United States News & Trends


New York (World Newswire) -- Taboola, a world leader in providing marketers with performance at scale, today revealed a new focus that goes beyond native advertising as well as a po
For almost ten years, Taboola has been at the forefront of native advertising, helping clients succeed, mostly with bottom-of-article placements. With the launch of Realize, an industry-first platform that focuses exclusively on performance outcomes at scale beyond search and social, Taboola has expanded well beyond its legacy in the modern day.To meet performance goals, Realize leverages Taboola's exclusive data, performance AI, and a growing variety of inventory and innovative formats. Advertisers require specialist solutions, even if they require excellent solutions for every stage of the marketing funnel. It is quite difficult for current solutions that guarantee full funnel service to succeed at every stage of the marketing funnel. Taboola is now making Realize available to all performance-driven advertisers. According to Taboola, advertisers spend $25 billion annually trying to gain performance results on DSPs and specialized AdTech solutions. However, these channels frequently lack the scale, data, and performance expertise necessary to provide advertisers with the results they require. While AdTech businesses typically lack the scale necessary for success, DSPs typically concentrate on video and CTV, which is excellent for branding objectives but not performance. According to Taboola, social media expenditure is also experiencing declining returns at a rate of about $30 billion.
Published 01 Mar 2025 09:11 PM


Connecting Local Environmental Factors With UFO Sightings?
UFOs, or unexplained aerial phenomena, have long been observed in the sky. Although preliminary research produced no solid proof, a recent study proposes a connection between sighting sites and their environs. After looking over two decades' worth of UAP reports, researchers discovered that locations with clear skies, low light pollution, and unhindered views had a higher frequency. There could be a number of reasons for this correlation, including better visibility that makes it possible to see more unusual objects. The study emphasizes how crucial environmental variables are to the analysis of UAP sightings.Investigating UFO sightings, researchers at the University of Utah sought to determine if there was a relationship between the location of sightings and the surrounding environment. They examined close to 100,000 National UFO Research Center reports over a 20-year period (2001-2020). For every county in the continental United States, they took into account two factors: the likelihood that something might be up there (airports, military bases) and how clear the sky is (light pollution, clouds, trees). Due to the wide open spaces and darkness in the western US, the results indicated a higher number of sightings. It's interesting to note that locations with heavy air traffic or a military presence were frequently hotspots for reports. This implies that individuals may be perceiving real objects but are merely unable to identify them. Lead author of the study and University of Utah associate professor of geography Richard Medina explained, "The idea is that if you have a chance to see something, then it's more likely that you're going to see unexplained phenomena in the sky." "With more technology than ever in the sky, one must wonder: What are people really seeing? Answering this question is difficult, but it's crucial since any ambiguity could pose a risk to national security."
Published 02 Mar 2024 06:29 PM


A US man has won the lottery twice in six months, this time for ₹ 90 lakh.
After winning a whooping $110,000 (about Rs 91,13098) Fantasy 5 Double Play lottery jackpot for the second time in six months, a fortunate man from Wayne County, Michigan, is rejoicing. The winning ticket for the drawing on February 11th was bought by the 59-year-old winner, who opted to stay anonymous, at a BP gas station located on West 9 Mile Road in Southfield. It's interesting to note that he has previously experienced lottery luck. Using the same set of numbers (02-06-11-20-23), he had previously won the exact same jackpot amount in the Fantasy 5 Double Play drawing on August 31, 2023."After winning $110,000 back in August, I switched up my Fantasy 5 numbers," said the player. "I went to the store with my tickets to double-check and replay them. After scanning the tickets and giving one back to me, the clerk exclaimed, "I think you won big!" "There is no way, I can't be that lucky," I reasoned. As I checked the winning numbers, I saw that I had won once more! It was unbelievable to me. It is truly a blessing to win!" As he considered how to spend his windfall, the winner expressed his happiness at this amazing turn of events. He paid off debt with the first prize, and now he looks forward to enjoying this second win.
Published 02 Mar 2024 05:52 PM


The Impact of Taylor Swift on Super Bowl Ads
With the Super Bowl approaching, millions of Americans will gather on Sunday to indulge in a shared national pastime: watching television commercials. The NFL season finale, which features the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers, is the biggest event of the year for the US advertising industry.In 2023, businesses will spend an average of $7 million for a 30-second commercial in front of 115 million viewers.Large companies face a formidable challenge this year as megastar Taylor Swift, who is flying in from a concert in Tokyo to see her boyfriend perform, competes for attention.It's anticipated that her relationship with Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce will propel viewership to all-time highs, with teens and tweens snagging a spot on the family sofa to watch their idol support her man from a lavish box. Because the Super Bowl is one of the few occasions when a politically divided and culturally dispersed country comes together in front of one show, advertisers are willing to spend outrageous sums of money.More than 100 million people can watch simultaneously on any other medium, according to Charles Taylor, a marketing professor at Villanova University. "This is similar to the past, when a campaign involving advertisements could reach the majority of Americans. There simply isn't another place for us to do that today,"
Published 10 Feb 2024 10:26 AM


Leaders of the European Union decide on key positions Ursula von der Leyen is renominated as head of the Commission
Ursula von der Leyen, a conservative German, was reappointed as president of the European Commission for a further five years on Thursday after European Union leaders approved three high-level nominations for its common political institutions.Ursula von der Leyen, a conservative German, was reappointed as president of the European Commission for a further five years on Thursday after European Union leaders approved three high-level nominations for its common political institutions.Following the EU Parliament elections, leaders of the European Union have decided which officials will represent the largest trading bloc in the world on international fora in the years to come, on matters ranging from foreign policy to antitrust cases. The final nominee will serve as the head of the bloc's diplomacy. The three finalists will occupy prominent roles at the European Commission, the EU's strong executive department, and the European Council, the body that represents the 27 member nations. The Associated Press examines their background and scope of work.The powerful European Commission has recommended the 65-year-old German politician for a second term in office. The center-right European People's Party (EPP), which comprises von der Leyen's Christian Democratic Union, continued to be the largest group in the EU Parliament earlier this month, which gave her bid a boost.Von der Leyen has received recognition for taking the lead during the COVID-19 crisis, when the EU purchased vaccines for its citizens as a whole. However, she also encountered harsh criticism for the lack of transparency in the talks with the manufacturers of vaccines.In the lead-up to the European elections, Von der Leyen has also represented the EU's plans to become climate neutral by 2050. However, her dedication to the Green Deal policies has come under scrutiny as the EU appeared wary of upsetting farmers who claimed that EU environmental and climate laws were forcing them into bankruptcy.
Published 28 Jun 2024 06:30 PM

IGT Solutions Announces CEO Succession Plan
"With effect from April 1, 2024, IGT Solutions, a global provider of AI-led BPM and Digital Services & Solutions, announced today that Katie Stein will take over as CEO. Effective February 14, 2024, she will become a CEO Designate of IGT Solutions. Katie joins IGT Solutions with strong subject expertise and a disruptive business leadership style. Katie most recently held the position of global. ""I would like to thank Vipul for his more than two decades of leadership on behalf of the entire company and the Board of Directors,"" stated John Del Santo, the IGT board chair. ""Katie, who has a fantastic track record of client service, leadership, and shown achievement, is also welcomed. IGT Solutions' extensive strengths in AI-led BPM and Digital Services & Solutions may reach new heights of expansion thanks to Katie's vision and experience."" ""I am honoured to join IGT Solutions at this exciting time for our employees, clients and partners,"" stated Katie. ""IGT Solutions' deep domain expertise, innovative culture, and technological prowess in assisting clients in addressing their particular industry challenges are admirable.IGT Solutions has cultivated a stellar clientele of high-profile companies in the travel and tech sectors, at a time when having a close relationship with clients is more crucial than ever. This is a fantastic starting point for our next round of development. ""I had a goal when I joined IGT Solutions: we were going to be our clients' and workers' go-to partner. With more than 25,000 workers worldwide, IGT Solutions is currently the top service provider for our travel and high-tech clients', stated departing CEO Vipul Doshi. "I welcome Katie to the CEO role and wish her the best in her efforts to lead the company to greater milestones in the future."" Concerning IGT Solutions Global companies entrust their transforming experiences to IGT Solutions, a next-generation customer experience (CX) provider. It accomplishes this by fusing digital and human intelligence with cutting-edge technologies. For managing end-to-end customer experience journeys across sectors, IGT Solutions is the go-to partner. IGT was founded in 1998 and currently operates 31 global delivery centres across 13 countries, serving client processes with over 25,000 CX professionals and over 90 worldwide marquee customers. Digital transformation, systems integration, platform solutions, industrial and enterprise solutions driven by AI/ML and Gen AI, intelligent automation and analytics, and a comprehensive range of BPM services and solutions are among the services provided by IGT Solutions. "
Published 16 Feb 2024 04:17 PM


Why couldn't it have been me?' Alec Baldwin was diagnosed with PTSD following the Rust shooting.
Highlights from Entertainment News Today for February 21, 2025: Get the most recent information and breaking news from the entertainment industry. Follow the most recent events in Hollywood, Bollywood, and other fields right here.In the first episode of their new reality series, Alec Baldwin and his wife Hilaria openly discuss their family's struggles following the deadly 2021 "Rust" incident. The couple discussed their attempts to protect their kids from the fallout from the horrific incident and the emotional toll it took on them personally in the premiere of "The Baldwins," a screener for which was given to the media prior to its Sunday airing on TLC. (TLC is a division of Warner Bros. Discovery, just like CNN.) According to Alec Baldwin, "there were times I'd lay in bed and I'd go, ‘Wow, I can't get up,’" during the most trying days of the "dreadful" year before his trial. "I'm not like that," he remarked. "I'm not like that at all; I never will be like that." "Everyone who is close to Alec has seen his mental health decline," his wife continued. He received a PTSD diagnosis.
Published 01 Mar 2025 06:55 PM


Following rumors on social media, Justin Bieber re-follows Hailey Bieber on Instagram.
After fans blasted Justin Bieber for unfollowing his wife Hailey Bieber on Instagram this week, the Biebers are always the same.The Rhode founder shared a series of Instagram pictures on Tuesday showing her musician husband dozing off across from her, demonstrating how the couple is still sharing pictures of themselves. The image was released in response to rumors and criticism that the "Baby" hitmaker had unfollowed his wife on the social media site.Earlier this month, Justin Bieber, 30, gained notoriety after unfollowing mentor Usher and manager Scooter Braun on the app. It's possible that Braun's account has subsequently been deleted. In a since-deleted Instagram post on Tuesday, Justin Bieber wrote: "Someone went on my account and unfollowed my wife," adding that things are "getting suss out here." Hailey Bieber, 28, has not responded to the fan conjecture. Fans have speculated about Hailey Bieber's relationship with her husband in a variety of ways, from comparing her to Justin's ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez to being honest about her personal life and even claiming that it had made her afraid to have children. After being married in 2018, the pair recently welcomed Jack Blues Bieber, a baby boy, as their first child in August.
Published 22 Jan 2025 08:19 PM


The third season of The White Lotus will debut in February 2025
In February 2025, the third season of HBO's critically praised series "The White Lotus" will premiere, and Lisa from BLACKPINK will make her acting debut. Leslie Bibb, Carrie Coon, and Jason Isaacs are among the outstanding cast members of the Emmy-winning anthology series, which was shot in Thailand.Continue ReadingThe release date for the eagerly awaited third season of HBO's popular series The White Lotus has finally been announced. In February 2025, Lisa, a member of BLACKPINK and a K-Pop sensation, will make her acting debut in the series. During a recent tech and media conference, JB Perrette, the worldwide streaming president for Warner Bros. Discovery, made this announcement. The upcoming season of the show, which was conceived and directed by Mike White, will take place in Thailand and will continue the practice of examining the lives of both staff and visitors at upscale White Lotus facilities.
Published 04 Dec 2024 11:07 PM


How Netflix's Popcorn Play is a Branding Masterstroke
Popcorn and movies have an old connection. Netflix understands this emotion very well and has strategically introduced its new Popcorn line in collaboration with Popcorn Indiana. The popcorn line is launched with its new summer collection of shows and movies to enhance the viewer’s experience. BUT WHY POPCORN? WHY NOW? Netflix has been a completely online platform with shows, movies and games. With all the hype around OTT platforms and the competitive landscape of the industry with players like Amazon, Disney Hotstar etc. Netflix needs to maintain its innovative presence. The best way is to introduce products which align with the main business. That’s what Netflix does. First they introduced Netflix Shop in June, 2021 in which the garments were customized according to Netflix shows to give its viewers a connection with the shows. Now by introducing Netflix Popcorns, it again wants to connect with viewers at a deeper level. These steps directly increases the visibility of the brand and subconsciously retains the brand “Netflix” and its shows in the mind of viewers. The idea of creating a customized environment for the viewers will make it difficult for them to switch to other platforms. Let’s see how much will this marketing strategy proves to be useful for Netflix. For now let’s BINGE WITH POPCORN.
Published 28 Jun 2024 03:08 PM


EUR/USD remains firm as Trump raises tariffs cautiously
As US President Donald Trump announced lower-than-expected tariffs on China, EUR/USD stayed strong above 1.0400. ECB's Lagarde cautioned that the Euro bloc should be ready for US tariffs, while ECB's Stournaras said that if the US imposes tariffs on the Eurozone, the pace of policy easing could quicken.In Wednesday's North American session, the EUR/USD maintains its rise above the crucial support level of 1.0400. As investors assess the United States' (US) clear tariff measures to construct new positions, the key currency pair continues to rise. Following a new two-week low of 107.75, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US dollar relative to six major currencies, recovers intraday losses.United States (US) President Donald Trump is ready to hike 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada and 10% on China, which will come into effect on February 1. Although he hasn't given specifics yet, Trump has also pledged to address trade imbalances with the Eurozone. Trump stated on Monday that he would either "raise tariffs or Europe buy more US oil and gas" to address the trade deficit. The US Dollar's (USD) demand as a safe haven is declining as a result of these tariff calls, which seem less alarming than what market players had expected from Trump's remarks during the election campaign.Traders may be forced to reduce their bets on the Federal Reserve (Fed) to maintain interest rates at their current levels for an extended period of time if Trump's tariff rises are less drastic than anticipated. Market investors currently anticipate that for the next three policy sessions, the Fed will maintain borrowing rates between 4.25% and 4.50%.
Published 22 Jan 2025 09:56 PM


As the Fed dampens sentiment ahead of the BoE, the UK's FTSE drops to a one-month low.
Both the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 midcap indexes saw a 1% decline. At 1200 GMT, the BoE is anticipated to hold rates at the policy decision. UK gilt yields and sterling are rising. Fears of slower-than-expected rate decreases cause homebuilders to decline. Water utilities benefit after a 36% increase in water billsDecember 19, Reuters As the U.S. Federal Reserve's overnight forecast of a slower path of interest-rate decreases lowered investors' risk appetite globally, the UK's flagship FTSE 100 stock index fell 1% and returned to its close to one-month low on Thursday.was down 1% as of 0900 GMT, reaching its lowest level since Nov. 21. This was just two days ago, mirroring the day's decline in European and Asian markets as well as Wall Street's decline the day before. Ahead of Donald Trump's second term in the White House next month, the Fed's new predictions called for two 25-basis-point rate reduction in the next year due to growing inflation. Policymakers expressed concerns about inflation possibly rekindling, which may keep rates higher for longer. They anticipate slightly greater economic growth and lower unemployment next year.Additionally, a rise in British gilt yields and a stronger pound sterling continued pressure on UK stocks. Ahead of a local monetary policy announcement at 1200 GMT (7:00 a.m. ET), where the Bank of England is anticipated to maintain rates at their current levels, investors were also on edge. The top of the watch list will be any clues on the direction of policy going forward, particularly in light of this week's impressive wage statistics. Fears of a slower-than-expected pace of rate cuts caused Homebuilders (.FTNMX402020), which opens a new tab, to drop 1.6%. Lenders (.FTNMX301010) and investment banking sub-indices (.FTNMX302020) both saw losses of more than 1% during a general market downturn.
Published 19 Dec 2024 10:30 PM


The yield on the 10-year Treasury note increases as investors wait for further job statistics.
As investors expected additional labor data that was due this week, U.S. Treasury yields increased on Wednesday.The yield on the 10-year Treasury increased by almost three basis points to 4.2478% at 4:28 a.m. ET. In the meantime, the yield on the 2-year Treasury increased by over one basis point to 4.1814%.With the release of the ADP Employment Change report for November on Wednesday, investors are anticipating additional labor data this week. According to economists surveyed by Dow Jones, the report's measure of private sector employment growth in the United States is expected to increase by 163,000 positions over the previous month.This follows the release of the JOLTS job opportunities data on Tuesday, which revealed that 7.74 million job openings were posted in October, exceeding Dow Jones projections of 7.5 million and up from September. The most important economic news this week is the November jobs report, which will be released on Friday and is eagerly anticipated by investors. According to economists surveyed by Dow Jones, it is anticipated to reveal that the U.S. economy added 214,000 jobs last month, up from 12,000 positions in October. The unemployment rate increased from 4.1% to an expected 4.2% in the previous month.The employment report is significant since it will be the last analysis of the labor market before the Fed's meeting on December 17–18, when officials will make the decision to hold or lower interest rates. Investors will be eagerly watching Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell's speech in New York on Wednesday, where he will participate in a moderated discussion, for hints regarding interest rate policy. In other news, French parliamentarians are set to pass a vote of no confidence in Prime Minister Michael Barnier's shaky minority government on Wednesday.
Published 04 Dec 2024 10:36 PM


Crypto Price Today: Bitcoin Falls Below $40,000, Small Gains Seen by Tether, USD Coin
On Tuesday, January 23, the price of bitcoin showed a 3.63 percent decline. As a result, Bitcoin is now worth only $39,820, or about Rs. 33 lakh. For the first time in the previous two months, the price of Bitcoin has fallen below $40,000, or approximately Rs. 33 lakh. The price of Bitcoin dropped by $1,175 (approximately Rs. 97, 635) in the last day. Most cryptocurrencies followed Bitcoin on the loss-making side of the price chart. On Tuesday, Ether saw a 4.04 percent decline. When this article was written, the price of ETH was $2,336 (about Rs. 1.94 lakh). In the past day, the price of ether dropped by $81 (about Rs. 6,730). For the first time in fifty days, Bitcoin fell below $40,000 (approximately Rs. 33 lakh) as the Bulls were unable to maintain the support line. Those new investors who made large investments during the spot ETF announcement are currently sitting at nearly a twenty-five percent loss. During the late hours of US Monday trading, altcoins also experienced a deep red decline as concerns about ETH falling below the $2,000 (roughly Rs. 1.66 lakh) mark resurfaced in the markets. The Ethereum Foundation's sale of 700 ETH for about $2,400 (about Rs. 1.99 lakh) each served as the catalyst for this. Such token foundation sell-offs typically indicate a local peak, which may have occurred prior to the Bitcoin halving.After a tremendous bull run, the cryptocurrency market is currently experiencing a healthy retreat. As ETFs increase their AUM and encourage widespread adoption of the biggest digital asset in the world, we might witness a more stable Bitcoin. The CEO of BuyUcoin, Shivam Thakral, told Gadgets360, "Top Trader Henrik Zeberg shared a new Bitcoin price prediction of $120,000 (roughly Rs. 99.7 lakh). However, we will have to wait and see how the market moves in the coming weeks."
Published 23 Jan 2024 05:00 PM


To stop diversion to China, the US tightens regulations on cutting-edge computer processors.
Reuters, Washington, January 15 In an effort to stop high-end chips from being diverted to China, the US tightened regulations on advanced computer semiconductors on Wednesday, according to the Commerce Department.According to the report, the new regulations place more stringent licensing requirements on chip manufacturers and packaging firms looking to export specific cutting-edge semiconductors. According to Commerce, they expand on previous actions meant to prevent China from obtaining specific semiconductors that are essential for military advantage.In an effort to slow down China's technological achievements, the US has tightened regulations for firms like Nvidia and imposed broad new laws restricting the sale of artificial intelligence (AI) processors. The worldwide AI chip market, particularly the Indian market, may be significantly impacted by these new regulations. The new regulations, which are expected to go into force in a year, place stringent restrictions on the processing capacity of AI chips that are marketed in the majority of nations. There are exceptions for allies who follow the security and human rights guidelines that the US has established. The intent of these new regulations is to stop enemies, especially China and Russia, from using cutting-edge AI technology for surveillance or military objectives."Trade-offs are necessary for managing national security threats. In a White House blog post, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated, "This rule guarantees our allies can access advanced technology while protecting our interests." In order to guarantee that AI development complies with US requirements, the laws expand upon earlier chip export controls. “This rule ensures that the infrastructure for frontier AI systems remains in America or allied jurisdictions, preventing offshoring similar to what occurred with chips and batteries,” said National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan in a formal statement.
Published 15 Jan 2025 08:48 PM


Ahead of payrolls, Asian stocks decline due to South Korea risk, and the dollar is cautious.
While dollar bulls nervously awaited the outcome of U.S. payrolls that either confirmed or challenged expectations of a rate cut this month, Asian markets fell Friday due to political unrest in South Korea. The 1.7% decline in South Korea's KOSPI contributed to a 0.3% decline in MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific stocks outside of Japan. Following President Yoon Suk Yeol's declaration of martial law in the nation on Tuesday, the Korean won plummeted 0.8% to 1,425.42 per dollar, heading toward the low of 1,443.4.Following several reports of another proclamation of martial law, the Democratic Party, South Korea's major opposition party, stated Friday that MPs were on standby, according to a report by the Yonhap news agency. Other markets saw gains of 0.4% for Hong Kong's Hang Seng and 0.2% for China's blue chips.Japan's Nikkei fell 0.6% but is up 2.5% for the week. Data showed that Japan's local wages grew at the fastest pace in 32 years in October, although markets are still leaning towards no rate hike from the Bank of Japan this month.
Published 06 Dec 2024 08:56 PM


Trump Shows Up In A US Court Regarding Closed-Door
During a closed-door meeting in his case involving classified documents, former US president Donald Trump was in federal court in Florida on Monday. The lawyers were debating who would have access to the top-secret evidence. In June, Trump, then 77 years old, entered a not guilty plea to allegations of making false statements, conspiring to obstruct justice, and illegally keeping information related to national defense. Aileen Cannon, the case's judge, has called attorneys from both sides to appear in court on Monday.A group of supporters holding posters welcomed the former president and his entourage when they arrived at the Fort Pierce courthouse, approximately 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of Miami, at 9:00 am (1400 GMT). The government's attorneys are against the move, claiming that the material is too sensitive, but Trump's lawyers are hoping to obtain access to the classified evidence that is currently in the hands of the prosecutors. Cannon stated that Trump's attorneys need to be ready to "discuss their defense theories of the case, in detail, and how any classified information might be relevant or helpful to the defense" in a court document announcing the hearing.She will first hear from the defense, and then from the federal prosecutors. The trial for Trump is set to start on May 20. Two workers, Waltine Nauta, Trump's personal assistant, and Carlos de Oliveira, the property manager, are also accused. Trump has attended hearings in a number of court cases against him in recent weeks.
Published 13 Feb 2024 01:39 AM


Regardless of the president, Canada must deal with a more protectionist United States: former envoy
"No matter who wins the election in November, Canada needs to get ready for a more isolationist and protectionist U.S., according to the country's ambassador to the United States for the majority of Donald Trump's administration. David MacNaughton stated in an interview with Global News, ""What you've got down there is a challenging situation where we need to be able to demonstrate to them that we are a reliable, good friend and good partner."" ""The last time, we spent a lot of time demonstrating to them our importance from an economic standpoint.""Trump defeated Nikki Haley in the Republican New Hampshire primary Tuesday night with 54 per cent of the vote, putting him one step closer to securing the GOP nomination. Trump, according to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, adds a level of ""unpredictability"" to ties with the United States." No matter who wins in November, MacNaughton emphasized how crucial it is for Canada to sell its economic friendship by offering to supply vital minerals and hydroelectricity, but more importantly, by sharing how it can work with the United States on priorities. "I believe that this time, even more importantly, is going to be to assist them with some of the things that they're most concerned about, which include drugs entering the country, illegal immigration, and possible terrorism," MacNaughton remarked.A Jan. 15 Angus Reid poll indicates that 53% of Canadians believe a Biden win would be better for the country's economy, while only 18% believe a Trump win would be advantageous. In anticipation of the upcoming American administration, Trudeau declared that he had assigned current Ambassador Kirsten Hillman, Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Trade Minister Mary Ng to spearhead a "Team Canada" strategy in their dealings with the United States. According to MacNaughton, Canada frequently brings up a list of demands during these talks, but it frequently pays little attention to our largest trading partner. It resembles spending all of your time talking about yourself while out on a date. Most likely, it will be your one and only."Although you can't always meet everyone's needs, you should consider what they need and see what we can do to meet it."
Published 25 Jan 2024 06:19 PM


Indian-American Miss India USA 2024, born in Chennai
Caitlin Sandra Neil, an Indian American girl from Chennai, won the title of Miss India USA 2024 at the yearly contest in New Jersey.Ms. Caitlin, 19, is a University of California, Davis second-year student. "I want to leave a positive lasting impact on my community and focus on women's empowerment and literacy," Caitlin was quoted as saying in a press statement.Ms. Caitlin was born in Chennai, India, and has spent the previous 14 years in the United States. She aspires to work as a web designer in addition to modeling and acting.In the pageant run by the India Festival Committee (IFC), Sanskriti Sharma from Illinois was named Mrs. India USA, and Arshita Kathpalia from Washington was crowned Miss Teen India USA. Caitlin Sandra Neil and Sanskriti Sharma were crowned Miss India USA 2023 by Rijul Maini and Mrs. India USA 2023 by Sneha Nambiar. In the Miss India USA contest, Manini Patel of New Jersey and Nirali Desia of Illinois were crowned first and second runners-up, respectively. In the Mrs. India USA contest, Virginia's Sapna Mishra and Connecticut's Chinmayee Ayachit were crowned first and second runner-up, respectively. According to the press release, Sonali Sharma and Dhriti Patel of Rhode Island were named the teen category's first and second runners-up, respectively. Twenty-five states sent forty-seven participants to compete in the pageant's three divisions.
Published 21 Dec 2024 03:41 PM


A diagnostics business is getting ready to launch a blood testing product in Austin and San Antonio.
Babson Diagnostics has successfully obtained important FDA clearance for its blood testing products following years of cooperation and trials. Listen to the most recent episode of Texas Business Minds to hear about the startup's history, its funding efforts, and the Texas towns it plans to debut in this year, including San Antonio.A diagnostic firm is getting ready to launch a blood testing product in Austin and San Antonio. Babson Diagnostics has successfully obtained important FDA clearance for its blood testing products following years of cooperation and trials. The creator of Babson Diagnostics is getting ready to introduce a cutting-edge blood test device. The founder, COO, and chairman of Austin-based Babson Diagnostics, a blood testing firm, is Eric Olson. He was recently a guest on the Texas Business Minds podcast.
Published 24 Jan 2024 05:31 PM


Pregnancy-related discrimination may change an infant's brain circuitry.
It is becoming more widely acknowledged that racial bias and discrimination are unpleasant realities that are harmful to both adult and child health. Furthermore, a recent study found that these stressful experiences may also be passed from mother to kid during pregnancy, changing the strength of the infants' brain circuits.It is well established that encounters with prejudice and acculturation are harmful to an individual's health. A recent study from Yale and Columbia University finds that these traumatic experiences can have an impact on the brain circuitry of the unborn child during pregnancy. The effects attributed to depression and general stress are distinct, according to the researchers.
Published 11 Jan 2024 12:58 AM


Will US World Cup hero Saurabh Netravalkar fetch high prices in Jeddah at the 2025 Indian Premier League auction?
USA world cup hero Saurabh Netravalkar has now been added to the list of players who will be put up for auction in Jeddah ahead of the much-anticipated IPL auction, which is set for November 24 to 25.The United States' best bowler, Saurabh Netravalkar, attracted a lot of attention during the 2024 T20 World Cup with his exceptional performance. In the league encounter, he bowled the super over against Pakistan, helping them to a memorable victory by successfully defending the 18 runs the USA had set. The left-arm bowler played in six games throughout the competition, claiming six wickets at an average of 20.83.Saurabh Netravalkar is who? Netravalkar played domestic cricket for a short time in India. Nonetheless, he established himself as the top wicket-taker for the 2010 Under 19 World Cup while playing for the India Under 19 team. Sandeep Sharma, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Mayank Agarwal, and KL Rahul participated in the 2010 Under-19 World Championship.Netravalkar is a left-arm bowler who is renowned for his accurate motion and ability to swing the ball in all directions. His main advantages are his steady line and length. Netravalkar, who was born in Mumbai in 1991, developed his abilities in the city's youth programs. At the age of 17, his skill gained him a place in the Mumbai Ranji squad, which ultimately led to his selection with distinction in the India Under 19 team. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay area and goes by the nickname Netra.For over seven years, Saurabh Netravalkar has been employed with Oracle. He is a computer science master's degree holder. He previously received his degree from the University of Mumbai in Computer Engineering.
Published 14 Dec 2024 09:52 PM


"How the leggings industry grew to be worth billions of dollars "
"By the end of the 2020s, few could have predicted that one of the most mocked fashion staples of the 1980s, a decade that never quite experienced the style comeback of the decades that preceded it, would be a multibillion-dollar industry unto itself. However, it seems like leggings are actually having the last laugh. Growth Market Reports, a market research company, has projected that the global leggings market, which was valued at $32.89 billion in 2022, will grow to a value of $57.97 billion by 2031. According to Statista's data analysis, 4 billion pairs of tights and leggings will be produced by 2027. These astounding figures demonstrate a profound cultural shift in addition to a seismic shift in fashion."
Published 16 Jan 2024 01:08 AM


Princess Diana's Dress Raises a Record $1.15 Million
"The evening gown in black and blue, which sold for over 11 times the asking price, is evidence of Diana's lasting appeal more than 25 years after her passing.She donned the floor-length ballerina gown twice, first for the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra in 1985 and then for a dinner hosted by the mayor of Florence, Italy, in 1986. Diana, Princess of Wales, sold that dress at auction on Sunday for almost $1.15 million, setting a record price for one of her gowns. The piece, created by Jacques Azagury, the Moroccan-British fashion designer, was “synonymous with the Princess of Wales’s royal elegance and eternal grace,” the Hollywood auction house, Julien’s Auctions, said in a statement, noting that it had sold for more than 11 times what the auction house had predicted that it would bring.The dress was offered for sale with an accompanying illustration that showed off its metallic star-embroidered black velvet bodice, two-tier royal blue organza skirt with a sash and bow—a tribute to Diana's passion for dancing—and shoulder pads, one of her signature looks. "
Published 16 Jan 2024 01:04 AM


Analysis: China's past reverberates in Trump and Musk's America
A dramatic attempt to eliminate government bureaucracy is being spearheaded by US President Donald Trump and his billionaire ally, Elon Musk. Wang Xiangwei, a former editor-in-chief of the SCMP, claims that China is currently dealing with its own bureaucratic inefficiencies.HONG KONG: A "Cultural Revolution" like to that of the United States is underway. Many scholars of contemporary Chinese history, including this author, find it impossible to avoid drawing comparisons between the Cultural Revolution in China from 1966 to 1976 and the current assault against federal bureaucracy led by US President Donald Trump and his billionaire ally Elon Musk. One of the major reasons Mao Zedong started the uprising over 59 years ago was his concern that China was becoming into an aristocratic nation that didn't care about the interests and welfare of the people.He organized the Red Guards, who were primarily high school and college students, to launch attacks on government offices across the nation. Mao famously predicted that "great chaos under heaven" would give way to "great order" as China plunged into turmoil and paralysis.
Published 19 Feb 2025 09:57 PM


Demonstrators fight with police as they try to break into the German Tesla facility.
Opponents of the U.S. electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla's (TSLA.O) plans to expand by opening a new plant in Grueneheide, close to Berlin, battled with police on Friday, with some of them attempting to storm the premises.The organizing group, Disrupt Tesla, says that the development will harm the environment, and about 800 individuals participated in the demonstration.A Reuters video showed scores of individuals trying to rush the company's grounds while donning blue caps and masks that covered their faces. Police were trying to stop them, even using force. One protestor was taken into custody at least."Why do the police let the left-wing protestors off so easily?" Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, stated on his social media site X that the protesters were unable to gain traction.Also, the footage showed medical professionals tending to a few injured individuals.Disrupt Tesla spokesman Ole Becker told Reuters, "We are here today to draw attention to the Tesla factory in Grunheide for the environmental destruction here. "According to Becker, the organization also wishes to draw attention to the environmental damage caused by lithium mining in nations like Bolivia and Argentina. An essential component of batteries for electric vehicles is lithium.Mario Heinemann, a spokesman for the Brandenburg police, stated, "We defend the right to assemble, but we also uphold public safety and order. This implies that we will step in as well when required.The police verified that there had been some allegations of injuries and that the demonstrators had attempted to infiltrate the plant's grounds but were thwarted, with several individuals being placed under arrest.According to the police spokeswoman, some of the protestors used paint and fireworks at a nearby car storage site to damage a few Tesla cars.
Published 08 Jun 2024 11:28 AM


Donald Trump Raises Funds for His Campaign With A Valentines Day Letter To Melania
In an email intended to raise money, former US President Donald Trump requested donations from supporters using a Valentine's Day love letter to his wife, Melania. ''I love you, Melania!'' was the subject line of a campaign email that Trump offered to write on Wednesday morning. He thanked his wife in the letter for standing by him despite numerous civil and criminal charges. The Republican presidential nominee is indicted on four federal and state counts totaling ninety-one felonies, which is noteworthy. The words in the letter are, "Dear Melania, I LOVE YOU!" You never left my side, not even after all of the accusations, arrests, and witch hunts combined. You've always helped me out no matter what. Without your advice, warmth, and kindness, I would not be the man I am today. Melania, you will always be my everything! From your husband, Donald J. Trump, with love.In addition, the email has three "SEND YOUR LOVE" buttons that, when clicked, take supporters to a donation page with the same Valentine's Day greeting, "If you love Melania, I humbly ask you for you to leave her some kind words below!" The website recommends a $20.24 minimum gift. But individuals who believe he is the greatest president of all time can give any amount—$47, $100, $250, $500, $1,000, $3,300, or more.Since the passing of her mother Amalija Knavs last month, Melania Trump has not been sighted in public. On Saturday night, though, she and her spouse attended a gala at Mar-a-Lago. In January 2005, Donald and Melania Trump tied the knot in a lavish ceremony held at his exclusive Mar-a-Lago club. They had become engaged in 2004. In 2006, they welcomed Barron, their only child together. Nikki Haley, Trump's primary Republican opponent, sent the former president a Valentine's Day message of her own.
Published 15 Feb 2024 05:45 PM


Report Raises Doubts About Bidens Age
The Justice Department on Thursday released a damning report that said President Joe Biden had intentionally kept and disclosed classified material in unsecure places at his homes in Delaware and Virginia. Although federal investigators for Special Counsel Robert Hur concluded that Biden's actions were inappropriate, they did not bring any criminal charges against him."Our investigation uncovered evidence that President Biden willfully retained and disclosed classified materials after his vice presidency when he was a private citizen," according to the almost 400-page report. Nevertheless, the investigators "conclude that the evidence does not establish Mr. Biden's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt."In a hurriedly scheduled press conference at the White House on Thursday night, Biden angrily declared that he had done nothing wrong. "They made a firm conclusion: I did not break the law, period," he stated. He also made a comparison between the document investigation against him, which ended in no charges, and the investigation against Donald Trump, which produced an indictment. "I was especially pleased to see the special counsel make clear the historic distinction between this case and Mr. Trump's case," he stated. "The special counsel acknowledged I cooperated completely - I did not throw up any roadblocks, I sought no delays."Political claims that the Justice Department treats Biden differently than Trump—his most likely rival in the 2024 presidential contest—will probably be strengthened by this report.
Published 09 Feb 2024 11:02 AM
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Reputable U.S. track & field publication rated Neeraj Chopra the world's top male javelin thrower in 2024.
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Political Trends
- Demonstrators fight with police as they try to break into the German Tesla facility.
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Finance & Stock Market Trend
All Trending News in United States


US Pre-Orders for the Apple Vision Pro begin on January 19 and the device will go on sale on February 2.
"The Vision Pro, Apple's first mixed reality headset, will go on sale in the US in February, the company said on Tuesday. On January 19, preorders for the headset will go live. The headset will be available at all US Apple Store locations as well as through the company's web store. The Apple Vision Pro was announced in June last year at the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2023. The headset supports both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies and runs on the visionOS operating system. On February 2, the company officially announced on its newsroom website that the Apple Vision Pro would go on sale in the United States. The US Apple Store online and at all of its physical locations will both sell it. At the company's retail locations, customers can register to test the headset out for themselves. The gadget will go up for preorder on January 19 at 5:00 am PST (6.30 pm IST).With 256GB of storage, the Apple Vision Pro starts at $3,499, or approximately Rs. 2,90,000. A Solo Knit Band and a Dual Loop Band are included with the device. A polishing cloth, a battery, a USB Type-C cable, a Light Seal, and two Light Seal Cushions are also included in the package. "ZEISS Optical Inserts are available as readers that magnetically attach to Vision Pro or with a prescription for people who need vision correction. According to Apple, readers will run you $99, or about Rs. 8,000, while prescription lenses will set you back $149, or about Rs. 12,000, for them. For nations other than the US, the Apple Vision Pro's release date and price have not yet been disclosed. The company first entered the spatial computing space with the release of the Apple Vision Pro, which was unveiled at last year's WWDC event in June. It has two high-resolution micro-OLED displays and is powered by visionOS. With an R1 chip to handle input from 12 cameras, 5 sensors, and 6 microphones, it runs on Apple's M2 chips. With its three-dimensional user interface, the headset
Published 22 Jan 2024 10:25 AM


Bake Squad Season 2 - January 20 (Netflix)
January 20, 2023, will mark the return of the second season. Pastry chefs Christophe Rull and Maya-Camlle Broussard, cake decorator Ashley Holt, and chocolatier Gonzo Jimenez will all be back. The four bakers compete in the show to see whose dessert gets picked for someone's extremely special big day.Bake Squad is back, and it's fulfilling the chocolate-covered, ganache-filled, sprinkle-topped fantasies of a few special people. Christina Tosi, the host and creator of the bakery chain Milk Bar, is back along with her team of delectable dessert specialists. This season, the bakers are making countless pounds of chocolate masterpieces, edible trophy cases, volcano cakes, and balloons loaded with S'mores—all prepared to order for a select group of fortunate customers.Who Makes Up Bake Squad? For Season 2, Christina is thrilled to have her four favorite bakers return: chocolatier Gonzo Jimenez, cake decorator Ashley Holt, pastry chef Christophe Rull, and pastry chef Maya-Camille Broussard. See this guide to learn more about the bakers and host.What Takes Place in Season 2 of Bake Squad? This season, the team competes to serve desserts at a number of significant occasions, such as a joint 75th birthday celebration, a bar mitzvah, and a celebration honoring the founder of the LGBTQ+ sports group Varsity Gay League. After finding out who these bakers would be helping to celebrate, they have one day to organize and make customized sweets in the hopes of being selected to cater each occasion. Which creation works best for their celebration is ultimately up to the client. Similar to Season 1, there are no large winners or eliminations at the end; instead, the only award is the opportunity to brighten someone's day (and maybe brag about it to other bakers).
Published 12 Aug 2024 10:14 PM


India notifies the US of a ban on laptop imports due to national security concerns.
One of India's largest trading partners, the US is anticipated to generate $200 billion in revenue this year. However, there are still important problems with bilateral trade.At the 14th Ministerial-level meeting of the India-United States Trade Policy Forum (TPF), which was co-chaired by both delegates in New Delhi on Friday, US Trade Representative (USTR) Katherine Tai brought up the issue. In response, India's Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, vehemently defended New Delhi's import restrictions on laptops, tablets, and servers. According to the joint statement, Goyal also requested that Tai abolish the import prohibition on shrimp that are wild fished at the meeting.Goyal also restated New Delhi’s longtime demand about being reinstated in Washington’s Generalised System of Preferences (GSP) program, which gives duty-free access for some imports from low and middle-income nations. Before the former Donald Trump administration excluded India from the GSP program in 2019, it was one of the program's largest beneficiaries.During the TPF, Goyal also outlined the "challenges" that Indian business investors had in obtaining a US visa and asked Tai to expedite the visa application process. According to the joint statement, the Indian minister also brought attention to problems experienced by Indian experts whose credentials are not accepted in the US labor market.He mentioned that the pharmaceutical industry in the US was India's largest export destination and that the country's exports had increased 6.7% annually over the previous five years.Multiple authorizations may be applied for by importers, and if granted, they will remain in effect until September 30, 2024. Authorizations will be granted for any quantity of shipments for imports through September of the following year. Regarding the scenario that would follow September 2024, the official stated: "We are keeping an eye on imports and analyzing the data." Thus, subsequent actions will be based on whatever information that data may yield. On November 1, 2023, the first day of the new system's implementation, the government approved 110 out of the 111 applications, including those from Apple, Dell, and Lenovo. major applications sought approval for the importation of major IT hardware products, which are estimated to be valued about USD 10 billion. "More imports than were previously authorized annually have already been approved by the administration. Therefore, before making a choice, it is necessary to ascertain which companies are involved and what kind of goods are on the way," the official continued. Along with encouraging home production of these products, India has launched a number of initiatives, including a production linked incentive (PLI) program for the large-scale manufacturing of electronics. The comments take on relevance as the US brought up India's new import rules for laptops and tablets during the Trade Policy Forum (TPF) meeting on January 12 and requested that New Delhi make sure that the industry's trade is not restricted by the country's present online system or related policies.
Published 25 Jan 2024 08:32 PM


What Effects Will the US and Allies' Strikes Against the Houthis Have?
Airstrikes against the Houthis in Yemen's capital Sanaa were carried out by the US, UK, and allies in response to the militants' continuous attacks on ships in the Red Sea since November.On Thursday and Friday, US and coalition forces in northern Yemen attacked more than 60 positions spread among 16 Houthi areas. The targets included the capital city of Sanaa, the northwest Houthi stronghold of Saada, and the Houthi Red Sea port of Hudaydah in the Dhamar province. The bombing occurs when Israel has been attacking Gaza, Palestine, and then Lebanon since October 7 with US support. Thousands of lives have been lost as a result, and there have also been injuries and displacement.A new chapter has now begun with the US and its allies attacking Yemen's capital, Sanaa. This has sparked a new conflict that is wreaking even more havoc and misery.To get his opinion on the events, Sputnik India spoke with political and foreign policy analyst Muhammad Taimur Fahad Khan.He went on, "This could result in a worsening of the situation in Yemen and the Middle East as a whole. A further degree of complexity is introduced by Iran's engagement in the region and its resistance to the United States and its allies. Concern Across the Globe Over Another Unsettling History He contended that the incident on Thursday night represents a serious threat to the international world as well as the Middle East.This could lead to widespread unrest and instability that affects areas far outside of the actual battle zone. Dr. Tughral Yamin, an expert at the Institute of Policy Studies in Islamabad, was also interviewed by Sputnik India.The operation was referred to as a “follow-on action” after the US and the UK launched a flurry of land and naval attacks against Houthi military positions throughout Yemen in an effort to prevent the group from attacking military and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.Mohammed al-Attab of Al Jazeera reported from the capital of Yemen, saying, "I heard these explosions and many people talked on social media that they had heard powerful explosions in the capital, Sanaa. " The Houthis' deputy communications secretary, Nasreddin Amer, told Al Jazeera that there were no injuries or damage from the US strike that occurred overnight.Amer declared that there were no casualties, material losses, or human losses and that the Houthis would return with a "strong and effective response." Mohammed Abdulsalam, a spokesman for the Houthis, told the Reuters news agency that the US strike would not stop them from attacking vessels that are connected to Israel.
Published 18 Jan 2024 08:30 PM


Lift: Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Kevin Harts antics fall flat
The most recent addition to Netflix's collection of heist thrillers has characters that are cardboard cutouts and predictable turns.The idea behind Lift, the newest heist thriller on Netflix, is an enormous shipment of gold is supposed to be taken in midair. It sounds like an intriguing plot point. The thriller appears polished, having been filmed in some of the most picturesque places on earth, such as Venice, Switzerland, and Ireland. The film, which aims to be a suspenseful thriller, is propelled by a varied cast. However, the film, directed by F. Gary Gray, who has previously helmed films such as The Italian Job (2003) and The Fate of the Furious (2017), lacks substance and is not very compelling.Lift, a novel by Daniel Kunka, chronicles the exploits of Kevin Hart's character, professional thief Cyrus Whitaker, and his skilled gang as they attempt the ultimate heist: taking $500 million in gold from a vault on an aircraft that is hovering 40000 feet over the Alps. A group of hackers in the thriller are capable of making even the most difficult heists seem easy. That is established in a long opening scene where the group whisks away a mysterious artist and sets up a furious chase along Venice's canals. Shortly later, Whitaker is being pursued by Interpol agent Abby Gladwell (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), who approaches him with the idea of stealing the gold at the request of her senior official.The first aim is a Venice art auction. The gang at the heart of Netflix's mistrustful heist drama Lift, led by their aspirationally stoic chief, Cyrus (Kevin Hart), get ready to steal priceless works from the hands of the one percent. This squad considers themselves as a bunch of cultural Robin Hoods, consisting of proficient techies and masters of disguise. They screw the rich and support the artists while pilfering from the wealthy to fill their own coffers.Directed by F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton), the movie opens with Cyrus waltzing toward an imposingly beautiful edifice that will host the auction. A crimson carpet delineates the route to the main entrance, as Venetians in masks move about on either side of the ropes. This opening scene makes Venice, which Gray more deftly depicted in his 2003 film The Italian Job, appear gaudy. Every surface is touched by light, as though the exposure has been fully increased.
Published 25 Jan 2024 07:07 PM


Volkswagen celebrates its 75th anniversary in the US market.
January 17, 2024, RESTON, Virginia /PRNewswire/ -- The first attempt to sell the Volkswagen Type 1, now known as the Beetle, to Americans was made exactly 75 years ago today when two of the cars touched down in New York. Seventy-five years later, the venerable carmaker is commemorating its modest beginnings, honoring those who have helped to integrate the brand into American culture, and laying the groundwork for the brand's next phase of ongoing change.Today, in honor of the historic anniversary, the company is launching a comprehensive, year-long campaign that aims to be both an invitation to participate in Volkswagen's electric future and a love letter to the people of America. "VW has transformed from a story about two Beetles to a significant part of American culture in the last 75 years," stated Rachael Zaluzec, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience & Brand Marketing at VW of America. "We hold individuals dear to our hearts and names. We will commemorate the real people and real-life events that have contributed to the Volkswagen brand becoming the beloved brand that it is today as we look forward to the next 75 years."Throughout the year, events are being organized to highlight the individuals, goods, and locations that have shaped one of the most recognizable brands in America. Following a break from Big Game advertising, Volkswagen will make a comeback to Super Bowl LVIII as part of the 75th anniversary campaign. Dutch businessman Ben Pon came to New York in 1949.
Published 18 Jan 2024 04:43 PM


"Transaction value decreased by 9% and consumer retail deals fell by a third in 2023, according to Grant Thornton Bharat
According to a Grant Thornton Bharat report, deal activity in the retail, e-commerce, and consumer sectors decreased by a third in volume in 2023 as investors grew wary due to high inflation, several companies implementing wage freezes, and workforce reductions. The number of consumer sector mergers and acquisitions and private equity funding deals fell to 331 in the most recent calendar year from 514 the year before. The value of these deals decreased by 9% to $8.6 billion from $9.3 billion, with the ecommerce sector leading the majority of this decline.The value of e-commerce transactions almost halved to 3.3 billion, but the quantity fell 70% to 124 deals. However, deal activity in the apparel and retail sectors increased seven times, with Reliance Retail leading the way with nearly $1.6 billion raised from Qatar Investment.
Published 18 Jan 2024 04:29 PM


Up to $50 million may be raised by a Trump-affiliated SPAC through convertible notes and warrants.
In a filing, Digital World Acquisition—the blank-check company that is going to merge with the media company owned by former US President Donald Trump—said that it could raise as much as $50 million through the issuance of convertible notes or warrants. Shares of Digital World dropped 9.2% to $20.30 on A publicly traded shell company known as a special purpose acquisition company, or SPAC, raises capital with the goal of merging with a private company within two years of floating its shares. The merger allows the private company to go public.Digital World said in the filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission that it was still in talks to raise funds through alternative options after some potential investors expressed interest, though it added there was no certainty that the talks will be successful.The blank-check company declared that it would forfeit the $530.5 million that remained from the $1 billion in PIPE that it had raised. The SPAC raised $1 billion through PIPE in 2022, but the investors had the option to back out of their commitments when the merger with Trump Media and Technology Group was not completed by the September 2022 deadline.Truth Social is a social media platform run by Trump Media & Technology Group. (Editing by Shounak Dasgupta; reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru)
Published 18 Jan 2024 04:23 PM


For $10.5 billion, Nasdaq buys Adenza.
Today, Nasdaq announced that it is spending $10.5 billion to buy Adenza, a business that creates regulatory software and risk-management tools for the financial services industry. According to a press release from the firm today, the megabucks acquisition, which consists of an equal portion of cash and stock, will increase Nasdaq's serviceable addressable market (SAM) to $34 billion, or $10 billion over its current level. Second only behind Qualtrics's $12.5 billion acquisition, which was disclosed a few months ago, is the deal, which ranks among the largest acquisitions of the year thus far. Adenza provides banks, insurance companies, broker-dealers, and other similar financial sector corporations with an end-to-end platform that covers everything from data administration to reporting and is accessible through cloud computing or on-premises installation. The company has two headquarters: one in New York and the other in London. Nasdaq, which runs three stock exchanges in the United States and seven in Europe, said it will be in a better position to offer “comprehensive support to financial institutions” in the areas of regulatory technology, compliance, and risk management now that it has taken Adenza under its wing. Financial institutions employ software tools sold by Adenza to make sure their operations adhere to regulatory requirements. The technologies can gather financial activity data from an organisation, look for indications of compliance problems, and present the data in a dashboard. The software developed by Adenza also simplifies associated duties, such making sure dashboard data is correct. The company also provides a different set of applications that facilitate trade execution for financial institutions. A platform that banks can use to get market data and buy shares is one of the software solutions offered by Adenza. Users are able to evaluate new investing strategies before putting them into practice by using a simulation tool.
Published 18 Jan 2024 03:41 PM


Worldpay is sold by FIS to GTCR for $18.5b.
In one of the biggest corporate carve-outs in history, US financial technology company Fidelity National Information Services has agreed to sell private equity firm GTCR the bulk of its merchant payments division, Worldpay. The transaction is valued at up to $18.5 billion. After telling investors in February that it intended to spin off the unit to stockholders, FIS changed its strategy and would now maintain a 45% ownership in Worldpay in addition to receiving net proceeds of $11.7 billion. The Florida-based business announced on Thursday that it will use the money to finance share buybacks and debt repayment. The Chicago-based GTCR is expected to invest over $5 billion in Worldpay, with a valuation of approximately $4.5 billion for FIS's 45 percent equity stake, as per individuals acquainted with the situation. According to people familiar with the situation, a syndicate of lenders led by Goldman and JPMorgan will raise $8.4 billion in debt to finance the private equity firm's acquisition. UBS, Deutsche Bank, Citigroup, and Wells Fargo are also involved in the funding. Chief executive Stephanie Ferris stated in a statement, "This transaction provides certainty for all stakeholders and allows FIS to partially monetarilyze our merchant solutions business at an attractive valuation." GTCR has a history of investing in the payments industry; in 2010, it even sold a company to Worldpay for a price over $1 billion. According to those with knowledge of the situation, Thursday's transaction is the biggest in the company's history.
Published 18 Jan 2024 03:37 PM


Concern over the US-UK attack on the Houthis in the lead-up to the LS polls has heightened.
WASHINGTON (AP) – Following weeks of warnings to the group to stop their drone and missile strikes against commercial vessels in the Red Sea or face dire consequences, U.S. and U.K. warships and planes unleashed rounds of missiles against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen early on Friday in Sanaa.Prior to this, the United States had refrained from retaliating, a reflection of greater American worries about upending the precarious truce in Yemen and starting a wider fight in the area. However, the Houthis conducted their most powerful assault to date on a number of foreign warships and commercial ships in the Red Sea on Tuesday, employing eighteen one-way attack drones, anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile. Even though Tuesday's attack was repelled by American and allied military vessels and aircraft defending the waterways, the magnitude and impact of the launch prompted international condemnation and left little choice but to heed warnings that any additional attacks would result in a significant response.
Published 18 Jan 2024 10:17 AM


Once more, Apple is not allowed to sell watches with blood oxygen sensors in the United States.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit announced on Thursday that Apple will once more be prohibited from selling watches equipped with blood oxygen sensors. Apple's attempt to overturn an ITC ban on the company selling the impacted watches in the US was not addressed by the court order issued on Wednesday. However, while that appeal is pending, it lifted an injunction that had prevented the ban from going into effect. An intellectual property dispute with the medical device company Masimo is the reason for the ban. In October, the International Trade Commission found that Apple’s blood oxygen sensors had infringed on Masimo’s intellectual property.During Wednesday afternoon trading, Apple shares saw a slight decline. Apple is not allowed to import the aforementioned devices, which include the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Retailers who still have the impacted watches in stock may continue to sell them, but Apple decided in December to temporarily remove them from both its online and physical stores. Earlier this week, court filings suggested that Apple had received approval from U.S. Customs for a modified version of its Apple Watches that lack the blood oxygen feature and therefore no longer infringe on Masimo’s intellectual property. It could open a path for a modified Apple Watch to return to U.S. store shelves. An Apple representative earlier this week declined to comment on the Customs decision.After turning down a partnership, Masimo had claimed that Apple had stolen some of its top executives and replicated its technology. Last month, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani told CNBC that his company is willing to reach a settlement with Apple. If Apple must continue to keep its latest smartwatches from U.S. stores, it could complicate repairs at Apple stores, which often swap broken devices with replacements. Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the denial.
Published 18 Jan 2024 02:36 AM