Latest news with #BigBird
New York Post
2 days ago
- Business
- New York Post
Dimon's delusional Powell support and more: Letters to the Editor — July 20, 2025
Dimon's downer Gee, what a surprise: A big-time banking CEO like Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan is supporting the under-siege Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell in keeping interest rates high for Americans ('Dimon: Get off Fed boss' back,' July 16). The American people just came off four torturous years of an administration that made every decision against our best interests. The only way we survived this was with the hope of President Trump getting back in the White House to restore peace and prosperity. But Dimon says: Hold your horses, people. Despite surviving the worst administration of all time, you still can't get prosperous terms because it would hurt my bottom line. How does he sleep at night? Dimon clearly benefits from Americans continuing to suffer from high interest rates, claiming, 'Playing around with the Fed can often have adverse consequences.' Eugene Dunn, Medford PBS' public good PBS and NPR are not about politics or handouts ('Big Bird's Big Bucks,' Rich Lowry, July 15). They are trusted public services that reach millions of Americans with high-quality educational programming, fact-based journalism and cultural content. In rural areas, including much of upstate New York, local public media stations are often the only consistent sources of news and learning. That is not a luxury — it's a civic need. Lowry's article claims public media should survive like any other private business. But PBS and NPR are not built to maximize profit — they are designed to serve the public interest. Federal support — though modest, with around 15% for PBS and 1% for NPR — is essential for keeping these services accessible. Ask any parent or teacher what PBS means to childhood education; ask any listener in a news desert what NPR means to staying informed. Bo Hershey, Watertown A dud of a ruling I cannot understand how a judge could overturn Michael Bossett's conviction for throwing a grenade at the police officers who were arresting him for his role in the murder of Gabriel Vitale ('Judge's helping 'hand' to killer,' July 14). The most ironic thing about this affair is that Bossett's lawyer, Ron Kuby, called the conviction 'wrongful.' However, Bossett really did throw a grenade at the officers. When the grenade fortunately did not go off, he later pretended that he thought it was a 'dud.' There is nothing false about that. John Francis Fox, Sunnyside Halt bird-hawking A new local bill would ban pet stores from hawking birds ('NYC pet shops squawk,' July 15). Thank you to Voters for Animal Rights and Councilwoman Diana Ayala for attempting to right society's wrongs. Over 200 years ago, William Blake nailed it when he wrote, 'A robin redbreast in a cage puts all heaven in a rage.' For far too long, humanity has ignored that wisdom. Karen Dawn, Santa Barbara Calif. Defend ICE agents Left-wing radicals claim they are protesting ICE raids, but throwing rocks at agents is anarchy — not protest ('Begging for Civil War,' Editorial, July 14). These acts endanger officers' lives and can cause death. The head of ICE should issue a shoot-to-kill order when attacked by radicals whose acts constitute deadly physical force against law officers in the lawful performance of their duties. The rights of these people end when public safety is endangered. Gary Acerra, Staten Island Want to weigh in on today's stories? Send your thoughts (along with your full name and city of residence) to letters@ Letters are subject to editing for clarity, length, accuracy, and style.
New York Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
That's it, Big Bird — time for you, and PBS, to get off the Washington gravy train
Big Bird deserves to lose this time. In the past, whenever Republicans have tried to cut federal funding for public broadcasting, the eight-foot-two-inch-tall yellow bird has been trotted out as an exemplar of all that is good and necessary about PBS, and the federal dollars have been preserved. Perhaps our Jim Henson-created feathered friend will continue his undefeated streak, but a Trump-backed recissions bill represents the best chance to defund public broadcasting in decades, if not ever. The bill, clawing back previously appropriated funding, has already passed the House and is now being considered in the Senate, where the filibuster doesn't apply. The measure targets $9.4 billion in federal spending, including funds for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The CPB gets about $500 million a year from the federal government, and parcels it out to NPR, PBS and local public radio and TV stations. NPR maintains that it only gets about 2% of its funding from the federal government, with more coming indirectly via member stations. PBS gets about 15% of its funding from the feds. If NPR and PBS programming is as compelling and vital as its defenders say, it shouldn't be a heavy lift to get foundations, philanthropists and devoted listeners and viewers to fill any funding gap. The organizations have already given out a lot of tote bags during fundraising drives. Surely, they can give out some more. Decades ago, with the rise of cable TV and a proliferation of sources of news and entertainment, it seemed absurd for the government to have to prop up a few select media sources. How much more ridiculous it is now, in the age of YouTube, social media, satellite radio, Substack, streaming services and podcast platforms. Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Public Broadcasting Act creating the CPB in 1967, and like many other Great Society programs, public broadcasting is an anachronism that won't go away. Big Bird himself is approaching the age when he'll soon begin to be eligible for senior-citizen discounts. Supporters of public broadcasting extol the virtues of 'All Things Considered,' the 'PBS NewsHour,' and 'Frontline' — and yes (political bias aside), journalists do some good work for these programs. They also (again, political bias aside) do some good work at the New York Times and CBS News, yet neither of these of these outlets depend on federal tax dollars. Oh, defenders also ask, how can we possibly do without the wonder of educational programming like 'Sesame Street' and 'Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood'? 'Sesame Street' is, indeed, an American institution. But even if PBS collapsed tomorrow, the show would certainly go on. For about a decade now, new episodes have been featured on HBO or Netflix, demonstrating how a venerable 50-year-old project can adapt to the times. It's simply not true, by the way, that we depend on PBS for good shows for kids. There's been educational programming developed by Nickelodeon ('Blue's Clues & You!'), Scholastic Entertainment ('The Magic School Bus'), and Netflix ('Ask the StoryBots' and 'Ada Twist, Scientist'). And somehow such iconic children's programming as 'Dora the Explorer,' 'Peppa Pig' and 'Bluey' were created without the involvement of PBS. Keep up with today's most important news Stay up on the very latest with Evening Update. Thanks for signing up! Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Never miss a story. Check out more newsletters Then, there's the argument that a cut-off of federal funding will be devastating to local public-radio stations in rural communities. It's true that small stations could go out of business, but as anyone who has been paying attention has noticed, we live in an era of great media churn. Private media entities are going out of business — and being created — all the time. The government shouldn't extend its favor to a few select outlets. Especially not when these outlets are so blatantly and pervasively biased. NPR and PBS provide left-of-center content for left-of-center audiences under the guise of objectivity. As many legacy media organizations have long demonstrated, there is a business model there, but it's not one that deserves or needs taxpayer support. Big Bird should, finally, make his own way in the world. Twitter: @RichLowry
Business Insider
12-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Trump Truth Social: Trump Blasts Big Bird as He Urges ‘Defunding' of PBS
Shares in NBC owner Comcast (CMCSA) switched off today after it was made very clear by President Trump that he isn't an avid viewer. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Make smarter investment decisions with TipRanks' Smart Investor Picks, delivered to your inbox every week. Rescissions Bill In a Truth Social Post, the President, perhaps tucked up in one of his many beds or curled up on one of his many gargantuan sofas, was clearly on the verge of throwing something very damaging towards his TV. 'It is very important that all Republicans adhere to my Recissions Bill and, in particular, DEFUND THE CORPORATION FOR PUBLIC BROADCASTING (PBS and NPR), which is worse than CNN & MSDNC put together. Any Republican that votes to allow this monstrosity to continue broadcasting will not have my support or Endorsement. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' the President thundered. Lengthy Grudge The comments impacted much of the media sector. MSNBC is owned by Comcast whose shares fell 1%. CNN is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) whose shares dropped 1%. Even one of Trump's favorities, Fox (FOX) fell 2.3%. Trump wants to rescind around $9.4 billion in already approved funding from foreign aid and public broadcasters including NPR and PBS. Trump and indeed the Republican party has long held a grudge against PBS wanting the private sector and not government to fund the broadcaster. Perhaps, he has a hidden childhood trauma as a result of watching Big Bird and his friends on the broadcaster's Sesame Street show? However, not all of the media ruffled Trump's feathers today. He praised USA Today after it swooned: 'Trump deserves Nobel Peace Prize. He's achieved more than those who've won before.' Trump's reaction? 'So nice!' Is CMCSA a Good Stock to Buy Now? On TipRanks, CMCSA has a Moderate Buy consensus based on 9 Buy, 9 Hold and 1 Sell ratings. Its highest price target is $48. CMCSA stock's consensus price target is $39.62 implying a 13.17% upside.
India.com
30-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Ukraine Destroys Russia's S-400 In Drone Strike – If Putin's Shield Can Fall, Should India Still Trust It?
New Delhi: A drone flew low over Crimea and found its mark. Seconds later, flames leapt from the Russian base. Ukraine had done the unthinkable – it struck deep into Russia's most prized air defense system, the S-400. This was no ordinary hit. Ukrainian forces targeted the 91N6E 'Big Bird' radar, the eye of the S-400. Two of them were destroyed in one swoop. Ukraine's military intelligence confirmed the strike. The attack was carried out by GUR's Ghost unit – a name that now echoes louder than ever. The strike happened in Crimea, a region Moscow calls its own since 2014. Ukraine never accepted that. And now, it is making sure Russia feels it every day. Russia calls the S-400 one of the best air defense systems in the world. It sells it proudly to global allies, including India. But when drones worth a fraction of a missile can breach its radar net, questions follow. Sharp ones. From both friends and foes. The Big Bird radar is not just a part of the S-400. It is the spine. It scans threats 600 kilometers away, be it ballistic missiles or stealth fighters. It works with the S-band frequency and uses phased array tech to track incoming dangers. Without it, the S-400 can still fire. But it may be firing blind. That is what makes this strike serious. Ukraine did not only damage a piece of hardware. It cracked open a system once believed to be nearly untouchable. A system India has already started inducting. A system Russia still claims is unmatched. But nothing bleeds confidence like a smoking wreck. The S-400 may survive this war. But its reputation? That is taking a direct hit. India, watching closely, may now have a few questions of its own.
India.com
29-06-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Zelensky brings Putin to its keens as Ukraine pierces Russia's S-400 air defense system, destroyed radar in drone strike, big worry for India due to…
Russia-Ukraine conflict heading towards Third World War? This country ready to send its troops to Kiev, not US, Poland, France, name is... Kyiv: Russia, which has been entangled in war with Ukraine for over 40 months now, has suffered a major setback. According to the reports, Ukraine has successfully carried out a drone strike in Crimea and managed to breach Russia's S-400 air defense system. This system is one of Russia's most crucial weapons for protection against aerial attacks. Russia has also sold this system to several other countries, including India. In such a scenario, Ukraine's ability to penetrate the S-400 not only threatens Russia's own security but could also impact its arms exports. For India, too, the questions being raised about the capabilities of the S-400 may be a cause for concern. Ukraine carried out a drone strike on a key component of Russia's S-400 air defense system—the 91N6E Big Bird radar on Thursday, Ukraine's military intelligence agency, the GUR. The strike was conducted by the GUR's Ghosts Unit and damaged several components of the S-400 system, including the multifunction radar and missile launchers. The attack took place in Crimea, a region that has been strategically important for Russia since it was annexed in 2014. How GUR destroyed S-400? According to the reports, the GUR used suicide drones to target the S-400 system in Crimea. The GUR is low-cost drones have become a key weapon for the Ukrainian military against Russia. In the attack, Ukraine's GUR destroyed two 91N6E Big Bird radars, which are integrated into Russia's S-400 air defense network as early warning systems. 91N6E Big Bird radar: It is important to note that the 91N6E Big Bird radar is considered the backbone of Russia's S-400 Triumph air defense system. 91N6E Big Bird is designed to detect and provide information on aerial threats ranging from ballistic missiles to stealth aircraft. Operating in the S-band frequency, this radar can detect and track targets at a distance of up to 600 kilometers. Without the Big Bird radar, the S-400 is ineffective! What makes 91N6E Big Bird special for Russia's air defense network is its radar's ability to detect and track targets. The 91N6E uses a Passive Electronically Scanned Array (PESA). 91N6E design emphasizes mobility. Without the Big Bird radar, the S-400's ability to detect and intercept long-range targets becomes significantly limited.
