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CM Omar asks World Craft Council to help J&K unlock its craft potentialNo. 21 Creighton's Steven Ashworth doubtful for Players Era Festival opener against Aztecs
Liverpool's new manager Arne Slot and his dressing room are keeping their feet firmly on the ground despite the Reds holding a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League , citing past examples where Manchester City successfully chased down league leaders. With Liverpool set to face Southampton , Slot remains cautious: "We are all aware of the fact we are only 11 games into the season and will not get carried away," he emphasised. The Liverpool boss is mindful of recent history, recalling how Arsenal and even his own club previously let leads slip late in the season against a relentless City side. He asserts that neither he, the owners, nor the players are under any illusions about the challenges ahead: "It is not like this is the first time in Liverpool history we have been top of the league. I don't think the owners will get carried away. I am for sure not getting carried away, and the players will not as well." As Liverpool gears up for a pivotal week, which includes a Champions League clash with Real Madrid and an impending showdown with City at Anfield, the spotlight is on whether they can maintain their pole position. Liverpool have edged ahead as the bookies' pick to clinch the Premier League title, while Opta's supercomputer also forecasts a triumph for the Reds come May. However, Slot remains uninterested in such speculation, stating: "I don't talk about favourites. It is boring but I just talk about the next game which is a challenge in itself. I have said many times that in the Premier League the margins are very small. That is true all season. "Last season I followed the league and there was a moment when City were eight points behind Arsenal (it was 2022-23) so there is no use in getting carried away at all at this moment in time. "These teams like City, Arsenal and Chelsea and even [Manchester] United and all the others are able to put together a run of games like we did." Slot emphasized the importance of focus and effort: "So we are not getting carried away at all and looking at it like you just said in terms of favourites or whatever. "The players know what they have to do to win a game, and it's a lot. If they could give 50 percent less and still win, maybe we would think we have 50 per cent extra in the tank and not need to give our maximum for results. But we know it has been a close call in many games."Cockfighting Bust with 271 Birds in Pima County Highlights Need for FIGHT Act
Investing in the stock market requires a thorough understanding of each company’s financial health, performance history, and future prospects. But where do you start? Today, we’re looking at the best of the best with an in-depth look at five prominent TSX stocks that are currently strong buys. 1. Shopify ( ), headquartered in Ottawa, has solidified its position as a leading e-commerce platform. Enabling businesses worldwide to establish and manage online stores. In the third quarter of 2024, Shopify stock reported a 26% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $2.16 billion, surpassing analysts’ expectations. This growth is attributed to the TSX stock’s innovative tools, including the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered assistant Sidekick, which assists merchants with sales reports and customer data analysis. Shopify’s strategic focus on attracting larger enterprises aims to secure more stable revenue streams and long-term growth. With the continuous rise of e-commerce and Shopify’s commitment to technological advancement, the TSX stock is well-positioned for sustained expansion. 2. Royal Bank of Canada As Canada’s largest , ( ) has demonstrated resilience and adaptability. In the fourth quarter of 2024, RBC reported a 17.7% increase in adjusted net income, totalling $4.44 billion. Driven by the acquisition of HSBC’s Canadian operations and strong performance in its wealth management division. The $10 billion acquisition added approximately 780,000 clients, enhancing RBC’s retail and commercial business. The wealth management division saw a significant rise in net income, reaching $969 million, aided by higher fees and recovery from previous impaired losses. RBC’s strong capital position, with a common equity tier-one (CET1) ratio of 14.9%, and a history of consistent dividend payments make it an attractive option, especially for investors seeking both growth and income. 3. Enbridge ( ) is a leading energy TSX stock in North America, operating an extensive network of pipelines and renewable energy projects. In the third quarter of 2024, Enbridge’s profit more than doubled from the previous year, reaching $1.29 billion, driven by contributions from U.S. gas acquisitions and improved organic growth opportunities. The TSX stock has forecasted higher core profits for 2025, anticipating adjusted core earnings between $19.4 billion and $20 billion, up from 2024. Enbridge’s commitment to transitioning towards greener energy solutions is evident in its investments in renewable energy assets. With a strong dividend yield and a strategic focus on energy, Enbridge offers investors a blend of income and long-term growth potential. 4. TD stock ( ) is one of Canada’s major financial institutions, offering a wide range of banking services. However, in the fourth quarter of 2024, TD reported a decline in profit. Primarily due to challenges in its U.S. operations linked to anti-money-laundering issues, resulting in a $3 billion penalty and an asset cap imposed by U.S. regulators. Despite these setbacks, TD’s diversified business model, encompassing retail banking, wealth management, and wholesale banking, provides a solid foundation. The TSX stock’s strategic expansion into the U.S. market has enhanced its growth prospects. And its commitment to digital innovation positions it well for future opportunities. 5. Bank of Nova Scotia Commonly known as Scotiabank, ( ) has a significant international presence, particularly in Latin America. In the fourth quarter of 2024, Scotiabank reported higher profits, attributed to lower provisions for potential loan losses and higher interest income. The TSX stock’s international operations offer unique growth opportunities, and its focus on digital transformation aims to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. With a solid dividend history, Scotiabank provides a balanced mix of growth and income for investors. Bottom line Shopify, Royal Bank of Canada, Enbridge, Toronto-Dominion Bank, and Bank of Nova Scotia each present compelling investment opportunities based on their recent performance, strategic initiatives, and financial health. As always, it’s essential to conduct thorough research and consider your investment objectives before making any decisions.Siemens Energy AG ( LON:0SEA – Get Free Report ) was down 1.6% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as GBX 50.04 ($0.63) and last traded at GBX 50.25 ($0.63). Approximately 94,849 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 93% from the average daily volume of 1,387,233 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 51.08 ($0.64). Siemens Energy Price Performance The business’s fifty day moving average is GBX 44 and its two-hundred day moving average is GBX 30.27. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 38.20, a current ratio of 0.90 and a quick ratio of 0.60. About Siemens Energy ( Get Free Report ) Siemens Energy AG operates as an energy technology company worldwide. It operates through Gas Services, Grid Technologies, Transformation of Industry, and Siemens Gamesa segments. The company provides gas and steam turbines, generators, and heat pumps, as well as performance enhancement, maintenance, customer training, and professional consulting services for central and distributed power generation; and high voltage direct current transmission systems, offshore windfarm grid connections, transformers, flexible alternating current transmission systems, high voltage substations, air and gas-insulated switchgears, digital grid solutions and components, and storage solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Siemens Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Siemens Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Japan's space agency halted its Epsilon S rocket engine test on Tuesday after a fire erupted at the Tanegashima Space Center. Footage aired by NHK depicted flames and an apparent explosion shortly after the test commenced. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is actively investigating the incident. This follows a previous engine test failure in July 2023, which resulted in extensive investigations and significant delays in national space missions and satellite launch schedules. The Epsilon S rocket, a collaboration between JAXA and IHI Corp's aerospace division, represents the new generation of Japan's solid-fuel small rocket series. As investigations continue, the goal remains to ensure the reliability and safety of this cutting-edge technology. (With inputs from agencies.)
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is taking heat this weekend for being seen partying at a Taylor Swift concert while pro-Palestinian protesters were coursing through downtown Montreal and burning and looting as they went. Trudeau, who, along with being Labor Party Leader and the nation’s PM, also represents Papineau, a portion of Montreal, in the nation’s Parliament, but critics are blasting him for being about 330 miles away in Toronto for the Swift concert as his hometown burned. A viral video shows a carefree Trudeau dancing to Swift’s song, “You Don’t Own Me,” as news was breaking about the riot in Montreal, Fox News reported. As Trudeau danced, a mob of people protesting against NATO and Israel paraded through the streets of Montreal setting off smoke bombs, burning effigies of Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu, causing property damage to buildings and cars, and holding pro-Palestinian flags and banners. Montreal Police spokesperson Véronique Dubuc said at least three people were arrested for interfering with the police. And one civilian and several police officers suffered minor injuries. But protesters said nearly half a dozen were injured by police and had to seek medical treatment. The riot was reportedly organized by Divest for Palestine and the Convergence of Anti-Capitalist Struggles. Trudeau called the riot “appalling” and on X wrote, “Acts of antisemitism, intimidation, and violence must be condemned wherever we see them. There must be consequences, and rioters held accountable.” But several members of Parliament blasted Trudeau for dancing the night away while the crisis brewed. Don Stewart, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing part of Toronto, called for Canada to “bring back law and order.” “Lawless protesters run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest. The Prime Minister dances. This is the Canada built by the Liberal government,” he wrote on X. “Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved.” Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre also blasted Trudeau over the concert frivolity and said that Trudeau was “too busy to condemn a violent Hamas takeover of our streets.” He also accused Trudeau of making Canada into “a playground for foreign interference.” Quebec Premier François Legault also took aim at Trudeau, saying, “Burning cars and smashing windows is not about sending a message, it’s about causing chaos. Such acts have no place in a peaceful society like Quebec.” Follow Warner Todd Huston on Facebook at: facebook.com/Warner.Todd.Huston , or Truth Social @WarnerToddHuston
Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of ’Love Connection’ and ’Scrabble,’ dies at 83
Chuck Woolery, smooth-talking game show host of 'Love Connection' and 'Scrabble,' dies at 83In Pakistan's universities, students with disabilities, especially those who are blind or visually impaired face systemic barriers that limit their ability to access knowledge and succeed academically. Yet, their aspirations remain high and the potential for meaningful change is within reach. By embracing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as core values, Pakistani universities can transform into spaces where every student, regardless of ability, feels supported and empowered to achieve their dreams. With the right policies, accessible technology and community efforts, we can build a future where blind students are no longer marginalised but thrive as equal participants in their educational journey. In countries with advanced education systems, information and communication technology (ICT) and assistive devices have opened doors for visually impaired students, allowing them to access course materials and engage fully in academic life. However, the situation in Pakistan is starkly different. Most universities lag in adopting such technologies, leaving blind students dependent on human helpers for study assistance. When these helpers are unavailable or slow, students must compromise the quality of their academic work. Such limitations affect severely their learning outcomes and overall confidence. The challenges extend beyond academics. Social interaction, which is vital for personal growth and a well-rounded education, is often inaccessible to blind students. Isolation from peers and inadequate support from faculty and staff compound the difficulties they face. Even when universities provide assistive devices, a lack of training for both students and staff means these tools are underutilised, further widening the gap between blind students and their sighted peers. To address these issues, Pakistani universities must prioritise initiatives that promote accessibility and inclusivity. Key steps include: Developing accessible infrastructure tailored to the needs of visually impaired students. Conducting training programmes for teachers and administrative staff on using assistive technologies. Establishing resource centres that provide free access to assistive devices and specialised software. Launching project-based initiatives that support blind students in their academic and professional endeavours. Educators play a pivotal role in this transformation. Training programmes that equip teachers with the skills to adapt their teaching methods for visually impaired students are essential. Beyond teaching, educators must foster inclusive classrooms where blind students feel valued and supported. A shining example of progress in this area comes from Government College University (GCU), Lahore, where notable DEI steps were taken during the period 2019-2023. With support from the US-based charity 'Vision Without Barriers' (VWB), GCU restructured its Centre for Special Students (CSS), equipping it with modern computers and specialised software to improve educational outcomes for visually impaired students. User-friendly furniture was also introduced to create a more comfortable learning environment. Teachers at GCU underwent training programmes guided by special education experts to enhance their engagement with blind students. New academic programmes, including a BS (Hons) and M.Phil in Special Education, were launched to develop expertise in this crucial field. Initiatives like job fairs for special students and the establishment of the Special Ravians Student Society further demonstrated GCU's commitment to inclusion. Notably, blind cricket was added to the annual sports calendar, and a special Roll of Honour was introduced by the VWB to recognise the achievements of visually impaired graduates. These initiatives at GCU have started to serve as a model for other universities in Pakistan. The Independent Learning Centre (ILC) at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), which serves physically and visually challenged students, has also been upgraded with support from the VWB. The ILC has undergone renovations, including construction improvements, and is now equipped with advanced technology such as new desktop computers, monitors, and a braille embosser. The path to achieving diversity, equity and inclusion for blind students in Pakistan's universities is challenging but not impossible. Institutions like GCU have demonstrated that change is achievable through commitment, collaboration and innovative policies. By prioritising accessibility and inclusivity, Pakistani universities can ensure that every student, regardless of ability, has the opportunity to succeed. Blind students are not asking for charitythey are asking for the chance to contribute, thrive and shine. It is our collective responsibility to create an education system that empowers them to do so. COMMENTS Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. For more information, please see our
The United Nations Special Envoy on Water has said constructive action to ensure sustainable soil and water management should be a high political priority for all member states. Retno Marsudi, a former Indonesian foreign minister and the UN's newly appointed special envoy on water, was in Bangkok on Monday as a key speaker at the International Soil and Water Forum. The event was organised by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Thailand's Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, with the aim of raising discussions between agencies on how to manage these two natural resources to ensure food security and sustainability. According to Ms Retno, 70% of freshwater worldwide is used in agriculture. Thus, she said, it is feared that people around the globe could be facing water scarcity by 2050 when the world's population has increased and requires more water withdrawals in agricultural production. She said such a development would hit developing countries the hardest as 80% of their population's livelihood depends on water because agriculture is their main employment sector. She noted that water stress would leave 170 million people in low-income countries undernourished. "Soon after, it will hit the developed countries," she added. Ms Retno said urgent action is needed, but the effort must be considered an investment in the future, not a burden. She said that knowledge to boost agricultural efficiency, including technology and AI, must be available to all. "We need concrete deliverables and to take action now," she said. Narumon Pinyosinwat, Thailand's agriculture and cooperatives minister, said that soil and water are the foundation of the agricultural system and biodiversity. However, natural threats and human activities have contributed to a decrease in soil fertility, water scarcity, loss of biodiversity, and increasing vulnerabilities to natural disasters. "We must recognise that no single country or organisation can address these issues alone as these problems require global and multidisciplinary approaches," she added.Year after year, small businesses are challenged to apply new technologies to keep up with their competitors – both large and small. In no area is this more relevant today than in the application of artificial intelligence. According to a new analysis released by the U.S. Census Bureau in December 2024, while the largest enterprises have clearly led the way, even the smallest businesses (with one to four employees) have increasingly been using AI tools at relatively high rates. Implementing AI used to require sophisticated programming that most small businesses couldn’t afford and couldn’t easily understand. That has changed dramatically over the past two years. AI is now more accessible than ever before. To discuss how small businesses can take advantage of this technology application in 2025, Digital Journal sat down with Pam Cronin, owner of Pam Ann Marketing , who consults with small businesses regarding their understanding and adoption of AI technologies. Digital Journal: What led to such a dramatic increase in AI accessibility? Pam Cronin: In November of 2022, OpenAI released ChatGPT, which would become the pivot point for making AI accessible to small businesses. Initially, early adopters were mostly limited to the “techy” types, but now the awareness of not only the existence of ChatGPT but also its ease of use has drawn the attention of small business owners. As a digital marketing agency owner, I get to speak to a wide variety of business owners. In 2023, I don’t recall any of them mentioning AI or ChatGPT. But this year, just about all of my clients have mentioned it in one way or another. The current level of AI awareness among small business owners is palpable. DJ: How are small businesses currently using AI? Cronin: Despite near-total awareness of AI, adoption levels vary. Only a few of my clients have incorporated ChatGPT or similar AI tools into their business operations. The most common use case I see is small businesses using these tools to help with marketing tasks such as drafting social media posts, coming up with ideas for content marketing, and planning and/or writing website content. (Though, as an SEO consultant, I need to constantly discourage them from publishing content fully written by AI as that will not serve their search engine optimization goals well). DJ: What else should small business owners be using AI for? Cronin: Everything! In addition to marketing, AI can greatly help streamline tasks related to accounting, operations, project management, customer service, and more. Essentially, any process that is fairly simple yet time-consuming should be considered as a use case for AI. DJ: How does the implementation process work? Cronin: Interestingly, many of the things that people perceive as “AI” are actually automation. Automation tools like Make.com and Zapier enable things to happen “automagically” even without AI. I’ve been using Zapier to automate portions of my business for ten years now (since 2014), creating automations for anything that requires tedious tasks. For example, my most complex and effective automation is for client onboarding. Taking on a new client requires setup tasks in about seven different places – Quickbooks for billing, Teamwork for project management, Slack for project communications, Google Drive for file storage, etc. This used to take 1 to 2 hours to do manually, but now happens automatically with no human interaction at all. Although this automation does not use AI, when tasks complete themselves without a single mouse click, it’s easy to see why people perceive it as an “artificial” person doing the work. This perception is actually becoming more accurate as automation platforms like Zapier are adding AI tools, and AI tools are adding automation “agents” to perform tasks for users. Essentially, these two worlds are colliding and becoming one: AI-powered automation. This is what small business owners should be thinking about implementing in 2025. DJ: What AI tools do you expect to become popular in 2025? Cronin: For AI-powered automation, Zapier and Make.com will continue to increase in popularity as they incorporate more AI tool integrations and solidify themselves as the most accessible way for small businesses to implement AI in 2025. However, what will really upend the AI world in 2025 is AI agents. “Agentic AI” is a term with search volume that is skyrocketing month over month right now. Automation platforms, even when integrated with AI tools, do not incorporate any decision-making other than basic “if this, then that” filters that select one routine over another. An AI “agent” can make decisions and act autonomously, which goes far beyond the abilities of AI-powered automation. Right now, agentic AIs are mostly custom-coded, which is not accessible for small businesses, but 2025 will be the year that user-friendly agentic AI platforms hit the market. Anthropic, the company behind the popular Claude AI chatbot, already released an agentic AI feature they call “Computer Use” which can control a computer to complete tasks in the same way a human does. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, will be launching their agentic AI product called “Operator” early in 2025, and of course – Google, Microsoft, and others won’t be far behind with their own versions as well. DJ: Will AI and automation replace employees? Cronin: Not for small businesses. Unlike enterprise-level corporations, where a single person might be employed only to handle tedious tasks, small business employees wear many hats and have responsibilities requiring human brainpower and interaction. Small business owners should view AI and automation not as employee replacement, but as employee enhancement. When used to relieve talented employees of tedious tasks, the business owner gets better results, employees get to spend more time on work they love, and the company becomes stronger and more effective. Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news.Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.Letters for Dec. 10: Declining a reelection bid is President Biden’s defining legacy in office
THE Dragons already have no margin for error in the Challenge Cup after paying the price for a shocking start and missed opportunities against Montpellier in the Newport wind and rain. The Rodney Parade club slipped to a 18-14 defeat in their tournament opener, meaning they will need at least one win on the road if they are to make the knockout stages. It was another missed opportunity to add to the frustrating home disappointments in the first block of the United Rugby Championship, and means Filo Tiatia’s men are right up against it after just one round. The Dragons trailed 18-14 at the break after fighting back from a nightmare start to get back in it through tries by centurion flanker Taine Basham and full-back Angus O’Brien. It was a poor game littered with errors, not all of them down to the weather, and it became all about the result as the gap remained four points into the final quarter. The Dragons had their chances – and were held up over the line – but were unable to get their noses in front in a dramatic finale inside the Top 14 side’s 22. With away games at Newcastle and the Lions either side of the home encounter with Pau, this was almost a must-win opening fixture in the bid for the knockout stages. The Dragons accomplished that last season when striking late against Oyonnax for a five-point haul before letting a promising position slip through their fingers. This time they are playing catch-up already and need to conjure something special either at Kingston Park or Ellis Park. Montpellier headed to Newport with a team largely made up of fringe players and academy talent but they were still hefty and presented a stiff challenge for what was far from the strongest, on paper at least, Dragons XV. There were opportunities in the tight five for loosehead Josh Reynolds, hooker James Benjamin, and lock Joe Davies, who all made first starts of the season (another opportunity for tighthead Dmitri Arhip was shelved due to illness). Livewire Morgan Lloyd was handed the 9 jersey for the first time at professional level while Will Reed – given his first start after almost always having 10 on his back last season – joined him to form a young half-back partnership in horrendous weather. The Dragons put themselves under pressure with a knock on from the kick-off but defended strongly until giving away a penalty that Aurelien Barreau put between the posts in the fourth minute. The fly-half repeated the trick in the ninth minute to make it 6-0; it was a kick that would normally be simple but not in these conditions. Montpellier’s dream start continued when, after an impressive claim of a high ball by full-back Julien Tisseron, a cross-kick to the right found centre Thomas Darmon who offloaded to Tambwe. The speedster beat last man Reed and slide over down the right for an 11-0 lead after 12 minutes. The Dragons needed a response and kicked a penalty to the corner to hunt one only for lock Davies to fail to gather the slippery ball in the throw. That failure was followed by a second French try that was way, way too easy. Firstly they won a five-metre scrum thanks to sloppy blindside defence that led to captain Angus O’Brien having to hack the ball behind. Then, after an early engagement, Marco Tauleigne took a quick tap and slid over with ease, Barreau making it 18-0 after a shambolic first quarter for the hosts. Thankfully the next score was for the men in bright yellow with Montpellier errors leading to a quick tap from five metres out and then a try on his 100th appearance for Basham. O’Brien converted. The game then had a scrappy spell until the Dragons struck just before the break to make it a four-point game. An overthrown lineout was gathered by Reed and the attack continued for lock Davies, of all people, to break through and slip the ball to his captain. O’Brien slide over down the left and then expertly added the extras to make cut the gap to 18-14 but then missed a penalty six minutes after the restart. The Dragons then got out of jail with half an hour to go when a Montpellier driving lineout went close and then, bizarrely, the backs called for the ball and a grubber through was covered by replacement scrum-half Dane Blacker. The errors were racking up with the slippery ball, making it a tense encounter with the next score (if it was to come) crucial. The game entered the final quarter without any second half scorers, the Dragons unable to get prime attacking territory and Montpellier’s game management letting them down. The hosts’ big chance came after 66 minutes when they forced Montpellier to hack the ball out five metres from their line. The shove came on, the ball was held up with replacement prop Aki Seiuli just loosing grip of the ball to allow a defender to get under him. The Dragons again pushed as the clock ticked into the 70s and a botched Montpellier lineout allowed them to hammer at the line with five to go... only for a knock-on to gift an escape. A penalty in the 78th minute was hammered to the 22 by O’Brien for one last chance, then another penalty was kicked even closer with the clock in the red, then another penalty was awarded. The Dragons opted for a quick tap but then knocked on, with TMO footage showing that there was no offence to allow one last charge. Dragons: O’Brien (captain), Dyer, Wilson, Owen, E Rosser (J Rosser 49), Reed (C Evans 56), Lloyd (Blacker 39); Reynolds (Seiuli 54), Benjamin (Scarfe 42), Coleman, J Davies (Nott 54), Screech (Langton-Cryer 69), Woodman, Basham, Wainwright. Scorers: tries – Basham, O’Brien; conversions – O’Brien (2). Montpellier scorers: tries – Tambwe, Tauleigne; conversion – Barreau; penalties – Barreau (2). Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa). Attendance: 4,012 (tickets issued).Rivalry Closes Third Tranche Of Non-Brokered Private PlacementHow to ensure the greatest good for the greatest number
BANGKOK — Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan will attempt to merge and create the world's third-largest automaker by sales as the industry undergoes dramatic changes in its transition away from fossil fuels. The two companies said they had signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday and that smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors also had agreed to join the talks on integrating their businesses. Honda will initially lead the new management, retaining the principles and brands of each company. Following is a quick look at what a combined Honda and Nissan would mean for the companies, and for the auto industry. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, and Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, arrive to attend a joint news conference Monday, Dec. 23, 2024, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) The ascent of Chinese automakers is rattling the industry at a time when manufacturers are struggling to shift from fossil fuel-driven vehicles to electrics. Relatively inexpensive EVs from China's BYD, Great Wall and Nio are eating into the market shares of U.S. and Japanese car companies in China and elsewhere. Japanese automakers have lagged behind big rivals in EVs and are now trying to cut costs and make up for lost time. Nissan, Honda and Mitsubishi announced in August that they will share components for electric vehicles like batteries and jointly research software for autonomous driving to adapt better to dramatic changes in the auto industry centered around electrification. A preliminary agreement between Honda, Japan's second-largest automaker, and Nissan, third largest, was announced in March. A merger could result in a behemoth worth about $55 billion based on the market capitalization of all three automakers. Joining forces would help the smaller Japanese automakers add scale to compete with Japan's market leader Toyota Motor Corp. and with Germany's Volkswagen AG. Toyota itself has technology partnerships with Japan's Mazda Motor Corp. and Subaru Corp. Nissan Chief Executive Makoto Uchida, left, Honda Chief Executive Toshihiro Mibe, center, and Takao Kato, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, right, pose for photographers during a joint news conference in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, Dec. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko) Nissan has truck-based body-on-frame large SUVs such as the Armada and Infiniti QX80 that Honda doesn't have, with large towing capacities and good off-road performance, said Sam Fiorani, vice president of AutoForecast Solutions. Nissan also has years of experience building batteries and electric vehicles, and gas-electric hybird powertrains that could help Honda in developing its own EVs and next generation of hybrids, he said. "Nissan does have some product segments where Honda doesn't currently play," that a merger or partnership could help, said Sam Abuelsamid, a Detroit-area automotive industry analsyt. While Nissan's electric Leaf and Ariya haven't sold well in the U.S., they're solid vehicles, Fiorani said. "They haven't been resting on their laurels, and they have been developing this technology," he said. "They have new products coming that could provide a good platform for Honda for its next generation." Nissan said last month that it was slashing 9,000 jobs, or about 6% of its global work force, and reducing global production capacity by 20% after reporting a quarterly loss of 9.3 billion yen ($61 million). Earlier this month it reshuffled its management and its chief executive, Makoto Uchida, took a 50% pay cut to take responsibility for the financial woes, saying Nissan needed to become more efficient and respond better to market tastes, rising costs and other global changes. Fitch Ratings recently downgraded Nissan's credit outlook to "negative," citing worsening profitability, partly due to price cuts in the North American market. But it noted that it has a strong financial structure and solid cash reserves that amounted to 1.44 trillion yen ($9.4 billion). Nissan's share price has fallen to the point where it is considered something of a bargain. A report in the Japanese financial magazine Diamond said talks with Honda gained urgency after the Taiwan maker of iPhones Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., better known as Foxconn, began exploring a possible acquisition of Nissan as part of its push into the EV sector. The company has struggled for years following a scandal that began with the arrest of its former chairman Carlos Ghosn in late 2018 on charges of fraud and misuse of company assets, allegations that he denies. He eventually was released on bail and fled to Lebanon. Honda reported its profits slipped nearly 20% in the first half of the April-March fiscal year from a year earlier, as sales suffered in China. Toyota made 11.5 million vehicles in 2023, while Honda rolled out 4 million and Nissan produced 3.4 million. Mitsubishi Motors made just over 1 million. Even after a merger Toyota would remain the leading Japanese automaker. All the global automakers are facing potential shocks if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on threats to raise or impose tariffs on imports of foreign products, even from allies like Japan and neighboring countries like Canada and Mexico. Nissan is among the major car companies that have adjusted their supply chains to include vehicles assembled in Mexico. Meanwhile, analysts say there is an "affordability shift" taking place across the industry, led by people who feel they cannot afford to pay nearly $50,000 for a new vehicle. In American, a vital market for companies like Nissan, Honda and Toyota, that's forcing automakers to consider lower pricing, which will eat further into industry profits. ____ AP Auto Writer Tom Krisher contributed to this report from Detroit. Airbags, advanced driver assistance features, and high-strength materials mean that the safest cars today are far better at protecting people from injuries than ever before. Although most new cars compare well to their predecessors, some stand above the rest. The safest cars for 2025 offer excellent occupant protection and also do a good job of preventing accidents from happening in the first place. Based on testing data from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety , or IIHS, and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration , or NHTSA, these are some of the safest cars available today. Ranging from inexpensive compact cars and mainstream midsize sedans to stylish station wagons, posh luxury cars, and sporty coupes and convertibles, Edmunds shares a list that has something for just about everyone. For those who prefer a higher seating position and maybe some added practicality, Edmunds' list of safest SUVs is for you. The stylish Mazda 3 has a lot to offer compact-car shoppers, including great looks, a composed driving experience, and reasonable fuel economy from its base 2.0-liter engine. It's also one of the safest cars in its class, earning a perfect five stars in NHTSA crash testing and sterling crashworthiness and collision avoidance scores from the IIHS. Its standard features are forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. With mature styling, a premium interior, and an efficient hybrid powertrain option, the 2025 Honda Civic is a great option if safety is a concern since it aces almost all of the IIHS' crash tests and earns a five-star safety rating from the federal government. It also comes standard with adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, and forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking. The Civic falls short slightly in the IIHS' updated moderate overlap front test, which now accounts for rear passenger safety, but even so, it's one of the safest cars in its class. Reflective of parent company BMW, today's Mini Cooper is well constructed and features premium safety features that belie its small size, including automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning. Although the Mini hasn't been tested by NHTSA, the IIHS gives the Cooper its highest score of Good in the original driver-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, and side-impact tests. That said, the IIHS doesn't place the Cooper on its Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ lists since it hasn't been evaluated on the updated battery of passenger-side small overlap front, moderate overlap front, or side-impact tests. Expect the new-for-2025 Mini Cooper to earn decent crash ratings in those scenarios, especially since it shares its strong platform with the outgoing model. With its recent redesign, the Toyota Prius transformed from a frumpy little caterpillar to a stylish and efficient butterfly. It also became a very safe hybrid hatchback. Perfect scores in all of its government and IIHS crash tests, as well as a sophisticated system of collision avoidance technology, earn it top marks. It's also one of our favorite cars on the market, period, as evidenced by its status as a 2024 Edmunds Top Rated vehicle. The Honda Accord is among the safest midsize sedans on the market today thanks to excellent crashworthiness scores and a competent standard collision prevention system. It's a Top Safety Pick+, beating out rivals like the Hyundai Sonata, Kia K5, and Subaru Legacy, and the Accord also earns a perfect five-star rating from NHTSA. Honda's hybrid-intensive product planning is on full display here—all but the two lowest Accord trims have a hybrid powertrain—and it's also among the most spacious cars in its class. Like its Honda Accord rival, the Toyota Camry is also an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ with a five-star NHTSA rating. It also has a very impressive suite of driver assistance and safety technology, including lane departure prevention with active centering, full-speed adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Camry edges out the Accord in IIHS testing thanks to a more effective collision avoidance system, but both cars are remarkably well matched otherwise. The fully electric Hyundai Ioniq 6 offers excellent safety and collision prevention, with excellent scores across the entire line of IIHS tests. The Ioniq 6 hasn't been tested for rollover resistance by NHTSA, but it earned a four-star front safety rating and a five-star side-impact rating in government tests. Like most EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention. It also offers up to 342 miles of all-electric driving in its longest-range trim level. The Acura Integra is a close mechanical cousin to the Honda Civic, so it's no surprise it does well in both the IIHS' and NHTSA's crash tests. The luxury hatchback is a Top Safety Pick+ and earns a perfect five stars in government testing. The AcuraWatch safety suite is standard on the Integra, bringing automatic emergency braking, lane centering, lane departure prevention, and adaptive cruise control. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a safe option in the popular small luxury sedan segment thanks to its good scores in IIHS crash testing. Mercedes' best-selling sedan also comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, which helps it earn a Top Safety Pick award. However, it hasn't been tested by the NHTSA. Both the Genesis G80 and the fully electric Genesis Electrified G80 earn a Top Safety Pick+ score from the IIHS thanks to their good scores on the agency's crash tests, as well as a comprehensive suite of active safety features that avoided collisions with simulated pedestrians. The internal-combustion-engine G80 earned a perfect five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and although the Electrified G80 hasn't been tested by the feds just yet, it should likely excel in those tests too. The flagship Genesis G90 sedan competes with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, and the South Korean automaker clearly hasn't skimped on safety in its fight against the establishment. Although it hasn't been subjected to the NHTSA array of tests, it aced almost all of its IIHS tests, and a long list of standard active safety and driver assistance features sets it apart from the stingy German makes that charge extra for them. With handsome styling and a well-finished interior, the Volvo V60 is a very appealing station wagon for those looking for such a thing. It's also quite safe, with good crashworthiness scores in the IIHS' original moderate overlap front and side-impact scores. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been tested with the updated versions of those tests, it didn't earn this year's Top Safety Pick award, but it was called a Top Safety Pick+ in 2022. NHTSA also gives the V60 a five-star safety rating. Although the Mercedes-Benz E 450 All-Terrain isn't a traditional wagon — it follows the lifted almost-crossover formula shared with the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V90 Cross Country — we'll take what we can get in this dwindling category. The All-Terrain hasn't been tested by the IIHS or NHTSA, but a previous-generation E-Class earned a 2023 Top Safety Pick+ award, and Mercedes isn't the kind of company that goes backward when it comes to safety. The E 450 All-Terrain comes standard with automatic emergency braking and forward collision warning, though, at this price, Benz should just make other active safety features standard. With a five-star NHTSA safety rating, standard forward collision warning and emergency braking, and excellent IIHS crashworthiness scores on its original tests, the Audi A6 Allroad does a good job protecting people (both passengers and pedestrians) from crashes. However, since the IIHS hasn't subjected the Allroad to its updated side and moderate front crash criteria, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status in 2022. Still, it should be a fine option for luxury longroof shoppers. Both the Ford Mustang coupe and convertible perform well in crash testing. The coupe received a five-star safety rating from NHTSA, and both variants scored decently on all the IIHS tests they've undergone. They also come standard with forward collision warning, lane departure prevention, and automatic emergency braking. However, the IIHS needs to test both models on its updated criteria before it will rate them. Although the government hasn't tested it, the Toyota GR86 aced all of its IIHS crashworthiness tests when it was new for the 2022 model year. Unfortunately, since it hasn't been subjected to the IIHS' updated testing since then, it lost its Top Safety Pick+ status. Still, this is a fun-to-drive, sporty coupe that comes standard with a long list of active safety features, and it's reasonably priced to boot. Mechanically identical to the Toyota GR86, the 2025 Subaru BRZ achieves the same safety ratings—who would have thought? It likewise received a Top Safety Pick+ score in 2022 that lapsed when the IIHS updated its criteria for 2023, but like the Toyota, it has a long list of active safety features to go along with its lightweight, rip-roaring sports car attitude. The Audi A5 lost its traditional two-door coupe body style after 2024, but the five-door Sportback body style remains before it's replaced later in 2025. Although it hasn't seen the IIHS' more stringent test regimen, its original crashworthiness scores were good enough to earn it a Top Safety Pick award as recently as 2022. The Sportback is the only variant to be tested by the government, where it earned a five-star safety rating. This story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly.
The surprise rejection of Boeing Co.’s proposed guilty plea to fraud charges stemming from two fatal 737 Max crashes has inserted a fiery culture issue into the proceedings after a judge opposed the consideration of race in the selection of a compliance monitor. In a decision opposing the proposed deal between Boeing and the Justice Department, U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor focused on the terms for appointing an independent monitor — particularly a requirement that the hiring follow the department’s diversity and inclusion criteria to ensure that members of minority groups get fair consideration. The Fort Worth, Texas, judge said he couldn’t accept the proposed settlement because it would improperly require race to be factored into in the hiring of an independent monitor and that his role in making sure Boeing abides by the deal would be minimized. He asked both sides to confer and decide on the next steps, which could include revising the plea agreement. “These provisions are inappropriate and against the public interest,” O’Connor said in his ruling December 5. A representative for Boeing didn’t comment on the ruling. Diversity, equity and inclusion considerations continue to face increased legal and political headwinds inspired by a U.S. Supreme Court decision in June 2023, which outlawed the use of race as a factor in college admissions. Critics of DEI efforts maintained that such policies promote divisiveness and undermine merit-based decision-making. Boeing itself recently dismantled its global DEI department, making it the latest high-profile corporation to make changes to the policy. While Boeing’s workforce has traditionally skewed White and male, the company has stepped up its efforts to recruit more Black employees and people from other minority groups. O’Connor has issued rulings that take a conservative stance on a range of issues. He recently blocked a Texas nonprofit’s entrepreneurship coaching and grant program that supports minority business owners on the basis that it’s racially discriminatory. Diversity and inclusion have already factored into cases related to Boeing prior to the plea agreement. The Texas attorney general launched a probe into whether a Boeing supplier’s diversity commitments caused aircraft safety and manufacturing issues. O’Connor echoed concerns raised by attorneys representing family members of some of the 346 people killed by the two crashes, who’d urged him to reject the agreement. They’ve contended that the proposed penalties are too lenient and pushed for company officials to face a criminal trial. The surprise rejection of the plea agreement means Boeing chief executive officer Kelly Ortberg, who joined Boeing in August 2024, now faces the task of overcoming the long-running legal plights and scandals that he inherited from his predecessors, Dave Calhoun and Dennis Muilenburg. The new CEO already faces a whole range of other challenges, from persistent production shortfalls to breaking a string of annual losses stretching back to 2019. Still, it’s likely the court would accept a revised plea that addresses O’Connor’s specific concerns, Holly Froum, a litigation analyst with Bloomberg Intelligence, said in a report December 5. She described the rejection as “more headline risk than monetary” for Boeing, saying the company is unlikely to face the $25 billion “maximum possible fine” that crash victims’ family members have demanded. Investors’ reaction to the rejection also suggest optimism that the company can overcome the impasse, with the shares falling 1% on December 5. The stock has dropped about 40% this year, the biggest decline in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Erin Applebaum, a partner at Kreindler & Kreindler LLP, who represents some relatives of the crash victims, said the families now hope that the judge’s rejection of the plea deal will put an end to the “kid-glove treatment of Boeing” by the government. “We look forward to a dramatic renegotiation of the plea deal and the inclusion of new terms that adequately reflect the magnitude of Boeing’s crimes,” she said in a statement on December 5. Family members of crash victims have fought for years to get harsher penalties following the crashes of Lion Air Flight 610 in October 2018 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 in March 2019. Both fatal accidents were linked to a flawed flight control system. Boeing had been within days of completing a deferred prosecution agreement announced during the waning days of the Trump Administration when a door-sized panel blew off an airborne 737 Max in early January 2024. The near-catastrophe led to revelations of poor quality controls inside Boeing’s factories, increased scrutiny from regulators and customers and a management shakeup that included the ouster of the company’s chief executive officer. In May, the government said the company violated that agreement and recommended criminal charges, citing Boeing’s failure to live up to its promises. The company eventually agreed to plead guilty to criminal conspiracy, pay a fine and install an independent corporate monitor. The new deal also required the company to spend at least $455 million to bolster its compliance and safety programs. The case is U.S. v. Boeing, 21-cr-005, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (Fort Worth). RELATED CONTENT RELATED VIDEOS Related Articles
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Bayern Munich likely knew that it was going to be in for a frustrating match and also probably knew that it would have to endure a deep-sitting FC Augsburg side if it wanted to somehow try to pull out a victory. In the end, Bayern Munich would win 3-0, but it was not easy. Here is what we have on tap for the Bavarian Podcast Works — Postgame Show: A look at the starting XI. A rundown of the scoring and substitutions. What went wrong early on. Why this game has our host torn about how it played out. Cover your ears, it is time to praise Leon Goretzka. Should the Bundesliga be wary about how it is presenting itself to neutrals or new fans? How are we feeling about Bayern Munich after this one as the teams heads into a very tough part of the schedule? Support Bavarian Podcast Works on Patreon! If you like our podcasts and want more, or just want to listen our episodes ad-free, then support us on Patreon! Every single dollar will be used to help boost the coverage of the team we all love. Mia San Mia. DONATE NOW! Be sure to stay tuned to Bavarian Podcast Works for all of your up to date coverage on Bayern Munich and Germany. Check us out on Patreon and follow us on Twitter @BavarianFBWorks, @BavarianPodcast @TheBarrelBlog, @BFWCyler, @IredahlMarcus, @2012nonexistent, @TommyAdams71 and more.
Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP ("GPM"), a leading national shareholder rights law firm, today announced that it has commenced an investigation on behalf of Customers Bancorp, Inc. ("Customers Bancorp" or the "Company") CUBI investors concerning the Company's possible violations of the federal securities laws. If you suffered a loss on your Customers Bancorp investments or would like to inquire about potentially pursuing claims to recover your loss under the federal securities laws, you can submit your contact information at www.glancylaw.com/cases/Customers-Bancorp-Inc/ . You can also contact Charles H. Linehan, of GPM at 310-201-9150, Toll-Free at 888-773-9224, or via email at shareholders@glancylaw.com to learn more about your rights. On April 12, 2024, Customers Bancorp disclosed that its Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Carla Leibold, had been terminated "for ‘cause' under her employment agreement for violating Company policy." However, later that month, the Company amended this description to state that her termination "was a separation by mutual agreement" and that Ms. Leibold would be paid $2.5 million in "post-employment compensation." On this news, Customer Bancorp's stock price fell $2.40, or 4.9%, to close at $46.62 on April 15, 2024, thereby injuring investors. Then, on August 8, 2024, the Federal Reserve Board announced the execution of an enforcement action with Customers Bancorp, Inc., and Customers Bank stating that the most recent inspection of Customers Bancorp "identified significant deficiencies related to the Bank's risk management practices and compliance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations relating to anti-money laundering." On this news, Customer Bancorp's stock price fell $7.22, or 13.3%, to close at $47.01 per share on August 8, 2024. That same day, after market hours, Customer Bancorp disclosed a consent order by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Banking and Securities, Bureau of Bank Supervision, which stated that deficiencies within the Company "give the Bureau reason to believe that the Bank had engaged in unsafe or unsound banking practices relating to BSA/AML Requirements[.]" On this news, Customer Bancorp's stock price fell $1.08, or 2.3%, to close at $45.93 per share on August 9, 2024, thereby injuring investors further. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn , Twitter , or Facebook . Whistleblower Notice: Persons with non-public information regarding Customers Bancorp should consider their options to aid the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower Program. Under the program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Charles H. Linehan at 310-201-9150 or 888-773-9224 or email shareholders@glancylaw.com . About GPM Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP is a premier law firm representing investors and consumers in securities litigation and other complex class action litigation. ISS Securities Class Action Services has consistently ranked GPM in its annual SCAS Top 50 Report. In 2018, GPM was ranked a top five law firm in number of securities class action settlements, and a top six law firm for total dollar size of settlements. With four offices across the country, GPM's nearly 40 attorneys have won groundbreaking rulings and recovered billions of dollars for investors and consumers in securities, antitrust, consumer, and employment class actions. GPM's lawyers have handled cases covering a wide spectrum of corporate misconduct including cases involving financial restatements, internal control weaknesses, earnings management, fraudulent earnings guidance and forward looking statements, auditor misconduct, insider trading, violations of FDA regulations, actions resulting in FDA and DOJ investigations, and many other forms of corporate misconduct. GPM's attorneys have worked on securities cases relating to nearly all industries and sectors in the financial markets, including, energy, consumer discretionary, consumer staples, real estate and REITs, financial, insurance, information technology, health care, biotech, cryptocurrency, medical devices, and many more. GPM's past successes have been widely covered by leading news and industry publications such as The Wall Street Journal , The Financial Times , Bloomberg Businessweek , Reuters , the Associated Press , Barron's , Investor's Business Daily , Forbes , and Money . This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241206130356/en/ © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
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