire, Washington, . South Dakota, . North Dakota, Hawaii, . Massachusetts, . Montana, Oregon, Vermont, . Wisconsin, Colorado, South Carolina, . Arkansas, Oklahoma, Georgia, . Texas, Alabama, Louisiana, US Census, West Virginia, . Kentucky, Business, America, CBS, MSNBC, CNBC, Forbes, Black Enterprise, USA, The Johns Hopkins University Carey School of Business, Business Journalists Locations: Minnesota, . Mississippi, Mississippi, . New, . South, . North, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, South, United States, Chevron, U.S, TheGrio, New York City

☆ Biden Administration Begins Paying Farmers Who Faced Discrimination
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Alan Rappeport | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The Biden administration said on Wednesday that it had started disbursing $2 billion to thousands of farmers who have faced discrimination, after years of delays and legal battles thwarted the federal government’s efforts to compensate them. The payouts come nearly two years after the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 created a fund to help farmers of any ethnicity who experienced discrimination from the federal government when applying for loans or trying to repay their debts. The slow rollout of the program became a political problem for President Biden this year, with Black farmers accusing him of failing to live up to his promises to help them. “For too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support,” Mr. Biden said in a statement on Wednesday. Today that promise has become a reality.”The Agriculture Department is making payments to 43,000 farmers across all 50 states, with Mississippi and Alabama having the most recipients.

Persons: Biden, ” Mr, “ Organizations: Agriculture Department Locations: Mississippi, Alabama

☆ States target AI and deepfakes as election interference threat looms
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Piper Hudspethblackburn | Piper Hudspeth Blackburn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

While Michigan, Washington, Minnesota, Texas and California already had laws regulating deepfakes, Minnesota updated their law this year to require a candidate to forfeit their office or nomination if they violate the state’s deepfake laws, among other provisions. In states such as New York, New Mexico and Alabama, victims can seek a court order to stop the content. Katie Hobbs signed his proposal into law in May, along with another AI bill that requires disclosures in campaign ads. Big Tech has already taken some steps to moderate deepfake content. TikTok and Meta (the parent company of Instagram, Threads and Facebook) announced plans in recent months to label AI content, while YouTube requires creators to disclose when videos are AI-created.

Persons: deepfakes, Amy Beth Cyphert, Cyphert, Alexander Kolodin, Kolodin, it’s, ”, Katie Hobbs, Robert Weissman, Chuck Schumer, Sen, Mitch McConnell, Weissman, Sean Cooksey, It’s, Jessica Rosenworcel, ” Jonathan Uriarte, there’s, Dar’shun Kendrick, “ there’s, ” Kendrick, Alex Curtas, CNN’s Oliver Darcy, Sean Lyngaas, Donie O’Sullivan, Yahya Abou, Ghazala Organizations: CNN, Republican, Democrat, Department of Homeland Security, West Virginia University’s College of Law, ” Arizona Democratic Gov, Big Tech, Meta, YouTube, Swift, Public Citizen, House, Federal, Commission, Federal Communication Commission, FCC, . State Locations: Florida, Hawaii , New York , Idaho , Indiana, New Mexico , Oregon , Utah , Wisconsin , Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Michigan, Washington , Minnesota , Texas, California, deepfakes, Minnesota, New York, New Mexico, Alabama, Florida , Mississippi, Utah, Wisconsin, Oregon and Mississippi, statehouses, robocalls, Georgia, . Arizona

☆ 6 places across the U.S. that will pay you thousands of dollars to move there
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-31 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

And when the covid-19 pandemic sparked the rise of remote work, it caused many workers to second-guess living in a major metropolis like New York and San Francisco. In the first year, new residents will receive $10,000 paid in monthly installments, and the final $2,000 will be issued at the end of the resident's second year living in West Virginia. To be eligible for the Ascend West Virginia program, applicants must work remotely, have the ability to work remotely in a business based outside of West Virginia or be self-employed outside of the state. Tulsa, OklahomaProgram name: Tulsa Remote Incentive: $10,000 in rental grants or a lump sum after the purchase of a qualifying home and a three-year membership to a local co-working space. Once you're approved, Tulsa Remote will have to verify you've signed a qualifying lease or purchased a qualifying home.

Persons: Vicki Salemi, Salemi, you've Organizations: CNBC, Getty, West Virginia, Rochester , New York, Tulsa, GO, U.S Locations: U.S, New York, San Francisco, Tulsa , Oklahoma, Virginia, West Virginia, New, George, Greenbrier Valley, Morgantown, Eastern Panhandle, Greater Elkins, Rochester ,, Greater, Rochester, Tulsa, United States, Oklahoma, . Topeka , Kansas, Topeka, GO Topeka, Shoals, Alabama, Colbert, Lauderdale, Illinois

The state minimum car insurance is the minimum amount of car insurance you must carry in your state to legally drive a vehicle. Get Car Insurance Quotes Compare affordable car insurance quotes online in minutes. Top Providers for State Minimum Car InsuranceThese are the top providers for minimum car insurance based on our round-up on the best car insurance companies. Minimum Car Insurance FAQWhat happens if I don't have the state minimum car insurance? If you drive without the state minimum car insurance, you may face serious penalties such as fines, license suspension, and even vehicle impoundment.

Persons: you'll, Asis Alani Asis, Forbes, She’s, Read Organizations: UM, State, Insurance Information Institute, New, state's Department of Motor Vehicles, Florida Hawaii Kansas Kentucky Massachusetts, Florida Hawaii Kansas Kentucky Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota New Jersey New, Amica, Farm, Farmers Insurance, Liberty Mutual, Arizona, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, Nebraska, Hampshire, York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Insurance, Providers Insurance, DMV, Business, AARP, CNN, Fortune, U.S . News, Finance, University of Hawaii Locations: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, Jersey, Mexico, York, Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Florida Hawaii Kansas Kentucky, Florida Hawaii Kansas Kentucky Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota New Jersey, Florida Hawaii Kansas Kentucky Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota New Jersey New York North Dakota Pennsylvania Utah Kentucky , New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, Chevron, U.S, Manoa

☆ Miss USA Pageant Is Being Destroyed by Its Scandals
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-29 | by ( Anneta Konstantinides | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +22 min

AdvertisementAccording to the longtime Miss USA official, the significant shift was ushered in by the former Miss Universe Organization president Paula Shugart, who produced the Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, and Miss Universe pageants from 2001 until 2020. Benjamin Askinas/The Miss Universe OrganizationCheslie Kryst, who won Miss USA in 2019, defended the #MeToo movement during her interview round. It was a remarkably different experience from those of past titleholders like Miss USA 2013 Erin Brady Colagiovanni and Miss Teen USA 2017 Sophia Dominguez-Heithoff. AdvertisementThough they were "brand ambassadors" of the organization, Voigt and Srivastava couldn't even post on the Miss USA and Miss Teen USA social-media pages. Advertisement"I don't know that Miss USA is relevant right now," the longtime Miss USA official said.

Persons: Noelia Voigt, Voigt, Miss Teen USA UmaSofia Srivastava, Crystle Stewart, Stewart, Max Sebrechts, Laylah Rose, We're, we're, Rose, Srivastava, Craig Barritt, Srivastava haven't, they'd, Kansas Haley Berger, Jackeline Voigt, Barbara Srivastava, Barbara, They'd, Jackeline, Srivastava's, Miss Colorado Arianna Lemus, Stephanie Skinner —, Kimberly Nicewonder, Miss Virginia, Paula Miles —, South Carolina —, Rose's, It's, Ryan Miles, Paula, she's, Brian Ach, Miss Rhode, We've, we've, Paula Shugart, Shugart, Amber Hulse, I've, Olivia Culpo, Donald Trump, Benjamin Askinas, Miss Universe Organization Cheslie Kryst, Kára McCullough, Kryst, Hulse, Miss Utah Noelia Voigt, Rachelle di Stasio, Miss Colorado, Lemus, Rachel Slawson, Merissa Underwood, Voigt's, Rose wouldn't, Noelia, Laylah, Claudia Michelle, Chance Yeh, Michelle, Miss USA's, Kimberly Clark, Erin Brady Colagiovanni, Sophia Dominguez, Colagiovanni, Dominguez, Heithoff, Srivastava couldn't, Amanda Jones, Jones, Terkel, — Organizations: Miss, Business, Miss Teen USA, Miss USA, Representatives, Teen USA, Miss Hawaii Savannah Gankiewicz, Miss Teen Virginia, New York, hiTechMODA, Miss Texas, Miss Rhode Island's, Miss Universe Organization, Fox, Miss USA Miss, New York Times, —, Supermodels, Miss Teen, CW Locations: Miss USA, USA, Miss, Miss Virginia, Alabama , Louisiana, North, South Carolina, Miss South Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, America

☆ Opinion: Americans don’t have enough in the bank to weather unrelenting disasters
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-28 | by ( Opinion Daniel Kaniewski | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +12 min

Even though floods have impacted 99% of US counties over the past 28 years, only 4% of homeowners have flood insurance. For those without flood insurance, FEMA provided $4,400 on average. Individuals and communities both have roles to play in building financial resilience to disasters. These Community Disaster Resilience Zones qualify for reduced local costs and additional technical assistance. Improving financial literacy is fundamental for making sound financial disaster preparedness decisions.

Persons: Daniel Kaniewski, Marsh McLennan, Beryl, Hurricane Harvey, Scott Olson, Daniel Kaniewski Marsh McLennan, Harvey, Hurricane Beryl, Greenlee Beal, Money, Nic Coury Organizations: Federal Emergency Management Agency, FEMA, CNN, Homes, US Chamber of Commerce, Allstate, Reuters, Stock, Wilder, National Flood Insurance Locations: Texas, Sugar Land , Texas, Alabama, Galveston , Texas, Florida, Virginia, Wilder Ranch, Santa Cruz , California, AFP, New York City

☆ 'Nobody wants to talk about it': A market-shifting real-estate trend is hiding in plain sight — and these 5 states will benefit most
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( James Faris | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

"We've got a real headwind from climate change," Zelman told Business Insider in late July. AdvertisementThe two hottest days in recorded history were earlier this week, according to the Europe-based Copernicus Climate Change Service. Most scientists say that's due to climate change caused by humans, but even if it's a coincidental pattern, the trend of rising temperatures is undeniable. AdvertisementMidwestern cities are destined to overtake the 'Sun Melt'During the "great reshuffling" of the pandemic, warmer states in the Sun Belt region were among the biggest beneficiaries. The widespread advent of remote work allowed millions of people to relocate, and many moved in droves to warmer states in the Southern US.

Persons: —, Zelman, she's, We've, I've, Sylvain Leduc, Daniel Wilson Organizations: Service, Zelman, Associates, Wall, Business, Van Lines, Federal Reserve Bank of San Locations: Europe, Southern, South, Carolinas , Tennessee, Florida, Arizona, North Carolina, South Carolina , Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Midwest, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Miami, Ohio, Michigan , Illinois , Iowa, Wisconsin, Cleveland

☆ The South's economic boom is masking a harsher reality. It still has several of the poorest states in the nation.
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-27 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

In June, the financial services company WalletHub ranked the 50 states and DC across three categories: economic activity, economic health, and innovation potential. The Economic Policy Institute pointed to low minimum wages and unionization rates in Southern states as two factors keeping pay down. Of course, workers in some Southern states earn less than others. Using US Bureau of Economic Analysis and Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the analysis highlighted the average annual wages across US states as of 2022. Only two Southern states — Louisiana and West Virginia — were among the eight US states that saw their populations decline between 2022 and 2023.

Persons: —, Jacob Funk Kirkegaard, Chandra Childers, it's, West Virginia — Organizations: Service, West Virginia —, of Columbia, WalletHub, Business, South :, Workers, Economic Policy Institute, Southern, Economic, Economic Innovation, Peterson Institute for International Economics, of, of Labor Statistics, Institute, Texans, Dallas Fed Locations: Southern, Delaware , Maryland, Virginia, West, South, South : Mississippi, West Virginia , Arkansas , Louisiana, Kentucky, West Virginia , Arkansas , Alabama, South Carolina, Houston, Dallas, Miami, Nashville, Midwest, Mississippi, Hawaii, Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, South : Texas, Florida, North Carolina , Georgia, Tennessee, — Louisiana, West Virginia

☆ It’s Shark Season. How Worried Should You Be?
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Erik Vance | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +19 min

California has very few shark attacks — just two recorded in 2023, fewer than New York and the Carolinas. The eastern coast from Virginia to New York doesn’t see many shark attacks, despite having many popular beach towns. Long Island in New York is, roughly speaking, the northern border of the bull and tiger shark ranges. Tiger Shark A 3D illustration of a Tiger Shark. Kentucky managed to rack up 12 shark attacks in 2006 after the aquarium in Newport opened a shark petting exhibit.

Persons: Meg ”, “, —, You've, Read, Long, Louis, Napoleon, manhandling You've, snorkelers, snorkelers ’, Bob, you’re Organizations: Florida Museum, New York Times, America . California Carolinas, Georgia Florida Gulf, Alaska You've, Daytona, Bull Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Sharks, Nurse Sharks Locations: United States, Hawaii, Washington State, America . California, Georgia Florida, Georgia Florida Gulf Coast Hawaii, States New, Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California, New York, Carolinas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, North Carolina, Cape, Volusia County, Gulf, Coast of Texas , Louisiana , Mississippi, Alabama, Texas . Galveston , Texas, Maui, States, Virginia, New England, Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Maine, Northwest, Oregon, Washington, Mississippi, of Mexico, Kentucky, Newport, St, Fla

☆ K Street Pivots for a Possible Harris Administration
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Kenneth P. Vogel | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Vice President Kamala Harris has forsworn direct donations from lobbyists, but they are welcoming her candidacy and finding other ways to support it. In the days since President Biden dropped his re-election campaign and Ms. Harris moved swiftly to lock up the Democratic Party’s nomination, Washington’s influence industry has quietly jockeyed to position itself with her team. They have briefed clients about her policy positions, the composition of her inner circle and the pool of possible running mates. Some lobbying firms have highlighted their connections to Ms. Harris, drawing the ire of allies seeking to avoid the perception that she is beholden to special interests. “Human nature is such that anybody that ever walked past somebody on the street would try to capitalize,” said former Senator Doug Jones, an Alabama Democrat who is close to Ms. Harris.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Biden, Harris, ”, Doug Jones, “ Organizations: Democratic, Alabama Democrat Locations: Alabama

☆ Brian Ogstad: Alabama man who threatened to kill Arizona election workers pleads guilty
▼ + stars: | 2024-07-26 | by ( Josh Campbell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

An Alabama man indicted for allegedly threatening election workers in Arizona has pleaded guilty to one count of sending interstate threats, federal prosecutors said. Brian Ogstad of Cullman, Alabama, was indicted by a federal grand jury in February after Maricopa County, Arizona, election workers reported receiving numerous threats from him via social media. Following the 2022 state primary in Arizona – which was marked by the proliferation of numerous conspiracy theories regarding the integrity of the electoral process – Ogstad sent direct messages to Maricopa County officials, including: “You did it! “We cannot allow threats of violence against public servants to become normalized. The FBI takes seriously all threats of violence against public officials and will continue to pursue threats and acts of violence aimed at election workers.”

Persons: Brian Ogstad, – Ogstad, “, ” Todd Spodek, Ogstad, ” Ogstad, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Christopher Wray, ”, ” Wray Organizations: CNN, Justice Department, US Justice Department, Democratic, Republican, FBI Locations: An Alabama, Arizona, Cullman , Alabama, Maricopa County , Arizona, Maricopa County

The 48 states also include the 15 states where former President Donald Trump, the Republicans’ 2024 nominee, had his highest share of the vote in 2020. Since Biden was never the official nominee, states say there’s no problem for HarrisThe election authorities in 48 states and the District of Columbia offered highly similar comments explaining why Harris does not face any hurdles getting on the ballot there. Chelsea Carattini, spokesperson for Republican Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, said in an interview: “There’s no issue. It’s impossible to say for certain whether a particular court in a particular state might rule that the state’s elections authority was wrong. Any challenges after the convention would be challenges to a nominee who received the support of the convention delegates under convention rules.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Mike Johnson, Joe Biden, CNN Harris, Harris, Johnson, they’re, ”, Biden, Donald Trump, Patrick Gannon, ” Gabriel Sterling, Brad Raffensperger, it’s, haven’t, ’, Chelsea Carattini, Phil McGrane, “, ” Michon Lindstrom, Michael Adams, Kamala, ” Rachel Soulek, Monae Johnson, ” Landon Palmer, State Mac Warner, ” Laney Rawls, Wes Allen, Rawls, CNN’s Tierney Sneed, Derek Muller, ” CNN’s Marshall Cohen, Ethan Cohen Organizations: Washington CNN, Democrats, Democratic, CNN, ABC, of Columbia, Republicans, District of Columbia, North, North Carolina State Board, State Board, Democratic Party, Republican Georgia, Republican, Trump, Chelsea, Republican Idaho, Republican Kentucky, Republican West, State, Republican Alabama, ”, University of Notre Dame Locations: Florida, Montana, Georgia, Arizona , Wisconsin , Pennsylvania, North Carolina , Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, South Dakota, Alabama

Search resuls for: "Alabama"

25 mentions found