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NBA’S SHOCKING Return to China: Millions at Stake After Controversial Ban Lifted

NBA’S SHOCKING Return to China: Millions at Stake After Controversial Ban Lifted

The Brooklyn Nets and Phoenix Suns will play two preseason games in China. This follows the reinstatement of the NBA’s broadcast deal, worth millions. The league was banned in 2019 after a controversial tweet by Rockets executive Daryl Morey supporting Hong Kong protesters.

Chinese authorities demanded Morey be fired, but NBA Commissioner Adam Silver refused. Instead, Silver publicly criticized Morey, leading to his apology and retraction of support for the pro-democracy movement. Despite this, China suspended NBA broadcasts until now.

Morey’s tweet read: “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong.” His apology aimed to mend relations with Chinese fans and sponsors offended by his stance. He stressed that his views were personal and not representative of the Rockets or the NBA as a whole.

The return of NBA games to Chinese screens marks a significant financial move for both parties involved. It highlights ongoing tensions between business interests and political stances within international sports diplomacy.

TRUMP’S Triumph Ignites Outrage: Just Stop OIL Strikes Back

TRUMP’S Triumph Ignites Outrage: Just Stop OIL Strikes Back

On Wednesday, Donald Trump claimed victory in the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election, winning support from over 70 million Americans. Yet, not everyone was pleased. The far-left group Just Stop Oil showed their anger by splashing bright orange paint on the U.S. Embassy in London.

Just Stop Oil slammed corporate power and fossil fuel industries, saying they control major political parties and are the real winners of the election. They called Trump a “fake populist,” claiming he ignores what they see as vital — stopping oil and gas drilling. The group urged regular people to act since they believe no leaders will make needed changes.

Activist Joseph Aggarwal was detained by police after joining the protest. He voiced concerns about a lack of true democracy across Western nations, arguing voters get similar policies no matter which party wins, worsening living conditions and climate issues. Aggarwal accused Trump of using public frustration to help billionaires while ignoring urgent environmental problems.

Final poll closing Live Updates PBS News

TRUMP’S Triumph: Disillusioned Voters Reject Harris-Biden Agenda

Former President Donald Trump has made a comeback to the White House, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden’s nearly four-year term. Many voters, unhappy with America’s path, embraced Trump’s bold approach. AP VoteCast showed about 3 in 10 voters wanted a complete government overhaul.

Economic concerns were key in Trump’s victory, overshadowing issues like democracy and abortion protections favored by Harris’ supporters. Voters worried about the economy supported stronger immigration enforcement and believed Trump was better suited to tackle economic challenges. This sentiment was strong in battleground states like Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Michigan.

Even though he won the electoral college, some voters had reservations about Trump’s potential use of power. A notable number expressed concern over possible authoritarianism under his leadership. Yet more than 1 in 10 concerned voters still backed him despite these fears.

Inflation anxiety was a major concern nationwide as families felt their financial situations worsening since the last election cycle. The rising cost of living remained an urgent issue for many Americans struggling with higher prices on essentials like groceries and housing costs. These economic pressures greatly boosted Trump’s appeal among disenchanted voters seeking change.

TRUMP And HARRIS Neck-And-Neck: What’s Behind the Poll Shocker?

TRUMP And HARRIS Neck-And-Neck: What’s Behind the Poll Shocker?

Recent polls show a tight race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, with both candidates nearly tied. Just last month, Harris was ahead in election and favorability ratings. Now, her lead is gone, sparking questions about why voters are changing their minds.

NBC’s Savannah Guthrie talked with analyst Steve Kornacki about this shift. He explained how Harris’s favorability ratings have reversed. Last month, she had a 48% positive rating compared to Trump’s steady numbers. Now her positive rating has fallen to 43%, while her negative rating jumped to 49%.

Kornacki noted that this change brings Harris’s ratings closer to Trump’s figures. He also mentioned an interesting twist about public views on Trump’s presidency. Recent polling shows that 44% of voters think Trump’s policies helped their families more than during his time in office.

The FT’s UK general election model explained

LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal

The U.K. general election on July 4 is approaching, with the Labour Party expected to defeat Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives. Polls indicate Labour leader Keir Starmer will likely form the next government.

The Conservative campaign has struggled, facing allegations of election betting involving figures close to Sunak. This scandal has further dampened their already lackluster efforts.

In the U.K., the prime minister decides election dates, unlike fixed schedules in countries like the U.S. This unique system has led to a market for predicting election dates and outcomes.

Police officers and Conservative insiders are under investigation for their involvement in this betting scandal, adding another layer of controversy as over 50 countries prepare for elections in 2024.

FIVE GENERATIONS of Women Shape Jones Family Legacy

FIVE GENERATIONS of Women Shape Jones Family Legacy

The Jones family in the U.K. recently celebrated the birth of Teya Jones, marking a unique milestone: five consecutive generations of daughters. This rare event last occurred in their family over half a century ago.

At just 18 years old, Evie Jones proudly continues this female-driven legacy, which began with her great-great-grandmother Audrey Skitt. The tradition underscores a strong matriarchal structure that has thrived for decades.

The family’s lineage boasts influential women like Kim Jones, who is 51, and her mother Lindsey Jones, aged 70. A photo from 1972 vividly captures these generational bonds, reflecting a proud and enduring tradition that remains vibrant today.

Teya’s arrival not only reinforces this exceptional line of daughters but also celebrates the resilience and unity among the women in the Jones family. Their story highlights both familial pride and the empowerment of women through generations.

NYT SUBSCRIPTION Dropped: Keith Olbermann Slams Biden Coverage

NYT SUBSCRIPTION Dropped: Keith Olbermann Slams Biden Coverage

Keith Olbermann, once a prominent face on SportsCenter, has publicly ended his subscription to the New York Times. He pointed out what he sees as biased reporting on President Biden. Olbermann announced his decision to his nearly one million social media followers.

Olbermann directly accused A.G. Sulzberger, the publisher of the Times, of holding a personal grudge against President Biden. He believes this resentment influences the newspaper’s focus on Biden’s age and results in unduly negative coverage.

The root of this issue appears in a Politico piece discussing tension between the White House and the New York Times. Olbermann suggests that Sulzberger’s dissatisfaction with Biden’s limited interactions with the press is prompting harsher scrutiny from reporters at the Times.

However, skepticism surrounds Olbermann’s assertion that he has been a subscriber since 1969 — a claim that would mean he started his subscription at age ten — raising questions about his accuracy and reliability in this controversy.

Gut feelings’ help make more successful financial traders ...

BRITISH TRADER’S Appeal Crushed: Libor Conviction Stands Strong

Tom Hayes, a former financial trader for Citigroup and UBS, has been unsuccessful in his attempt to overturn his conviction. This 44-year-old Brit was convicted in 2015 for manipulating the London Inter-Bank Offered Rate (LIBOR) from 2006 to 2010. His case marked the first-ever conviction of this kind.

Hayes served half of an 11-year sentence and was released in 2021. Despite asserting his innocence throughout, he faced another conviction by a U.S court in 2016.

Carlo Palombo, another trader implicated in similar manipulations with Euribor, also sought appeal through the U.K.'s Court of Appeal via the Criminal Cases Review Commission. However, after a three-day hearing earlier this month, both appeals were dismissed without success.

The Serious Fraud Office remained resolute against these appeals stating: “No one is above the law and the court has recognized that these convictions stand firm.” This decision comes on the heels of a contrasting verdict from a U.S court last year which reversed similar convictions of two former Deutsche Bank traders.

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

TRUMP SURGES Ahead in Michigan: Biden’s Struggle to Secure Base Exposed

A recent trial ballot in Michigan has revealed a surprising lead for Trump over Biden, with 47 percent favoring the former president compared to 44 percent for the incumbent. This result falls within the survey’s ±3 percent margin of error, leaving nine percent of voters still undecided.

In a more complex five-way trial ballot test, Trump maintains his lead at 44 percent against Biden’s 42 percent. The remaining votes are split among independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Dr. Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West.

Steve Mitchell, president of Mitchell Research, attributes Trump’s lead to Biden’s lackluster support from African Americans and younger voters. He forecasts a nail-biting contest ahead as the victory will likely hinge on which candidate can rally their base more effectively.

In a head-to-head choice between Trump and Biden, an overwhelming 90 percent of Republican Michiganders back Trump while only 84 percent of Democrats support Biden. This poll report underscores an uncomfortable situation for Biden as he loses a significant 12 percent chunk of his vote to former President Trump.

UNJUSTIFIED IMPRISONMENT: WSJ Journalist Faces Grueling Year in Russian Detention

UNJUSTIFIED IMPRISONMENT: WSJ Journalist Faces Grueling Year in Russian Detention

Wall Street Journal reporter Gershkovich faces a daunting prospect of spending over a year in pretrial detention in Russia, following the latest appeal rejection. The WSJ points out that Russian prosecutors wield extensive power to demand further extensions of pretrial detention. Espionage trials, typically shrouded in secrecy, almost invariably end with convictions and long prison terms.

Gershkovich’s previous pleas for bail or house arrest have been denied. He is currently confined to Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo prison. The WSJ editorial team continues to press for his immediate release, branding his arrest as an “unjustifiable assault on press freedom.” The Biden administration has labeled the charges against Gershkovich as “groundless” and maintains he is imprisoned for "merely reporting news.

U.S. Ambassador to Russia Lynne Tracy condemned the Kremlin’s tactic of using human lives as negotiation tools, leading to real suffering. However, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refuted claims of holding Americans hostage — including Gershkovich and recently detained Russian-American ballerina Ksenia Karelina — insisting foreign journalists operate freely within Russia until suspected of breaking the law.

Karelina was apprehended on accusations of “treason” after making a donation to a Ukrainian charity — an incident that unfolded in Yekaterin

TRUMP’S COMEBACK: Leads Biden in Hypothetical 2024 Race, Reveals Michigan Poll

TRUMP’S COMEBACK: Leads Biden in Hypothetical 2024 Race, Reveals Michigan Poll

A recent poll from Michigan, conducted by Beacon Research and Shaw & Company Research, reveals a surprising turn of events. In a hypothetical race between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, Trump takes a two-point lead. The poll shows 47% of registered voters backing Trump while Biden comes close with 45%. This narrow lead falls within the poll’s margin of error.

This represents an impressive swing towards Trump by 11 points compared to a July 2020 Fox News Beacon Research and Shaw Company poll. During that time, Biden held the upper hand with 49% support versus Trump’s 40%. In this latest survey, only one percent would back another candidate while three percent would abstain from voting. An intriguing four percent remain undecided.

The plot thickens when the field is expanded to include independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Green Party candidate Jill Stein, and independent Cornel West. Here, Trump’s lead over Biden grows to five points suggesting his appeal remains strong among voters even in a wider field of candidates.

From BETTING FRENZY to Prison: Andy May’s £13M Gamble and His Fight Against Addiction

From BETTING FRENZY to Prison: Andy May’s £13M Gamble and His Fight Against Addiction

Andy May, once a finance manager from Norfolk, squandered his family’s house deposit in a gambling frenzy. After seven years of abstinence from betting, the allure of a “free bet” during the 2014 World Cup lured him back into the destructive habit.

May’s addiction spiraled out of control as he misused his company credit card to gamble away £1.3 million. This reckless act led him straight to prison. Now released after two years, he has teamed up with GambleAware to share his cautionary tale and raise awareness about gambling addiction.

During his four-and-a-half-year betting spree, May wagered on everything conceivable. He even resorted to paying off personal credit card debts using company funds. His illicit activities eventually caught up with him in 2019 when he was found guilty of stealing over £1.3 million from his employer.

Despite losing his job and deceiving his family about it, May confesses that he might be tempted by gambling again but fights daily against this urge. He underscores that no amount of potential winnings could enhance his life while everything is

Japan reports on Nippon, U.S. Steel acquisition | Pittsburgh Post ...

US STEEL Takeover: BLOCKING Japanese Buyout Could Save American Jobs

Nippon Steel, Japan’s leading steel company, is facing a storm of criticism over its planned $14 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel Corporation. The deal, unveiled on Monday, values U.S. Steel at $55 per share and has sparked immediate opposition, especially in the Rust Belt where U.S. Steel has been a cornerstone since 1901.

Despite U.S. Steel’s assurances that the merger would unite “two storied companies with rich histories,” lawmakers are demanding action. Senators J.D. Vance (R-OH), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Marco Rubio (R-FL) have written to Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen urging the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to halt the deal.

The senators contend that domestic steel production is vital for national security and needs careful scrutiny before permitting foreign investment. CFIUS, led by Yellen, holds the authority to stop such investments after a review process.

While experts predict CFIUS is more likely to block deals involving countries perceived as adversaries like Russia or China rather than allies like Japan, this situation highlights bipartisan worries about foreign control over crucial industries.

Joe Biden: The President | The White House

Biden’s BOLD Defiance of Supreme Court: The TRUTH Behind Student Loan Forgiveness Numbers

President Joe Biden made a bold claim on Wednesday, boasting about his defiance of the Supreme Court’s ruling on student loans. During a speech in Milwaukee, he asserted that he had wiped out the debt for 136 million people. This statement came despite the Supreme Court rejecting his $400 billion loan forgiveness plan back in June.

However, this claim not only challenges the separation of powers but also holds no water factually. As per data from early December, only $132 billion in student loan debt has been cleared for a mere 3.6 million borrowers. This implies that Biden exaggerated the number of beneficiaries by an astounding figure – approximately 133 million.

Biden’s misrepresentation sparks concerns about his administration’s transparency and its respect for judicial decisions. His remarks further fuel ongoing discussions around student loan forgiveness and its ripple effects on economic aspects like homeownership and entrepreneurship.

“This incident underscores the need for accurate information from our leaders and respectful adherence to judicial rulings. It also highlights how critical it is to have open dialogues about policy impacts, particularly when they affect millions of Americans’ financial futures.”

Joe Biden: The President | The White House

UNSHAKEN BIDEN Keeps Hunter Close Amidst Impeachment Storm: A Bold Statement or Blind Love?

President Joe Biden remains steadfast in his support for his son, Hunter Biden, despite the ongoing impeachment investigation into Hunter’s overseas business dealings. On Monday, the Bidens were spotted sharing a meal with friends before Hunter accompanied the first family on their return flight from Delaware on Air Force One and Marine One.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre refuted claims that the administration was trying to hide Hunter by not listing him on passenger rosters shared with journalists. She underscored that it has been a longstanding tradition for presidents’ family members to travel with them, and this custom is not going away anytime soon.

Hunter’s public appearances in front of press photographers and reporters could signify President Biden’s readiness to openly back his son. This support is unwavering even as Hunter faces potential criminal charges and defies a congressional subpoena. Throughout his presidency, President Biden has consistently voiced pride in his son.

UK INFLATION TUMBLES to 39%: Central Bank May Slash Rates Sooner Than Predicted

UK INFLATION TUMBLES to 39%: Central Bank May Slash Rates Sooner Than Predicted

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) recently announced a surprising drop in UK inflation to 3.9% in November, a decrease from the previous month’s 4.6%. This dip, larger than what financial markets had forecasted, marks the lowest inflation level since September 2021.

This decline is primarily attributed to falling fuel and food prices according to the ONS. However, despite this optimistic news, the Bank of England’s primary interest rate remains at a staggering high of 5.25%, not seen for over a decade and a half.

Governor Andrew Bailey hinted that this stringent interest rate policy might continue for some time. Yet Samuel Tombs, chief U.K economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics suggests an alternative view — that this sharp fall in inflation could trigger an earlier-than-expected cut in interest rates; perhaps as early as the first half of next year.

While elevated interest rates initially helped curb inflation sparked by supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, they have also put pressure on consumer spending and slowed economic growth. As such there are growing worries that maintaining high rates could inflict unnecessary damage on the economy.

OIL TYCOONS Rule COP28: A Shocking Paradox or a Bold Leap for Climate Goals?

OIL TYCOONS Rule COP28: A Shocking Paradox or a Bold Leap for Climate Goals?

The forthcoming COP28 climate summit, to be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), is stirring up a storm of controversy. Critics are questioning the seemingly ironic choice of Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO of UAE’s state oil company, as the event’s overseer.

UK Guardian columnist Marina Hyde has expressed concerns about this decision. She compares it to China’s temporary factory closures during the 2008 Olympics for cleaner air. She questions whether UAE will also pause its gas flaring operations during the conference.

Climate advocates fear that powerful politicians and industrialists could twist climate policies for personal gain. These fears are amplified by reports that Al Jaber and UAE may exploit COP28 to broker oil and gas deals with other nations.

Despite these apprehensions, some believe that involving major oil producers is key to meeting climate objectives. But with President Joe Biden absent and protests pushed to distant locations, doubts over COP28’s effectiveness continue to mount.

Why the strike by United Auto Workers is Wall Street’s fault - Los ...

UAW STRIKE Ends: Ford’s Unprecedented 30% PAY Rise Could Shake Up Detroit Automakers

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union has reached a tentative contract agreement with Ford. This development could signal the end of the nearly six-week-long strikes that have rocked Detroit automakers. However, this four-year deal still needs approval from Ford’s 57,000 union members.

The agreement could shape future negotiations with General Motors and Stellantis, where strikes are ongoing. UAW has urged all Ford workers to resume work, hoping to pressure GM and Stellantis into bargaining. More details on how this strategy will be implemented are expected soon.

In a video address, UAW President Shawn Fain announced that Ford offered a wage increase of 50% more than before the strike started on September 15th. UAW Vice President Chuck Browning, who served as the chief negotiator with Ford, disclosed that workers would see an overall wage increase of 25%. This would push the total pay rise over 30%, resulting in top-tier assembly plant workers earning above $40 per hour by contract’s end.

Before this agreement, all three automakers had suggested a pay rise of just 23%. Under the new deal, assembly workers will receive an immediate raise of 11% upon ratification — nearly matching all wage increases since 2007.

Britain’s Labour Party doesn’t want to talk about a hung ...

LABOUR PARTY Triumphs: Shocking Upset in Special Elections Reshapes UK Political Landscape

In a surprising turn of events, Britain’s Labour Party has managed to secure two Parliament seats previously dominated by the Conservatives. This unexpected victory took place in the special elections held in Tamworth and Mid-Bedfordshire, with a significant number of voters switching their loyalty to Labour.

This win strengthens Labour’s standing as the primary challenger for next year’s national election. It also piles pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to rejuvenate his party’s reputation. Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour Party, proclaimed that his party is “redrawing the political map”.

The victories were marked by Sarah Edwards’ success in Tamworth and Alistair Strathern’s triumph in Mid-Bedfordshire, both overcoming substantial Conservative majorities from 2019. However, it should be noted that voter turnout was relatively low at 36% and 44% respectively. Additionally, these elections took place under unique circumstances due to resignations from former lawmakers.

UK inflation dips slightly to 10.1% | Business News | Sky News

UK Inflation DEFIES Predictions, STAYS at 67%: What’s Next for the Economy?

The UK’s inflation rate held steady at 6.7% in September, flying in the face of economists’ predictions for a slight decrease. The Office for National Statistics highlighted that while food and drink prices dipped, they were counterbalanced by an uptick in fuel costs.

This persistent inflation rate is more than triple the Bank of England’s target of 2%. Despite this, it is not expected that the bank will hike interest rates during its November policy meeting. Instead, it seems set to keep its main borrowing rate at a peak not seen in 15 years — a hefty 5.25%.

James Smith from the Resolution Foundation think tank offered his perspective on this economic puzzle: “For now, progress on reducing inflation has hit a roadblock.” He anticipates a significant drop to below 5% next month as energy prices are projected to fall for most consumers.

In response to price surges triggered by pandemic-induced supply chain disruptions and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — both factors contributing heavily to increased food and energy costs — the Bank of England has been steadily cranking up interest rates from near zero levels.

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ELON MUSK Champions Free Speech On X

Elon Musk, owner of X (formerly Twitter), has increasingly used the platform to amplify his political views and those of right-wing figures. Musk’s actions align with his 2022 statement that he bought Twitter to protect free speech. He believes a public platform for free speech is crucial for civilization’s future.

Musk often discusses existential threats like population collapse and artificial intelligence, framing threats to free speech as another crisis. He sees X as a “digital town square” where vital issues are debated. In the U.S., Musk has shared memes and sometimes misinformation about illegal immigration, election fraud, and transgender policies while endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential bid.

In May 2023, Musk co-hosted Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid announcement on X, which faced technical issues but highlighted his vision for the platform. Despite the glitches, Musk invited other candidates to use X for their announcements.

Trump accepted and had an interview with Musk that also experienced technical difficulties but eventually took place after a 42-minute delay.

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