Today: September 24, 2024
Today: September 24, 2024

World

World

Tech billionaires' cage match? Musk throws down the gauntlet and Zuckerberg accepts challenge

Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg are ready to fight, offline. In a now-viral back-and-forth seen on Twitter and Instagram this week, the two tech billionaires seemingly agreed to a “cage match” face off. It all started when Musk, who owns Twitter, responded to a tweet about Meta reportedly preparing to release a new Twitter rival called “Threads.” He took a dig about the world becoming “exclusively under Zuck’s thumb with no other options” — but then one Twitter user jokingly warned Musk of Zuckerberg’s jiu jitsu training. “I’m up for a cage match if he is lol,”

June 22, 2023
Tech billionaires' cage match? Musk throws down the gauntlet and Zuckerberg accepts challenge
World

Guatemalans worry about security, unimpressed by leading candidates ahead of election

Just days away from electing a new president, many Guatemalans remain undecided, unimpressed by the leading candidates and even considering casting a protest vote to express their disapproval. Concerns about extortion and violent crime cross class lines, and rural and urban communities, perhaps explaining why candidates leading the polls are promising heavy-handed security tactics, including reinstating the death penalty or hammering criminal gangs into submission. The machinations of electoral authorities keeping some popular candidates out of the race and cancelling others drew headlines in the capital and expressions of concern abroad. But for the

June 22, 2023
Guatemalans worry about security, unimpressed by leading candidates ahead of election
World

Winnie Ewing, icon of Scotland's pro-independence movement, dies at 93

Winnie Ewing, a charismatic politician considered to be the mother of the modern Scottish independence movement, has died. She was 93. Ewing’s relatives announced Thursday that she died the day before, “surrounded by her family.” The family statement said Ewing was “considered the most important Scottish politician of her generation.” Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that Scotland’s independence movement had lost “a beloved icon.” Trained as a lawyer, Winnifred Margaret Ewing joined the pro-independence Scottish National Party — then a small fringe group — and unexpectedly won election to the U.K. Parliament in 1967. Ewing greeted

June 22, 2023
Winnie Ewing, icon of Scotland's pro-independence movement, dies at 93
World

Past deep sea rescues show the challenges of saving those on board

The desperate search for a submersible that disappeared while taking five people to view the Titanic wreckage has drawn attention to other deep-sea rescues. Those rescue efforts — from a submersible off Ireland to a submarine off the New Hampshire coast — offer some measure of hope for the passengers and their families. But some of those rescues were not as complex as the effort to find the Titan submersible. They were often in shallower waters and, in several cases, were much bigger crafts. Many ended with some, if not all, the passengers on board dying —

June 22, 2023
Past deep sea rescues show the challenges of saving those on board
World

DeSantis sues Biden administration over university accrediting system

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced Thursday that the state has filed a lawsuit against the Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Education over accreditation agencies, which control federal aid for students. The lawsuit, filed Wednesday in Fort Lauderdale federal court, challenges a federal law that requires colleges and universities to submit to private accreditors to qualify for federal funding. It targets the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary Miguel Cardona and other federal officials. The lawsuit comes as DeSantis, who is seeking the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, imposes his conservative agenda on the state’s education system.

June 22, 2023
DeSantis sues Biden administration over university accrediting system
World

Average long-term US mortgage rate falls to 6.67%, third straight drop since climbing to 2023 high

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate fell for the third time in as many weeks, a welcome boost for homebuyers facing a housing market that’s been held back this year by a tight inventory of homes for sale. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan fell to 6.67% from 6.69% last week. A year ago, the rate averaged 5.81%. The average rate on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with those refinancing their homes, also fell this week, slipping to 6.03% from 6.10% last week. A year ago, it

June 22, 2023
Average long-term US mortgage rate falls to 6.67%, third straight drop since climbing to 2023 high
World

Debt-plagued Zambia reaches deal with China, other nations to rework $6.3B in loans, French say

Zambia and its government creditors, including China, have reached a deal to restructure $6.3 billion in loans, the French government announced Thursday on the sidelines of a global finance summit in Paris. The agreement covers loans from countries including France, the UK, South Africa, Israel and India as well as China — Zambia’s biggest creditor at $4.1 billion of the total. The deal, announced by officials who spoke anonymously in accordance with the French government’s customary practices, may provide a roadmap for how lenient China may be with other nations in debt distress. The International Monetary Fund

June 22, 2023
Debt-plagued Zambia reaches deal with China, other nations to rework $6.3B in loans, French say
World

Canadian police release names of 16 seniors who died in bus crash

Canadian police released the names of 16 people who died in a crash between a minibus and a semitrailer a week ago at a highway intersection in a rural part of the Canadian province of Manitoba. One by one, officers and family members placed giant photos of the victims, who ranged in age from 68 to 88, at the front of a news conference on Thursday. The bus had been taking the group from Dauphin, Manitoba, and the surrounding area on a trip to a casino on June 15, when it crashed with the truck near

June 22, 2023
Canadian police release names of 16 seniors who died in bus crash
World

TikTok COO to step down from the company after nearly 5 years in the role

TikTok’s Chief Operating Officer, V Pappas, is leaving the popular social media platform after nearly five years at the company. In a note sent to employees Thursday morning and later shared on Twitter, Pappas, who uses plural pronouns, said now that the company has achieved a lot of success, she felt it was the right time to move on and focus on “entrepreneurial passions.” TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said in a note sent to employees that Pappas, one of the company’s most public faces, will continue to serve as a strategic adviser. “I want to

June 22, 2023
TikTok COO to step down from the company after nearly 5 years in the role
World

Qatar sovereign wealth fund buys stake in Washington's NBA, NHL and WNBA teams, AP source says

Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund is buying a roughly 5% stake in the parent company of the NBA’s Washington Wizards, NHL’s Washington Capitals and WNBA’s Washington Mystics as part of a $4.05 billion deal, a person with knowledge of the sale said Thursday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the agreement between the Qatar Investment Authority and Monumental Sports & Entertainment had not been announced. It is believed to be the first time the government of Qatar is investing in U.S. professional sports. Sportico first reported the transaction, saying it is the first time any

June 22, 2023
Qatar sovereign wealth fund buys stake in Washington's NBA, NHL and WNBA teams, AP source says
World

UN puts Russian forces on blacklist for killing children and attacking schools in Ukraine

The United Nations put Russian forces on its annual blacklist of countries that violate children’s rights in conflict for killing boys and girls and attacking schools and hospitals in Ukraine, according to a new report seen Thursday by The Associated Press. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in the report to the Security Council that he is “appalled” by the high number of “grave violations” against children in Ukraine in 2022, “shocked” at the number of attacks on schools and hospitals, “concerned” by the detention of children, and “troubled” that some Ukrainian children have been transferred to Russia.

June 22, 2023
UN puts Russian forces on blacklist for killing children and attacking schools in Ukraine
World

2.5M Genworth policyholders and 769K retired California workers and beneficiaries affected by hack

The country’s largest public pension fund says the personal information of about 769,000 retired California employees and other beneficiaries — including Social Security numbers — was among data stolen by Russian cybercriminals in the breach of a popular file-transfer application. It blamed the breach on a third-party vendor that verifies deaths. The same vendor, PBI Research Services/Berwyn Group, also lost the personal data of at least 2.5 million Genworth Financial policyholders, including Social Security numbers, to the same criminal gang, according to the Fortune 500 insurer. The California Public Employees Retirement system said they were offering

June 22, 2023
2.5M Genworth policyholders and 769K retired California workers and beneficiaries affected by hack
World

Senegal opposition leader Sonko's lawyer files a lawsuit in France and calls for an ICC inquiry

A lawyer for embattled Senegalese opposition leader Ousmane Sonko filed a criminal complaint in a French court on Thursday and also called for the International Criminal Court to investigate the Senegalese government’s recent deadly crackdown on protesters. The 168-page document accuses President Macky Sall and others of “crimes against humanity.” It comes in the wake of deadly protests earlier this month, sparked by criminal charges against Sonko that critics believe were politically motivated. The court filing, which was presented at a news conference on Thursday in Paris, details 50 deaths since March 2021. It names Senegal’s

June 22, 2023
Senegal opposition leader Sonko's lawyer files a lawsuit in France and calls for an ICC inquiry
World

A Titanic expert, an adventurer, a CEO, and a father and son were killed in Titan's implosion

A renowned Titanic expert, a world record-holding adventurer, two members of one of Pakistan’s wealthiest families and the CEO of the company leading an expedition to the world’s most famous shipwreck were killed aboard the Titan submersible when it imploded in the Atlantic Ocean sometime this week. The U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday said there were no survivors after the catastrophic implosion deep in the North Atlantic. The search for the submersible and its occupants — as well as any clues to explain what happened underwater — were ongoing Thursday after a deep-sea robot found debris near

June 22, 2023
A Titanic expert, an adventurer, a CEO, and a father and son were killed in Titan's implosion
World

Chris Paul traded to Warriors, Jordan Poole sent to Wizards, source tells AP

Chris Paul’s pursuit of an NBA championship is taking him to the Golden State Warriors, after they agreed to the framework of a trade on Thursday that will send Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The trade also includes a package of draft capital, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the trade has not been finalized and approved by the NBA. ESPN first reported the agreement was struck by the teams. The Wizards agreed to acquire Paul from Phoenix last week, in the

June 22, 2023
Chris Paul traded to Warriors, Jordan Poole sent to Wizards, source tells AP
World

Fear stalks the funerals of victims of Honduras prison massacre

Fear simmered among the small knot of relatives gathered Thursday for the wake of a mother and daughter who were among 46 female inmates slaughtered in this week’s prison riot in Honduras. Relatives wept openly, but said they feared the Barrio 18 gang that carried out the massacre might come after the victims’ families as well. Rumors circulated among those at the wake that gang members had kidnapped women from the funeral of another victim. One mourner, who wouldn’t give his name, said Thursday “we are afraid.” Mourner Johanna Soriano Euceda said “the pain we are

June 22, 2023
Fear stalks the funerals of victims of Honduras prison massacre
World

Deion Sanders says he will undergo surgery for blood clots in both legs

Deion Sanders is scheduled to undergo surgery Friday for a blood clot in each leg, the University of Colorado football coach revealed in a video he posted. The news of Coach Prime’s impending procedure began to spread Thursday after Pat McAfee discussed on his podcast with longtime NFL defensive back Adam Jones what was referred to as an emergency surgery for Sanders. Later in the day, Sanders posted a video to clarify: “It’s time for the horse to talk. You heard from everybody else but you hadn’t heard it from me.” Sanders explained in the video on YouTube that his

June 22, 2023
Deion Sanders says he will undergo surgery for blood clots in both legs
World

Canada will require Google and Meta to pay media outlets for news under bill set to become law

Canada’s Senate on Thursday passed a bill that will require Google and Meta to pay media outlets for news content that they share or otherwise repurpose on their platforms. The bill, which is set to become law, was passed amid a standoff between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government and Silicon Valley tech giants. Ottawa has said the law creates a level playing field between online advertising giants and the shrinking news industry. And Canadian Heritage Minister Pablo Rodriguez has promised to push back on what he describes as “threats” from Facebook and Google to remove journalism

June 22, 2023
Canada will require Google and Meta to pay media outlets for news under bill set to become law
World

Bills trainers cite Hamlin case as example for schools, youth leagues to make life-saving plans

When Buffalo Bills trainers Nate Breske and Denny Kellington rushed onto the field following Damar Hamlin’s collapse in January, they stuck to the plan — right down to positioning Hamlin’s teammates to shield the television cameras. Their quick actions saved Hamlin’s life. Now they’re trying save others. On Thursday, Breske and Kellington told an athletic trainers convention in Indianapolis that pre-planning and regular practices helped prepare them for a worst-case scenario and they’re urging schools and youth leagues to start creating their own emergency action plans. “First up, I don’t think anything can prepare you for what

June 22, 2023
Bills trainers cite Hamlin case as example for schools, youth leagues to make life-saving plans
World

8 Mexican army soldiers arrested in 2014 disappearances of 43 students

A Mexican military official confirmed Thursday that eight soldiers have been detained and taken to a military prison for their possible involvement in events surrounding the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from a rural teacher’s college in southern Mexico. The eight are awaiting the possible filing of charges by civilian prosecutors, said the official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name. In September, the Attorney General’s Office came under fire for cancelling some 21 arrest orders for suspects — including 16 members of the military — without explanation. It was not clear whether the

June 22, 2023
8 Mexican army soldiers arrested in 2014 disappearances of 43 students
World

Live updates | NBA Draft starts with the annual fashion show

The players have arrived at Barclays Center for the NBA draft. And as always, the preshow was a fashion show. Soon-to-be No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama wore a green suit and a special necklace, telling ESPN that the stone appealed to him because it was unusual — not expensive. “I don’t care about wearing expensive stuff,” he said. Taylor Hendricks of UCF had a pinkish suit, the jacket lined with photos that represented his journey to the NBA and some of the people who mean the most to him. And there was a lot of sparkly.

June 22, 2023
Live updates | NBA Draft starts with the annual fashion show
World

NHL teams won't wear theme-night jerseys after players' Pride refusals caused distractions

NHL teams won’t wear special jerseys for pregame warmups during themed nights next season, the result of a handful of players refusing to use rainbow-colored Pride jerseys this past season and causing unwelcome distractions. The league’s Board of Governors agreed Thursday with Commissioner Gary Bettman’s view that the refusals overshadowed teams’ efforts in hosting Pride nights that in some cases included auctioning off the warmup jerseys. All 32 teams held Pride or Hockey is for Everyone night. Bettman, in an interview with Sportsnet following the Board of Governors meeting in New York, said he suggested teams stop having special warmup

June 22, 2023
NHL teams won't wear theme-night jerseys after players' Pride refusals caused distractions
World

Rule against blocking the plate leading to outs becoming runs even without a collision

As former big league catchers, Bob Melvin and Bruce Bochy certainly had their share of plays at the plate, and the current managers played in an era when big collisions with runners trying to score were just part of the game. The rules have changed over the years to protect catchers, but runners are now sometimes safe even after being tagged out, and without any collision. That happened this week to Melvin’s San Diego Padres and Bochy’s Texas Rangers. San Francisco’s Blake Sabol was originally called out in the fifth inning Wednesday night against the Padres. The call was changed

June 22, 2023
Rule against blocking the plate leading to outs becoming runs even without a collision
World

Brazil's president offers to try to win release of bishop imprisoned in Nicaragua

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva offered Thursday to help try to gain the release of a Roman Catholic bishop imprisoned in Nicaragua. Lula made the comments after visiting with Pope Francis at the Vatican. Bishop Rolando Álvarez was jailed by the regime of President Daniel Ortega for supposedly helping anti-government protesters. The bishop was sentenced to 26 years in prison, after he refused to board a plane carrying exiles to the United States in February. “I want to talk to Daniel Ortega about freeing the bishop,” Lula said, adding, “I am going to try

June 22, 2023
Brazil's president offers to try to win release of bishop imprisoned in Nicaragua
World

Victor Wembanyama is the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, with expectations of stardom

Victor Wembanyama is the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, headed to San Antonio with enormous expectations to become basketball’s newest sensation. The selection of the 19-year-old from France that had been a foregone conclusion for months was announced by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on Thursday night at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, followed by chants of “Wemby! Wemby” from a group of Spurs fans waving signs from the first row of seats. Wembanyama arrives with far more height and hype than most No. 1 picks. Listed at 7-foot-4, he dominated his French league in his

June 23, 2023
Victor Wembanyama is the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft, with expectations of stardom

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