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Hybrid power is here: Indianapolis 500 could be dramatically reshaped by jolts of electric juice

Hybrid power is here: Indianapolis 500 could be dramatically reshaped by jolts of electric juice

CTV News21-05-2025
Helio Castroneves, of Brazil, center talks with Ed Carpenter, left, and Jack Harvey, of the United Kingdom, as the drivers gather for a photo before the start of practice for the Indianapolis 500 auto race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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Emma Raducanu halts play to request crying child be ejected from crowd
Emma Raducanu halts play to request crying child be ejected from crowd

National Post

time12 minutes ago

  • National Post

Emma Raducanu halts play to request crying child be ejected from crowd

A former U.S. Open champion cried foul over a crying child during a tense matchup at the Cincinnati Open. Article content Emma Raducanu was facing off against Aryna Sabalenka, the top-ranked women's tennis player in the world, on Monday when a wailing child in the stands became too much for British star. Article content Raducanu, who won the U.S. Open in 2021 at just 19 years old, was serving during the third set of the match while trailing 4-3 in games and in deuce. Article content Article content As she went to begin her serving motion, she stopped, asked for time, and began talking to the umpire. Article content 'It's been, like, 10 minutes,' Raducanu said, referring to the amount of time the child had been crying. Article content 'It's a child,' the umpire replied. 'Do you want me to kick the child out of the stadium?' Article content RADUCANU IS COMPLAINING BECAUSE A BABY HAS BEEN CRYING FOR THE PAST '10mins' AND SABALENKA IS LOOSING THE EASIEST POINTS. ABSOLUTE CINEMA. — Set 1 Game 4 Break Point - NO (-130) (@enanrb) August 11, 2025 Article content Article content Raducanu shrugged as many fans can be heard shouting 'yes,' to which she smiled and gestured to the crowd. Article content Article content 'I can call in, but we need to continue for the moment,' the umpire said. Article content Raducanu went on to hold serve in the game, but eventually fell to Sabalenka 7-6, (6-2), 4-6, 7-6, (7-5) in a down-to-the-wire thriller. Article content While asking for a child to be removed from the crowd could be seen as harsh, many fans on social media also backed Raducanu, mainly for one big reason: It was incredibly hot. Article content Temperate estimates in Cincinnati during the time of the match on Monday ranged from 31C to 35C, including humidity. Article content 'Who takes a baby to a tennis match in 95 (degree Fahrenheit — 35C) heat with humidity!' one user on X asked. Article content Who takes a baby to a tennis match in 95° heat with humidity ! — Brent Wagner (@BrentWags12) August 11, 2025

Is Ford Stock Worth Buying Now on its EV Strategy Shift?
Is Ford Stock Worth Buying Now on its EV Strategy Shift?

Globe and Mail

time22 minutes ago

  • Globe and Mail

Is Ford Stock Worth Buying Now on its EV Strategy Shift?

Ford F is rewriting its electric playbook. After a few tough years in the EV market, the automaker is steering away from high-priced models and aiming for affordability. The new plan revolves around a fresh platform designed for a lineup of lower-cost EVs. It's an ambitious bet that could reshape Ford's position in the EV race if executed well. At this point, it's worth asking whether it makes sense to buy Ford stock now. But first, let's look at why the company needed a strategy shift and what's included in its new plan. Ford's New Play: Affordable EVs Ford's latest plan centers around the new Ford Universal EV Platform, which will underpin a family of lower-cost electric models. The first in line will be a midsize, four-door electric pickup, with an expected starting price of around $30,000. Production will take place at the Louisville Assembly Complex in Kentucky, backed by a $5 billion investment that will add nearly 4,000 jobs. Deliveries of the model are slated to begin in 2027. Ford CEO Jim Farley has called the company's new affordable EV push its next 'Model T moment.' Alongside the new pickup, Ford is delaying its large electric truck and van to 2028. Meanwhile, it's deepening focus on lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, which will be assembled in the United States. This is a first for any automaker in America and should help reduce costs while freeing up vehicle interior space. The new platform streamlines production. Ford says it reduces parts by 20%, fasteners by 25%, and plant workstations by 40%, cutting assembly times by about 15%. These efficiencies are crucial for keeping the $30,000 target price realistic — especially with shifting U.S. EV policies under President Donald Trump, including the planned end of EV tax credits after Sept. 30. Why Ford's EV Business Needed a Rejig In 2021, Ford made headlines with the Mustang Mach-E, followed by the F-150 Lightning and an electric van a year later. The quick rollout initially put it ahead of other legacy automakers like General Motors GM. But as EV sales growth slowed, material costs soared, and Tesla TSLA began aggressive price cuts, Ford's EV business started looking less appealing. Ford's electric vehicle business has been a drag on its bottom line. Over the past two and a half years, the division has racked up roughly $12 billion in losses, including $2.17 billion in just the first half of this year. In contrast, General Motors took a slower, more methodical path to EV production. It focused on developing standardized batteries to lower costs and formed joint ventures that quickly built battery plants. As a result, General Motors sold over 46,000 EVs in the second quarter (second only to Tesla)— more than double Ford's total — and now offers more than 10 electric models, ranging from the $35,000 Chevrolet Equinox EV to the $130,000 Cadillac Escalade IQ. Meanwhile, Chinese companies like BYD Co Ltd BYDDY have surged ahead globally. BYD now sells more EVs than any Western manufacturer, producing them at a fraction of the cost and putting pressure on U.S. automakers to rethink their strategies. In fact, BYD dethroned Tesla in EV sales for the third straight quarter in battery EV sales in the second quarter of 2025. Tariffs & Recalls to Weigh on Ford Ford's challenges extend beyond EV losses. The company has faced costly recalls and repairs on its gasoline-powered lineup, denting profits from its core truck and SUV business. Tariffs are another growing headache. In the second quarter alone, Ford absorbed $800 million in tariff-related costs. It now expects a net $2 billion tariff hit for 2025, up from earlier forecasts. The gross impact could be as high as $3 billion, though Ford aims to offset $1 billion through cost-cutting Ford has been leading the auto industry in recalls so far in 2025. These headwinds contrast with GM's steadier profitability in recent years and highlight how far Ford must go to stabilize its earnings. And while BYD's low-cost manufacturing model poses a serious threat in global markets, it also sets a benchmark Ford will need to match or beat if it hopes to gain share internationally. F Not Without Strengths It's not all bad news. Ford's Pro division, which serves commercial and government fleets, continues to perform well. Hybrid sales are growing, giving Ford a hedge as EV adoption slows. The company also boasts a strong balance sheet and an attractive dividend yield, appealing to long-term income-focused investors. The Zacks Rundown on Ford Stock Shares of Ford have increased around 10% over the past year, underperforming the industry. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research From a valuation standpoint, F trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 0.27, below the industry average. It carries a Value Score of A. See how the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Ford's earnings has been revised over the past 60 days. The Bottom Line on Ford Ford's new EV strategy has potential, especially if it can deliver a $30,000 electric pickup with decent margins. The shift to U.S.-made LFP batteries and streamlined production is a smart response to rising costs and fierce competition from Tesla, GM and BYD. But the benefits are still years away. Also, lest we forget, the company has scaled back some of its earlier EV ambitions, pausing one of four planned battery plants. CEO Jim Farley has, in fact, warned that there are 'no guarantees' the new manufacturing approach will succeed. For now, the focus is on proving the economics of its affordable EV program before scaling further. For new investors, it may be too soon to jump in. The stock could gain momentum once Ford shows real progress in executing its affordable EV plans and improving profitability. Until then, patience may pay off. Existing shareholders, however, can take comfort in Ford's dividend and long-term prospects — provided they're willing to weather some short-term bumps along the way. F stock currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here Research Chief Names "Single Best Pick to Double" From thousands of stocks, 5 Zacks experts each have chosen their favorite to skyrocket +100% or more in months to come. From those 5, Director of Research Sheraz Mian hand-picks one to have the most explosive upside of all. This company targets millennial and Gen Z audiences, generating nearly $1 billion in revenue last quarter alone. A recent pullback makes now an ideal time to jump aboard. Of course, all our elite picks aren't winners but this one could far surpass earlier Zacks' Stocks Set to Double like Nano-X Imaging which shot up +129.6% in little more than 9 months. Free: See Our Top Stock And 4 Runners Up Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Ford Motor Company (F): Free Stock Analysis Report General Motors Company (GM): Free Stock Analysis Report Tesla, Inc. (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report Byd Co., Ltd. (BYDDY): Free Stock Analysis Report

Browns superstar Myles Garrett ticketed after police say he drove 160 km/h in Cleveland suburb
Browns superstar Myles Garrett ticketed after police say he drove 160 km/h in Cleveland suburb

National Post

time42 minutes ago

  • National Post

Browns superstar Myles Garrett ticketed after police say he drove 160 km/h in Cleveland suburb

Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett has been accused of driving a Ferrari 100 mph on a suburban Cleveland interstate. Article content The Strongsville Police Department stopped Garrett just after 2 a.m. Saturday in a 60 mph zone on Interstate 71 near the Ohio Turnpike, according to a citation. Article content Garrett is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday but he could pay a $250 fine without appearing. Garrett is expected to be with the Browns in Philadelphia for a joint workout with the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles. Article content Garrett was stopped less than an hour after the Browns landed at Hopkins International Airport after their 30-10 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Article content It is the second time in less than two months a Browns player has been stopped by Strongsville Police for speeding. On June 17, Shedeur Sanders was stopped for going 101 mph near the same stretch of highway as Garrett. Article content In 2022, Garrett flipped his Porsche when he veered off a rural road near his home following practice. He suffered a sprained shoulder, strained biceps, cuts and bruises in the wreck and was cited for failure to control his vehicle and unsafe speed. Article content

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