Automotive

Policy shifts shake up automotive landscape in 2025

Jan. 31, 2025

President Donald Trump moved quickly to sign executive orders that could have widespread effects on automakers. The orders made Trump’s campaign promises to curtail the transition to battery electric vehicles and funding to grow charging infrastructure a reality. Other action by the president also signaled a shift on emissions policy, which could keep gas and diesel-powered vehicles on U.S. roads longer. It’s clear that automakers were preparing for sweeping changes, including tariffs, which could have a range of impacts on imported vehicles and automotive parts, particularly those sourced from Mexico and Canada-based suppliers.

Science & Tech

Air traffic controller left early from work before crash: report

Jan. 31, 2025

The responsibility of handling air traffic control for helicopters and incoming planes at Reagan National Airport were combined on Wednesday night ahead of a deadly collision, a report said. Sometime before an American Airlines flight crashed into an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, an air traffic controller was assigned both duties by their supervisor, the New York Times reported, citing a source briefed on staffing and an internal preliminary FAA safety report.

Science & Tech

Air ambulance service involved in Philadelphia plane crash once flew MLB icon David Ortiz after he got shot

Jan. 31, 2025

A medical transport jet headed for Missouri and carrying a child patient and five others crashed in Northeast Philadelphia Friday night. The jet was part of the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which provides global ambulance flight services. It's the same service that once helped transport Boston Red Sox legend and MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz with a critical injury after he was shot in his home country of the Dominican Republic June 9, 2019, at a bar in Santo Domingo.

International News

How did so many Thai farmers end up held hostage by Hamas?

Jan. 31, 2025

Five Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas since its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel were released Thursday. They were among 31 Thais taken by the militant group, of whom 23 have already been released. Another two have been confirmed dead, and the status of one remaining person is not clear. According to Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 46 Thais have been killed during the conflict, including the two who died in Hamas captivity. They were among tens of thousands of Thai workers in Israel.

International News

American Keith Siegel among three hostages named by Hamas for release

Jan. 31, 2025

Siegel, along with Ofer Kalderon and Yarden Bibas, are set to be released Saturday, after 484 days in captivity. In exchange, Israel is expected to release another group of Palestinian prisoners and detainees.

Health

FDA approves new type of nonopioid painkiller for acute pain

Jan. 31, 2025

The drug, Journavx, from Vertex Pharmaceuticals, reduced pain after surgery in clinical trials. Experts hope it can lead to fewer opioid prescriptions.

International News

Israel's ban on U.N. aid agency for Palestinians comes into effect at critical point for Gaza

Jan. 31, 2025

Israel’s ban on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees went into effect Thursday in a move that the world body has warned will jeopardize humanitarian aid efforts in the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and east Jerusalem. The move comes as 2 million Palestinians living in those areas are grappling with the destruction wrought during the 15 months of the Gaza war and its timing — coming at an especially vulnerable moment for the Palestinian territories — has alarmed the international community.

Automotive

Implemented or not, Trump's 25% tariff threat is challenging the auto industry

Jan. 31, 2025

DETROIT — As President Donald Trump’s threat to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico as soon as Saturday looms, the global automotive industry is collectively holding its breath. For months, automakers have been taking a “wait-and-see” approach to the Trump administration’s potential tariffs. Trump promised to impose duties upon his inauguration this month, then he set a target date of Feb. 1 for levies on the key U.S. trading partners.

Science & Tech

Trump's DEI policy threatens already thin share of women and minorities in STEM, workers say

Jan. 31, 2025

While President Donald Trump’s executive orders have labeled diversity, equity and inclusion programs as “discriminatory,” several women who occupy STEM-related positions in the federal government slammed his directives as policies that only seek to widen the existing gender and racial divides. Concerns ranging from limited access to STEM careers to feeling unwelcome under the new administration, women scientists, engineers and other women federal employees told NBC News that they fear for their professional future.

Business

Denver awarded NWSL's 16th franchise at record $110 million expansion fee

Jan. 31, 2025

Professional women’s soccer is coming to Denver, Colorado, beginning in 2026. On Thursday, the National Women’s Soccer League awarded Denver the league’s 16th franchise at a record $110 million expansion fee, according to a person familiar with the deal, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss nonpublic details. The latest sale demonstrates the health of professional women’s soccer. Just 16 months ago, Boston team owners paid less than half of that fee ($53 million) for their franchise.