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☆ Oil prices fall on weak economic data, interest rate worry
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Manufacturing data from a host of purchasing managers' index surveys on Wednesday painted a grim picture of the health of economies across the globe, raising demand concerns. U.S. business activity approached the stagnation point in August, with growth at its weakest since February. Meanwhile, Federal Reserve officials and policymakers from the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan head to Jackson Hole where higher-for-longer interest rate talk may dominate despite a dip in inflationary pressures. On the supply side, Iran's crude oil output will reach 3.4 million barrels per day by the end of September, the country's oil minister was quoted as saying by state media, even though U.S. sanctions remain in place. U.S. crude inventories fell by 6.1 million barrels in the week to Aug. 18 to 433.5 million barrels, compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 2.8 million-barrel drop.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Brent, Jackson Organizations: Federal, U.S, West Texas, Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, Bank of Japan Locations: Ras Behar, Egypt, Jackson Hole , Wyoming, Japan, Germany, American

☆ Fact Check-Video of plummeting fiery plane predates Prigozhin-linked crash
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The Prigozhin-linked jet crashed Aug. 23 in an area north of Moscow and killed all 10 people on board, including the Wagner boss and the group’s commander Dmitry Utkin, according to Russian authorities. The Facebook and Twitter posts were written in English, while the TikTok posts were spotted in Ukrainian and Russian. But Reuters traced the video to June 24, 2023, when it was shared online in relation to a plane crash in Russia’s Voronezh region during the aborted Wagner mutiny (t.me/c/1732054517/20231, t.me/c/1732054517/20231 and here ). Russian media outlet Fontanka said the video captured the crash of an IL-22 near Kantemirovka (here). The video can be traced back to at least June 2023, thus predating the Aug. 23 crash.

Persons: Yevgeny Prigozhin, Wagner, Dmitry Utkin, uploaders, Fontanka, Read Organizations: Reuters, Facebook, Twitter, Telegram Locations: Moscow, Russia’s Voronezh, Russian, Kantemirovka

☆ Back on track, Astros chase another win over Red Sox
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

What the Astros sought against the Mariners they manifested in a 7-3 victory over the visiting Boston Red Sox on Tuesday, a win that earned at minimum a split of the four-game series after a 9-4 win on Monday. Urquidy is 3-0 with a 2.50 ERA over three career starts against the Red Sox. Chris Sale (5-3, 4.50 ERA) will get the ball for the Red Sox on Wednesday. One night after Red Sox manager Alex Cora lamented a sloppy defensive performance in the series opener, Boston committed three errors on Tuesday. The Red Sox have committed 90 errors, the highest total in the majors.

Persons: Martin Maldonado, Houston, Justin Verlander, Mauricio Dubon, Dubon, Connor Wong, Dusty Baker, Gary, Pettis, Jose Urquidy, Urquidy, Chris Sale, Alex Cora, Mauricio Llovera, Wilyer Abreu, Cora Organizations: Houston, Astros, Seattle, Mariners, Boston Red Sox, Red Sox, Boston, Washington Nationals, New York Yankees, Verlander, Thomson Locations: Boston

☆ North Korea's space launch program and long-range missile projects
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un gives field guidance at the Seohae satellite launch site, in North Korea, in this photo released on March 11, 2022 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Dec. 12, 2012: North Korea successfully launches the Kwangmyongsong-3, putting an object in orbit. April 2013: North Korea establishes the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) which purports to pursue space exploration for peaceful purposes. Aug 29, 2017: North Korea fires an intermediate range missile over northern Japan, prompting warnings to residents to take cover. March 16, 2023: North Korea test launches the Hwasong-17 ICBM, its biggest missile, which some analysts believe incorporates technology for space launch vehicles.

Persons: Kim Jong Un, KCNA, Kim Jong Il, Hyon, ”, Kim, Jack Kim, Ed Davies, Josh Smith, Gerry Doyle Organizations: Korean Central News Agency, REUTERS, Rights, Japan's Coast Guard, ., North Korea, National Aerospace Development Administration, United, International, Japan, International Maritime Organization, Pacific, Thomson Locations: North Korea, North, Rights SEOUL, South Korea, United States, Korea, Pyongyang, Japan, U.S, East China

☆ North Korea's Kim directs cruise missile test as South Korea, US begin drills
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( Hyonhee Shin | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversees a strategic cruise missile test aboard a navy warship in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency. The latest missile test came as South Korea and the United States began the Ulchi Freedom Shield summer exercises on Monday, designed to enhance their joint responses to North Korea's nuclear and missile threats. "North Korea talks about preemptive nuclear strikes and preparations for an offensive war, but we will immediately and overwhelmingly retaliate for any provocations." Over the past two years, North Korea has been testing what it calls "strategic cruise missiles," which some analysts have said could be tipped with nuclear warheads. While modernising and bolstering its naval power, North Korea showcased a new, nuclear-capable underwater attack drone in March.

Persons: Kim Jong Un, KCNA, Kim, Yoon Suk Yeol, Yoon, Choi Il, Hyonhee Shin, Gerry Doyle, Clarence Fernandez Organizations: North, Korean Central News Agency, KCNA, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, United States, Command, National Security Council, Thomson Locations: Rights SEOUL, South Korea, Pyongyang, Korea, United States, Japan, North Korea

☆ Italy to propose ex-minister Franco for ECB board, source says
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Italy's Economy Minister Daniele Franco addresses a news conference after the G7 Summit in Koenigswinter, near Bonn, Germany May 20, 2022. REUTERS/Benjamin Westhoff/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsROME, Aug 20 (Reuters) - Italy will put forward former economy minister Daniele Franco as its candidate for the executive board of the European Central Bank (ECB), a source close to the matter said on Sunday. He was appointed economy minister in 2021 in Mario Draghi's unity government, helping Italy navigate the COVID-19 crisis and the turbulence caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, in a surprise move, Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti decided instead to propose his predecessor, a source close to the matter told Reuters, confirming a report in Il Sole 24 Ore newspaper. The government had initially put Franco forward as the Italian candidate to lead the European Union's lending arm, the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Persons: Daniele Franco, Benjamin Westhoff, Fabio Panetta, Franco, Mario Draghi's, Piero Cipollone, Giancarlo Giorgetti, Giorgia Meloni, Crispian Balmer, Giuseppe Fonte, Christina Fincher, David Holmes Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, European Central Bank, ECB, Bank of Italy, European Investment Bank, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Koenigswinter, Bonn, Germany, Italy, Ukraine, France, Rome, Italian, Franco

☆ Factbox: Travis King: What happened to other U.S. soldiers who defected to North Korea?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

SEOUL, Aug 16 (Reuters) - North Korea on Wednesday confirmed it is holding U.S. Army Private Travis King after he crossed the border from South Korea last month while on a tour, but did not elaborate on what his future might hold. A U.S. military spokesman later said an investigation indicated that White crossed into North Korea of his own free will. In a video released by the North, White denounced the United States and praised North Korea and its then leader Kim Il-Sung. - Charles Robert Jenkins walked into North Korea when on patrol on the DMZ in 1965. - James Joseph Dresnok was a 21-year old U.S. army private stationed in South Korea in 1962 when he fled to the North.

Persons: Travis King, KCNA, King, Joseph T, White, Kim Il, Charles Robert Jenkins, Jenkins, Hitomi Soga, Soga, James Joseph Dresnok, Dresnok, Jerry Wayne Parrish, Larry Allen Abshier, Kim Jong, Dresnok's, Josh Smith, Chizu Organizations: Wednesday, U.S, Army, North, Korea Times, United Nations Command, Washington Post, Thomson Locations: SEOUL, North Korea, South Korea, State, U.S, Pyongyang, United States, Vietnam, Japan, Korean

☆ KeyBanc thinks newly-public Israeli beauty stock is underappreciated in healthcare technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Pia Singh | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Investors are overlooking Oddity Tech , which is poised to become a leader in the growing digital beauty and wellness market, according to KeyBanc. Analyst Scott Schoenhaus initiated coverage of the Israeli beauty company with an overweight rating and assigned a price target of $60, suggesting shares stand to gain more than 29% in the next 12 months. "We see ODD in the early stages of its growth story, with near-term tailwinds from its ongoing disruption of beauty and wellness end markets but longer-term growth opportunities that can be unlocked given its unique, differentiated technology," Schoenhaus wrote in a Monday note. Oddity's use of its "nascent hyperspectral technology" and a company-owned biotechnology asset — both powered by AI — will lead to novel beauty and wellness treatments, KeyBanc said. Oddity's legacy IL Makiage brand comprises about 2% of the total beauty market, the note said.

Persons: Scott Schoenhaus, Schoenhaus, —, KeyBanc, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, — CNBC's Michael Bloom Organizations: Allen, Co Locations: Israeli

☆ Redditors in LA are compiling a list of restaurants that ask customers to pay extra fees as diners grow increasingly frustrated with added charges
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Redditors are compiling a list of Los Angeles restaurants that charge diners extra fees on their checks. The additional costs include security charges, service charges, card fees, and "administrative fees." Redditors have begun compiling a list of restaurants in Los Angeles that charge diners additional fees on their checks. The Google Sheets document, which started in r/LosAngeles, has more than 200 entries, with fees including corkage charges, service charges, and credit card fees. Some are a bit more vague, described on their menus or websites as "administrative fees" or "restaurant fees."

Persons: it's, gratuities, Il Organizations: Google, Service, Oceanview Locations: Angeles, Wall, Silicon, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Hollywood, Venice, Century City, Encino, Manhattan Beach, Lake, Perch, Downtown Los Angeles, Korean, Alhambra

☆ Finns Party mastermind defends long-term goal to leave the EU
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-12 | by ( Anne Kauranen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Opinion polls show the hardline former party leader is unlikely to win the presidency, but his views are influential within the Finns Party, which is part of the right-wing government that took office in June. Delegates at the weekend conference discussed the party's EU stance in light of the Ukraine war and its governing alliance with pro-EU allies. The Finns Party backed the country joining NATO this year. The Finns Party congress also rejected the EU's proposed Nature Restoration Law, with Tavio calling it "a sad example of the acceleration of the EU's dictatorial policy under the guise of climate change". The Finns Party has suffered two setbacks in recent weeks.

Persons: Jussi Halla, Anne Kauranen HELSINKI, Party's Jussi Halla, aho, Halla, Ville Tavio, Vilhelm Junnila, Riikka Purra, Anne Kauranen, Justyna Pawlak, Hugh Lawson, Helen Popper Our Organizations: REUTERS, European Union, Saturday ., Finns Party, EU, Reuters, NATO, Foreign Trade, Restoration, Thomson Locations: Helsinki, Finland, Ukraine, EU, Western Europe, Europe, Halla

Seoul, South Korea CNN —North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has fired his top general amid a shakeup of the country’s military leadership and wants his army to “gird for a war,” state media reported Thursday. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un leads a meeting of the Central Military Commission in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Wednesday. KCNA/Handout/ReutersNorth Korea regularly revamps its military leadership. 2 job in the North Korean military hierarchy as recently as December 31 – reflected that, analysts said. Easley said the North Korean leader may simply be trying to ensure that no one below him becomes too powerful.

Persons: Kim Jong Un, “, Pak Su Il, Ri Yong Gil, ”, KCNA, Ri –, Yong Gil, Leif, Eric Easley, Cheong Seong, Kim Jong, ” Cheong, Easley, Yevgeny Prigozhin, Vladimir Putin’s, ” Easley, Kim Organizations: South Korea CNN — North, General Staff, Korean Central News Agency, Central Military Commission, Reuters, North, Ewha Womans University, Sejong Institute, Wagner, DPRK, Democratic People’s Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Pyongyang, North Korea, Reuters North Korea, Russian, Korean, United States, Democratic People’s Republic, Korea

☆ North Korea's Kim dismisses top general, calls for war preparations
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Hyunsu Yim | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

General Ri Yong Gil was named to replace the military’s top general, chief of the General Staff Pak Su Il, KCNA reported, without elaborating. The United States has accused North Korea of providing arms to Russia for its war in Ukraine, including artillery shells, rockets and missiles. Russia and North Korea have denied those claims. North Korea is set to stage a militia parade on Sept. 9, marking the 75th anniversary of the Day of the Foundation of the Republic. North Korea has a number of paramilitary groups it uses to bolster its military forces.

Persons: Kim Jong Un, Kim, Ri Yong Gil, General Staff Pak Su Il, KCNA, Ri, Hyunsu Yim, Josh Smith, Stephen Coates Organizations: 8th Central Military Commission of, Workers ' Party of Korea, Central Committee of, Workers ' Party of, KCNA, REUTERS, Central Military Commission, General Staff, United, Foundation of, Thomson Locations: Workers ' Party of Korea, Pyongyang, North Korea, REUTERS SEOUL, Seoul, United States, Russia, Ukraine, Republic . North Korea, U.S, South Korea

CNN —North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tours arms factories, inspects artillery plants and even fires a gun in newly released photographs that appear to offer a rare glimpse into the secretive state’s weapons facilities. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects a munitions factory in this image released by the state news agency KCNA. KCNAThe release of the photos comes amid a period of heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and appears to be the latest show of force by Pyongyang. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tours a weapons factory in this image released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on Sunday, August 6, 2023. In another show of force that month Pyongyang launched two short-range ballistic missiles, which landed in the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

Persons: Kim Jong, Kim, Kim Jong Un, Kim Il, Kang Sun Nam Organizations: CNN, North, Korean Central News Agency, Reuters North Korean Defense Locations: Korean, Pyongyang, North Korea, United States, Japan

☆ Brandon Woodruff back as Brewers eye series win vs. Pirates
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Field Level Media | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

August 6 - The Milwaukee Brewers, who are trying to keep hold of first place in the National League Central, will go for a series win Sunday against the visiting Pittsburgh Pirates. Saturday was much different, with the Brewers having to dig deep to win 3-2 in 10 innings. "You don't come through every opportunity, but when you do, that's what matters." The Pirates have gone 2-0-1 in their past three series but have lost three of their past four games. Oviedo is 1-2 with a 6.16 ERA in five career games (two starts) against the Brewers.

Persons: Brandon Woodruff, It's, Woodruff, I've, Blake Perkins, Craig Counsell, Perkins, Johan Oviedo, Oviedo, Derek Shelton Organizations: Milwaukee Brewers, National League Central, Pittsburgh Pirates, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Brewers, Bally Sports Wisconsin, Detroit, Pirates, Thomson Locations: Milwaukee, Milwaukee's, Pittsburgh, Oviedo

How much do you need for a down payment on a house? On a $200,000 home, a 3% down payment means you'll need $6,000. FHA mortgage: 3.5%To get an FHA mortgage, you'll need at least a 3.5% down payment. It depends on what type of loan you're getting, but you may need between $9,000 and $60,000 for a down payment on a $300,000 house. A 20% down payment on a house allows you to avoid paying for private mortgage insurance, meaning you'll have a lower monthly mortgage payment and likely a lower mortgage rate as well.

Persons: you'll, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, you've Organizations: Service, Phoenix, Fort, Oklahoma, PMI, National Association of Realtors Locations: Oklahoma City, San Jose , California, Wall, Silicon, Government, York City, NY, Angeles, LA, Chicago, Houston, AZ, Philadelphia, Antonio, Diego, Dallas, Austin, Jacksonville, Fort Worth , TX, Jose, Columbus, Charlotte, NC, Indianapolis, Seattle, WA, Francisco, Denver, homeownership, Chevron

☆ MLB roundup: Giants' J.D. Davis belts walk-off HR
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +11 min

Rangers starter Martin Perez (8-4) gave up four runs on eight hits and three walks with a strikeout in 5 2/3 innings. Rockies starter Chris Flexen (0-5) had six walks, a hit batter and a run-scoring wild pitch in 3 2/3 innings. Toronto right-hander Alek Manoah struck out six and allowed one run, four hits and three walks in 4 1/3 innings. Starter Quinn Priester (2-1) allowed five runs and five hits in five-plus innings, with seven strikeouts and six walks. Patrick Corbin (7-11) allowed four runs on six hits and no walks while striking out two over 5 2/3 innings.

Persons: J.D, Davis, John Hefti, Camilo Doval, Justin Turner, Jansen, Sean Manaea, Ryan Walker, Tyler Rogers, Max Muncy, Joe Kelly, Emmet Sheehan, Evan Phillips, Luke Weaver, Elly De La Cruz, Yu Darvish, Seong Kim, Diego, Darvish, Luis Campuano, Gary Sanchez, Martin Perez, Ronald Acuna Jr, Acuna, Eddie Rosario, Julio Teheran, Bryce Elder, Brent Rooker, Zack Gelof, Seth Brown, Tyler Soderstrom, Ramon Laureano, Paul Blackburn, Chris Flexen, Hunter Brown, Yainer Diaz, Jose Abreu, Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, Yordan Alvarez, Rene Pinto, Houston, Chas McCormick, Diaz, Jake Meyers, Taj Bradley, Alejandro Kirk, Santiago Espinal, Manoah, Taylor Ward, Ward, Reid Detmers, Riley Greene, Joey Wentz, Luis Arraez, Johnny Cueto, Mike Clevinger, Tim Anderson, Andrew Vaughn, Anderson, Logan Allen, Clevinger, Allen, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Kyle Higashioka, Isiah Kiner, Falefa, Clarke Schmidt, Tyler Wells, Bobby Witt Jr, Witt, Michael Massey's, Bailey Ober, Ian Happ, Yan Gomes, Louis, Jameson Taillon, Michael Fulmer, Mark Leiter Jr, Javier Assad, Daniel Palencia, Adam Wainwright, Endy Rodriguez, Liover Peguero, Alika Williams, Quinn Priester, David Bednar, Brandon Marsh, Jake Cave, Johan Rojas, Aaron Nola, Riley Adams, Max Scherzer, Dominic Smith, Joey Meneses, Stone Garrett, Patrick Corbin, Mark Vientos, Francisco Lindor, Tommy Pham, Francisco Alvarez, Carlos Carrasco, Dominic Canzone, Canzone, Scott McGough, Julio Rodriguez, Arizona's Kevin Ginkel, Tom Murphy, Corbin Carroll, Andres Munoz, Carroll Organizations: San Francisco Giants, Boston Red Sox, Oracle, Red Sox, Giants, Dodgers, Reds, Cincinnati, National League West, Padres, Rangers, Braves, Brewers, Atlanta, Milwaukee, Athletics, Rockies, Colorado, Oakland, Sunday, Astros, Rays, Houston, Tampa Bay, Blue Jays, Angels, Toronto, Los, Los Angeles ., Tigers, Marlins, Miami, Five Detroit, White Sox, Cleveland . Chicago, Chicago, Yankees, Orioles, Baltimore, Royals, Kansas City, Twins, Cubs, Cardinals, St, Pirates, Phillies, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Nationals, Mets, Washington, New, Texas Rangers, Diamondbacks, Mariners, Arizona, Seattle, Thomson Locations: San Francisco , California, USA, Angeles, Muncy, Texas, Milwaukee, Oakland, Denver, Los Angeles, Los Angeles . Toronto, Detroit, Miami, Chicago, New York, Kansas, Minnesota, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Arizona

Seoul, South Korea CNN —North Korea’s “firm support” for Russia’s war in Ukraine emboldens the two countries’ determination to cope with Western nations, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a speech to North Korean officials on Thursday, according to a report in North Korean state media. The 1950-1953 Korean War was one of the first international conflicts of the Cold War era. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un meets with Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 28, 2023. A missile displayed during a military parade to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korean War armistice in Pyongyang, on July 27, 2023. KCNA/ReutersAs the parade went on below, North Korea flew versions of a new “strategic reconnaissance drone and the multi-purpose attack drone” overhead, according to KCNA.

Persons: ”, Vladimir Putin, Putin, ” Putin, “, ” KCNA, Kim Jong Un, Sergei Shoigu, Kim Il, Kang Sun Nam, KCNA, Li Hongzhong, Kim Jong, Kim, Shoigu, Kim Song Nam, North Korea “, Leif, Eric Easley, Easley Organizations: South Korea CNN, Ukraine emboldens, “, Korean Central News Agency, North Korean, Russia's, KCNA, Reuters, Analysts, North Korean Defense, North Korean Army Forces, Russian, Communist Party Politburo, North, Chinese Communist Party, Reuters Analysts, Ewha Womans University Locations: Seoul, South Korea, Ukraine, Western, Russian, North Korean, Korea, Russia, “ Solidarity, North Korea, Pyongyang, United States, KCNA, China, Beijing

☆ The Korean War ended 70 years ago. Here's how the 'forgotten war' started.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Stephen Carlson | Task | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +11 min

This began the deployment of Task Force Smith, the first American combat troops to arrive and fight in the Korean War. It was Soviet leader Josef Stalin himself who reluctantly gave the go ahead to North Korean dictator Kim Il-Sung to invade. Task Force Smith suffered its heaviest casualties during the retreat, with enemy machine gun positions hitting them from close range. Crew members give first aid to wounded soldier, during action in the Korean War. After American and UN reinforcements arrived, a counteroffensive drove the North Korean military to the brink of collapse.

Persons: Charles B, Smith, Force Smith, Josef Stalin, Kim Il, Task Force Smith, Gordon Sullivan, Stalin, Mao Zedong, Sung, Adolf Hitler, Dean Acheson, Christmas, Dwight D, Eisenhower Organizations: North Koreans, South, Service, North, Soviet Union, 국군 Republic of Korea Armed Forces, Wikimedia Commons Bombers, US Far East Air Force Command, Royal Australian Air Force, Suwon, KA, Korean Army, US Army, North Korean Communist, Wikimedia, Task Force, Artillery, Army, Wikimedia Commons, Crew, National Archives, Records Administration, Staff, Force, Communist, National Press Club, Armored Forces, Arlington National Cemetery, American, UN, North Korean, Public Locations: Wall, Silicon, Camp Woods, Kumamoto, Japan, Soviet, Korean, 국군 Republic, Pusan, South Korea, Republic of Korea, Osan, Korea, Saipan, United States, Arlington, Tim1965, Pacific, China, Kaesong, U.S, Soviet Union, North Korea, North

☆ Kim Jong Un just showed off two new North Korean aircraft that look shockingly similar to US military drones
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Jake Epstein | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

North Korea unveiled two new aircraft this week that very closely resemble US military drones. Thousands of people can be seen standing along the sidelines and waving North Korean flags. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un walks with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 27, 2023. This photo provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile during a military parade on Thursday. North Korea has not conducted a nuclear test since 2017 but remains determined to stand among the world's nuclear powers, despite widespread international pressure and concern.

Persons: Kim Jong, Sergei Shoigu, Kim Il, Phil Speck, it's, Hawk, Bobbi Zapka, Kim Jong Un, Shoigu, Kim, Vladimir Putin Organizations: American, Kim Jong Un, Service, North, North Korean, Korean Central News Agency, Korea News Service, AP, US Air National Guard, ISIS, Russian Defense, Getty, Air Force, U.S . Air Force, REUTERS, Korean, Russian, AP Pyongyang, DPRK, White, Democratic People's, UN Locations: Korea, China, Russia, Wall, Silicon, Pyongyang, North Korea, Wyoming, Handou, Korean, South Korea, Ohio, Kentucky, American, Ukraine, North, United States, Democratic People's Republic of Korea

☆ The 10 most affordable places to live in the U.S.—none are in Florida
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-27 | by ( Celia Fernandez | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

According to U.S. News and World Report, Hickory, North Carolina is the cheapest place to live in the U.S. This month, U.S. News and World Report released its ranking of the cities with the lowest cost of living, based on the median gross rent and annual housing costs for mortgage-paying homeowners. The average Hickory home value is $276,748, up 5.3% over the past year, according to Zillow's Home Value Index. Youngstown, Ohio is the second cheapest place to live in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report. Since 2010, new businesses have been popping up in its downtown, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Persons: it's, IN, TN Organizations: U.S . News, Black, U.S . Census Bureau, FBI, U.S . Department of Labor, Hickory, Hickory Furniture Mart, Huntsville, AL Fort Wayne, IL, . Census, Tri - State, Istock, Getty Locations: U.S, Hickory , North Carolina, Hickory , NC Hickory , North Carolina, Catawba County, Charlotte, Asheville, Hickory, North Carolina, Youngstown , Ohio, Hickory , NC Youngstown, Huntington, WV, Ashland , KY, IN Beaumont , TX Peoria, IL Green, , WI, IL Knoxville, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Youngstown, Ashland , West Virginia , Kentucky, Ohio

☆ North Korea to welcome China and Russia with military display after pandemic isolation
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-26 | by ( Josh Smith | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

MILITARY DISPLAYSImages from Russia's defence ministry and North Korean media showed Shoigu being greeted by North Korean defence minister Kang Sun Nam and Russian ambassador Alexander Matsegora at the airport, and rows of North Korean and Russia troops. The only defence treaty China and North Korea have is with each other. Amid international sanctions over North Korea's missile and nuclear programmes - which both Moscow and Beijing voted to impose - China has become by far North Korea's largest trading partner. Russia and China have rebuffed recent attempts by the United States and some European countries to impose new sanctions on North Korea. "If North Korea also sends a high-level delegation to China for the upcoming Hangzhou Asian Games, it means the resumption of high-level 'shuttle diplomacy' between North Korea and China since the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

Persons: Sergei Shoigu, Li Hongzhong, Anthony Rinna, Travis King, Rinna, Shoigu, Kang Sun Nam, Alexander Matsegora, Wagner, Kim, Yang Moo, Dave Schmerler, James Martin, Schmerler, Kim Jong Un, KCNA, denuclearisation, Yang, Josh Smith, Michael Perry Organizations: Korean People's Army, North, Korean Central News Agency, KCNA, Russian, Communist Party, United Nations Security Council, Washington, U.S, Sino, NK, United, University of North Korean Studies, James, James Martin Center, Nonproliferation Studies, Reuters, Fatherland, Thomson Locations: Pyongyang, North Korea, China, U.S, SEOUL, United States, Russia, Beijing, Moscow, Korea, North Korean, Washington, Russian, Korean, Ukraine, Seoul, North, Hangzhou

King, an active-duty U.S. Army soldier serving in South Korea, sprinted into North Korea while on a civilian tour of the Demilitarized Zone on the border between the two Koreas. Washington is fully mobilized in trying to contact Pyongyang about him, U.S. Army Secretary Christine Wormuth said on Thursday, but North Korea had yet to respond. At that time, U.S. officials had just concluded an initial nuclear agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il. Warmbier was eventually returned to the United States in a coma in 2017, but died days later. "Here's the response we got: one missile launch after another," referring to repeated North Korean missile tests.

Persons: Travis King, Christine Wormuth, Joe Biden, Trump, It's, Thomas Hubbard, Bobby Hall, Kim Jong Un's, Kim Jong Il, Hubbard, King, Mickey Bergman, Bill Richardson, Bergman, Jenny Town, Charles Robert Jenkins, ‘, Tae Yong, Otto Warmbier, Warmbier, Otto’s, Fred, He’s, Antony Blinken, Biden, Blinken, Simon Lewis, David Brunnstrom, Idrees Ali, Don Durfee, Stephen Coates Organizations: Army, U.S . Army, U.S, North, Koreans, United Nations Command, Richardson, . Army, Reuters, Aspen Security, Korean, Thomson Locations: United States, North Korea, South Korea, . Washington, Pyongyang, U.S, Washington, North, Korea, Koreans, Sweden, New York, Jenny, Korean, Korea's

☆ Rare submarine visit reminds North Korea of U.S. nuclear missiles out of sight, in range
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Josh Smith | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

SEOUL, July 21 (Reuters) - When a U.S. ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) surfaced for a rare visit to South Korea this week it was a blunt reminder that Washington always has nuclear-tipped missiles deployed within close striking distance of North Korea, analysts said. “Placing nuclear weapons offshore and on submarines is actually a stronger deterrent in many ways,” said Duyeon Kim of the Center for a New American Security. SSBNs anywhere from the U.S. West coast westward can strike targets in North Korea,” Van Diepen said. For now, a missile submarine would only marginally supplement the North's burgeoning land-based nuclear force, Van Diepen said. "De-facto nuclear sharing between the United States and South Korea is happening," said Choi Il, a retired South Korean submarine captain.

Persons: ”, Duyeon Kim, Vann Van Diepen, ” Van Diepen, Van Diepen, Choi Il, Josh Smith, Simon Cameron, Moore Organizations: Center, New, New American Security, The U.S ., U.S, Thomson Locations: SEOUL, U.S, South Korea, Washington, North Korea, New American, USS Kentucky Ohio, South, Busan, United States, China, The, An Ohio, West, ”, Korea, South Korean

☆ Oddity will start trading after pricing IPO above range — here's what the beauty and tech company does
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Gabrielle Fonrouge | In Gabrielle-Fonrouge | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

In the three months ended March 31, the company saw $165.7 million in revenue, up from $90.4 million in the year-ago period. It reported net income of $19.6 million, or 35 cents a share, compared with about $3 million, or 5 cents a share, a year earlier. In fiscal 2022, Oddity brought in $324.5 million in sales and saw net income of $21.7 million, or 39 cents a share. In the year prior, the retailer saw $222.6 million in revenue and net income of $13.9 million, or 26 cents a share. In 2020, it saw $110.6 million in sales and net income of $11.7 million, or 22 cents a share.

Persons: Oran Holtzman, Holtzman, Shiran Holtzman, Lindsay Drucker Mann, Goldman Sachs Organizations: Tech, Nasdaq, CNBC, Goldman, Israeli Defense Forces Locations: U.S

☆ US soldier in North Korea not the first to flee to the secretive state
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Ed Davies | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A U.S. military spokesman later said an investigation indicated that White crossed into North Korea of his own free will. In a video released by the North, White denounced the United States and praised North Korea and its then leader Kim Il-Sung. - Charles Robert Jenkins walked into North Korea when on patrol on the DMZ in 1965. He later expressed regret for fleeing and explained at his court marital that his motive was to avoid hazardous duty in South Korea and combat in Vietnam. - James Joseph Dresnok was a 21-year old U.S. army private stationed in South Korea in 1962 when he fled to the North.

Persons: Travis T, King, Joseph T, White, Kim Il, Charles Robert Jenkins, Jenkins, Hitomi Soga, Soga, James Joseph Dresnok, Dresnok, Jerry Wayne Parrish, Larry Allen Abshier, Kim Jong, Dresnok's, Ed Davies, Lincoln Organizations: U.S, North, Korea Times, United Nations Command, Washington Post, Thomson Locations: North Korea, South Korea, U.S, Pyongyang, United States, Vietnam, Japan, Korean, Sydney

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