Categories
US

Eric Schmitt beats former Gov. Eric Greitens in Missouri GOP Senate primary, NBC projects

Eric Schmitt beats former Gov. Eric Greitens in Missouri GOP Senate primary, NBC projects

FARMINGTON, MISSOURI – JULY 31: Missouri Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Eric Schmitt speaks to supporters in Hall Pavilion at Englar Park on July 31, 2022 in Farmington, Missouri. Schmitt is holding campaign events on the last weekend before the August 2nd primary elections in Missouri. He is the front runner in the primary race that includes former Missouri Governor Eric Greitens, to replace outgoing Senator Roy Blunt. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)

Michael M. Santiago | Getty ImagesNews | Getty Images

Eric Greitens, the scandal-tarred former Missouri governor who launched a comeback bid against the wishes of many Republicans, will lose the state’s GOP Senate primary, NBC News projects.

Eric Schmitt, currently the state’s attorney general, is projected to proceed to the general election, where he will compete with a Democratic nominee for the seat being vacated by retiring Republican Sen. Roy Blunt.

The primary results mark a thudding defeat for Greitens, who fully embraced former President Donald Trump and fought against recent allegations of domestic abuse as he looked to claw his way back to the political fore.

Greitens had announced his Senate bid nearly three years after resigning from the governor’s office amid accusations that he blackmailed a hairdresser with whom he was having an affair. Greitens admitted to the tryst of her, but denied he had threatened to release her nude photographs he took of her if she revealed the affair.

He was charged with felony invasion of privacy related to the alleged blackmailing. Greitens was also charged with illegally using a charity donor list to help fund his 2016 gubernatorial campaign. Both charges were dropped around the time Greitens resigned in June 2018.

Eric Greitens, Missouri Governor, pictured at the Robin Hood Veterans Summit in New York City.

Craig Barritt | Getty ImagesEntertainment | Getty Images

Those and other scandals led mainstream Republicans to worry about a Greitens candidacy jeopardizing the party’s hold on a Senate seat in a state that otherwise reliably votes Republicans into high office. Democrats are desperate to keep their razor-thin majority in the Senate, but their control of the chamber is threatened by a challenging political environment, exacerbated by President Joe Biden’s unpopularity and recent economic turmoil.

Greitens had aligned himself completely with Trump during his Senate campaign, including echoing Trump’s false claims about widespread fraud tainting the 2020 presidential election. Kimberly Guilfoyle, the girlfriend of Donald Trump Jr., joined Greitens’ campaign as national co-chair.

But the former president ultimately did not give Greitens a full-throated endorsement. Rather, he bizarrely endorsed “Eric” in the Missouri GOP Senate primary, where two of the top candidates are named Eric.

“I trust the Great People of Missouri, on this one, to make up their own minds,” Trump said in a social media post on the eve of the primary.

Both Greitens and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt touted Trump’s announcement as though it were a personal endorsement.

Polling averages from RealClearPolitics showed Greitens had a smaller lead over a top Democratic primary candidate than either of his two biggest competitors in the Republican primary.

After Sheena Greitens filed court documents in March alleging Eric Greitens abused her and their young son while they were married, numerous top Republicans called on Greitens to drop out.

“If you hit a woman or a child, you belong in handcuffs, not the United States Senate,” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who had investigated Greitens when he was Missouri’s attorney general.

Blunt himself said that Greitens “should not be a candidate for the Senate” if Sheena Greitens’ allegations are true.

Correction: This article has been updated to correct the photo of Eric Schmitt.

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Categories
Business

Hyundai, Kia and Toyota new-car stocks improving

Hyundai, Kia and Toyota new-car stocks improving

After months of stock shortages and surging new-car prices, there was some good news for buyers today, as some of the biggest brands appear to be getting on top of supply issues.

More than 84,400 new cars found a home in July, a slight increase on the Covid-19 lockdown affected month the previous year.

Hyundai, Kia, Toyota and Mitsubishi all showed strong growth in July compared to the previous year, as stocks of popular models improved.

Utes and family-focused SUVs were the strongest performers last months.

The Toyota HiLux ute was the best selling vehicle in the country with 6441 examples finding a new home. It was followed by the Ford Ranger, which found just 2934 buyers. Ranger sales are expected to skyrocket in the coming months, though, as a new model has just landed in showrooms.

Family-focused SUVs filled the next places on the sales chart.

Toyota’s RAV4 (2437), Mazda’s CX-5 (2346) and Hyundai’s Tucson (2186) rounded out the top 5.

Sales of the Kia Sportage were up more than 200 per cent for the month and the Hyundai Tucson grew more than 72 per cent on the back of improved supply.

Australia’s love of big four-wheel drives and utes continued with the Toyota LandCruiser (2146), Isuzu D-Max (1930) and Mitsubishi Triton (1879) all making the top 10.

The Toyota Corolla (1982) was the only hatchback or sedan to make the bestsellers list, showing the monumental change in Australia’s buying habits in the past 10 years

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief, Tony Weber, doesn’t think the market is out of the woods yet.

“Vehicle and component manufacturing operations remain affected by plant shutdowns caused by Covid-19. Logistics, including shipping, remain unpredictable,” said Mr Weber.

“While small growth on the same month in 2021 is encouraging, we do not expect the supply of vehicles to Australia to stabilize in the near future.”

“Once again Australia is following the global trend of demand for new vehicles exceeding supply,” he said.

European brands such as Volkswagen and Skoda have been particularly hit hard, with sales down about 40 per cent for the year. Luxury marques such as Lexus and Mercedes-Benz are also struggling.

Mitsubishi Australia boss Shaun Westcott said the supply and semiconductor unpredictability wouldn’t end any time soon.

“The world is in a very unpredictable phase at the moment, which extends beyond semiconductor supply and these things will resolve themselves eventually. But we are talking about three, four or five years,” said Mr Westcott.

He also said that the increased prevalence of electric cars and plug-in hybrids, which require three to four times more semiconductors than petrol cars, was crunching supply even more.

“Every car maker has supply chain issues – a five or six month backlog. So not only is there the backlog to recover, there is also a surge in demand as more EVs and PHEVs are built,” he said.

“There is a catch-up game that is going to take a number of years to play out here.”

Tesla is showing how outside factors are affecting its supply. In the past three months the American electric car maker has sold about 200 vehicles after shipments from its Shanghai factory dried up due to Covid-19 closures.

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Categories
Technology

Linux Kernel 6.0 is Likely the Next Version Upgrade With Initial Rust Code

Linux Kernel 6.0 is Likely the Next Version Upgrade With Initial Rust Code

You might be aware of the fact that Linus Torvalds used an Apple MacBook hardware to release Linux Kernel 5.19.

But, the news wasn’t limited to one interesting observation.

Linus Torvalds also mentioned at the end of the release announcement that he might call the next version upgrade of Linux Kernel as 6.0.

Linux Version Numbers Decoded: Why 6.0?

So, why the change in version numbers for an upgrade?

To understand the versioning scheme, let us take an example of Linux Kernel 5.18.5 (that’s what I’m running on my system).

If you want to check the Linux Kernel version on your system, simply head to the terminal and type in:

uname -r
  • The first number ‘5’ represents the major version
  • The second number, ’18’ represents the series of minor updates.
  • The third number, ’15,’ represents the patch version

The Linux Kernel usually follows the Semantic Versioning (A versioning system used in open source software).

However, when it comes to major upgrades, the developers seem to avoid numbers that seem too big.

So, instead of going with Linux Kernel 5.20, it will just be Linux Kernel 6.0 (or Linux 6.0). There’s no hard rule on this, only when Linus Torvalds gets worried with the number, we have a shorter version number.

Linus Torvalds mentioned the same for changing the version number in the mailing list:

I’ll likely call it 6.0 since I’m starting to worry about getting confused by big numbers again.

From Linux 5.19 release announcement

New Features Coming to Linux 6.0

If you are curious, here are some features that might be a part of the Linux Kernel 6.0 release:

Categories
Entertainment

Beyonce REMOVES Kelis sample from her song after Milkshake artist accused singer of ‘theft’

The latest: Beyonce, 40, has removed a sample of the 2003 Kelis song Milkshake from her song Energy, following criticism from Kelis, 42, over the sample

Beyonce has apparently removed a sample of the 2003 Kelis song Milkshake from her song Energy, following criticism from Kelis over the sample.

The song Energy – from the latest album Renaissance from Beyonce, 40 – had revised versions on Tidal and Apple as of Tuesday, according to Rolling Stone. At one point, a glitch occurred on Tidal, with just the isolated vocals featured and almost two minutes of silence.

According to Entertainment Weekly, the version of Energy featuring the Kelis sample remained the same on the Spotify version as of Tuesday.

The latest: Beyonce, 40, has removed a sample of the 2003 Kelis song Milkshake from her song Energy, following criticism from Kelis, 42, over the sample

Upset: R&B singer Kelis last week accused Beyonce of 'theft' for allegedly using a sample of a track off her 2003 album Tasty on her new album without permission. She was seen in 2019 in LA

The latest: Beyonce, 40, has removed a sample of the 2003 Kelis song Milkshake from her song Energy, following criticism from Kelis, 42, over the sample

The 2003 hit from Kelis was penned by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo (formerly known as The Neptunes), who both were credited on the Beyonce track, though Kelis wasn’t. Beyonce’s website indicated that the samples used on the track were interpolated, altering the existing sound for a new song.

Kelis last week accused Beyonce of ‘theft’ for allegedly using a sample of a track off her 2003 album Tasty on her new album without permission.

The performer, 42, didn’t hold back after discovering that the superstar, 40, used a short section from her song, Milkshake, on her forthcoming track, Energy, alongside the rest of the world.

After a fan account for the two-time Grammy nominee posted about the news, Kelis commented that she was shocked by the song credit and angered not to have any advance notice.

Startling: The Milkshake singer, 42, didn't hold back after discovering that the superstar, 40, used a short section from her song, Get Along With You, on her forthcoming track, Energy, alongside the rest of the world; seen in 2022

Startling: The Milkshake singer, 42, didn’t hold back after discovering that the superstar, 40, used a short section from her song, Get Along With You, on her forthcoming track, Energy, alongside the rest of the world; seen in 2022

In shock: After a fan account for the two-time Grammy nominee posted about the news, Kelis commented that she was shocked by the song credit and angered not to have any advance notice

In shock: After a fan account for the two-time Grammy nominee posted about the news, Kelis commented that she was shocked by the song credit and angered not to have any advance notice

‘My mind is blown too much because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance all 3 parties involved is astounding,’ she said. ‘I heard about this the same way everyone else did. Nothing is ever as it seems, some of the people in this business have no soul or integrity and they have everyone fooled.’

In response to one comment that Beyonce clearly admires her work, Kelis replied: ‘Admire is not the word.’

When another expressed excitement about them working together, the mom-of-two, who was writing under her celebrity chef account @bountyandfull, claimed: ‘It’s not a collab it’s theft.’

Kelis later took to Instagram calling the track Milkshake ‘one of the most licensed records of our generation.’

She added: ‘I am a creator, I’m an innovator, I have done more then left my mark on an era of music and style that will go down in history. But there are [bullies] and secrets and gangsters in this industry that smile and get away with it until someone says enough is enough. So I’m saying it today. I’m coming for what’s mine and I want reparations. Peace.’

Previously Kelis fans called out Beyonce for ‘ripping off’ Ring the Alarm from Caught out There.

Beyonce’s upcoming record will be the seventh she has produced over her much-celebrated career.

Kelis said, 'My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance all 3 parties involved is astounding'

Kelis said, ‘My mind is blown too because the level of disrespect and utter ignorance all 3 parties involved is astounding’

Kelis had described the use of her work and process as 'ridiculous'

Kelis had described the use of her work and process as ‘ridiculous’

She also penned a lengthy statement that was shared on her Instagram account, in which she noted that the recording process was thoroughly enjoyable.

‘Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving,’ she stated.

Beyonce added: ‘My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration.’

She concluded by writing: ‘I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. He has! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.’

'Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving,' Beyonce stated

‘Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world. It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving,’ Beyonce stated

Beyonce concluded by writing: ‘I hope you find joy in this music. I hope it inspires you to release the wiggle. He has! And to feel as unique, strong, and sexy as you are.’

The performer’s new album consists of 16 songs, and she collaborated with figures such as Nile Rodgers, Grace Jones and Drake during its recording process.

TRACK LIST

I’m That Girl

Cozy

Alien Superstar

cuff it

Energy

break my soul

Church Girl

Plastic Off the Sofa

Virgo’s Groove

Move

heated

thick

All Up in Your Mind

America Has a Problem

Pure/Honey

Summer Renaissance

Renaissance’s first single, Break My Soul, was previously released to the public on June 20.

The hitmaker worked with several artists, including Big Freedia and her husband, Jay-Z, to produce the track.

The song has since received widespread critical acclaim from many music critics.

Beyonce initially teased that she was working on new music during an interview with Harper’s Bazaar last August.

During the sit-down with the media outlet, the Drunk In Love singer expressed that her recording process had been particularly arduous.

‘I’ve been in the studio for a year and a half. Sometimes it takes a year for me to personally search through thousands of sounds to find just the right kick or snare,’ she said.

Beyonce then confirmed that she still loved making music and that she was happy to be working on new material.

She expressed: ‘After 31 years, it feels just as exciting as it did when I was nine years old. Yes, the music is coming!’

The highly anticipated record, which was scheduled to be released at midnight on Thursday, can be found online and CDs are already being sold in Europe, according to Variety.

The album was leaked on Wednesday.

Sharing a taste: Renaissance's first single, Break My Soul, was previously released to the public on June 20

Sharing a taste: Renaissance’s first single, Break My Soul, was previously released to the public on June 20

The latest: Beyonce took to social media last month to share another teaser for her imminent album release

The latest: Beyonce took to social media last month to share another teaser for her imminent album release

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Categories
Sports

Carlton’s Nic Newman out for the season; Brodie Grundy setback for Magpies, North Melbourne’s AFL or VFL return for Ben Cunnington, St Kilda’s Brett Ratten on Jordan De Goey contract

Carlton's Nic Newman out for the season; Brodie Grundy setback for Magpies, North Melbourne's AFL or VFL return for Ben Cunnington, St Kilda's Brett Ratten on Jordan De Goey contract

Grundy’s continued absence means Mason Cox is likely to retain his spot up forward and as back-up ruckman to Darcy Cameron, as the Magpies seek to lock in a top-four berth.

Grundy is also now likely to have only two senior games, against Sydney and Carlton, to show coach Craig McRae he is ready for the finals.

His absence has allowed Cameron to emerge as the No.1 ruck, prompting debate whether the Magpies’ should seek to trade Grundy, who is contracted until 2027 on a lucrative $7 million deal.

Cameron can also be used as a specialist forward but Grundy is at his best in the ruck.

Industry sources say Greater Western Sydney have an interest Grundy, who could be used in a trade for Tim Taranto, who is set to leave the Giants.

The Magpies have lost midfielder Taylor Adams (groin) for the rest of the home-and-away season, while forward Brody Mihocek will need to provide his fitness after missing the win over Port Adelaide with a hip issue.

Midfielders Callum Brown and Finlay Macrae were dominant against Southport in the VFL last weekend and are under consideration for a senior recall, while forward Ollie Henry, who has yet to find common ground in contract discussions with the club, booted three goals.

The Magpies say contract negotiations with veteran forward Jamie Elliott are proceeding well.

The Demons also have selection issues. Hardnut James Harmes, who has been in concussion protocols, and forward Ben Brown (knee) face fitness tests.

Carlton trio down

Nell Geraets

Carlton defender Nic Newman will be sidelined for the rest of the season while Corey Durdin and Matt Kennedy remain down for the count.

Newman sustained a deep gash to the knee during the Blues’ 29-point loss to Adelaide last Saturday. The 29-year-old went under the knife early this week to treat and mend the wound, but the club confirmed on Wednesday that his recovery from him is expected to extend past the season.

Midfielder Kennedy and forward Durdin are sporting a concussion and shoulder injury respectively.

The club said Durdin will miss at least one week after aggravating his shoulder against the Crows. Kennedy will not be available for selection for at least two weeks after entering the 12-day concussion protocols following a significant knock to the head during the second half of the game, which also left him with a fractured jaw.

Liam Stocker will not be able to replace Newman after suffering his own concussion in the VFL.

Carlton's Nic Newman is out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee wound.

Carlton’s Nic Newman is out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee wound.Credit:Getty Images

With midfielder George Hewett still recovering from a back injury, the Blues’ final chances hang in the balance as they sit seventh on the ladder.

The Blues will face the Brisbane Lions, who are currently in fifth, at the MCG on Sunday.

‘We investigate everybody’: Ratten says Saints haven’t cooled on De Goey

Nell Geraets

St Kilda coach Brett Ratten says the club has not “cooled” on Collingwood’s free agent star Jordan De Goey after The Age reported that the board asked the Saints’ football department to further examine the drama-prone player.

Saints coach Brett Ratten says the club has not cooled on Collingwood's Jordan De Goey.

Saints coach Brett Ratten says the club has not cooled on Collingwood’s Jordan De Goey.Credit:Getty Images

In a board meeting last Thursday night, the board asked the club executive to gather additional information about De Goey to help determine whether the Saints should continue to pursue the controversial 26-year-old.

Ratten said the board’s request was part of a normal process undertaken whenever a new player is under consideration, and that it did not indicate any loss of interest in a possible “long-term contract for a player of his quality”.

“It’s like all free agents, I think. We investigate everybody, especially when you’re bringing a high-profile player in,” Ratten told reporters on Wednesday morning.

“I think all boards ask for information. That’s not different from our footy club or other footy clubs.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re employing new staff members or players, we have to run things past the board, and they have the right to challenge and ask questions and see where we’re at with it.”

De Goey has come under scrutiny this year after a video was released showing the player purportedly trying to remove the bikini top of a female friend at a Bali nightclub during Collingwood’s bye week. He was also arrested in New York last November, where he was found guilty of harassment in the second degree after an altercation at a nightclub.

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Ratten refused to indicate what type of questions were asked about De Goey at the meeting, but noted the player’s undeniable talent while reiterating that no decision had yet been made.

St Kilda enjoyed a 12-point win against Hawthorn in round 20 and will face first-placed Geelong at the GMHBA on Saturday night. With the return of vice-captain Dougal Howard this week, and midfielder Dan Hannebery last week, Ratten believes the Saints can hang on to their position in the final eight as the end of the regular season looms.

Roos torn on AFL or VFL return for Cunnington

North Melbourne are torn over whether to pick courageous midfielder Ben Cunnington in the AFL or ease him back into football through the reserves.

The Kangaroos veteran has not played since round 19, 2021 after battling testicular cancer. But Cunnington is set to finally be available to play this weekend in a major boost for the struggling club.

Ben Cunnington's return to football is close.

Ben Cunnington’s return to football is close.Credit:AFL Pictures

Caretaker North coach Leigh Adams is weighing up whether to bring Cunnington in for their clash with the Sydney Swans at Marvel Stadium on Sunday, or ease him back via the VFL against the same opponents at Arden St.

The 31-year-old was tracking well to return last month before tweaking his calf at training, and last week tested positive for COVID-19.

“He has to get through main skills, then we’ll have the discussion with the performance team whether we think it’s best for him to have a run around in the twos for a week or bring him straight back in,” Adams said on Wednesday .

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“I’m pretty sure I know what his preference is and the coach’s preference, it will be just what’s best for his body going forward.

“At this time of year, it’s a great story for us and the motivation for the group and for the footy club.”

Adams admits the coaches face a tough decision but will be guided by the medical staff.

Cunnington was still one of the Kangaroos’ best midfielders before his cancer battle and he has been sorely missed by the club this season. He has played 227 games for North since being taken with pick five in the 2009 draft.

“The last thing we’d want to do is he breaks down and he’s out for the rest of the year,” Adams said.

“It’s probably going to be the VFL, even though we’d love it to be straight back in. Deep down I know he’d love to play seniors, particularly being a game in Melbourne this weekend and we travel next weekend.

“To have his support network and his family that have been through so much with him at the game would be fantastic.”

AAP

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Categories
US

Justice Dept. Subpoenas Pat Cipollone, Trump White House Counsel

Justice Dept. Subpoenas Pat Cipollone, Trump White House Counsel

Pat A. Cipollone, the White House counsel under former President Donald J. Trump who tried to stop some of his more extreme efforts to overturn the 2020 election, has been subpoenaed by a federal grand jury investigating activities in the lead-up to the Capitol riot on Jan. 6, 2021, a person familiar with the subpoena said.

It was unclear which grand jury had called Mr. Cipollone to testify as a witness. Two are known to be hearing evidence and testimony — one looking at the scheme by some of Mr. Trump’s lawyers and advisers to assemble slates of electors who would falsely claim that Mr. Trump was the actual winner of the election, and another focused on the events of Jan. 6.

But Mr. Cipollone is the highest-ranking White House official working for Mr. Trump during his final days in office who is known to have been called to testify by federal investigators.

He was in the West Wing as Mr. Trump’s supporters violently stormed the Capitol and the president repeatedly refused to call them off. Mr. Cipollone also attended several meetings in the run-up to the riot in which Mr. Trump and his allies discussed how they could overturn the election and keep him in office.

Mr. Cipollone repeatedly pushed back on those efforts.

The subpoena was reported earlier by ABC News. An aid to Mr. Cipollone did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to comment.

Mr. Cipollone’s appearance has been requested at a time when federal prosecutors are sharpening their focus on the conduct of Mr. Trump, and not simply the people who were advising him.

In recent weeks, investigators have asked witnesses questions about Mr. Trump and his actions, including of people who worked in the White House. Two former senior advisers to Vice President Mike Pence — his chief of staff, Marc Short, and his chief counsel, Greg Jacob — recently testified before one of the grand juries, according to people familiar with their appearances.

Given the nature of Mr. Cipollone’s job, it was unclear how much information he would provide. He was subpoenaed by the House committee investigating the Jan. 6 riot and the events that helped precipitate it, and sat for a transcribed, recorded interview.

But certain terms were discussed ahead of time, and Mr. Cipollone, citing attorney-client and executive privilege, declined to discuss specific conversations with Mr. Trump.

Mr. Cipollone was a witness to some of the most significant moments in Mr. Trump’s push to overturn the election results, including discussions about seizing voting machines, meddling in the Justice Department and sending false letters to state officials about election fraud.

“That’s a terrible idea for the country,” he said of suggestions that the Trump administration seize voting machines, adding, “That’s not how we do things in the United States.”

Mr. Cipollone was also in direct contact with Mr. Trump on Jan. 6 as rioters stormed the Capitol and told the House committee he believed more should have been done to call off the mob.

“I think I was pretty clear there needed to be an immediate and forceful response, statement, public statement, that people need to leave the Capitol now,” Mr. Cipollone testified.

katie benner contributed reporting.

Categories
Business

Online brokerage company Robinhood lays off almost a quarter of its staff

Online brokerage company Robinhood lays off almost a quarter of its staff

A US online trading platform, which experienced a boom in customers during the pandemic, has slashed its staff by 23 per cent after being hit by the cryptocurrency market crash and record inflation.

It’s the second round of staff sackings for the company called Robinhood, which laid off 9 per cent of its 3,900 employees in April.

Yesterday’s announcement saw the company shed 23 per cent of remaining positions — about 815 jobs — meaning the company will have sacked more than 1000 employees in a matter of months between the two rounds of redundancies. Roles in operations, marketing and program management the most impacted by yesterday’s decision.

Robinhood was embroiled in the Gamestop controversy early last year when Reddit renegades and amateur investors blew up the share price of the brick-and-mortar video game retailers, but this momentum has failed to continue.

Robinhood’s chief executive Vlad Tenev said that letting go of 9 per cent the workforce in April to focus on “greater cost discipline” for the organization “did not go far enough” in a blog post on the company’s website.

“Since that time, we have seen additional deterioration of the macro environment, with inflation at 40-year highs accompanied by a broad crypto market crash. This has further reduced customer trading activity and assets under custody,” Mr Tenev said.

“Last year, we staffed many of our operations functions under the assumption that the heightened retail engagement we had been seeing with the stock and crypto markets in the Covid era would persist into 2022.

“In this new environment, we are operating with more staffing than appropriate. As CEO, I approved and took responsibility for our ambitious staffing trajectory – this is on me.”

Last year, Robinhood grew from 700 roles at the end of 2019 to nearly 3,900 by the first half of 2021, but its 2,022 cuts take its total workforce down to 2,600.

Mr Tenev said staff would receive an email and Slack message with their employment status after the company wide meeting announced the redundancies on Tuesday.

He added the cuts were a “painful decision” and meant the company would be “parting ways with many incredibly talented people”, although staff would be given the opportunity to remain with the company until October 1.

Robinhood also revealed its second quarter results which showed its monthly active years plunged to 14 million down by 34 per cent from a year earlier.

Revenue also plummeted by a whopping 44 per cent to $US318 million ($A461 million).

Robinhood became a trading phenomenon during the pandemic as it offered an easy to use, mobile first platform and in the second quarter of last year it boasted more than 21 million active users who were keen to trade crypto and meme stocks.

But with lockdowns in the past, revenue tied to customer’s trading dropped 55 per cent in the latest quarter to $US202 million ($A292 million).

The company has also been slugged with a $US30 million ($A43 million) fine from the New York State Department of Financial Service for alleged violations of anti-money laundering and cybersecurity regulation in its cryptocurrency trading unit.

A global tech bloodbath has seen a spate of companies laying off staff.

In Australia a crypto company called Immutable, which valued at $3.5 billion, is facing a fierce backlash after sacking 17 per cent of its staff from its gaming division, while continuing to “hire aggressively” after raising $280 million in funding in March.

Meanwhile, Australia healthcare start-up Eucalyptus, which provides treatments for obesity, acne and erectile dysfunction fired up to 20 per cent of staff after an investment firm pulled its funding at the last minute.

Debt collection start-up Indebted sacked 40 of its employees just before the end of the financial year, despite its valuation soaring to more than $200 million, with most of the redundancies made across sales and marketing.

Then there was Australian buy now, pay later provider Brighte, that offers money for home improvements and solar power, which let go of 15 per cent of its staff in June, with roles primarily based on corporate and new product development.

Another buy now, pay later provider with offices in Sydney called BizPay made 30 per cent of its redundant workforce blaming market conditions for the huge cut to staffing in May.

Earlier this year, a start-up focused on the solar sector called 5B Solar, which boasts backing from former prime minister Malcolm Turnbull, also sacked 25 per cent of its staff after completing a capital raise that would inject $30 million into the business

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Categories
Technology

Samsung launches user self-repair kits for Galaxy Devices

Samsung launches user self-repair kits for Galaxy Devices

Way back in March, Samsung joined a growing number of hardware makers announcing self-repair initiatives. The list, which includes similar offers from both Apple and Google, finds companies proactively reacting to potential right to repair legislation. Both Samsung and Google teamed up with popular repair site iFixit for their offerings, providing low-cost tools to fix common device issues.

Beginning today, the companies are providing kits to repair broken screens, back glass and charging ports on the Galaxy S20, S21 and Tab S7+ tablet to users in the States. The kits include parts, tools and step-by-step repair instructions, coupled with a return label to send the broken bits back to Samsung. Kits for additional devices and repairs will roll out down the line.

It’s a different approach than Apple’s which finds the company shipping iPhone owners professional-grade equipment, including the same glue-melting machine its Geniuses use in-store. The offering has received negative reviews for inaccessibility and pricing, leading many to suggest that making self-repair difficult is, perhaps, part of the point. The iFixit tools, meanwhile, lower the barrier of entry considerably, but likely lack some of the precision of the pro-level offerings.

Image Credits: Samsung

I’d say anything that makes repairs more accessible to users — and delays devices’ end of life — is probably a net positive. How many people will actually take them up on that offer is another question entirely.

The kits are available through iFixit and Samsung retail stores.

Categories
Entertainment

Warners Abruptly Scraps “Batgirl” Release

First Photo Leslie Grace As Batgirl

First Photo Leslie Grace As Batgirl
hbo max

In a move that has sent shockwaves in the industry, Warner Bros. Pictures has abruptly scrapped any planned release of its “Batgirl” movie which cost $90 million to produce.

First reported in The New York Post and subsequently confirmed by the trades and The Wrap, the film will not premiere on any platform at the studio – neither theatrically nor on HBO Max.

The same goes for “Scoob!: Holiday Haunt,” a follow-up to the 2020 animated Scooby-Doo film “Scoob!”. Footage from that film was shown in a sizzle reel for HBO Max back in December and Warners is taking a relatively smaller $40 million bath on that one. Producer/writer Tony Cervone has already responded to the news, saying on Twitter: “The movie is practically finished and turned out beautifully. I am beyond heartbroken.”

The “Batgirl” scrapping is the real surprise as the project wrapped filming months ago with directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah well into the final stages of post-production with the project in the middle of test screenings. The original NY Post report says those test screenings were not going well and claims “the studio decided to cut its losses and run”. Deadline disputed the claim, saying one screening was held and the result “wasn’t that bad”.

“Batgirl” stars Leslie Grace as Batgirl/Barbara Gordon along with JK Simmons as Commissioner Jim Gordon, Brendan Fraser as the villain Firefly and Michael Keaton as Batman/Bruce Wayne.

Initial reports suggested the decision was driven entirely by a desire for the studio’s slate of DC features to be at a blockbuster scale and “Batgirl” was budgeted as a direct-to-HBO Max release. However a quick follow-up report in Variety has several sources suggesting a more basic reason to the outlet – a tax write-off.

“Batgirl” was greenlit and made under the previous regime at Warners before the newly formed Warner Bros. Discovery and its CEO David Zaslav took over this Spring. Zaslav has made it clear he intends to commit to releasing first-run feature films in theaters before putting them on HBO Max.

Thus “Batgirl” was in a bind. Expanding the scope of the film with additional filming along with releasing the movie theatrically backed by a large marketing campaign could’ve nearly doubled its costs at a studio newly focused on belt-tightening.

An HBO Max debut would seem obvious, but by shelving it and the “Scoob!” sequel, the company will almost certainly take a tax write-down on both films, according to the trade’s sources. Financially it will allow them to recoup the costs, but by doing so Warner Bros. cannot monetize either movie so no streaming release and no selling it off to another studio or streamer.

Deadline adds that as the company has changed hands and changed strategy from the previous regime, the opportunity for such a ‘purchase accounting maneuver’ expires in mid-August and so they don’t expect other films to get killed like this because the window to do so will be closed shortly.

Warner Bros Discovery has also released a statement: “The decision to not release Batgirl reflects our leadership’s strategic shift as it relates to the DC universe and HBO Max. Leslie Grace is an incredibly talented actor and this decision is not a reflection of her performance. We are incredibly grateful to the filmmakers of Batgirl and Scoob! Holiday Haunt and their respective casts and we hope to collaborate with everyone again in the near future.”

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AFL Teams Chopping Block: Melbourne duo, Brisbane veteran set to face the ax

AFL Teams Chopping Block: Melbourne duo, Brisbane veteran set to face the ax

mitch robinson is likely to face the chopping block this week as Daniel Rich is set to return from a concussion bout that kept him from the Richmond match at the MCG.

Brisbane somehow didn’t come away with the four points, despite leading by 42 points in the second quarter and will need to make some tough calls for the clash with Carlton at the Gabba.

Robinson was serviceable on Sunday, collecting 14 touches and a goal but missed a crucial shot late in the last quarter that would’ve put the Lions up by five points.

The returning Rich will most likely mean that the former Blue will make way, but could see some reprieve if Zac Bailey and Jarrod Berry are unable to get up for the game.

Melbourne could make two changes heading into the intriguing contest with Collingwood on Friday night at the MCG, as Ben Brown and James Harmes are expected to be available.

Despite defeating Fremantle at Optus Stadium, the Demons could look at dropping Sam Weideman and Jayden Hunt for the duo as Simon Goodwin’s side is almost at full strength.

Weideman had no impact on the game, gathering one disposal and kicking one major from 77 per cent game time in a disappointing outing.

Hunt didn’t play too bad, amassing 12 possessions from 86 per cent game time from the half back.

However, Goodwin is likely to push Brayshaw back into the backline meaning Harmes will play alongside the wing and midfield to combat the Pies’ unpredictable setup.

Travis Coleman is also one who may be put back into the reserves this week, struggling to get his hands on the ball and pressure the Melbourne defence.

Known for his speed, Colyer managed to only lay four tackles in a contested game, as well as collecting six touches from 76 per cent game time.

The small, forward fleet that worked for the majority of the season for the Dockers does need a revamp, as they have struggled to tear games a part like they did previously.

Darcy Tucker could make his way back into the senior side after an impressive WAFL performance with the former Bomber being the unlucky one to miss out.

The imminent return of premiership Tiger and rebounding half back Brandon Ellis into the Gold Coast side has some players worried, with out-of-favour Rory Atkins the most likely of them all.

The former Crow has struggled to cement his spot in the team in 2022 after signing a five-year deal at the end of 2020.

Atkins gathered 17 disposals and played his role in the win against West Coast, but coach Stuart Dew will feel inclined to bring back Ellis, who was a late withdrawal from the Eagles clash due to a minor shoulder injury.

More: Want more AFL? Watch Warriors On The Field celebrating Aboriginal Australia and its long history and association with the AFL. Streaming on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO