THREAD: stock market soars tech giants shine

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.

MYSTERIOUS DEATH of British Tech Entrepreneur’s Co-Defendant Before Yacht Sinks

21 August 2024 — Stephen Chamberlain, a former Autonomy Corp. executive, was fatally struck by a car in Cambridgeshire on Saturday. His death happened just days before his co-defendant Mike Lynch and five others went missing after their yacht sank off the coast of Italy.

Authorities confirmed that divers recovered a body from the sunken yacht near Palermo, Italy. The identity of the body has not been announced yet. NBC and Reuters reported another body was found inside the vessel.

Chamberlain had recently been acquitted alongside Lynch in a multibillion-dollar fraud case involving Hewlett Packard’s $11 billion takeover of Autonomy Corp. His lawyer praised him as "a courageous man with unparalleled integrity.

BRITISH Tech Magnate MISSING After Superyacht Tragedy

19 August 2024 — British tech magnate Mike Lynch and five others are missing after their luxury superyacht sank during a freak storm off Sicily. Lynch’s wife and 14 others survived the incident. Authorities confirmed that one body has been recovered, and police divers are attempting to reach the hull of the ship at a depth of 50 meters (163 feet).

The yacht, named Bayesian, was anchored near Porticello when a waterspout struck overnight. The sudden storm battered the area precisely where the 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged vessel was moored. Salvo Cocina of Sicily’s civil protection agency stated, “They were in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

The Bayesian had a crew of 10 and 12 passengers on board. Another nearby superyacht assisted in rescuing some of the survivors, including Lynch’s wife Angela Bacares. The yacht was notable for its single 75-meter (246-feet) mast made of aluminum, which was lit up just hours before it sank.

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.

CHINA’S Moon Landing: A Bold Step in Space Race

04 June 2024 — China’s space program reached a major milestone by landing a module on the moon’s far side. The lander touched down at 6:23 a.m. Beijing time in the South Pole-Aitken Basin, according to the China National Space Administration. This mission is China’s sixth in its moon exploration program, aiming to compete with the United States, Japan, and India.

The mission involves using a mechanical arm and drill to gather up to 2 kilograms of surface and underground material over two days. An ascender will then transfer these samples to another module orbiting the moon, which will return them to Earth by June 25. The samples are expected to land in China’s Inner Mongolia region.

Landing on the far side of the moon presents unique challenges due to lack of direct communication and difficult terrain. Neil Melville-Kenney from the European Space Agency noted that automation is particularly challenging at high latitudes because long shadows can confuse landers. Despite these difficulties, China continues its ambitious plans with an eye on putting a person on the moon by 2030, making it only the second country after America to achieve this feat.

TIKTOK On The BRINK: Biden’s Bold Move to Ban or Force Sale of Chinese App

02 May 2024 — TikTok and Universal Music Group have just renewed their partnership. This deal brings UMG’s music back to TikTok after a short break. The agreement includes better promotion strategies and new AI protections. Universal CEO Lucian Grainge said the deal will help artists and creators on the platform.

President Joe Biden has signed a new law that gives TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, nine months to sell the app or face a ban in the U.S. This decision is due to worries from both political sides about national security and protecting American youth from foreign influence.

TikTok’s CEO, Shou Zi Chew, announced plans to fight this law in U.S courts, claiming it supports their constitutional rights. Yet, ByteDance would rather close TikTok in the U.S than sell it if they lose their legal battle.

This conflict shows the ongoing struggle between TikTok’s business goals and America’s national security needs. It points out big worries about data privacy and foreign influence in American digital spaces by China’s tech sector.

SOUTH KOREAN Election Shocker: Voters Lean Left in Historic Turn

11 April 2024 — South Korean voters, upset by the economic slump, are showing their disapproval towards President Yoon Suk-yeol and his ruling People Power Party (PPP). Early exit polls indicate a dramatic tilt in the National Assembly, with the opposition DP/DUP coalition on track to win between 168 and 193 of the 300 seats. This would leave Yoon’s PPP and its partners trailing with just 87-111 seats.

A record-breaking turnout of 67 percent — the highest for a midterm election since 1992 — reflects widespread voter engagement. South Korea’s unique proportional representation system aims to give smaller parties a chance but has resulted in a crowded field that confuses many voters.

PPP leader Han Dong-hoon has publicly recognized the disappointing exit poll figures. He pledged to honor the electorate’s decision and wait for the final tally. The election results could mark a pivotal change in South Korea’s political landscape, hinting at broader shifts ahead.

This electoral outcome underscores growing public discontent with current economic policies and signals a desire for change among South Korean voters, potentially reshaping the nation’s policy direction in years to come.

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.

FAA UNLEASHES Drone-Swarm Farming: A Game-Changer in Cutting Costs and Boosting Efficiency

24 March 2024 — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given a special exemption to Texas-based drone manufacturer, Hylio. This approval paves the way for “drone-swarm” agriculture, an economical approach to seeding and spraying crops using groups of drones weighing 55 pounds or more.

Hylio’s CEO, Arthur Erickson, highlights how this pioneering method slashes both the initial investment on machinery and running costs to about a quarter or third of conventional farming methods. He points out that even a trio of drones is considerably more affordable than a single tractor while also conserving water and fuel.

Before this exemption, each drone needed its own pilot and observer due to weight restrictions in flight which made covering vast fields laborious. With the FAA’s new ruling, Hylio can now launch multiple drones at once without needing extra personnel or paying additional fees for its software.

This landmark decision by the FAA holds potential to transform agriculture by enhancing efficiency and eco-friendliness while significantly trimming costs.

BUKELE’S TRIUMPH: El Salvador’s ‘Charming Tyrant’ Sweeps Re-Election

06 February 2024 — El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, who proudly wears the label of the “planet’s most charming tyrant,” celebrated a decisive re-election victory this Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was quick to extend his congratulations, praising the efforts of election monitors and expressing readiness to collaborate with the freshly elected officials after their June inauguration.

Blinken highlighted the enduring bond between the U.S and El Salvador, a relationship that has endured for over a century and a half. He asserted that occurrences in El Salvador have direct consequences on U.S interests at home and abroad. Furthermore, he affirmed that good governance, inclusive economic growth, assurance of fair trials, and human rights would remain at the forefront under their Root Causes Strategy.

Preliminary election results indicate Bukele clinching victory with an astounding 83% support rate, leaving his closest rival trailing far behind at just 7%. The confident president had already proclaimed himself as winner before official results were released, asserting he had garnered more than 85% of votes.

MASSIVE BLOW: Tata Steel Shutters Wales Plant, 2,800 Jobs Vanish Overnight

20 January 2024 — Indian steel titan, Tata Steel, has revealed plans to close both blast furnaces at its Port Talbot plant in Wales. This drastic move will result in the loss of 2,800 jobs and is part of a broader strategy to streamline their unprofitable UK operation and make it more eco-friendly.

The company intends to transition from coal-fired blast furnaces to an electric arc furnace. This modern method emits less carbon and requires fewer workers. The British government backs this shift with a hefty £500 million ($634 million) investment. Tata Steel is confident that this transition will “turn around over a decade of losses” and foster a greener steel industry.

This decision strikes a severe blow to Port Talbot — a town heavily dependent on the steel industry since the early 20th century. Unions had suggested keeping one blast furnace operational while constructing the electric one as an attempt to mitigate job cuts — a proposal that Tata dismissed.

Both blast furnaces are slated for closure within this year. Meanwhile, plans for installing the new electric furnace are set for completion by 2027.

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.

ELF BAR Exposed: The Shocking Truth Behind the World’s Top E-Cigarette and Its Billion-Dollar TAX Scam

19 December 2023 — In just two years, Elf Bar, a flashy vaping gadget, has skyrocketed to global prominence as the leading disposable e-cigarette. Not only has it raked in billions in sales, but it has also become a favorite among underage American teens who vape. Last week saw the first public confiscation of Elf Bar products by U.S. authorities during an operation that seized 1.4 million illegal flavored e-cigarettes from China.

The confiscated goods were worth $18 million and included brands beyond Elf Bar. However, public records and court documents disclose that Chinese e-cigarette manufacturers have smuggled in products valued at hundreds of millions while adeptly circumventing customs duties and import fees. These firms frequently mislabel their shipments as “battery chargers’ or ”flashlights', thereby hampering efforts to control teen vaping in America.

Eric Lindblom, a former FDA official, lambasted regulatory approaches towards disposables as “very weak”, allowing this issue to spiral out of control. Meanwhile, fruit-and-candy-flavored disposables have flooded into America following China’s ban on vaping flavors last year under the pretense of safeguard

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

DEFENDING Our Skies: Innovative EYEWEAR Shields Aircrew from Surge in Laser Attacks

29 November 2023 — The Human Systems Division of the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center is on a mission. They’re developing state-of-the-art protective eyewear for aircrew operators, a response to the alarming rise in laser pointer incidents. Based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, the division is focusing on the Block 3 product line. This new gear will offer both laser and ballistic protection — a first in its field.

Capt. Pete Coats, who leads the division’s Aircrew Laser Eye Protection Program, stressed how vital eye health is for pilots. He warned that being hit by a laser without adequate protection could endanger not just safe flying and landing but also jeopardize a pilot’s career itself. The innovative eyewear will come in eight different models, each tailored to specific mission needs and other key factors.

Mark Beer, deputy program manager of the same program, clarified that aircrews engaged in low-speed missions or hovering would gain most from this dual ballistic and laser protection feature. However, those piloting fighter aircraft or high-altitude bombers might not need as much ballistic coverage. In just this year alone, pilots have reported nearly 9,500 laser strikes to the Federal Aviation

EXPOSED: BIDEN and Elites’ Unsettling Alliance with China

22 November 2023 — President Joe Biden’s recent actions have stirred up a storm of controversy. His apparent dismissal of the idea of “decoupling” from China is causing concern among conservatives. These revelations come from a new book, Controligarchs: Exposing the Billionaire Class, Their Secret Deals, and the Globalist Plot to Dominate Your Life.

The book suggests that global elites and politicians like Biden and California Governor Gavin Newsom are actively pushing for a closer resemblance between the U.S. and its Communist adversary. It alleges that these individuals view Beijing’s elites not as threats or rivals but as business partners.

Among those named in these claims are influential figures such as BlackRock’s Larry Fink, Apple’s Tim Cook, and Blackstone’s Stephen Schwarzman. These business leaders were reportedly present at a dinner honoring Chinese Communist Party Leader Xi Jinping where they stood in applause for Chairman Xi.

This revelation comes at a time when concerns over China’s influence on global politics are growing. It highlights the urgent need for transparency in dealings between American leaders and foreign powers.

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

Rishi Sunak’s TURBULENT First Year: Is History About to REPEAT Itself for the Conservatives?

26 October 2023 — Rishi Sunak, UK Prime Minister, has marked his first year in office amidst a storm of international conflicts and domestic challenges. His Conservative Party is haunted by the ghost of 1996, when they were dethroned by the Labour Party after ruling for more than a decade.

Recent opinion polls reveal that the Conservatives are lagging 15 to 20 points behind Labour. This gap has remained steady throughout Sunak’s term. An Ipsos poll showed that a whopping 65% of respondents felt the Conservatives did not deserve another term, while merely 19% believed they did.

The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and Russia’s war in Ukraine have added layers of complexity to Sunak’s situation. Despite acknowledging his challenging year and vowing to continue serving hardworking families nationwide, there are widespread fears these hurdles may trigger another Conservative downfall.

APPLE PULLS Plug on Jon Stewart Show Over Controversial Topics: Inside the Power Struggle

22 October 2023 — Apple has reportedly put a halt to Jon Stewart’s show due to disagreements over the subject matter of the upcoming season. The comedian intended to delve into hot-button issues such as China, Israel, and artificial intelligence, sparking tension with Apple’s top brass.

Sources within the company disclosed that the conflict stemmed from some of Stewart’s proposed themes and guests for “The Problem”. It was revealed that potential show topics related to China and artificial intelligence were raising eyebrows among Apple executives.

A subsequent report by CNN pinpointed Israel as another contentious issue that Apple was hesitant to tackle. Despite having been granted creative freedom over his show, Stewart found himself increasingly at odds with the company’s reluctance towards his choice of guests and topics.

China poses a particularly delicate issue for Apple. The authoritarian communist country represents nearly one-fifth of Apple’s sales revenue and is also home to most of its manufacturing operations.