Luminar reduces debt with note repurchases and stock issuance

Boeing is close to settling a legal battle over the 737 MAX crashes by agreeing to pay $1.1 billion, avoiding a potentially messy trial. The Justice Department plans to drop the case soon, signaling a resolution—but not necessarily closure—for victims' families and a way for Boeing to move forward.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about money—it’s about accountability (or the lack thereof). While the payout might help Boeing sidestep further reputational damage, critics will argue it lets the company off too lightly for crashes that killed hundreds. For the public, it raises questions about whether fines alone can prevent corporate negligence, especially in industries where lives are on the line.

Boeing is reportedly close to striking a deal with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) that would allow it to avoid a guilty plea related to the fatal 737 Max crashes. Instead, the company may agree to pay a hefty fine and submit to stricter oversight—essentially a deferred prosecution agreement. This means Boeing dodges a formal criminal conviction but still faces consequences for its role in the tragedies.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about legal technicalities—it’s about whether a giant like Boeing truly faces justice for mistakes that cost 346 lives. A guilty plea would have been a major black mark, potentially barring the company from government contracts. The DOJ’s softer approach suggests corporate giants can still negotiate their way out of the harshest penalties, which will frustrate victims’ families and reignite debates about accountability when profits collide with safety.

A major supermarket chain is pulling baby food from shelves in eight states after health officials found dangerously high levels of lead in the products. The CDC warns that even tiny amounts of lead can harm children's development, making this a serious health concern for parents.

Editor’s Note: Lead exposure in kids can cause long-term health and cognitive issues, so recalls like this aren't just routine—they're urgent. If you’ve bought baby food from this chain recently, check the recall notice ASAP. It’s another reminder of how fragile food safety can be, especially for vulnerable groups like infants.

Former President Donald Trump is proposing hefty new tariffs on European Union goods (50%) and Apple products (25%) if he wins the 2024 election. This signals a return to his aggressive trade policies, which could spark international tensions and hit consumer wallets.

Editor’s Note: If these tariffs happen, prices on everything from French wine to iPhones could jump—straining global trade relationships and squeezing businesses and shoppers. It’s a reminder of how Trump’s economic approach could shake up markets (and your budget) if he’s back in office.

Former President Donald Trump announced that US Steel will stay in American hands by forming a "partnership" with Japan's Nippon Steel, easing concerns about a full foreign takeover. The deal appears to balance economic interests with political optics, keeping jobs and operations stateside while allowing international collaboration.

Editor’s Note: This story matters because US Steel is an iconic American company, and its future has been a flashpoint in debates over jobs, trade, and national security. A full sale to a foreign buyer could’ve sparked backlash, but this compromise—framed as a partnership—might soften the blow while still bringing in global expertise. For workers and policymakers, it’s a wait-and-see moment: will this actually protect US interests, or is it just a rebranded takeover?