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

06 December 2024 — 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 Surge: Why Hispanic Voters Are Embracing Him

06 November 2024 — CBS News Executive Director of Elections and Surveys, Anthony Salvanto, highlighted Donald Trump’s rising support among Hispanic neighborhoods in Philadelphia. Despite Trump’s past rhetoric, many Hispanics feel he isn’t targeting them negatively. This perception is shifting some Latino voters toward Trump.

A poll revealed that two-thirds of surveyed Latinos believe Trump wasn’t referring to them when discussing immigrants. Additionally, half of foreign-born Latinos shared this sentiment. These findings suggest a growing acceptance of Trump among Hispanic communities.

While Latinos predominantly lean Democrat, Trump’s messaging on the economy resonates with many in this demographic. His approach appears to offer a sense of belonging similar to that extended to white voters. This strategy could be pivotal for his future campaigns as he continues to engage with diverse voter groups.

NEW FIGHTER JET Program Aims to Counter China and Russia Threats

20 October 2024 — Japan, the U.K., and Italy are teaming up to create a new combat aircraft by 2035 under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). This project aims to strengthen defense against threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. The advanced stealth fighter will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons.

Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani announced the creation of the GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO) by year’s end. GIGO will manage aircraft development from its base in the U.K., led by a Japanese official. This announcement came after a meeting with his U.K. and Italian counterparts at the Group of Seven defense ministers meeting in Naples, Italy.

Private companies like Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Britain’s BAE Systems PLC, and Italy’s Leonardo are part of this effort. Nakatani confirmed that GIGO is on track to sign its first contract next year despite leadership changes in Japan and the U.K. This partnership highlights a commitment to boosting military capabilities amid global security concerns.

HARRIS’S FUNDING Frenzy: Can Trump’s Campaign Catch UP?

10 October 2024 — Vice President Kamala Harris has surged ahead of former President Donald Trump in campaign fundraising. On the day she announced her candidacy, Harris raised $25 million and reached $500 million within a month. This financial boost gives her a strong edge as the 2024 presidential race intensifies.

Trump’s campaign, however, had collected $309 million by the end of August. To close this gap, Republican super PACs are stepping up, spending over $80 million on TV ads nationwide in September alone. They’ve also set aside more than $100 million for advertising during the campaign’s final weeks.

Despite this fundraising difference, Republicans remain determined. They’re investing heavily in online, mail, and door-to-door campaigns to counter Harris’s financial lead. The race for the White House is becoming fiercely competitive as both sides strategically deploy their resources to win voters over.

TRUMP RALLY Draws Huge Crowd In Arizona: Supporters Ecstatic

24 August 2024 — Videos and pictures on social media show the arena, which holds 18,000 people, nearly full ahead of former President Donald Trump’s speech at the Turning Point Action rally. Supporters lined up for miles hoping to gain entry.

The venue previously hosted an event by Harris earlier this month, drawing a crowd of 15,000. The Trump rally comes shortly after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the suspension of his presidential campaign and urged blue state residents to vote for him while supporting Trump in battleground states.

Trump hinted at a “special guest” for the rally on Truth Social, leading many to speculate that it could be Kennedy. “Heading to Arizona where I will soon be speaking at Turning Point — BIG CROWD, AND EVEN BIGGER SURPRISE!” he posted.

BIDEN DEMANDS Supreme Court Shake-UP: Sparks Intense Debate

29 July 2024 — President Biden has called for major changes to the Supreme Court, sparking a heated debate. Co-host Jonathan Lemire discussed the topic with Senator Cory Booker, who downplayed the extent of the proposed reforms.

Booker argued that these changes are practical and have bipartisan support. He emphasized that the highest court should not have low ethics standards, pointing out that right-wing billionaires are giving lavish gifts to justices with cases before the court.

Booker also supported term limits for justices, similar to other major democracies. He stressed that courts should not be influenced by financial gifts from interested parties as this undermines democracy and delegitimizes institutions.

LABOUR PARTY Surges Amid UK Election Betting Scandal

29 June 2024 — 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.

COLORADO Democrats PUSH for Drastic GUN Control: Igniting Nationwide Alarm

01 April 2024 — Colorado’s Democratic party is fervently pushing a series of gun control bills, reflecting policies from liberal states like California. These bills have largely slipped under the media radar, sparking concerns among Second Amendment experts. Ava Flanell, a firearms instructor based in Colorado Springs, cautions that these legislative proposals could have far-reaching effects.

The proposed legislation encompasses banning “assault weapons,” typically semi-automatic rifles such as AR-15s. It also includes imposing an 11% tax on gun and ammunition sales and raising the bar for concealed handgun training classes. Additionally, one bill aims to restrict where firearm owners can carry their weapons — places like parks, banks, and college campuses are included.

These contentious bills are currently under scrutiny by the state’s General Assembly where Democrats hold majority in both chambers. With Governor Jared Polis also being a Democrat, the party holds all three branches of power in Colorado politics.

Last year similar laws were enacted in Washington with no positive impact on crime rates but had devastating effects on local gun stores. Flanell is urging unity to prevent these bills from spreading to other states.

REFORM UK RISES: Public Discontent Over Immigration Policies Fuels Momentum

29 March 2024 — Reform UK is gaining momentum, largely fueled by its firm stance against “unchecked immigration,” as stated by the party’s deputy chair. This surge in support comes in light of recent data from Ipsos Mori and British Future, a pro-immigration think tank. The figures highlight public dissatisfaction with the government’s management of borders, indicating a potential shift in the UK’s political landscape.

Despite Labour currently leading in the polls, Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party is outpacing the Conservatives when it comes to trust and policy matters. This could serve as an alarm bell for Tory politicians who have been at Britain’s political helm for two centuries. Ben Habib, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, attributes this shift to what he perceives as the Conservative Party neglecting their own voter base.

According to Ipsos Mori research, 69% of Britons express dissatisfaction with immigration policies while only 9% are content. Of those dissatisfied individuals, over half (52%) believe migration should be reduced while just 17% think it should increase. Specific grievances include inadequate measures to prevent channel crossings (54%) and high immigration numbers (51%). Less concern was shown towards creating negative environments for migrants (28%) or poor treatment of asylum seekers (25%).

Habib asserts that this widespread discontent signifies a historic realignment in politics

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

25 March 2024 — 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.

ANC on SHAKY Ground: South Africa’s Opposition Parties Gaining Momentum

14 March 2024 — Recent polling data indicates a potential shift in South Africa’s political scene, the likes of which haven’t been seen since 1994. The ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), has experienced a decline in support from 44% to 39% since November 2022.

On the other hand, the opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) has seen its share rise from 23% to a notable 27%. A newcomer on the scene, the MK Party, has made an impressive debut with a surprising 13%, while support for the radical Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has dwindled to just 10%.

This changing landscape could potentially pave the way for DA to form a majority coalition with other parties excluding ANC and EFF. This tactic proved successful in Cape Town’s municipal elections back in 2006. Despite ANC’s historical appeal due to its instrumental role in ending apartheid, ongoing issues such as electricity and water shortages, high crime rates, and rampant corruption have strained voters’ loyalty.

The shifting political climate suggests that voters are seeking change and are willing to look beyond traditional party lines. This could lead to significant changes in South Africa’s political landscape moving forward.

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

15 February 2024 — 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.

TRUMP’S EYE on Burgum: A Potential Power Player in Second Administration

21 January 2024 — Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, has recently been spotlighted by former President Trump as a potential key player for his possible second term. This news emerged following Trump’s unprecedented victory in the Iowa Caucuses.

Responding to conjecture about a potential role in Trump’s administration, Burgum, who had previously endorsed Trump just before the Iowa Caucuses said, “Well, it’s very flattering... but you know, these are all hypotheticals.”

The Governor underscored his dedication to his current position and to backing Trump’s nomination and election endeavors. He further explained that his previous campaign was motivated by concerns about the economy, energy and national security issues that America is facing.

TRUMP’S MAGA Wave Sparks Global Conservative Populist Triumphs

08 January 2024 — In a recent interview at Mar-a-Lago, Donald Trump stated that his MAGA-Trump movement is driving a global surge of conservative populist victories. He pointed to Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, as an example. Milei reportedly thanked Trump for laying the groundwork with his policies. The former US president playfully suggested that Milei’s “Make Argentina Great Again” slogan could also be shortened to MAGA.

Trump’s 2016 triumph over Democrat Hillary Rodham Clinton was not a singular occurrence. It was preceded by significant wins for conservative populists worldwide, such as the Brexit referendum in the UK and Jimmy Morales’s victory in Guatemala’s presidential race. These successes helped ignite the movement that ultimately led to Trump’s ascendancy.

As we approach 2024, conservative populists are making further strides globally. Italy now boasts Giorgia Meloni as Prime Minister and Geert Wilders’ PVV party leads polls in Netherlands. With these victories and more expected throughout the year, it appears a global sweep for conservative populists is on the cards leading up to Trump’s anticipated rematch with Democrat President Joe Biden.

TRUMP’S Troubled Past: Biden’s Team Shifts Focus Ahead of 2024 Showdown

02 January 2024 — President Joe Biden’s team is adjusting their strategy for the 2024 campaign. Instead of solely spotlighting the incumbent Democrat, they’re turning attention to former President Donald Trump’s contentious record. This move follows recent polls showing Trump leading Biden in seven swing states and gaining traction among younger voters.

Trump, despite grappling with multiple criminal and civil charges, continues to be a GOP favorite. The aim of Biden’s aides is to use his disputed record and legal allegations as a lens through which voters can view the potential consequences of another four-year term under Trump.

Currently, Trump faces four criminal indictments and is embroiled in a civil fraud lawsuit in New York. Regardless of these trials’ outcomes, he could still make a run for office even if convicted — unless legal contests or state ballot requirements prevent him from doing so. However, rather than dwelling on the outcome of Trump’s cases, Biden’s team plans to underscore what another term would mean for American citizens.

A senior campaign aide noted that while Trump may succeed in mobilizing his base with extreme rhetoric, their strategy will highlight how such extremism could negatively affect Americans. The focus will be on the potential adverse impact of another term under Trump rather than his personal legal battles.

US STEEL Takeover: BLOCKING Japanese Buyout Could Save American Jobs

22 December 2023 — 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.

Bipartisan Committee CALLS for END of China’s Trade Status: A Potential Jolt to US Economy

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee, led by Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), has been studying the economic effects of China on the US for a year. The investigation centered on job market changes, manufacturing shifts, and national security concerns since China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO) in 2001.

The committee released a report this Tuesday recommending President Joe Biden’s administration and Congress to implement nearly 150 policies to counteract China’s economic influence. One significant suggestion is to cancel China’s permanent normal trade relations status (PNTR) with the U.S., a status endorsed by former President George W. Bush in 2001.

The report argues that granting PNTR to China did not bring anticipated benefits for the US or trigger expected reforms in China. It asserts that this has led to a loss of vital U.S. economic leverage and inflicted damage on U.S industry, workers, and manufacturers due to unfair trade practices.

The committee proposes shifting China into a new tariff category that reinstates U.S economic leverage while reducing dependence on Chinese

US-CHINA Economic Reset PROPOSED: Will Higher Tariffs Be the New Norm?

12 December 2023 — A bipartisan committee in the House has put forth a proposal for a complete overhaul of US economic ties with China. This includes the suggestion of implementing higher tariffs. The pivotal recommendations were released in an extensive report by the House Select Committee on Strategic Competition Between the United States and Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL).

The report posits that since its induction into the World Trade Organization in 2001, Beijing has been engaged in an economic conflict against both the US and its allies. It outlines three key strategies: revamping America’s economic relationship with China, limiting U.S. capital and technological inflow into China, and strengthening U.S. economic resilience with allied support.

One notable recommendation is to shift China to a new tariff column to enforce more robust tariffs. The committee also suggests imposing tariffs on essential semiconductor chips used in everyday devices like phones and cars. This move aims to prevent Chinese domination in this sector from granting Beijing undue control over global economy.

AMAZON and META Bow to UK Antitrust Pressure, Pledge Fair Play

06 November 2023 — Amazon and Meta, two tech behemoths, have put an end to separate antitrust investigations in the United Kingdom. They’ve agreed to halt practices that unfairly tip the scales in their favor against vendors and consumers on their platforms. This agreement was reached with the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), effectively closing the investigations into their online marketplaces.

The CMA had been examining Amazon’s potential threat to competition by preferentially treating merchants who shell out for extras like storage, packaging, and delivery. The watchdog also probed Amazon’s choice of suppliers for its “buy box” feature as well as its data collection habits. As part of this settlement, Amazon will stop using data from third-party sellers for competitive advantage.

Meta’s probe focused on whether its data collection methods provided it an unfair leg up over competitors offering classified data and online dating services. Both companies have embraced these settlements; Amazon previously settled a similar EU antitrust case in December by agreeing to make substantial changes in how it does business.

FRONTIER AI: A Ticking Time Bomb? World Leaders and Tech Titans Convene to Discuss Risks

01 November 2023 — The latest buzzword in the realm of artificial intelligence, Frontier AI, has been causing a stir due to its potential threats to human existence. Advanced chatbots like ChatGPT have dazzled with their capabilities, but fears about the risks associated with such technology are escalating. Top researchers, leading AI companies, and governments are advocating for protective measures against these looming dangers.

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is orchestrating a two-day summit on frontier AI at Bletchley Park. The event is set to draw around 100 officials from 28 nations including U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Executives from prominent U.S. artificial intelligence firms such as OpenAI, Google’s Deepmind and Anthropic will also be in attendance.

Sunak asserts that only governments can shield people from the hazards posed by this technology. However, he stressed that the U.K.'s strategy is not to hastily impose regulation despite identifying potential threats like using AI for crafting chemical or biological weapons.

Jeff Clune, an associate computer science professor at the University of British Columbia who specializes in AI and machine learning was among those urging for more government intervention in mitigating risks from AI last week — echoing warnings issued by tech tycoons like Elon Musk and Open