DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ New AI-powered Google Maps will help electric-car owners find a charging station to power up and get back on the road within 40 minutes
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Sindhu Sundar | Grace Kay | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Google maps will now help electric vehicles find charging stations more quickly. Its new features will deploy artificial intelligence to assist EV drivers looking to power up. A "very fast charging filter" can help EVs charge in a hurry, Google Geo head Chris Phillips said. While many EV drivers charge their vehicles at home, longer drives necessitate careful organization. Last year, a reporter from The Wall Street Journal said a lack of EV charging sites and accurate charging maps left her spending more time waiting for her car to charge then sleeping during a 2,000-mile road trip.

☆ George Santos says it 'wasn't very Mormon' of Mitt Romney to tell him he doesn't 'belong' in Congress
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Chris Panella | Madison Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Rep. George Santos told reporters Wednesday that Sen. Mitt Romney's comment "wasn't very Mormon of him." The two had a tense moment at the State of the Union, with Romney telling Santos, "You don't belong here." Reporters and outlets like CNN reported that Romney and Santos had a heated exchange at the State of the Union Tuesday night, with Romney telling Santos: "You don't belong here." According to other reports, Romney told reporters Tuesday night that the ongoing issues around Santos' repeated lies and embellishments are "an embarrassment." "I've made bad judgment calls, and I'm reaping the consequences of those bad judgment calls," Santos later told a prospective staffer.

☆ Florida legislators want to give DeSantis another $10 million to keep shipping migrants across the country
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Ron DeSantis $10 million to transport migrants across the US. DeSantis previously used a state program to fly asylum seekers from Texas to Martha's Vineyard in September. Ron DeSantis' program to transport migrants to so-called "sanctuary cities" across the country. The proposal, Senate bill 6-B, would create a new "Unauthorized Alien Transport Program" and provide $10 million to transport migrants. Two identical bills were introduced this month in the state Senate and House by State Sen. Blaise Ingoglia (R) and State Rep. John Snyder (R).

☆ China is mad at the US for blasting its suspected spy balloon, but a few years ago, state TV bragged its fighter pilots could shoot one down
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A 2020 Chinese state TV clip bragged that fighter pilots could shoot down surveillance balloons. China said Monday that the US shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon was "unacceptable." The supervising command organization judged that it was possibly a super high-altitude surveillance balloon that threatened air defense security." The Chinese Foreign Ministry said Monday that the US shooting down a suspected Chinese spy balloon Saturday was "unacceptable and irresponsible." Photos published Tuesday captured the moment US Navy sailors pulled the down Chinese balloon out of waters near South Carolina.

☆ Putin's rumored girlfriend called Russia's media a 'military weapon' and compared its importance to an AK-47
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-07 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Alina Kabaeva, Putin's rumored girlfriend, compared Russian media to a rifle and called it a "military weapon." A video of Kabaeva's speech at a recent National Media Group anniversary event was posted on Twitter Monday. According to Insider's translation of the video, Alina Kabaeva said Russian media is "like a military weapon and in its significance is in no way inferior to the Kalashnikov assault rifle. According to Newsweek, Kabaeva's speech was from a National Media Group anniversary event. During the event, Kabaeva asked NMG to "wish success to each one of us and all of us together" in their work.

☆ After US pops 1st balloon, China admits the 2nd one floating over Latin America is also theirs and gave the same excuse that it was just lost
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-06 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

China's Foreign Ministry confirmed Monday that the balloon spotted over Latin America last week was also Chinese-owned. A separate suspected Chinese surveillance balloon that floated over the US last week was shot down Saturday. That was the same explanation China offered for the unmanned balloon spotted over the US late last week. US Pentagon officials have said the balloon spotted over Latin America is also a surveillance balloon. Mao said China had spoken with Latin American countries about the balloon.

☆ NBA roundup: Giannis' triple-double sparks Bucks to 7th straight win
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

Khris Middleton scored 24 points off the bench for the Bucks, who won their seventh straight game. Tyler Herro added 24 points despite shooting just 2 of 8 from 3-point range, and Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds. Jalen Brunson scored 41 points, three shy of his career high, while Julius Randle posted 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks. De'Andre Hunter scored 20 points and Clint Capela had 12 points and 11 rebounds. DeMar DeRozan collected 27 points, seven assists and seven rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic had 23 points and 11 rebounds.

☆ NBA roundup: Five players ejected as Magic drop Wolves
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Bojan Bogdanovic added 21 points, Alec Burks chipped in with 16, Jalen Duren collected 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Isaiah Stewart added eight points, 16 rebounds and six assists. Mason Plumlee added 13 points, and Gordon Hayward chipped in 12. Jayson Tatum had a poor shooting night, hitting 3 of 15 from the floor en route to 20 points, and Derrick White added 19 points. Clint Capela hauled in a game-high 13 rebounds and scored nine points for Atlanta. Jordan Clarkson scored 24 and Mike Conley, playing his 1,000th NBA game, chipped in with 20 points and eight assists.

☆ Ukraine, Russia swap prisoners; bodies of British volunteers returned
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 4 (Reuters) - Ukraine and Russia traded almost 200 prisoners of war in a swap announced separately by both sides on Saturday, with the bodies of two British volunteers also being sent back to Ukraine. The Ukrainian president's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, said 116 Ukrainians had been returned, while Russian news agencies cited Moscow's defence ministry saying 63 Russian POWs had been freed. Yermak also said the bodies of British volunteer aid workers Andrew Bagshaw and Chris Parry had been sent back to Ukraine. Bagshaw and Parry were killed during an attempted humanitarian evacuation in eastern Ukraine in January, Parry's family has previously said. Russia's Defence Ministry said the released Russian servicemen included "sensitive category" persons, whose exchange was made possible through the mediation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), according to agencies.

[1/2] The Activision booth is shown at the E3 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles, California, U.S. June 13, 2017. REUTERS/ Mike Blake/File PhotoWASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Activision Blizzard Inc (ATVI.O) has agreed to pay $35 million to settle U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission charges that it failed to have systems in place to properly handle employee complaints and violated whistleblower protection rules, the regulator said on Friday. The SEC said the company knew employee retention issues were "a particularly important risk in its business" but did not have adequate measures in place to manage workplace misconduct complaints between 2018 and 2021. Representatives for Activision Blizzard, which did not admit or deny the SEC's charges, said in a statement they were "pleased to have amicably resolved this matter" and had "enhanced" their workplace reporting and contract language. Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), which makes Xbox, had made a $69 billion bid to acquire Activision Blizzard, but the Federal Trade Commission asked a judge in December to block the transaction.

☆ Ukraine is getting new US weapons that can hit Russian forces almost 100 miles away, but it's still a no on missiles
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The US' latest $2.2 billion aid package to Ukraine includes a new long-range weapon system. The Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) has a 94-mile range that'll prove crucial for Ukraine's efforts in Crimea. The ground launch version, which is included in the Ukraine aid package, will take months to develop, according to Politico. The US aid package notably does not include US-made Army Tactical Missiles Systems (ATACMS), which Ukraine asked for in May 2022. As of November 2022, the US has sent Ukraine $19 billion in aid since the war's outbreak.

☆ When a weather balloon went rogue almost 25 years ago, fighter jets fired 1,000 rounds at it and couldn't bring it down
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-03 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

About 25 years ago, a rogue weather balloon wouldn't come down after over 1,000 rounds were fired at it. Balloons, like the suspected Chinese "spy balloon" over the US, don't always pop or explode when shot. Two Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 fighter aircraft spotted the balloon over Newfoundland and fired more than 1,000 rounds at it. The balloon, BBC reported, also survived encounters with British and American aircraft. According to BBC reports from the time of the incident, the 300-ft helium balloon prompted air traffic controllers to divert and delay transatlantic flights.

☆ A New York man who admitted to leaving threatening voicemails for Marjorie Taylor Greene dared her to file charges against him
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A New York man pleaded guilty Wednesday to leaving threatening voicemails for GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Joseph F. Morelli, 51, called Taylor Greene's office from his Endicott home and threatened to hurt her, prosecutors say. Prosecutors say Morelli admitted he left Greene a voicemail saying, "I'm gonna have to take your life into my own hands… I'm gonna hurt you. Physically, I'm gonna harm you." "My name is Joseph Morelli, M-O-R-E-L-L-I," he said, according to court documents.

☆ Video: Watch 2 astronauts spacewalk today to prep solar arrays that will boost the space station's power supply
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-02 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Two astronauts are making a seven-hour spacewalk today outside of the International Space Station. This is the 2nd spacewalk of 2023, after astronauts had problems installing arrays during a January mission. NASA is currently streaming Mann and Wakata's spacewalk live:Mann and Wakata's mission began early Thursday morning EST and will last approximately seven hours. The astronauts are currently preparing to install two final solar arrays on the ISS. According to NASA, once all six arrays are operational, they will bost the station's power supply by 20% to 30%.

☆ Israel's Netanyahu offered to mediate the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, a bloody fight is breaking out 'in his own backyard.'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told CNN Tuesday that he would mediate the war in Ukraine if the US asked him. Netanyahu said he was previously unofficially asked to mediate at the beginning of the war. Netanyahu also told Tapper that he was previously tapped to mediate "early on in the breakout"of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, clarifying that it was an "unofficial" request. He deferred to Israel's sitting prime minister at the time. In January of this year, more than 30 Palestinians and seven Israelis have been killed in West Bank raids and other shootings.

☆ Learning about the Black Lives Matter movement will now be optional in a new AP Black history class after Florida Gov. DeSantis publicly rejected the course
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The College Board released its new framework for its AP African American Studies course Wednesday. The course makes topics like Black Lives Matter, reparations, and queer studies optional for students to learn. But much of its modern content — like Black Lives Matter, affirmative action, Black queer studies, and reparations — has been both watered down and labeled as optional for a required research project. Queer theory. Now, who would say that an important part of black history is queer theory?

☆ An Arkansas GOP bill targeting drag performances is so confusing it may not even apply to drag, a law expert said
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-01 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

A GOP Arkansas bill targeting drag is so confusing it may not even apply to most drag performances, according to a constitutional expert. According to an Arkansas drag queen, the bill would severely impact the LGBTQ+ community. If enacted, it would classify a drag performances and places that host them as "adult-oriented" — like adult video stores and strip clubs. Arkansas drag queen MD Hunter has been "on the front lines" fighting against SB43On January 19, Arkansas drag queen MD Hunter gave a testimony before the Arkansas Senate about SB43. Despite the confusing nature of the bill, drag advocates are worried about how it could be applied.

☆ Ghostly flying 'whirlpool' that appeared above Hawaii could be leftover SpaceX rocket fuel
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-31 | by ( Chris Panella | Morgan Mcfall-Johnsen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A Japanese telescope captured footage of the anomaly after a SpaceX navigation satellite launch. "The Subaru-Asahi Star Camera captured a mysterious flying spiral over Maunakea, Hawai`i," the Subaru Telescope said on Twitter on January 19. SpaceX launches a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a pair of television broadcasting satellites at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Michael Weekes Jr./ReutersThis isn't the first time a spiral has been spotted in the sky after a SpaceX launch. The SpaceX rocket is also known for the "space jellyfish" it often paints across the sky as it climbs through the atmosphere.

☆ GOP Gov. Chris Sununu says Trump isn't 'bringing that fire' people saw in 2016 and predicts he won't win New Hampshire's primary
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( Chris Panella | Brent D. Griffiths | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Chris Sununu predicted Sunday that Trump won't win the Republican New Hampshire primary. download the app Email address By clicking ‘Sign up’, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider as well as other partner offers and accept our Terms of Service and Privacy PolicyNew Hampshire GOP Gov. Chris Sununu said former President Donald Trump seems to be lacking the spark that propelled him to victory in 2016. He also criticized Trump's recent campaign stop in the state and predicted Trump wouldn't win the Republican primary there. Trump took aim at DeSantis' potential run for the GOP presidential nomination, telling Politico it would be "very disloyal."

☆ U.S. securities regulator probes investment advisers over crypto custody -sources
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Chris Prentice | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

NEW YORK, Jan 26 (Reuters) - The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission is probing registered investment advisers over whether they are meeting rules around custody of client crypto assets, three sources with knowledge of the inquiry told Reuters. SEC enforcement staff are asking investment advisers for details around what the firms did to assess custody for platforms including FTX, one of the sources said. By law, investment advisers cannot have custody of client funds or securities if they do not meet certain requirements to protect the assets. "This is an obvious compliance issue for investment advisers. Under Democratic leadership, the SEC has made crypto a priority area for enforcement, nearly doubling the size of its crypto team last year.

☆ At least 7 people are dead and nearly a dozen were injured after a shooting at a Jerusalem synagogue
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A shooting at a Jerusalem synagogue Friday has left at least seven dead and almost a dozen injured. The attack marks another day of violence in the region after a deadly Israeli raid Thursday. The country's Magen David Adom emergency services said police killed the gunman at the crime scene, according to Reuters, Associated Press, and CNN. The shooting occurred during worship services on International Holocaust Remembrance Day and comes a day after Israeli forces killed nine Palestinians and injured others in Jenin, according to reporting from CNN. The surge in violence gripped the region before a planned trip by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the end of this month.

☆ Memphis police chief says officers had 'no proof' to pull Tyre Nichols over
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Memphis' police chief told CNN her department hasn't found proof Tyre Nichols drove recklessly. Nichols was beaten by Memphis police officers during a traffic stop on January 7. Nichols died three days later, and five officers have been charged in his death. Nichols was stopped by Memphis police officers at a traffic light on January 7 and accused of reckless driving. During the traffic stop, the police officers beat Nichols, and he died in the hospital three days later, on January 10.

☆ NBA roundup: Mavs win game but lose Luka Doncic
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Knicks 120, Celtics 117 (OT)Julius Randle scored 37 points and Jalen Brunson added 29 as New York came back to win in overtime in Boston. Brunson added four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks, rejecting Malcolm Brogdon's potential game-tying 3 at the buzzer. Jayson Tatum had 35 points and 14 rebounds while Jaylen Brown added 22 points in Boston's third straight loss. Zach LaVine had 18 points and nine rebounds, Patrick Williams posted 15 points in his hometown, and Nikola Vucevic (nine rebounds) and Ayo Dosunmu each had 12 points. Norman Powell added 15 points for Los Angeles, with Robert Covington scoring 13 and Reggie Jackson and Ivica Zubac contributing 12 and 11 points, respectively.

☆ 7 movie and TV trailers that dropped this week, from 'Succession' to 'Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves'
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Several new trailers were released this week, including a trailer for HBO's hit series "Succession." Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure." Premiere date: March 31, 2023Where to watch: In theaters"Daisy Jones and the Six"YouTube synopsis: "It's time to hear the real story. Premiere date: March 3, 2023Where to watch: Amazon Prime"Shazam Fury of the Gods"YouTube synopsis: "From New Line Cinema comes 'Shazam! Premiere date: February 9, 2023Where to watch: HBO Max

☆ With eyes on FTX bankruptcy, U.S. regulator seeks more due diligence authority
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Chris Prentice | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

NEW YORK, Jan 26 (Reuters) - A top official with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is pressing lawmakers to give regulators authority to dig into the books of any firm seeking to acquire significant interest in any registered market player. Without this, unregistered firms can buy their way into U.S.-regulated markets without meaningfully opening their books to regulators, she said. The Commission needs Congress to give the agency authority to conduct due diligence to protect customers and maintain market stability, she said. Questions have mounted over due diligence in crypto following a string of bankruptcies and the announcement in December of U.S. charges against FTX's founder and former head Sam Bankman-Fried for allegedly committing fraud. Reuters has previously reported details of FTX's strategy of "acquisitions for regulatory purposes", including Ledger X, which gave the company three CFTC licenses in one swoop.

Search resuls for: "Chris P"

25 mentions found