The Biden administration will work to safeguard American telecoms networks from "untrusted vendors" like Huawei Technologies Co Ltd that threaten national security, the White House said on Wednesday.
, China's Huawei, saying it will safeguard America's telecom companies.
Press secretary Jen Psaki spoke to questions over how Biden will handle a company accused of being able to spy on customers: "Telecommunications equipment made by untrusted vendors, including Huawei, is a threat to the security of the U.S. and our allies Psaki added the U.S would work closely with allies to help secure and invest in their telecoms networks.
Huawei, China's top telecoms equipment company, declined to comment and the Chinese Embassy in Washington did not immediately respond.
On top of accusations its gear could be used for espionage, Washington has also alleged Huawei has stolen intellectual property and violated sanctions on Iran.
However, Huawei has denied any wrongdoing.
Biden's predecessor Donald Trump placed the company on a trade blacklist and led a global campaign to convince allies to exclude it from their networks.
However, Biden's nominee to the Commerce Department, Gina Raimondo, sent up red flags for China hardliners when she refused to commit to keeping Huawei on that blacklist.
Psaki did not mention the blacklisting on Wednesday.
Huawei Overcomes Sanctions , to Net Huge 2023 Profit.
'The Guardian' reports that Chinese telecom firm
Huawei saw faster growth in 2023 than in the four
years prior, shrugging off international sanctions. .
'The Guardian' reports that Chinese telecom firm
Huawei saw faster growth in 2023 than in the four
years prior, shrugging off international sanctions. .
The company reportedly saw
a rebound in the consumer sector that
helped drive revenue up by almost 10%. .
The results suggest that Huawei overcame
the impact of sanctions imposed by
former President Donald Trump in 2019.
At the time, the administration accused the
telecom company of being a threat to national
security, claims which Huawei has denied.
At the time, the administration accused the
telecom company of being a threat to national
security, claims which Huawei has denied.
In 2020, the United Kingdom took similar
measures, looking to remove Huawei from
the nation's 5G infrastructure by 2027.
'The Guardian' reports that despite the
restrictions, 2023 marked the third
consecutive year of growth for the company. .
We’ve been through a lot
over the past few years but
through one challenge after
another, we’ve managed to grow, Ken Hu, Huawei’s chair, via 'The Guardian'.
In 2023, the company's net
profits increased by 144.5%.
Huawei has contributed the stellar results
to the sale of its Honor smartphone brand
which launched in November of 2020.
The company's smartphone business has managed
to thrive despite sanctions which have hampered
Huawei's access to vital chipmaking tools. .
The company's smartphone business has managed
to thrive despite sanctions which have hampered
Huawei's access to vital chipmaking tools.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
President Biden had yet another teleprompter gaffe while speaking at a conference Wednesday ... and it's not the first time the prez fumbled a speech, far from.. TMZ.com
President Biden just signed a bill banning TikTok in America (unless it's sold to a U.S.-based company) -- but the current CEO says they're gonna fight like hell.. TMZ.com
Senate Passes $95 Billion , Foreign Aid Package.
On April 23, the U.S. Senate voted
79-18 to approve foreign aid for Ukraine,
Israel and Taiwan, 'The Guardian' reports. .
Today the Senate sends a unified
message to the entire world:
America will always defend
democracy in its hour of need, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Make no mistake, America will deliver
on its promise to act like a leader on the
world stage, to hold the line against
autocratic thugs like Vladimir Putin. , Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
The package includes $60.8 billion for Ukraine,
$26.3 billion for Israel and $8.1 billion for Taiwan.
A provision to ban TikTok
after the election if ByteDance refuses
to sell the platform is also included.
The legislation will now head to President Biden, who told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on
April 23 that he will "move quickly" to provide aid.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer praised House Speaker Mike Johnson, .
with whom he worked "hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder to get this bill done.".
A lot of people inside and
outside the Congress wanted this
package to fail. But today those in
Congress who stand on the side of
democracy are winning the day, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also issued a statement.
Today’s action is overdue, but our work
does not end here. Trust in American
resolve is not rebuilt overnight. Expanding
and restocking the arsenal of democracy
doesn’t just happen by magic, Senate Majority Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned.
After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. .
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
The commission said that if approved, the
final rule "would generally prevent most
employers from using noncompete clauses.".
Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. .
The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages.
The White House also argues that these
agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. .
FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when
the proposed ban was initially introduced.
The freedom to change jobs is
core to economic liberty and to
a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Noncompetes block workers from
freely switching jobs, depriving
them of higher wages and better
working conditions, and depriving
businesses of a talent pool that
they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement.
Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information.
Those businesses also question whether
the agency has the power "to regulate
such agreements," NPR reports. .
If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days,
and legal challenges would likely ensue.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Biden Cancels Over $7 Billion in Student Debt , for More Than 277,000 Borrowers.
On April 12, President Joe Biden said that over 277,000 borrowers in more than
40 states will have $7.4 billion in student
loan debt wiped out, 'The Hill' reports. .
To date, the Biden administration has canceled $153 billion in student loan debt. .
From day one of my administration,
I promised to fight to ensure higher
education is a ticket to the middle class,
not a barrier to opportunity. , President Joe Biden, via statement.
I will never stop working to cancel
student debt – no matter how
many times Republican elected
officials try to stop us, President Joe Biden, via statement.
'The Hill' reports that Biden's loan forgiveness has largely been aimed at helping
"public service workers, those on IDR plans," .
people who've been defrauded by educational institutions and those with disabilities. .
Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, issued a statement in response to Biden's actions. .
The administration is tone deaf.
There’s no other way to put it, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
We know that instead of doing its
job the administration focused
time, energy, and resources on
its illegal student loan scheme. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
And that has been frustrating, especially
since it has jeopardized the academic
journey of millions of students, Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
But what is absolutely maddening is
that the administration is STILL not
doing its job and instead focusing on
its student loan shenanigans. , Rep. Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Education Committee, via statement.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said, , “We know what Republicans are going to do; we can’t
stop them from that. But it’s also not going to stop the president from acting and taking action, like he is today.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Biden Announces Deal With Taiwan’s TSMC , to Ramp Up US Chip Production.
On April 8, the White House said that it has reached an agreement with TSMC to help build new semiconductor manufacturing facilities in Arizona, 'The Hill' reports. .
The Biden administration will
provide up to $6.6 billion in funding
via the CHIPS and Science Act.
The president said that the money
will “support the construction of
leading-edge semiconductor manufacturing facilities right here in the United States.” .
Funding would also go toward
training local workforces at the new facilities.
A year and a half ago, I toured
the site of TSMC’s first new
fab in Phoenix, Arizona, President Joe Biden, via statement.
TSMC’s renewed commitment
to the United States, and its
investment in Arizona.., President Joe Biden, via statement.
... represent a broader story for
semiconductor manufacturing that’s
made in America and with the strong
support of America’s leading technology firms
to build the products we rely on every day, President Joe Biden, via statement.
America's ability to produce its own microchips remains a key area of concern for Biden.
The CHIPS and Science Act, which was passed
with bipartisan support in 2022, is intended to
make the U.S. less dependent on foreign suppliers.
The White House has also made
agreements with Intel, GlobalFoundries
and Bae Systems, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Brussels, my love? explores the potential threat of Trump 2.0. What would happen if a NATO ally were attacked by Putin? Would Trump respond proportionately and in the interests of America's closest partners? Or would he take the view that he bore no responsibility to respond?
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 32:26Published
Congress Sends Biden a Bill , That Could Ban TikTok.
Included within Congress' $95 billion national security package is a provision that could
lead to TikTok being banned in America.
Included within Congress' $95 billion national security package is a provision that could
lead to TikTok being banned in America.
However, the ban would take place
after the 2024 election, NBC News reports. .
This means that TikTok could still be used by candidates seeking the nation's highest
office who want to reach younger voters.
This means that TikTok could still be used by candidates seeking the nation's highest
office who want to reach younger voters.
The new bill gives TikTok parent company ByteDance nine months to sell the
platform or be banned in the U.S.
A one-time, 90-day extension can
be granted by the president.
Without an extension, the earliest a ban
could be implemented is January 2025.
Some Democrats say that ByteDance would rather sell TikTok than be banned in America.
TikTok ain’t going away. There is
no more capitalistic entity than
an organization controlled by
the Chinese Communist Party.
They’re going to sell it, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the
Armed Services Committee, via NBC News.
Young people will go on their
TikTok tomorrow and they’ll still
have it. And then the day after
that, they’ll still have it. And the
day after that, they’ll still have it.
If you like it, you’re going to keep it, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., a member of the
Armed Services Committee, via NBC News.
Donald Trump issued a statement seeking to
exploit the development for his own political gain.
Just so everyone knows, especially the
young people, Crooked Joe Biden is
responsible for banning TikTok. He is the one
pushing it to close … Young people, and lots of others, must remember this on November 5th, ELECTION DAY, when they vote!, Donald Trump, via Truth Social
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso met with ex-President Donald Trump at Trump Tower, emphasizing the enduring significance of the US-Japan alliance amid Indo-Pacific security challenges. Trump praised Japan's defense efforts. These diplomatic exchanges coincide with Trump's legal proceedings and his active engagement with other global leaders.
#DonaldTrump #donaldtrumplatestnews #donaldtrumpnews #donaldtrump2024 #TaroAso #JapanUS #ShinzoAbe #Worldnews #news #Oneinda #Oneindia news
~ED.101~GR.123~HT.318~
Jon Stewart is mocking the media's coverage of Donald Trump's criminal trial. 'The Daily Show' host slammed the likes of Jake Tapper, Nicolle Wallace and Erin Burnett for their extensive and at times incredibly dramatic reporting of the former president's New York criminal trial.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 02:03Published
A newspaper chief was Donald Trump's "eyes and ears" and killed unfavourable stories about him in the run-up to the 2016 election, a court has heard. Sky News
Trader Joe’s Recalls Basil , After Reports of Salmonella Infections.
On April 17, the grocery chain
recalled Infinite Herbs organic basil.
The basil has been "linked to a dozen Salmonella infections in seven states," CNN reports. .
One person has been hospitalized.
The 2.5-ounce packages were sold in 29 states and Washington, D.C., from Feb. 1 through April 6. .
The CDC is advising consumers to dispose of any Infinite Herbs organic basil that was bought from Trader Joe's.
The agency also says to clean anything that the contaminated basil may have come in contact with. .
Investigators are trying to determine if any other products have been contaminated, CNN reports. .
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, the CDC says. .
Symptoms can develop anywhere between
6 hours and 6 days after consuming the bacteria.
Most people don't need treatment
and recover within 4 to 7 days. .
If your symptoms are severe, or if you experience diarrhea and dehydration for more than three days, the CDC recommends contacting your health care provider
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Homicide and Other Violent Crimes , Declining in Cities Across the US.
'The Guardian' reports that a recent crime analysis found that homicides in major cities across the United States are falling at , “one of the fastest rates of decline ever recorded.".
There’s just a ton of places that
you can point to that are showing
widespread, very positive trends, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'.
According to AH Datalytics' sample of nearly
200 cities, murder was down by 20.8% in 2024,
when compared to the same time in 2023.
Some cities, including Washington DC,
New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee,
saw murder rates decline by over 30%.
Some cities, including Washington DC,
New Orleans, Las Vegas, and Milwaukee,
saw murder rates decline by over 30%.
The analysis is based on the FBI's Uniform Crime
Reporting program, which consists of data collected
by local law enforcement agencies across the nation.
While the FBI's 2023 report will not be audited or made
official until October, preliminary figures suggest
that murder rates significantly dropped in 2023. .
The latest data suggests that this
year's declines will continue at an even
faster clip, nearing pre-pandemic levels. .
'The Guardian' reports that the latest
data mirrors another drastic decline
in homicides during the 1990s.
Nationally, you’re seeing
a very similar situation to what
you saw in the mid-to-late 90s.
But it’s potentially even larger
in terms of the percentages
and numbers of the drops, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'.
The AH Datalytics data also found that nearly
all other violent crimes saw significant
declines in 2023 compared to 2022. .
The quarterly data in particular
suggests 2023 featured one of the
lowest rates of violent crime in the
United States in more than 50 years, Jeff Asher, AH Datalytics, via 'The Wall Street Journal'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
The heads of state from Japan, the Philippines, and the United States have jointly expressed "grave concern" regarding China's conduct in the contested South China Sea. Over recent years, Beijing has intensified its presence in this crucial maritime region, leading to heightened tensions, notably with the Philippines. This nation, among others in Southeast Asia, asserts territorial claims over portions of the sea adjacent to its shores. In response to a recent altercation near Second Thomas Shoal that resulted in injuries to Filipino soldiers and damage to vessels, President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines declared Manila's intention to enact countermeasures against China. The leaders of Japan, the Philippines, and the United States expressed shared concerns over the People's Republic of China's (PRC) provocative actions in the South China Sea during the inaugural summit held in Washington, DC. This joint statement comes amid escalating tensions in the region.
#SouthChinaSea #China #Japan #Philippines #US #Tensions #Diplomacy #InternationalRelations #SecurityConcerns #GeoPolitics
~HT.97~PR.152~ED.102~
This Day in History: , President Reagan Is Shot.
March 30, 1981.
Outside of a Washington D.C. hotel,
25-year-old John Hinckley Jr. fired six shots at
the president, hitting him once in the chest.
Press Secretary James Brady,
Secret Service agent Timothy McCarthy and
D.C. policeman Thomas Delahaney were also hit.
As Hinckley was overpowered,
Reagan was rushed to the trauma center
at George Washington University Hospital.
As he was prepared for surgery, Reagan quipped
to First Lady Nancy, "Honey, I forgot to duck.".
The president returned to the
White House less than two weeks later.
Found "not guilty by reason of insanity,"
Hinkley was institutionalized until 2016
and now lives in Colonial Williamsburg, PA
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:01Published
Biden Administration to Invest $8.5 Billion , in Intel’s Computer Chip Plants.
Biden Administration to Invest $8.5 Billion , in Intel’s Computer Chip Plants.
In addition to $8.5 billion in direct funding, $11 billion will be provided in loans.
The money will come from
the CHIPS and Science Act.
The funds will go toward "computer chip
plants in Arizona, Ohio, New Mexico
and Oregon," CBS News reports. .
According to Intel, the new funding and other investments will create a total of 30,000 jobs in manufacturing and construction.
According to Intel, the new funding and other investments will create a total of 30,000 jobs in manufacturing and construction.
The deal will help the U.S. to produce 20%
of the most advanced computer chips
in the world by 2030, according to
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Failure is not an option — leading-edge
chips are the core of our innovation
system, especially when it comes
to advances in artificial intelligence
and our military systems, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, on a call with reporters.
We can't just design chips.
We have to make them in America, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, on a call with reporters.
Biden's funding announcement comes
amid a heated presidential campaign.
Administration officials want to get chip technology funding
"out the door as quickly as possible so that the Biden campaign can point to concrete progress on one of the
White House's signature programs," analysts say.
Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger called the
CHIPS Act "the most critical industrial
policy legislation since World War II.".
We think of this as a defining
moment for the United States, the
semiconductor industry and for Intel, Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
March Retail Sales , Exceeded Expectations.
New Commerce Department data surprised
some analysts on April 15, 'The Hill' reports. .
The agency's latest estimates indicate
that March retail sales increased by 0.7%.
They were only expected
to rise 0.3% last month.
While sales exceeded estimates for March, the jump
was still below the 0.9% increase in February.
Compared to the same time last year, total sales
for the first three months of 2024 were up 2.1%.
On April 10, the Labor Department released data showing that inflation rose last month. .
The consumer price index (CPI)
increased 0.4% in March and 3.5% annually.
In February, consumer prices
increased 3.2% year-over-year. .
Still, the newest Commerce Department data suggests that Americans continue to spend despite prolonged inflation, 'The Hill' reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published