Author: Emily Harper

Massive Investment Plan Unveiled President-elect Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a $20 billion investment commitment from Emirati billionaire Hussain Sajwani, founder of DAMAC Properties, to build new data centers across the United States. The announcement was made during an event at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. “They may go double, or even somewhat more than double, that amount of money,” Trump said, hinting at the possibility of an even larger investment from Sajwani’s company. Initial Rollout Across Eight States The first phase of the data center project will focus on the following states: This large-scale initiative is expected to bolster…

The US Department of Transportation has issued a new rule requiring airlines to follow more rigorous standards when it comes to airline passengers with disabilities. The new rule will require airlines to meet standards for “safe and dignified” assistance to people with disabilities, especially those who use wheelchairs. It also mandates annual training, including hands-on training for employees and contractors who physically assist passengers and handle wheelchairs. That training must be received by June 17, 2026. “Every passenger deserves safe, dignified travel when they fly — and we’ve taken unprecedented actions to hold airlines accountable when they do not provide…

Who’s the itty-bitty city-state with the global passport the world thinks is great? There’s new year cheer for Singapore as it reclaims its place at the top of a quarterly ranking of the world’s most powerful passports. Holders of this desirable red travel document enjoy visa-free access to 195 out of 227 destinations worldwide, according to the Henley Passport Index, more than citizens of any other place on the planet. Japan is second in the ranking, with an open door to 193 destinations, having secured the silver medal by regaining visa-free access to neighboring China for the first time since…

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded outside the Trump Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning, leaving one person dead and seven injured. Authorities believe the vehicle contained fireworks, gas tanks, and camping fuel connected to a detonation system controlled by the driver, raising questions about the incident’s motive and connection to broader safety concerns. Explosion Details and Immediate Response The explosion occurred shortly after 8:40 a.m. when the 2024 Cybertruck, rented in Colorado, detonated outside the hotel after driving along Las Vegas Boulevard for about an hour. Surveillance footage shows the truck circling the Trump Hotel before stopping and exploding seconds…

The U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has filed a lawsuit against Clayton Homes, the manufactured housing division of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, accusing it of pressuring borrowers into unaffordable loans. In one example cited, Vanderbilt approved a loan for a family of five, leaving them with only $57.78 per month for discretionary spending. The couple eventually defaulted, according to the complaint. CFPB’s Claims CFPB Director Rohit Chopra said: “Vanderbilt knowingly traps people in risky loans in order to close the deal on selling a manufactured home.” The CFPB alleges violations of the federal Truth in Lending Act and seeks civil fines…

A Swiss International Air Lines flight attendant tragically passed away a week after being exposed to smoke that filled the cabin and cockpit during a December 23 flight. The flight, traveling from Bucharest, Romania, to Zurich, was forced to make an emergency diversion to Graz, Austria, due to engine problems, the airline said in a press release. Emergency Diversion and Immediate Response The Airbus A220 was diverted to Graz after engine issues caused smoke to spread throughout the aircraft. Upon landing, all 74 passengers and five crew members were evacuated safely. Twelve passengers and all crew members required medical attention…

Both General Motors (GM) and Ford Motor Co. (Ford) closed 2024 with their highest U.S. vehicle sales since 2019, marking a significant recovery from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and years of supply chain disruptions. The strong performance underscores a broader resurgence in the U.S. automotive industry, which reached its best year since 2019, selling nearly 16 million vehicles. GM Retains Top Spot General Motors maintained its position as the top-selling automaker in the U.S., with 2024 sales exceeding 2.7 million vehicles, a 4.3% increase from 2023. While still short of the 2.9 million units sold in 2019,…

U.S. President Joe Biden directed the Pentagon to “continue its surge” of weapons to Ukraine following a massive Russian attack on Christmas Day. The strikes, which included 78 missiles and 106 drones, targeted multiple cities, causing widespread damage and injuries, particularly in Kharkiv. Biden Condemns Russian Aggression In a statement on Dec. 25, Biden condemned Russia’s assault and reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering support for Ukraine. “The Ukrainian people deserve to live in peace and safety,” he said, emphasizing the importance of bolstering Ukraine’s defenses. Biden highlighted the significant military aid already provided, including hundreds of air defense missiles, with…

Carvana (CVNA) shares continued to decline on Friday following a short-selling report from Hindenburg Research, which raised concerns about the used-car retailer’s financial practices. Despite the negative attention, JPMorgan analysts maintained their “overweight” rating on Carvana, expressing confidence in the company’s fundamentals. Hindenburg Report Sparks Concerns Hindenburg Research alleged that Carvana’s financial performance was artificially inflated through questionable loan sales. The short-seller firm claimed Carvana sold $800 million worth of consumer auto loans to an unidentified “related third party” over the past nine months, accounting for nearly 26% of the company’s gross profit during that period. These claims have raised…

The state of the UK’s job market is raising concerns, with business leaders increasingly sounding the alarm about a possible recession. Recruitment figure James Reed recently claimed the current data points to economic trouble ahead. Yet, while certain indicators, such as falling job vacancies, signal a slowdown, robust wage growth and steady employment figures paint a more complex picture. The latest labour market data released on Tuesday by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed average regular pay rising at a strong 5.2% rate in the three months to October, up from 4.4% in the prior period. Including bonuses, wages…