North Carolina crowned top state for business investment in 2025
It's the third time in four years the Tar Heel State has taken the top spot, previously earning the title in 2022 and 2023. North Carolina ranks in the top five in several of the study's most important business-readiness metrics.
The state had the third-best GDP growth in 2024 (3.7 percent), ranked fourth for workforce quality, and saw a strong influx of Americans with STEM college degrees. It also has a lower corporate income tax rate than some of its national peers. Businesses are taking note : JetZero, an aviation startup, is building a factory in Greensboro expected to employ more than 14,000 workers.
Amazon is also spending big in the state, making a $10 billion data center investment in June. 'In recent years, we've recruited businesses that have created tens of thousands of jobs across the state,' Josh Stein, the state's Democratic Governor, said during his recent state of the state address. 'But we cannot rest on our laurels. Other states want what we have here — it's a competitive world.'
North Carolina's return to the top spot comes nine years after the state faced backlash from major corporations over legislation viewed as discriminatory . In 2016, Republican lawmakers passed a bill that restricted transgender people from using bathrooms aligned with their gender identity . The law prompted widespread corporate criticism.
Hurricane Helene caused an estimated $60 billion in infrastructure damage, and North Carolina has requested $11.5 billion in recovery aid from FEMA. But the program itself is facing cuts from the Trump administration, which could slow or reduce federal support. Ports in Wilmington are also facing pressures from President Donald Trump's yoyo-ing tariff policies.
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Telegraph
an hour ago
- Telegraph
How a single bullet changed Donald Trump forever
The chart showing immigration numbers was usually displayed in the closing minutes of the stump speech and on the other side of the stage. So, when Donald Trump turned his head to the right to glance at the graph, escaping an assassin's bullet by millimetres, many thought they saw the hand of God. 'There's a confluence of things that happened to avert tragedy, and I think he talks about how there must have been some divine intervention,' says Steven Cheung, the White House communications director, who was present on July 13 2024 in Butler, Pennsylvania. 'That is the change.' It was the day a bullet grazed Mr Trump's ear, upending the 2024 election campaign and changing the president forever. Thomas Matthew Crooks, the 20-year-old would-be assassin of Mr Trump was shot dead by the Secret Service at the scene. Crooks also fatally shot audience member Corey Comperatore, and injured two other people in the crowd. Since then, Mr Trump has talked about his nerves when people move around in the crowd at his rallies, flirted with the idea of uniting the nation, and described his mission to save America as the work of God. This weekend, however, there will be little in the way of commemoration. An interview with Lara Trump, his daughter-in-law, is due to be broadcast on Fox News on Saturday, when he will reflect on the past year. And that is all in keeping with a man who prefers not to look backwards, say insiders. 'He's a busy man. There's a lot to get on with,' said a senior administration official. In the past year, Mr Trump pulled off an extraordinary political comeback, becoming only the second president in history to serve non-consecutive terms. He has governed at a rapid pace, slashing the federal workforce, axing foreign aid, challenging the world to a trade war, reducing illegal immigration, and bringing media critics to heel. Mr Cheung said there had been no time to take a step back immediately after the assassination attempt. 'Immediately we went into the Republican National Convention (RNC),' he said, 'Immediately he went back on the campaign trail.' Just two days after being wounded, Mr Trump made his triumphal entry at the RNC in Milwaukee, pacing down an entry corridor in front of a camera, looking every inch the heavyweight champ returning to the ring. Thousands of supporters embraced the religious parallel. 'July 13 was the same date when the Holy Mother revealed the third secret of Fatima,' said a Catholic attendee. That was the date in 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared to three Portuguese children, entrusting them with her prophecies. The vision foretold an attack on a 'bishop dressed in white,' and was only revealed in 2000, 19 years after an assassin tried to kill Pope John Paul II. 'You can't make this stuff up,' added the Trump supporter. For a while Mr Trump held his rallies indoors, reducing the threat of a copycat sniper. But six weeks later his security team rejigged the setup with bulletproof screens allowing the Republican candidate to resume his trademark events. His ear had healed quickly, but Mr Trump admitted some other scars might remain. During a rally in New York in September he appeared startled by a sudden movement in the audience. 'I thought this was a wise guy coming up,' he said. 'You know, I've got a little bit of a yip problem here. Right? That was amazing. I was all ready to start duking it out.' There were other effects from the shooting, according to Blake Marnell, who travels around the country attending rallies and who was in the front row at Butler, resplendent in his distinctive brick-patterned suit. He said older voters remember the anger and violence in the country around the time of the murder of John F Kennedy. If anything, the shooting this time helped voters coalesce around the wounded leader. 'When you look at the other effects post Butler, you can't ignore the fact that that is one of the driving factors that got Robert F Kennedy and president Trump speaking, which led to the Make America Healthy Again (Maha) coalition,' he said, referring to a member of the famous liberal political clan, who was best known as an environmental lawyer. 'That also crystallised Elon Musk's support for the president.' The world's richest man endorsed Mr Trump on the night after the shooting. And he appeared on stage with him when the Republican candidate returned to Butler three months later. For a while Mr Trump's speeches took on a more bipartisan air. Aides described how a caustic convention address was toned down in the interests of national unity. 'The discord and division in our society must be healed. We must heal it quickly,' he said at the start of his 90-minute speech. 'As Americans, we are bound together by a single fate and a shared destiny. We rise together. Or we fall apart.' Headlines about a softer Mr Trump did not last long, however, as he quickly resumed his scathing attacks on Joe Biden, the then president, and Kamala Harris, his election opponent. What endured was a greater sense of mission in a man who pulled off a surprise win in 2016 and at times struggled to impose his will on Washington during that first term. Mr Trump himself used religious framing to describe his campaign after his narrow escape in Butler. He was often seen taking part in group prayers, the president in the middle, head bowed, as supporters reached out to touch his arm, an elbow, the back of his chair. 'I would love to think it's God, and it's God doing it because he wants to save America,' he said in an interview. 'He sees what's happening. God sees what's happening in America.' He shrugged off questions about PTSD or mental scars, but has returned repeatedly to the idea that surviving that day has toughened his resolve and his faith. 'It changed something in me,' he said a month after returning to the White House. 'I feel, I feel even stronger. I believed in God but I feel much more strongly about it.' The result was a greater sense of purpose, said Mr Cheung. 'I think it was a further resolve of how important it was to work on behalf of the people, and that the mission took on an even greater importance,' he said.
The Guardian
2 hours ago
- The Guardian
Superman is super woke? How politics play into the new man of steel
Superman Woke! Variations on that headline splashed across all manner of non-Daily Planet websites this week in advance of a new Superman movie reboot, specifically the comments of writer-director James Gunn, who casually characterized the character as an immigrant and, as such, telling the 'story of America' in an interview. This rankled rightwingers including the former TV Superman Dean Cain, who acknowledged Superman as an immigrant but blanched at the idea of actively associating that as an American value, noting that 'there have to be limits'. Meanwhile, the former Trump lackey Kellyanne Conway, now a Fox News host, characterized the movie she hasn't seen as an ideological lecture, and added her supposed anger that the movie's star, David Corenswet, elided the old 'truth, justice and the American way' Superman slogan in another interview (referring to 'truth, justice, all that good stuff'). For those attempting to keep track: people involved with a Superman movie shouldn't attempt to evoke America, except when they should. Actually, for those keeping even closer track, the 'American way' bit was a phrase added to the radio version of Superman during the second world war, and further popularized by the 1950s TV show. It lived on primarily in reruns of that show, didn't appear in the comics until 1991, and has never been particularly central to the character in his original medium (or any of the movies, even). This is all to say that the reading of Superman as an immigrant is so commonplace, so arguably a part of the plain old surface text of the character, that it's even harder to buy any ginned-up outrage than usual. At best, it's a byproduct of suppressed guilt over the cruel and unusual immigration policies favored by anyone dumb enough to complain that this a 'woke' version of a 90-year-old superhero. In fact, the phoney outrage and predictions of boycott from people who don't go to the movies anyway could be a gag straight from the movie itself. It's one of plenty of real-world parallels in Gunn's movie. Most of them fall into the blockbuster realm of vagueness that makes it hard to tell if it was inspired by real events or just unsuccessfully sidestepping from evoking one international crisis straight into evoking another. (More on that in a moment.) But the most obviously first-hand quasi-political experiences Gunn draws upon all have to do with social media: this is a Superman whose weaknesses include Kryptonite, Lex Luthor-engineered software that anticipates his every punch, and … reading the comments. During one argument, Lois Lane needles her superpowered boyfriend by telling him she's seen him looking through certain hashtags guaranteed to frustrate and enrage even the virtuous child of Kansas farms who still says 'golly!' on the regular. This makes sense: James Gunn does not have experience in geopolitics, but he sure has experience online. The film-maker was semi-canceled over edgelord-y tweets (unearthed, in perfect discourse fashion, by rightwingers infuriated by his left-leaning politics); fired from the third Guardians of the Galaxy movie; and eventually rehired when Disney realized that maybe cast and fan loyalty was worth more than manufactured outrage. But in his between-Guardians downtime, Gunn made a Suicide Squad sequel for the previous DC regime, essentially auditioning for his current job. In some ways, he owes his stewardship of Superman and DC in general to the vexations of life online. So if it's a little cringe-y to hear about Superman glancing through social media, or for Gunn to go out of his way to show Lex Luthor training an army of monkeys to flood the zone with mean tweets, it's also a funny, oddly whimsical way of acknowledging our contemporary world. (Plus, remember that Clark Kent works in media, even if his newspaper still publishes a print edition.) It's certainly more surefooted than the movie's actual politics, which go further than the likes of Captain America: Brave New World but still fall short of anything more complicated than the actual thrust of Gunn's interview. (Which was that kindness is, in fact, good.) The immigrant stuff, first of all, is in the movie but not especially prominent. A plot turn involving Superman's parents could even be read as accidentally xenophobic; after all, if you're trading on the message that it doesn't matter where an immigrant comes from once assimilated into our culture, doesn't that by definition cast aspersions on other countries (or in this case, planets) and elevate whatever 'our' culture is? That's obviously not Gunn's intent in positioning Superman as an immigrant figure; he wants to elicit the empathy for outsiders that we've all felt at one time or another. The logical stumble is more a sign of a metaphor that isn't fit for front-to-back, one-to-one interpretation; that's not a problem on its own. More interesting is the story's offscreen inciting incident, where Superman intervenes in the affairs of two fictional countries. When the movie begins, Superman has recently stopped Boravia, which is led by a blustery despot who comes across like an eastern European Trump, from invading neighboring Jarhanpur. The latter has struck some viewers as coded Middle Eastern, implying parallels between Israel and Palestine, though in the comic books (and based on the leader's accent, here too) the countries are actually somewhere in Europe. That is to say, it looks more akin to Russia invading Ukraine, though Gunn has said he didn't have any specific real-life turmoil in mind when he concocted the scenario. The issue is really more interventionism: should Superman have acted unilaterally in stopping Boravia (and, indeed, threatening its leader with reprisal if he tries it again)? Lois Lane isn't so sure, bringing up the repressive nature of past Jarhanpur governments (and in turn bringing to mind Israel's attacks on Iran, though that particular conflict was in the news well after this movie was written, shot and probably almost or entirely finished). One of the most heartening things about Superman is that Lois's objections inspire a full conversation between her and Superman, in the guise of an 'interview' to make up for the fact that most of Superman's press is self-directed through Clark Kent. For a little while, the movie seems ready to dig into the genuine strife faced by a mega-powerful being who therefore has the ability to shape the world. Stopping people in another country from dying seems ethical. But what about issuing de facto press releases disguised as a real journalism? Of course, all of these questions are in the realm of hypothetical, so the movie mostly just invents hypothetical solutions that turn on the fact that Superman is, in fact, inherently trustworthy and moral. Lucky for everyone, huh? Then again, getting too far into the issue of whether Superman 'should' help people starts to look a bit too much like the Zack Snyder version that audiences and critics had such mixed-at-best feelings toward. Gunn wants Superman to be a bigger-tent affair than that, and it's an understandable impulse. He's not the first superhero character, but he's arguably the first one to achieve something resembling global ubiquity. That's going to lead to some varying interpretations. Limiting him to specific politics makes no more sense than keeping a world-saving god within Metropolis city limits. Yet in a weird way, the buffoonish outrage over Superman's immigration status has only served to highlight a void in the movie's broader emotional resonance. It's a sweet-natured movie that ends on a genuinely emotional note – it might particularly resonate for those with adoptive parents, another Superman mainstay – but misses the opportunity to make a more explicit parallel in the way Superman has emigrated both to the United States in particular, but to Earth in general. His global citizenship is more of a feelgood given than a powerful duality, and a Superman that truly grappled with our ability to see beyond national boundaries might have felt like a true update of the character for a new century, rather than another tacit plea for kindness. We have Paddington for that. Shouldn't Superman be able to lift something a little heavier?
Geeky Gadgets
2 hours ago
- Geeky Gadgets
Claude 4 vs Grok 4 : Which AI Model is Best for AI Coding?
What if artificial intelligence could not only understand your needs but also anticipate them with unparalleled precision? Imagine an AI model capable of analyzing intricate business scenarios, engaging in natural voice conversations, and seamlessly integrating with your tools—all while processing vast amounts of information in a single session. Enter Grok 4, the latest innovation from XAI, which is setting a new standard in the world of AI with its advanced reasoning and multimodal capabilities. Whether you're a developer tackling complex coding challenges or a professional optimizing workflows, Grok 4 promises to redefine what AI can achieve in both depth and versatility. In this exploration of Grok 4, Developers Digest uncover how this new model excels across critical benchmarks, from tool-assisted problem-solving to multifaceted reasoning tasks. We'll delve into its unique features, such as a 256,000-token context window and enhanced voice interaction, that make it a standout in a competitive AI landscape. But Grok 4 isn't just about performance—it's about accessibility, offering flexible pricing plans to suit diverse needs. As we unpack its capabilities and future innovations, you'll see why Grok 4 isn't just another AI model—it's a leap forward in how we interact with technology. Could this be the AI that finally bridges the gap between human intuition and machine intelligence? Grok 4 AI Overview Exceptional Performance Across Benchmarks Grok 4 has consistently demonstrated superior performance in some of the most rigorous AI evaluation tests. It surpasses competitors in reasoning tasks and tool-assisted problem-solving, excelling in benchmarks such as Humanity's Last Exam, GPQA, Amy, and Arc AGI. For example, its ability to simulate complex business scenarios, such as optimizing vending machine operations, highlights its practical utility in real-world applications. If you're searching for an AI model capable of handling high-level reasoning and analytical tasks, Grok 4 delivers both reliability and precision. Advanced Features for Tackling Complex Problems At the core of Grok 4's capabilities lies its advanced reasoning engine, which is further enhanced by seamless tool integration. This enables the model to address intricate problems with accuracy and efficiency. Its extended 256,000-token context window allows it to process and respond to complex, multi-layered queries, making it particularly effective for tasks requiring deep analysis. Additionally, Grok 4's multimodal reasoning capabilities—spanning text, images, and video—expand its versatility, making it an invaluable resource for professionals managing nuanced and multifaceted challenges. Claude 4 vs Grok 4 Watch this video on YouTube. Find more information on Advanced AI model by browsing our extensive range of articles, guides and tutorials. Voice Interaction: A More Intuitive AI Experience One of Grok 4's most notable features is its enhanced voice interaction capabilities, which support natural communication modes such as whispering, singing, and faster response times. These features create a more engaging and intuitive user experience, whether you're using the model for professional tasks or personal assistance. Grok 4's ability to outperform many competitors in this domain makes it a compelling choice for users seeking natural, conversational AI. Its voice interaction capabilities not only enhance usability but also ensure seamless and efficient interactions. Pricing Options to Suit Diverse Needs XAI has designed Grok 4's pricing structure to cater to a broad spectrum of users, making sure accessibility without compromising on quality. The standard plan , priced at $30 per month, offers essential features suitable for general use. , priced at $30 per month, offers essential features suitable for general use. For users requiring advanced functionalities such as tool-calling and agentic reasoning, the premium 'Groheavy' mode is available at $300 per month or $3,000 annually. This tier is ideal for specialized or complex tasks. These flexible pricing options allow users to select a plan that aligns with their specific needs and budgets, making sure that Grok 4 remains accessible to both individuals and organizations. Future Innovations on the Horizon XAI is actively working on expanding Grok 4's capabilities, with several exciting developments in the pipeline: A coding model specifically designed to streamline programming tasks. specifically designed to streamline programming tasks. A multimodal agent aimed at enhancing interactivity and user engagement. aimed at enhancing interactivity and user engagement. A state-of-the-art video generation model using Nvidia's innovative hardware for advanced creative applications. These upcoming innovations are poised to push the boundaries of AI-driven creativity and functionality, making sure that Grok 4 remains a versatile and powerful tool for its users. Seamless API and Platform Integration Grok 4 is easily accessible through XAI's platform and its dedicated website, offering seamless integration into various workflows. Its API is specifically designed with a focus on reasoning, providing developers and businesses with a valuable resource for building sophisticated applications. However, users should note that this reasoning-focused approach may result in slightly longer response times in certain scenarios. This trade-off reflects the model's commitment to delivering thoughtful, high-quality outputs, making sure that accuracy and depth are prioritized over speed when necessary. A Leap Forward in AI Technology Grok 4 represents a significant advancement in artificial intelligence, combining innovative reasoning, multimodal capabilities, and user-friendly features like voice interaction. Its exceptional performance benchmarks and flexible pricing tiers make it a versatile option for a wide range of applications. As XAI continues to innovate, Grok 4 is positioned to remain at the forefront of AI technology, offering unparalleled value to its users. Whether you're solving complex problems, exploring creative possibilities, or streamlining workflows, Grok 4 provides the tools and capabilities to meet your needs effectively. Media Credit: Developers Digest Filed Under: AI, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
