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☆ I was charged $150 for missing a doctor's appointment. Turns out these fees are on the rise
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Annie Nova | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Eric Audras | Onoky | Getty ImagesIf you miss a doctor's appointment these days, you could get hit with a "no-show" fee of up to $100 — or more. But, she said, "to solve this problem is not to charge patients more fees, which many can't afford." For my appointment, I did get a call the day before from the doctor's office. Fees shouldn't hurt credit, still may be worth disputingWhen you make a doctor's appointment, ask about the office's policy around late cancellations and missed appointments, Donovan said. "Ultimately, these fees are discretionary and I would be reluctant to work with any office that inflexibly charged them," Donovan said.

Persons: Eric Audras, Caitlin Donovan, Janna, didn't, I'd, Adam Rust, Rust, Isabel Pavia, Donovan, you'll, inflexibly Organizations: Onoky, Patient Advocate Foundation, Consumer Federation of America Locations: Camden , New Jersey

☆ France's Macron Says Proposed EU-Mercosur Agreement Is 'Very Bad Deal'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( March | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

"As it is negotiated today, it is a very bad deal, for you and for us," Macron told businessmen in Sao Paulo while on a three-day trip to Latin America's largest economy, amid troubled talks over a free trade deal between the two economic blocs. "There is nothing that takes into consideration the subject of biodiversity and climate; nothing," Macron said. "Let's forge a new deal in light of our goals and reality, a trade deal that is responsible on development, climate and biodiversity." "It's true we lost an opportunity at the end of last year, but we should not give up on this deal." At upcoming G20 and COP summits in Brazil, Macron said he planned to push for more international standards to financially incentivize banks, firms and investors to decarbonize industrial processes and better preserve the environment.

Persons: Sarah Morland, Emmanuel Macron, Macron, Fernando Haddad, Haddad, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Lula, Jair Bolsonaro, Eduardo Simoes, Jonathan Oatis, Kylie Madry, Kim Coghill Organizations: Reuters, European Union, South American Mercosur, Brazilian Finance Locations: Brazil, Sao Paulo, France, Africa, Mexico City

☆ Larry Fink is concerned about the youth. Here are 5 key takeaways from the BlackRock CEO's letter to investors.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Michelle Abrego | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Fink, the chief executive of BlackRock, used his annual investor letter to warn of a looming "retirement crisis" facing the US and raise his concerns about disillusioned young people. This triggered criticisms on both sides of the aisle and became a major headache for Fink and the firm. He has avoided using the term ESG and repeatedly emphasized that BlackRock works with energy firms. Fink, who is 71 and has kept Wall Street guessing on his own retirement, also got personal with this letter. Fink is focused on "Energy pragmatism"The biggest opportunity in infrastructure, according to Fink, is around energy.

Persons: Larry Fink, Fink, . Fink, I've, Australia Fink Organizations: BlackRock, Business, DuPont, Cal Northridge, University of Michigan, Gen, Global Infrastructure Partners, Texas Permanent School Fund Locations: Calpers, Ottoman Empire, Australia, BlackRock, decarbonization

☆ Housing affordability has improved, but not by much
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Yuheng Zhan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The last time the typical household earned more than the median-priced home was in February 2021. AdvertisementMortgage rates have eased from multi-decade highs hit late last year, but housing affordability hasn't improved much in 2024. "For over a decade, America has been slowly marching toward a housing affordability crisis due to chronic underbuilding, and that crisis was kicked into overdrive when the pandemic homebuying boom fueled a meteoric rise in housing prices," said Redfin senior economist Elijah de la Campa. On the flip side, buyers in Anaheim, California were hit by the nation's biggest housing affordability crunch, as they needed 20% more income compared to the previous year. The median home price has climbed twice as much as the 6% rise in median household income over the past year.

Persons: Redfin, —, It's, Elijah de la, Campa Organizations: Service Locations: America, San Antonio , Texas, Anaheim , California

☆ Electrification could overwhelm energy grids. Startups are betting on AI to make sure that doesn't happen
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-25 | by ( Tasmin Lockwood | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

Today's energy grids are unable to keep up with the intense demand being heaped upon them. Globally, energy projects struggle to overcome permitting hurdles. Making smart grids a realityData was transmitted across a national energy grid for the first time in 2016. Startups selling them are hoping to alleviate pressure from physical grid infrastructure and allow operators to do more with the infrastructure they have. Victoria McIvor, an advisor to energy startups who was formerly an investor at the European climatetech firm World Fund, imagines a future where energy tariffs dictate when energy-intensive appliances run.

Persons: Rajesh Swaminathan, it's, Andrés Dancausa, Dancausa, Swaminathan, Victoria McIvor, Timothy Barat, Barat, Duncan Turner, SOSV, Turner, McIvor Organizations: Infrastructure, Service, International Energy Agency, Paris, Investors, Khosla Ventures, US Department of Energy, Fund, Octopus Energy, Continuum Industries, Software Locations: Europe, Ukraine, Portuguese, Amsterdam, California, London, VCs, Scottish

☆ Republican budget proposal would do away with universal free school lunches
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-24 | by ( Kenneth Niemeyer | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A 2025 budget proposal backed by 170 House Republicans would nix a universal free school lunch program. Only nine states provide free school lunch to all students right now. The budget aims to reform school lunch subsidies by eliminating the "community eligibility provision" from the federal School Lunch Program. The proposed RSC Budget would eliminate that provision to ensure school lunch provisions go to only "truly needy households," the report says. States with universal free lunch include California, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Main, Massachusetts, New Mexico, and Vermont.

Persons: nix, —, Kevin Hern of, Hern, Crystal FitzSimons, FitzSimons Organizations: Republicans, Republican, Service, Committee, Representatives, Budget, NYC Food Policy, Hunter College ., DC, Conservative, Food Research, Action Center Locations: NYC, California , Colorado , Illinois , Michigan, Minnesota, Main , Massachusetts, New Mexico, Vermont, Washington, Kevin Hern of Oklahoma

☆ TikTok is the No. 1 social-media app for Gen Z to shop on, but Facebook rules among millennials and boomers. Here are 4 key takeaways from a new survey on social shopping.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Marta Biino | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Almost 70% of US consumers have used a social-media platform to buy products, a new survey found. TikTok is the preferred platform for Gen Z to buy, while millennials and boomers still use Facebook. Here are 4 key takeaways from a survey of 1,000 Americans run by creator-management platform Grin. Over two thirds of Americans (68%) have bought products directly on social-media apps, and 26% buy products in-app more than once a week, a new survey from the creator-management platform Grin found. The majority were Gen Z and millennials, while about 30% were Gen Xers and boomers.

Persons: Grin, Xers, Instagram Organizations: YouTube, Business Locations: China, Southeast Asia

☆ Lawmakers release text of $1.2 trillion spending bill as shutdown deadline nears
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-21 | by ( Sahil Kapur | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers early Thursday morning released the text of a $1.2 trillion government funding bill negotiated by the White House and leaders of both parties to avoid a partial government shutdown this weekend. Those federal agencies are scheduled to shut down on Saturday if the funding package is not passed by Friday night. President Joe Biden has said he'll sign the bill, but it's unclear whether Congress has enough time to pass it before the deadline. It is the last remaining funding package that Congress has to pass this fiscal year, which ends after September. After the House passes the bill, the Senate will require unanimous consent to vote quickly.

Persons: Joe Biden, Mike Johnson, Johnson, Hakeem Jeffries, Biden, Chuck Schumer, Schumer, Mitch McConnell, — Frank Thorp Organizations: WASHINGTON — Lawmakers, White, Homeland Security, Defense, State, Labor, Health, Human Services, DHS, Internal Revenue Service, Republicans, House Republicans, House, Department of Homeland Security Locations: Washington, Washington , DC, D, Ky

☆ Teacher Shortages in America Are Holding Gen Z Students Like Me Back
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Vaishnavi Kumbala | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

AdvertisementWhile teachers, students, and parents have all tried their best to make it work, many students still end up with huge learning gaps. Teacher shortages tend to be framed as a workplace problem: We just need to incentivize and support teachers better. AdvertisementWhen teacher shortages compound, some students just stop showing up. Even before COVID, students struggled to remember concepts they learned in a previous course — but the teacher shortages have exacerbated the problem. If America doesn't address its teacher shortages today, it will be left with a worse, less educated tomorrow.

Persons: STAFF04201, I've, bode, Sarah, Richard Ingersoll, Ingersoll Organizations: Kansas State University, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Progress, Organization, Economic Cooperation, Development, US, America, Harvard University Center for Education Policy Research, Stanford University, Brookings Institution, National Center for Education Statistics, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, Vogue, The New York Times, The New Orleans Times Locations: New Orleans, —, Spanish, Rome, Orleans, Louisiana

☆ Fast-food diners are using loyalty apps to get deals on cheap — or free — food as prices soar
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-16 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

More diners are using restaurant loyalty apps to get cheap or free food. AdvertisementDiners are turning to fast-food loyalty apps for cheaper meals as years of price hikes catch up with customers. Many restaurant apps give diners points based on how much they spend, which can be redeemed for free food. AdvertisementPeople on Reddit say they're using loyalty apps to save money and get free meals. Some restaurant apps give diners points based on how much they spend.

Persons: McDonald's, —, Wendy's, Taco Bell, I've, Chipotle Martin Jennings, Jennings, Warren Colehour, Sharon Zackfia, William Blair, Annie Smith, Chris Kempczinski, Joe Erlinger, Erlinger, Laxman Narasimhan, Brady Brewer Organizations: Starbucks, Service, Bell Locations: Florida, Kentucky, Canada

☆ Home buyers and sellers to be spared automatic broker commissions under $418 million settlement
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-15 | by ( Rob Wile | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

The National Association of Realtors has agreed to a landmark settlement that would eliminate real estate brokers' long-standing automatic commissions, commonly of up to 6% of the purchase price. Instead, home buyers and sellers would be able to negotiate fees with their agents upfront. If the $418 million legal agreement is approved by a federal court, consumer advocates predict the ranks of real estate agents will thin, further driving down commission prices. "For years, anti-competitive rules in the real estate industry have financially harmed millions," said Benjamin Brown, managing partner at the Cohen Milstein law firm and one of the settlement's negotiators. "It's a bribe," Doug Miller, an attorney and longtime consumer advocate in the real estate industry, said of the commission-splitting arrangements.

Persons: Benjamin Brown, Cohen Milstein, Nykia Wright, Wright, —, Doug Miller Organizations: National Association of Realtors, NAR, MLS

☆ I pay $18 a month for a membership that gets me 50% off stays at new luxury hotels and a free coffee drink every day
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Sydney Edwards | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The membership comes with half-off discounts for stays at select new hotels and free coffee drinks. For $216 a year or $18 a month, members are promised deals on hotel stays, discounted meals, and free coffee at Ennismore partner brands. The membership also comes with a free barista-made drink every dayI've taken advantage of the free coffee and dining discounts offered through the membership. AdvertisementBeing able to work from a trendy spot while using my membership to get free coffee and dining discounts is pretty great. Since I live near some of the participating properties and eateries, I already feel like I'm getting a lot out of my membership.

Persons: Ennismore's, —, Ennismore, haven't, I'm, Sydney Edwards, I've, There's Organizations: Service, Hoxton Locations: Here's, Hoxton Vienna, London, Jakarta, Edinburgh, Perth, Nice, Copenhagen, Hoxton Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, Hoxton

☆ Biden wants to make it easier for people to buy their first home. But there aren't enough houses.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Filip De Mott | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

download the appSign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. But I'm not waiting," President Joe Biden said during Thursday's State of the Union address. The White House is stepping up as homeownership costs keep mounting, with over 90% of the market overvalued. AdvertisementIn order to unlock supply, Biden called for a one-year tax credit of $10,000 to families selling a starter home. Ahead of the speech, Zillow Chief Economist Skylar Olsen noted that the supply crunch is worse than the White House has laid out.

Persons: —, Biden, I'm, Joe Biden, homebuyers, David Dworkin, Skylar Olsen, unspent Organizations: Service, Biden Administration, Business, National Housing, CNBC, Treasury Department Locations: homebuyers, Thursday's State

☆ 'Love is Blind' fans are bashing the cookie-cutter Charlotte suburbs featured on the show. Here's how experts say they can be improved.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-07 | by ( Juliana Kaplan | Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

"Why aren't we talking about the most terrifying part of Love is Blind: this Charlotte housing development," one viewer posted on X alongside an aerial image of the newly-built cookie-cutter rowhouses. I think my favorite part of this season of Love is Blind is how horrible it makes Charlotte look as a city. But you're still doing the wrong thing," Toderian said of Blu South. "Some folks estimate that before this went into effect, about 84% of the residential land in Charlotte was restricted to only single-family housing," Lallinger said. Editor's note: March 7, 2024 — This article was updated after publication to include a comment from Blu South.

Persons: —, Netflix's, what's, Charlotte, who've, there's, Stefan Lallinger, Yongqiang Chu, Chu, it's, Brent Toderian, Toderian, Charlotte's, UDO, Lallinger, quadruplexes, Stephanie Watkins, Cruz, Watkins, townhomes Organizations: Service, Business, University of North, Blu, North, North Carolina Housing Coalition Locations: Charlotte , North Carolina, Pineville, exurbs, Charlotte, University of North Carolina, they're, North Carolina

☆ Promises Donald Trump has made so far in his campaign for a second term
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Piper Hudspethblackburn | Piper Hudspeth Blackburn | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Trump also said in that campaign video that he would cut funding for schools that teach critical race theory and gender ideology. Health careLast November, Trump promised to replace the Affordable Care Act, known colloquially as Obamacare, in a series of posts on Truth Social. Trump also vowed in a June 2023 campaign video to reinstate his previous executive order so that the US government would pay the same price for pharmaceuticals as other developed countries. The former president added in a campaign video that he would stop lobbyists and government contractors from pushing senior military officials toward war. We will reverse almost all of them,” Trump said in a campaign video.

Persons: Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Immigration Trump, Trump, ”, “, ” “ We’ll, ” Trump, Education Trump, Obamacare, Biden, ” “, Antonin Scalia, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, ‘ Everybody’s, ’, ‘, he’s, Energy Trump, “ We’re, ” “ It’s, Equity “, CNN’s Tami Luhby, Kate Sullivan, Kristin Holmes Organizations: CNN, Republican, Immigration, Des Moines Register, ATF, FBI, DHS, Hamas, Department of Defense, Education, of Education, of Justice, Department of Education, Health, Trump, Democrats, Trump Administration, Justice, CIA, Department, U.S, Attorneys, Soros District, Marxist, National Guard, Department of Justice, NATO, Cities, Environmental Protection Agency, Energy, Trade, Trump Reciprocal Trade, Economy Trump, Black Conservative, Rifle Association, Legislative Action, Equity Locations: United States, Israel, America, United States of America, State, Washington , DC, Washington, NATO, American, South Carolina, Russia, Ukraine, New Hampshire, New, China, Michigan, Des Moines , Iowa

☆ Delta just became the 3rd major airline to raise baggage fees in the past 2 weeks
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Geoff Weiss | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Delta has joined American and United in raising its checked-bag fees. A $5 price hike will apply to passengers' first and second checked bags. AdvertisementDelta has become the third major airline over the past two weeks to raise its checked-bag fees. Perk holders, including Medallion members, first-class travelers, and Delta-credit-card holders, will continue to receive complimentary checked bags, the statement added. It marks the airline's first price hike since 2018 but is part of a wider industry trend.

Persons: Delta, — Organizations: American, United, Service, Business, Medallion, Delta, CNBC, American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines

☆ Why Republicans are fighting the basic-income programs many cities and states are adopting: 'Is money a birthright now?'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | Allie Kelly | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Read previewAs guaranteed basic-income programs get more popular, opposition is also on the rise. Several lawmakers, like Arizona's Gillette, believe that income programs would discourage work and could raise taxes. A recently introduced bill in South Dakota would ban basic-income programs at the state level and prevent municipal governments from creating local programs. AdvertisementDespite opposition, basic-income program participants have seen benefitsPilot income programs have remained divisive with policymakers, but several major cities have seen positive results. In 2020, former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey pledged $15 million to Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, which helped 25 cities and towns nationwide begin basic-income programs.

Persons: —, Dia Broncucia, Justin Searls, John Gillette, Gillette, Arizona's Gillette, Lupe Diaz, Steve Holt, Skyler Wheeler, Sen, John Wiik, Paul Bettencourt, Bettencourt, Harris, I've, Ivanna Neri, Neri, UpTogether, Tony Evers, Austin, Stephanie Hendon, Louis, Jack Dorsey, Mark, Anthony Middleton Organizations: Service, Business, Income, Austin, BI, Republican, Republicans, GOP, Social Security, Iowa GOP, Houston Public Media, Gov, Madison Forward Fund, Madison Locations: Denver, Arizona, Arizona , Iowa, South Dakota , Texas, Wisconsin, Phoenix, Iowa, South Dakota, Texas, Houston, UpTogether, Harris, Madison, Minneapolis , Northern Virginia, Boston, St, Oregon, Durham

☆ Lawyers seek nearly $6 billion in Tesla stock after getting Musk pay package struck down
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-02 | by ( David Ingram | Lora Kolodny | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

The lawyers had earlier convinced the Delaware chancery court to revoke Musk's $56 billion pay package from 2018, with the judge ruling that Tesla's board of directors failed to prove it was fair to shareholders. The lawyers represent former heavy metal drummer Richard Tornetta, who filed the suit on behalf of his fellow Tesla investors. The lawyers are asking for just over 11% of the Tesla shares that would have gone to Musk, or slightly more than 29.4 million shares. Taking their pay in Tesla shares demonstrates they are prepared to "eat our cooking," the lawyers wrote. Musk's pay package was the largest ever disclosed in corporate America, according to Delaware Chancery Court Judge Kathaleen McCormick's 200-page ruling.

Persons: Elon Musk, BARTOSZ SIEDLIK, Elon, paydays, Richard Tornetta, Greg Varallo, Bernstein Litowitz Berger, Grossmann ., Tesla, Kathaleen McCormick's, Musk Organizations: European Jewish Association, Getty Images, Enron, Musk's, Tesla, Grossmann, Musk Locations: Krakow, AFP, Delaware, New York, America, Texas

A February study from WalletHub examined the 100 largest US cities' levels of "financial distress." A February study from WalletHub, a personal finance company, examined the 100 largest US cities and calculated the level of "financial distress" for each. Interestingly, in an earlier WalletHub study that looked at financial distress at the state level, Arizona ranked just 16th least burdened. These cities' financial woes underscore the broader economic challenges, from unemployment to high living costs, that add stress to the residents' financial difficulties. How some cities are alleviating financial distressArizona's largest cities have become a model for financial stability in a post-pandemic economy, instituting policies designed to address recent financial hardships.

Persons: WalletHub, Gilbert, Chandler, Cassandra Happe, Christian Petersen, Happe Organizations: Arizona, Four Arizona, U.S . Census, Administrative, U.S ., Google, Scottsdale, Glendale, Business, Getty Locations: Chicago, Houston, New York, Arizona's, Four, U.S, Boise , Idaho, Arizona, Glendale, Scottsdale, Glendale , Arizona, Angeles, Dallas

☆ Opinion: We must help Ukraine now or fight costlier wars later
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Opinion Mark T. Esper | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Whether Congress chooses to provide the continued financial support Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan desperately need will go a long way toward answering this question. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper testifies during a House Armed Services Committee hearing on July 9 in Washington, DC. Without renewed US support, the arms pipeline to Ukraine will continue to dwindle over the coming months, directly impacting what happens on the battlefield. Politics must be set aside, and politicians who spurn allies, coddle autocrats and argue for American retrenchment should be ignored. Leadership is a heavy cross to bear, indeed, but the benefits of doing so — especially in the face of clear threats — will always outweigh the costs and favor the United States.

Persons: Mark, Esper, Trump, Russia resurges, Defense Mark Esper, Greg Nash, Vladimir Putin’s, Israel dismantles, Joe Biden, Anatolii Stepanov, Putin, Xi Jinping, coddle autocrats Organizations: Times, The McCain Institute, CNN, Defense, Armed, Funds, Communist, NATO, Ukraine, Taiwan Locations: Russia, Ukraine, United States, Israel, Taiwan, Washington , DC, Ukrainian, Avdiivka, Communist China, Kyiv, Moscow, Russian, Kostyantynivka, Donetsk, AFP, China, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Washington, Iran, Afghanistan, East

Former President Donald J. Trump, the front-runner for the Republican nomination, has repeatedly attacked central elements of the Inflation Reduction Act, including tax credits for purchasing electric vehicles. “Otherwise it’s all going to be on the chopping block.”The Inflation Reduction Act contains various tax credits and other subsidies to incentivize companies to deploy more clean energy projects. It also includes tax breaks for consumers to offset the cost of electric vehicles, heat pumps and other energy-efficient appliances. That could cut the number of eligible vehicles, potentially hindering progress toward the Biden administration’s goal of having electric vehicles make up half of new car sales by 2030. The estimated cost of the Inflation Reduction Act’s energy incentives has effectively doubled since it passed, largely because forecasters believe the legislation will be more popular than they originally expected.

Persons: Biden, Donald J, Trump, “ We’ve, Frank Pallone Jr, Thomas Pyle, ’, Pyle, Kevin Book, Sean Rayford, ” Mr, John Ketchum, Ketchum, “ It’s, Mr, Sasha Mackler, David Carroll, we’ve, Carroll, T.J . Kirkpatrick, ” Michael Kikukawa, Lori Esposito Murray, Ms, Murray, Jeanna Smialek Organizations: Republican, Democratic, Company, Biden, House Energy, Commerce, American Energy Alliance, ClearView Energy Partners, The New York Times, NextEra Energy, Republicans, Center, Engie, White, Economic Development, Conference Board, “ Locations: States, China, New Hampshire, America, Indiana, Texas, Irvine , Calif

☆ American Airlines is raising its checked bag fees and overhauling how customers earn miles
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

American Airlines is raising its bag fees beginning Tuesday. American Airlines is making checked bag fees more expensive while also tightening its policy on which travel agency bookings can earn frequent flyer miles. It previously cost $30 to check one bag with American Airlines, and a second bag was $40. Starting May 1, flights must be booked with American Airlines, preferred travel agencies, and eligible oneworld and partner airlines to earn flyer miles. Passengers will no longer be able to earn miles or loyalty points on basic economy tickets that aren't booked directly through American Airlines or its partner airlines.

Persons: aren't Organizations: Airlines, American Airlines, CNBC, oneworld, Delta, Southwest Locations: The Texas

☆ Singapore's AI ambitions get a boost with $740 million investment plan
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Sheila Chiang | In Sheilachiang | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

The Singapore River and Merlion Park in the eveningSINGAPORE — Singapore's plan to invest more than $743 million into artificial intelligence over the next five years could strengthen its position as a global business and innovation hub, tech executives said. In his Budget speech on Friday, Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said Singapore will invest more than 1 billion Singapore dollars over the next five years to further boost the country's AI capabilities. As part of the investment, Singapore will work to ensure it can secure access to the advanced chips "that are so crucial to AI development and deployment," Wong said. Singapore will also work with leading companies here and around the world to set up AI centers of excellence to spur innovation, he added. Singapore workers are already the world's fastest when it comes to adopting AI skills, according to LinkedIn's Future of Work report released in August.

Persons: Lawrence Wong, Nithin Chandra, Chandra, Wong, Jonathon Dixon, Mao Gen Foo Locations: Singapore, SINGAPORE, Southeast Asia, Kearney, Cloudflare

☆ Investing in Space: The role of Starlink in limiting space debris
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-15 | by ( Michael Sheetz | In Michaeljsheetz | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

CNBC's Investing in Space newsletter offers a view into the business of space exploration and privatization, delivered straight to your inbox. But – in the latest edition of "SpaceX is the industry exception, not the rule" – the company's recent announcement that it will de-orbit 100 Starlink satellites is a different story. For one, that number represents about 2% of the Starlink satellites launched to date. And, at SpaceX's current rates, they're able to produce and launch replacement satellites in about two weeks time. More importantly, in the ongoing conversation about space debris: SpaceX has a distinct incentive to make sure any faulty Starlink satellites don't end up in the future path of its own rockets and spacecraft.

Persons: CNBC's Michael Sheetz, Brian Weeden Organizations: SpaceX, Secure, Foundation

☆ A San Francisco Lyft driver explains how Waymo's self-driving taxis have made driving even more competitive
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

A San Francisco-based Lyft driver said Waymo's self-driving taxis have made the job more competitive. And it is getting harder every day.”AdvertisementMore drivers, ride challenges, and self-driving taxis make ride-hailing competitiveA self-driving Waymo car in San Francisco. Lyft has a self-driving partnership with the riderless technology company Motional in Las Vegas, which has led to the completion of over 100,000 self-driving Lyft trips. In October, San Francisco banned Cruise from operating in San Francisco after it failed to disclose video footage of a woman being pinned under one of its vehicles. The company told BI it has a couple hundred self-driving taxis in its San Francisco fleet.

Persons: —, Nick Boenzi, San Francisco — Boenzi, Boenzi, He’d, ”, Lyft, Uber, Lyft’s, Cruise, Waymo, he’s, he’ll Organizations: Service, San Francisco International Airport, Getty, BI, who’ve, General Motors, California Public Utilities Commission, San, Lyft Locations: Francisco, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Cruise

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