Tech News

Economists expect US recession, above-target inflation this year

The United States will likely enter a recession this year and face high inflation well into 2024, a majority of economists predicted in their response to a semiannual survey.. Economists also slightly raised the chances of the Fed achieving a so-called "soft landing" -- bringing down inflation while avoiding a recession -- from 27 percent in August to 30 percent in March this year. da/tjj

Asian markets mixed as banking fears persist

Asian stocks were mixed Monday in a cautious start to what could be another rocky week for global markets, after a rout in banking shares renewed fears for the sector.. After markets closed on Friday, Biden said banks are "in pretty good shape" following the recent financial sector turmoil.

Germany braces for transport 'mega-strike'

Transport staff across Germany are set to stage a major strike on Monday to push for wage hikes in the face of brisk inflation, as passengers brace for serious disruptions.. Bus and metro staff in Frankfurt also staged a strike. 

Missouri: the new haven for pot smokers in US Midwest

Sisters Juree Burgett and Tanya Knight, both in their 60s, smell various marijuana buds, assessing their options at a trendy dispensary in Missouri. . Burgett, who worked as a dietician, and Knight, a pastry chef by training, are now both retired. 

'Glaze' software aims to protect art from copycat AI

Researchers at the University of Chicago have released free "Glaze" software that they say can thwart efforts by generative artificial intelligence (AI) to copy an artist's style.. If generative AI finds a Glaze-guarded image online, it is prevented from correctly analyzing and copying the style, the team said.

Artists fight AI programs that copy their styles

Artists outraged by artificial intelligence that copies in seconds the styles they have sacrificed years to develop are waging battle online and in court.. "The magic word used in the US court system is 'transformative,'" said lawyer and developer Matthew Butterick.

Elon Musk puts Twitter's value at just $20 billion

Elon Musk has put the current value of Twitter at $20 billion, less than half the $44 billion he paid for the social media platform just five months ago, according to an internal email seen by American news media.. The compensation plan values the platform at $20 billion, slightly more than that of Snap ($18.2 billion), parent company of Snapchat, or of social network and creative website Pinterest ($18.7 billion), both of which, unlike Twitter, are publicly traded. 

French PM reaches out to opposition ahead of next day of protests

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne told AFP Sunday she would meet opposition leaders early next month and was open to talks with unions, after weeks of protests against pensions reforms.. - Opposition pressure - Since becoming prime minister in May of last year, Borne has used the 49.3 11 times.

IMF chief warns risks to financial stability have increased

International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva warned on Sunday that risks to financial stability had increased and stressed "the need for vigilance" following the recent turmoil in the banking sector.. "It is also clear that risks to financial stability have increased," she added.