Biden will decide on US Steel acquisition after influential panel fails to reach consensus WASHINGTON (AP) — A powerful government panel has failed to reach consensus on the possible national security risks of a nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase U.S. Steel. The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States on Monday sent its long-awaited report to President Joe Biden, a longtime opponent of the deal. Some federal agencies represented on the panel were skeptical that allowing a Japanese company to buy an American-owned steelmaker would create national security risks. That's according to a U.S. official familiar with the matter. Both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposed the merger and vowed to block it. Nippon Steel says it is confident the deal will go ahead. Nissan and Honda to attempt a merger that would create the world's No. 3 automaker TOKYO (AP) — Japanese automakers Nissan and Honda have announced plans to work toward a merger that would catapult them to a top position in an industry in the midst of tectonic shifts as it transitions away from its reliance on fossil fuels. The two companies said they signed an agreement on integrating their businesses on Monday. Smaller Nissan alliance member Mitsubishi Motors agreed to join the talks. News of a possible merger surfaced earlier this month. Japanese automakers face a strong challenge from their Chinese rivals and Tesla as they make inroads into markets at home and abroad. What a merger between Nissan and Honda means for the automakers and the industry BANGKOK (AP) — 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. Survey: Small businesses are feeling more optimistic about the economy after the election A survey shows small business owners are feeling more optimistic about the economy following the election. The National Federation of Independent Businesses’ Small Business Optimism Index rose by eight points in November to 101.7, its highest reading since June 2021. The Uncertainty Index declined 12 points in November to 98, following October’s pre-election record high of 110. NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg said small business owners became more certain about future business conditions following the presidential election, breaking a nearly three-year streak of record high uncertainty. The survey also showed that more owners are also hoping 2025 will be a good time to grow. Heavy travel day starts with brief grounding of all American Airlines flights WASHINGTON (AP) — American Airlines briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical problem just as the Christmas travel season kicked into overdrive and winter weather threatened more potential problems for those planning to fly or drive. Government regulators cleared American flights to get airborne Tuesday about an hour after the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a national ground stop, which prevented planes from taking off. American said in an email that the problem was caused by vendor technology in its flight operating system. Aviation analytics company Cirium said flights were delayed across American’s major hubs, with only 37% leaving on time. Nineteen flights were cancelled. Nordstrom to be acquired by Nordstrom family and a Mexican retail group in $6.25 billion deal Century-old department store Nordstrom has agreed to be acquired and taken private by Nordstrom family members and a Mexican retail group in a $6.25 billion deal. Nordstrom shareholders will receive $24.25 in cash for each share of Nordstrom common stock, representing a 42% premium on the company’s stock as of March 18. Nordstrom’s board of directors unanimously approved the the proposed transaction, while Erik and Pete Nordstrom — part of the Nordstrom family taking over the company — recused themselves from voting. Following the close of the transaction, the Nordstrom Family will have a majority ownership stake in the company. Stock market today: Wall Street rallies ahead of Christmas Stocks closed higher on Wall Street ahead of the Christmas holiday, led by gains in Big Tech stocks. The S&P 500 added 1.1% Tuesday. Trading closed early ahead of the holiday. Tech companies including Apple, Amazon and chip company Broadcom helped pull the market higher. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.3%. American Airlines shook off an early loss and ended mostly higher after the airline briefly grounded flights nationwide due to a technical issue. Treasury yields held steady in the bond market. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was little changed at 4.59% An analyst looks ahead to how the US economy might fare under Trump WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump won a return to the White House in part by promising big changes in economic policy — more tax cuts, huge tariffs on imports, mass deportations of immigrants working in the United States illegally. In some ways, his victory marked a repudiation of President Joe Biden’s economic stewardship and a protest against inflation. It came despite low unemployment and steady growth under the Biden administration. What lies ahead for the economy under Trump? Paul Ashworth of Capital Economics spoke recently to The Associated Press. The interview has been edited for length and clarity. American consumers feeling less confident in December, Conference Board says American consumers are feeling less confident in December, a business research group says. The Conference Board said Monday that its consumer confidence index fell back in December to 104.7 from 112.8 in November. Consumers had been feeling increasingly confident in recent months. The consumer confidence index measures both Americans’ assessment of current economic conditions and their outlook for the next six months. The measure of Americans’ short-term expectations for income, business and the job market tumbled more than a dozen points to 81.1. The Conference Board says a reading under 80 can signal a potential recession in the near future. Stock market today: Wall Street rises at the start of a holiday-shortened week Stocks closed higher on Wall Street at the start of a holiday-shortened week. The S&P 500 rose 0.7% Monday. Several big technology companies helped support the gains, including chip companies Nvidia and Broadcom. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.2%, and the Nasdaq composite rose 1%. Honda's U.S.-listed shares rose sharply after the company said it was in talks about a combination with Nissan in a deal that could also include Mitsubishi Motors. Eli Lilly rose after announcing that regulators approved Zepbound as the first prescription medicine for adults with sleep apnea. Treasury yields rose in the bond market.Liam Payne's ex-girlfriend announces engagement just months after One Direction star's death
NoneIn the ever-evolving landscape of technology and finance, Tesla’s impact extends beyond electric vehicles and rockets. Recently, the focus has shifted to the fascinating world of after-hours trading , where the company’s stock price continues to generate buzz. But why should the gaming community care about this financial phenomenon? After-hours trading refers to the buying and selling of stocks outside regular market hours. For Tesla, this period can lead to significant fluctuations in stock prices due to earnings reports, corporate announcements, or global market trends. These shifts aren’t just numbers on a screen; they influence the perception of technology trends and economic stability, both of which are crucial to the thriving gaming industry. In the gaming world, where technology drives innovation, financial stability is paramount. The gaming industry relies on robust technological infrastructure, often spearheaded by tech giants like Tesla. A solid financial backbone ensures ongoing development and investment in revolutionary gaming technologies, such as virtual reality, AI-driven gaming engines, and sustainable gaming consoles. Gamers and developers, who often keep a keen eye on technological advancements, can leverage insights from Tesla’s after-hours stock performance to anticipate market trends, identify investment opportunities, and understand the larger tech ecosystem. Tesla’s after-hours trading is not just business news; it’s a potential glimpse into the future of technology-driven entertainment . As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, staying informed about these trends could offer a competitive edge to gamers and developers alike. The Gaming World’s Secret Weapon: Decoding Tesla’s After-Hours Trading for Future Tech Trends In recent years, the intersection of finance and technology has become a focal point for predicting future trends. One area gaining increasing attention is Tesla’s after-hours trading, a phenomenon that might seem removed from the creative realm of gaming but is, in fact, highly relevant. Here’s why the gaming community should tune in. Understanding After-Hours Trading After-hours trading happens when major stock exchanges like the NYSE and NASDAQ close their doors for the day. While the regular trading hours typically run from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, after-hours trading continues from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. During this window, significant price shifts can occur in response to earnings reports, economic announcements, or global events. Tesla’s Role in Shaping Future Tech Trends Tesla’s stock is particularly volatile during after-hours trading. For a company that’s a frontrunner in tech innovation—be it in electric vehicles or AI—these fluctuations can provide meaningful insights into broader tech trends. # Key Features and Insights – Market Reactions and Innovations : Significant stock movements often follow major announcements from Tesla, whether it be new technological advancements or shifts in strategy. These reactions can signal future trends in tech that could spill over into the gaming industry. – Gaming Technology Dependencies : Emerging gaming technologies like virtual reality (VR) and AI-driven engines are highly dependent on broader tech innovations. Tesla’s focus on AI and computing power can forecast similar trends in gaming. – Sustainability and Gaming : Tesla’s emphasis on sustainability mirrors a growing trend in gaming. Environmentally friendly gaming consoles and ecosystems are becoming a priority, and Tesla’s corporate maneuvers could signal shifts in sustainable technologies that impact gaming. Practical Use Cases for the Gaming Community – Strategic Planning for Developers : Developers can use Tesla’s stock performance as a benchmark for planning new gaming technologies. Keeping pace with Tesla’s tech innovations might offer a blueprint for new gaming capabilities that attract users. – Investment Opportunities for Gamers and Companies : By closely observing Tesla’s after-hours trading patterns, gamers and gaming companies can spot investment opportunities. They might identify companies within Tesla’s supply chain or those adopting similar technological advancements. Pros and Cons of Leveraging After-Hours Trading Insights Pros : – Gain a competitive edge by anticipating technological shifts. – Identify new investment avenues in sync with tech trends. – Align technological advances in gaming with cutting-edge industry standards. Cons : – After-hours trading is less liquid with wider spreads, making it riskier. – Requires expertise in interpreting financial data and stock trends. – Overreliance on one sector’s performance could lead to a skewed perspective. Future Predictions Looking ahead, the influence of Tesla’s after-hours trading on the gaming industry is likely to grow. As the tech world becomes increasingly integrated, insights derived from financial markets could prove essential for predicting the next big thing in gaming. Staying attuned to these trends offers a tactical advantage in anticipating what comes next in the realm of entertainment technology. As Tesla continues to innovate, its financial dynamics may well map the future landscape of gaming and beyond. For more information about Tesla and its latest technological innovations, visit the official Tesla website .Emerging tight end Noah Gray gives Mahomes and the Chiefs another option in passing game
Dear Eric: When my only son and his wife got married and had kids, I was informed that Christmas Day would just be for them to celebrate. I said OK. For decades, I have given my son and his family (wife and two kids) really nice gifts for Christmas. We are talking about hundreds of dollars. For a while, I would receive a small gift, such as a bottle of homemade vanilla, a rose-scented tin of salve made by a friend of the wife or a coffee cup or some such as a gift from the family. Same with my birthday. I have never received a gift from the grandkids. Last year, I let them know I would no longer be “exchanging” gifts with the parents but gifts to the grandkids (who are now teenagers with jobs) will continue. That year, I got them electronics and hoodies. I got nothing from anyone. Not even an acknowledgement from the kids. I have always had to deliver the gifts or call to see if they received them. This year, it is only going to be a Christmas card. Am I being overly sensitive? — Empty Stocking Dear Stocking: No, you are not being overly sensitive. Every family has their own traditions and needs. And no one is obligated to give — or accept — a gift. But it sure does make me sad that your desire to make this holiday special isn’t being reciprocated. Part of it may be a misalignment of expectations. You’ve given generously, into the hundreds of dollars. I’m curious if your son and daughter-in-law have different values or wants around gifting that are either not being expressed or not being heard. They should tell you clearly. Similarly, when you decided to stop giving gifts to the adults, I’m curious if your expectations were that your son would realize that you weren’t getting what you wanted and make a change. It’s worth talking it through a little more but try to focus on the want behind the want. I suspect that what you’re craving is connection — and perhaps an invitation to the family Christmas. It makes sense that you’d try to show your love from a distance through gift-giving and it makes sense that it would hurt not to have it reciprocated. But perhaps the tradition of gifts is getting in the way on both sides. If you’d like to be invited or would like to find an alternate way of celebrating and being together, that’s a great gift to ask for. Dear Eric: I was riding my bicycle when, unbeknownst to me, my wallet fell out of my pocket. My driver’s license, credit cards and about $200 in cash were in the wallet. Later that day I received a telephone call from a cyclist who found my wallet on his ride and told me that I could come over to pick it up. What, if any, reward would be appropriate? I gave a $30 bottle of wine. — Grateful Cyclist Dear Cyclist: How lucky that your path crossed with such a good fellow citizen! Etiquette experts agree that the amount of a reward in situations like this is really up to you. So, the bottle of wine you gave works. My only suggestion, however, would be that, if this ever happens again (fingers crossed your wallet stays in your pocket from now on), you check with the recipient to make sure that they drink wine. It’s the thought that counts, but you don’t want your grateful efforts to put someone else in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com . Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The British Institute of Management and Technology (BIMT Campus), a leading private education institute, secured two prestigious awards at the Entrepreneur Awards – Western Province 2024, organised by the Ministry of Industries, the National Chamber of Commerce, and the National Enterprise Development Authority. The award ceremony was held at the BMICH in Colombo, and it celebrated entrepreneurship across multiple sectors. The awards were received by BIMT’s Chief Executive Officer Farshath Jamal, Finance Manager Afzan Nazar, and Student Recruitment Manager Gugan Santhirasekaram.Celebs Arrive For Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 WeekendThe Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting named “Nav Satyagraha Baithak” began here on Thursday as the party marks the 100th anniversary of its Belgaum session that was presided over by Mahatma Gandhi and chalks out a plan for the political and electoral challenges in 2025. Top Congress leaders, including party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and former party chief Rahul Gandhi, marched to the venue of the extended CWC meeting here. The meeting, steeped in historical contexts, began at the same venue where Mahatma Gandhi had assumed the presidency of the party 100 years ago. Advertisement Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Congress general secretaries Jairam Ramesh and KC Venugopal, among others, attended the “historic” meeting. A controversy has erupted over the alleged misrepresentation of India’s map on the posters displayed by the party to commemorate the centenary of the 1924 Congress session, with BJP dubbing it as “vote bank” politics. The Congress has said BJP is severely unnerved and peeved by events to celebrate 100 years of Mahatma Gandhi taking the reins of the grand old party and asked the ruling party at the Centre to stop making petty excuses. Earlier, the Congress said it will re-dedicate itself to protect, preserve and promote Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, which is facing a “systematic assault by the ideological brotherhood that fought him bitterly”. In a bid to get battle-ready for the challenges ahead, the Congress will decide on an action plan for the next year at the CWC meeting. The opposition party has asserted that the “insult” to BR Ambedkar by Home Minister Amit Shah will be taken up for deliberations at Belagavi and that there will be a “strong follow-up” on the issue. In a post on X, party general secretary in-charge communications Ramesh said, “Mahatma Gandhi took over as President of @INCIndia on Dec 26th, 1924 — 100 years ago at what was then called Belgaum, now Belgavi. It was a historic session.” “Today the extended working committee is holding its Nava Satyagraha Baithak at that very same place. It will rededicate itself to protect, preserve, and promote Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy — which is under systematic assault by the ideological brotherhood that fought him bitterly, and that attacked the Constitution when it was adopted,” he said. In another post later, Ramesh said the 39th session of the Indian National Congress began 100 years ago on this day at Belagavi with the singing of Vande Mataram by a group of girls from the National School at Dharwad. “An 11-year-old girl then sang the song Udayavagali Namma Cheluva Kannada Nadu (Rise, our lovely Kannada land). This song was specially prepared for the Congress and this occasion marked the first time it was used as the state anthem. This 11-year-old girl went on to become a legend of Hindustani classical music — the melodiously incomparable Gangubai Hangal,” Ramesh informed. Earlier, All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Venugopal said the extended CWC meeting will discuss current political developments in the country and BJP’s alleged attack on the Constitution and its architect, Ambedkar. After deliberating on several issues being faced by the country, the Congress will come out with “clear-cut” ideas to address those and counter BJP’s alleged attack on the Constitution, Venugopal said. “Today marks the 100th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi’s presidency of the Indian National Congress. It is a proud moment for all Congressmen across the country to commemorate this occasion,” he told reporters. Addressing a press conference on Tuesday along with Venugopal and AICC media and publicity department head Pawan Khera, Ramesh said the extended CWC meeting has been named “Nav Satyagraha Baithak”, which would see two resolutions being passed. On December 27, a “Jai Bapu, Jai Bhim, Jai Samvidhan” rally will be held in Belagavi, Ramesh said. About 200 leaders, including CWC members, permanent invitees, special invitees, the party’s central election committee members, Pradesh Congress Committee members, CLP leaders of the state, parliamentary party office-bearers and former party chief ministers are attending the “historic session”.
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