-
Multiple stories highlight social media's power to rally support. An 88-year-old Michigan worker receives over $1.7 million after viral video; a young influencer raises funds for a veteran; and a tragic death at an amusement park prompts safety investigations. These stories showcase community kindness and ongoing tragedies, as of Sun, 14 Dec 2025 22:14:54 +0000.
-
As of mid-September 2025, Chinese electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers face mixed fortunes. Tesla's sales in China have declined for six consecutive months, losing market share to domestic rivals like Xpeng and Xiaomi, which offer more affordable, feature-rich models. BYD, the largest Chinese EV maker, is expanding aggressively in Europe with new showrooms and local production to offset slowing domestic growth. Meanwhile, startups like AeroHT are pioneering flying cars, signaling innovation beyond traditional EVs. However, intense price wars and overcapacity continue to pressure profitability across the sector.
-
The US Department of Energy is taking a 5% stake in Lithium Americas and Thacker Pass, a key lithium project in Nevada, to reduce reliance on China. The deal involves a $435 million federal loan, with GM investing heavily. This aims to support domestic EV battery supply chains and strengthen US independence in critical minerals.
-
As of early October 2025, the US Department of Energy has acquired a 5% equity stake in Lithium Americas and its Thacker Pass lithium mining project, a joint venture with General Motors. This move aims to reduce US reliance on China for lithium, a critical mineral for electric vehicle batteries. The project is expected to produce enough lithium carbonate annually to power 800,000 EVs, with commercial operations targeted for 2026-2028.
-
Several leading automakers, including Honda, Jeep, Porsche, and Bentley, are scaling back or delaying their electric vehicle (EV) projects due to slowing demand, market conditions, and strategic reassessments. These moves reflect broader industry challenges in the EV sector, especially in North America and China, as sales growth slows and market dynamics shift.
-
Tesla reported a record 497,099 vehicle deliveries in Q3 2025, a 7.4% increase year-over-year and a 29% jump from Q2, driven by a rush to claim the expiring $7,500 US federal EV tax credit. Rivian also saw quarterly delivery growth but lowered its 2025 forecast. Tesla's European sales fell 22.5%, while China deliveries included a new Model Y variant. Munro EV in Scotland plans to create 300 jobs to scale production of its all-terrain electric vehicle.
-
President Trump has approved the long-delayed Ambler Road project in Alaska, reversing the Biden administration's rejection. The project aims to unlock critical minerals like copper and cobalt, vital for energy and defense, with the US taking a 10% stake in Trilogy Metals. The decision emphasizes domestic resource development amid global supply concerns.
-
Major US automakers, including GM and Rivian, are adjusting their electric vehicle strategies following policy shifts and declining demand. GM announced a $1.6 billion charge due to lower EV sales, while Rivian forecasts fewer deliveries this year. Industry slowdown is linked to policy changes and market conditions.
-
Nevada regulators allege The Boring Company committed nearly 800 violations, including unauthorized digging and water dumping, since 2019. The company disputes some allegations, but regulators reduced potential fines to $242,800. Meanwhile, Tesla faces investigations over delayed claims and its Full Self-Driving software. The story highlights ongoing regulatory scrutiny of tech and infrastructure firms.
-
As of late October 2025, General Motors announced a $1.6 billion charge linked to scaling back its electric vehicle (EV) production due to slower-than-expected demand following the expiration of U.S. federal EV tax credits. While global EV sales hit a record 2.1 million in September, driven by China, Europe, and the U.S., GM and other Western automakers face challenges competing with China's aggressive, subsidized EV market and shifting U.S. policies.
-
Recent developments highlight a slowdown in US EV sales and industry shifts. GM adjusts plans due to policy changes, Tesla's new models face criticism, and Chinese automakers expand globally. The industry is navigating policy impacts, market competition, and profitability challenges as EV adoption evolves.
-
As of October 2025, Stellantis is moving Jeep Compass production from Brampton, Ontario, to Belvidere, Illinois, as part of a $13 billion US investment plan aimed at avoiding US tariffs. Canadian officials, including PM Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford, have expressed disappointment and warned of legal action if commitments to Canadian workers are broken. The move highlights ongoing Canada-US trade tensions amid tariff disputes.
-
Recent articles highlight major developments in automotive AI, including GM's rollout of Level 3 autonomous driving in 2028, Lucid's partnership with Nvidia for Level 4 systems, and GM's overhaul of vehicle architecture. Tesla's LiDAR skepticism and GM's AI integration reflect industry shifts toward smarter, safer vehicles.
-
Rivian announced a 4.5% workforce reduction, affecting over 600 employees, as it prepares to launch its affordable R2 SUV. The layoffs follow recent restructuring and are linked to market pressures, including the end of US EV tax credits and production plans for mass-market vehicles.
-
Automakers report mixed results in 2025, with Stellantis rebounding in North America, Toyota maintaining growth despite market challenges, and Chinese EV dominance expanding. Industry faces geopolitical risks and shifting consumer preferences, impacting future strategies.
-
Ford CEO Jim Farley warns of China's EV dominance and US industry risks. Meanwhile, Japan denies plans for $10bn US investment amid US-Japan trade talks. Trump promotes Japanese car investments and military measures during regional tour, highlighting shifting global auto and trade dynamics.
-
General Motors is laying off about 1,750 workers at its EV and battery plants in the US, citing slower EV adoption and regulatory changes. The company is downsizing its Detroit plant and pausing production at Ohio and Tennessee battery facilities, with plans to resume mid-2026. The move follows a $1.6 billion charge and end of federal EV tax credits.
-
The US housing market shows signs of stagnation with record-low home turnover rates, rising mortgage rates, and declining homeownership. Fewer homes are changing hands, and buyer activity remains subdued amid economic uncertainty and high prices, impacting affordability and mobility.
-
Despite low unemployment rates, many Americans face prolonged joblessness, with over a quarter unemployed for more than six months. Experts highlight emotional and economic tolls, as companies hesitate to hire amid economic uncertainty and layoffs increase. The situation signals a bifurcated labor market with lasting impacts.
-
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticizes Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, emphasizing California’s green credentials and advocating for US leadership in climate action. He highlights California’s renewable energy progress and warns against the US falling behind China and Europe in green tech. Newsom’s international trip underscores his potential 2028 presidential bid.
-
California Governor Gavin Newsom is actively promoting climate policies at COP30 in Belém, Brazil, emphasizing US competition with China and criticizing the US federal government's absence. He highlights California's renewable energy progress and advocates for US global economic leadership in green tech amid political divisions at home.
-
Waymo is extending its autonomous vehicle service to include freeway routes in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix, marking a significant step in autonomous mobility. The company is also expanding curbside airport pickups and testing new highway protocols amid increasing competition in the self-driving industry.
-
Former President Trump announced plans to revoke Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Somali residents in Minnesota, citing crime and fraud. The move, which could affect a small number of Somalis nationally, faces strong opposition from local leaders and advocates, amid concerns of fueling hate and Islamophobia. The announcement marks a broader push to tighten immigration protections.
-
As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
-
Toyota announced a $1 billion investment to expand hybrid vehicle production across the US, creating 252 jobs. The move aligns with its strategy to focus on hybrids amid shifting EV demand and tariffs, with plans to increase manufacturing in several states and produce hybrid engines and vehicles.
-
US employment increased by 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding forecasts, but underlying weaknesses persist. Rising layoffs, hiring decoupling, and economic risks continue to shape the labor market outlook as analysts debate AI's impact and recession signals.
-
President Trump announced plans to significantly weaken fuel economy standards for new vehicles, reversing Biden-era policies aimed at promoting electric cars and reducing emissions. The move aims to lower costs for consumers but faces criticism from environmentalists and some automakers. The policy is set for finalization next year.
-
US jobless claims increased by 44,000 to 236,000 for the week ending December 6, surpassing forecasts. Meanwhile, layoffs are rising, and job openings remain steady, indicating a sluggish labor market amid ongoing economic uncertainty. The Federal Reserve is expected to consider rate cuts amid inflation concerns.
-
The Biden-era fuel economy standards are being significantly reduced under the Trump administration, aiming to lower vehicle costs and boost sales of larger, more profitable vehicles. Critics warn this will increase pollution and fuel costs, reversing progress on climate goals.
-
Electric vehicle sales in North America declined 1% in 2025 amid policy changes, tariffs, and supply chain issues. Tesla and other US automakers are offering incentives to boost sales, while global EV demand remains resilient. Industry shifts include Ford ending a battery joint venture and Tesla's aggressive discounts.