Robert Downey Jr. will sue executives if they recreate him with AI
Robert Downey Jr. is the latest star to make it clear he doesn’t want his likeness recreated by artificial intelligence. On a recent episode of the “On With Kara Swisher” podcast, the actor said he would sue all executives who allow an AI created version of him.
When he talked about his role as Iron Man, Downey Jr. said that while he doesn’t think Marvel executives would ever recreate his portrayal of Tony Stark, he would sue if they tried – even after he dies.
“I am not worried about them hijacking my character’s soul because there’s like three or four guys and gals who make all the decisions there anyway and they would never do that to me, with or without me,” Downey Jr. said.
Swisher added that new executives would likely do it.
“Well, you’re right,” Downey Jr. said. “I would like to here state that I intend to sue all future executives just on spec.”
“You’ll be dead,” Swisher responded.
Downey replied, “But my law firm will still be very active.”
Last year, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists led a strike over the same issue. Those strikes lasted four months.
SAG-AFTRA ultimately signed a deal requiring productions to get the informed consent of actors whose digital replicas are used.
A spokesperson for SAG-AFTRA said Downey Jr. can deny use of any digital replica in movies. This is because of California’s new law prohibiting the unauthorized replication of a dead performer’s likeness without prior consent.
Downey Jr.’s latest project is a broadway production titled “McNeal,” which is about the way AI is disrupting the world of literature and addresses questions about how AI is impacting creativity.
Harris, Trump speak on importance of election with 13 days to go
With less than two weeks until Election Day, Vice President Kamala Harris got some help on the campaign trail from a former president and a famous rapper, while former President Donald Trump targeted a certain voting block. And one of McDonald’s famous burgers has been linked to a deadly E. coli outbreak. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.
Harris, Trump speak on importance of election with 13 days to go
With less than two weeks to go until the next U.S. president is chosen, both candidates are highlighting the importance of this year’s election as they make their final pushes to sway undecided voters on the campaign trail.
During an interview with NBC News on Tuesday, Oct. 22, Vice President Kamala Harris once again addressed how her presidency would be different than that of President Joe Biden.
“Let me be very clear, mine will not be a continuation of the Biden administration,” she said. “I bring my own experiences, my own ideas to it, and it has informed a number of my areas of focus, most of which are on to your point, lowering costs. The voters know it, I know it.”
During the interview, Harris was asked about why she is reluctant to talk about the historic nature of her candidacy. If she were to win, she would become the first female U.S. president.
“Well, I’m clearly a woman, I don’t need to point that out to anyone. The point that most people really care about is, can you do the job, and do you have a plan to actually focus on them?” she said. “My challenge is the challenge of making sure I can talk with and listen to as many voters as possible and earn their vote. And I will never assume that anyone in our country should elect a leader based on their gender or their race. Instead, that that leader needs to earn the vote based on substance and what they will do to address challenges.”
In Detroit, a rally was held in support of the vice president featuring rapper Eminem and former President Barack Obama.
“I also think that people shouldn’t be afraid to express their opinions, and I don’t think anyone wants an America where people are worried about retribution, or what people will do if you make your opinion known,” Eminem told rallygoers. “I think Vice President Harris supports a future for this country where these freedoms and many others will be protected and upheld.”
“We’re not going to play games because we’re going to lose our country, our country is failing,” Trump said. “We don’t know what we’re doing. We’re laughed at all over the world. [Chinese] President Xi [Xinping] thinks we’re stupid. [Russian President Vladimir] Putin thinks we’re stupid. That would have never happened if I were president. Putin would have never ever got into Ukraine.”
Then the former president returned to North Carolina for a rally where he criticized the vice president for not having any campaign events so close to Election Day.
THANK YOU, NORTH CAROLINA! This election is a choice between whether we will have four more years of incompetence, failure, and disaster—or whether we will begin the FOUR GREATEST YEARS in the HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY! pic.twitter.com/JJhJsJcOHk
“You know what she did?” he said. “She took a day off. How do you take a day off 14 days — you don’t take days off, right? I’ve gone 52 days, now, I got 14 more. We don’t take days off we got to win this thing if we don’t win it our country is in big trouble.”
Next up on the campaign trail, Vice President Harris will visit Pennsylvania Wednesday and then on Thursday, Oct. 24, hold a rally in Atlanta alongside Bruce Springsteen. Former President Trump will visit Georgia Wednesday and will record an interview on Joe Rogan’s podcast on Friday, Oct. 25.
The Georgia Supreme Court said it will not step in to reinstate Republican-backed new election rules ahead of Election Day. Seven of the rules, put in place by the State Election Board after the 2020 election, were declared “illegal, unconstitutional, and void,” by a lower-level judge last week.
On Tuesday, Georgia’s supreme court rejected the Republican-led effort to put the rules, which include one requiring ballots be hand-counted and two related to certifying results, back in place and declined to consider an expedited appeal.
Israel says it killed man next in line to lead Hezbollah
Israel said it has killed the man who was next in line to take over as the leader of the militant group Hezbollah. Israeli officials say an air strike in Beiruit, Lebanon killed Hashem Safieddine a few weeks ago, along with other commanders of the Iran-backed militant group.
Hezbollah has not confirmed Israel’s claim that Safeiddine is dead.
🔴 Hashem Safieddine, Head of the Hezbollah Executive Council and Ali Hussein Hazima, Commander of Hezbollah’s Intelligence Headquarters, were eliminated during a strike on Hezbollah’s main intelligence HQ in Dahieh approx. 3 weeks ago.
This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in the Middle East looking to broker a cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas in the wake of the the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and bring more humanitarian aid to Gaza.
On Tuesday, Oct. 22, Israeli leaders told Blinken it’s not Israel’s policy to isolate northern Gaza, despite recent United Nations claims that Israeli authorities have denied efforts to bring more aid to the area, according to an NBC News report.
In a letter this month, Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin gave Israel 30 days to increase basic humanitarian aid to Gaza or risk restrictions on U.S. military assistance, as required under U.S. law. Israeli officials said they have taken actions in response to the letter, and while Blinken acknowledged progress has been made, he said it is not sufficient.
McDonald’s Quarter Pounders linked to multi-state E. coli outbreak
The CDC has issued a safety alert over a McDonald’s staple: the fast-food chain’s iconic Quarter Pounder. Health officials say McDonald’s Quarter Pounders have been linked to E. coli outbreaks in at least ten states.
E. COLI OUTBREAK: CDC is investigating 49 illnesses in 10 states linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers. If you ate a Quarter Pounder hamburger from McDonald’s and have severe symptoms of E. coli, contact your healthcare provider. https://t.co/g87itkupCQpic.twitter.com/gHzUKCnTi9
The CDC says, so far, it appears the onions used as a topping on the burgers are the likeliest source of the outbreak. McDonald’s has now stopped using the onions and is not serving the Quarter Pounder in affected states.
In a statement, the company said it believes the onions came from a single supplier.
Denny’s closing 150 restaurants, including 50 by end of 2024
It seems Denny’s hasn’t been such a grand slam for Americans lately. The diner chain, known for its Grand Slam breakfast, is closing 150 of its restaurants.
Denny’s, which has been in business for more than 70 years, says the focus is on closing locations that are too old to remodel, as well as some in unprofitable areas. It has not yet specified which locations are shutting down.
FAA finalizes rule for electric air taxis to enter service
We might soon be riding around in flying vehicles called electric air taxis after the Federal Aviation Administration released what its say is the “final piece of the puzzle.”
An extraordinary moment for aviation! Our rule for training and certificating pilots to fly powered lift is the final piece of the puzzle to get these revolutionary aircraft flying safely in our skies. https://t.co/96Q7TQZfkMpic.twitter.com/7RvSqbdGT8
The FAA issued its new rules Tuesday regarding the planes — 880 pages of special regulations including training protocols for pilots and operational requirements for the half-airplane, half-helicopter air taxis. The planes act like a helicopter during takeoff then change modes to be more like an airplane during flight, before switching back for the landing.
The FAA calls it the introduction to “a new category of aircraft.” The first electric air taxi could be operational by sometime next year.
Boeing boosts offer to 35% raises as it loses $1 billion per month in strike
The end of the Boeing strike may be in sight. After more than a month on the picket lines, union members will vote on Boeing’s latest contract offer this Wednesday, Oct. 23.
It will be the first official vote since the vote to strike, but union members from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers District 751 have technically twice rejected what Boeing has put on the table.
“With the help of Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su, we have received a negotiated proposal and resolution to end the strike, and it warrants presenting to the members and is worthy of your consideration…The future of this contract is in your hands,” the union negotiating team said.
Thirty-three thousand machinists walked off the job on Sept. 13 after the company offered 25% raises over four years and other compensation shortcomings. The latest offer brings salaries up 35% over the life of the contract, much closer to the union’s 40% ask.
In October, Straight Arrow News spoke with aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia about what significant wage increases would cost the company.
“You look at the role of what we call touch labor in the manufacturing process: it’s maybe 5-6% of the cost of an aircraft. And not only that, but there are various inflationary pass-through provisions in sales contracts,” Aboulafia said. “So even if they did boost wages by 40% or so, this wouldn’t really show up in terms of commercial competitiveness.
“The only possible sticking point is if Boeing absolutely doesn’t want to provide a structured pension program and the workers insist upon it,” he continued. “That’s about the only thing I could think of that would prevent two sincere parties from reaching a relatively quick agreement.”
Machinists lost pensions a decade ago and despite worker demands, the company is not keen to bring them back. The offer on the table does not include a pension but does strengthen the company’s 401(k) plan.
If signed, the company will make a one-time $5,000 deposit into every striking employee’s 401(k) account. In addition, the company will provide an automatic 4% contribution and a 100% company match up to 8% of pay.
Two days before the latest negotiated offer became public, leadership expert Gautam Mukunda predicted a similar result in an interview with SAN.
“Defined benefit pensions are going away,” Mukunda said. “There just aren’t that many of them left. I suspect that is a negotiating thing where if Boeing comes back and says, ‘We can’t give you that, it’s just not practical, no one gives that anymore; but we’ll give you 35% and we’ll give you a voice in governance,’ which they haven’t offered yet, that’s a very different conversation.”
Boeing hopes this latest offer, which does not include governance power, will get machinists back to work.
The company is bleeding out $1 billion for every month machinists are on strike. Boeing also announced furloughs of non-striking employees, a 10% layoff round in the coming months, and is now exploring asset sales to shore up finances.
“It’s time to announce a strategy,” Mukunda said. “They’ve announced layoffs, 10% layoffs, but we don’t know what the guiding principle is here. We don’t know what they’re trying to do. Are they going to get rid of their space efforts, which have been floundering, to put it mildly in the ISS, and go all in on commercial? Are they going to continue to think about defense, where again, they’ve been struggling?
“I don’t know what Boeing’s strategy is, and if I don’t, the markets don’t either. So it’s probably time for them to say and to make a really clear picture of what that is,” he concluded.
The Wall Street Journal reported the company reached a deal to sell off a small defense subsidiary that makes surveillance equipment but has failed to offload a rocket joint venture with Lockheed Martin.
For a broader look at Boeing’s troubles, click here for an in-depth discussion with Mukunda.
It’s time for Boeing CEO to go straight to union leadership: Expert
Boeing was in tremendous trouble long before the machinist strike, which is in its second month and costing the company $1 billion per month. Since the strike started, things have gone from bad to worse, and it’s not all strike related.
On Friday, Oct. 18, the Federal Aviation Administration opened a new safety review into Boeing as part of its “aggressive oversight to ensure Boeing has the right tools to sustain lasting changes to its safety culture.” The announcement comes after the Transportation Department criticized the FAA’s oversight of the company.
And while Boeing is bleeding cash from the strike, the company secured a $10 billion credit line from banks and told the Securities and Exchange Commission it is considering raising more funds through a stock sale. The company’s credit rating is at risk of becoming “junk.”
But Boeing and its employees, many of whom are facing furloughs or layoffs, aren’t the only ones cut deep from the absence of 33,000 machinists. On Friday, the downstream effect of the strike became clear when Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems announced it would furlough 700 workers for 21 days as the strike eats into its cash and inventory space.
He should meet with the union leaders directly.
Gautam Mukunda on Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg is only about two months into the job and inherited most of Boeing’s troubles. But the strike negotiations since he took the reins have backfired and further driven a wedge between the company and its workers.
“It’s fair to say, I’m concerned. I don’t think this is Ortberg so much as Boeing operating the way that it has always operated for the last generation or so, but it may be time for him to step in,” said Gautam Mukunda, leadership expert and author of “Indispensable: When Leaders Really Matter.”
“Things are not going better so far for them, and that’s tough,” he said. “Ortberg [has] the opportunity to change the culture. That doesn’t mean that he will. It just means that he could, if he wanted to, and that’s going to be a multi-year process, and this will be the first step.”
While he says it is not typical for CEOs to take center stage in labor negotiations – “He’s got plenty of things that he’s got to manage, including Boeing’s horrific legal difficulties, which they’re still going through” – this might be an instance where that would be beneficial.
“He should meet with the union leaders directly,” Mukunda said. “It’s time for him to go past the negotiators and say, ‘I’m the CEO of Boeing but I’m new, right? I wasn’t here. All the awful things that my predecessors did to you, I didn’t do them. Give me a chance, and we’re going to make this happen.’ Even if that doesn’t resolve the strike immediately, it will at least indicate the seriousness and start to repair the cultural damage.”
But that’s just step one, Mukunda said. For what Ortberg needs to do next, watch the full interview in the video above.
Harris, Trump field questions during town halls as Election Day nears
With less than three weeks until the presidential election, the candidates are blitzing battleground states and the airwaves with town halls. And in a possible blow to small businesses hoping to rebuild after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, one federal agency is running out of money. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Wednesday, Oct. 16, 2024.
Harris, Trump field questions during town halls as Election Day nears
With less than three weeks to go until Election Day, the candidates fielded questions on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in two different town hall settings.
Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris took part in a town hall in Detroit hosted by radio personality Charlamagne tha God as she looks to reach Black voters. During the town hall, the vice president said she believes slavery reparations should be studied.
Harris said while she is running for “president for everyone” she is “clear-eyed about the history and the disparities that exist for specific communities.”
The vice president also urged Black Americans not to sit out on Election Day.
Vice President Harris: Ask Donald Trump what his plan is for Black America. I'll tell you what it is. Project 2025 wants to implement stop-and-frisk. It wants to make it more difficult for workers to receive overtime pay. He wants to terminate the Constitution, which includes… pic.twitter.com/ZAQNgRkRyq
“The solutions that we all want are not going to happen in totality because of one election but here’s the thing: the things that we want and are prepared to fight for won’t happen if we’re not active and if we don’t participate,” she said. “We cannot allow circumstances to take us out the game because then basically what we’re saying is all those people who are obstructionist, who are standing in the way of change, they’re winning because they are convincing people that it can’t be done so take yourself out, don’t participate. Look at that circle, look at that vicious circle, then so let’s not fall for it.”
Meanwhile, Republican nominee former President Donald Trump participated in a Fox News town hall in Georgia moderated by host Harris Faulkner.
The town hall had an all-female audience, with the women posing questions to Trump on issues such as the economy, immigration, and abortion. According to reports of the event, which will air later Wednesday, Oct. 16 on Fox News, Trump said some states are “too tough” when it comes to restrictions on abortion and those laws “are going to be redone.”
“The African American community and the Hispanic community are being devastated with the jobs, the numbers are down 6, 7, 8, 9%. They are going to work, and they’re saying, ‘I’m sorry, we’re not going to take you any more.’ People that have worked there and worked there well for years are now being told that they no longer have a job because they have illegal immigrants coming in and taking their job,” Trump said. “Any African American or Hispanic, and you know how well I’m doing there, that votes for Kamala, you got to have your head examined, because they are really screwing you.”
Early voting begins in Georgia with record turnout
Early voting has begun in the battleground state of Georgia and it’s already seeing a record turnout. Voting for the Nov. 5 presidential election started Tuesday and by the late afternoon, at least 252,000 voters had already cast ballots at early voting sites.
That’s nearly double the 136,000 who voted on the first day of early voting in the 2020 election, according to a top Georgia election official.
Also Tuesday, a judge blocked a new rule requiring Georgia Election Day ballots to be counted by hand after the close of voting. That ruling came just a day after the same judge ruled county election officials must certify election results by the deadline set in law.
Small Business Administration runs out of disaster relief funding
The Small Business administration has run out of funding for its disaster assistance loans right after the one-two punch of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. That means much-needed financial assistance will be delayed for people applying for help right now.
After a disaster, the SBA provides loans to businesses and people who need them. The organization had warned it expected to run out of money by the end of the month.
Congress can approve more funding, but lawmakers are not set to reconvene until Nov. 12. The SBA administrator said in the meantime, people that need them should keep applying for the loans.
HURRICANE #MILTON SURVIVORS: Business owners and residents in declared disaster areas can now apply for SBA assistance.
Israel strikes Beirut despite U.S. opposition; vows to avoid nuclear sites in Iran
At least one Israeli air strike rocked a Beirut, Lebanon suburb early Wednesday morning, killing at least 15 people according to the Associated Press. The strike came just hours after a State Department spokesperson said the U.S. told its key ally it opposed the bombing campaign there in recent weeks.
On Tuesday, the United Nations’ Human Rights Office called for an investigation into an Israeli air strike that happened on Monday which killed at least 21 people in northern Lebanon, saying it posed “real concerns” because it may have violated international laws governing war.
This comes as a Biden administration official said Israel has assured the U.S. it will not hit nuclear or oil sites when it retaliates against Iran for its missile barrage earlier this month.
However, that does not mean Israel will keep its word. In the past, the country’s track record of sticking to what it tells the U.S. has been mixed.
Just last month, U.S. officials were told by their Israeli counterparts Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would welcome a U.S.- and French-led temporary cease-fire initiative in Lebanon, only for Israel to launch a massive airstrike that killed a Hezbollah leader two days later.
Johnson & Johnson ordered to pay $15M in baby powder cancer case
A jury has ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay $15 million to a Connecticut man who says he developed a rare form of cancer after using the company’s baby powder for decades. The man says he contracted mesothelioma from inhaling the talc powder.
The jury also said Johnson & Johnson should pay additional punitive damages, which will be determined later by the judge overseeing the case.
After the ruling, Johnson & Johnson’s vice president of litigation said the company will be appealing the decision, saying “erroneous” rulings by the judge kept the jury from hearing critical facts about the case.
Tom Brady approved to become minority owner of Raiders
Tom Brady has been called many names: the GOAT, Super Bowl champion, and NFL commentator, to name a few. Now, he can add team owner to that list.
On Tuesday, NFL team owners voted to approve Brady’s purchase of a minority stake in the Las Vegas Raiders. The former NFL quarterback said in a statement he is eager to contribute to the Raiders organization in any way.
Because of his new title, Brady faces some restrictions in his other role as a Fox broadcaster, including being barred from weekly production meetings with the players and coaches in the games he will cover.
Boeing lays off 10% of workforce as strike enters fifth week
A month into the strike of 33,000 Boeing machinists with no end in sight, Boeing’s issues are piling on. Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg announced Friday, Oct. 11, the company will lay off 17,000 employees, which accounts for roughly 10% of its staff.
“Our business is in a difficult position, and it is hard to overstate the challenges we face together,” Ortberg wrote in a memo. “Beyond navigating our current environment, restoring our company requires tough decisions and we will have to make structural changes to ensure we can stay competitive and deliver for our customers over the long term.”
Ortberg, who took over the position in August, said the layoffs will include executives, managers and employees. He added the layoffs will take effect in the coming months.
On the same day, Boeing announced preliminary results for the third quarter of 2024. Those preliminary estimates included write-downs of $2.6 billion due to the delay of the 777x, $400 million on the 767, and $2 billion related to defense and space programs.
Boeing explored the option of raising $10 billion by selling new stock to make up for the losses, according to a Bloomberg report earlier this month. It’s not expected Boeing would make a move until the strike is resolved.
Analysis from S&P has further bad news for the company, saying that the ongoing strike could cost Boeing more than $1 billion per month. Jon Holden, the chief union negotiator for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, said the workers are in it for the “long haul.“
Meanwhile, Boeing continues to face regulatory scrutiny from the Federal Aviation Administration after a panel blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight in January. At the same time, relatives of the 346 people who died in the 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 asked a federal judge on Friday to throw out a proposed settlement from the company.
Boeing would pay a fine of up to $487.2 million as part of the proposal, but it would be cut in half with credit from a 2021 $2.5 billion settlement that allowed the company to avoid prosecution, which the Justice Department has since said it violated.
At least 15 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
The death toll from Hurricane Milton rises as millions are left without power in the storm’s aftermath. And one person is killed and 12 others rescued after a disaster during a tour of a Colorado mine. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Friday, Oct. 11, 2024.
At least 8 dead, 2.6 million without power after Hurricane Milton
At least 15 people are dead (that number has risen since Unbiased Updates was recorded Friday morning, Oct. 11), and 2.6 million homes and businesses remain without power as Florida begins to pick up the pieces after Hurricane Milton roared across the state. It was the second devastating storm to batter the Sunshine State in less than two weeks.
Now a post-tropical cyclone, Milton is expected to continue to weaken over the next few days.
While Milton made landfall on Florida’s west coast near Sarasota, most of the deaths reported have been in the eastern part of the state, where dozens of tornadoes have been reported. While the storm did not prove to be the worst-case scenario, rescuers have been very busy pulling and dragging hundreds of people from flooded areas to safety.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Joe Biden have both said in this case, warnings came early and often, spurring tens of thousands of people to evacuate and saving countless lives.
Still, the cleanup and recovery processes are expected to take weeks, if not months — especially in the areas that were also hit by Hurricane Helene just 13 days before Milton barreled in.
1 dead, 12 rescued after elevator malfunction at Colorado gold mine
In Colorado, 12 people are now safe after getting trapped at the bottom of a gold mine for six hours Thursday, Oct. 10. One person died after the elevator at the Mollie Kathleen Mine, a popular tourist attraction, experienced a mechanical problem 500 feet below the earth’s surface.
The 12 adults had access to water and were able to communicate with authorities via radio while trapped. As that group was stuck, rescuers were able to get to 11 other people who were riding the elevator and get them to safety.
The local sheriff said it is not yet known what caused the malfunction. An investigation is underway.
The incident happened during the final week of Mollie Kathleen Gold Mine‘s tourist season before it shuts down for the winter.
Chemical leak at Houston oil refinery kills 2, injures dozens more
Two people are dead and 35 more are injured after a chemical leak involving hydrogen sulfide, a potentially toxic gas, at an oil refinery in Deer Park, Texas — near Houston. Officials said a group was working on a flange Thursday when some kind of accident happened, and gas started leaking.
Emergency officials urged residents in the area to shelter in place after the incident, but this morning, that’s since been lifted after air monitoring showed no signs hazardous chemicals had gotten into the air.
Trump talks economic plan in Detroit; Obama rallies for Harris in PA
With just 25 days until Americans head to the polls, voters in two battleground states heard from two former presidents on Thursday. Republican nominee former President Donald Trump spoke to supporters in Detroit, Michigan while former President Barack Obama – stumped for Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
While delivering his economic address to the Detroit Economic Club, Trump spoke about his goal to revive the auto industry and bring a “rebirth” to Detroit. He then turned to international companies and his plan for them to open facilities in America.
“So, here is the deal that I will be offering to the world to companies outside of our world — big companies, powerful companies that have become powerful because we were stupid, we were stupid, we allowed them to come and raid and rape our country,” Trump said. “That’s what they did. ‘Oh, he used the word rape.’ That’s right, I used the word. They raped our country. The United States will give you the lowest taxes, the lowest energy cost, we have more liquid gold under our feet than any other country in the world and it’s the best…But only if you make your products here in America. In other words, you get all of these assets, but you have to make your product here in America and you have to hire American workers.”
“Kamala is as prepared for the job as any nominee for president has ever been,” Obama said. “That’s who Kamala is.”
He added, “I’m sorry gentlemen; I’ve noticed this especially with some men who seem to think Trump’s behavior of bullying and of putting people down is a sign of strength. I am here to tell you, that is not what real strength is. Real strength is about working hard and carrying a heavy load without complaining and telling the truth even when it’s inconvenient. Real strength is about helping people who need it and standing up for those who can’t always stand up for themselves. That is what we should want for our daughters and for our sons and that is what I want to see in a president for the United States of America.”
Hezbollah official escapes during deadly Israeli strikes in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities say Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah in Beirut killed 22 people and injured 117 others. Sources told Reuters a senior Hezbollah official, targeted by Israeli forces during the Thursday night strikes, was able to survive.
Israel has not commented on the attack.
The United Nations said its personnel is facing increasing danger in Lebanon as two U.N. peacekeepers were injured after an Israeli tank fired at a watchtower at its main headquarters in the southern portion of the country. Israel issued a statement on that incident, saying its military operated “next to” the U.N.’s base and had instructed U.N. officials to remain in protected spaces before its troops opened fire.
Hezbollah operates from within and near civilian areas in southern Lebanon, including areas near @UNIFIL_ posts.
The IDF is operating in southern Lebanon and maintains routine communication with UNIFIL.
IDF troops operated in the area of Naqoura, next to a UNIFIL base.…
The peacekeepers were said to be in good condition after being treated for their injuries.
Sports leagues come together to combat hate in America
In a sign of true sportsmanship, eight American sports leagues have come together to back a new campaign targeting hate in the U.S. It is an idea from New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his foundation to combat antisemitism.
The initiative brought together the heads of the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHK, NASCAR and others to come up with plans to curb hate of any kind in the country. The sports leaders are spending $50 million to get the word out.
The campaign, titled “Timeout Against Hate,” launched during Thursday night football on Oct. 10, with a commercial featuring legendary figures and current-day athletes from all sports speaking out against hate.
Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s already hard-hit west coast
Hurricane Milton, which strengthened to a Category 5 storm, spins closer to southwest Florida. And it’ll cost you a little more for a chance at the big Mega Millions jackpot. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024.
Hurricane Milton barrels toward Florida’s already hard-hit west coast
Still reeling from Hurricane Helene, Florida’s west coast is hunkering down once again as Hurricane Milton barrels that way. As of early Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, it was a Category 4 storm.
The storm intensified to a major Category 5 hurricane Monday before being downgraded. Still, it threatens to bring torrential rain to already-soaked and flooded parts of the Sunshine State.
The National Hurricane Center said people on Florida’s west coast should expect “devastating hurricane force winds” and life-threatening storm surges. Some predictions call for 15 feet of storm surge.
Evacuations have already been ordered in some parts of the state, including the Tampa Bay area. Residents in some areas have been told first responders are not expected to risk their lives to try to save those who do evacuate in time.
Less than 24 hours after the world marked one year of war in the Middle East, Israel exchanged deadly strikes with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Hezbollah has been striking Israel since its war with Hamas began as a show of solidarity for the other Iran-backed militant group, but the deadly violence has escalated significantly in recent weeks, with the killings of top Hezbollah leaders.
Trump, Harris commemorate anniversary of Oct. 7 terror attacks
As the 2024 presidential campaign heads into the final four weeks, both candidates marked the anniversary of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks in Israel.
On Monday morning, Republican nominee former President Donald Trump visited the New York gravesite of a renowned rabbi in the Orthodox Judaism community, leaving a stone atop the headstone, a traditional Jewish custom.
Trump later held a remembrance ceremony at his golf club in Miami, which included Jewish community leaders, Holocaust survivors and Republican lawmakers.
“October 7 was not just the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust, it was not just the worst terror attack since 9/11, it was an attack on humanity itself,” Trump said. “It was a hideous, incredible cruelty. It was chilling savagery. It was a demonic delight and the destruction of innocent life. On October 7, it seemed as if the gates of hell had sprung open and unleashed their horrors onto the world. And that’s exactly what happened.”
Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff helped plant a pomegranate tree outside the VP’s residence in Washington, D.C., dedicating it to the 1,200 people killed a year ago in Israel — including 46 Americans.
https://twitter.com/VP/status/1843457053966193110
“So, in this moment, on the one-year commemoration of October 7, what is asked of us?” Harris said. “What is asked of us? First and foremost, I believe that we must never forget. I will never forget October 7 and the world must never forget. What is asked of us? We must work to ensure nothing like the horrors of October 7 can never happen again. And on this solemn day, I will restate my pledge to always ensure that Israel has what it needs to defend itself, and that I will always work to ensure the safety and security of the Jewish people here and around the world.”
Later Tuesday, Vice President Harris will continue her media blitz with stops at “The View,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “The Howard Stern Show.” On Wednesday, former President Trump is scheduled to hold two rallies in the battleground state of Pennsylvania.
Mexican mayor killed less than a week after taking office
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to present her strategy to confront the country’s security problems Tuesday. The country’s first woman president — inaugurated less than a week ago — is reportedly going to present a plan that will highlight law and order amid the growing violence linked to drug cartels and organized crime.
Arcos is the latest politician to be murdered in the country, with 37 candidates assassinated leading up to Mexico’s most recent elections this past June.
Google ordered to open app store after anti-trust ruling
The ruling comes in the wake of a jury verdict last year in favor of Fortnite game maker Epic Games, which found Google was illegally blocking competition.
Mega Millions raising ticket prices, improving odds to win
If you play the lottery, get ready to shell out more money for a chance at that mega jackpot. Mega Millions announced some big changes to its lottery game — including an increase in ticket prices.
Starting in April, tickets will cost $5 per play, more than double the current price of $2. It’ll be the game’s second price increase since 2002.
Mega Millions said this is all part of its “mega” overhaul, which will see improved odds of winning the jackpot and bigger jackpots more often.
Since launching more than 20 years ago, Mega Millions — which is played in 45 states, Washington, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands — has seen six $1 billion winners.
Boeing strike strategy ‘baffles’ top aviation analyst. Where do talks go next?
Boeing and machinists are back at the negotiating table the morning of Monday, Oct. 7, after more than a week of stalemate. The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers said Boeing’s last offer disrespected the entire union after the company released the terms to the public before the union had responded.
Even then, 80% of machinists rejected the offer that included 30% raises and doubling the ratification bonus to $6,000.
IAM said Monday’s meeting is another critical opportunity to push for the priorities of their membership. At the same time, Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg, told employees getting to a resolution is a priority.
“I thought the arrival of new management with a lot of experience and understanding in the industry would make things different, but that doesn’t appear to be the case at all, I’m afraid,” aviation analyst Richard Aboulafia said of Boeing’s handling of the prolonged strike.
It’s possible [Kelly Ortberg] was blindsided by the institutional, confrontational approach that Boeing management has taken, maybe even the board.
Richard Aboulafia, Managing Director, AeroDynamic Advisory
Non-striking employees are also taking hits. Tens of thousands are facing rolling furloughs as Boeing bleeds cash from the strike and lack of production.
The 737 MAX is a big revenue driver for the company. Deliveries are already behind schedule, and the strike is halting all progress. Last week, Bloomberg reported the company is considering raising $10 billion in a stock sale to plug the hole.
Now in its fourth week, both sides of the strike are meeting to discuss key sticking points in the presence of federal mediators. One such issue is the union’s desire to bring back pensions, which workers lost a decade ago.
“The only possible sticking point is if Boeing absolutely doesn’t want to provide a structured pension program and the workers insist upon it, that’s about the only thing I could think of that would prevent two sincere parties from reaching a relatively quick agreement,” Aboulafia said.
Workers in other industries have previously tried to revive lost pension programs without success. Aboulafia said he does not believe Boeing would cave to worker demands on this issue.
“On the other hand, if you really do believe, as I hope Boeing management would, that there is a pretty strong long-term future for this industry without maybe some of the crazy cycles we’ve seen in the past, and you also believe that good labor relations and talent retention are a strategic priority, you might even regard a structured pension program as a form of competitive enhancement for the company, but that would require a big leap of faith, if you will,” Aboulafia said.
For more on how much longer Boeing can withstand the strike and Boeing’s ‘baffling’ negotiation mistakes, watch Straight Arrow News’ interview with Richard Aboulafia in the video above.
One year since Hamas attacks on Israel sparked war
One year later, people around the world are marking the anniversary of Hamas’ terror attack on Israel that sparked the ongoing war in the Middle East. And Florida is once again on high alert as another hurricane barrels toward the Sunshine State. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, Oct. 7, 2024.
One year since Hamas attacks on Israel started war
It’s now been one year since Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing roughly 1,200 people, taking 250 others hostage and setting off a war in the Middle East that shows no signs of stopping.
In what appears to be a major new offensive, the Israeli military said it struck Hamas targets across Gaza Sunday night, Oct. 6, after issuing evacuation warnings for much of the north. Meanwhile, Hamas fired a barrage of rockets at Tel Aviv, as leaders of the militant group celebrated one year of war, saying they sent Israel back to “square one, and it is now living an existential war.” They also called for Palestinians to escalate their resistance.
Israel also carried out heavy strikes on Beirut and sent more troops into Lebanon as part of its ground invasion targeting Hezbollah. The terror organization has been attacking Israel in a show of solidarity since Hamas started the war last year.
Both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran, which denies having anything to do with last October’s attacks. However, Iran marked the first anniversary by praising the attacks.
Many more people marked the day in a more somber way. Family members of the more than 350 people killed at Israel’s Nova music festival gathered at the site to hold a memorial.
Protests were also held across the globe as millions call for an end to the war. Many protesters are focusing on the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza, who have seen the brunt of the impacts of this war.
Since last year, Palestinian health officials say more than 41,800 people have been killed in Gaza, including more than 16,000 children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated numerous times that Israel will not stop until Hamas has been wiped out.
Harris interview to air on ’60 Minutes;’ Trump to appear on Fox News
The 2024 presidential candidates are making their presence known this week with just 29 days to go until Election Day.
Vice President Kamala Harris is on a media tour that began on Sunday, Oct. 6, with the Democratic nominee appearing as a guest on Alex Cooper’s podcast “Call Her Daddy.” Tuesday, Oct. 8, she will make stops at “The View,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and “The Howard Stern Show.”
Monday night, Oct. 7, “60 Minutes” will air its election special that includes a pre-recorded interview with the vice president. CBS News released a preview of the interview, showing the moment when reporter Bill Whitaker asked Harris about the United States’ relationship with Israel.
“When we think about the threat Hamas, Hezbollah presents, Iran, I think it is without question our imperative to do what we can to allow Israel to defend itself against those kinds of attacks,” she said. “Now the work that we do diplomatically with the leadership of Israel is an ongoing pursuit around making clear our principles which include the need for humanitarian aid, the need for this war to end, the need for a deal to be done which would release the hostages and create a cease-fire and we’re not going to stop in terms of putting that pressure on Israel and in the region including Arab leaders.”
“The hospital was great, and I didn’t realize this, I never knew they did — when a president goes to an area, they close the hospital entirely,” he said. “It’s ready for exactly this. I didn’t know they did that, but they did. So, the hospital, I got there, the doctors were outside, the nurse and no people. They literally close it and almost like they expect this. It’s a genius thing, but who would ever think that. And I was so impressed.”
Over the weekend, Trump returned to Butler for the first time since the shooting, holding a rally with his running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Tesla CEO Elon Musk.
Monday, Trump is scheduled to hold an Oct. 7 remembrance ceremony at his golf club in Miami. Meanwhile Vice President Harris is set to deliver remarks and plant a tree at the vice presidential residence in Washington, D.C. to mark the anniversary.
Florida braces for Hurricane Milton on the heels of Helene
Less than two weeks after Hurricane Helene blasted parts of Florida, another severe big storm is on the way. Tropical Storm Milton intensified in the Gulf of Mexico Monday morning to a Category 2 hurricane, with forecasters predicting it could make landfall on Florida’s west coast on Wednesday, Oct. 9.
Residents have begun preparing for Milton, which reports say could reach Category 4 strength before making landfall in the Tampa Bay area as a Category 3.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has warned of high storm surge and more power outages, and that locations already struck by Helene will possibly be affected by Milton. Helene killed more than 200 people across six states.
Gov. DeSantis warned people who live on the west coast of Florida to be prepared to evacuate ahead of Hurricane Milton. In fact, some evacuation orders are already in effect for people who live in manufactured homes or on their boats along the Sun Coast.
Supreme Court to hear cases on guns, porn, transgender rights
A new U.S. Supreme Court term begins Monday, with the justices returning to the bench from their summer break to decide on dozens of cases, including those involving guns, the adult entertainment industry and transgender issues.
On Tuesday, the court will hear arguments on a case concerning the regulation of ghost guns. Manufacturers and gun rights groups argue the Biden administration overstepped its authority to require background checks on these types of firearm kits.
Frontier Airlines plane catches fire while landing in Las Vegas
Scary moments were caught on video as a Frontier Airlines plane caught fire while landing at a Las Vegas airport over the weekend. The airline released a statement saying the pilots detected smoke while the plane was in the process of landing Saturday, Oct. 5.
Frontier said all 190 passengers and seven crew members on board were evacuated and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
LeBron James joins son Bronny on NBA court for the first time
Though it was a preseason game, it was still another accomplishment for the elder James, who at age 39 is entering his 22nd NBA season. LeBron James will likely make more NBA history when he joins his son on the court during the regular season.
Adding to the special moment, Sunday was also Bronny’s 20th birthday.