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☆ Apple is stepping up its Vision Pro pitch to Hollywood after soft sales and mixed response to the headset
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-11 | by ( Lucia Moses | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewApple is stepping up its efforts to get Hollywood to make content for the Vision Pro as it prepares to roll out the mixed-reality headset internationally to boost sales. Director Jon Favreau brought the dinosaurs on his Apple TV+ show "Prehistoric Planet" to life through a spinoff for Vision Pro. Apple is talking up Vision Pro to talent agencies, filmmakers, and producers to fill the pipeline. Apple TV+ produces some, but not all, of the immersive content that's available on Vision Pro. AdvertisementLike the rest of Apple TV+'s shows and movies, Apple doesn't want controversial content for the Vision Pro lest it undermine sales of its consumer electronics overall.

Persons: —, creatives, James Cameron raved, Jon Favreau, stampeded, Alicia Keys, Chris Parnell, David Manpearl, there's, Parnell, Peter Kafka Organizations: Service, Hollywood, Vision, Business, Apple, Vision Pro, Disney, Netflix, YouTube

☆ Will Smith is officially forgiven with 'Bad Boys: Ride or Die'
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Jason Guerrasio | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

"Bad Boys: Ride or Die" was the No. AdvertisementSmith pulled off his comeback by laying low and focusing on the movieWill Smith and Martin Lawrence in "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." He only returned to social media again while making "Bad Boys: Ride or Die." AdvertisementWith Smith focusing solely on the movie, fans were reminded again of Will Smith, the movie star, not Will Smith, the maybe-still-controversial celebrity. Suddenly, Marcus slaps Mike across the face, screaming, "Bad boy, Mike, bad boy!!"

Persons: —, Will Smith's, Will Smith, Serena, Venus Williams, King Richard, he'd, Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett, Smith, Chris Pizzello, Oppenheimer, It's, Bob Bagby, Martin Lawrence, Paul Dergarabedian, Weeks, Lawrence, influencers, Max, Guy, Mike, Marcus, Brian Schultz Organizations: Service, Business, Dolby Theatre, B, Dallas, American, Miami, Sony, Apple, NBA, LOOK Locations: Los Angeles, Crenshaw

☆ The US military has a plan to turn the Taiwan Strait into an 'unmanned hellscape' if China invades, top admiral says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-10 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewIf China invades Taiwan, it may face a large, lethal drone force meant to make its military "miserable." At least that's the plan, according to the top US admiral in the Pacific, who said the "Hellscape" strategy is designed to distract China and buy the US time to respond. "I want to turn the Taiwan Strait into an unmanned hellscape using a number of classified capabilities," Adm. Samuel Paparo, the commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, told The Washington Post at the International Institute for Strategic Studies' Shangri-La Dialogue Summit. She said that "we'll counter the [People's Liberation Army's] mass with mass of our own, but ours will be harder to plan for, harder to hit, harder to beat." Paparo's remarks on the "Hellscape" strategy come on the heels of a massive Chinese military drill around Taiwan, during which it effectively surrounded the island and showed off joint force capabilities.

Persons: —, Adm, Samuel Paparo, SERGEI SUPINSKY, Kathleen Hicks, Hicks, Replicator, Paparo Organizations: Service, Pacific Command, Washington Post, International Institute for Strategic Studies, Dialogue, Business, Department of Defense, Army, Drones, Getty, Pentagon, Japan's Nikkei Locations: China, Taiwan, Pacific, Taiwan Strait, Kyiv, AFP, Replicator

☆ Ukraine shows even the toughest tanks can't go to war anymore without cage armor to shield them from exploding drones
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-09 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Read previewThe heavily armored M1 Abrams tank is widely regarded as one of the best and toughest tanks in Ukraine today, but even it can't ride out without cages to shield it from drones. Main battle tanks often sport large, welded "cope cages" to stop exploding drones from taking them out. pic.twitter.com/gdw5LyGENi — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) May 24, 2024Photos shared online last month showed a US-supplied M1A1 Abrams tank with improvised cages. Ukraine's new Abrams tank cage looks like it could be more purposefully designed to add another layer of protection and potentially increase the survivability of the crew. Now, learning from drone usage in Ukraine to improve the coming Abrams and future Bradley replacement is vital.

Persons: —, Abrams, Mark Cancian, that's, Mick Ryan, Ryan, they've, 8oBB6119kn, Bradley, Cancian Organizations: Service, Business, Marine, Center for Strategic, International Studies, Abrams, SPH Locations: Ukraine, Russian, Iraq, Afghanistan, Australian, Ukrainian, Gaza, Russia

☆ The US just carried out back-to-back ICBM launches, keeping the Minuteman III sharp until a new missile comes online
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The US conducted two intercontinental ballistic missile tests this week. The missiles were unarmed and not in reaction to current world events, the Air Force said. The Minuteman III missiles are slated to be replaced in the 2030s. AdvertisementThe US conducted back-to-back intercontinental ballistic missile tests this week to ensure the silo-based leg of the US nuclear triad is working as it should. The tests of the Minuteman III demonstrate the readiness and reliability of the weapon, Air Force Global Strike Command said, as work on the next ICBM continues amid budget issues and delays.

Persons: —, AFGSC Organizations: US, Air Force, Minuteman, Service, Air Force Global Strike Command, Vandenberg Space Force, Space Force Guardians, Business Locations: California

☆ D-Day invasion veteran calls Ukraine's Zelenskyy a 'savior of the people' at an 80th anniversary event in Normandy
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-06 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A D-Day veteran and Ukraine's president Zelenskyy shared a moment at the 80th anniversary event in Normandy. The veteran called Zelenskyy a "savior of the people" and told him he prays for him. AdvertisementAt an event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the D-Day invasion, a veteran shared a moment with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. In the video, shared online during Thursday's anniversary event in Normandy, France, the veteran and Zelenskyy shook hands and shared a hug. President Zelenskyy salutes a World War II veteran during the event commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Allied landings in Normandy.pic.twitter.com/K2pHyjYftt — UNITED24 Media (@United24media) June 6, 2024"You're the savior of the people," the veteran said, telling Zelenskyy it brings tears to his eyes.

Persons: Zelenskyy, —, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Emmanuel Macron, Joe Biden, Macron, Biden Organizations: Service, Business, UNITED24, Omaha Beach, Western Locations: Normandy, Ukraine, France, Normandy.pic.twitter.com, Europe, Nazi Germany

☆ If the US doesn't win the electronic warfare fight, the joint force will 'lose' and 'lose very quickly,' Air Force commander says
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewFuture wars could be decided by electronic warfare like Russia and Ukraine are using right now to interrupt communications, defeat unmanned platforms, and even degrade precision weaponry. For the US, if it doesn't dominate that invisible domain and win the fight in the electromagnetic spectrum, it will "lose" and do so "very quickly," an Air Force wing commander said. Gen. Ed Barker, the Program Executive Officer for Intelligence, Electronic Warfare and Sensors, and US Air Force Col. Josh Koslov, commander of the 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing, discussed the challenges facing the US in the electronic warfare space and the efforts to find solutions to these problems. Related VideoA man holds a portable electronic warfare system at an event in Ukraine earlier this year. Increased US interest in it more recently has been driven by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where electronic warfare tactics, such as GPS spoofing and signal jamming, have shaped the fighting.

Persons: —, Ed Barker, Josh Koslov, Koslov, Barker, Simon Mictizic, it's, Daniel Patt, YURIY DYACHYSHYN, Patt, Denis Abramov Organizations: Service, Air Force, Business, C4ISRNET Conference, US, Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, US Air Force, 350th Spectrum Warfare, Getty, US Army's 1st Infantry Division, US Army, Staff, Hudson Institute, JDAMs . Volunteers, Ukrainian, Kvertus, Russian Defense Ministry, Mil.ru Locations: Russia, Ukraine, China, JDAMs, Lviv region, AFP, Russian

☆ A US supersonic bomber dropped 500-pound bombs in its first live-fire bombing drill on the Korean peninsula in 7 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewA US supersonic bomber joined South Korea's Air Force for a live-fire training exercise, conducting runs with 500-pound bombs. The bomber, along with the South Korean military aircraft, "successfully released live GBU-38, 500-pound joint direct attack munitions, simultaneously striking multiple simulated targets." U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer from the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron receives a bird bath at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, June 3, 2024, in support of a Bomber Task Force mission. At that time, North Korean weapons testing and provocations prompted US and South Korean forces to regularly fly in the area, conducting training exercises to deter North Korea. A year earlier, North Korea twice tested a nuclear weapon, and then it did so again in 2017.

Persons: —, 17uKEhOJTG, H8KoOFOKks, Guy Plopsky, Christian Hoover, Audree Campbell, Donald Trump, PACOM, 1Bs Organizations: Service, South Korea's Air Force, Business, US Air Force, 37th Expeditionary Bomb, Anderson Air Force Base, South, South Korean, ROK, US Marine Corps, KC, 7th Air Force, . Air Force, 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Andersen Air Force Base, Bomber Task Force, North, US Pacific Command, US, Korean, Lancer Locations: Guam, Republic of Korea, South Korea, North Korea, South Korean, Korean, Japan, South

☆ The best-performing EV stock this year is a school bus manufacturer
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-05 | by ( Matthew Fox | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

The bus manufacturer has seen a boom in its EV bus business thanks to a $5 billion government program. AdvertisementThe school bus manufacturer sold a record 210 electric school buses in the quarter and said it had an order backlog of about 500 electric buses, with bookings soaring 56% from the year-ago period. Helping fuel Blue Bird's EV school bus business is the US Environmental Protection Agency's Clean School Bus Program, which was established in the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and provides $5 billion in funding to replace diesel school buses with electrified buses. AdvertisementAccording to research from Barclays, an electric school bus can sell for more than $300,000 compared to just $100,000 for traditional school buses. "EV school bus growth is in the early innings.

Persons: —, Blue Bird, Phil Horlock, Needham, Chris Pierce Organizations: Bird Corp, EV, Service, Blue Bird Corp, YCharts, School Bus Program, Law, Barclays, Bird

☆ Chinese companies are setting up shop anywhere but China — and the US
▼ + stars: | 2024-06-03 | by ( Huileng Tan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Chinese companies like social media giant TikTok and IT giant Lenovo are already globally competitive behemoths with compelling products. Admittedly, it's not a new move for Chinese companies to invest outside of China. Related storiesThis means Chinese companies will set up facilities overseas under their own brand or subsidiaries. In 2022, the German government blocked Chinese companies from taking stakes in two German chip companies, citing national security concerns and concerns over technology transfer. But even in today's complex geopolitical environment, Chinese companies are expected to continue venturing away from home, per EY.

Persons: —, Chris Pereira, it's, It's, Pereira, Loletta Chow Organizations: Service, Lenovo, Chery, Business, Intelligence, EV, US, EY, EY China Overseas Investment Network, & $ Locations: China, New York, Asia, New York City, Swiss, Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, America, Qatar, Spain, Norway, EY China

☆ A top US admiral got a $500,000 job for steering a firm a sole-source contract, prosecutors allege
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A former top Navy admiral was arrested Friday on charges related to a bribery scheme. The Justice Department alleges Burke accepted bribes to steer work towards a company. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time by visiting our Preferences page or by clicking "unsubscribe" at the bottom of the email. AdvertisementA retired top US Navy admiral who briefly served as the second highest-ranking Navy officer was arrested Friday on federal charges related to a bribery scheme.

Persons: Burke, —, Robert Burke Organizations: Navy, Service, US, US Department of Justice, US Naval Forces, Business Locations: US Naval Forces Europe, Africa

☆ Russia's creeping advance is costing it 1,200 soldiers a day: Western intel
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The assessment attributes the elevated casualty rate to Russia's brutal ongoing offensive, noting that Russia's ability to replenish its units is stretched thin due to its consistent losses. According to Friday's intel from the UK Ministry of Defense, the average number of Russian personnel casualties was over 1,200 a day in May, the highest number reported since the war began. The ministry also said the total number of killed or wounded Russian soldiers since the February 2022 invasion is likely at 500,000. It's likely also the result of Russia rushing relatively inexperienced and untrained soldiers into battle, often in bloody head-on assaults. But Russia's high casualties also prevents it from training more capable units and keeping a majority of its troops in battle long enough to gain experience.

Persons: —, Stepanov, ISW, Oleksandr Syrskyi Organizations: Service, Business, intel, UK Ministry of Defense, Getty, Institute for, Washington DC, Ukrainian Locations: Russia, Kharkiv, AFP, Ukraine's, Washington, Ukraine, Ukrainian

☆ The Houthi's wild claim to have struck a US aircraft carrier is pure fiction
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-31 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

The Houthis' claim that they struck the USS Eisenhower is untrue, per a defense official. The Houthis claimed the missile attack was retaliation for Thursday US strikes in Yemen. The Eisenhower is a lead ship in the US Navy's response to the Houthis in the Red Sea. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementThe Houthis' claim that they struck a US aircraft carrier in the Red Sea with missiles is untrue, according to a US defense official.

Persons: Eisenhower, Houthis, —, Dwight D, Yahya Saree, Saree Organizations: Thursday, Service, Business Locations: Yemen, Red, Iranian

☆ China's military exercises last week 'looked like a rehearsal' for a Taiwan invasion, US' top officer in the Pacific says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-30 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

China's large-scale military exercises surrounding Taiwan last week "looked like a rehearsal" for an invasion, the US' top officer in the Pacific said. Related storiesIn the aftermath of the exercises, US lawmakers and officials have been responding with clear shows of support for Taiwan. The US would be dependent on Japan's bases to threaten a Chinese threat to Taiwan, as President Joe Biden has vowed. Taiwan's army held a military exercise following China's large-scale joint military drill around Taiwan on May 23, 2024. TAIWAN Military News Agency, Ministry of National Defense, R. O. C. / HANDOUTLast week's exercises weren't the first time China has held provocative exercises around Taiwan.

Persons: Adm, Samuel Paparo, Paparo, Joe Biden, Michael McCaul, McCaul, Nancy Pelosi, Party's Lai Ching, Tsai Ing Organizations: Service, Business, Pacific, Japan's Nikkei, TAIWAN Military News Agency, Ministry of National Defense, Democratic Locations: Taiwan, Beijing, US, China, United States, Taiwan's, Japan

☆ Japanese fighters tracked a Chinese supersonic drone spying on its bases
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-28 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

A Chinese supersonic spy drone was intercepted by Japan over the East China Sea. The WL-10/WZ-10 drone is a reconnaissance/attack drone with electronic warfare capabilities. The drone's flight path indicates it was flying near a Japanese base key to US airpower in the region. AdvertisementJapan intercepted the Chinese supersonic WL-10/WZ-10 drone over the East China Sea for the first time on Monday. The drone, which appears to mainly serve as a reconnaissance and electronic warfare platform with some strike capabilities, was flying near Japanese air defenses and a key base hosting US airpower.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Japan, East China, Japan's, Staff Office, Business Locations: Japan, East, China

☆ China's military isn't just putting on a show of force. It's rehearsing for the real deal, an assault on Taiwan.
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewChina's large-scale military drills around Taiwan aren't just a show of force in response to the remarks of the democratic island's new president. China says the joint force live-fire exercise, lasting two days, is a test of its ability to launch a full-scale, lethal assault on Taiwan and ultimately force it to succumb to Beijing's rule. An outdoor screen shows a news coverage of China's military drills around Taiwan, in Beijing on May 23, 2024. AdvertisementA screen grab captured from a video shows the Taiwan army conduct military exercise following China's large-scale joint military drill around Taiwan on May 23, 2024. The use of force against Taiwan could take different forms, from an all-out assault to something like a blockade.

Persons: —, It's, Stephen McDonell, Z1FdXUvXmN, JADE GAO, Party's Lai Ching, Lai Organizations: Service, Taiwan aren't, Business, People's Liberation Army, BBC China, China Central Television, People’s Liberation Army, Eastern, Command, Getty, China's Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard, Democratic, Taiwan's Military News Agency, Anadolu, Getty Images Locations: Taiwan, China, Beijing, Taiwan's, Getty Images Beijing

☆ Summer movie preview 2024: Sequels, some superheroes and more sequels are upon us
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-24 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +19 min

‘Summer Camp’ (May 31)Kathy Bates, Diane Keaton and Alfre Woodard in "Summer Camp." The movie, costarring Vanessa Hudgens, follows 2020’s “Bad Boys for Life” (it seems that title’s promise didn’t quite stick). The film looks dutifully creepy, and stars the talented Dakota Fanning (“Ripley”) as an artist who finds herself in a strange forest in Ireland. ‘Cuckoo’ (August 2)Hunter Schafer in “Cuckoo.” NEONStarring “Euphoria’s” Hunter Schafer in her first lead film role, this horror film looks positively creepy and a bit, well, cuckoo. ‘Blink Twice’ (August 23)A scene from “Blink Twice.” MGMJam packed with a starry cast, “Blink Twice” looks like a perfect late summer movie – attractive people, elaborate action sequences, and mindless mayhem.

Persons: Tom Burke, Anya Taylor, Joy, “, Max, ” Jasin Boland, Warner Bros . Pictures George Miller’s, Mad Max, Max Saga ”, Charlize Theron, ’, Furiosa, Chris Hemsworth, ‘, Garfield, Chris Pratt, Mario, “ Garfield, ”, Pratt, Samuel L, Jackson, Ving Rhames, Nicholas Hoult, Ted Lasso’s ” Hannah Waddingham, Brett Goldstein, Cecily Strong, Bowen Yang, ‘ Ezra ’, Robert DeNiro, Boby Cannavale, William A, Fitzgerald, “ Ezra, ” Wayferer, Robert De Niro, Bobby Cannavale, Rose Byrne, Whoopi Goldberg, Vera Farmiga, Tony Goldwyn, Ezra, Lokiz, Kathy Bates, Diane Keaton, Alfre Woodard, Quantrell Colbert, Eugene Levy, ” Keaton, Martin Lawrence, Will Smith, Frank Masi, Sony Pictures Will Smith, costarring Vanessa Hudgens, Georgina Campbell, Dakota Fanning, “ Ripley, Franka Potente, Tom Tykwer, “ Lola ”, –, Marks, Lola, Pixar’s Oscar, Riley, Amy Poehler, Maya Hawke, Stephen Fry, Lena Dunham, “ Wilde, Hong Chau, Jesse Plemons, Atsushi Nishijima, Oscar, Emma Stone, Yorgos Lanthimos, ” costarring Willem Dafoe, Margaret Qualley, Joe Alwyn, Mamoudou, Hunter Schafer, Jodie Comer, Austin Butler, Kyle Kaplan, Elvis, Butler, Costarring Tom Hardy, ‘ Thelma ’, Squibb, Fred Hechinger, Thelma, “ Thelma ”, Lupita, Gareth Gatrell, John Krasinski’s, Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Hounsou, Jamie Campbell Bower, Kevin Costner, Richard Foreman, Warner, ” Kevin Costner, Steve Carell’s, Well Ferrell, Mia Goth, Halsey, ” Justin Lubin, MaXXXine ”, Pearl ”, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Monaghan, Lily Collins, Giancarlo Esposito, Kevin Bacon, Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Dan McFadden, maven, Woody Harrelson costars, Longlegs ’, Maika Monroe, Nicolas Cage, Daisy Edgar, Jones, Anthony Ramos, Glen Powell, Melinda Sue Gordon, Bill Paxton, Helen Hunt, ‘ Deadpool, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Wolverine, Logan, Deadpool, Dìdi ’, Izaac Wang, “ Didi, ‘ Harold, Rel Howery, Benjamin Bottani, Zachary Levi, Harold, Hopper Stone, Crockett Johnson, “ Harold ”, “ Euphoria’s ” Hunter Schafer, Schafer, Dan Stevens, David “, ” Giraudy, Sean San José, Colman Domingo, “ Rustin, ” Colman Domingo, Domingo, ‘ Kneecap ’, ” Curzon, that’s, Michael Fassbender, Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Sabrina Lantos, hasn’t, Taylor Swift, Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively, Nicole Rivelli, Colleen Hoover, Costarring Justin Baldoni, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Cate Blanchett, Ariana Greenblatt, Kevin Hart, Florian Munteanu, Jamie Lee Curtis, they’re, “ Barbie, Romulus ’, David Jonsson, Andy, Romulus, Fede Alvarez, Priscilla ”, Spaeny –, Sigourney Weaver, Elliot Page, ” Elliot Page, Sam, Costarring Hillary Baack, Wendy Crewson, Channing Tatum’s, Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat, Kyle MacLachlan, Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Zoë Kravitz, Bill Skarsgard, Larry Horricks, Brandon Lee, James O’Barr, soulmate Shelly, Casey Affleck, Laurence Fishburne, Bleecker, Bleecker Street Laurence Fishburne, Saturn, ‘ Reagan ’, Dennis Quaid, Reagan, Rawhide Pictures Dennis Quaid, Ronald Reagan, Penelope Ann Miller, Nancy Reagan Organizations: CNN, Labor, Warner Bros . Pictures, Fury, Garfield, Mario Bros, Academy, ”, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros, Apple, Pixar, Searchlight, Magnolia Pictures, Squibb, “ Nebraska, Paramount Pictures, “, Sony, FBI, Lambs, Universal Pictures, Marvel, Century Fox, Disney, Columbia, Sundance, Warner Bros ., Lionsgate, Galaxy, Oscar, MGM, Bleecker Street, Rawhide Pictures Locations: Hollywood, New York City, Ireland, Berlin, “, Poland, Hong, 60s Chicago, “ MaXXXine, “ Longlegs, New York State, ‘, United States

☆ F-35s are going to be a 'game-changer' for US Navy amphibious assault ship and former 'Harrier carrier' USS Bataan, senior officer says
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The amphibious assault ship, currently docked in New York City for Fleet Week 2024, will undergo work to carry F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. The upgrade will be "game-changer" for the capabilities and future operations of the ship, a senior officer said. AdvertisementAn F-35B Lightning II fighter aircraft sits on the flight deck of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Essex. Ken Kalemkarian/releasedThe idea of a lightning carrier has roots in the "Harrier carrier" concept, which the Bataan notably employed in Iraq in 2003. Two U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II aircraft operate alongside amphibious assault ship USS Bataan (LHD 5) and guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) in the Gulf of Oman, Aug. 17, 2023.

Persons: —, it'll, Gerald R, Ford, Trace, Chandler Harrell, Brian Cavanaugh, Cpl, Ken Kalemkarian, Thomas Hudner, Cavanaugh, Lockheed Martin Organizations: Service, Bataan, Fleet, Business, US Navy, Marine Forces Command, US Navy Nimitz, Attack Squadron, Marine Corps Air, U.S . Air Force, US, USS, Lockheed Locations: New York City, Bataan, Essex, Yuma, Ariz, Iraq, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Gulf of Oman, USS America

☆ China's military is surrounding Taiwan, sending its new president an unmistakable message
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-23 | by ( Ella Sherman | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewThe Chinese armed forces began conducting large-scale military exercises around Taiwan on Thursday, just days after the island's newly elected president Lai Ching-te took office. Taiwan's defense ministry posted a video condemning Chinese actions, as well as showing the various locations around it where Chinese forces are operating. The CCP’s military exercises, which highlight its hegemony mindset, have undermined regional peace and stability. An outdoor screen shows a news coverage of China's military drills around Taiwan, in Beijing on May 23, 2024. Taiwanese soldiers stand guard as flares are fired during a Taiwanese military live-fire drill, after Beijing increased its military exercises near Taiwan, in Pingtung, Taiwan, 6 September 2022.

Persons: —, Lai Ching, It's Organizations: Service, Business, Coast Guard, Navy, ROC Armed Forces, 國防部 Ministry of National Defense Locations: Taiwan, China, Beijing, Taiwan's

☆ The next North Korea crisis could come this year
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewTensions are flaring between North Korea and South Korea, and it could lead to conflict sooner rather than later. If such a clash between North Korea and South Korea occurred, it could quickly spiral into wider conflict. SOPA Images via Getty ImagesA notable shift came earlier this year, when North Korea declared South Korea "our principal enemy" and threatened to "thoroughly annihilate" it along with the US if provoked. The move was alarming and likely partially influenced by the Yoon administration's harder stance against North Korea than South Korea's previous president, Moon Jae-in. Military members salute during a military demonstration involving tank units in North Korea.

Persons: —, Sue Mi Terry, Terry, Yoon Suk, Yoon, Kim Jong, Kim's, Moon Jae, Victor Cha, Andy Lim, Biden, Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Kim, Allison Hooker, Hooker Organizations: Service, South Korea's, Council, Foreign Relations, Foreign Affairs, Business, US, North, National Reunification, Government, KCNA, Reuters, Center for Strategic, Studies ' Capital, CSIS, REUTERS Times, Trump, National Security Council Locations: Korea, South Korea, North Korea, Korean, South, Japan, Asia, CSIS Korea, Hanoi, Russia, China, Ukraine, Taiwan

☆ A woman who won a free Virgin Voyages cruise said she would have to spend $8,000 on flights to claim the prize
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-21 | by ( Mikhaila Friel | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Read previewAn Australian woman who won a Virgin Voyages cruise said she and her partner would have to pay a combined $8,000 for flights due to a change in the ship's itinerary. In a video shared to Virgin Voyages' Instagram account in November, a flight attendant FaceTimed with Virgin founder Richard Branson to announce the prize. Advertisement"I am pleased to gift each adult on board a free Virgin Voyages cruise," Branson said. Balkrushna Potdar, a marketing lecturer at the University of Tasmania, told ABC that Morgan's story could potentially damage Virgin Voyages' brand. In September 2023, Virgin Voyages announced it had secured $550 million in funding managed by the Private Equity Group of Ares Management.

Persons: —, Morgan, Richard Branson, Branson, Chris Putnam, Balkrushna, Potdar, Scarlet Lady, Ares Management Organizations: Service, Virgin, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ABC, Business, Virgin Airlines, Virgin Voyages, Independent, Overseas, Miami, Virgin's PR, BI, Voyages, Virgin Australia Group, University of Tasmania, Private Equity Group, Ares Locations: Melbourne, Tasmania, Australia, New Zealand, Brisbane, Red, Quay, Sydney, Europe, Caribbean, San Juan, Tortola, Basseterre, St, John's, Fort, de, France, Castries, Kingstown, Hobart, Ireland, Scotland, Portsmouth, England

☆ I'm a US Army jumpmaster in the frozen Arctic, and the coldest jump I've ever made was -50 degrees Fahrenheit
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-18 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Micah Symmonds, a US Army jumpmaster in the 11th Airborne Division based in Alaska. There's a reason why so many people choose to be in an airborne division for their entire career. Especially being in the 11th Airborne Division, we have a very unique geographical position, so we're able to reach a lot of places in the Indo-Pacific region. And then becoming a jumpmaster, you're a leader in that organization, you really need to show the want and drive. On each jump, you're generally exiting from both parachute doors of an aircraft, and each door will have a jumpmaster.

Persons: Micah Symmonds, It's, I've, Keon Horton, Natalie Doan, They've, Molly Treece, there's, it's Organizations: Service, US Army, 11th Airborne Division, Business, 11th Airborne, U.S . Army, 3rd Battalion, 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Pacific Multinational Readiness, Donnelly Training, U.S, Army, U.S . Army 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 36th Airlift Squadron, Yokota Air Base, . Air Force, Boeing, Delta Junction Locations: Alaska, Guam, Australia, Thailand, Philippines, Kuwait, jumpmaster, balaclava, Japan, Delta, AK

☆ The US is worried about an invasion, but China could take control of Taiwan without firing a shot, war experts warn
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Defense experts say that an aggressive Chinese coercion campaign, short of war but still threatening, is more likely than a full-scale invasion and the US needs to prepare for such an event. Economic and diplomatic pressure is notable, and Chinese misinformation operations and the potential to slowly set up a blockade of Taiwan are also concerns. Annabelle Chih/Getty ImagesThe report identifies four things key to resisting Chinese coercion. CM-11 tanks fire artillery during the 2-day live-fire drill, amid intensifying threats military from China, in Pingtung county, Taiwan, 7 September 2022.

Persons: —, Han, Annabelle Chih, MANDY CHENG, Lai Ching, Lai, Ceng Shou Yi, John Aquilano, Xi, Aquilano, Carlos Del Toro, Frank Kendall Organizations: Service, Business, American Enterprise Institute, Institute for, Liberation Army, PLA, AEI, Cobra, Getty, Democratic Progressive Party, Taiwan, Getty Images, US, Pacific Command, US Armed Services, Air Force, Department of Defense Locations: Taiwan, China, Pingtung, US, Pacific, Hualien, AFP, Pingtung county, Guam, Japan

☆ Norman Lear bought a Hockney painting for $78,000. Now it could sell for up to $35 million
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Jack Guy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A David Hockney painting bought by famed US screenwriter and producer Norman Lear for $78,000 is expected to fetch up to $35 million at auction. “A Lawn Being Sprinkled” is going under the hammer as part of a sale of the collection of Norman Lear and Lyn Davis Lear that is estimated to bring in more than $50 million, according to a statement from auction house Christie’s. Lear paid what was a record-breaking price for a Hockney work when he acquired the painting in 1978, according to the auction house, but nowadays the artist’s most valuable pieces sell for tens of millions rather than tens of thousands. Norman Lear pictured in 2020. Chris Pizzello/Invision/APBorn in Bradford, northern England, Hockney traveled to California in 1964 and subsequently spent many years there, painting some of his best known works.

Persons: David Hockney, Norman Lear, Lyn Davis Lear, Lear, Hockney, Ed Ruscha’s, Willem de Kooning, Robert Rauschenberg, Ellsworth Kelly, Daniel Leal, ” Christie’s, ”, Norman, Lyn, Max Carter, Chris Pizzello Organizations: CNN, Getty, Times Locations: Los Angeles, Bradford, England, California

☆ The US Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan, is leaving Japan after nearly a decade in the Pacific
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-16 | by ( Ella Sherman | Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Read previewThe USS Ronald Reagan, the only aircraft carrier in the US Navy forward deployed, or permanently stationed in another country, is leaving Japan after spending nearly a decade in the Pacific. Related storiesIn 2021, USS Ronald Reagan briefly left its forward-deployed position to provide air support during US withdrawal operations in Afghanistan. USS Ronald Reagan traveling through the Straits of Magellan, to San Diego, CA, in a transfer move. US Navy/Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Elizabeth ThompsonThe USS Ronald Reagan already had a history of cooperation with Japan prior to its deployment. "Whether it's aboard USS Ronald Reagan today or USS George Washington in the future, we will continue to strengthen those ties at all levels, on-shore and at-sea."

Persons: —, Ronald Reagan, Ronald Reagan Sailors, Daryle Cardone, Ronald Reagan's, Reagan, Photographer's, Elizabeth Thompson, USS George Washington, George Washington, Greg Newkirk, Anthony Wallace, Gerald R Organizations: Service, US Navy, Business, Nimitz, Carrier Strike, CSG, Fleet, USS, Japan, Self, Defense Force, Navy, Aircraft, Getty, Pacific . Aircraft, US, Pacific Locations: Japan, Yokosuka, China, Afghanistan, Magellan, San Diego , CA, Bremerton , Washington, Israel, Iran, Gaza, Pacific, Russia, North Korea

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