Author: Silke Mayr

Honda and Nissan have officially ended discussions about a potential merger. Instead, they will continue working together on electric vehicles. The decision comes as the two automakers seek ways to stay competitive in a rapidly changing market dominated by Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers. Merger Talks Fall Apart For months, Honda and Nissan had been in talks about a possible merger. Their goal was to create a stronger alliance to challenge growing competition, especially from China’s automakers. The plan also included Mitsubishi, a smaller player in the industry but still significant in Japan’s automotive landscape. On Thursday, the three companies…

T-Mobile has teamed up with Starlink to provide satellite-based phone service, making it easier for people to stay connected in remote areas. This partnership allows mobile phones to connect to satellites when standard cellular networks are unavailable. The move could be a game-changer for those who frequently travel to places with weak or no signal coverage. During the Super Bowl, T-Mobile aired a commercial promoting its new satellite service. The ad highlighted that customers of any major U.S. carrier—AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile—could benefit from this technology. The initiative aims to ensure users never lose connection, even in the most isolated…

Coca-Cola may rely more on plastic bottles if aluminum prices continue to rise. The company’s chief executive, James Quincey, warned that President Donald Trump’s new tariffs on steel and aluminum could make cans too expensive. If that happens, Coca-Cola could shift its packaging strategy. The United States recently imposed a 25% tax on imported steel and aluminum. This decision affects many industries, including food and beverage companies that rely on cans. The cost of canned drinks could rise as a result. Tariffs and Coca-Cola’s Response Coca-Cola has used more aluminum cans in recent years. The company promoted them as a…

Former President Donald Trump has announced a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports, a move that will significantly affect Canada, the main supplier of these metals to the U.S. This decision expands previous trade restrictions and has sparked concerns among industries that rely on imports, as well as Canadian officials. Trump argues that the tariffs will strengthen U.S. production and has made it clear that exemptions are unlikely. Immediate Effects and Reactions The tariffs, set to take effect on March 12, have triggered immediate criticism. Canadian leaders, including Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, called the decision “unjustified” and warned that…

A group of investors led by Elon Musk has submitted a $97.4 billion offer to acquire OpenAI, escalating tensions over the company’s future direction. Marc Toberoff, Musk’s attorney, confirmed the proposal was sent to OpenAI’s board on Monday, seeking to acquire “all assets” of the artificial intelligence company. Musk’s Rivalry with Sam Altman Heats Up The bid marks a new chapter in the ongoing dispute between Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. The two co-founded OpenAI in 2015 as a non-profit aimed at developing AI for the benefit of humanity. However, Musk departed in 2018, and tensions have since grown…

A U.S.-backed energy project in Albania is under investigation. Reports say it helped fund companies linked to Iran’s military and illegal oil trade. The Energy Deal In 2022, former U.S. Ambassador Yuri Kim supported an energy plan for Albania. The plan moved two power ships from Bangladesh to Albania. These ships were supposed to help with electricity production. The government quickly bought the ships from an American company. But an investigation by Hashtag.al found a problem. The ships produce power at four times the cost of Albania’s normal energy. The high cost caused delays. But a contract forced the government…

The Philadelphia Eagles dominated the Kansas City Chiefs with a 40-22 win, preventing them from securing a historic third straight Super Bowl title. Eagles Crush Chiefs Kansas City entered their fifth Super Bowl in six years, aiming for an unprecedented three-peat. However, Philadelphia’s top-ranked defense overwhelmed them, sacking Patrick Mahomes six times and intercepting two passes. This marks the Eagles’ second Super Bowl win, adding to their 2018 triumph. Despite limiting Saquon Barkley’s impact, the Chiefs couldn’t withstand Philadelphia’s relentless pressure. Hurts Shines as Chiefs Struggle Jalen Hurts silenced doubters with a stunning 46-yard touchdown pass, sealing the win and…

Sabadell Bank has announced record profits, allowing it to significantly increase payouts to shareholders. Record Profits and Shareholder Rewards Sabadell reported a profit of €1.83 billion for 2024, a 37% increase from the previous year. Profits for the fourth quarter were €532 million, up 19% year-on-year. Thanks to these results, Sabadell plans to distribute €3.3 billion to shareholders from 2024 and 2025 profits. This is higher than its previous target of €2.9 billion. The payout plan includes a cash dividend of 20.44 cents per share for 2024. The same or a higher dividend is expected for 2025. The plan also…

Elon Musk confirmed he is not interested in buying TikTok. The billionaire made the statement at a late-January summit hosted by Germany’s Axel Springer SE. His comments were shared by The WELT Group on Saturday. “I haven’t placed a bid for TikTok,” Musk said. This followed President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Musk could consider buying the app. Musk emphasized he has no plans to acquire TikTok and knows little about it. “I don’t use the short-video app,” Musk admitted. “I’m not eager to buy TikTok. I rarely buy companies,” he said. Musk described his purchase of Twitter, now called X,…

USAID granted $270 million to the East West Management Institute (EWMI), a Soros-affiliated nonprofit. Just $9 million was enough to reshape Albania’s judiciary, allegedly allowing Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama to imprison political opponents. U.S. taxpayers unknowingly funded these efforts for nearly a decade, prompting President Donald Trump to freeze USAID’s $40 billion budget. USAID’s Role in Judicial Reform In 2018, Judicial Watch exposed USAID’s involvement in Albania’s judicial reform. The Justice for All campaign, led by EWMI, aimed to reshape the judiciary but instead became a tool of political persecution. Over 15 years, USAID funneled over $250 million into…