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Articles by Tom Porter
Satellite images show lavish palace complex as part of Saudi Arabia's $2 trillion Neom megacity project
Satellite images obtained by Business Insider show work on Saudi Arabia's Neom project. Images appear to show a major palace for Saudi Arabia's ruler, Mohammed bin Salman. The palace has private beaches, extensive gardens, a golf course, and 10 helipads. Satellite images obtained by Business Insider show a lavish palace that's been constructed as part of Saudi Arabia's $2 trillion Neom megacity project.
Some Western aid promised to Ukraine in 2023 won't actually arrive until 2027, NATO-state minister says
US military aid arriving at an airport in Ukraine in 2022. Sean Gallup via Getty Images Lithuania's foreign minister said the West is too slow getting aid to Ukraine. Gabrielius Landsbergis said some promised aid won't arrive till 2027. Ukraine has long said Western aid arrives to late to make a difference. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis said that Western aid is getting to Ukraine too slowly as it battles the Russian invasion.
A new US Army unit is taking pointers from Ukraine on drones and electronic warfare
US Army drones at a military base in Poland. MikeMareen via Getty Images A new US Army unit is implementing lessons from Ukraine, Defense One reported. It's testing new drone and electronic warfare tactics, the report said. The Pentagon is drawing important lessons from Ukraine's battlefields. In the battlefields of east Ukraine, drones and electronic warfare units have revolutionized combat, and the Pentagon is watching closely.
Ukraine's audacious invasion of Russian territory is a massive blow to Putin's power
Vladimir Putin sought to reassure Russians after Ukraine invaded the Kursk region by holding a televised briefing with the region's top official. GAVRIIL GRIGOROV via Getty Images Ukraine's military invaded the Kursk region in Russia on Tuesday. The Kremlin initially downplayed the attack. But analysts said it's an embarrassment to Russia's strongman President Vladimir Putin.
Michelle Obama may be the only person who could replace Biden and beat Trump — but she's unlikely to step up - NewsBreak
Former US first lady Michelle Obama in 2019 during a tour to promote her memoir "Becoming". MARTIN SYLVEST via Getty Images Michelle Obama is the only prominent Democrat capable of beating Trump, a poll found. President Joe Biden's candidacy is in question after a disastrous debate performance. But the former first lady has repeatedly ruled out running for office.
China is refusing to condemn Iran's strike on Israel — and it's part of a Middle East power play - NewsBreak
China's leader, Xi Jinping, holds a welcoming ceremony for Iran's president, Ebrahim Raisi, on February 14, 2023. Xinhua News Agency via Getty Images China refused to condemn Iran's missile attack on Israel. It is a customer for Iran's oil and has vowed to deepen ties. China is seeking to position itself as a key power in the region.
More than 66% of Russian tanks killed by Ukraine are taken out by drones, report says — that's not a good thing - NewsBreak
A Ukrainian military drone is loaded with dummy grenades for target practice. Scott Peterson via Getty Images Ukrainian drones are decimating Russian tanks, a NATO official said. Drones have been vital for Ukraine in fighting Russian attacks. But Ukraine's dependence on them highlights its lack of artillery shells. Ukraine is increasingly reliant on cheap aerial drones to hold off intensifying Russian attacks.
Russia's air force appears to be backing off after Ukraine said it shot down 15 planes in 2 weeks, ISW says
A Patriot launcher stands during training for Ukrainian soldiers. Sebastian Gollnow/picture alliance via Getty Images Russia appears to be reducing its military flights in the Ukraine war, a report said. It comes after Ukraine said it shot down a series of Russian planes. Ukraine has used various tactics to counter Russia's air dominance. A Ukrainian kill streak against Russian fighter jets appears to have caused Russia's air force to scale back flights, a think tank said.
A British nuclear missile launch failed for the second time in a row — yet another embarrassment for the Royal Navy - NewsBreak
HMS Vengeance departs for Devonport prior to re-fit in 2012 off the coast of Largs, Scotland. Handout via Getty Images A test of the UK's nuclear deterrent failed for the second time in a row. Britain's Ministry of Defence said "an anomaly" occurred during the firing of a Trident missile. It's the latest in a series of embarrassing failings by the UK's Royal Navy.
Biden appears to have found a workaround to the GOP Ukraine aid block — routing weapons via Greece - NewsBreak
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gestures as he thanks MPs after his virtual address to the Greek Parliament in Athens on April 7, 2022. Joe Biden is sending weapons to Greece, which is then sending its own to Ukraine. Greece is reported to have missile-defense systems vital for Ukraine. Republicans in Congress are blocking a large Ukraine aid bill. Joe Biden appears to have found a way around the Republican Party's blockade of Ukraine aid using a little-known presidential power.
Russia is using electronic-warfare devices to stop Ukraine's drones — but it's messing up its internet access - NewsBreak
A Samsung store in a shopping mall on 05 March 2022, Russia, St. Petersburg displaying a Russian pro-military "Z" symbol. Russia is deploying electronic-warfare systems to counter drone attacks. But it's being forced to disable mobile internet services to prevent interference, reports said. Ukraine is intensifying its drone strikes in Russia, targeting the oil and gas industry.
An Austin Powers movie helped inspire the US strategy of exposing Russia's tactics, security advisor says
A US national security advisor took inspiration from Austin Powers as Russia prepared its invasion, Politico said. The situation reminded him of a scene in the cult comedy movie where a steamroller moves forward. Jake Sullivan said he realised he needed a new way to warn of the threat. For more stories, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Over a million North Koreans could be drinking water tainted by underground nuclear tests: study
Over a million North Koreans may be drinking water contaminated by nuclear material, a report says. The groundwater was likely contaminated by underground nuclear weapons testing. The report also warned of the danger posed by produce sent from North Korea to Japan and China. For more stories, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Mysterious object shot down by a R7 million Sidewinder missile may have been a R200 hobby balloon
The mysterious objects shot down over the US may have been hobbyist or weather balloons. One balloonist club believes its R200 balloon may have been among the objects destroyed. The UFOs were downed after an alleged Chinese spy balloon was detected over the US. For more stories, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za. One of the objects downed by the US Air Force using a $400,000 (more than R7 million) missile last weekend may have been a $12 (just over R200) hobbyist balloon, a report said.
Russian censors scour the internet for claims Putin is a 'bald dwarf' or seriously ill, documents show
A Russian government unit scours the internet for insults about Putin, reports say. It looks for insults about Putin's height, rumors about his health, or criticism of his policies. Criticism of Putin has long been suppressed in Russia. For more stories, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Brazil is reviving a 2008 fraud case against Rep.-elect George Santos, who has been caught in a string of lies since his midterm victory
Scandal-Struck George Santos Just Revived the Firm That Netted Him Mystery Millions Fight disinformation: Sign up for the free Mother Jones Daily newsletter and follow the news that matters. On Monday, the New York Times published an explosive story revealing that George Santos, a New York Republican elected last month to the House of Representatives, had made what appeared to be brazenly false statements about his background, including assorted claims about his business career.
Brazil is reviving a 2008 fraud case against Rep.-elect George Santos, who has been caught in a string of lies since his midterm victory
Incoming GOP Rep. George Santos of New York at the Republican Jewish Coalition Annual Leadership Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 19, 2022.Wade Vandervort / AFP via Getty Images Brazil is reviving a long-dormant fraud case against George Santos, The New York Times reported. The New York Republican enters Congress under a cloud of suspicion. He has been found to have invented vast swaths of his personal history.
Marjorie Taylor Greene says if she planned Jan 6 the rioters 'would've been armed' and would have won
Marjorie Taylor Greene said that if she organised Jan 6, the protesters "would've been armed." The claim was her way of rejecting claims that she did play a role in organising events that day. Though denying involvement, Greene has been sympathetic to the rioters and defended them. For more stories, go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Some of Trump's longtime allies are refusing to back him as he's poised to launch a presidential campaign
Ex-allies of Donald Trump are sounding lukewarm at best over his 2024 candidacy. Trump has teased November 15 as the date to announce a presidential run. Republican critics are blaming Trump for the party's poor performance in the midterms. For more stories visit Business Insider. Former US President Donald Trump has been teasing November 15 as the date of his much-anticipated announcement of a 2024 presidential bid.
Trump rejected the CIA saying Kim Jong Un is 'stupid', insisting he knows because of their 'chemistry'
Bob Woodward released new tapes of his conversations with Donald Trump. In them, Trump rejects a CIA assessment that Kim Jong Un is "ultimately stupid." Trump has long spoken highly of Kim, and insisted he has a special ability to appraise US enemies. For more stories visit Business Insider. Former US President Donald Trump rejected a CIA characterisation that Kim Jong Un is "stupid," insisting his "chemistry" with the dictator gave him a better understanding, new tapes show.
Journalist on 'wanted' list after exposing Putin's spy agency purges blamed for Ukraine failings
Journalist Andrei Soldatov told Insider he'd been placed on a Russian "wanted" list. He exposed turmoil and purges in Russia's security services prompted by failings in Ukraine. The Kremlin is punishing anybody in Russia who deviates from its triumphant official war narrative. For more stories go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Putin said to be purging the Kremlin of Russian officials he blames for the faltering invasion of Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin issues assessments during his meeting with the officials of Security Council of Russia, on March 03, 2022 in Moscow, Russia. Kremlin Press Office/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images Putin is rumoured to have punished several officials over the Ukraine invasion. Top officials are likely to have given Putin over-optimistic assessments, one analyst said. Putin gave a speech this week pledging to purge Russia of traitors.
Top Russian naval commander died near Mariupol, Russia said, latest senior officer killed in Ukraine
Civilians trapped in Mariupol are evacuated on March 20, 2022. Stringer/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images The deputy commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet was killed near the besieged city of Mariupol, Russian officials said. Andrei Paly is the latest senior Russian official to be killed in the war with Ukraine. US officials said Russian military setbacks had caused top officials to take unusually advanced positions, leaving them vulnerable to attack. For more stories go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Employers who break Biden vaccine rules could face heavy fines
The mandate begins on January 4, and comes with vast fines for rule-breakers. Tom Porter, Entrepreneur.com Nov. 5, 2021 President Joe Biden discusses the US vaccine rollout at the White House on November 03, 2021.Drew Angerer/Getty Images via BI The Biden administration plans hefty fines for companies that fail to comply with its COVID vaccine and testing mandates after they come into force on January 4.
Employers who break Biden vaccine rules could face heavy fines
The mandate begins on January 4, and comes with vast fines for rule-breakers. Tom Porter, Entrepreneur.com Nov. 5, 2021 President Joe Biden discusses the US vaccine rollout at the White House on November 03, 2021.Drew Angerer/Getty Images via BI The Biden administration plans hefty fines for companies that fail to comply with its COVID vaccine and testing mandates after they come into force on January 4.
Some European countries ban US travellers or insist on quarantines, after EU deemed them unsafe
Sep 08, 2021, 03:12 PM Tourists visit the Esplanade des Droits de l'Homme with the Eiffel tower in the background, in Paris on August 6, 2020. STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images The EU removed the US from its list of countries from which travelers can enter without restrictions. Individual countries have responded with measures ranging from bans to tighter entry requirements. The restrictions come as the Delta variant continues to spread in the US. For more stories visit Business Insider.
Leader of a group touting bleach as a 'miracle' Covid-19 cure charged following 5-year-old’s death
Andreas Kalcker (right) being interviewed on Bolivian TV. RED Gigavision Argentinian authorities charged Andreas Kalcker with falsely promoting toxic bleach as a medical cure. The investigation was launched after a boy, 5, died after being given the substance by his parents. Chlorine dioxide is a type of industrial bleaching agent commonly used to treat wood products. For more stories go to www.BusinessInsider.co.za.
Photos, videos appear to show Afghans trying to flee Taliban falling out of planes as they leave Kabul
Aug 16, 2021, 03:33 PM Social-media footage apparently showing people clinging onto a jet leaving Kabul airport on August 16, 2021. People clinging to jets leaving Kabul airport have fallen to their deaths, local media reports. There are scenes of chaos at Kabul airport as crowds stormed the runaway and tried to enter planes. The Taliban seized back control of Afghanistan in a rapid effort that overwhelmed Afghan forces. For more stories visit Business Insider.
A top Covid-19 scientist in Belgium is being hunted by a far-right AWOL army sniper
Jun 06, 2021, 05:42 PM Marc Van Ranst, Belgian virologist at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and the Rega Institute for Medical Research, wears a face mask as he speaks during an interview on the Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic, in Leuven, on September 11, 2020. ARIS OIKONOMOU/AFP via Getty Images Belgium's leading COVID-19 expert is in hiding with his family amid an assassination threat. Marc Van Rast has been placed on a hit list by a military sniper who's on the run.
UK spies believe the theory that Covid-19 escaped from a Wuhan lab is 'plausible' - report
May 30, 2021, 05:21 PM This aerial view shows the P4 laboratory (C) on the campus of the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan in China's central Hubei province on May 27, 2020. - Opened in 2018, the P4 lab conducts research on the world's most dangerous diseases and has been accused by some top US officials of being the source of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Boris Johnson may have skipped Covid-19 meetings to write Shakespeare book to fund his divorce - report
May 24, 2021, 11:07 AM Peter Summers/Getty Images Aides to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson are anxious about former advisor Dominic Cummings parliamentary testimony. Johnson skipped key coronavirus meetings to write a book to fund his divorce, they fear Cummings will say, reported The Times. Cummings criticised the govt's early response to the coronavirus in a series of tweets. For more stories visit Business Insider.
The world has failed India, says Fauci, as Covid-19 cases surge
Apr 28, 2021, 12:38 PM Dr. Anthony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, during a White House press briefing on January 21, 2021 in Washington. Dr. Fauci said rich countries are failing India as the country battles a record Covid-19 surge. "The only way that you're going to adequately respond to a global pandemic is by having a global response," he said. India recorded a record of 360,960 new cases Tuesday as its health systems buckle.
アメリカ海軍の艦艇に群がったドローン軍団、未だに正体不明
東シナ海を航行中のアメリカ海軍の強襲揚陸艦ボノム・リシャールの乗組員が、視界の悪い中、監視を行っている。 U.S. Navy via Getty Images アメリカ海軍の高官は、軍艦に群がったドローンの正体をまだ特定できていないと述べた、とNBCニュースが報じた。 2019年、カリフォルニア沖で訓練中だったアメリカ海軍の軍艦の近くを、複数のドローンがホバリングした。 報告書によると、ドローンは市販されているモデルよりも強力な機種だったという。 アメリカ海軍の司令官は、2019年にカリフォルニアのチャンネル諸島沖で米軍艦船の周りをホバリングしているのを目撃された謎のドローンの正体解明には至っていないと語った。 NBCニュースによると、アメリカ海軍作戦部長のマイケル・ギルデイ（Michael Gilday）大将は2021年4月5日にワシントンD.C.で行われた会見で、その目撃情報について海軍情報部が調査しているところだと述べた。 謎のドローンの正体は明らかになったのかという質問に対し、ギルデイ大将は｢いや、まだ分からない｣と答えた。...
Facebook found a vast amount of its anti-vaxx content comes from a hard core of only 111 accounts
Mar 15, 2021, 03:47 PM People are seen at a protest against masks, vaccines, and vaccine passports outside the headquarters of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) on March 13, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images Facebook in a report obtained by The Washington Post identified key vaccine skepticism influencers. 111 accounts were behind half of all material doubting vaccines shared by vaccine hesitant users, it found.
Argentina to probe alternative health advocate, who popularised bleach as Covid-19 cure, after 2 die
German chlorine dioxide advocate Andreas Kalcker is interviewed on Bolivian TV on June 29. Prosecutors in Argentina are investigating Andreas Kalcker, who popularised the bleach Chlorine Dioxide as a Covid-19 treatment. A boy, 5, and man, 50, died last year in Argentina after taking the substance. Chlorine dioxide has soared in popularity in South America, despite prominent warnings. Visit Business Insider for more stories.
Trump so frustrated by Twitter ban that he's writing out insults, asking aides to tweet them - report
Former President Donald Trump. Trump, barred from Twitter, is writing out "insults and observations" instead, The Daily Beast reported. "He has resorted to suggesting put-downs for others to use or post to their own Twitter," per the outlet. Trump is taking aim at opponents in the GOP as he battles to retain his hold over the party. Visit Business Insider for more stories.
Online child sex abuse spikes 31% in 2020 - 13 million images on Facebook and Instagram
Melissa, a survivor of sexual abuse whose last name was not disclosed, speaks at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children August 2, 2010 in Alexandria, Virginia. Win McNamee/Getty Images There was a sharp increase in child sexual abuse imagery online in 2020, data shows. Facebook said it detected 13 million images from July to September alone. Coronavirus lockdowns and livestreamed abuse fueled the increase, an expert told Insider. Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.
Isolated, facing an impeachment trial, Trump dedicating his last days to spoiling Biden's inauguration
Jan 18, 2021, 04:34 PM President Donald J. Trump returns home after disembarking Marine One on the South Lawn at the White House on Tuesday, Jan 12, 2021 in Washington, DC. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images President Trump seems determined to be the center of attention in his final few days in office. In the wake of the attack on the US Capitol, Trump has lost many allies and faces an unprecedented second impeachment trial.
FBI probing if foreign governments, groups, individuals funded Capitol rioters using Bitcoin - report
Jan 17, 2021, 04:47 PM Barbed wire, is seen atop security fencing, with the dome of the U.S. Capitol Building on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021 in Washington, DC. Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images The FBI is probing whether foreign actors provided funding to groups and individuals who helped insitgate the Capitol riots on January 6, reported NBC News.
Trump has not ordered flags flown at half-mast to honour police officer killed in the Capitol riot
Jan 10, 2021, 01:32 PM Flags at the US Capitol fly at half-mast to honor US Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick, on January 8, 2021, in Washington, DC. BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images US President Donald Trump did not order flags to be flown at half-mast over the White House and federal government buildings in honour of Brian D. Sicknick, the Capitol Police officer killed in riots by Trump supporters.
Trump promises 'orderly transition' after Biden certified election winner despite attack on Congress
Jan 07, 2021, 11:26 AM President Donald Trump. President Donald Trump in a statement early Thursday pledged an "orderly transition of power" after his supporters rioted at the US Capitol Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories. President Donald Trump has pledged that an orderly transition of power will take place on January 20 when President-elect Joe Biden takes office.
Trump split the GOP and may have cost it the Senate as he pursued revenge against election officials in Georgia
© MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images Trump split the GOP and may have cost it the Senate as he pursued revenge against election officials in Georgia President Donald Trump's relentless attacks on Republican election officials and his attempts to undermine party leadership were most likely key elements in the party losing the Georgia runoffs and control of the Senate.
Trump supporters chant 'destroy the GOP' at a rally in Washington DC, after Republican officials in Georgia refused to back the president's bid to overturn the election
US President Donald Trump flies in Marine-1 over a pro-Trump rally of supporters demonstrating against the election results, on December 12, 2020 in Washington, D.C. At a rally in Washington DC Saturday, Trump supporters vented their anger at Republican party officials who've refused to take part in President Trump's bid to subvert the election. "Destroy the GOP," some chanted at the event, according to video footage posted online.
Trump went along with Biden's transition only after aides told him he didn't have to admit he lost, report says
President Donald Trump went along with the presidential transition process on Monday only after being assured he wouldn't have to concede, The New York Times reported. Despite losing the election more than two weeks ago to Joe Biden, Trump has refused to acknowledge defeat, instead alleging without evidence that his victory was stolen by fraud. Trump's Monday-night tweets encouraging the transition to begin emphasized heavily that he did not accept defeat.
Trump axed campaign lawyer Sidney Powell because 'she was too conspiratorial even for him'
Nov 23, 2020, 02:37 PM Sidney Powell speaking during a press conference at the Republican National Committee headquarters in Washington, DC, on November 19. MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images The Trump campaign announced on Sunday that it was parting ways with attorney Sidney Powell. Powell's wild conspiracy theories proved too much even for President Donald Trump, according to reports, as his legal campaign to overturn the election result descended last week into farce.
Trump hasn't attended a coronavirus task force meeting in five months
Nov 15, 2020, 02:26 PM Trump talks with others in the Oval Office after speaking about "Operation Warp Speed" in the Rose Garden at the White House on Friday, Nov 13, 2020 in Washington, DC. Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images US president Donald Trump has not attended a meeting of the coronavirus task force for 5 months, reported The Washington Post Sunday.
Trump's voter fraud accusations are mainly to give him an excuse for a loss he 'can't grasp' - allies
Nov 09, 2020, 04:56 PM President Donald Trump returns to the White House from playing golf in Washington, DC on November 7, 2020, after Joe Biden was declared the winner of the 2020 presidential election. ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump has continued to falsely claim that he is the rightful winner of the 2020 election, and that Joe Biden only triumphed because of voter fraud.
Trump seems to back away from claims he'll declare victory as soon as possible: 'No reason to play games'
Nov 03, 2020, 04:59 PM President Donald Trump at a rally in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the early hours of Election Day on November 3, 2020. Kamil Krzaczynski/Getty Images President Donald Trump appeared to back away from reports that he's planning on declaring himself winner before sufficient votes have been counted. In an Election Day appearance on Fox News, he said he would declare victory "only when there is victory.
Bolivia's biggest political party could now legalise toxic bleach to treat Covid-19
Nov 01, 2020, 01:05 PM Bolivia's President-elect Luis Arce, in El Alto, Bolivia on October 24, 2020. AIZAR RALDES/AFP via Getty Images Bolivia's MAS party surged to victory in last week's presidential election, pledging to rebuild a country devastated by the coronavirus pandemic and political turmoil. Their victory is also a triumph for a fringe alternative medicine movement embraced by the MAS that believes that consuming toxic bleach cures Covid-19.
Trump's chief of staff argued that Covid-19 cases on Mike Pence's team should be concealed
Oct 26, 2020, 02:11 PM White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, under the umbrella, leaves the White House on October 25, 2020. Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images White House chief of staff Mark Meadows was opposed to publicly revealing that two aides to Mike Pence had tested positive for Covid-19, The New York Times reported. Two White House sources told the publication that the Meadows hesitated to come forward with the diagnoses so close to the election.
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