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Kentucky governor vetoes nuclear energy legislation due to the method of selecting board members 2024-04-04 21:32:31+00:00 - FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday vetoed legislation promoting nuclear energy in coal-producing Kentucky, but stressed his objections dealt with an advisory board and not with the use of nuclear power. Beshear said he supports an “all-of-the-above” energy policy that includes nuclear energy. For generations, coal fueled the state’s economy but its dominance has slipped. Supporters of adding nuclear energy to that mix had touted the bill’s passage as a pivotal moment for Kentucky’s energy future. The governor’s criticism focused on the method to select voting members on the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority, which would nurture the development of nuclear power. Many of the members would be designated by private sector groups, bypassing the appointment authority of the governor or other state constitutional officers, Beshear said. “The legislature can’t just say ’you in this position in the private sector and you in that position on a private sector association are automatically on a board’ and then given governing authority,” the governor said at a news conference. “That’s not the way the executive branch works, not the way that the power can be delegated to carry out the law.” Senate Bill 198 was among a small batch of vetoes announced by the Democratic governor. The Republican supermajority legislature reconvenes in mid-April for the final two days of this year’s session, when lawmakers can vote to override vetoes. Beshear has signed a number of bills and continues to review stacks of other measures. The nuclear bill’s sponsor, Republican state Sen. Danny Carroll, noted that it drew bipartisan support from lawmakers and said he will urge them to override the veto. In a statement, Carroll defended the process for selecting board members and said it doesn’t encroach on the governor’s executive powers. “We intend for the advisory board members, representing diverse entities, to be selected by their respective organizations, thereby minimizing political influence in these decisions,” Carroll said. When the nuclear energy bill cleared the legislature last month, it marked a milestone for Carroll, who has spent years striving to secure an eventual foothold for nuclear power as an energy supplier in a state where coal has long been king. It also reflects the growing spotlight on nuclear energy. More than 30 nations, including the United States, recently committed “to work to fully unlock the potential of nuclear energy.” The authority would be a nonregulatory agency on issues related to nuclear energy and its development in Kentucky. It would support development of a “nuclear energy ecosystem” meant to enhance the economy, protect the environment, support community voices and prepare the future workforce. The authority would delve into workforce and educational needs to develop the nuclear sector. And it would set criteria for voluntary designations as a “nuclear-ready community,” signaling to the industry a community’s willingness for nuclear-related development. In his veto message, Beshear said the state would be deprived of “meaningful oversight” due to the method of selecting the board members coming from the private sector. “The governance and structure of the authority is not only bad policy, but it is also unconstitutional by giving the governor or other constitutional officers no authority to appoint or remove voting members,” the governor wrote. The debate about attracting nuclear energy projects comes as Kentucky’s coal industry has declined drastically over the past two decades, producing about a quarter of the coal it mined 20 years ago. But the Bluegrass State still generates about 68% of its electricity from coal, though that number has declined from its historical 90%. The power-generating industry closed coal plants amid cheaper natural gas prices and tougher federal environmental regulations. Despite its decline, the coal industry still receives considerable deference from the legislature. As the nuclear bill advanced, supporters were careful to stress that the intent is to have nuclear energy complement — not supplant — coal as an energy source. Meanwhile, Beshear signed an accompanying resolution that directs the state Public Service Commission to prepare for nuclear energy. It directs the PSC to make staffing and administrative preparations to be ready to process applications for the siting and construction of nuclear energy facilities.

For National Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 7-13), experts provide tips to prevent likelihood of bites 2024-04-04 21:30:00+00:00 - Loading... Loading... Expert panel to address dog bite prevention tips, answer pet owner questions via Facebook Live on Thursday, April 11, Noon Central SCHAUMBURG, Ill., April 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the latest data from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), 45% of U.S. households include a dog or dogs, for a total of 88 million canine companions in the United States. While the vast majority of these dogs will coexist peacefully with us, dog bites remain a serious public health risk, with more than 4.5 million people bitten each year in the United States. During National Dog Bite Prevention Week (April 7-13), a coalition of veterinarians, animal behavior experts and insurance representatives are urging people to understand the risks dog bites pose to people and other pets, and to take steps to prevent bites from happening. "Dogs are not just pets; they are beloved members of our households, providing joy, companionship, and comfort in our lives," said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the AVMA. "While the reality is that any dog can bite, most such incidents are preventable. As we mark National Dog Bite Prevention Week, let's commit to increasing our understanding of the issue and taking proactive steps towards prevention. Together, we can nurture the bonds we share with our dogs and ensure the safety of our families and communities." Join the discussion on Facebook Live To assist in these efforts, members of the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition—which includes the AVMA, State Farm®, Insurance Information Institute (Triple I), and Victoria Stilwell Positively—will be hosting a Facebook Live event on Thursday, April 11, at Noon Central. The event, moderated by certified animal behavior consultant and radio host Steve Dale, will discuss training tips to help prevent bites, how to safely socialize your dog after a period of isolation, and how to recognize the warning signs that a dog may bite. In addition, the coalition will be releasing the latest dog-related injury claims data. The panelists will also be answering questions submitted by the public during the event. Dog bites and children When it comes to dog bites, cases of bites to children are of particular concern. In fact, more than 50% of all dog-related injuries are to children, and for those under four years of age, those bites are often to vulnerable head and neck regions, which is why it is so important to never leave children unsupervised with dogs, even if they're family pets. To help protect young children from dog bites, the National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition is teaming up with the Center for Canine Behavior Studies to promote their new Be BiteSmartSM educational initiative. This initiative has launched its initial animated video s lesson—Paws to Prevent—for children ages 3 to 5, and parents. Coloring sheets that reinforce each lesson can also be downloaded. All videos and materials are free to anyone with Internet access. To view the Be BiteSmartSM video and download coloring materials, visit www.bebitesmart.org. "Each year thousands of young children are bitten by a family dog, many of which were preventable," said Dr. Nicholas Dodman, a veterinary behaviorist and cofounder of the Center for Canine Behavior Studies. "Our educational videos focus on understanding canine body language that precipitates a reactionary bite. Collectively, we can reduce these occurrences benefiting both children, dogs, and families." Tips to prevent dog bites Dogs can bite for many reasons, including improper care or a lack of socialization. All dogs, even well-trained, gentle dogs, are capable of biting when provoked, especially when eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. Therefore, it's vitally important to keep both children and dogs safe by preventing dog bites wherever possible. The National Dog Bite Prevention Week Coalition provides the following tips: Make sure your pet is healthy . Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you haven't been to the veterinarian in a while, schedule an appointment for a checkup to discuss your dog's physical and behavioral health. . Not all illnesses and injuries are obvious, and dogs are more likely to bite if they are sick or in pain. If you haven't been to the veterinarian in a while, schedule an appointment for a checkup to discuss your dog's physical and behavioral health. Prioritize proper socialization : Socialization involves gently introducing your dog to a range of settings, people, and other animals, and ensuring these experiences are positive. Whether it's quietly observing the bustle of a park, meeting new people in a controlled manner, or getting used to the sights and sounds of your neighborhood, each positive experience builds confidence. Remember, socialization is a lifelong journey, not just a puppy phase. : Socialization involves gently introducing your dog to a range of settings, people, and other animals, and ensuring these experiences are positive. Whether it's quietly observing the bustle of a park, meeting new people in a controlled manner, or getting used to the sights and sounds of your neighborhood, each positive experience builds confidence. Remember, socialization is a lifelong journey, not just a puppy phase. Take it slow . If your dog has been mainly interacting with your family since you brought them home, don't rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and look for behaviors that indicate your dog is comfortable and happy to remain in the situation. . If your dog has been mainly interacting with your family since you brought them home, don't rush out into crowded areas or dog parks. Try to expose your dogs to new situations slowly and for short periods of time, arrange for low-stress interactions, and look for behaviors that indicate your dog is comfortable and happy to remain in the situation. Understand your dog's needs and educate yourself in positive training techniques . Recognize your dog's body language and advocate for them in all situations. This will give your dog much needed skills and help you navigate any challenges you might encounter. and . Recognize your dog's body language and advocate for them in all situations. This will give your dog much needed skills and help you navigate any challenges you might encounter. Be responsible about approaching other people's pets . Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. Sometimes dogs want to be left alone, and we need to recognize and respect that. . Ask permission from the owner before approaching a dog, and look for signs that the dog wants to interact with you. Sometimes dogs want to be left alone, and we need to recognize and respect that. Make sure that you are walking your dog on a leash and recognize changes in your dog's body language indicating they may not be comfortable. and recognize changes in your dog's body language indicating they may not be comfortable. Always monitor your dog's activity, even when they are in the backyard at your own house, because they can be startled by something, get out of the yard and possibly injure someone or be injured themselves. "Part of my job as a dog trainer and behavior expert is to empower people with knowledge about the dogs with whom they share their lives," said Victoria Stilwell, celebrity dog trainer and behavior expert. "And it's this knowledge that not only enriches the relationship between dogs and people, but helps reduce the likelihood of bites from occurring." Loading... Loading... Financial costs In addition to the potential for physical or emotional harm, dog bites can be financially costly. Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communications at the Insurance Information Institute, reported that in 2023, the number of dog bite and related injury claims was 19,062, an increase of more than 8% from 2022 and a 110% increase over the past decade, with the total cost of claims at $1.12 billion. On a positive note, the average cost per claim decreased from $64,555 in 2022 to $58,545 in 2023. California, Florida and Texas had the most claims. "Education and training for owners and pets is key to keep everyone safe and healthy," said Ruiz. "As the largest property insurer in the country, State Farm is committed to educating people about pet owner responsibility and how to safely interact with dogs," said Heather Paul, media relations specialist at State Farm. "It is important to recognize that any dog, including ones that are in the home, can bite or cause injury. Every dog has a unique personality and while breed or type may dictate how they look, how a dog reacts isn't guaranteed by those qualities." "While dog bites are a serious public health issue, the good news is that most dog bites are preventable," said AVMA President Dr. Carlson. "By taking steps to train and properly socialize our dogs, and educate ourselves and loved ones on dog bite prevention, we can help reduce bites and keep dogs in loving homes, where they belong." For more information on preventing dog bites and National Dog Bite Prevention Week, visit AVMA.org/DogBitePrevention. About the AVMA Serving more than 105,000 member veterinarians, the AVMA is the nation's leading representative of the veterinary profession, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of animals, humans, and the environment. Founded in 1863 and with members in every U.S. state and territory and more than 60 countries, the AVMA is one of the largest veterinary medical organizations in the world. Media Contact: Michael San Filippo msanfilippo@avma.org SOURCE American Veterinary Medical Association

Barry Diller thinks we're going to have 4-day workweeks — kind of 2024-04-04 21:22:02+00:00 - Barry Diller thinks employees should come into the office — but he'll settle for four days a week. Diller told CNBC different hybrid work models are causing chaos, and advocated for a standard model. On Fridays, Diller sees a future where people "can work from home or work at your own schedule." NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time. Advertisement Barry Diller believes all the hybrid work models adopted by different companies in the wake of the pandemic are spawning "chaos." And while he's adamant that most employees should come into the office, he thinks four days could soon be enough — with flexibility on Fridays, the IAC and Expedia chairman said in an interview Thursday on CNBC. On Fridays, Diller foresees a future where employees "can work from home or work at your own schedule," he said. "I think that is going to be the sensible evolution of all this — but it has to be standardized. You can't have 17,000 different programs." Related stories Diller told CNBC he believes most employees should have gone back to the office after the pandemic subsided. Advertisement "If you have to talk to anyone else, you cannot work from home," he said. "Come into an office and be part of an environment … that betters your life, your career, and betters the business." Diller was responding to comments made Wednesday by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen, who told CNBC he believes a four-day workweek is inevitable, fueled by the rise of AI. The billionaire hedge fund manager said one of the reasons he invested in golf is because he anticipates people will have more leisure time. "We hear from people that Fridays are just not — people are not as productive on Fridays," Cohen told CNBC, "and so I just think it's an eventuality." Advertisement In his appearance on CNBC, Diller also issued an urgent warning about AI and called Trump Media "a scam."

Aileen Cannon denied Trump's dismissal motion, but danger lurks 2024-04-04 21:21:59+00:00 - U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon denied Donald Trump’s motion to dismiss the classified documents case based on the Presidential Records Act. It was the only logical conclusion she could have reached. But her order denying Trump’s motion, while ostensibly a win for special counsel Jack Smith at this pretrial stage, still leaves plenty of room for mischief down the road. That’s because Cannon also denied Smith’s request to rule on jury instructions. And the reason Smith wanted her to do so was because earlier she had floated the notion of using a fringe legal view, based on the Presidential Records Act, in those instructions. So her ruling against Trump based on that act — a civil law that has no relevance to the criminal charges — could signal that she won’t inject it into a wacky jury instruction. But she left that possibility open for another day. In a court filing ahead of Cannon's ruling, Smith said that he wanted her to clarify her position on the instructions, so that he could appeal her before trial if she adhered to that fringe view, which he noted rested on a flawed legal premise. But in her Thursday order, Cannon cast Smith’s request as outlandish, deeming it “unprecedented and unjust.” That might be a fair characterization had he made it out of thin air. But he made it in response to her strange previous order, in which she requested proposed jury instructions rooted in what one might call an “unprecedented and unjust” legal view. So without that context for how we arrived at this point, the judge’s characterization is misleading. Cannon ended her order by stating, “As always, any party remains free to avail itself of whatever appellate options it sees fit to invoke, as permitted by law.” But without a ruling on the jury instructions, it’s unclear what, if anything, Smith will do about it right now. He may decide to take the win (such as it is) and live to fight another day. This whole episode foreshadows what will undoubtedly be fights to come. This is just one issue of many that have and will come up in the case — one for which Cannon still hasn’t set a firm trial date at which any jury instructions would even be used. Subscribe to the Deadline: Legal Newsletter for weekly updates on the top legal stories, including news from the Supreme Court, the Donald Trump cases and more.

Ukraine wants interceptor drones to take out unmanned surveillance aircraft and blind the Russians without wasting missiles 2024-04-04 21:20:42+00:00 - By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time. Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Ukraine is taking steps to develop an interceptor drone that can hunt and take down some of the enemy unmanned aerial vehicles that are buzzing over the battlefield. On Wednesday, Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine's minister of digital transformation, announced that the country wants to begin building interceptor drones to take down Russia's surveillance UAVs, specifically Orlan, SuperCam, and ZALA drones. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. On behalf of Brave1, a Ukrainian government-supported defense innovation operation, Fedorov requested help on his Telegram channel from engineers to develop interceptor drones as an alternative to wasting valuable surface-to-air missiles to eliminate Russian UAVs. The interceptor, he said, needs to be able to fly up to 150 kilometers per hour and up to a height of up to 1,500 meters. It should also be able to receive preliminary information about a target, quickly take off and locate it, and then eliminate the enemy drone. Advertisement This system, Fedorov explained, would give Ukraine a cheaper tool in its arsenal for destroying Russian unmanned reconnaissance aircraft functioning as "eyes for Russian artillery and strike drones," the latter being a reference to exploding FPV drones. Fedorov's call for help comes as Ukraine is running low on interceptor missiles for its air-defense systems and must conserve its supply to counter precision guided munitions, such as the Russian missiles regularly lobbed at its cities alongside one-way attack drones. Russia has ramped up both the intensity and frequency of its missile and drone air strikes in recent months. Related stories The attacks force Ukraine to limit air-defense coverage along the front lines and focus on civilian population centers. And with critical Western aid tied up in Congress and NATO often struggling to get weapons and assistance to Kyiv quickly, the situation is increasingly dire. The interceptor drones, as Fedorov suggested, are a cheaper option for shooting down drones and UAVs so that Ukraine can preserve its air defenses. Advertisement Fighting the drone war Exploding drones are ready to be shipped to the battlefield in Kyiv region, Ukraine. Evgeniy Maloletka/AP Ukraine has long prioritized the development of drone systems, and these unmanned assets have played pivotal roles in the war thus far. This also isn't the first time Ukraine has sought out the development of drones that can hunt and kill other drones, though it is different from previous efforts. The Shahed Hunter system, an anti-drone defense system bought with funds from the UNITED24 crowdfunding platform, releases interceptor drones with heavy-duty nets to capture incoming enemy drones. Once the drone is caught, a parachute is released to slowly bring it down to the ground, avoiding explosions. In one video of the system in action, the English captions said: "The first 'Shahed Hunters' have already went hunting. These anti-drone systems can: detect enemy drones, jam GPS signals, intercept devices in the sky. Let the drone hunt begin!" Advertisement At sea, Ukraine's fleet of naval drones have been relentless, regularly damaging and even sinking Russian ships and shutting down freedom of movement in the area. In the skies, both Ukraine and Russia have been fighting an intense drone war, which has seen both sides relying on UAVs to collect information, conduct strikes on enemy positions, and surprise attack enemy forces. Robotic vehicles are also operating in the mix. And with all these drones moving about in the battlespace, there has also been drone-on-drone combat, most recently in a video of fighting near Avdiivka, where Ukrainian quadcopter drones took out two Russian ground combat robots. Now, Ukraine is seeking to build technology able to hunt a different kind of game.

How to take the perfect selfie during the total solar eclipse 2024-04-04 21:15:26+00:00 - Selfies can be a great way to document your total solar eclipse experience with friends and family. But the changing light could make it difficult to get a good shot safely . . To make your selfies pop, wear red and green outfits on the day of the eclipse, experts say. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time. Advertisement If you're planning on snapping selfies during the total solar eclipse on April 8, you're going to want to dress for success. As the eclipse approaches totality and the sky grows darker, the way our eyes perceive light changes, and colors become more muted. This is most noticeable four to five minutes before totality, when the eclipse enters the mesopic vision zone — when it's just dark enough that everything appears grayish and silvery. That can lead to some seriously dull selfies. Advertisement That's why experts at Solar Eyeglasses, a solar eclipse glasses company, are encouraging eclipse watchers to avoid wearing neutrals, and sport red and green clothes instead. It's important to note that taking a selfie during the solar eclipse can be dangerous. Even though you're facing away from the sun, harmful UV rays can bounce off your phone screen and into your eyes. But you can do it safely — just make sure you're wearing your solar eclipse glasses to protect your eyes from damage, and that your phone camera is protected with a solar filter. Related stories Or if you want a shot without eclipse glasses, you can safely take them off during totality, when the sun is fully eclipsed. But totality only lasts about a couple of minutes so be ready and be quick. Why wear green and red during the total eclipse As ambient light dims, the Purjinke effect makes reds appear dark and muted, as you can see by the changing color of this red geranium. But notice how the green leaves in the background remain vibrant. Klbrain / Wikimedia Commons Green pops the most in the dim light of a total eclipse. But if you contrast that green with red, it'll be even more striking, a spokesperson for Solar Eyeglasses told BI over e-mail. Advertisement During an eclipse, the transition from daylight to darkness is gradual enough that we enter an in-between phase where the cones in our eyes — that help us see vibrant colors in daylight — and the rods — that help us distinguish blues and greens in dim light — work at the same time. This triggers a shift in our perception of color. The phenomenon is called the Purkinje effect. It makes everything appear gray and silvery, as if you're looking at the world through gray-tinted glasses, said Gordon Telepun, creator of the app Solar Eclipse Timer, in a video. Mesopic vision kicks in the the last 4-5 minutes before a solar eclipse reaches totality, making red objects appear dark and muted while green objects stand out. Matt Anderson Photography / Getty Images For example, reds appear muted. But because your rod cells are working overtime during the dim, mesopic vision zone, green is most likely to stand out. Advertisement Wearing a red and green outfit may create a striking visual contrast in your selfies. In the few minutes before totality, your red clothes will appear darker — almost black — but your green clothes will still look green. Against each other, your green clothes are sure to pop. Other selfie-taking tips There are a few other important things to remember when taking a selfie during the eclipse. If you're using your smartphone, be aware that the eclipsed sun will appear quite small in the photo. For a closer image, use a digital camera or DSLR instead. Just make sure to protect your camera lens with a solar filter. Advertisement And remember the tenets of great selfie-taking: use a selfie stick or tripod, switch to portrait mode or enable live photo mode, and if you have an Apple watch and iPhone use the Bluetooth connection to create a remote shutter so you avoid having to run in and out of the shot with a timer.

José Andrés Says Aid Workers Were Targeted by Israeli Forces in Gaza 2024-04-04 21:13:46+00:00 - World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés describes the IDF attack that killed 7 aid workers in Gaza. The nonprofit is demanding an independent investigation into the incident.

Richard Benedick, Negotiator of Landmark Ozone Treaty, Dies at 88 2024-04-04 21:13:20.193000+00:00 - A May 1985 report in the journal Nature was alarming. High above Antarctica, a massive hole had opened in the ozone shield that protects life on earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The finding confirmed what scientists had warned of since the 1970s: Atmospheric ozone was being broken down by the wide use of chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals known as CFCs, which were found in aerosol sprays, refrigeration and air conditioning. Just over two years later, dozens of nations meeting in Montreal signed an agreement to significantly reduce CFCs, which the Environmental Protection Agency estimated would prevent 27 million deaths from skin cancers. “This is perhaps the most historically significant international environmental agreement,” Richard E. Benedick, the chief United States negotiator, said at the time.

The investment case for Meta Platforms gets stronger — and our price target is changing, too 2024-04-04 21:08:00+00:00 - Meta Platforms ' share gains in the advertising market are poised to accelerate this year, according to new Wall Street research — a rosy prediction that fortifies our investment thesis and suggests additional gains for the stock should be on the way. We're raising our own price target accordingly. Analysts at investment bank Jefferies on Thursday raised their price target on Meta's stock to $585 per share from $550, citing fresh market-share analysis involving "Walled Garden" peers in the digital ad industry: Alphabet' s Google, Amazon , Snapchat and Pinterest . That work indicated "Meta could capture 50% of incremental industry ad dollars in 2024, which would be its highest ever and well above its 33% in 2023," analysts wrote in a note to clients. "In fact, we now estimate that in 2024 Meta's ad business could outgrow Amazon's for the first time since 2015," the firm added. Shares of the Instagram and Facebook parent rose 0.82%, to nearly $511 each, making the stock the top performer in the portfolio Thursday and among the best of any constituent in the S & P 500 . META 1Y mountain Shares of Meta Platforms over the past 12 months. Jefferies' bullish outlook goes straight to the heart of our investment case, which Jim Cramer reiterated last week during the March Monthly Meeting. Meta "has become the premier ad destination for those trying to reach younger people, and that's who all advertisers try to reach," Jim said. "Perhaps more than Google and Amazon, it's getting the money," That didn't happen by accident. After a period of turmoil resulting from Apple's updated privacy practices and TikTok stealing the attention of younger social media users, Meta's efforts to overcome these hurdles are clearly paying off . "Meta has now outgrown its Walled Garden competitors for 5 straight quarters," Jefferies analysts wrote, with the recent rate of market share gains accelerating in the back half of 2023. That momentum is expected to continue thanks to a growing competitive moat rooted in Meta's embrace of artificial intelligence. Meta's heavy investments in AI are paying off for advertisers and boosting user engagement, too. The company's suite of AI-infused ad tools, called Advantage+, "have driven significant improvements in advertiser [return on investment] well beyond competitors," Jefferies wrote. Additionally, Meta is experiencing "impressive momentum" with its click-to-message ads, analysts said, noting that the ad feature — which lets users click an ad on Facebook or Instagram and start a chat with a business on Messenger or WhatsApp — eclipsed a $10 billion-plus run rate in the fourth quarter of 2022. Meanwhile, its short-form video feature to rival TikTok, known as Reels, has seen a 25% increase in user engagement, Jefferies said. And that's before a potential TikTok ban in the U.S., currently being considered in Congress , is implemented. All of this also jives with our view on Meta, as Jim laid out during the Monthly Meeting. As he commented, "Meta Platforms has become a retailer. That's whacky idea that [CEO] Mark Zuckerberg had — I used to talk to him about it about five years ago — of having virtual retailers in a virtual mall is happening at the same time that Reels is taking off." The combination of strong advertiser return and increasing user engagement makes Meta's Facebook and Instagram a natural place for small- and medium-sized businesses to sell their goods. After all, if the eyeballs are already on a platform and you're a company already advertising on there, why not leverage Meta's shopping tools, too? Of course, there's also an opportunity for businesses that have Instagram and Facebook accounts but don't pay for advertising on the apps to begin doing so. Put it all together, and we're aligned with Jefferies on where Meta's stock can go from here. Despite Meta's incredible run since November 2022, during which shares have appreciated nearly 500%, we see more upside ahead. The key reason is Meta's rally has been a fundamental one — based on sales and earnings growth, rather than a technical one driven purely on multiple expansion. As a result, we are increasing our price target to $550 per share from $500, as a premium to where shares have traded in the past is warranted. Meta is pulling away from the digital-advertising pack due to Zuckerberg and Co.'s intense focus on efficiency and investments in AI that are clearly increasing engagement and advertiser return. (Jim Cramer's Charitable Trust is long META, AMZN and GOOGL. See here for a full list of the stocks.) As a subscriber to the CNBC Investing Club with Jim Cramer, you will receive a trade alert before Jim makes a trade. Jim waits 45 minutes after sending a trade alert before buying or selling a stock in his charitable trust's portfolio. If Jim has talked about a stock on CNBC TV, he waits 72 hours after issuing the trade alert before executing the trade. THE ABOVE INVESTING CLUB INFORMATION IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY , TOGETHER WITH OUR DISCLAIMER . NO FIDUCIARY OBLIGATION OR DUTY EXISTS, OR IS CREATED, BY VIRTUE OF YOUR RECEIPT OF ANY INFORMATION PROVIDED IN CONNECTION WITH THE INVESTING CLUB. NO SPECIFIC OUTCOME OR PROFIT IS GUARANTEED. Meta headquarters in Menlo Park, California, US, on Thursday, July 21, 2022. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Many CVS drug plans will cover over-the-counter birth control pill at no cost 2024-04-04 21:06:00+00:00 - In this photo illustration, a package of Opill is displayed on March 22, 2024 in San Anselmo, California. CVS Health on Thursday said its drug plans will cover the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the U.S. at no cost for many health plan sponsors, a decision that could open the door for more people to prevent unintended pregnancies without a prescription. The company's pharmacy benefit manager, CVS Caremark, said the pill will be added to its preventive services oral contraceptives list and will be covered at zero cost for many sponsors. The drug, known as Opill from Perrigo , was available at pharmacies starting April 1, according to a pharmacy update from CVS Caremark dated last week and viewed by CNBC. Pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, maintain lists of drugs covered by health insurance plans and negotiate drug discounts with manufacturers. At most stores, Opill has a retail price of $19.99 for a one-month supply and $49.99 for a three-month supply. The Food and Drug Administration approved Perrigo's medication in July. It marks the first time that many U.S. residents are able to buy birth control pills over the counter, the same way they would purchase common pills like Tylenol or Advil. The drug could significantly expand availability of contraception, especially for younger women and those in rural and underserved communities who often have trouble getting access to birth control methods. Medical organizations have estimated that 45% of the 6 million annual pregnancies in the U.S. are unintended. The pill's entrance into the market is a win for the Biden administration, which has tried to shore up reproductive rights as abortion restrictions rise in many states. The Supreme Court's decision to overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling more than a year ago, which ended 50 years of federal abortion rights, has led to shrinking availability of the procedure nationwide and renewed calls for expanded access to birth control.

NY uses obscure civil-practice law to demand a closer look at Trump's $175M appeal bond — and at its underwriter, Knight Specialty 2024-04-04 20:44:33+00:00 - The LA company that underwrote Trump's $175M appeal bond needs major vetting, NY says. Officials want the company to prove its financial soundness and show the underlying collateral. Judge Arthur Engoron, who presided over Trump's civil fraud trial, gets final say over the bond. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time. Advertisement The New York Attorney General's Office wants a closer look at Donald Trump's $175 million appeal bond. In a two-page court filing Thursday, state officials are giving Trump or his underwriters — the Knight Specialty Insurance Company — ten days to "justify," or prove the sufficiency of, the bond. The step is necessary, the state notes in its filing, because the Los Angeles-based Knight is a "non-admitted carrier" under state insurance law, meaning it is not automatically qualified to provide bonds in New York. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Log in .

Barry Diller says Trump Media is 'a scam' and people buying shares are 'dopes' 2024-04-04 20:38:06+00:00 - Barry Diller thinks that shareholders of Truth Social's owner have been scammed. The IAC chairman pointed to Trump Media's low revenue and said he doubts Truth Social will grow. Shares for Trump Media and Technology Group initially surged after going public, but have since tumbled. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. Read preview Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on the go. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . You can opt-out at any time. Advertisement Barry Diller has a message for Trump Media shareholders: "I think they're dopes." The owner of the Truth Social app, Trump Media and Technology Group, enjoyed a soaring debut when it went public last week, attracting the interest of retail investors and the "meme stock" crowd. But that moment in the sun was short-lived, and shares of the former president's social media platform have since come crashing down to earth. Diller, media mogul and chairman of IAC and Expedia Group, didn't sound very optimistic about the stock's future when asked about it during a recent interview — and doesn't get why people were so excited about it in the first place. Advertisement "Why are you even talking about this? It's a scam," Diller said in an interview on CNBC's Squawk Box on Thursday. TMTG's total revenue in 2023 was just $4.1 million, according to an SEC filing on Monday — while losing $58 million. Those numbers, Diller suggested, should not indicate "buy" to any reasonable investor. Related stories "It's ridiculous," he said. "The company has no revenue." Questioning how anyone could see Trump Media as a valuable company, Diller concluded that its shareholders must not have financial soundness in mind when purchasing the stock. "They're buying it for other reasons," he said, calling them "dopes." Advertisement Diller likened the surge in Truth Social's owner to the frenzy around Gamestop and other "meme stocks." Diller said the platform offers little opportunity for future growth. "Why would it be bigger?" he asked, adding that Donald Trump — a major part of the platform's appeal — is "only interesting now" because he's "out there entertaining the folks" on the campaign trail. TMTG did not return a request for comment before publication. Advertisement Truth Social's barnstorming debut briefly inflated Trump's net worth to an estimated $7.8 billion, making him richer than George Soros. But just a few days later, that number has tumbled to $6.4 billion, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index on Friday. Meanwhile, short-sellers are already betting millions against the company, The New York Times reported, citing data from S3 Partners. Trump could also find it difficult to materially benefit from Trump Media in the short-term, since he is prevented from selling his shares for another six months as part of a "lock up" period — unless the company's board allows otherwise.

Avoid these common tax scams as the April 15 filing deadline nears 2024-04-04 20:31:00+00:00 - Warning: Here are the most common tax scams the IRS sees as the tax filing deadline nears With tax season bringing scammers out in droves, the Internal Revenue Service compiles an annual list of the 12 biggest ripoffs, or what the agency calls the "Dirty Dozen." In the run up to this year's tax filing deadline, the IRS has identified six different scams that proliferate this time of year (It plans to outline the six other scams by April 15.) The six scams the agency has outlined so far: Phishing and smishing Promoters of questionable claims for the Employee Retention Credit Scammers who offer help setting up an online IRS account for you People pushing false fuel tax credit claims So-called offer-in-compromise "mills" that mislead taxpayers into thinking their tax debts can disappear Fake charities seeking donations to steal personal information What the IRS will never do CBS News business analyst Jill Schlesinger offered guidance for taxpayers to avoid being duped. "Before you even consider scams, remember that the IRS is not texting you, and the IRS is not actually sending you an email," she said. "So put your big defense mechanism up. And also know that they'll only call you if you've actually been notified by mail prior." The IRS also will never threaten legal action, promise a taxpayer a refund, send emails or texts demanding immediate payment, or call you before first sending a bill in the mail. And critically, unlike scammers the IRS will never ask for anyone's credit or debit card number over the phone. "So what we're trying to do is identify any inbound communication that seems to be from the IRS or from a state tax agency," Schlesinger said, who notes that fraudsters often prey on two emotions: fear and greed. "Fear: We're freezing your account. Greed: You got a tax refund," she said. "You get something like that, especially if it's time-sensitive, then you just run the other way." As far as offers for help setting up an online account, Schlesinger said that's also a clear red flag. "They are phishing or smishing you," she said, with the latter term referring to criminals trying to extract info from victims via text message. "They are trying to get your personal information so they can set up an account, get your personal information, file returns for you. Only do this yourself at IRS.gov," Schlesinger said. Schlesinger also highlights another scam that the IRS has not yet warned about involving theft of paper checks, in which thieves use a solvent to physically change the dollar amounts. "Basically, thieves go into a mailbox, they pull out checks, they use nail polish remover, they basically wash the amount — they then steal it and cash it," she explained. "To avoid this, try to go to your local post office to deposit your checks. Be very careful, monitor your account, use black gel pens because they're harder to mess with." she said.

Hits for sale: Notable artists who have had their music catalogs sell for big money 2024-04-04 20:28:00+00:00 - On Thursday, it was announced that American rock band Kiss had sold their catalog, brand name and IP to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be over $300 million. They’re the latest to participate in an ongoing trend of blockbuster acts and their rights holders inking deals to sell their back-catalogs, often for impressive sums. It’s big business — especially considering that two-thirds of all music streamed is made up of catalog music, and streaming accounts for 84% of all music industry revenue. Not every artist disclosed the amounts involved but some deals have been estimated at as much as half a billion dollars. (A figure that could be eclipsed when the Michael Jackson estate sells the singer’s catalog.) Let’s take a look at some notable cases. Bruce Springsteen The singer known for such hits as “Born to Run” and “Hungry Heart” sold his music catalog to Sony Music Group in late 2021 for an estimated $550 million, The New York Times reported. Bob Dylan The Nobel Prize-winning songwriter in 2020 sold publishing rights to his catalog of more than 600 songs to the Universal Music Publishing Group. The singer’s collection includes modern standards like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Like a Rolling Stone.” Industry experts estimated the deal was in the range of $300 million to a half-billion dollars. Paul Simon In 2021, Sony Music Publishing acquired Simon’s catalog for an undisclosed amount, including his solo work and Simon & Garfunkel hits such as “The Sound of Silence” and “Mrs. Robinson.” Neil Young Long known for his refusal to license his music for commercial use, Young sold a 50 percent stake in his catalog to Britain’s Hipgnosis Songs Fund in 2021. The deal covered some 1,180 songs, including “Heart of Gold” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.” David Bowie In 2021, Warner Music Group reached a deal with Bowie’s estate for worldwide rights to the prolific singer’s recorded music catalog from 1968, including “Space Oddity” and “Let’s Dance.” Terms were not disclosed. Taylor Swift In June 2019, music manager Scooter Braun’s Ithaca Holdings announced that it had acquired Big Machine Label Group, which was led by Scott Borchetta and home to Taylor Swift’s first six albums, for an estimated $300 million to $350 million, the New York Times reported. In response, Swift started re-record and release new versions of those albums, labeled “Taylor’s Version,” in an attempt to reclaim her masters. The following year, Braun sold Swift’s catalog to private equity firm Shamrock Capital for more than $300 million. Kiss The hard rock quartet sold their catalog, brand name and IP to Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment Group in a deal estimated to be over $300 million, it was announced Thursday. Justin Bieber The Canadian sensation in 2023 sold the rights to his catalog, including hits “Baby” and “Sorry,” also to Hipgnosis. Financial terms were not disclosed, but Billboard Magazine reported the deal, which includes his output through 2021, was worth about $200 million. Sting In 2022 the former Police frontman sold the rights to his music catalog, including the hits “Every Breath You Take” and “Roxanne,” to Universal Music Group for an undisclosed sum. Phil Collins Also in 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that the former Genesis singer and drummer, along with bandmates Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, sold the rights to their catalog to Concord Music Group for $300 million. Collins’ solo music was ubiquitous in the 1980’s, including “In the Air Tonight,” with its memorable drum fill, and MTV staple “Sussudio.” Shakira Early in 2021, Hipgnosis announced that it had acquired 100% of the Grammy-winning international superstar’s music publishing rights for an undisclosed amount. Shakira’s catalog of 145 songs includes “Hips Don’t Lie” and “She Wolf.” Stevie Nicks In late 2020, Fleetwood Mac star Stevie Nicks sold an 80% stake in her music to Primary Wave for a reported $100 million. Her bandmates soon followed suit: Hipgnosis acquired all of Lindsey Buckingham’s publishing rights across 161 songs in January 2021; a week later it was announced Mick Fleetwood sold his entire recorded music catalog to BMG. Also in 2021, Christine McVie sold her 115-song catalog to Hipgnosis; in 2023, following her death, her estate sold her stake in Fleetwood Mac’s recorded music to the acquisition firm HarbourView Equity Partners.

NY state is demanding more information on Trump’s $175 million appeal bond in civil fraud case 2024-04-04 20:27:41+00:00 - NEW YORK (AP) — Days after former President Donald Trump posted a $175 million bond to block New York state from imminently collecting on a huge civil fraud judgment, state lawyers Thursday called for more information on the bond’s bona fides. State Attorney General Letitia James’ office filed papers giving Trump’s lawyers or the bond underwriter 10 days to “justify” the bond — essentially, to show that the company can make good on it. That could mean disclosing more about the collateral Trump provided. A hearing was set for April 22. One of Trump’s lawyers, Christopher Kise, said James was trying to provoke a “baseless public quarrel in a desperate effort to regain relevance” after an appeals court last month significantly cut the amount of the bond needed to hold off collection. “Yet another witch hunt!” Kise wrote in an email. A message seeking comment was left for the underwriter, Knight Specialty Insurance Co. The bond, posted Monday, at least temporarily stopped the state from potentially seizing Trump’s assets to satisfy the more than $454 million that he owes after losing a lawsuit trial. The case, brought by the Democratic attorney general, alleged that Trump defrauded bankers and insurers by lying about his wealth. The ex-president and presumptive Republican nominee denies the claims and is appealing the judgment. By posting the bond, Trump aimed to stop the clock on enforcement of the judgment during his appeal. But it hasn’t gone entirely smoothly. First, the court system kicked back Monday’s filing for more paperwork, including a financial statement from Knight Specialty Insurance. That was filed Thursday, showing that the company has over $539 million in assets and related reinsurer Knight Insurance Co. Ltd. has over $2.1 billion. Then James’ office filed notice that it “takes exception to the sufficiency” of the bond — a move that judgment winners can make to get more information from out-of-state underwriters, in some circumstances. Knight Specialty Insurance is a Wilmington, Delaware-based part of the Los Angeles-based Knight Insurance Group. The attorney general’s notice doesn’t request specific information. But “justifying” generally means demonstrating that the underwriter is financially sound and able to pay the bond amount if the judgment is upheld. A state appeals court also has held, in an unrelated case, that there needed to be a showing that a bond was “sufficiently collateralized by identifiable assets.” Knight Insurance Group Chairman Don Hankey told The Associated Press Monday that cash and bonds were used as collateral for Trump’s appellate bond. ___ Associated Press writers Michael R. Sisak in New York and Brian Slodysko in Washington contributed.

Israel killing World Central Kitchen aid workers in Gaza makes a mockery of humanitarian law 2024-04-04 20:20:59+00:00 - Making it possible for civilians in a war zone to eat is a complicated, often logistically fraught process, yet one ultimately protected and respected via the rules of international law. But for the last several months of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s military offensive on the Gaza Strip, this hasn’t been the case. After news broke Tuesday of seven World Central Kitchen aid workers being killed in Gaza in Israeli airstrikes, the outrage and support for celebrity chef Jose Andres’ team, which was traveling after delivering food aid to displaced Gazans, has been profound. These aid workers, more so than the near hundreds of aid workers from the United Nations or Arab nations previously killed in Gaza, were given the grace of being described as “heroes” and their killing declared an “outrage” by world leaders. The process of deconflicting aid deliveries in a conflict zone is a harsh, often messy, yet common reality of war. Now, we wait to see if we have reached critical mass on outrage, to help bring about a cease-fire in a war that has killed more than 32,900 Palestinians, around two-thirds of them women and children (according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count). The process of deconflicting aid deliveries in a conflict zone is a harsh, often messy, yet common reality of war. While Russian President Vladimir Putin continues his imperialist ambitions with the invasion of Ukraine, both countries have worked with the United Nations to establish a narrow but effective deconfliction channel to make a basic effort to spare aid convoys. Russia is one of the worse violators of humanitarian laws, according to reports, so the fact that it is more effective than Israel's efforts to protect civilians in Gaza, even considering the more restricted space of the tiny blockaded Gaza Strip, is in itself cause for alarm. When aid workers are killed in the course of a conflict, the government responsible for the attack often pulls out this crisis response playbook: Immediately cite terrorist targeting as the true intention, in hopes of making the public narrative less about targeting civilians and more of a military oopsie rooted in good intentions. In the case of the World Central Kitchen deaths, Israel Defense Forces spokespeople at first did not confirm that it was behind the strikes, then blamed the presence of a suspected Hamas militant. The IDF has used similar narratives in response to other attacks on aid convoys going back to the start of the war. A hole blasted through the roof of an aid vehicle belonging to World Central Kitchen in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza, seen Tuesday. Majdi Fathi / NurPhoto via Getty Images President Joe Biden made a similar claim in the summer of 2021, when he ordered a retaliatory strike on ISIS-K for the killing of 13 American service members during the final drawdown from Afghanistan. It turned out that a rush to hold terrorists accountable resulted, instead, in the death of an Afghan aid worker and nine members of his family, including seven children. We know this because the public outcry and media spotlight resulted in a formal investigation and acknowledgment by the Pentagon within two weeks of the attack. Netanyahu’s reckoning came faster than Biden’s. Once it was revealed, via reporting from the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, that the Israeli military drone attacked the aid workers on three separate occasions — while they were operating along a route approved by the Israeli army — Netanyahu issued a video statement in which he acknowledged Israeli armed forces “unintentionally” struck the convoy in a “tragic event.” “This happens in war,” the prime minister concluded. This explanation, that the fog of war inevitably results in innumerable civilian deaths, makes a mockery of international humanitarian law. It’s the moral equivalent of “these things happen,” as if the killing of noncombatants is out of anyone’s hands when, in fact, active choices are made by multiple individuals to research, identify and execute a drone strike. Early reports in the Israeli media since the country launched its retaliation to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack already indicate that Israeli forces in Gaza make choices of life and death independent of a long-term strategy; Haaretz quoted army officials saying that “Every commander sets the rules for himself.” Unlike the U.S. strike in Afghanistan, which came at the end of America's military engagement in the country, Israel has no known plans to change the course of its war in Gaza. Even the promise of a formal investigation will not change the harsh reality of IDF impunity in Gaza today because it will likely do nothing to change the mindset that drives Netanyahu’s war. Meanwhile, the situation for people trapped in Gaza grows more dire by the day. Unlike the U.S. strike in Afghanistan, which came at the end of America's military engagement in the country, Israel has no known plans to change the course of its war in Gaza. Erin Gore, chief executive of World Central Kitchen, called the attack “unforgivable.” World Central Kitchen has now paused its operations in Gaza. Other organizations have also announced their withdrawal; Anera, an organization that helps refugees from conflicts in the region, cited its inability to deliver aid “after six months of constant bombings and flagrant violations of international law,” via a public statement. “Currently delivering aid puts not just humanitarian workers at risk but also those who are receiving the aid,” its statement read. Who is left to help the children and families in Gaza now? Netanyahu has consistently derided U.N. and Arab allied aid workers as incapable of handling the logistics involved with food delivery in Gaza, a skill set which apparently now involves being adept at dodging drone strikes. With independent philanthropic organizations having also given up hope of having a positive impact, an already dire situation looks even worse. Gaza is facing the worst hunger figures on record, with a never-before seen rate of deterioration into famine. This week, the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, privately warned senior U.S. officials that the humanitarian catastrophe is "unprecedented in modern history." Yet, less than 24 hours later, the Biden administration pushed Congress to approve the sale of 50 fighter jets to Israel, ostensibly to continue its war on Gaza. The deal, which also includes missiles and military training, is technically on an independent track from how the administration is dealing with the humanitarian crisis and attacks on civilians. This bureaucratic division of managing crises is deeply at fault. The public in America, Israel and most of the world see the future of Israel and the survival of Palestinians as intertwined. The U.S. response is now determining how a whole generation of global citizens will view the promise of America. But the government leaders with actual power to make change continue to act as if the razing of Gaza — and the starvation of more than a million people — will be regretted, but ultimately dismissed, as an unfortunate casualty of a justified war.

Trump loses bids to dismiss classified docs, Georgia election cases on the same day 2024-04-04 20:20:00+00:00 - Former US President Donald Trump arrives at 40 Wall Street after his court hearing to determine the date of his trial for allegedly covering up hush money payments linked to extramarital affairs in New York City on March 25, 2024. Donald Trump on Thursday afternoon lost two separate attempts to dismiss criminal charges against him in his Florida and Georgia cases. In Florida federal court, Judge Aileen Cannon rejected Trump's bid to drop charges against him related to his alleged mishandling of hundreds of classified documents after he left the White House. In a brief order, Cannon wrote that Trump's argument, which hinged on his interpretation of the Presidential Records Act, was an insufficient basis for dismissal. That ruling came about two hours after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee denied Trump's attempt to dismiss his Georgia election interference case on the grounds that it violated his free speech rights. The twin losses came one day after New York Supreme Court Judge Juan Merchan denied a request by Trump to delay his upcoming criminal hush money trial. That case is set to begin jury selection in less than two weeks. It is the first of Trump's four criminal cases to go to trial. The presumptive Republican presidential nominee has aggressively sought to dismiss all of his criminal trials, or at least to push them past the November election. In the hush money case alone, he has made eight attempts to delay the trial. Thursday's developments were not a total win for Trump's prosecutors, however. Cannon's ruling also pushed back on special counsel Jack Smith, who criticized the judge's guidelines earlier this week for the proposed jury instructions. Smith said that Cannon's guidelines, which asked the parties to write jury instructions about how to interpret the Presidential Records Act, were based on a false legal premise that wrongly gave credence to Trump's claims. Smith asked Cannon to decide quickly if she will adopt those jury instructions, so that he has time to appeal her decision. Cannon on Thursday slammed that demand as "unprecedented and unjust." The judge wrote that her order about the jury instructions "should not be misconstrued" as the final word on any essential piece of the case. Rather, she wrote, it was "a genuine attempt, in the context of the upcoming trial, to better understand the parties' competing positions" in a complex case. But Cannon added that Smith is nonetheless free to make use of "whatever appellate options it sees fit to invoke, as permitted by law." This is breaking news. Please check back for updates.

Trump's Truth Social doesn't seem to be doing so well 2024-04-04 20:17:38+00:00 - Things have not been entirely smooth sailing for Donald Trump's Truth Social platform since its long-awaited merger was approved in late March. A flurry of legal activity has swirled around the company, and Truth Social's stock plummeted this week after it reported disappointing financial numbers from last year. Here's what has happened since the Truth Social merger on March 22: Meanwhile, Trump has characterized skeptics of Truth Social's outlook as "Radical Left Democrats." He defended Truth Social in lengthy posts on the platform on Thursday morning, boasting about his influence on the website: "Look, using TRUTH, I became the Republican Nominee for President of the United States, and in record time! When I ENDORSE a politician on TRUTH, they almost ALWAYS WIN. If it didn’t work, or properly get the word out, I wouldn’t use it — But it does work, and work really well — And the fun is just getting started!!!" Trump’s claim about his stellar track record on endorsements is questionable. But his rate of success in business throughout the years, at least, is clearer.

Pilot says brakes seemed less effective than usual before a United Airlines jet slid off a taxiway 2024-04-04 20:10:11+00:00 - HOUSTON (AP) — The captain of a United Airlines jet said the brakes seemed less effective than normal and the plane and brake pedals shook violently just before the Boeing 737 Max slid off a taxiway in Houston last month. According to a preliminary report released Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board, the pilots were uncertain about ground conditions as they broke through clouds and saw the runway at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. The captain said the runway looked dry, but the co-pilot thought it looked wet. The captain wanted to slow gradually once the plane touched down, but as he neared the end of the runway he steered the plane on to a taxiway. The plane was heavily damaged — the left main landing gear broke off — when it rolled into a grassy area at 25 mph (40 kph) and hit a concrete structure. None of the passengers or crew members were hurt, the NTSB said. The preliminary report did not state a reason for the March 8 accident. The NTSB often takes a year or more to reach conclusions. The accident was among a string of incidents involving United planes that led the chief executive to reassure passengers about the safety of his airline.

Job gains expected again in March. Here are all the things to look for in Friday's report 2024-04-04 20:04:00+00:00 - A person works on a Bowlus recreational vehicle at Bowlus' factory in Oxnard, California, Feb. 23, 2024. Timothy Aeppel | Reuters The March nonfarm payrolls count likely will indicate hiring continuing at a solid pace, though some weakening foundations of the labor market could take greater focus when the Labor Department releases its key report Friday morning. Job growth is expected to come in at 200,000 for the period, according to the Dow Jones consensus forecast. If that's correct, it will mark a slowdown from February's initially reported 275,000 but is still a strong pace by historical terms. Yet a funny thing has been happening with the jobs reports recently: Initially strong numbers have tended to be lowered in subsequent estimates, raising questions about whether the jobs situation is as positive as it looks. That will be just one of several key areas in focus when the report is released at 8:30 a.m. ET. Strong, but how strong? February's release raised eyebrows with a gain that trounced the Wall Street outlook for 198,000 new jobs. Also gaining notice, though, were revisions to the prior two months that reduced December's count by 43,000 to 290,000 and January's by a whopping 124,000 to 229,000. For all of 2023, revisions took 520,000 off the initial estimates — there are three readings in total — countering a historical trend in which the final numbers are generally higher than the first readings. The trend "makes me wonder about the credibility of the first number," said Dan North, senior economist at Allianz Trade Americas. "So I'll be looking for the revisions from the prior month to see if they're going to be knocked down, and most likely they will be. That's why if you get a big number, take it with a grain of salt." There is some anticipation on Wall Street of an upside surprise: Goldman Sachs raised its initial forecast to 240,000, an increase of 25,000, following strong private payroll data from ADP showing a gain of 184,000 on the month, and other indicators. Drivers of growth Along with numbers, composition is important, namely where the growth is coming from and whether there are any cracks in the employment armor. The job market's resilience has confounded many economists who spent the past two years searching for a jobs-led recession that never happened. "Firms are seeing strong demand. They've dramatically increased their productivity, and so they're hiring for different kinds of jobs," said Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust. "That has enabled them to deal with the high-rate environment." Still, there are areas of concern. Household employment, which counts individual workers rather than total jobs and is used to calculate the unemployment rate, has fallen by nearly 1 million since November. The survey is more volatile and uses a much smaller sample than the establishment count that yields the headline payrolls growth total. But there's no obvious reason for the weakness, though some economists speculate it could involve the surge in illegal immigration over the past few years. Also, full-time employment has declined slightly over the past year, while the rolls of part-time workers have swelled by more than 900,000. There also has been a sharp decline in temporary workers, a classic sign of a slowdown. Inflation signals Federal Reserve officials will watch all those factors for signs of inflation pressures. Stocks have been under pressure this week as investors worry about the direction of monetary policy. Average hourly earnings are projected to have increased 0.3% in March, which would be a jump from 0.1% in February, though the estimate for the annual gain is 4.1%, or 0.2 percentage point less.