Latest news with #Pittsburgh
Japan Times
an hour ago
- Business
- Japan Times
Trump's Nippon Steel bid support boosts Japan's trade talk hopes
U.S. President Donald Trump's pivot to champion Nippon Steel's bid to buy U.S. Steel raises the prospect of fresh positive momentum for Japan's sluggish negotiations with the U.S. over tariff relief. While the contours of the proposed steel deal remain vague, Trump is set to hold a rally in Pittsburgh on Friday to tout the deal as a victory for his tariff strategy and American workers. As part of the expected deal, the U.S. government would hold de facto veto rights on some company decisions through a so-called golden share. The apparent breakthrough, and the opportunity it gives Trump to present it as a win, raises the possibility that Japan could get some new traction in its bid to get tariffs on autos and other exports removed, some analysts say. "If the Nippon Steel deal progresses, it could be viewed as one of Trump's achievements. In that sense, I think things are moving in a favorable direction,' said Tomohisa Ishikawa, chief economist at the Japan Research Institute. After three rounds of talks in Washington since Trump launched his global tariff offensive, Japan's negotiation team has had little to show for its efforts to win an exemption from a 25% levy on auto exports and a 10% across-the-board tariff that's set to rise to 24% in early July barring a trade agreement. Japan's top negotiator Ryosei Akazawa is scheduled to fly to the U.S. again for another round of talks on Friday. On Tuesday, he suggested that Trump and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba are likely to meet on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Canada in mid-June, a potential moment to announce a deal. To be sure, there are few signs of an agreement on the horizon. Akazawa has repeatedly insisted that he will continue to press for the complete removal of tariffs, but hasn't given any indications of compromises by either side. "We will proceed with a sense of urgency while maintaining a steady pace,' he said on Tuesday. While Japan initially moved quickly to strike up talks with the U.S., it has since been overtaken by rival China, which adopted a much tougher approach and imposed its own tariffs on the U.S.. Beijing and Washington agreed a deal earlier this month to drop their most punitive tariffs for 90 days. Japan's hope will be that the U.S. Steel breakthrough adds weight to the message that Tokyo has carried throughout negotiations of seeking mutual economic benefits. Japan has been the largest foreign investor in the U.S. in the last three years and employs thousands of American workers at car plants and other facilities in the U.S. So far, Japanese government officials have declined to comment on the impact of the expected U.S. Steel deal as they seek more information about it. Tatsuhiko Yoshizaki, chief economist at Sojitz Research Institute, said that the expected steel deal could segue into an agreement over cooperation in shipbuilding, a sector in which the U.S. is seeking to expand capacity. Japan is the world's third largest shipbuilder by output, behind China and South Korea. However, Yoshizaki cautioned that it's far from clear that Japan should expect anything other than more difficult negotiations with the U.S. "When I speak with former officials from the Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, they all express concern — they say Japan is being far too bullish,' he said. At the same time, Yoshizaki said that current officials appear confident. "Maybe they know something we don't,' he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Business
- Time of India
T.J. Watt skips Steelers OTAs amid contract extension drama that could shake up Pittsburgh's 2025 season
T.J. Watt skips Steelers OTAs amid contract extension drama that could shake up Pittsburgh's 2025 season (Getty Images) Pittsburgh Steelers superstar T.J. Watt may not have said much about his contract situation, but his absence from the team's recent organized team activities (OTAs) is making headlines for all the right reasons. Watt, who is entering the final year of his current deal, is reminding the league—and especially the Steelers front office—that it's time to talk business. Steelers face uncertainty as T.J. Watt's OTA absence hints at deeper contract standoff with the franchise Back in 2021, T.J. Watt inked a four-year, $112 million extension that, at the time, made him the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history with a $28 million average per year. Fast forward to 2025, and that record has been shattered by Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, whose annual value now crosses the $40 million mark. Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year and one of the most feared pass-rushers in the game, has every reason to expect a contract that reflects the current market. Although he hasn't publicly addressed the situation, Watt hinted at his dissatisfaction when he posted a cryptic peace sign on social media last month—a gesture often interpreted as a sign-off or farewell. It was a subtle but telling move. T.J.'s older brother, J.J. Watt, recently appeared on The Pat McAfee Show and, while choosing not to speak directly on the situation, dropped some insightful commentary that mirrors the complexities players face in contract negotiations. 'Ownership and front offices obviously treat this like a business,' J.J. said, 'but they do not like it when the players flip the script on them and treat it like a business back. ' That statement couldn't be more relevant to T.J.'s case. NFL teams often justify tough contract calls as strategic decisions, but when players push back or demand what they've earned, they're labeled as selfish or disloyal. It's a double standard that many top-tier players—Watt included—are no longer willing to tolerate. J.J. went on to emphasize the importance of handling extensions early. 'If you take care of things early... do that,' he explained, warning that delays lead to resentment. Using the example of Cincinnati's Trey Hendrickson, who has already voiced his displeasure over his contract situation, J.J. stressed how unresolved negotiations can sour relationships inside locker rooms. 'You kick the can down the road, the can gets a whole lot bigger,' he added. 'Now we got ourselves a garbage pail.' The Steelers are facing a pivotal decision. Last year, Watt showed up for camp while still negotiating, opting for a 'hold-in' strategy to avoid fines while making his stance known. But the market wasn't as inflated then as it is now. With the going rate for elite pass rushers climbing rapidly, delaying an extension for Watt will only increase the eventual price tag. Complicating matters is the team's recent decision to give a market-level deal to a player who hasn't even suited up for Pittsburgh yet. If an outsider can command that level of commitment, there's no justifiable reason to shortchange Watt, a homegrown talent and cornerstone of the defense. T.J. Watt has let his play—and now his silence—do the talking. The Steelers have a golden opportunity to set the tone and take care of their most valuable defender before this can of worms turns into a dumpster fire. Also Read: Despite being a free agent, Von Miller commits to 2025 season but admits Broncos reunion likely off the table Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Why Terry Bradshaw's old comments about Aaron Rodgers still sting—and fans can't stop sharing it
Terry Bradshaw's past harsh remarks about Aaron Rodgers have resurfaced online, reigniting fan debates and stirring fresh controversy across social media. (Getty Images) Terry Bradshaw is not here for the Aaron Rodgers-to-Pittsburgh rumors—and he's made that crystal clear. The Steelers legend, known for his no-filter honesty, isn't mincing words about the ongoing speculation that Rodgers might join his former team. Despite the chatter heating up as the offseason drags into June, Bradshaw has taken a firm stance that borders on disbelief. Terry Bradshaw's resurfaced comments on Aaron Rodgers reignite debate about their long-standing tension In a recent radio interview with 103.7 The Buzz, Bradshaw didn't hold back. 'That's a joke. That is, just to me, is a joke,' he said. 'What are you going to do? Bring him in for one year, are you kidding me? That guy needs to stay in California. Go somewhere and chew on bark and whisper to the gods out there.' His words may have been delivered with some of his signature Southern wit, but the sentiment was anything but playful. Terry Bradshaw: Steelers possibly signing Aaron Rodgers 'a joke' | Pro Football Talk | NFL on NBC Rodgers, now 41, has been deliberating whether to continue his NFL journey or finally call it quits. While he made it known recently that he isn't quite ready to retire, the quarterback carousel has already started spinning for many teams. The Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints have seemingly locked in their quarterback plans, leaving Pittsburgh as a viable—though controversial—landing spot. But Bradshaw's disdain for Rodgers didn't start this year. Their strained dynamic dates back to 2021, when Bradshaw called out the Jets QB for his dishonesty during the COVID-19 vaccination saga. 'I'll give Rodgers some advice: It would be nice if he came to the Naval Academy and learn how to be honest,' Bradshaw said then. 'Learn not to lie because that's what you did, Aaron.' The Hall of Famer added that he was 'extremely disappointed' in Rodgers at the time—a disappointment that clearly hasn't faded. It's worth noting that Rodgers has yet to respond publicly to any of Bradshaw's pointed criticisms. Whether that's due to indifference or strategic silence is anyone's guess. Still, Bradshaw seems resolute, and fans shouldn't expect a change of heart anytime soon. As Pittsburgh works through OTAs without a clear signal-caller of Rodgers' caliber, the quarterback discussion remains open-ended. The idea of Rodgers donning the black and gold continues to divide the Steelers' community—and Bradshaw, evidently, is leading the opposition. If Pittsburgh were to sign Rodgers this offseason, the real test might not just be on the field but in how much noise Bradshaw continues to make. One thing's for sure—his stance isn't softening. The Steelers' icon has spoken, and the message is loud: Aaron Rodgers doesn't belong in Pittsburgh. Also Read: "Stay in California": Aaron Rodgers faces Terry Bradshaw's wrath while Steelers stay stuck in quarterback limbo Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Steelers wide receivers looking to step up after Pickens trade
PITTSBURGH, Pa. (BLACK AND GOLD NATION) – You could argue that DK Metcalf and George Pickens would have been among the best wide receiver duos in the NFL. The key word is would as Pittsburgh traded Pickens to Dallas just a little month after acquiring Metcalf. 'We were friends but end of the day when you step on this football field it's business,' Steelers wide receiver Calvin Austin III said of the Pickens trade. Rudolph in familiar spots as quarterback 'chaos' circles Steelers This is back-to-back offseasons that the Steelers have traded away one of their top pass catchers with Diontae Johnson being sent to Carolina last year. Once again, it also brings up the question if the team will receive impactful production from its second wide receiver. This year, Pittsburgh is relying on players like Austin III and Roman Wilson to step into a bigger role. Austin III had his best season last year with 36 catches, 548 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Meanwhile, Wilson missed his entire rookie campaign with injuries. 'I feel like after last year for me personally, (I had improved),' Austin III said. '(There) was so much more (room to get better). So, we're still chasing that and at the end of the day, we're chasing the biggest goal of all to win a Super Bowl.' 'I don't want to think too much about last year, but I definitely learned a lot and it definitely helped to shape who I am this upcoming season,' the former Michigan wide receiver said. Earlier this offseason, Steelers general manager Omar Khan said he was confident in Wilson's growth heading into this year. 'The only thing I'm really focused on is getting better every single day and just being ready when my name is called,' Wilson said. Week one of the Steelers Organized Team Activities concludes on Thursday morning. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Skenes dominates into 7th inning, Pirates beat Diamondbacks 10-1 for 2nd road series win
PHOENIX (AP) — Paul Skenes dominated in six-plus scoreless innings, O'Neil Cruz hit a two-run homer and the Pittsburgh Pirates rolled over the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-1 on Wednesday. The Pirates rallied from down 6-2 with seven runs in the eighth inning to beat the Diamondbacks 9-6 on Tuesday night. There was no need for a comeback with Skenes (4-5) on the mound. Last year's NL rookie of the year allowed four hits, struck out seven and walked none in 6 2/3 innings. Skenes has not allowed more than six hits in an MLB-record 35 starts to open his career. Pittsburgh took two of three from Arizona for its first road series win and second overall since April 22-24 against the Los Angeles Angels. Arizona's Zac Gallen (3-7) allowed six runs — five earned — on six hits with three strikeouts and three walks in five innings. Gallen walked the leadoff batter three times and all three scored. Arizona has lost seven of eight. Henry Davis hit a run-scoring single in the second inning after a leadoff walk and Pittsburgh scored two runs in the fifth on second baseman Jordan Lawler's throwing error following a leadoff walk. Gallen issued another leadoff walk in the sixth inning and was pulled after Ke'Bryan Hayes' run-scoring single. Isiah Kiner-Falefa hit a two-run double off Juan Morillo and Bryan Reynolds made it 8-0 with a run-scoring triple. Key moment Kiner-Falefa broke the game open with his double in the sixth. Key stat Pittsburgh scored 19 straight runs against Arizona in two games before pinch hitter Tim Tawa's leadoff homer in the ninth. Next Pirates RHP Mitch Keller (1-6, 3.66 ERA) pitches the opener of a three-games series at San Diego on Friday. The Diamondbacks have not announced a starter for Friday's opener of a three-game home series against Washington. ___
