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Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Venture To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options If you purchased or otherwise acquired stock of Venture pursuant and/or traceable to Venture's...
A day without major tariff developments from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration is, for markets, a period of cautious optimism (or at least what passes as “optimism” in such unusual times). There was breathing room on Monday for markets to make tentative moves upward, especially after the news out late Friday of a last-minute exception for electronics from so-called reciprocal tariffs. White House officials are still making their rounds on major news channels to preach the sense of Trump’s economic policy. The latest to do so is National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, who, on Fox Business, said Monday the country would “100% not” fall into a recession this year.Consumers don’t share that faith. A Federal Reserve survey, conducted in March and released on Monday, is the latest in a series of consumer polls that show sentiment over the economy slumping. Any gains in the market, then, could last only as far as tariff don’t run further amok and cause economic damage, despite White House officials’ attempts to reassure on the latter front.What you need to know todayMarkets across the globe riseU.S. stocks rose Monday, aided by a slight recovery in tech names on news of a tariff exemption for electronic goods. The S&P 500 added 0.79%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 0.78% and the Nasdaq Composite advanced 0.64%. Asia-Pacific markets were mostly positive Tuesday. India’s Nifty 50 popped more than 2% at its open. Market watchers are awaiting the country’s March inflation figures, out later today. China’s CSI 300 fell around 0.3% amid UBS downgrading its forecast of the country’s 2025 economic growth.Hassett says no chance of recessionU.S. National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Monday that “more than 10” countries had made “very good, amazing” trade deal offers to the U.S. He also said that there was no chance at all that the U.S. will experience a recession in 2025. A Federal Reserve Bank of New York survey released the same day — but conducted before April 2 — showed consumer worries in March growing over inflation, unemployment and the stock market.Volatility from zero-day optionsZero-day-to-expiration options are partly to blame for the wild swings in the stock market recently. Zero-day options, which are contracts that expire the same day they’re traded, have surged 23% in trading volume from the start of the year to April, according to JPMorgan data. “We find that 0DTE (+1DTE) have been instrumental in driving more intraday volatility, Maxwell Grinacoff, UBS‘ head of U.S. equity derivatives research, said in a note.Nvidia to build supercomputer in U.S.Nvidia said Monday it plans to produce up to $500 billion of artificial intelligence infrastructure in the U.S. via its manufacturing partnerships over the next four years. Its Blackwell AI chips have started production in Phoenix at Taiwan Semiconductor plants, the chipmaker wrote in a blog post. Nvidia is also building manufacturing plants in Texas to produce AI super computers — the first time Nvidia will make one entirely in the U.S.Semiconductor support package amid probeSouth Korea on Tuesday announced a support package of 33 trillion won ($23.25 billion) for its semiconductor industry. That amount is about a quarter more than the 26 trillion won committed last year, according to a press release from the finance ministry, possibly in response to U.S. trade policy. The U.S. Commerce Department is conducting a national security investigation into imports of semiconductor technology and related downstream products, according to a Federal Register notice put online Monday. [PRO] ‘Prepare to be fooled’ on tariffs: Morgan StanleyDespite recent concessions on tariffs by Trump, Morgan Stanley cautioned investors not to let their guard down. “Investors should prepare to be fooled many more times,” the firm’s strategists led by Matthew Hornbach said in a note to clients titled “Fool Me Once, Shame On You. Fool Me Twice, Shame On Me.”And finally...Feature China | Future Publishing | Getty ImagesA worker rests in a factory making steel bike rims for export to the U.S. in Hangzhou in east China’s Zhejiang province Friday, April 11, 2025. Trump tariffs won’t lead supply chains back to U.S. — companies will go low-tariff globe-hopping: CNBC surveyIf China is going to lose some manufacturing as a result of Trump’s tariffs, the U.S. manufacturing sector won’t be the main beneficiary, according to a new CNBC Supply Chain Survey. The Trump administration says a reshoring boom is coming, but most companies tell CNBC that the costs could as much as double to bring supply chains back and instead a new search for low-tariff regimes around the world will commence.Nearly three-quarters of those surveyed (74%) said cost was the top reason for saying they would not be reshoring production, followed by the challenge of finding skilled labor (21%). The Trump administration has promised tax cuts for companies that bring back manufacturing, but the survey found taxes lower in the ranking of costs that impact manufacturing site decision making.
Asia stocks rise on hopes of more Trump tariff relief; China whipsaws Investing.comStocks Rise Led by Japan on Auto Tariff Reprieve: Markets Wrap BloombergAsian Stock Markets Rise Amid Hopes for More U.S. Tariff Exemptions WSJJapan's Nikkei rises as iPhone-related stocks jump ReutersAsian shares are mostly higher after Trump eases some of his tariffs on electronics, for now MSN
NINGBO, China, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Starting from January 2025, BMW has released its All-New BMW 5 Series equipped with JOYNEXT's industry-leading Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology in China, marking BMW's first model to feature integrated V2X capabilities. This cooperation...
Donald Trump says he might give tariff exemption to Canadian auto parts Toronto StarTrump muses about tariff relief for automakers, begins process for semiconductor and pharmaceutical levies The Globe and MailTrump says he's considering 'help' for auto companies hit by tariffs CBCTrump floats another pause on automobile tariffs CityNews Halifax'I’m flexible': Trump says he might pause auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash National Post
Asia shares rise, bonds hold steady on some tariff reprieve ReutersTrump considers pausing his auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash AP NewsAuto stocks rise as Trump says he wants to 'help' some car companies CNBCTech, auto shares gain as Trump floats more tariff exemptions amid confusion ReutersTrump Floats Temporary Reprieve for Autos as Parts Tariffs Loom Bloomberg.com
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NYPD Launches Quality Of Life Division To Clean Up New York City Authored by Oliver Mantyk via The Epoch Times,A new quality of life division within the New York City Police Department (NYPD) will begin its pilot program on April 14. The division will respond to non-emergency calls and community complaints, as well as focusing on clearing low level crime from New York City streets.The “Q Team,” as NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch calls the division, will respond to 311 calls and non-emergency issues including noise complaints, illegal mopeds, homeless encampments, outdoor drug use, and other issues.“We’re turning our attention toward the issues that New Yorkers see and feel every day—the things that don’t always make headlines but deeply impact how people live,” Tisch said at a press conference on April 10.Officers from existing community roles such as neighborhood coordination officers and traffic officers will be combined with officers specially trained for the non-emergency calls. New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that Q Teams “will be made up of officers who have already forged relationships with their communities.”Tisch said Q Team officer training will include: “[How to deal] with noise complaints, how you use noise meters with abandoned vehicles, how you work with ... vendors to get the cars removed, what sorts of paperwork you have to fill out.”Q Teams in different areas will be trained according to that area’s needs, she said. Some precincts have drug abuse problems, while others have abandoned vehicle issues.There will be no extra cost on taxpayers for the the Quality of Life Division—personnel will be sourced from internal restructuring of the NYPD, Tisch said. She said thousands of officers on desk jobs had been back on patrol to alleviate the police shortage.During the pilot phase, Q Teams will operate in the 13th, 40th, 60th, 75th, and 101st police precincts, along with Police Service Area 1. The initiative will be refined and tweaked over the next two months, and then expanded to other precincts, Tisch said.Q Teams will use data provided by a new program called QSTAT, which is modeled after the CompStat program.The NYPD launched CompStat in 1994 and the system uses real-time crime data to determine deployment of officers. It has since been put into use by other police departments, including in Nashville and Syracuse, New York.“New York City revolutionized under Bill Bratton, the former commissioner of the role of CompStat more than 30 years ago, holding precinct commanders accountable and using real time data to adjust police deployment,” Adams said at the press conference.“This tried-and-true method has spread and is being tried all over the globe. And we are going to use the same recipe for success this time to address quality-of-life issues.”Adams said New York City has recorded a continuous six-month fall in major crimes.“The first three months of the year [we] saw the lowest number of shootings in recorded history,” Adams said, likely referring to 1994 when the Compstat method of reporting began. Despite this, Adams said that people don’t feel safe. He said he hopes the Q Team is a solution to better streets. Tyler DurdenMon, 04/14/2025 - 22:35
More than 19 million Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: SHIB) tokens were kicked out of circulation Monday, applying additional deflationary pressure on the popular dog-themed meme coin.What happened: The burn rate exploded 1734% over the last 24 hours, resulting in a supply squeeze of 19.16 million SHIB tokens, according to Shibburn, the coin's official burn tracker.As of this writing, about 410.74 billion tokens have been burned, with the circulating supply at 584.37 billion.Coin burning happens when a cryptocurrency token is intentionally sent to an unusable wallet address to remove it from circulation. This is done to create scarcity and ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
The real estate acquisition gives Temple University control of about half of the block on the south end of its campus.
Holy Toledo! This has been a couple of weeks to remember, either a week of taking a step toward an abyss or a second week of hopefully real progress. Who knows.
On Monday, Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META) CEO Mark Zuckerberg testified in a Washington, D.C., courtroom.What Happened: The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Meta opened arguments in a trial that could lead to the forced divestiture of Instagram and WhatsApp, reported CBS News."There's nothing wrong with Meta innovating," said Daniel Matheson, the FTC's lead attorney, in opening statements. "It's what happened next that is a problem."Zuckerberg was the first witness called to testify. He defended Facebook's 2012 decision to acquire Instagram, saying the company had struggled to compete with mobile-first platforms at the time.See Also: Netflix Debuts OpenAI-Backed Search Engine That Lets You Discover Movies And TV Shows Based On Emotions, Not Just TitlesMeta attorney Mark Hansen countered that Instagram and WhatsApp flourished under Meta's stewardship and that Meta offers its services for free—evidence, he argued, that it does ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
BOSTON, April 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cue Biopharma, Inc. (NASDAQ:CUE), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a novel class of therapeutic biologics to selectively engage and modulate disease-specific T cells for the treatment of cancer and autoimmune disease, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of (i) 13,530,780 shares of its common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase an aggregate of 3,382,695 shares of common stock and, (ii) to certain investors in lieu of common stock, pre-funded warrants to purchase 11,469,216 shares of common stock and accompanying common stock warrants to purchase an aggregate of 2,867,304 shares of common stock. Each share of common stock and accompanying common stock warrant are being sold together at a combined public offering price of $0.79, and each pre-funded warrant and accompanying common stock warrant are being sold together at a combined public offering price of $0.789. The aggregate gross proceeds of the offering are expected to be approximately $20 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses. Each pre-funded warrant will have an exercise price of $0.001 per share, will be exercisable immediately and will be exercisable until all of the pre-funded warrants are exercised in full. Each common stock warrant will have an exercise price of $0.79 per share, will be exercisable immediately and will expire five years from the date of issuance. The offering is expected to close on or about April 16, 2025, subject to satisfaction of customary closing conditions. All of the securities are being offered by Cue Biopharma.Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. is acting as sole book-running manager for the offering. Newbridge Securities Corporation is acting as co-manager for the offering.A shelf registration statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-271786) relating to the securities to be offered in the public offering was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on May 9, 2023 and declared ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Telecommunications giant AT&T has sold a downtown St. Louis office tower as part of a broader transaction aimed at reducing its real estate footprint nationwide.
HEFEI, China, April 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sungrow, the global leading inverter and energy storage system provider, unveiled its groundbreaking 1+X 2.0 Modular Inverter for utility-scale applications during the Global Renewable Energy Summit 2025, held April 7-9. The 1+X 2.0 Modular...
Investors should still expect a lot of volatility ahead.
Discover the timeline for completion and the special amenities included.
PITTSBURGH, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "I wanted to create a new product to help keep water and other liquids inside a hydration bladder cold for an extended period of time. This allows the user to go farther, play harder, and enjoy their outdoor experience," said an inventor, from...
North America's Leading Blow Dry Bar Franchise to Grow Brand Presence in Western Region LAS VEGAS, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With the customer base of the beauty industry steadily increasing, Blo Blow Dry Bar continues to expand its presence across the U.S. Most recently, North...
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Meta's Monopoly Trial Kicks Off: Here's What To Know Authored by Joseph Lord via The Epoch Times,The fate of social media giant Meta, billionaire Mark Zuckerberg’s primary company, is on the line as a trial begins in Washington on Monday to determine whether the tech giant is violating antitrust laws.The Federal Trade Commission, which has spent the past six years investigating Meta, is expected to argue before U.S. District Judge James Boasberg that Meta’s acquisitions of Instagram and WhatsApp created an illegal monopoly over social networking.In the worst-case scenario for Meta, the company could be forced to divest both subsidiaries in a breakup on a scale not seen since the dismantling of AT&T’s telephone empire more than 40 years ago.Here’s what to know about the most important trial in Meta’s history.TrialThe case is being held at the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse, just a few hundred yards from the U.S. Capitol.It’s a bench trial, meaning Boasberg alone will decide the outcome, not a jury. That gives the judge extraordinary influence over the future of one of the most powerful companies in the world.FTC ClaimsThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigation into the company began during President Donald Trump’s first term and was aggressively pursued under President Joe Biden.The FTC has taken issue with the company’s 2012 purchase of the image-based app Instagram and 2014 purchase of WhatsApp, a messaging platform that’s particularly popular outside of the United States.During the trial, the FTC is expected to argue that Meta’s purchase of the two platforms was part of a calculated effort to “buy or bury” any potential rivals to Facebook.In a 2008 email presented by the FTC in a past federal court filing, Zuckerberg wrote, “It is better to buy than compete.”FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson has said that his agency is “raring to go” against Meta but also that he’ll follow lawful orders from the president to close the case.Meta’s ResponseMeta has consistently denied the allegations of operating an illegal monopoly and has argued that the FTC’s case is both outdated and out of step with current market realities.A spokesperson for Meta said in a statement to The Epoch Times that the acquisitions were approved by regulators at the time and that the company has always operated competitively. He cited the presence of competitors such as TikTok, YouTube, X, iMessage, and others.The spokesperson said the lawsuit “defies reality” and that it would send a message that “no deal is ever truly final” if Boasberg sides with the FTC.The company has also suggested that dismantling its integrated platforms would harm users, who’ve come to rely on interconnected services and shared back-end systems.Since Trump was elected to a second term, Zuckerberg has visited Mar-a-Lago, ended the company’s controversial fact-checking efforts, rolled back diversity and inclusion programs, and staffed the company with GOP-friendly executives.The Epoch Times reached out to FTC for further comment but did not receive a response by publication time.‘Creaking Antitrust Precedents’Boasberg has heard years of pretrial motions in this case and has made clear he isn’t fully sold on the government’s argument.He threw out the FTC’s original filing in 2021, citing a lack of clear market definitions. While he allowed the revised case to proceed, he’s continued to express skepticism, warning in recent months that the FTC’s claims “strain this country’s creaking antitrust precedents.”Antitrust statutory law and litigation are among the most labyrinthine areas of the federal code.Boasberg has given both sides a chance to make their case in court. Witness lists include Zuckerberg himself, former Chief Operating Officer Sheryl Sandberg, and executives from rival platforms such as TikTok and Snapchat.The trial is expected to last through the summer, with a decision potentially arriving by July. Tyler DurdenMon, 04/14/2025 - 10:45
Stocks are rallying worldwide after President Donald Trump relaxed some of his tariffs, for now at least
Copper price rose on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump handed out exemptions to his punishing tariffs on some products, lifting market [...]
Earlier in April Broadway Bank unveiled the public-facing section of its renovated main financial center.
SAN FRANCISCO, April 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Powered_by Agency, the world's first AI agency for SMBs, today announced the launch of Virtual SE (https://www.getvirtual.se/), an AI agent powered pre-sales engineering solution designed to automate, streamline, and enhance technical...
Construction on the second phase should take about two years. The project will eventually create 555 affordable homes.
Gold prices slipped 1% on Monday following US President Donald Trump's apparent tariff reprieve on consumer electronics.
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin launched his fiancee Lauren Sanchez into space Monday with an all-female celebrity crew that included Katy Perry and Gayle King.It was the latest wave in space tourism, where more of the rich and famous than ever before — or lucky and well-connected — can ente...
Asia stocks jump, Hang Seng up over 2% on some US tariff relief Investing.comStock Market Today: Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Futures Open Higher — Live Updates WSJStocks Poised for Higher Open Barron'sDow Jones Futures Rise After Big Trump Tariff News For Apple, Techs Investor's Business DailyAsian stocks rise on electronics tariffs exemption, gold hits new high France 24
What $1 Million Can Buy In Prime Real Estate Around The World Across global luxury property markets, $1 million doesn’t go as far as it used to.In Dubai, for instance, a $1 million dollar property in 2020 is worth $2.7 million today. Meanwhile, in Miami, it would be worth $1.9 million. However, in some markets, cracks are beginning to show amid higher rates and frothy valuations spurred by the pandemic.This graphic, via Visual Capitalist's Dorthy Neufeld, shows what $1 million can buy in prime real estate across 20 markets worldwide, based on data from Knight Frank.Luxury Properties Are Getting PricierBelow, we show the square footage that $1 million covers across luxury real estate markets, defined as the top 5% of residential listings as of 2024:As we can see, $1 million covers just 205 square feet in Monaco, with an average new build costing a staggering $39 million in 2024.Monaco’s appeal for the ultra-rich largely stems from its tax-haven status as it has no income tax, inheritance tax, or capital gains tax. Additionally, the scarcity of land met with high demand contributes to high property values.Despite economic challenges, Hong Kong ranks as the second-most expensive luxury market. While many properties of Chinese real estate tycoons have sold at a sharp discount since the collapse of China Evergrande, it still commands top dollar for the most exclusive residences. Overall, buying power has moderately decreased compared to 2014 levels.On the other hand, buying power has risen notably in London due to a falling pound against the dollar and a property market correction. Over the last decade, it has increased by 43%, the biggest jump across cities analyzed.In many ways, this bucks the trend of a majority of prime real estate markets globally. In particular, Dubai has seen buying power drop 59% since 2014, followed by Miami (-54%) Lisbon (-51%), and Shanghai (-47%) amid robust demand and rising affluence.To learn more about this topic from a real estate perspective, check out this graphic on the world’s least affordable housing markets. Tyler DurdenSun, 04/13/2025 - 22:35
SHANGHAI, April 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 91st China International Medical Equipment Fair (CMEF) concluded on April 11, 2025, in Shanghai, after featuring groundbreaking medical technologies from nearly 5,000 exhibitors and attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees from more than...
Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) may have avoided the worst of Donald Trump's new reciprocal tariffs—for now—but top analyst Ming-Chi Kuo warns that the company's supply chain could still face major disruptions in the months ahead.What Happened: Apple has temporarily dodged steep tariffs on Chinese-made electronics, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple Watches, and AirTags, following an exemption granted by Trump late Friday.However, TF International Securities analyst Kuo says this relief may be short-lived, and Apple's response could create new challenges.In a post on X, Kuo noted that Apple began stockpiling U.S.-bound iPhones after the Lunar New Year, which fell in late January, building up more than two months of inventory in anticipation of trade volatility.See Also: Netflix Debuts OpenAI-Backed Search Engine That Lets You Discover Movies And TV Shows Based On Emotions, Not Just TitlesWhile this move helps protect second-quarter sales, he warned it may lead to "a sharper disruption to the supply chain during the model transition compared to prior years."He went on to add that production lines in China that assemble iPhones ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
On late Friday, the Trump administration welcomed the weekend in the best way: by announcing that electronics — such as smartphones, computers and semiconductors — will be temporarily exempted from his so-called “reciprocal” tariffs, including the baseline 10% rate on all countries.That means such products imported from China will apparently not be subjected to the 125% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump slapped on Beijing (a 20% tariff will remain). Apple CEO Tim Cook must be heaving a sigh of relief: The Cupertino-based company manufactures around 80% of iPads and more than half of Mac computers in China, according to an estimate from Evercore ISI.The news is also a relief for consumers, who desperately need an uplift in mood, based on the findings of the University of Michigan’s latest survey. After all, it’s not just corporations and importers that are affected by tariffs. Laptop prices have already shot up, according to disgruntled comments on Reddit. The Nintendo Switch 2 preorder was postponed.Perhaps even Trump is keeping in mind the famous Wall Street adage: Don’t bet against the U.S. consumer.What you need to know todayTech exempted from tariffs U.S. President Donald Trump exempted smartphones, computers, and other tech devices and components from his reciprocal tariffs, according to guidance issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection late Friday evening. However, Trump and his aides on Sunday suggested those exemptions would be partially or completely reversed in coming weeks, adding to the confusion over abrupt policy changes.U.S. markets rise amid a volatile weekU.S. stocks climbed Friday to end the week on a positive note despite heavy market turbulence caused by the Trump administration’s tariffs. For the week, the S&P 500 rose 5.7%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained nearly 5% and the Nasdaq Composite jumped 7.3%. Asia-Pacific markets rose Monday. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index popped over 2%, leading gains in the region. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added more than 1.6%.Consumers in the U.S. are really downcastConsumer sentiment in April sank further, according to the University of Michigan‘s survey. It posted a mid-month reading of 50.8 — the lowest since June 2022 and the second lowest in the survey’s history going back to 1952 — below the Dow Jones consensus estimate for 54.6. At the same time, respondents’ expectation for inflation a year from now leaped to 6.7%, the highest level since November 1981 and up from 5% in March.‘Very close’ to a recessionBlackRock CEO Larry Fink on Friday told CNBC that he thinks “we’re very close, if not in, a recession now.” However, Fink said he did not think the U.S. was in a financial crisis and expects “megatrends” like artificial intelligence would persist. Bridgewater founder Ray Dalio raised similar alarm bells Sunday, saying the country is “very close to a recession” — but he’s “worried about something worse than a recession” if the situation isn’t handled well.Exports from China soarChina’s exports jumped 12.4% in March from a year ago, in U.S. dollar terms, according to data released by its customs authority Monday. That significantly beats Reuters’ poll estimates of a 4.4% growth and is the biggest increase since October last year. Imports fell 4.3% in March from a year earlier, more than economists’ expectations of a 2% decline.Singapore downgrades growth forecastThe Monetary Authority of Singapore on Monday eased its monetary policy for the second time in a row. The central bank also announced a 3.8% year-over-year expansion in Singapore’s economy for the first quarter, missing the Reuters poll estimate of 4.3% growth. The country’s Ministry of Trade and Industry cut its gross domestic product forecast to 0%-2% for 2025, down from its previous outlook of 1%-3%.[PRO] What would Buffett do?Warren Buffett began 2025 with the most cash he’s ever had on hand. CNBC Pro’s Yun Li looks at the methods by which the “Oracle of Omaha” has handled past market crises to get a glimpse into how he might navigate the current market meltdown — an environment in which he’s known to thrive.And finally...Dado Ruvic | ReutersChina urges Trump to correct mistakes and heed ‘rational voices’ on reciprocal tariffsChina’s Commerce Ministry called the U.S. tariff exemptions a “small step” and urged U.S. President Donald Trump to “completely abolish” the reciprocal tariffs, which include a 145% duty on imports from China.“We urge the U.S. to heed the rational voices of the international community and domestic parties, take a big stride in correcting its mistakes, completely abolish the wrongful action of ‘reciprocal tariffs,'” the ministry said in an online statement, according to a CNBC translation.The recent exemptions of tariffs on imports of tech products are being presented domestically as Trump is backing down and further evidence that Chinese supply chains are not easily replaceable by U.S. companies.
Donald Trump again lashed out at 60 Minutes, this time angry over two segments the newsmagazine ran on Ukraine and Greenland. The president’s attacks on the media and 60 Minutes are nothing new; what’s different this term is he’s tried to assert authority over independent agencies that regulate the media business. In a post on [...]
This is CNBC’s live blog covering European markets.European stock markets are set to soar at Monday’s open, as investors parse news on a U.S. tariff exemption for some tech items while earnings season kicks into gear.U.S. President Donald Trump’s extreme and fast-changing tariff policy has led to one of the most volatile periods on record for global equities. After a strong start to the year in which it had been outperforming U.S. markets, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index is down 8.83% in April so far, while Wall Street’s S&P 500 has lost 4.43%.In fresh developments over the weekend, smartphones, computers, and other electronic devices and components were exempted from the U.S. duties — though only temporarily, according to officials. U.S. Customs and Border Protection guidance indicates 20 product categories are exempt from the 125% tariff newly-imposed by Trump on Chinese imports and the 10% baseline tariff on imports from other countries, while a 20% tariff on all Chinese goods remains in effect.Trump on Sunday said he would be announcing the tariff rate on imported semiconductors over the next week, according to NBC News.Key questions for markets remain over exactly how long Trump’s pause on his full “reciprocal tariff” plan will last, and how various countries will seek to or be able to negotiate without resorting to their own retaliatory action. The European Union last week paused its own countertariffs for 90 days in order to engage in talks.Currency and bond markets have also been swept up in the action, with the euro climbing to its highest level against the U.S. dollar for more than three years and the yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury jumping from 3.99% at the start of the week to 4.49% by Friday.Meanwhile, investors must also contend with the start of first-quarter earnings season this week, with companies now facing a hugely uncertain trade environment. In Europe, luxury giant LVMH will report after the market close. Stateside, investment bank Goldman Sachs will report.It is relatively quiet on the data front, but inflation figures will be released in the coming days ahead of the European Central Bank’s April meeting on Thursday.Asia-Pacific markets gained on Monday, as U.S. stock futures rose.Goldman Sachs lowers oil forecast for 2025 and 2026Goldman Sachs forecasts a decline in oil prices this and next year on the back of the rising risk of a recession and higher supply from the OPEC+ group.The investment bank expects the Brent Crude to edge down to $63 a barrel through the end of this year and $58 next year. Meanwhile, it expects the West Texas Intermediate to average at around $59 a barrel for the rest of this year and $55 in 2026.Oil prices fell Monday on the back of uncertainties on the rollout of U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff rollout.Brent Crude fell 0.37% to trade at $64.52 per barrel as of 11.35 a.m. Singapore time, while WTI dropped 0.39% to $61.26.— Amala BalakrishnerAsian tech giants climb after Trump’s pause on consumer electronics tariffsTechnology stocks in Asia-Pacific climbed Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump paused tariffs on phones, computers and consumer electronics.Taiwan’s Hon Hai Precision Industry – which assembles iPhones for Apple – was up 4.46% as at 10 a.m. Singapore time.Over in Japan, gains were led by Nvidia supplier Advantest Corp, which added 3.89%, and SoftBank Group, which was up 2.29%.Meanwhile, South Korean parts maker LG Innotek, which gets a substantial chunk of its revenue from Apple, was last seen up 7.26%.Over in Hong Kong, the best performers were Nio which surged 6.33%, Alibaba which gained 5.73% and Xpeng which advanced 5.6%.— Amala BalakrishnerThere’s still ‘mass uncertainty’ despite Trump tariff exemption being ‘right move,’ according to Dan IvesWhile the Trump administration’s move to exempt smartphones, computers and semiconductors, among other electronic devices and components, from “reciprocal” tariffs may have been a win for Big Tech, the market could still be facing “mass uncertainty” around the president’s tariff policy, says Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.“The White House made the right move in our view as tech leaders and the overall tech industry knew that if these tariffs went into effect it would essentially be a shut off valve for getting products to the US consumers,” Ives wrote in a note dated Sunday.“[B]ut still there is mass uncertainty, chaos, and confusion about the next steps ahead with all focus on China tariff negotiations being front and center and any progress on this game of high stakes poker between Beijing and DC being crucial to the markets and the economy this week,” he continued.— Sean Conlon
Trump Tariffs 'Biggest Shock For Middle Class Families' Since 1970s, Says Larry Summers BenzingaOpinion | Larry Summers on Trump: ‘The First Rule of Holes Is Stop Digging’ The New York TimesTrump tariffs and Canada: U.S. could see 2M lost jobs former treasury secretary warns; World markets rally after three straight days of losses Toronto StarSummers: Trump Policies ‘Being Improvised on a Daily Basis’ Bloomberg.comEconomic situation is a ‘self-inflicted wound,’ says former U.S. treasury secretary MSN
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers called Trump tariffs the biggest shock for middle-class families he'd seen since the 1970s.What Happened: Debating conservative political commentator Oren Cass on CNN’s Fareed Zakaria GPS on Sunday, the former Chief Economist at the World Bank and Secretary of The Treasury in the Clinton administration started by calling the Trump administration’s tariff programs “completely ill-conceived” for its objectives.He disputed his opponent’s claims that manufacturing jobs accounted for 8% of total employment, stating that only about 4% were actually involved in production, calling it a “very small and dwindling share” of the country’s workforce.Summers cites the example of the steel industry, which is now subject to 25% tariffs on imports, stating that there are “50 times more workers in industries that use steel, than those who work in the steel industry,” and these industries are now less competitive as a result of the tariffs and the “higher input ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Like it or not, the bond market rules all TheStreetThe bond market sell-off is more worrisome than the one in stocks. Here's what to know. USA TodayBond market moves raise fears of growing bets against America NBC NewsWhat are bonds and why have they spooked Donald Trump? The GuardianThe Simple Explanation for This Week’s Treasury Market Mayhem WSJ
The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Biohaven Ltd. ("Biohaven" or "the Company") (NYSE: BHVN) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Biohaven announced its financial results for Q4 and full year 2024 on March 3, 2025. The Company reported a larger loss than expected for the quarter. ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Cryptocurrency Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) is outpacing the S&P 500 during the ongoing market panic, according to Jamie Coutts, chief crypto analyst at Real Vision.What Happened: Coutts noted Bitcoin’s relatively lower level of correction, despite its typical volatility, compared to its historical price fluctuations.In a post on X on Saturday, Coutts stated, “BTC with 2.5x the volatility of the S&P 500 experienced a drawdown of 28% vs. the S&P 500's 19%. That is a massive OUTPERFORMANCE.”Folks dont understand what is happening with ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Cryptocurrency is still riding a wave of volatility, but that's never been a deal-breaker for young investors. Even as prices fluctuate and regulators weigh in, interest in crypto remains strong — especially among Gen Z. Coins like Bitcoin, Ethereum and Solana continue to make headlines, and despite the ups and downs, many younger investors are keeping them in their portfolios as long-term plays rather than short-term wins.A new report from YouGov shows that Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to invest in 2025, even though they're aware of the risks. In fact, 84% of Gen Z investors say they see crypto as risky, but nearly 65% still plan to invest in it this year. That tells us ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
These large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?Summit Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:SMMT) stock upped 33.87% last week following director related stock transactions.Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited’s (NYSE:HMY) stock escalated 32%, probably as gold and silver gained amid macro uncertainty.AngloGold Ashanti PLC (NYSE:AU) shares surged 27.54% following the sharp rise in gold price amid macro uncertainty.Carvana Co. (NYSE:CVNA) shares increased 26.84% following President Trump’s ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Amid market turbulence, legendary investor Charlie Munger once offered his perspective, urging investors to remain steadfast and focused on long-term fundamentals.What Happened: Following President Donald Trump‘s declaration of extensive tariffs, the S&P 500 momentarily slipped into bear territory. However, Trump later instituted a 90-day halt on tariffs exceeding 10% for certain countries, while escalating duties on Chinese goods to 125%. This resulted in the S&P 500 surging over 9% on the day.Munger, the former vice-chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, consistently asserted that significant fluctuations in stock prices are a standard aspect of investing. He once expressed to a BBC interviewer, “I think it’s in the nature ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
You Can't LNG Your Way Out Of A Trade Deficit Authored by Tsvetana Paraskova via OilPrice.cm,Some traditional U.S. energy buyers, such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU, have signaled that they may be willing to buy more American oil, LNG, or coal.Higher energy imports from the trade partners could dent some of the U.S. trade deficits, but they will by no means fix or erase these.Commitments and contracts to buy more U.S. energy will not necessarily spare any buyer from tariffs.U.S. President Donald Trump insists that American buyers boost purchases of U.S. energy goods to reduce their large trade surpluses with America.Some traditional U.S. energy buyers, such as Japan, South Korea, and the EU, have signaled that they may be willing to buy more American oil, LNG, or coal to appease the President who has fixated on fixing the massive trade deficits America runs with most countries.Higher energy imports from the trade partners could dent some of the U.S. trade deficits, but they will by no means fix or erase these.For most countries, energy is the only viable increase in imports from the United States. Japan, South Korea, and the EU, for example, have expressed readiness to boost their LNG or oil imports from America.They did so immediately after President Trump’s inauguration. Nonetheless, tariffs followed. They are now paused, but the threat of more rounds of tariffs across the board is still very much present—just look at the whiplash trading and carnage on Wall Street.Even if buyers commit to significantly boosting their imports of U.S. oil and gas, the deficits will remain. On the other hand, U.S. exporters cannot provide the energy commodities needed to significantly reduce America’s trade deficits.A case in point is President Trump’s idea that the European Union should pledge to buy $350 billion worth of energy from the United States if it wants tariff relief.The European Union is ready to commit to buying more liquefied natural gas from the United States if that would appease President Trump and make him reconsider tariffs, the EU’s energy commissioner Dan Jørgensen said this week.However, $350 billion worth of LNG is roughly equal to some 40 million tons of the super-chilled fuel. That’s more than half of the EU’s total LNG imports last year of some 75 million tons, much of which came from America anyway, per the bloc’s statistics agency, Eurostat.Commitments and contracts to buy more U.S. energy will not necessarily spare any buyer from tariffs. Taiwan, traditionally strongly supported by the U.S. in its quest to shake off Chinese influence and continue to be a democracy, saw this firsthand.Taiwan was slapped with a 32% tariff, which has been halted for 90 days, although it had just made some big commitments to invest in the U.S., including in U.S. energy projects. Last month, Taiwan’s state-held oil and gas company CPC Corporation signed a letter of intent to invest in the $44-billion Alaska LNG export project and buy LNG from it as part of a move to bolster its gas supply and energy security.Unfortunately for Taiwan, in any negotiations with deficit-fixated President Trump, the value of its exports to the U.S. – predominantly semiconductors – vastly outstrips the value of the goods it imports from America.Taiwan wasn’t spared from one of the highest now-suspended tariffs despite being the only early committed investor in the huge Alaska LNG project, while Japan and South Korea are hesitating.This doesn’t give much assurance to other energy buyers that their commitments would satisfy President Trump.And even if Japan, for example, were to dramatically raise its oil exports from the U.S. to account for 10% of all its crude imports, up from 1.6% last year at WTI at $60 per barrel, the volumes would be worth about $4.8 billion, Reuters columnist Clyde Russell estimates. But Japan’s trade surplus with the U.S. was more than 14 times higher than this—at $68 billion in 2024, he notes.Moreover, Japan already imports U.S. LNG, representing nearly 10% of all its LNG purchases. It isn't easy to increase this amount due to Japan’s long-term supply deals with other LNG exporters and the simple logistics and availability of U.S. LNG exports.U.S. trade partners will now look to negotiate their way out of hefty tariffs during the 90-day pause. They can only hope for reasonable talks and deals, and that the U.S. and the world will avoid recession in the escalating U.S.-China trade war that could crush global energy demand and the U.S. ability to sustain its oil production at current levels. Tyler DurdenSun, 04/13/2025 - 10:30
President Donald Trump‘s administration has disclosed a wellness report for a Maryland man who was erroneously deported to El Salvador. The report is part of a court-ordered daily update.What Happened: The U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis has mandated that the White House provide daily updates on the condition of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Garcia is currently detained in El Salvador’s high-security CECOT prison following his deportation due to an “administrative error.”Michael Kozack, a high-ranking official at the State Department, confirmed in a Saturday filing that Garcia is “alive and secure” in the prison. This information was reportedly based on official reporting from the ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Trump’s Energy Secretary Says Average Oil Prices Will Be Lower BloombergTrump's Energy Secretary Says Fear Over Oil Prices Misplaced Financial PostTrump won’t declare war on OPEC, says US energy secretary Al Arabiya EnglishTrump's Energy Secretary Says Average Oil Prices Will Be Lower Financial PostTrump’s Energy Secretary Says Fear Over Oil Prices Misplaced Bloomberg
If Wall Street CEOs See a Recession, Their Guidance Isn’t Showing It—Yet Barron'sWall Street Sounds an Alarm: The Economy Is at Risk Thanks to Tariffs WSJWhy Wall Street power brokers are, somehow, still optimistic about Trump and tariffs The Globe and MailWall Street executives warn of economic turbulence PoliticoWhat America's top CEOs are saying about Trump's tariffs Axios
This company seems to be drawing inspiration from its founder.
“There is enough of an offense here, there’s enough smoke here that should demand congressional hearings,” Booker said on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”
How Reliant Are Foreign Automakers On US Buyers? With global automakers facing uncertainty from U.S. auto tariffs, the importance of American car buyers has never been clearer. For many automakers, the U.S. is a key market responsible for over one quarter of revenue.In this graphic, Visual Capitalist's Marcus Lu, visualizes how reliant foreign automakers are on U.S. buyers, based on analysis from the Wall Street Journal.The data we used to create this graphic is listed in the table below.Please note that April-December 2024 data was used for Toyota, Honda, and Nissan. North American data was used for VW, Audi, Porsche, and Hyundai.Based on this dataset, Honda has the highest reliance on U.S. buyers. In 2023, the Japanese automaker saw its U.S. sales surge by 33%.Honda has committed over $1 billion to retool its Ohio manufacturing plants to be able to produce gasoline, hybrid, and EV models all on the same production line.Additionally, in partnership with LG Energy Solution, Honda is investing $4.4 billion in a new battery production facility in Ohio.A Background on U.S. Auto TariffsAccording to S&P Global Mobility, almost half of new vehicles sold in the U.S. in 2024 were assembled outside of the country.The top five countries ranked by their value of U.S. vehicle imports are:Mexico ($78.5B)Japan ($39.7B)South Korea ($36.6B)Canada ($31.2B)Germany ($24.8B)Trump’s auto tariffs are intended to coerce automakers into moving their production to the U.S., though this is difficult in practice due to the complexity and globalization of modern supply chains.Automakers often rely on a vast network of international suppliers for parts and materials, and relocating entire production lines can take years and require massive capital investment.One automotive executive, speaking anonymously with CNN, stated that it takes at least three years for brand new automotive capacity to be constructed. By that time, a new administration could be in power, and the rules could change again.If you’re enjoying our content, check out The Best Selling Vehicle in Every State in 2024 on Voronoi, the new app from Visual Capitalist. Tyler DurdenSat, 04/12/2025 - 22:45
By Julian Lee and Lucia Kassai Apr 11, 2025 (Bloomberg) –A slump in oil prices is allowing Russia’s crude to be carried on tankers owned and insured by western companies, helping...
Here's what President Trump's about-face on tariffs this week really means.
Sutter Health has named Dr. Matthew Solomon as its first chief scientific officer, a new executive role designed to integrate scientific research into patient care across the Sacramento-based health system’s network.
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Critical Mineral Cooperation With Pakistan Carries With It Five Strategic Risks For The US Authored by Andrew Korybko via substack,The US sent one of its top diplomats for South Asia to attend the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum in Islamabad last week, during which time he conveyed the Trump Administration’s interest in critical mineral cooperation with Pakistan and met with senior political and military officials to discuss this. These resources are integral to the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” and that’s why the US is negotiating such partnerships across the world with countries as varied as Ukraine, the Congo, and now Pakistan.Each of these three entail strategic risks, but it’s only the last one that will be discussed in this analysis. To begin with, the bulk of Pakistan’s mineral resources are located in its Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, which are respectively suffering terrorist insurgencies waged by the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA). The former is fighting to impose a radical Islamic dictatorship, the latter wants independence, and both are designated by the US as terrorists.Accordingly, the first strategic risk that critical mineral cooperation with Pakistan entails is that these groups target American companies and nationals in these two regions. This is a plausible scenario since the BLA in particular is infamous for targeting Chinese workers, who they accuse of extracting their region’s wealth. As for the TTP, it’s waging war against the partially US-armed Pakistani state. Both groups are therefore expected to consider American companies and nationals to be legitimate targets.The second strategic risk builds upon the first and relates to the US being convinced by Pakistan that the aforesaid threats to its mining companies could be mitigated through preferential arms deals. The Trump Administration would do well to think twice about that though since Pakistan’s much more significant arms relationship with China hasn’t made its workers any safer and perceived American favoritism of Pakistan by India could complicate their ties upon which a lot of the US’ “Pivot (back) to Asia” depends.Segueing into the third strategic risk, Pakistan might be offering the US critical mineral cooperation at this time not only to cause trouble in Indo-US ties, but also to relieve reported pressure upon its ruling military establishment by the America First faction. They believe that civilian-led democratic rule would facilitate the main anti-Chinese goal of the US’ “Pivot (back) to Asia” as explained here so the ruling military establishment that stands to lose from this might be trying to buy them off with a mineral deal.The fourth strategic risk is that Pakistan doesn’t comply with whatever strings the US might attach to a mineral deal in exchange for relieving pressure upon its military rulers. For instance, they might agree to distance Pakistan in some way from China, logistically facilitate mineral exports from Afghanistan if the US clinches a similar such deal there, and/or allow CIA drone bases for spying on and threatening Iran. It’s possible that these would just be false promises to secure a deal and enrich corrupt military officials.And finally, the last strategic risk is that the US gets embroiled in another “War on Terror” if “mission creep” leads to it fighting the TTP and BLA with Pakistan in order to secure its mineral investments. The “sunk-cost fallacy” could also play a role in these calculations too. Coupled with potential complications in Indo-US ties and the derailing of the US’ “Pivot (back) to Asia”, the strategic costs of critical mineral cooperation with Pakistan could far outweigh the expected benefits, thus making it a poisoned chalice. Tyler DurdenSat, 04/12/2025 - 22:10
It happened Saturday in the 1700 block of Kettering Street, between Gillette and Armstrong avenues.
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Judge Orders Trump Admin To Unfreeze Funds Withheld From Maine Over Transgender Athletes A U.S. District Court in Maine issued a ruling April 11 ordering the federal government to release funding to Maine that was frozen over the state’s decision to disregard an executive order and allow transgender athletes in women’s sports.Conflict between the state and federal government began after President Donald Trump issued the order titled “Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government” on his first day back in the White House for a second term.The Epoch Times' Travis Gillmore reports that in a 70-page ruling, Judge John A. Woodcock Jr. ordered the Department of Agriculture and its secretary, Brooke Rollins, to “immediately unfreeze” any money held back because the state chose not to follow the president’s executive action.Agencies are also barred from withholding future funding on similar grounds.Meanwhile, the court distanced itself from the debate over transgender athletes.“In ruling on the state’s request, the court is not weighing in on the merits of the controversy about transgender athletes that forms the backdrop of the impasse between the state and the federal defendants,” Woodcock wrote in his decision.He went on to explain that the decision was based on the Agriculture Department’s failure to follow regulatory protocols when withholding the funding.“In fact, the federal defendants have not argued in this case that the relevant federal laws and regulations for terminating federal funding of state programs do not apply to this situation, nor do they claim that they complied with the applicable federal law in the events resulting in this litigation.”The Trump administration argued that the court did not have proper jurisdiction to hear the case, and that Maine did not “allege irreparable harm.”Tensions boiled over during a February meeting with governors at the White House, when Trump and Maine Gov. Janet Mills sparred over the issue in a heated back-and-forth.When Maine opted not to prohibit transgender athletes from competing against women, Rollins sent a letter April 2 to Mills alerting her that the Agriculture Department was “freezing Maine’s federal funds for certain administrative and technological functions in schools,” according to the court ruling.In its lawsuit filed on April 7, Maine said it was unable to access approximately $3 million.The state told the court the money was used for programs that helped provide meals to schools, childcare facilities, and disabled adults.In Rollins’s April 2 letter to Mills saying the funds had been frozen, the agriculture secretary said the pause “does not impact federal feeding programs or direct assistance to Mainers; if a child was fed today, they will be fed tomorrow.”State officials celebrated the ruling and said it would help protect nutritional programs meant to benefit at-risk populations.“This temporary restraining order confirms the Trump administration did not follow the rule of law when it cut program funds that go to feed schoolchildren and vulnerable adults,” Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey said in a statement. “This order preserves Maine’s access to certain congressionally appropriated funds by prohibiting an unlawful freeze by the administration.”The Epoch Times reached out to the White House for comment. Tyler DurdenSat, 04/12/2025 - 21:35
2 US-bound flights from Mexico stuck on tarmac for hours after being diverted to Alabama airport without customs staff CNNDelta passengers flying from Mexico to Atlanta held on plane overnight in Alabama airport terminal AL.comBoston-bound passengers stuck on plane for hours at wrong airport WCVBDelta passengers spend night on tarmac after Atlanta-bound flights diverted FOX 5 AtlantaDelta passengers stranded on Alabama tarmac for seven hours after diversion to airport with no customs staff Yahoo
The tentative agreement came after months of negotiations.
The new Mojave Micro Mill near Bakersfield, the first new steel mill built in California in 50 years, will be powered by renewable energy. The post Mojave Micro Mill Is First US Solar-Powered Steel Mill appeared first on CleanTechnica.
Assessing the odds of NEAR’s reversal signal fueling a 15% hike AMBCryptoNEAR Poised For Surge To $2.40 As Bullish Pattern Forms Mitrade
High volatility in the market was driven by headlines from Washington and rising bond yields.
Visitors to the Micronesia Mall in Dededo can get an instant taste of Japan at the newly opened Bread Bar Okayama Kobo.
Man With CZ Scorpion Charged With Pistol Brace Ownership, May Set Dangerous Precedent Submitted by Gun Owners of America,The Department of Justice is currently pursuing criminal charges in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, for possession of a handgun equipped with a pistol stabilizing brace, in the case U.S. v. Taranto.In response, Gun Owners of America and our friends at the Firearms Regulatory Accountability Coalition (FRAC) are urging the Department of Justice to drop that charge, which sets a dangerous precedent for the millions of Americans who possess up to 40 million such firearms.In 2021, the Biden Administration tasked the ATF with targeting and cracking down on firearms equipped with accessories known as "pistol braces." These accessories were originally designed to allow disabled gun owners to "brace" a handgun against their forearm, aiding in shooting longer and heavier firearms with one hand. For years, ATF approved the devices for use on pistols of all kinds, and promised that the mere attachment of such accessories to handguns did not transform them into short-barreled rifles. That was until the Biden Administration decided to target pistol braces for elimination at the behest of anti-gun billionaire donors. According to a study from the Congressional Research Service, up to 40 million of these firearms are in private ownership throughout the country. But that wasn't going to stop Biden's Department of Justice and ATF from working to make owners of these pistol-brace-equipped firearms into felons with the stroke of a pen.To do this, ATF decided to reclassify virtually all pistols with stabilizing braces as "short-barreled rifles" falling under the regulation of the 1934 National Firearms Act and requiring registration. Failing to comply with ATF's reclassification and registration scheme could have landed gun owners in prison for ten years in addition to a $250,000 fine. But thanks to numerous lawsuits from groups like Gun Owners of America, FRAC, and others, Biden's pistol brace rule is currently enjoined by numerous courts and even vacated by one. Translation from legalese? Biden's rule is no longer in effect, and ATF has been ordered not to enforce it.But this hasn't stopped anti-gun bureaucrats at ATF from attempting to continue to enforce the underlying legal theories that inspired the rule in the first place. And now, we have our first example of this in the case U.S. v. Taranto. Anti-gun holdovers from the Biden Administration in the DOJ & ATF know that charging an innocent gun owner with NFA violations for a pistol brace, and nothing more, is not going to stand up, so they had to find a case where someone committed other offenses serious enough that the additional charge for violating the NFA could create a successful precedent, but wouldn't be the centerpiece of the case. And that's precisely what they found in U.S. v. Taranto. But before we get into the details of the case, let me just point out that GOA & FRAC's interest in this case is the NFA charge for possessing a pistol-braced handgun, nothing else. We state this clearly in our letter when we say: "We express no opinion on any of the other unrelated charges levied against Mr. Taranto."This is because Taranto's case stems from an incident on June 28, 2023, where Taranto was stopped by the Secret Service and FBI in Washington DC and charged with the possession of a firearm, and magazines. But in the hours leading up to his arrest, Taranto had engaged in what charging documents describe as "erratic" behavior, was livestreaming himself and, according to charging documents, "suggested that he had outfitted his vehicle with a detonator."He then drove his car into DC, specifically into the Kalorama neighborhood, and into an area monitored by the Secret Service, because of its proximity to important government figures. When the Secret Service approached him, he fled into the woods—the officers gave chase.And eventually, when the Secret Service arrested him, and conducted a search of his vehicle, they found a CZ Scorpion pistol equipped with a brace, and more.Taranto was charged with numerous offenses but, interestingly, according to his inditement, Taranto's pistol is charged as both a handgun, in violation of Washington DC's licensing provisions, and also a short-barreled rifle, in violation of the National Firearms Act.How can a firearm be both a rifle and a handgun at the same time?The answer is, of course, that it isn't, and the DOJ's internally conflicting position shows that the government is using the NFA charge for a sinister reason and may be a sign of a larger problem.In a brief filed by the DOJ lawyers opposing Taranto's motion to dismiss, the U.S. Attorneys had this to say:"ATF is not barred from continuing to enforce the underlying statute as it always has: by making case-by-case determinations about whether particular braced firearms constitute "rifles" under the statute. And of course, because the rule reflects ATF's best understanding of the statute, those determinations will naturally tend to look substantially like the determinations that would follow from applying the clear framework outlined in the rule."Translation? Even though ATF is currently barred from enforcing the pistol brace rule, it claims that nothing stops it from enforcing the statute—using, of course, the same legal theories on which the rule is based. If this sort of logic -- that appeals only to bureaucrats -- makes your eyes burn, you're not alone.This is undoubtedly a bad sign for the direction of ATF. Even though the pistol brace rule has been enjoined and vacated, ATF insists it can still charge pistol brace crimes, using the very same theories from its repudiated rule.Even under a Trump administration, it appears that career anti-gun bureaucrats within ATF, along with some holdover prosecutors at the DOJ, just aren't willing to give up their anti-gun agenda.This is why GOA has teamed up with FRAC to send a letter, this time to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Washington, DC, asking that office to investigate this federal government overreach and dismiss the pistol brace charge against Taranto.We are hopeful that, thanks to President Trump's executive order on protecting Second Amendment rights, this charge will be dismissed, thereby protecting millions of law-abiding gun owners from continuing ATF overreach.Again, this case—and GOA's interest—has nothing to do with Mr. Taranto, but instead with the millions of other gun owners who possess firearms equipped with pistol stabilizing braces. If the DOJ pushes forward with this criminal charge against Taranto, then all of us are at risk. Tyler DurdenSat, 04/12/2025 - 21:00
U.S. excludes some electronics including smartphones and computers, from latest tariffs The Globe and MailSmartphones and computers are now exempt from Trump’s latest tariffs CNNTrump Exempts Phones, Computers, Chips From ‘Reciprocal’ Tariffs Bloomberg.comTrump Live Updates: New Tariff Rule Exempts Smartphones and Other Electronics From Most Levies The New York TimesTrump administration to exempt smartphones and computers from China tariffs The Guardian
The Schall Law Firm, a national shareholder rights litigation firm, announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Pony AI Inc. ("Pony" or "the Company") (NASDAQ: PONY) for violations of the securities laws.The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. Pony announced its unaudited financial results for Q4 and full year 2024 on March 25, ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Smartphones, computers and other electronics will be exempt from President Trump’s sweeping reciprocal tariffs, the administration has announced.
The Trump administration says electronics like smartphones and laptops will be excluded from ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, a move that could help keep prices down for popular consumer electronics that aren’t usually made in the U.S.
The Trump administration says electronics like smartphones and laptops will be excluded from ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, a move that could help keep prices down for popular consumer electronics that aren’t usually made in the U.S. The announcement on Friday would also benefit big tech companies like Apple and Samsung. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said [...]
Trump's China tariff shocks US importers. One CEO calls it 'end of days'
The 2025 Manila International Auto Show opened its doors on April 10. It includes a larger presence than ever before of electrified vehicles as new and existing brands present their latest innovations and strategies for a more sustainable automotive future. CleanTechnica is covering the event, and below is a list ... [continued]The post Manila International Auto Show Marks 20 Years, Displays More Electrified Vehicles Than Ever Before appeared first on CleanTechnica.
Smartphones and computers are now exempt from Trump’s latest tariffs CTV NewsTrump exempts smartphones and computers from new tariffs BBCSmartphones and computers are now spared from Trump's reciprocal tariffs NPRTrump administration to exempt smartphones and computers from tariffs The GuardianApple, Nvidia Score Reprieve from Trump Tariffs With Exemptions Bloomberg.com
The Sahel: Emerging Center Of Global Islamism Authored by Nils Haug via The Gatestone Institute,The center of world terrorist activity and violent death is no longer the Middle East. The "Sahel region of Africa is now the 'epicentre of global terrorism,'" responsible for "over half of all terrorism-related deaths" worldwide, according to the respected Global Terrorism Index.The sub-Saharan Sahel is largely unknown to much of the world. It can be described as the large, mostly flat, strip, nearly 600 miles wide, located between the savannahs of Sudan to the south and the Sahara desert to the north.During the last ten years or so, according to the Royal United Services Institute, the world's oldest defense and security think tank, headquartered in London, the Sahel has undergone a "significant surge in jihadist violence. Armed actors take advantage of porous borders, fragile states, and local grievances to extend their operational reach,"Global Terrorism Index 2025, published by the Institute for Economics & Peace, reveals that the primary instigator of global terrorism during 2024 was the Islamic State (ISIS) and associated groups -- such as al Qaeda, Jamaat Nusrat Al-Islam wal Muslimeen, Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, and al- Shabaab -- together responsible for more than 7,500 deaths.Although the West is experiencing escalating terrorism in countries such as Sweden, Australia, Finland, the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland, the Sahel region evidently remains the "global epicentre of terrorism, accounting for over half of all terrorism-related deaths in 2024." Here, conflict deaths exceeded 25,000 for the first time, of which nearly 4,000 were directly connected to terrorism.A perturbing factor is that in Europe, "one in five persons arrested for terrorism is legally classified as a child." This is understandable, as children in Islamist-jihadist communities are exposed to Jew-hatred and the desire for an Islamist caliphate from a very tender age. The same statistics would apply to terrorist actors in the Sahel, as the ideology of martyrdom and sacrifice is ubiquitous to jihadism.Susceptible countries in the region include Senegal, Sudan, Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali. Unsurprisingly, the region's rich mineral resources – with Niger the world's seventh-biggest producer of uranium -- also attract attention. China and Russia are increasingly represented, while Western nations withdraw from Africa due to growing anti-Western attitudes. Specifically, the US base in Niger in August 2024 and France's base in Chad closed in December 2024.The consequence is, of course, that with the West's retreat, ISIS has free rein to action their visions of global influence. They are present in 22 countries at present and, as the report points out: "Despite counterterrorism efforts, the group's ability to coordinate, inspire, and execute attacks highlights its resilience and evolving operational strategies." In the remoteness of the Sahel, ISIS finds an accommodating environment to consolidate and establish a central base.Russia's Wagner mercenary militia, although rebranded as an "Expeditionary Corps," continues its predatory activities in the area, offering "governments in Africa a 'regime survival package' in exchange for access to strategically important natural resources."Covertly obtained Russian documents reveal how the group strives to "change mining laws in West Africa, with the ambition of dislodging Western companies from an area of strategic importance." The upshot is accelerating anti-Western sentiment, resulting in the local states seeking to expel hitherto entrenched foreign interests.A February 20, 2024, report by Jack Watling, Fellow for Land Warfare at the Royal United Services Institute, explains that there "was a meeting in the Kremlin in which it was decided that Wagner's Africa operations would fall directly under the control of Russian military intelligence, the GRU."Watling concludes, "This is the Russian state coming out of the shadows in its Africa policy." Russia's patent objective is therefore to "seize control of critical resources," and "aggressively pursue the expansion of its partnerships in Africa, with the explicit intent to supplant Western partnerships."Unlike the West, Russia is not particularly interested in countering terror groups such as ISIS but, instead, focuses on its core objectives concerning "critical resources" and replacing "Western partnership" in the Sahel. With the retreat of Western anti-terror forces, ISIS and associates have freedom to expand their activities, while Russia focuses on eliminating Western influence. The result is a vacuum of experienced Western counter-terror forces, a situation in which jihadist groups thrive.Fortunately, North African nations, such as Morocco and Algeria, realize the dangers of unchecked jihadism in the Sahel, which reaches towards their southern borders. To give effect to its objectives, Rabat implemented the Morocco Atlantic Initiative, which,"aims to provide landlocked Sahel countries with access to vital maritime trade routes via Morocco's Atlantic port infrastructure. The plan aims to foster economic regional integration to reduce dependence on unstable transit routes, while fostering Morocco's ties with its southern neighbours to counter instability, terrorism and illicit trafficking in the region in the long term."Similarly, Algeria, with its common "borders and historical ties to Mali, has always played a pivotal role in the region."In addition, some Sahel states are taking it upon themselves to counter jihadists in their domain. Recently, an alliance of three prominent Sahel states -- Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger -- "unveiled plans for a unified military force of 5,000 soldiers.""Each of the three AES armies are expected to contribute troops, tasked with conducting joint operations in areas of intense jihadist activity. In their view, establishing a self-sufficient military partnership is the most dependable way to safeguard sovereignty."This local move came about as a lack of available Western forces to quell jihadism - an absence brought about by the Sahel nations "severing long-standing military and diplomatic ties with regional allies, France, and other Western powers." In 2024, the three Sahel nations agreed "to tackle security threats jointly."Although a joint force of 5,000 soldiers is a fair starting point, it is to be noted that the region under discussion covers over 2 million square miles – a vast area. It is anticipated that Russia, China and Turkey, who already provide "bilateral military assistance and equipment" might partner, to some degree, with the Sahel forces to counter terrorism.Meanwhile, ISIS and al-Qaeda, with associates, extend "greater influence over trans-Saharan networks which will expand their external reach and increase the threat of external plots in North Africa and potentially Europe."In the result, the Sahel predominantly remains the locale of non-Western actors and local states, acting together for mutual benefit, including the possible control of terrorism. Whether or not efforts by these parties, with some North African countries, will have much impact on jihadism activity in the region remains to be seen. Currently, the significant strategic, political, and economic benefits in the region are reaped by Russia, China and Turkey. The West is nowhere to be seen. Tyler DurdenFri, 04/11/2025 - 22:35
New York City, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- I. Introduction: Addressing Men's Health ChallengesIn recent years, a growing number of men across all age groups have silently battled common health concerns such as fatigue, diminished stamina, reduced libido, and circulatory issues. These symptoms, while often normalized as part of aging, can have a substantial impact on quality of life — affecting not only physical performance but emotional well-being and relationships as well.Many of these issues are rooted in poor circulation, low nitric oxide production, and nutrient delivery inefficiencies — all of which contribute to a slow yet progressive decline in male vitality. Men over 30, in particular, often begin to notice these changes. Morning energy isn't what it once was. Workouts yield less power. Intimacy becomes more about obligation than desire. These are not isolated frustrations — they're symptoms of more profound physiological shifts.Traditional solutions like prescription medications, testosterone therapy, and chemical-based performance enhancers may address these problems temporarily but often come with side effects, financial burdens, and dependency risks. Increasingly, health-conscious men are looking for natural alternatives that can deliver noticeable results without compromising safety.This is where Nitric Boost, a plant-based nitric oxide enhancement supplement, enters the conversation.Touted for its use of L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, Beet Root Powder, and a synergistic blend of botanical compounds, Nitric Boost positions itself as a comprehensive answer to male vitality. It is also tied to a trending concept referred to as the "Blue Salt Trick," a nickname for a nitric oxide-triggering mechanism involving certain mineral-rich compounds believed to enhance blood flow.This article explores how Nitric Boost works, what makes its formula distinctive, and whether its promises are backed by clinical reasoning, ingredient synergy, and real-world testimonials. For any man experiencing the subtle or significant effects of declining performance, this review is designed to offer clarity — and potentially, a path forward.The following sections break down the product's physiological mechanisms, ingredient formulation, user experience, and purchasing details to provide a complete evaluation of its effectiveness and credibility.II. Understanding Nitric Oxide and Its Role in Men's HealthNitric oxide (NO) is a naturally occurring molecule that plays a critical role in several physiological functions, particularly those related to cardiovascular health and muscular performance. Produced within the inner lining of blood vessels, nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule that tells blood vessels to relax and expand — a process known as vasodilation. This expansion allows for increased blood flow, improved oxygen delivery, and more efficient transport of nutrients throughout the body.For men, optimal nitric oxide production is directly linked to a number of vital health functions. Adequate blood flow supports not only cardiovascular integrity but also energy levels, stamina, and physical performance. It is also a key factor in sexual function, as healthy blood circulation is essential for maintaining a strong and lasting erection. When nitric oxide levels are compromised, often due to aging, poor diet, or chronic stress, these functions can decline noticeably.Studies have shown that by the time many men reach their 40s, nitric oxide levels may be less than half of what they were in their 20s. This gradual depletion can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle weakness, delayed recovery after exercise, diminished libido, and, in many cases, erectile dysfunction. While these changes may not appear suddenly, their cumulative effects can significantly impact overall quality of life.Recognizing the central role nitric oxide plays in maintaining male health, researchers and supplement formulators have increasingly focused on natural ways to stimulate its production. Among the most studied compounds are L-arginine and L-Citrulline, two amino acids known to act as nitric oxide precursors. When consumed through dietary supplementation, they help the body synthesize nitric oxide more efficiently, thereby restoring healthy blood flow and energy levels.This foundational understanding of nitric oxide is key to evaluating any supplement that claims to enhance male performance or vitality. Without adequate support for nitric oxide production, such claims would be largely unsubstantiated. Nitric Boost, by centering its formula around nitric oxide precursors and synergistic plant compounds, aims to address this very deficiency.Boost stamina and confidence—try Nitric Boost today.III. The "Blue Salt Trick": Myth, Mechanism, and the Viral Recipe ExplainedIn online wellness communities and alternative health circles—particularly on platforms like TikTok and Reddit—the phrase "Blue Salt Trick" has gained viral momentum as a natural method for improving blood flow, stamina, and male performance. Though the name may suggest an exotic or medical-grade solution, the reality is much simpler. There is no actual blue salt involved, nor is there a singular clinical practice associated with it. Instead, the term is a symbolic reference to a growing class of DIY circulatory "hacks" based on natural nitric oxide activation.What Does the "Blue Salt Trick" Actually Mean?The phrase "Blue Salt Trick" is not rooted in scientific literature but instead arises from a blend of anecdotal wellness practices, simplified biology, and modern marketing. The term "blue" likely references improved oxygenation and blood flow—concepts often associated with vitality, stamina, and sexual health. The "salt" in question is typically Himalayan pink salt, which contains a range of electrolytes and trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.When paired with citrus juice (typically lemon) and water, this mineral-salt mixture is thought to support adrenal activation, nitric oxide synthesis, and morning hydration. It is a simple, stimulant-free way to start the day with renewed energy and blood flow.The Blue Salt Trick RecipeWhile there are variations, the most common version of the viral trend includes the following:Ingredients:1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink saltJuice of 1/2 lemon, freshly squeezed6 to 8 ounces of filtered or spring waterOptional additions:A pinch of baking soda (to alkalize and support digestion)2–3 drops of liquid chlorophyll or trace mineral dropsInstructions:Add the lemon juice and pink salt to a glass.Pour in the water and stir thoroughly until the salt dissolves.Drink immediately, ideally first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.This simple tonic is often described by users as a way to "activate circulation," rehydrate the body and prime the nitric oxide pathway for the day ahead.Is There a Scientific Basis Behind the Trend?Although the "Blue Salt Trick" lacks formal clinical validation as a standalone therapy, its components are supported by physiological principles. Himalayan salt helps restore electrolyte balance, particularly after sleep-induced dehydration. Lemon juice offers vitamin C and citric acid, which may enhance arginine uptake—significant in nitric oxide production. Combined, these ingredients may help the body absorb nitric oxide precursors more efficiently when consumed later in the day, particularly if paired with supplements like Nitric Boost.From Trend to Therapeutic MechanismBeyond the viral nature of the "trick," the underlying science is grounded in how nitric oxide functions biologically. This gas molecule acts as a vasodilator, relaxing blood vessel walls and promoting increased blood flow. This mechanism is essential for oxygen transport, athletic endurance, and erectile function—areas often compromised by aging or poor metabolic health.The combination of trace minerals (from salt), antioxidants (from lemon), and hydration collectively supports the physiological environment needed for efficient nitric oxide synthesis, primarily when supported by key amino acids such as L-arginine and L-citrulline.This is where Nitric Boost enters the conversation. While the Blue Salt Trick acts as a supportive morning ritual, Nitric Boost delivers the clinically backed compounds that are directly involved in nitric oxide production. It contains a synergistic blend of L-Arginine, L-Citrulline, Beet Root Powder, Horny Goat Weed, Ginkgo Biloba, Dong Quai, D-Aspartic Acid, and Niacin—each of which is tied to improved circulation, stamina, or testosterone support.Nitric Boost: A Modern, Evidence-Backed Evolution of the Blue Salt TrickRather than relying on simplified home remedies alone, Nitric Boost expands on the principle behind the Blue Salt Trick using a formulation designed to optimize nitric oxide synthesis, hormonal function, and blood flow in a structured, measurable way. It removes the guesswork and variability associated with viral trends while maintaining alignment with the core goals of increased energy, enhanced performance, and cardiovascular support.In this way, Nitric Boost doesn't replace the Blue Salt Trick—it complements it. Together, the morning ritual and the supplement protocol can serve as a dual approach for men seeking natural, non-invasive ways to regain stamina, sharpen focus, and restore confidence in their physical performance.Nitric Boost powers performance where it counts.IV. In-Depth Analysis of Nitric Boost's IngredientsThe effectiveness of any supplement lies in the synergy and potency of its ingredients. Nitric Boost features a targeted blend of amino acids, herbal extracts, and natural compounds selected to support nitric oxide production, circulatory health, and male performance. Each component plays a specific role in restoring vitality, and together, they form a multi-pronged approach to optimizing blood flow, energy, and stamina.Below is a detailed analysis of the active ingredients found in Nitric Boost based on information available from the official product website and scientific literature.L-ArginineL-arginine is a semi-essential amino acid that serves as a direct precursor to nitric oxide in the body. Once ingested, L-Arginine is metabolized into nitric oxide by the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS), promoting vasodilation and improved blood circulation.Clinical studies have shown that supplementation with L-Arginine may help:Increase blood flow to muscles and extremitiesSupport erectile function in men with mild to moderate dysfunctionEnhance exercise performance by improving oxygen deliveryIts inclusion in Nitric Boost is fundamental to initiating the nitric oxide production pathway and restoring circulatory integrity—especially in men experiencing age-related vascular decline.L-Citrulline DL-MalateL-citrulline is another amino acid that complements the effects of L-arginine. It is converted into L-Arginine in the kidneys, offering a more sustained release of nitric oxide. The DL-Malate form also supports energy production by participating in the Krebs cycle.Research supports the use of L-Citrulline for:Prolonging nitric oxide productionReducing muscular fatigue during exerciseSupporting better recovery post-workoutThe synergy between L-citrulline and L-arginine creates a more stable and long-lasting effect, helping men experience improved stamina and vascular health throughout the day.Beet Root PowderBeetroot is a natural source of dietary nitrates, which convert into nitric oxide once metabolized. It is well-known for its ability to enhance blood vessel function and has been studied for its effects on endurance, oxygen uptake, and cardiovascular support.Beetroot powder is associated with:Lowering blood pressure in individuals with hypertensionImproving time-to-exhaustion during physical activityIncreasing nitric oxide bioavailabilityIn Nitric Boost, beetroot enhances the foundational amino acid pathway with an additional nitrate-based mechanism for boosting circulation.Horny Goat Weed ExtractAlso known as Epimedium, Horny Goat Weed is a traditional herbal remedy recognized for its potential effects on libido and male performance. It contains icariin, a compound believed to support nitric oxide signaling by inhibiting PDE5—an enzyme that can restrict blood flow.Benefits of Horny Goat Weed may include:Supporting erectile functionEnhancing sexual desireContributing to testosterone balanceIts presence in Nitric Boost adds a performance-specific benefit that complements the core vascular effects of the formula.Ginkgo BilobaGinkgo Biloba is one of the most widely used botanical extracts in circulation-enhancing formulations. It is rich in antioxidants and supports blood flow to the brain and extremities.Scientific literature associates Ginkgo Biloba with:Improved memory and cognitive clarityReduced symptoms of poor peripheral circulationAntioxidant protection against vascular agingIn the context of Nitric Boost, Ginkgo may support mental focus while reinforcing capillary and microvascular function.Dong Quai RootTraditionally used in Chinese medicine, Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) is valued for its circulatory and hormonal support. It has been shown to improve blood vessel dilation and may aid in managing hormonal fluctuations.Its inclusion in Nitric Boost may provide:Additional vasodilatory effectsHormonal balance for mood and energySupport for blood flow, particularly in synergy with other ingredientsD-Aspartic AcidD-aspartic acid (DAA) is an amino acid that regulates testosterone levels in men. It stimulates the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which can trigger natural testosterone production in the testes.Studies suggest DAA may:Support healthy testosterone productionImprove libido and male energy levelsEnhance physical performance over timeAs part of Nitric Boost, DAA addresses hormonal optimization—another critical factor in male vitality and performance.Niacin (Vitamin B3)Niacin is a water-soluble B vitamin essential for cellular energy metabolism and vascular health. It induces a mild flushing effect due to capillary expansion, which can be interpreted as an immediate sign of improved circulation.Niacin in this formula contributes by:Supporting energy production at the cellular levelEnhancing blood flow and oxygen deliveryAssisting in the conversion of nutrients into usable energyIt works alongside the other ingredients to amplify the overall vascular benefits of the supplement.Together, these ingredients form a comprehensive nitric oxide support system that addresses the root physiological causes of poor blood flow, low stamina, and performance decline. Unlike one-dimensional formulas, Nitric Boost integrates amino acids, herbal extracts, and essential vitamins into a unified solution designed specifically for men's health.In the next section, we'll explore how these ingredients collectively address the most common health challenges men face—offering both symptomatic relief and long-term vitality support.V. How Nitric Boost Addresses Common Male Health ConcernsFor many men, the first signs of declining vitality are subtle: a morning workout that feels harder than it used to, a dip in bedroom confidence, or the slow erosion of sustained energy throughout the day. These symptoms, though common, often point to underlying physiological imbalances—many of which are tied to blood flow, nitric oxide availability, and hormonal fluctuations. Nitric Boost targets these root causes with a focused, multi-ingredient approach.Below are the most frequently reported male health issues, along with how Nitric Boost's formula is designed to help.Erectile Dysfunction and Circulation DeclineOne of the most direct and distressing issues men face is the inability to achieve or maintain a firm erection. This condition is often the result of insufficient blood flow rather than a lack of desire. Nitric oxide plays a central role in the vasodilation of penile arteries—an ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Could Trump's tariffs slow emissions? Sure, experts say, but at great cost overall
“If Kambrynn could say anything to those receiving life, she would say, ‘You have to keep going to help others. If I don't, who will?’” said Eric Ronningen.
SAN DIEGO, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP announces that purchasers or acquirers of SoundHound AI, Inc. (NASDAQ:SOUN) securities between May 10, 2024 and March 3, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"), have until May 27, 2025 to seek appointment as lead plaintiff of the SoundHound class action lawsuit. Captioned Liles v. SoundHound AI, Inc., No. 25-cv-02915 (N.D. Cal.), the SoundHound class action lawsuit charges SoundHound as well as certain of SoundHound's top executives with violations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.If you suffered substantial losses and wish to serve as lead plaintiff of the SoundHound class action lawsuit, please provide your information here:https://www.rgrdlaw.com/cases-soundhound-ai-inc-class-action-lawsuit.htmlYou can also contact attorneys J.C. Sanchez or Jennifer N. Caringal of Robbins Geller by calling 800/449-4900 or via e-mail at [email protected] ALLEGATIONS: SoundHound provides an independent voice AI platform that purportedly enables businesses across industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers.The SoundHound class action lawsuit alleges that defendants throughout the Class Period made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (i) material weaknesses in SoundHound's internal controls over financial reporting impaired SoundHound's ability to effectively account for ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Water Wars, Begun They Have Water conflicts are on the rise around the world, according to data from the Pacific Institute.In the first four years of this decade alone, there have been 785 recorded water conflicts worldwide. As Statista's Anna Fleck shows in the chart below, this is already 27 percent higher than the number of conflicts linked to water resources of the entire decade from 2010-2019, when 620 such events were reported in total. You will find more infographics at StatistaThe Pacific Institute’s data is categorized based on the use, impact or effect that water has within a conflict and can be subdivided into three main groups. The first is termed “casualty” and describes the loss of water resources or systems due to becoming intentional or incidental targets of violence. The second is defined as a “weapon”, where water resources or systems are used as an instrument or weapon in a violent conflict. The third and final group falls under “trigger”, which covers conflicts that are directly over the control of water. In this case, economic or physical access to water, or the event of water scarcity, have triggered violence.As this chart clearly illustrates, the frequency of water conflicts is growing exponentially. Tyler DurdenFri, 04/11/2025 - 22:10
Apple’s China-Centric Supply Chain, Once Its Greatest Asset, Is Now a Liability Amid Trump’s Tariffs WSJHere’s how much a ‘Made in the USA’ iPhone would cost CNBCApple airlifted 600 tons of iPhones to the U.S. to try to beat Trump’s tariffs as customers scramble to secure devices before possible price increases FortuneOpinion | You Should Think About Replacing Your iPhone — Now The New York TimesApple May Have to Cancel iPhone Models to Deal With Tariffs Barron's
Are your tax slips missing from the CRA website? This might be why CTV NewsFiling your taxes? You might run into this CRA website ‘issue’ Global NewsSome taxpayers may find CRA’s online portal is missing tax slips Financial PostWhere are your tax slips? Why so much information is missing from CRA accounts this year The Globe and MailCanada Revenue Agency fixes issue for filing capital gains tax. Here’s what you need to know Inside Halton
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Judge Sides With Trump Admin On Identification Rules For Illegal Immigrants Authored by Naveen Athrappully via The Epoch Times (emphasis ours),A federal judge has allowed the Trump administration to enforce identification requirements for immigrants present in the United States illegally.In a ruling on Thursday, Judge Trevor Neil McFadden said that a rule by the Department of Homeland Security to require illegal immigrants to comply with statutory registration and fingerprinting may move forward as plaintiffs arguing against it failed to “demonstrate that they have standing to bring this suit.”The case was filed on March 31 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia in Washington, with the main plaintiff being the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights, along with other immigrant advocacy groups.On Jan. 20, when President Donald Trump took office for the second time, he issued an executive order, “Protecting the American People Against Invasion,” in which he stated that illegal immigrants must be identified and registered with the federal government.Following his order, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on Feb. 25 that the DHS would fully enforce the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), under which illegal immigrants will be tracked and compelled to leave the country voluntarily.Criminal penalties will be imposed on those failing to leave the country, failing to register their identities with the federal government and be fingerprinted, or failing to inform authorities of a change in address.“An alien’s failure to register is a crime that could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both. For decades, this law has been ignored—not anymore,” said the DHS announcement, referring to the Alien Registration Act, which was first enacted by Congress in 1940.The registration requirement is set to be effective from April 11, 2025.According to the alien registration requirement, all illegal immigrants 14 years and older who were not registered and fingerprinted when applying for a U.S. visa, and who remain in the United States for 30 days or longer, must apply for registration and fingerprinting.The INA requires that all “parents and legal guardians of aliens below the age of 14 must ensure that those aliens are registered.”Registered illegal immigrants over the age of 18 must carry proof of registration with them at all times, according to the rule.“Failure to comply may result in criminal and civil penalties, up to and including misdemeanor prosecution, the imposition of fines, and incarceration.”The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website states that, as part of enabling the requirement, the government has established a new form—G-325R, Biometric Information (Registration)—and an online process “by which unregistered aliens may register and comply with the law.”In its lawsuit, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights argued that the DHS rule “reverses the government’s long-standing approach to registration ... in a manner that will cause confusion, fear, and significant economic disruption.“Defendants attempt to rush through these sweeping changes without any meaningful explanation for the change in policy and without the notice, public comment, and careful consideration that Congress requires to avoid exactly these types of harms.”The plaintiffs requested a stay of the rule.McFadden ruled that the plaintiffs failed to establish standing on an organizational level and on behalf of the organization’s members.The coalition’s “injuries are highly speculative, sounding in prospective fears about what might happen when the rule takes effect,” he said.The organization has also failed to demonstrate how a “mere requirement to abide by the law” constitutes a concrete injury.The plaintiffs argued that this “compelled admission” regarding their members’ immigration status violates the Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.In response, McFadden said that the coalition had failed to “demonstrate that any of their members would actually be subject to criminal prosecution based on their answers to Form G-325R.”Meanwhile, according to the DHS, Immigration and Customs Enforcement made 32,809 arrests in the first 50 days of the Trump administration, a number that almost equaled the total arrests made in fiscal year 2024.The DHS said in a post on social media platform X on April 9: “Illegal aliens should use the CBP Home app to self-deport and leave the country now. If they don’t, they will face the consequences. This includes a fine of $998 per day for every day that the illegal alien overstayed their final deportation order.”The Epoch Times reached out to the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights for comment. Tyler DurdenFri, 04/11/2025 - 21:45
After victories in St. Petersburg and Thermal, Palou has his eyes winning for the first time in Long Beach.
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest executed notable trades, shedding shares in UiPath Inc. (NYSE:PATH), Prime Medicine Inc. (NGM: PRME), and Repare Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:RPTX).The PATH TradeArk Invest’s ARK Innovation ETF (NYSE:ARKK) fund sold 4,256 shares of UiPath Inc. Based on the closing price of $10.87 on the day of the trade, the total value of the transaction amounts to approximately $46,280.32.UiPath’s stock saw a slight increase of 2.26% on the day.The PRME TradePrime Medicine Inc. was another company that Ark ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Man trapped inside vehicle following collision with TTC bus in Scarborough: police CP24
Argentina seals $20 billion IMF deal, tears down FX controls ReutersArgentina says it will lift the country’s strict currency controls with help from the IMF AP NewsEconomy Minister Caputo announces plan to end Argentina’s exchange rate controls starting Monday Buenos Aires HeraldArgentina receives $42 bn from international financial institutions Yahoo FinanceArgentina and the IMF: a Troubled History U.S. News & World Report
Edward Drake, who is also a director, explains why he is one of four union members challenging their discipline following the second-longest work stoppage in the union’s history.
Amazon CEO has harsh news for loyal shoppers TheStreetChinese electronics company Anker starts raising prices on Amazon ReutersChinese Amazon sellers to hike prices or exit U.S. market as tariffs soar, association says CBCAmazon CEO Andy Jassy says he believes sellers will pass increased tariff costs on to consumers CNBCAmazon Cancels Some Inventory Orders From China After Tariffs (AMZN) Bloomberg
In a CNBC interview Friday, Minneapolis Federal Reserve President Neel Kashkari raised concerns that investor sentiment may be shifting away from the U.S., citing unusual market movements amid ongoing trade tensions.What To Know: Treasury yields have surged while the dollar has weakened—an atypical reaction during geopolitical uncertainty. "Normally, when you see big tariff increases, I would have expected the dollar to go up. The fact that the dollar is going down... lends some more credibility ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
Prices could hit $4,000 by the end of this year, an investment expert said.
Joe Rogan strongly responded when reacting to recent comments made by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick about Social Security. On a recent episode of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan called out Lutnick’s claim that only fraudsters complain when their checks don't arrive.“If you’re old as f*ck and then all of a sudden your Social Security stops, that's f*cking terrifying,” Rogan said. “If you miss a month, that's a big f*cking deal, man.”Don't Miss:Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing — this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart & Target – Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!Lutnick's Controversial StatementLutnick, during a recent appearance on the “All-In” podcast, said, “Let’s say Social Security didn’t send out their checks this month. My mother-in-law, who’s 94, she wouldn’t call and complain. She just wouldn’t. She’d think something got messed up, and she’ll get it next month. A fraudster always makes the loudest noise, ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
"We Are Now A Global Destabilizer": Larry Fink Stunned By Trump Tariffs Speaking after BlackRock's Q1 earnings report on a call with Wall Street analysts, CEO Larry Fink said he was troubled by the size of President Trump's tariff war with China. "The sweeping US tariff announcements went beyond anything I could have imagined in my 49 years in finance," Fink told analysts. As of Friday morning, Beijing retaliated against President Trump's tariffs by hiking levies on U.S. goods to 125%, up from the prior 84%. The retaliation came a day after Trump hit China with an effective tariff rate of 145% as both the U.S. and China are locked in a heated, once-in-a-century trade war. "This isn't Wall Street versus Main Street," Fink emphasized, adding, "The market downturn impacts millions of ordinary people's retirement savings."The good news: Two days earlier, Trump announced a 90-day suspension of additional country-specific tariffs for countries that have refrained from taking retaliatory measures—an apparent attempt to isolate China and use tariffs to get Beijing to strike a trade deal. "Yes, in the short run, we have an economy that is at risk," Fink said, but noted that artificial intelligence and rising infrastructure demand present "transformative investment opportunities."After the earnings call, Fink joined CNBC, where the globalist voiced even more concerns...BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is in full panic mode over Trump’s new tariffs, warning they’re shaking global markets and pushing the U.S. toward deeper economic trouble.He says the U.S. has gone from being a global stabilizer to a destabilizer under Trump’s leadership.Fink also... pic.twitter.com/j5bBa8aqtU— Shadow of Ezra (@ShadowofEzra) April 11, 2025Yet Trump’s trade war is fundamentally about reviving America’s hollowed-out manufacturing base. Naturally, reshaping global supply chains will come with disruptions.To end the week, there are no indications that either China or the U.S. is willing to sit down and resolve trade disputes, while new evidence mounts that dislocations in global trade have begun to emerge:Amazon Cancels Orders, Walmart Pulls Forecast As Tariffs Take HoldChinese Sellers On Amazon Panic After Trump's Tariff BazookaTesla Quietly Removes Model S/X "Order Now" Button From Chinese SiteSeparately, HSBC Head EM strategist Alastair Pinder and the legendary Matt King (formerly Citi's top strategist who correctly called the Lehman collapse) debated on ZeroHedge on Thursday night with warnings about the incoming economic fallout from the trade war... Continuing on the theme of global trade disruptions, Goldman analysts Dominic Wilson and Vickie Chang provided clients earlier with a note titled: Too Early for the "All Clear" that highlighted four downside risks for markets:Substantial tariffs remain in place and the outcome even as it stands today looks considerably hawkish than was expected ahead of April 2. A simple thought experiment is to imagine that the current outcome—a 10% across the board tariff, a more than 100% China tariff, potential sectoral tariffs and large reciprocal tariffs to be implemented after a 90-day pause—had been announced. The implied roughly 15pp overall effective tariff rate increase would still have been a significant negative surprise to markets and its impact is still likely to be meaningful without further changes.While the pause to reciprocal tariffs reduces some key tail risks, policy uncertainty remains very high, and businesses and consumers are likely to continue to be wary of making long-term commitments when the path of policy going forward remains very unclear.Allocators are also likely to remain worried about the institutional and policy uncertainties that have led them to question their historic overweight in U.S. assets, while the recent price action has highlighted the risks both to longer-dated Treasury holdings and to the potential for simultaneous declines in U.S. equities and the USD that are especially painful for unhedged overseas investors. With some of the financial stress risk receding that often ultimately works to push the USD stronger (the left edge of the "dollar smile"), we think the case for ongoing USD weakness is intact, if not clearer.The turmoil has revealed some cracks in the ability of the market to function effectively in the face of these kinds of large shocks. Confidence that Treasuries will provide an effective "safe haven" in periods of extreme risk is likely to have been dented and the back end of the UST curve could remain fragile.What's clear is that global trade disruptions are emerging, and this risk suggests to Goldman analysts that it's still too early to give the "all clear" for markets. As we were the first to warn this week - all eyes are on the Basis Trade blowing up (read here & here). Tyler DurdenFri, 04/11/2025 - 10:45
Arlington Chamber of Commerce to host a Small Business Resource Expo on May 22, featuring over 125 vendors for networking and growth.
NEW YORK, April 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of Game of Silks non-fungible tokens ("NFTs"), including Silks Avatar NFTs, Silks Horse NFTs, and Silks Land NFTs, and who were damaged thereby, of the important April 25, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.SO WHAT: If you purchased Game of Silks NFTs you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Game of Silks class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=35918 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for more information. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than April 25, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced a major shift in how monoclonal antibody therapies and other drugs are evaluated, emphasizing a transition from traditional animal testing.The agency aims to adopt human-relevant and technologically advanced testing methods to improve safety evaluations, reduce research costs and accelerate drug development timelines.The FDA’s new approach, outlined in a roadmap released on Thursday, encourages drug developers to integrate New Approach Methodologies (NAMs), including AI-driven simulations and laboratory-based human models.Also Read: Sony, Nintendo Hike Console Prices As US Tariffs Bite, Microsoft May Dodge The HitThese alternatives are expected to provide more accurate predictions of human responses and toxicities, which can be difficult to detect through animal testing alone.One key strategy promoted in the roadmap is the use of advanced computer modeling.AI-based simulations can mimic how monoclonal antibodies travel through the human body and predict potential side effects based on the drug’s structure. The FDA believes this could significantly reduce the reliance on animals in preclinical studies.In addition, the agency is supporting ...Full story available on Benzinga.com
The Flower Petaler, a three-generation family business in Fort Morgan, celebrated its 20th anniversary on Friday and Saturday, April 4 and 5, with a special event to thank its customers for two decades of support. Started by Norma Kroskob and her daughter Diane Schulte, the shop was later taken over by Diane and her daughter [...]
If “What do we have to eat?” is a common question in your home, the (Terms apply, see ) can help cut down on the cost of answering it. No other card offers rewards as high on your spending at U.S. supermarkets, plus also-sweet earnings on other common expenses like U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas [...]
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I grew up in a house on a street called Railway Parade. One side of the street was lined with federation-style homes and mid-century brick clinkers, the other – as the name suggests – was home to the railway line. “What’s that?! Why is the house shaking?!” friends of mine visiting for the first time [...]
Do You Think You'll Ever Know, Now That You Have Handed Your Mind To The Machine? Authored by Edward Curtin via Off-Guardian.org,We live in a 24/7 media society of the spectacle where brainwashing is cunning and relentless, and the consuming public is consumed with thoughts and perceptions filtered through electronic media according to the needs and lies of corporate state power.This propaganda comes in two forms: covert and overt. The latter, and most effective form, comes with a large dose of truth offered rapid-fire by celebrated, authoritative voices via prominent media. The truth is sprinkled with subtle messages that render it sterile.This has long been the case, but it is even more so in the age of images on screens and digital media where words and images flow away like water in a rapidly moving stream. The late sociologist, Zygmunt Bauman, updating Marx’s famous quote “all that is solid melts into thin air,” called this “liquid modernity.”Welcome to Operation PandemoniumSee, these experts purport to say: What we tell you is true, but it is impossible to draw definitive conclusions. You must drink the waters of uncertainty forever lest you become a conspiracy nut. But if you don’t want to be so labelled, accept the simplest explanation for matters that disturb you – Occam’s razor, that the truest answer is the simplest – which is always the official explanation. If this sounds contradictory, that is because it is. It is meant to be. We induce schizophrenia.And it is, these experts suggest, because we live in a world where all knowledge is relative, and you, the individual, like Kafka’s country bumpkin, who in his parable “Before the Law,” tries to get past the doorkeeper to enter the inner sanctum of the Law but is never allowed to pass; you, the individual, must accept the futility of your efforts and accede to this dictum that declares that all knowledge is relative, which is ironically an absolute dictum. It is the Law. The Law of contradictions declared from on high.Many writers, journalists, and filmmakers, while allegedly revealing truths about the U.S. and its allies’ criminal operations at home and abroad, have for decades slyly conveyed the message that in the end “we will never know the truth,” the real facts – that convincing evidence is lacking.This refusal to come to conclusions is a sly tactic that keeps many careers safe while besmirching, intentionally or not, the names of serious researchers who reach conclusions based on overwhelming circumstantial evidence (the basis for most murder convictions) and detailed, sourced facts, often using the words of the guilty parties themselves, but are dismissed with the CIA weaponized term “conspiracy theorists.”This often escapes the average person who does not read footnotes and sources, if they even read books. They read screens and the mainstream media, which should now be understood to include much of the “alternative” media. And they watch all sorts of films.But this “we will never know” meme, this false mystery, is shrewdly and often implicitly joined to another: That we do know because the official explanation of events is true and only nut cases would believe otherwise. Propaganda by paradox. Operation chaos.The JFK Assassination and the Release of FilesThere are so many examples of this, with that of President Kennedy’s assassination being a foundational one. In this case, as with the current phony Trump release of more JFK assassination files, the ongoing “mystery” is always reinforced with the implicit or explicit presupposition that Lee Harvey Oswald killed Kennedy, but yet implying that there are more mysteries to explore forever because “people” are paranoid.(Trump’s position, as he recently told interviewer Clay Travis, is that he has always believed Oswald assassinated Kennedy, but he wonders if he may have had help.)They are paranoid not because of government and media lies, but because “popular culture” (not highbrow) has created paranoia. To spice this up, there is often the suggestion that President Kennedy was assassinated on the orders of the Mob, LBJ, Cuba, or Israel, when the facts overwhelmingly confirm it was organized and carried out by the CIA. A. O. Scott’s recent front page article in The New York Times in response to the JFK files release – “JFK, Blown Away, What Else Do I Have to Say?” (the title appropriately taken from a very fast-paced Billy Joel song and video) – is a perfect example of such legerdemain.Thus the ruse to keep debating the assassination, get the latest documents, etc. to satisfy “people’s” insatiable paranoia. To pull out CIA fallback stories 2, 3, or even 4 when all else fails. Dr. Martin Schotz, the JFK researcher, rightly compares this to George Orwell’s definition of Crimestop:‘Crimestop’ means the faculty of stopping short, as though by instinct, at the threshold of any dangerous thought. It includes the power of not grasping analogies, of failing to perceive logical errors, or misunderstanding the simplest arguments if they are inimical to [the powers that be]... and of being bored or repelled by any train of thought which is capable of leading in a heretical direction. ‘Crimestop’, in short, means protective stupidity.It’s the crazy people’s fault, not Scott’s or those who back him up at The Times, a newspaper that has been lying about the JFK assassination from day one. The same goes for the assassinations of Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, et al., and so many key events in U.S. history. It is a game of creating mental chaos by claiming we do know because the official explanation is correct but we don’t know because people have been infected with paranoia. If only people were not so paranoid! Unlike us at The Times, goes the implicit message.The Epistemological Games of Certain FilmmakersIt is well known that people today are watching far more streaming film series and movies than they are reading books. That someone would lucubrate with pen in hand over a footnoted book on an important issue is now as rare as someone without a cell phone.The optical-electronic eye-ear screen connection rules most lives, mental and sensory. Marshall McLuhan, if a bit premature while referring in 1962 to Pierre Teilhard de Chardin – the French philosopher, paleontologist, and Jesuit priest – wrote sixty-three years ago in The Gutenberg Galaxy:Instead of tending towards a vast Alexandrian library the world has become a computer, an electronic brain, exactly as an infantile piece of science fiction. And as our senses have gone outside us, Big Brother goes inside. [my emphasis] So, unless aware of this dynamic, we shall at once move into a phase of panic terrors, exactly befitting a small world of tribal drums, total interdependence, and superimposed co-existence.... Terror is the normal state of any oral society, for in it everything affects everything all the time.Four years ago this month, I wrote an article – “You Know We’ll Never Know, Don’t You?” – about a new BBC documentary film series by the acclaimed British filmmaker, Adam Curtis, “Can’t Get You Out of My Head: An Emotional History of the Modern World.”The series is a pastiche film filled with seven plus hours of fleeting, fragmented, and fascinating archived video images from the BBC archives where Curtis has worked for decades, accompanied by Curtis’s skeptical commentary about “a world where anything could be anything because there was no meaning anywhere.” These historical images jump from one seemingly disconnected subject to another to reinforce his point. He says it is “pointless to try to understand the meaning of why things happen.” He claims that we are all living as if we are “on an acid trip.”While not on an acid trip which I have never taken, I was reminded of this recently as I watched a new documentary – Chaos: The Manson Murders (2025) – by the equally famous U.S. documentary filmmaker, Erroll Morris, a film about the CIA’s mind control operation, MKULTRA, and its use of LSD. As everyone knows, the CIA is that way-out hippie organization from Virginia that is always intent on spreading peace, love, and good vibes.While the content of their films differs, Curtis’s wide-ranging and Morris’s focused on Manson and the book by Tom O’Neil, Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties, I was struck by both filmmakers tendency to obfuscate while titillating their audience with footage and information that belies their conclusions about not knowing. In this regard, Curtis is the most overt and extreme.Morris does not use Curtis’s language, but he makes it explicit at Chaos’s end that he doesn’t believe Tom O’Neill’s argument in his well-researched book that Charles Manson was part of a CIA mind-control experiment led by the psychiatrist, Dr. Lewis Jolyon “Jolly” West. West worked in 1967 for the CIA on MKULTRA brainwashing projects in a Haight Ashbury clinic during the summer of love, using LSD and hypnosis, when Manson lived there and was often in the clinic with his followers.On April 26, 1964, West also just “happened” to visit the imprisoned Jack Ruby, the man who killed Lee Harvey Oswald in the Dallas Police Department, and when West emerged from the meeting, he immediately declared that in the preceding 48 hours Ruby had become “positively insane” with no chance that this “unshakeable” and “fixed” lunacy could be reversed. What happened between the two men we do not know – for there were no witnesses – but one might assume West used his hypnotic skills and armamentarium of drugs that were integral to MKULTRA’s methods.MKULTRAMKULTRA was a sinister and secret CIA mind-control project, officially started in 1953 but preceded by Operation Bluebird, which was renamed Operation Artichoke. These operations started right after WW II when U.S. intelligence worked with Nazi doctors to torture Russians and others to reveal secrets. They were brutal. MKULTRA was run by Dr. Sidney Gottlieb and was even worse. He was known as the “Black Sorcerer.” With the formula for LSD, the CIA had an unlimited amount of the drug to use widely, which it did. It figured prominently in MKULTRA mind control experiments along with hypnosis.Tom O’Neill sums it up thus:The agency hoped to produce couriers who could imbed hidden messages in their brains, to implant false memories and remove true ones in people without their awareness, to convert groups to opposing ideologies, and more. The loftiest objective was the creation of hypno-programmed assassins. . . . MKULTRA scientists flouted this code [the Nuremberg Code that emerged from the Nuremberg trials of Nazis] constantly, remorselessly – and in ways that stupefy the imagination. Their work encompassed everything from electronic brain stimulation to sensory deprivation to ‘induced pain’ and ‘psychosis.’ They sought ways to cause heart attacks, severe twitching, and intense cluster headaches. If drugs didn’t do the trick, they’d try master ESP, ultrasonic vibrations, and radiation poisoning. One project tried to harness the power of magnetic fields. [my emphasis]In 1973 during the Watergate scandal, CIA Director William Helms ordered all MKULTRA documents destroyed. Most were, but some were forgotten, and in the next few years, Seymour Hersh reported about it and the Senate Church Committee went further. They discovered records that implicated forty-four universities and colleges in the experiments, eighty institutions, and 185 researchers, Louis West among them. The evil cat and its large litter were out of the bag.MKULTRA allegedly ended in 1973. But only the most naïve would think it did not continue under a different form. In 1964, McLuhan wrote that “the medium is the message.” The new medium that was developed in the decades since has been effectively pointed straight at the brain as you watch the screens. And the message?Tom O’Neill’s Powerful CaseWhile admitting that he has not conclusively proven his thesis because he has never been able to confirm Manson and West being together, O’Neill amasses a tremendous amount of convincing circumstantial evidence in his book that makes his case very strong that they were, and that Manson’s ability to get his followers to kill for him was the result of MKULTRA mind control and the use of LSD, which he used extensively and which was introduced by the CIA and used by West. Both men had an inexhaustible amount of the mind-altering drug to use on their victims.This is the subject of Morris’s film, wherein he interviews O’Neill on camera, who explains the extraordinary fact that Manson was able to mesmerize his followers to kill for him without remorse or shame. They “couldn’t get him out of their heads,” even many years later. This was, of course, the goal of MKULTRA – through the use of brainwashing and drugs – to create “Manchurian Candidates.”This case has much wider ramifications than the sensational 1969 Hollywood murders for which Manson and his followers were convicted; for clearly Manson’s “family” that carried out the murders on his orders appeared in every way to be under hypnotic control. How did a two-bit, ex-con, pipsqueak, minor hanger-on musician learn to accomplish exactly what MKULTRA spent so many years working on?Yet at the end of his film, Morris makes a concluding comment without even a nod to the possibility that O’Neill is correct. He says he doesn’t believe O’Neill. I found it very odd, jarring, as though O’Neill had been set up for this denouement, which I think he had.But at the same time I recognized it as Morris’s method of setting up and then undermining the narrative protagonists in his films that are ostensibly about getting to factual truths but never do; they are stories about how all we ever have are endless interpretations and the unknowable, confounded by human fallibility. Everything is lost in the fog of Morris’s method, which is no accident.Frank OlsonI then found an interview that O’Neill did in 2021 in which he said he pulled out of Morris’s film proposal because Morris wanted to make a film that combined the Frank Olson story (a CIA biologist) with his about Manson.In the interview, O’Neill said he knew Eric Olson, Frank Olson’s son, who has spent a lifetime proving that the CIA murdered his father in 1953, but he didn’t explain why he pulled out of the project. However, he appears extensively throughout Chaos, being interviewed on camera by Morris, only to be undermined at the end. Why he eventually agreed to be part of the project I do not know.I am certain he has seen Wormwood (2017), Morris’s acclaimed (they are all acclaimed) Netflix film series about the biologist/ CIA agent Frank Olson and his son, Eric Olson’s heroic lifelong quest to prove that the CIA murdered his father because he had a crisis of conscience about the agency’s use of torture, brainwashing, LSD, and US biological weapons use in Korea, much of it in association with Nazis.The evidence is overwhelming that Frank Olson did not jump from a NYC hotel window in 1953 but was drugged with LSD to induce hallucinations and paranoia, smashed in the head, and thrown out by the CIA. [Read this and view this] Despite such powerful evidence available to him before making Wormwood, in another example of Morris’s method, he disagrees with Eric Olson’s decades of conclusive research that his father was murdered.ConclusionFilmmakers like Adam Curtis and Erroll Morris are examples of a much larger and dangerous phenomenon. Their emphases on the impossibility of knowing – this seeming void in the human mind, an endless acid trip down a road of kaleidoscopic interpretations – is much larger than them. It is deeply imbedded in today’s society.One of the few areas in which we are said to be able to know anything for certain is in the area of partisan politics. Here knowingness is the rule and the other side is always wrong. Fight, fight, fight for the home team! Here the nostalgia for “knowledge” is encouraged, as if we don’t live in a 24/7 media society of the spectacle where brainwashing is cunning and relentless, and the consuming public is consumed with thoughts and perceptions filtered through electronic media according to the needs and lies of corporate state power.With the arrival of the electronic digital life, “knowledge” is now screening. If you don’t want to confirm McLuhan’s prediction – “as our senses have gone outside us, Big Brother goes inside” – it behooves everyone to step back into the lamplight to read and study books. And take a walk in nature without your machine. You might hear a little bird call to you. Tyler DurdenThu, 04/10/2025 - 22:35