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☆ BlackBerry to separate IoT and cybersecurity businesses, plans IPO
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 4 (Reuters) - Canadian technology company BlackBerry (BB.TO), said on Wednesday it would separate its Internet of Things (IoT) and cybersecurity business units and target a subsidiary initial public offering for the IoT business next fiscal year. BlackBerry joins a number of companies that have split their units in recent years, favoring a leaner corporate structure to help investors better evaluate their separate businesses. BlackBerry said in May it would consider strategic options for its portfolio of businesses that could include the possible separation of one or more of its businesses. Last year, it pulled the plug on its smartphones business and has since been trying to sell its legacy patents related to its mobile devices. IoT revenue was $49 million, while cybersecurity revenue came in at $79 million.

Persons: Mike Blake, Johnson, John Chen, BlackBerry, Savyata Mishra, Samrhitha, Shilpi Majumdar, Shinjini Organizations: REUTERS, BlackBerry, Kellogg, Healthcare, Johnson, General Electric, Reuters, Veritas Capital, Thomson Locations: Irvine , California, U.S, Canadian, Waterloo , Ontario, Bengaluru

[1/2] A Kaiser Permanente health care center is pictured in Anaheim, California, U.S., October 3, 2023 as more than 75,000 Kaiser Permanente healthcare workers could go on strike from Oct. 4 to Oct. 7 across the United States. REUTERS/Mike Blake Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Kaiser Permanente FollowWASHINGTON, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Kaiser Permanente appeared headed for a labor clash with 75,000 of its healthcare workers as union leaders said contract talks had stalled on Tuesday, leaving the two sides hours away from a threatened three-day strike in several states. Kaiser said its hospitals and emergency departments would remain open in the event of a strike, staffed by doctors, managers and other non-union "contingency workers." As of Tuesday, the Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions said the healthcare giant had yet to offer acceptable terms to address severe staffing shortages, or to embrace adequate improvements in pay and benefits sought by the workers. Staffing levels have been a major sticking point, with the union insisting Kaiser needs to hire 10,000 new healthcare workers to fill current vacancies.

Persons: Mike Blake, Kaiser Permanente, Kaiser, Caroline Lucas, Hilary Costa, Ahmed Aboulenein, Steve Gorman, Bill Berkrot, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Kaiser Permanente, Permanente, REUTERS, D.C, Union, Coalition, Kaiser Permanente Unions, Kaiser, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics, Thomson Locations: Anaheim , California, U.S, United States, California , Oregon, Washington, , Colorado, Virginia, Georgia, Hawaii, California , Colorado , Oregon, Los Angeles

☆ Insider Today: Amazon's secret search plan
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Dan Defrancesco | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

AdvertisementAdvertisementThe retail giant is overhauling its search bar with ChatGPT-like features that'll act as a sort of concierge for customers, offering expert answers and product suggestions. Dubbed Project Nile, Amazon's top leaders, including CEO Andy Jassy, view the new search bar as a top priority. AdvertisementAdvertisementHowever, Amazon's overhauled search bar will arguably be the most impactful implementation of generative AI from Big Tech for US consumers thus far. insider intelligenceIn reading Eugene's piece, three follow-up questions immediately came to mind:How will Amazon sellers try and game the new search bar? However, Joseph Sirosh serves as VP of Amazon Search and Alexa Shopping, suggesting Alexa could get a much-needed boost from the new search bar.

Persons: —, Mike Blake, Alyssa Powell, Amazon's, Andy Jassy, Eugene Kim, Joseph Sirosh, Alexa, TikTok, Ben Sun, Anu Duggal, Susan Lyne, Josh Wolfe, Matt Harris, Jillian Williams, Melissa Kwan, Sergey Brin, Brin, Hugo Herrera, Sam Bankman, Fried, Dan DeFrancesco, Naga Siu, Hallam Bullock, Lisa Ryan Organizations: Service, Reuters, Nile, Microsoft, Big Tech, Alexa, Amazon Search, Getty, Wall Street, BBG Ventures, Lux Capital, Apple, Bain Capital Ventures, Cowboy Ventures, Prosecutors, BET, MLB, American League and National League, Houston Astros Locations: Atlanta, Sonoma , California, New York City, San Diego, London, New York

A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives on autopilot along the 405 highway in Westminster, California, U.S., March 16, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsCompanies Tesla Inc FollowOct 2 (Reuters) - In a victory for Tesla (TSLA.O), a judge has ruled that a group of vehicle owners must pursue claims that the company misled about its Autopilot features in individual arbitration rather than court. The ruling means Tesla will not have to face class action claims on behalf of much larger groups of vehicle owners. A fifth plaintiff who did not sign an arbitration agreement waited too long to sue, Gilliam ruled in dismissing that plaintiffs' claims. The company moved to send the claims to arbitration, citing the plaintiffs' acceptance of the arbitration agreement.

Persons: Mike Blake, Tesla, District Judge Haywood Gilliam, Gilliam, Andrew Kirtley, Kirtley, Daniel Wiessner, Alexia Garamfalvi, Deepa Babington Organizations: Tesla, REUTERS, U.S, District, Thomson Locations: Westminster , California, U.S, Oakland , California, California, Los Angeles, Albany , New York

A Tesla Model 3 vehicle drives on autopilot along the 405 highway in Westminster, California, U.S., March 16, 2022. The ruling marks a significant victory for Tesla, as it means the company will not have to face class action claims on behalf of much larger groups of vehicle owners. A fifth plaintiff who did not sign an arbitration agreement waited too long to sue, Gilliam ruled in dismissing that plaintiff's claims. The company moved to send the claims to arbitration, citing the plaintiffs' acceptance of the arbitration agreement. Gilliam on Saturday rejected claims by the plaintiffs that the agreements signed by four of the plaintiffs were unenforceable.

Persons: Mike Blake, Tesla, District Judge Haywood Gilliam, Gilliam, plaintiff's, Daniel Wiessner, Alexia Garamfalvi, Deepa Babington Organizations: Tesla, REUTERS, Tesla Inc, U.S, District, Thomson Locations: Westminster , California, U.S, California, Los Angeles, Albany , New York

☆ Digital World, Trump's media firm add new termination clause to merger deal
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The move comes weeks after Digital World investors voted to give up to a one-year extension to complete the much-delayed deal. The blank-check firm amended the merger agreement on Sept. 29, according to the filing, which also disclosed that Digital World can terminate the agreement only in that three-week period in November. Digital World has faced a series of challenges since it stuck a merger deal with Trump Media & Technology Group (TMTG) on October 2021. If the merger closes, Trump Media would gain access to more than $1 billion in cash from DWAC's institutional investors, such as hedge funds. According to a Feb. 2, 2021 services agreement, Trump controls 90% of Trump Media.

Persons: Donald Trump, Mike Blake, Donald Trump's, DWAC's, Jaspreet Singh, Anil D'Silva Organizations: U.S, Republican, California Republican Party, REUTERS, Digital, Securities and Exchange Commission, Trump Media & Technology, U.S . Department of Justice, SEC, Trump Media, Trump, Thomson Locations: Anaheim , California, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ Donald Trump to appear in New York court for civil fraud trial
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump appears at the fall convention of the California Republican Party in Anaheim, California, U.S., September 29, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 2 (Reuters) - Donald Trump said he will appear in a New York court on Monday at the beginning of a civil fraud trial in which the former president will face what he said was a "sham" accusation that he fraudulently inflated the value of properties and other assets. Trump lashed out in his post at New York state Attorney General Letitia James and the judge in the case, who Trump called "unfair, unhinged, and vicious in his pursuit of me". See you in Court - Monday morning," Trump said in his post, referring to the judge and the case. James is seeking at least $250 million in penalties, a ban on Trump and his sons, Donald Jr and Eric, from running businesses in New York, and a five-year commercial real estate ban against Trump and the Trump Organization.

Persons: Donald Trump, Mike Blake, Trump, Letitia James, Arthur Engoron, James, Donald Jr, Eric, Nilutpal Timsina, Robert Birsel Organizations: U.S, Republican, California Republican Party, REUTERS, Trump, Trump Organization, Thomson Locations: Anaheim , California, U.S, New York, Palm Beach , Florida, Bengaluru

☆ Kaiser Permanente workers say deal unlikely to avert strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

The newly constructed Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center hospital is shown in San Diego, California, U.S. April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 1 (Reuters) - The coalition of unions representing healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente said late on Saturday it is unlikely there will be a new agreement with the healthcare provider, as their current contract expires and the unions prepare for strike action. The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions said it and the company remained far apart on important issues. Earlier in September, more than 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers called for a strike from Oct. 4 to Oct. 7 across California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Virginia and Washington DC, in what would be the largest healthcare workers' strike, according to the coalition. Workers of the coalition are demanding resolution on a short-staffing crisis, a pay increase and an improvement in medical plans.

Persons: Mike Blake, Kaiser Permanenete, Jahnavi Nidumolu, Jose Joseph, Hugh Lawson, Nick Zieminski Organizations: Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, REUTERS, Kaiser Permanente, Coalition, Kaiser Permanente Unions, Reuters, Washington DC, . Workers, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics, Auto, Detroit Three, Ford, Motors, Chrysler, Thomson Locations: Kaiser, San Diego , California, U.S, California , Oregon, Washington , Colorado, Virginia, Washington, United States, Bengaluru

☆ Kaiser Permanente workers say they are unlikely to reach deal to avert strike
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The newly constructed Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center hospital is shown in San Diego, California, U.S. April 17, 2017. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 1 (Reuters) - The coalition of unions representing healthcare workers at Kaiser Permanente said late on Saturday it is unlikely there will be a new agreement with the healthcare provider, as their current contract expires and the unions prepare for strike action. The Coalition of Kaiser Permanente Unions said it and the company remained far apart on important issues. Earlier in September, more than 75,000 Kaiser healthcare workers called for a strike from Oct. 4 to Oct.7 across California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, Virginia and Washington DC, in what would be the largest healthcare workers' strike, according to the coalition. Workers of the coalition are demanding resolution on a short staffing crisis, a pay increase and an improvement in medical plans.

Persons: Mike Blake, Jahnavi, Hugh Lawson Organizations: Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, REUTERS, Kaiser Permanente, Coalition, Kaiser Permanente Unions, Washington DC, . Workers, U.S . Bureau of Labor Statistics, Detroit Three, Ford, Motors, Chrysler, Thomson Locations: Kaiser, San Diego , California, U.S, California , Oregon, Washington , Colorado, Virginia, Washington, United States, Bengaluru

☆ California governor vetoes bill offering unemployment pay to strikers
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Gavin Newsom, Governor, State of California speaks at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 2, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 30 (Reuters) - California Governor Gavin Newsom on Saturday vetoed a bill that would have paid unemployment benefits to striking workers, and had drawn strong support from labor unions and from his fellow Democrats in the state legislature. In rejecting the bill, Newsom noted that the state's unemployment trust fund is already nearing $20 billion in debt. The bill would have made workers out on strike for at least two weeks eligible for unemployment checks. The vast majority of states, with the exception of New York and New Jersey, do not offer unemployment benefits to striking workers.

Persons: Gavin Newsom, Mike Blake, Newsom, Joseph Ax, Edmund Klamann Organizations: Milken, Global Conference, REUTERS, Democratic, Hollywood, Thomson Locations: State, California, Beverly Hills , California, U.S, Southern California, New York, New Jersey

☆ Grizzly bear attack in Canada's Banff National Park leaves two dead
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A snow covered road leads up a hill at dusk in Banff National Park near Lake Louise, Alberta December 2, 2011. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTORONTO, Oct 1 (Reuters) - Two people were found dead in a grizzly bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park, Parks Canada said in a statement. The response team arrived on-site overnight where they discovered two deceased individuals. An area closure around Red Deer and Panther valleys has been implemented and will remain in place until further notice, Parks Canada said. Banff National Park, which attracts more than four million tourists every year, is home to both grizzly and black bears.

Persons: Mike Blake, Nivedita Balu, Aurora Ellis Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Park, Parks, Parks Canada, Thomson Locations: Banff, Lake Louise , Alberta, Alberta's Banff, Parks Canada, Ya Ha, Red Deer, Toronto

[1/6] Former U.S. President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at the fall convention of the California Republican Party in Anaheim, California, U.S., September 29, 2023. "With your help, we're going to win the California primary," the former president said to a crowd of Republican activists and party members who gave him a raucous standing ovation when he took the stage at the California Republican Party convention in Anaheim, 25 miles (40 km) south of Los Angeles. But in the battle to become the Republican nominee, California offers the most valuable prize of all. The country's most populous state has 169 delegates up for grabs on March 5, in a race where winning delegates state by state determines who will capture the nomination. She said she had taken a look at DeSantis and other Republican candidates but still preferred Trump.

Persons: Donald Trump, Mike Blake, Trump, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, hadn't, Joe Biden, Nikki Haley, Haley, Lori Cisneros, Tim Reid, James Oliphant, Colleen Jenkins, Daniel Wallis, Cynthia Osterman, Michael Perry Organizations: U.S, Republican, California Republican Party, REUTERS, Rights, California, Trump, Reuters, Democratic, Social, United Nations, Port, Golden State, Thomson Locations: Anaheim , California, U.S, Rights ANAHEIM , California, California, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Florida, Lago, Georgia, Arizona, South Carolina, Port of Los Angeles, Golden, Tehachapi , California

☆ Citigroup has 'no room for bystanders' in reorganization, CEO says
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( Tatiana Bautzer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jane Fraser CEO, Citi, speaks at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California, U.S., May 1, 2023. REUTERS/Mike BlakeNEW YORK (Reuters) - Citigroup CEO Jane Fraser said on Friday that top employees were on board with the company’s sweeping reorganization, and that there was “no room for bystanders” in the bank’s biggest overhaul in almost two decades. “The case for change is pretty clear - our people want to succeed and our highest performers got behind this very quickly,” Fraser told CNBC. The company began discussions about layoffs soon after announcing the reorganization, sources close to the situation told Reuters this month. Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan also predicted the economy would achieve a soft landing in comments earlier this week.

Persons: Jane Fraser, Mike Blake NEW, ”, ” Fraser, Fraser, Brian Moynihan Organizations: Citi, Milken, Global Conference, REUTERS, Mike Blake NEW YORK, Citigroup, CNBC, Federal Reserve, Bank of America Locations: Beverly Hills , California, U.S

☆ Volkswagen - production back to normal after major IT outage
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Production is back to normal across all Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) brands and regions, a company spokesperson said on Friday after an IT outage earlier this week caused most of its German plants to halt production. "Individual systems may still be affected in a transitional phase," the spokesperson said. Reporting by Chris Steitz, Writing by Friederike Heine, Editing by Rachel MoreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Mike Blake, Chris Steitz, Friederike Heine, Rachel More Organizations: Los Angeles Auto, REUTERS, Rights, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S

☆ Volkswagen: to build Trinity model at Zwickau, no further plant needed
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBERLIN, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) plans to build its Trinity electric vehicles (EV) at its factory in Zwickau, the company said in a statement on Friday. The carmaker added that its iconic Golf model would be "led into the electric future" at its main Wolfsburg plant. The Trinity electric car, which is to be based on the new SSP platform, was supposed to be launched in 2026. Volkswagen had initially planned to build a new factory for the model, but due to delays in developing the brand, the German carmaker was also considering converting its Wolfsburg factory.

Persons: Mike Blake, carmaker, Oliver Blume, Jan Schwartz, Friederike Heine, Miranda Murray Organizations: Los Angeles Auto, REUTERS, Rights, Trinity, Wolfsburg Warmenau, Volkswagen, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Zwickau, Wolfsburg

☆ VIEW US core inflation slows in August, consumer spending rises
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

With gasoline price surging, inflation as measured by the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index rose 0.4% in August after climbing 0.2% in July. In the 12 months through August, the PCE price index advanced 3.5% after rising 3.4% in July. The annual PCE inflation is also being lifted by a lower base of comparison last year. MARKET REACTION:STOCKS: U.S. stock futures extended gains after August PCE data BONDS: U.S. Treasury 10-year note yield extended its fall to 4.5363% after the data. And the consumer is now beginning to feel higher interest rates - the higher cost of financing debt is beginning to impact their finances."

Persons: Mike Blake, RANDY FREDERICK, CHARLES SCHWAB, DANIEL PORTO, KIM FORREST, PETER CARDILLO Organizations: REUTERS, Treasury, Global Finance, Markets, Thomson Locations: Carlsbad , California, U.S, AUSTIN , TEXAS, PITTSBURGH

☆ EV startup Fisker raises $150 mln from existing investor
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Electric-vehicle maker Fisker Inc. introduces the PEAR electric vehicle in Huntington Beach, California, August 3, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 29 (Reuters) - Fisker Inc (FSR.N) has raised $150 million from an existing institutional investor through the issue of convertible bonds with an additional $550 million in funding available, the electric-vehicle startup said on Friday. The EV company expects to use the proceeds to ramp up deliveries. Fisker earlier this month reiterated its plan to increase deliveries of its flagship Ocean sports utility vehicle to 300 units per day later this year. The new investment follows a previously announced convertible notes offering of $340 million in July to the unnamed investor.

Persons: Mike Blake, Tanya Jain, Sriraj Organizations: Fisker Inc, REUTERS, Fisker, EV, Ocean, Thomson Locations: Huntington Beach , California, Bengaluru

☆ US economy remains resilient in second quarter; labor market tight
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Tight labor market conditions continue to prevail, with the number of Americans filing new claims for unemployment benefits rising slightly last week, other data showed on Thursday. Some economists believe that the economy's resilience and tight labor market could give the Federal Reserve ammunition to raise interest rates again in November. Reuters GraphicsSTRONG LABOR MARKETThe economy is being underpinned by a resilient labor market, which is driving strong wage gains. The labor market has continued to hold its own so far. The unemployment rate increased to 3.8% in August from 3.5% in July.

Persons: Mike Blake, Christopher Rupkey, Lucia Mutikani, Paul Simao Organizations: Port, REUTERS, Federal Reserve, Gross, Reuters Graphics, U.S . House, United Auto Workers, General Motors, Ford, Labor Department, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Port of Los Angeles, San Pedro , California, U.S, WASHINGTON, New York

☆ Volkswagen restarts production after suffering major IT outage
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Christoph Steitz | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

A Volkswagen logo is seen during the press day at the Los Angeles Auto Show in Los Angeles, California, U.S. November 17, 2022. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsFRANKFURT, Sept 28 (Reuters) - Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) on Thursday said that a major IT outage, which had caused most of its German plants to halt production, was resolved overnight and its global production network was up and running again. "The IT infrastructure problems in the Volkswagen network were resolved during the course of the night and the network is stable again," Volkswagen said, without providing details on the impact or cause of the incident. The global production network is up and running, and production is expected to proceed as planned," it said, adding individual systems may still be affected during a transitional phase. "We need safety systems here that work," Wissing told broadcaster RTL/n-tv.

Persons: Mike Blake, Volker Wissing, Wissing, Christoph Steitz, Miranda Murray, Kim Coghill, Elaine Hardcastle Organizations: Los Angeles Auto, REUTERS, Rights, VW, Volkswagen, Porsche AG, Audi, Toyota, RTL, Thomson Locations: Los Angeles , California, U.S, Wolfsburg, Emden, Osnabrueck, Hanover, Dresden, Zwickau, Braunschweig, Kassel, Chemnitz, Salzgitter

☆ Opinion: When it comes to quality over quantity, this Republican contender nailed it
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( Sheena Mckenzie | Opinion Todd Graham | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

She didn’t need more speaking time because Haley valued quality over quantity. Regardless of the topic, I felt that Haley’s understanding of the issues and the depth of her answers were unrivaled. Pence was once the vice president of the United States, but on the debate stage he was anything but powerful. DDoug BurgumRobyn Beck/AFP/Getty ImagesWhen it comes to knowledge and experience solving problems, the governor of North Dakota is on par with Haley. At one moment in the debate, Burgum demanded (not kidding — he actually said the word demand) to be allowed to speak.

Persons: Todd Graham, he’s, —, Nikki Haley Mike Blake, Nikki Haley, Haley, Donald Trump, Ron DeSantis Mike Blake, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, ’, Chris Christie, It’s, Mike Pence Mark J, Terrill, Mike Pence, Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ramaswamy, that’s, Doug Burgum Robyn Beck, Doug Burgum’s, hasn’t, Burgum, Dana Perino, Perino, Chris Christie Robyn Beck, Trump, Christie, Vivek Ramaswamy Robyn Beck, Ramaswamy can’t, “, Tim Scott Robyn Beck, Tim Scott, Scott, I’m, Barack Obama Organizations: Southern Illinois University, Facebook, Twitter, CNN, United Nations, Republican, Trump, New, New Jersey Gov, ’ Research, Getty, Fox News, FedEx Locations: South Carolina, China, Ukraine, New Jersey, Russia, United States, AFP, North Dakota

☆ In pictures: Republicans seek breakout in second presidential primary debate
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

[1/23]Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and former biotech executive Vivek Ramaswamy debate each other during the second Republican primary debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, September 27, 2023. REUTERS/Mike BlakeSIMI VALLEY, United States

Persons: Ron DeSantis, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ronald Reagan, Mike Blake SIMI Organizations: Florida, Republican, Ronald Reagan Presidential, REUTERS Locations: Simi Valley , California, Mike Blake SIMI VALLEY, United States

☆ Hollywood studios, actors on strike to resume talks next week
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 27 (Reuters) - Hollywood studios and negotiators for Hollywood actors on strike will hold talks on Oct. 2, both side said in a joint statement on Wednesday, in the first such meeting in months. The SAG-AFTRA actors union, Hollywood's largest with 160,000 members, walked off the job in July asking for higher pay and for curbs on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment, demands similar to Hollywood writers. Other demands from actors include limits on self-taped auditions used in casting, which they argue are more costly than in-person readings. They also want hair and makeup artists who can work with various hair textures and skin tones, to ensure equity for all performers.

Persons: Mike Blake, Walt Disney, AFTRA, Urvi, Himani Sarkar, Miral Organizations: Writers Guild of America, Disney Studios, REUTERS, Hollywood, SAG, Alliance, Television Producers, Walt, Netflix, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ California minimum wage for fast food workers raised to $20 an hour
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 28 (Reuters) - Fast food workers in California will earn a minimum of $20 an hour starting in April under a new bill signed into law on Thursday by Governor Gavin Newsom. "The future happens here first," Newsom said at an event in Los Angeles, with labor officials and fast food workers flanking him. Labor unions, meanwhile, dropped their push to hold fast food corporations liable for violations committed by their franchisees. There are more than 550,000 fast food workers at 30,000 locations statewide, Newsom said. The overall minimum wage in California is $15.50 an hour, among the highest of any state.

Persons: Gavin Newsom, Mike Blake, Newsom, We're, Joseph Ax, Josie Kao Organizations: Milken, Global Conference, REUTERS, Labor, U.S, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Thomson Locations: State, California, Beverly Hills , California, U.S, Los Angeles

Republican presidential candidates talk over each other during the second Republican candidates' debate of the 2024 U.S. presidential campaign at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California, September 27, 2023. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a frequent Trump critic, chimed in, saying Trump was "afraid" and mocking him as "Donald Duck" for skipping the debate. Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee for the November 2024 election, was also a frequent target for the Republican candidates, who castigated his handling of the economy and the southern border with Mexico. "They're all job candidates," Trump said dismissively of the seven Republicans at the debate. Haley, meanwhile, was hoping a second consecutive strong debate performance will convince some Republican donors she has the best odds of unseating Trump.

Persons: Ronald Reagan, Mike Blake, Donald Trump's, Joe Biden, Trump, Ron DeSantis, DeSantis, Chris Christie, chimed, Donald Duck, Mike Pence, Nikki Haley, Biden, Vivek Ramaswamy, Ramaswamy, Dana Perino, Iowa's, Haley, Doug Burgum, autoworkers, Tim Scott, Scott, Vladimir Putin, Tim Reid, Rami Ayyub, Kanishka Singh, Jasper Ward, Eric Beech, Gram Slattery, Joseph Ax, Ross Colvin, Howard Goller Organizations: Republican, Ronald Reagan Presidential, REUTERS, Democratic, Trump, Reuters, Former New Jersey, United, United Nations, TikTok, U.S, Trump . North, Thomson Locations: Simi Valley , California, SIMI VALLEY , California, China, Wisconsin, Florida, United Nations, Mexico, Michigan, New York, COVID, Trump . North Dakota, Ukraine, Russia, Jasper, Princeton , New Jersey

SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. Writers and actors share common concerns, including the desire for higher pay and for curbs on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in entertainment. The Writers Guild of America (WGA), which went on strike May 2, reached a tentative deal with studios Sunday. Negotiators for the SAG-AFTRA actors' union have not held talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents Walt Disney (DIS.N), Netflix (NFLX.O) and other studios, since this summer. As with writers, actors are looking for compensation that reflects the value they bring to streaming, specifically, in the form of revenue sharing.

Persons: Mike Blake, Mel Shimkovitz, Walt Disney, AFTRA, Pedro Pascal, Bob Odenkirk, We're, Lisa Richwine, Dawn Chmielewski, Rollo Ross, Miral Organizations: Writers Guild of America, Disney Studios, REUTERS, Guild of America, Netflix, WGA, SAG, Alliance, Television Producers, Walt, Entertainment, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Los Angeles

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