DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Ukraine's Zelenskiy heads to Poland to deepen ties with key Western ally
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Kacper PempelKYIV, April 5 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected shortly in neighbouring Poland, a close ally that has played a big role in galvanising Western military and political support for Kyiv against Russia's full-scale invasion. Poland has taken in more than a million Ukrainian refugees over the past 13 months of war. The NATO member has also played an important role in persuading other Western powers to supply battle tanks and other weaponry to Ukraine. Ukrainian Defence Minister Oleksii Reznikov said on Tuesday that Kyiv was grateful to Poland for clearing the way for deliveries of MiG fighter jets. "During talks with President Zelenskiy, we will certainly discuss Ukrainian grain and various agricultural products, because we want any trade with Ukraine not to destabilise our market," Morawiecki said.

☆ Republican presidential hopeful Hutchinson says Trump should exit race over Jan. 6 attack
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-04 | by ( Nathan Layne | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

It's unacceptable, and former president Trump bears significant responsibilty," Hutchinson, 72, said. His comments came on the same day that Trump flew to New York City to face charges in the hush money probe. Trump, who is seeking to regain the presidency in 2024, is the first former U.S. president to face criminal charges. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday found that 48% percent of Republican voters wanted Trump to be their nominee, up from 44% last month. Reporting by Nathan Layne in Wilton, Connecticut; editing by Andy Sullivan and Leslie AdlerOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Trump wrote on his Truth Social profile shortly after arriving in New York from Florida on Monday, urging supporters to donate to his campaign. The arraignment, where Trump will be in court to hear charges and have a chance to enter a plea, was planned for 2:15 p.m. (1815 GMT) on Tuesday. Citing a single source briefed on Tuesday's arraignment procedures, Yahoo said none of the charges against Trump were misdemeanors. PROTESTS AND POPULARITYPolice over the weekend began erecting barricades near Trump Tower - where Trump arrived on Monday after flying in from Florida - and the Manhattan Criminal Court building, with demonstrations expected at both sites on Tuesday. On the Manhattan case, Trump in 2018 initially disputed knowing anything about the payment to Daniels.

☆ Trump widens lead in 2024 Republican presidential primary
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-03 | by ( Richard Cowan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

WASHINGTON, April 3 (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump has widened his lead over his rivals in the 2024 Republican presidential nominating contest, even as he faces criminal charges in New York, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Monday. Some 48% of self-described Republicans say they want Trump to be their party's presidential nominee, up from 44% in a March 14-20 poll. Trump has stepped up his attacks on DeSantis, who has not formally announced his candidacy but is expected to run. Some 71% of Americans, including 58% of Republicans, say it is believable that Trump paid porn star Stormy Daniels to keep quiet about an affair ahead of the 2016 presidential election. At the same time, 51% of poll respondents, including 80% of Republicans, said they believed the charges are politically motivated.

☆ Here's how the polarizing M16 or AR-15 rifle went from a symbol of America's lost war in Vietnam to being owned by about 16 million Americans in 70 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-01 | by ( James Pasley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The M16 or AR-15 rifle is one of the US's most divisive symbolsTo gun enthusiasts, it is an effective, lightweight weapon. To anti-gun advocates, it's a symbol of mass shootings. Experts estimate approximately 16 million adults in the US now own at least one of these rifles. Since 2012, 10 out of 17 of the deadliest shootings in the country featured an AR-15 rifle, the Independent reported. As of 2023, about 16 million adults in the US own at least one, according to polling conducted by The Washington Post and Ipsos.

Trump's expected appearance before a judge in Manhattan on Tuesday, as the Republican mounts a bid to regain the presidency, could further inflame divisions in the United States. The specific charges are not yet known, though CNN reported that Trump faced more than 30 counts related to business fraud. Daniels has said she was paid to keep silent about a sexual encounter she had with Trump in 2006. Bragg said Congress does not have authority to interfere with a New York legal proceeding and accused the lawmakers of escalating political tensions. Bragg's office prosecuted Trump's business on tax-fraud charges last year, leading to a $1.61 million criminal penalty, but Trump himself was not charged.

'LET THE PROCESS PROCEED'Shortly after the news of his indictment broke, Trump appealed to supporters to provide money for a legal defense. As news of Trump's indictment flashed across a news ticker on a Times Square skyscraper on Thursday evening, New York City resident Elizabeth Blaise welcomed the news. Trump lawyer Susan Necheles confirmed the Tuesday surrender date and said she did not expect charges to be unsealed until that day. "Do you really think that they're going to take President Trump out of the running for president because of some old horse-face story? The Manhattan District Attorney's office successfully prosecuted Trump's business on tax-fraud charges last year, leading to a $1.61 million criminal penalty.

The specific charges against Trump are not yet known as the indictment remains under seal, but CNN on Thursday reported Trump faced more than 30 counts related to business fraud. "This is Political Persecution and Election Interference at the highest level in history," Trump said in a statement. Shortly after, Trump appealed to supporters to provide money for a legal defense. The Manhattan charges will likely be unsealed by a judge in the coming days and Trump will have to travel there for fingerprinting and other processing at that point. Trump could use the case to stoke anger among his core supporters, though other Republican voters might tire of the drama.

"They've done nothing but harass this guy," said Gregg Hough, chair of the Republican party in Belknap County, New Hampshire, predicting the prosecution will boost Trump support "to the moon" if it fails to deliver a convincing conviction. In a statement on Thursday, Trump called the indictment "Political Persecution and Election Interference at the highest level in history," without providing evidence. John Feehery, a Republican strategist, described the Manhattan case as "silly" compared to the other probes hanging over Trump's campaign. At a campaign rally in Waco, Texas on Saturday, Trump likened the criminal investigations against him to a "Stalinist Russia horror show." Trump remains the front-runner in the 2024 Republican field, with the support of 44% of Republicans in a March Reuters/Ipsos, ahead of DeSantis' 30% support.

☆ US House speaker weighs Republican-only debt ceiling move as Biden proves immovable
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( David Morgan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

"We should not be negotiating on the debt ceiling. Congress has the authority to raise the debt ceiling without conditions. He has also called on House Republicans to produce their own fiscal 2024 budget, which remains weeks - if not months - away. Polling shows Americans support using the debt ceiling talks to address the deficit - but prefer Biden's path of higher taxes. Close to 60% of respondents said the debt ceiling provides a good opportunity to push the tough issues of spending cuts or tax hikes.

☆ Senior Republicans rally behind Trump after criminal indictment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Tim Reid | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Kevin McCarthy, the Republican speaker of the House of Representatives, said the indictment "weaponized our sacred system of justice" against Trump. Elise Stefanik, another member of the Republican House leadership, called the indictment a "political witch hunt and a dark day for America". Trump called the indictment a "political persecution." Ted Lieu, a House Democrat, called the indictment a "horrible precedent" but necessary if Trump committed crimes. Jamaal Bowman, a fellow House Democrat, said: "It's time we ensure Trump is banned from running for any public office again."

Trump previously said he would continue campaigning for the Republican Party's nomination if charged with a crime. Shortly after, Trump appealed to supporters to provide money for a legal defense. Trump will have to travel to Manhattan for fingerprinting and other processing at that point. The Manhattan investigation is one of several legal challenges facing Trump, and the charges could hurt his presidential comeback attempt. No former or sitting U.S. president has ever faced criminal charges.

☆ Trump faces a potential indictment by the Manhattan DA's office. His GOP opponents are far behind him in the 2024 presidential race, and falling further.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( John L. Dorman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Former President Trump remains at the top of the 2024 GOP pack as he faces several criminal probes. Trump decried a potential indictment by the Manhattan District Attorney's office during a rally in Waco, Texas, on March 25, 2023. Brandon Bell/Getty ImagesTrump versus the worldDuring the 2016 GOP presidential primaries, Trump's political brand was built on rejecting the political establishment. Ron DeSantis of Florida is among several high-profile Republicans who may challenge Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. In 2020, Trump faced near-unanimous support for a second term, with the campaigns of former Rep. Mark Sanford of South Carolina, former Gov.

☆ A majority of Americans think a criminal indictment should disqualify Trump for 2024
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-29 | by ( Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

According to a Quinnipiac University poll, Americans would find charges to be disqualifying for a presidential run. But the overall picture of Americans' opinions on a potential Trump indictment is far more nuanced. According to a Quinnipiac University national poll released Wednesday, 57% of Americans think that criminal charges should disqualify Trump from running again. The same survey found that 46% of Americans say Trump's behavior has been illegal, 29% find it to be "unethical but not illegal," and only 23% say the former president has done nothing wrong at all. The Quinnipiac poll of 1,788 U.S. adults nationwide was conducted from March 23rd - 27th.

Some 65% of respondents - including 46% of Republicans and 68% of independents - said they were less likely to vote for a presidential candidate in 2024 who supports laws banning or severely restricting abortion access. DeSantis last year signed a Florida law banning abortions after 15 weeks, saying the measure would protect "the rights of unborn children." The online Reuters/Ipsos poll had a credibility interval of between around two and four percentage points. The Reuters/Ipsos poll found 61% of respondents nationwide, including 66% of independents, prefer a candidate who opposes allowing medical treatment for minors related to gender identity. Reuters GraphicsThe Reuters/Ipsos poll found that nationwide, women were more likely than men to oppose severe abortion restrictions and permitless concealed guns.

[1/3] U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris stand on stage together after delivering remarks at the DNC 2023 Winter Meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., February 3, 2023. Biden could lose crucial votes if he were to drop Harris, who is both the first Black and Asian-American U.S. vice president. While the vice president has disappointed some inside her party, Democrats see opportunity in the 2024 race. He leans on her a lot," said Cedric Richmond, a former congressman and former senior adviser in Biden's White House. "That was not her assignment," said the third former White House official, referring to reducing migrant crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border broadly.

A Manhattan grand jury did not meet as had been expected on Wednesday, a law enforcement source said, although it was unclear why that was or how much longer the grand jury would take to conclude its work. The Insider news outlet first reported the news that the grand jury would not convene on Wednesday. A spokesperson for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office declined to comment on the grand jury. Security officials are bracing for possible unrest, but so far few of Trump's supporters have heeded his call for protests. Several media outlets reported that his lawyer, Evan Corcoran, would testify on Friday before a federal grand jury in Washington investigating whether Trump mishandled sensitive federal documents.

But members of the grand jury were told to stay home on Wednesday, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss secret grand jury proceedings. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has been investigating $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of Trump's 2016 election campaign. Security was high around the courthouse where the grand jury has been meeting, with court officers out early and barricades up around the building. On Monday, the grand jury heard from a witness, lawyer Robert Costello, who said that Cohen acted on his own. Cohen has publicly said that Trump directed him to make the payments and has appeared twice before the grand jury.

NEW YORK, March 22 (Reuters) - A New York grand jury was expected on Wednesday to resume its closed-door investigation of whether Donald Trump made illegal hush-money payments to a porn star, which could yield the first-ever criminal charges against any U.S. president. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has been investigating $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of Trump's 2016 election campaign. Trump's former fixer Michael Cohen has said he made the payments at Trump's direction to buy her silence about Trump's extramarital affair. On Monday, the grand jury heard from a witness, lawyer Robert Costello, who said that Cohen acted on his own. Cohen has publicly said that Trump directed him to make the payments and has appeared twice before the grand jury.

☆ Scranton to Biden: Love ya, Joe. But a 2024 run?
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-22 | by ( Jarrett Renshaw | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

[1/6] A photograph of Jim Connors, 76, former Mayor of Scranton, with U.S. President Joe Biden hangs in his home in Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S., March 10, 2023. Despite those strong ties, interviews with about two dozen Scranton voters show many harbor deep concerns about Biden running again. Many Scranton residents say they might back Biden again in 2024, albeit without much enthusiasm. Biden is also supporting a plan to build a new rail line from Scranton to New York City. “So, when I think about President Biden, I don't just think about President Biden being our hometown son," Cognetti said.

NEW YORK, March 22 (Reuters) - - A New York grand jury is expected on Wednesday to resume its closed-door investigation of whether Donald Trump made illegal hush-money payments to a porn star, which could yield first-ever criminal charges against any U.S. president. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's office has been investigating $130,000 paid to porn star Stormy Daniels in the final weeks of Trump's 2016 election campaign. Trump has denied the affair took place, and others in his orbit have said Cohen acted on his own. On Monday, the grand jury heard from a witness, lawyer Robert Costello, who said that Cohen acted on his own. Cohen has publicly said that Trump directed him to make the payments and has appeared twice before the grand jury.

Trump has denied having an affair with Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford. "I think this will strengthen the resolve of his supporters," said Ford O'Connell, a Republican strategist who represented Trump in many media appearances during the 2020 presidential campaign. "It’s not good for Trump, the question is how bad for Trump it is," said Sabato. Trump has defied predictions of his demise numerous times since he launched his bid for the White House in 2015. Trump remains the front-runner in the 2024 Republican field, with the support of 44% of Republicans in a Reuters/Ipsos poll completed on Monday, ahead of DeSantis' 30% support.

☆ One-third of Americans would consider EV purchase -Reuters/Ipsos poll
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( David Shepardson | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - Just over one-third of Americans would consider buying an electric vehicle for their next model, a new Reuters/Ipsos poll found. The seven-day poll completed on Monday found 34% of all respondents would consider an EV, while 31% said no. Among Democrats 50% said they would consider an EV, while 26% of Republicans and 27% of independents said they would consider. There are now more than 80 EV models for sale in the United States. President Joe Biden wants 50% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 to be EV or plug-in hybrid models.

☆ Americans see Trump investigation as political, but also believable -Reuters/Ipsos
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Jason Lange | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

REUTERS/Shannon StapletonWASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - About half of Americans believe a New York investigation into whether Donald Trump paid hush money to a porn star is politically motivated, but a large majority find the allegations believable, a Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll found. Some 62% of respondents, including a third of Republicans, said it was also believable that Trump falsified business records and committed fraud. About nine in 10 respondents said they had heard about the Manhattan prosecutors' case against Trump, one of several probes dogging Trump. Some 54% of respondents - including 85% of Democrats and 21% of Republicans - said the accusation that Trump solicited election fraud was believable. The Reuters/Ipsos poll gathered responses from 1,003 adults nationwide, including 415 self-described Democrats and 383 Republicans.

Trump did not say he had been formally notified of forthcoming charges and provided no evidence of leaks from the district attorney's office. A Trump spokesperson said in a statement to reporters that, “There has been no notification," beyond leaks to the media. Bragg's office earlier this month invited Trump to testify before the grand jury probing the payment, which legal experts said was a sign that an indictment was close. Cohen, who served time in prison after pleading guilty, testified before the grand jury this week. Grand jury proceedings are not public.

Search resuls for: "Ipsos"

25 mentions found