Rivian doubles down on new plan to beat Tesla

Ford has announced a significant reduction in its electric vehicle plans, incurring a $19.5 billion loss, primarily due to weak demand and regulatory changes under former President Donald Trump. This decision reflects a strategic retreat from large electric vehicles as the company reassesses its market position.

PayPal has applied for a banking license in the United States, aiming to leverage the more relaxed regulatory environment established during the Trump administration. This move signals the company's intent to expand its financial services amid evolving market conditions.

Venezuela has accused Trinidad and Tobago of collaborating with the United States in the recent seizure of an oil tanker off its coast, an action described by the Maduro regime as theft of Venezuelan oil. This incident follows a broader pressure campaign by the Trump administration against Nicolás Maduro's government, escalating tensions in the region.

The United States has paused its £31 billion tech prosperity deal with Britain, citing insufficient progress on resolving trade barriers. This decision represents a significant setback in US-UK relations, particularly as the deal was initially celebrated as a transformative step in bilateral cooperation during Donald Trump's presidency.

Tesla's stock is facing scrutiny as analysts, including Dan Ives from Wedbush, suggest that the company should be valued beyond its electric vehicle production, particularly with the anticipated launch of autonomous-driving robotaxis by the end of 2025. This shift in valuation perspective highlights the evolving nature of Tesla's business model.

Tesla's Robotaxi program has reached a significant milestone, as CEO Elon Musk continues to promote its potential to revolutionize transportation. Despite the progress, questions linger regarding the regulatory and operational challenges that may affect its rollout and success in the market.

Celebrities, including athletes like Tristan Thompson and artists such as Iggy Azalea, are increasingly promoting cryptocurrency as they pivot from traditional careers. Thompson, nearing the end of his basketball career, has embraced a new role as a crypto investor and consultant, launching a podcast and developing a crypto startup set to debut in 2026.