2024 - Page 100 of 173

22 Aug

GMC aims to lead the electric truck market with new Sierra EV

Howard L. PettersonInvestments and Business

In Milford, Michigan, General Motors’ flagship brand GMC is positioning itself as a leader in the all-electric truck segment in the United States. That effort begins with the introduction of the Sierra electric pickup truck, which joins GMC’s growing lineup of electric vehicles, including several Hummer models. With the Sierra EV, the company expects it to not only complement its existing offerings but also become a best-seller within its electric lineup. That expectation is backed by plans to launch more affordable versions next year, starting with the high-end “Edition 1” model that has already begun customer deliveries priced around $100,000.…

22 Aug

DNC live webcast: opening remarks by the Obamas and Doug Emhoff tonight.

Howard L. PettersonNews

Streaming Notice: Tune in tonight at 6:30 p.m. ET for live coverage of the pivotal night of the Democratic National Convention. If the video player is not visible, please refresh your browser closer to the time of the event. Tonight marks a critical chapter for the Democratic Party as it looks to leadership and future strategies. This shift comes after a tumultuous period that saw President Joe Biden endorse Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Evening program 6:30 PM ET: Jason Carter, grandson of former President Jimmy Carter. Jack Schlossberg, grandson of former President John F. Kennedy. 7:00 PM…

22 Aug

Getting to know Tim Walz: key facts about the vice-presidential nominee

Howard L. PettersonNews

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States — As the Democratic National Convention unfolds in Chicago, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to step into the national spotlight. Although previously less well-known outside his home state, his nomination as Kamala Harris’s running mate has quickly elevated his profile. From Teacher to Vice Presidential Candidate A native of Nebraska, Tim Walz was a geography teacher and assistant football coach before entering politics. His political journey began when he defeated Republican incumbent Gil Gutknecht in the 2006 congressional race. Known for his moderate views and advocacy for veterans, Walz moved into government politics, winning the…

22 Aug

Online sports betting boom alters investment behaviors

Howard L. PettersonInvestments and Business

The rapid growth of online sports betting, following its legalization in several states, has significantly affected the dynamics of personal finances, especially among economically vulnerable groups. Study insights A recent analysis titled “Gambling Away Stability: The Financial Repercussions of Sports Betting on At-Risk Families” highlights the dramatic increase in sports betting following the 2018 Supreme Court decision overturning a nationwide ban. With 38 states now allowing the activity, the industry has boasted more than $120 billion in wagers and generated revenues of more than $11 billion in 2023. This influx of funds has benefited government budgets but has placed significant…

22 Aug

The multibillion-dollar startups of 2024: A glimpse into the future of innovation

Howard L. PettersonScience and Technology

As we move further into 2024, the startup ecosystem continues to thrive, bringing forth innovations that promise to redefine the market landscape. Forbes, in partnership with TrueBridge Capital Partners, recently highlighted the next generation of billion-dollar startups, or “unicorns,” that are poised to dominate their respective industries. Here’s an in-depth look at the emerging giants and the trends shaping their paths. The Billion Dollar Prediction This year, Forbes’ annual forecast identified more than 100 startups that have reached or are on the verge of reaching a billion-dollar valuation. This impressive list includes companies from a variety of industries, including cybersecurity,…

22 Aug

Review: Hannah Gadsby: Woof’ – Delving Deep at the Edinburgh Fringe

Howard L. PettersonNews

Edinburgh, Scotland — Hannah Gadsby returns to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her latest stand-up show, “Woof,” which explores the subtle nuances of a distinctive canine sound that resembles a mix between a burp and a cough. Gadsby interprets the sound as a prelude to chaos, mirroring her own complex emotional states. The show, which runs at Underbelly through August 25, features Gadsby in a mostly laid-back mode, engaging the audience with her witty wit. Her targets include pop culture icons and the oddities of social media, which she humorously compares to “the worst aspects of autism.” She also ventures…

22 Aug

Mike Greenberg will host the popular Sunday Football Countdown program

Howard L. PettersonNews

Mike Greenberg has been confirmed as the new host of the popular game show “Sunday Football Countdown,” according to insiders and published Tuesday by The Athletic, in preparation for a major event set to air in 2027. Greenberg takes over for Sam Ponder, who was let go last week despite having more than $1 million and a year left on her contract. While Ponder will be paid out in full, her departure is in line with broader financial adjustments ahead of the fiscal year-end close in late September. The strategic move marks a promotion for Greenberg, a highly respected figure…

22 Aug

UK homebuyers take advantage of lower mortgage rates following BOE rate cut

Howard L. PettersonNews

LONDON — In response to the Bank of England’s recent decision to lower interest rates for the first time in four years, the UK’s major banks have cut mortgage rates, significantly reviving the housing market. Lenders such as Barclays, Halifax, HSBC and NatWest are now offering five-year fixed-rate mortgages at rates below 4%, which is below the BOE’s 5% prime rate. The most competitive of these offers is a five-year fixed rate of 3.83% for homebuyers who can put down a 40% deposit, the latest Rightmove report revealed. This rate is the lowest since the economic fallout from the UK’s…

22 Aug

Emerging health threat: spread of avian influenza in U.S. dairy herds

Howard L. PettersonHealth

The H5N1 avian influenza virus, historically a concern primarily in poultry, has been increasingly detected in dairy cattle across the United States, leading experts to predict that it could become an ongoing problem in livestock. This ongoing situation could increase the risk that the virus will adapt and potentially infect humans. Scientists are now warning that without significant changes in the way we manage agricultural biosecurity and monitor viral diseases, there could be long-term health implications for both animals and humans. While H5N1 currently shows limited transmission to humans, its persistent presence in livestock provides ample opportunity for it to…

21 Aug

The farewell speech that Joe Biden never imagined

Howard L. PettersonNews

As chants of “Thank you, Joe! Thank you, Joe!” filled the United Center on a Monday night, a visibly moved President Biden paused to acknowledge the crowd’s appreciation. It was clear that, despite his reluctance to accept it, they were expressing gratitude not only for his decades of public service, but also for his recent decision not to seek reelection. This touching moment highlighted the complex emotions faced by a president who has been in the public eye for more than five decades, and who now faces an unplanned exit. The outpouring of affection in Chicago, while sincere, only partially…