He then told the audience: "The beginning of my speech was edited, cut out. I didn't know about it." He went on to read the original script, referring to Trump's "lies" among other things, after finding it on his phone. The Gotham Awards kicked off this year's film awards season, and De Niro was introducing an honour for Killers of the Flower Moon, in which he appeared. Seeming to struggle with the autocue, he said: "I'm going to go back, I'm sorry. There was a mistake in this. I'll keep going. Just keep scrolling. Can we go back? Sorry." After a film clip was played, he told the crowd that part of his speech had been cut and turned to his phone to read it instead. "History isn't history any more," he said. "Truth is not truth. Even facts are being replaced by alternative facts and driven by conspiracy theories and ugliness." He referred to students in Florida being told slaves developed skills "for their personal benefit", and said the entertainment industry "isn't immune to this festering disease". He singled out actor John Wayne, quoting 1971 remarks about Native Americans in which he said: "I don't feel we did wrong taking this great country away from them." De Niro continued: "Lying has become just another tool in the charlatan's arsenal. The former president lied to us more than 30,000 times during his four years in office, and he's keeping up the pace in his current campaign of retribution. "But with all his lies, he can't hide his soul. He attacks the weak, destroys the gifts of nature and shows disrespect, for example, by using Pocahontas as a slur," referencing the former president's nickname for Senator Elizabeth Warren. "This is where I came in and I saw that they edited all that." De Niro, who has been vocal in his criticism of Trump in the past, then said he was supposed to thank the Gotham Awards and Apple, which made Killers of the Flower Moon. "But I don't feel like thanking them at all for what they did. How dare they do that actually?"

President Xi Jinping is intensifying efforts to rejuvenate China's economy, with a special focus on the private sector. The People's Bank of China (PBOC) is central to this strategy, providing liquidity to the struggling property market and spearheading broader reforms. These reforms include 25 new measures to bolster the private sector, impacting industries from technology to real estate. A key aspect of these reforms is the expansion of the corporate bond market, making it more accessible to smaller private companies. This expansion includes innovative financial tools like green bonds and asset-backed securities. Additionally, plans are underway to develop a high-yield bond market, specifically targeting tech-oriented SMEs, aiming to diversify financing options and attract international investors. However, the effectiveness of these reforms largely depends on their implementation. Despite the promising outlook, investor confidence remains tentative due to past discrepancies between policy announcements and their execution. The success of these initiatives will be crucial in reversing the massive capital flight and restoring global confidence in China's economic policies.

A new terminal for Eurostar passengers is set to open at Amsterdam’s main rail station in 2025.

Interestingly, it's also where shoplifting has been effectively decriminalized, becoming quite prevalent. Consequently, numerous stores have resorted to securing their goods in locked cabinets to deter theft. In the photograph we see, every product in this store is under lock and key. with the exception, of sunblock and sun protection creams. California is not considered a racist place. Or so it seems.

Microsoft initially perceived Altman's departure from OpenAI as an opportunity, announcing his potential involvement with their own operations. However, with Altman's reinstatement at OpenAI, Microsoft's stance has shifted, with CEO Satya Nadella expressing optimism about the developments at OpenAI. Nadella views the board changes as a critical step towards establishing a more stable and effective governance structure at OpenAI. This leadership shuffle at OpenAI places Microsoft in a delicate position. As a major shareholder and partner, Microsoft's support for Altman during the transition was crucial. Nonetheless, this episode has highlighted Microsoft's limited control over OpenAI's internal decisions, despite their significant investment and collaboration. The future governance of OpenAI is now a crucial aspect to monitor. While there's an element of risk due to Microsoft's reliance on and entanglement with OpenAI, the overall situation appears to be moving towards a favorable resolution. If Microsoft secures a board seat at OpenAI, it could enhance their influence and involvement, potentially leading to more integrated and beneficial collaborations between the two tech behemoths. In conclusion, Altman's return to OpenAI and the subsequent governance changes are pivotal for Microsoft. They not only underscore the complexities of corporate partnerships in the rapidly evolving AI landscape but also present a strategic opportunity for Microsoft to deepen its engagement in the AI sector, shaping the future trajectory of both companies.

Mr. Regev could not remain indifferent to the insensitivity and the interviewer's attempt to legitimize the mass slaughter actions carried out by Hamas in Israel, and immediately responded by saying: 'They released children and we released children, I don't accept this! How can you compare the release of two, four, five, and nine-year-olds with a minor between 16-17 who stabbed or threw a Molotov cocktail?!'

Speaking with Trevor Noah on his podcast, Gates discussed the potential of AI to change work and improve lives. He mentioned that AI might lead to less strenuous work schedules, envisioning a society where machines handle basic production tasks. Gates, who has previously weighed the pros and cons of AI, doesn't foresee its impact being as profound as the Industrial Revolution but considers it comparable to the advent of personal computers. He acknowledges risks such as misinformation, security threats, and job market changes, while remaining hopeful these can be addressed.

TD Cowen, a brokerage firm, revised its U.S. holiday spending growth forecast down to 2-3% from the previous 4-5%, predicting stagnant Black Friday foot traffic. In the U.S., strained by inflation and high interest rates, holiday spending is expected to increase at its slowest rate in five years, prompting retailers to cut back on seasonal hiring. Despite these challenges, the National Retail Federation (NRF) anticipates a record 130.7 million people shopping in stores and online in the U.S. on Black Friday. However, early morning scenes at a Walmart in New Milford, Connecticut, showed a half-full parking lot, indicating a subdued turnout. U.S. consumers are planning to spend an average of $875 on holiday purchases, primarily on clothing, gift cards, and toys, as per the NRF survey. In Europe, clothing and electronics are the top picks for Black Friday shoppers, with a significant portion of purchases expected online, particularly in France. In the UK, transaction volumes saw a mere 1.4% increase compared to last year, as reported by Barclays. The prominence of Black Friday has been diminished by the rise of online shopping, with retailers like Macy's and Amazon launching deals as early as October. Online spending hit a record $5.6 billion on Thanksgiving Day, a 5.5% year-over-year increase, according to Adobe Analytics. Top-selling items included Barbie dolls, Marvel action figures, PlayStation 5, and "Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III." Adobe predicts the best deals on Black Friday for televisions and anticipates even lower prices by Cyber Monday for various products, including clothing and furniture.

The town, known for its illegal casinos and lawlessness, saw the end of the so-called "four families" following increased conflict in Myanmar. Simultaneously, Myanmar's military released an image of the autopsy of the 69-year-old warlord Ming Xuechang, who allegedly committed suicide in custody, although some are skeptical about this claim. Ming Xuechang, once a lieutenant of Bai Suocheng, helped transform Laukkaing from a backwater into a bustling casino hub, with ties to a range of illicit activities. Despite their power, the Mings were not part of the influential "four families," whose operations, rife with money laundering and trafficking, also included numerous scam centers that trapped and exploited over 100,000 workers for online fraud schemes. These centers, including Ming Xuechang's Crouching Tiger Villa, generated billions annually, leading to a reluctance by the families to dismantle them, despite pressure from China, who exerted significant regional influence. A violent incident involving escapees from one center and subsequent casualties, possibly including undercover Chinese officers, led to Chinese demands for action from Myanmar's rulers. In response, insurgent groups attacked the military, aiming to oust the scam operations and the governing junta, showcasing a long-standing vendetta rooted in Cold War dynamics. The control over Laukkaing originated from Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader behind Myanmar's 2021 coup, replacing a previous warlord for more cooperative figures like the current crime families, thus entwining the region's economy with varied illegal enterprises. As Laukkaing now faces a possible turnover by the MNDAA, the insurgents promising to end scams as part of their larger anti-junta movement, the future of this Wild West-like town remains uncertain. While opposition forces celebrate military setbacks and the mafia's demise, the history of shifting allegiances suggests cautious optimism. Bai Suocheng and the status of other warlords remain unconfirmed, although many of their affiliates are detained by China. As the region clamps down on scam operations, the fate of hundreds still trapped in Laukkaing is a pressing concern, and while the local "scamdemic" might end, similar issues could emerge elsewhere globally.

🔹 He stated that Europe is overwhelmed with debt. 🔹 He forecasted that by 2030, both France and the UK would fall out of the top 10 global economies, with Germany barely holding on at the tenth position. 🔹 Viktor Orban contended that Ukraine is "light years" away from EU membership, signaling a prolonged journey. 🔹 The Hungarian leader claimed that Russia is an indomitable force in the current geopolitical context. 🔹 He expressed criticism towards the USA's role in European affairs, arguing that it's the U.S. that has consistently obstructed peace efforts between Ukraine and Russia. End of quote. Now, looking at it objectively, it's completely valid to either agree with all that Viktor Orban says, disagree with certain aspects of his statements, or entirely reject his views. However, it's essential to acknowledge that Viktor Orban is the most popular leader throughout Europe. Despite encountering antagonism from organized and hostile media, he is supported and even admired by people across various European countries, who view him as the potential future leader of the European Union. Hence, Viktor Orban's words warrant careful consideration and reflection, particularly, or specifically, when one does not agree with his views; views that diverge from the media consensus and the Anglo-Saxon establishment.

However, persuading Brussels with logic and the democratic will of the people is like to convincing a fish to climb a mountain – a task as fruitless as it is incongruous.

Initially, a 2021 verdict denied the women compensation, invoking Tokyo's "sovereign immunity," but the latest decision, as per court documents, asserts that such immunity doesn't apply to illegal acts. Each of the 16 plaintiffs has been awarded approximately $154,000. The court recognized that these victims were taken by force or deceit into sexual slavery, resulting in lasting harm and disrupted post-war lives. Lee Young-soo, aged 95, was one of the plaintiffs expressing gratitude upon hearing the verdict. Historical consensus estimates that around 200,000 women, mainly Korean and also from other parts of Asia, were coerced into serving as comfort women for Japanese troops during WWII. The dispute over accountability for these actions has strained relations between South Korea and Japan, who ruled over Korea from 1910 to 1945. This ruling coincides with efforts by South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol to heal past grievances and strengthen ties with Japan amid threats from North Korea. The Japanese government, however, denies direct liability, claiming that civilians recruited the victims and that the military-run brothels were private businesses.

The staff, showing a strong sense of solidarity and commitment to their principles, have threatened to leave the company en masse and join their former leader, Sam Altman, at Microsoft's newly formed division. This potential exodus includes not just rank-and-file employees but also key figures such as Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati, Chief Data Scientist Ilya Sutskever, and Chief Operating Officer Brad Lightcap. This move underscores a growing tension between the workers, who are the backbone of the company's innovative endeavors, and a board perceived as increasingly out of touch with the employees' vision and ethics. Approximately 500 members of OpenAI's staff have expressed their willingness to resign, highlighting a deep-seated discontent with the current leadership. The staff's demand for the board's resignation is not just a call for change in leadership but a significant statement about the direction in which they believe the company should head. It reflects a desire for a more inclusive, employee-driven approach to managing one of the most groundbreaking and influential AI organizations in the world. This standoff at OpenAI serves as a stark reminder of the growing power of tech workers in shaping the future of companies, especially in fields as critical and rapidly evolving as artificial intelligence. It's a demonstration of unity and conviction among employees, a collective assertion that the people who contribute to technological advancements should have a significant say in how their workplaces are governed. The outcome of this confrontation could have far-reaching implications not just for OpenAI, but for the tech industry as a whole, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing dialogue about corporate governance, employee rights, and ethical leadership in the digital age.

The charges against these defendants include drug and arms trafficking, extortion, and participation in mafia activities—a term for those involved in organized crime groups in Italy. Additionally, some were accused of aiding the 'Ndrangheta without being formal members. During the trial, held in a secure bunker-style courtroom in Calabria—where the mafia originates—it took nearly two hours to read the judgment, which also acquitted 131 individuals. The 'Ndrangheta is considered one of the leading criminal syndicates globally and dominates cocaine trade in Europe. The charges stemmed from an investigation of 12 clans associated with a prominent 'Ndrangheta boss, Luigi Mancuso, who has previously served 19 years for his leading role in a powerful crime family. Authorities noted the group's significant influence on various aspects of life in the region, expressing deep concern over their far-reaching criminal activities. Defense attorney Giuseppe Di Renzo highlighted that more than a third of the accused had been acquitted, suggesting a lack of cohesion in the prosecution's case. Nevertheless, Nicolas Gratteri, the former chief prosecutor responsible for launching the investigation, argued that the broad scope of the trial was necessary due to the mafia's extensive infiltration into society. Despite the historic scale of this trial, it was not the largest in Italy's history; that distinction goes to the 1986 trial of 475 Sicilian Mafia members, which resulted in over 300 convictions. The 'Ndrangheta, fueled by massive cocaine trafficking proceeds, has expanded its business empire into legitimate sectors across Italy and Europe, with efforts to launder money and generate legitimate income through various enterprises, including tourism and hospitality.

The deal will repay the Telegraph's debts to Lloyds Bank and avoid receivership. Moreover, RedBird IMI plans to convert another large loan into equity, subject to regulatory approval, which could lead to full ownership. Jeff Zucker of RedBird Capital is to oversee the publications, with IMI as a silent partner. This development comes amid concerns from Conservative MPs, who urge the government to examine the national security implications of such foreign investment in UK media. RedBird IMI asserts its commitment to the media group's editorial integrity and awaits a regulatory review. The Barclay brothers had acquired the Telegraph Media Group in 2004 for £665 million, but financial challenges emerged when the Bank of Scotland appointed receivers in June due to a £1 billion debt default.

This development comes on the heels of a surprising shuffle at OpenAI, where Altman was unexpectedly removed as CEO, prompting the resignation of key personnel including Brockman. Altman's dismissal was attributed to a loss of board confidence due to inconsistent communications, as stated in an OpenAI blog post. Nadella, expressing enthusiasm for the new team, mentioned Microsoft's practice of fostering innovation within its acquisitions like GitHub, Mojang Studios, and LinkedIn. He also acknowledged Emmett Shear, the new CEO of OpenAI, expressing interest in collaboration. Altman, renowned for launching the groundbreaking ChatGPT, made headlines with his departure, which has caused a stir in the tech sector. This news follows Microsoft's disclosure of creating an AI chip to train large language models, a strategic move to lessen reliance on Nvidia and cut costs.