August 2024 - Page 10 of 32

Ford invests .9 billion in affordable electric vehicles: a smart move for future growth

25 Aug

Ford invests $1.9 billion in affordable electric vehicles: a smart move for future growth

Howard L. PettersonBusiness

At a Ford dealership in Glendale, California, the Mustang Mach-E takes center stage as part of Ford’s significant strategic shift. From Detroit, the narrative is changing for Ford Motor Company. Traditionally dominated by sales of large trucks and SUVs, the company is now moving toward smaller, more affordable electric vehicles (EVs). Marin Gjaja, Ford’s chief operating officer for Model and EV, describes the shift as a strategic safeguard. The plan aims to increase the presence of hybrid models and introduce affordable EVs, charting a course for a more capital-efficient and profitable future in the EV industry. Gjaja expressed confidence in…

25 Aug

Integration of retail and digital game sales essential for growth, advises Maximum Entertainment CEO

Howard L. PettersonEntertainment

Maximum Entertainment CEO Christina Seelye shared valuable insights into the mutual benefits of retail and digital game sales platforms. In a recent discussion with Game Developer at Gamescom, Seelye highlighted how physical game sales can significantly increase digital visibility and sales across platforms. According to Seelye, platforms like Amazon and brick-and-mortar stores like GameStop play a crucial role in drawing attention to games, which in turn benefits digital distribution channels like Steam and PlayStation Network. This strategy has been repeatedly successful for Maximum Entertainment, proving that selling physical editions doesn’t detract from digital sales, but rather complements them. The unique…

24 Aug

Smart meters, dumb grids: disconnection in modern energy management

Howard L. PettersonTechnology

In many homes today, an advanced electric meter diligently records energy use, serving as a gateway to both a sustainable future and reduced energy costs. These devices have the potential to revolutionize the way we consume electricity by providing real-time data to homeowners, utilities, and the myriad of technology companies eager to optimize energy use. However, the promise of these smart meters is undermined by a significant obstacle: the data they collect is not standardized, making it difficult to use effectively. Without a uniform format, the valuable insights that could be gleaned from this data are often inaccessible, stifling the…

Is the billion negotiation for Medicare a breakthrough or just a small step?

24 Aug

Is the $6 billion negotiation for Medicare a breakthrough or just a small step?

Howard L. PettersonHealth

In recent news, the White House has made a significant announcement that marks a new chapter in health care policy. This development is the culmination of years of tireless effort: For the first time, the U.S. government has successfully negotiated drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies. This achievement is noteworthy because the battle to reduce health care costs has always been daunting; thus, Medicare’s new ability to negotiate marks a pivotal moment. In the United States, an estimated 18 million people struggle to afford essential medications. As a result, any reduction in drug prices is likely to have a substantial…

24 Aug

U.S. Customs Service seizes methamphetamine disguised in watermelon at the San Diego border

Howard L. PettersonPolitics

In a stunning interception at the San Diego border crossing, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized a truck carrying methamphetamine disguised as watermelons from Mexico. The discovery was made on August 16 during a full inspection of a semi-truck at the border. U.S. Customs and Border Protection detailed that the illicit drugs, estimated to be worth more than $5 million, were cleverly hidden between real watermelons. During the inspection, officials discovered 1,220 packages carefully wrapped in green and red paper to mimic the appearance of watermelons. The total weight of these packages was 2,080 kilograms (about 4,587 pounds). Subsequent…

24 Aug

RealPage faces Justice Department lawsuit over alleged collusion in rentals

Howard L. PettersonNews

On Friday, the U.S. Department of Justice, along with attorneys general from eight states, filed a lawsuit against RealPage, a software company, accusing it of illegally collaborating with landlords to reduce competition and keep rent prices high, affecting millions of tenants. The civil lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in North Carolina, alleges that RealPage uses its technology to manipulate and distort market dynamics. “RealPage operates as a digital intermediary that aggregates and misuses critical rental property data,” according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit alleges that the company profits at the expense of tenants, who face inflated prices, and honest…

24 Aug

Exploring the effect of recent economic developments on Federal Reserve strategies

Howard L. PettersonBusiness

On a crucial Friday, Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell laid out the groundwork for upcoming interest rate cuts, but gave no details on the expected timing or scope of those cuts. In his highly anticipated speech at the Federal Reserve’s annual meeting in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Powell announced, “It’s time to change our approach.” He explained that while the future course is set, the specifics of the timing and size of rate cuts will depend on new data, future economic projections and risk assessments. Live Update: Chairman Jerome Powell Speaks at Jackson Hole Conference As financial markets anticipate future monetary…

A million bet: the authenticity of Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” T-shirt

24 Aug

A $20 million bet: the authenticity of Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” T-shirt

Howard L. PettersonSports

When a Yankees away jersey allegedly worn by Babe Ruth during his iconic "called pitch" in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series surfaced in the 1990s, it quickly became a prized possession for collectors. However, a recent photomatching controversy has cast doubt on its authenticity, potentially impacting its value at an upcoming auction. Experts in the field of photomatching, a technique used to verify the authenticity of memorabilia, are divided over the shirt's origins. While several companies have confirmed that it matches match photos, Resolution Photomatching, a leading company in the field, has issued a verdict of "no match."…

24 Aug

The latest showbiz news: Tom Cruise covers Suri’s college expenses; celebrity love triangles and more

Howard L. PettersonEntertainment

Immerse yourself in today's entertainment landscape with ongoing updates and insights. Explore the latest from Bollywood and Hollywood and stay informed about key events shaping the industry. Key Entertainment Updates Tom Cruise's Financial Commitment to Suri's EducationTom Cruise has reportedly taken responsibility for funding his estranged daughter Suri’s education with a substantial payment to cover her college tuition, marking the end of any further financial support for his ex-wife Katie Holmes. Celebrity Gossip Heats Up With New Song ReleaseThe release of Sabrina Carpenter's "Short n' Sweet" has sparked rumors of a love triangle involving Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello. Fans…

24 Aug

Former cryptocurrency lobbyist charged with campaign finance violations amid FTX scandal

Howard L. PettersonTechnology

On August 22, 2024, federal authorities in New York charged Michelle Bond, a prominent former cryptocurrency lobbyist, with campaign finance violations. These charges are part of a broader investigation stemming from the infamous collapse of cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The allegations center on a 2022 incident in which Bond, in an attempt to secure a congressional seat on Long Island as a Republican, allegedly received an illicit $400,000 payment. The transaction was allegedly facilitated by Ryan Salame, a high-ranking FTX official and Bond associate who previously pleaded guilty to related charges last year and received a seven-and-a-half-year prison sentence. The lawsuit…