BUSINESS
NEWS
New-Vehicle Sales Projected to Hold Steady at 16.0 Million SAAR in November Amid Improved Inventory and Consumer Confidence
By Helen RoschaMassachusetts Faces Significant Wealth and Resident Exodus as Cost of Living Soars, New Study Reveals
By Peter DuncanAndrew Sobko, BATCH, Spotlighted on New York Stock Exchange TV
By Michelle KellettCLIMATE
CHANGE
Guardsmen Deliver Food to Alaska Community Hit by Typhoon
By Sandy Di AngelisNew Study Identifies Key Traits Linked to Bird Extinctions, Highlighting Urgent Need for Conservation Efforts
By Yves DucrotThe aircraft carrier USS George Washington returned to Yokosuka, Japan, for the first time since being relieved from the post in 2015 by the USS Ronald Reagan
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) returned to Commander, Fleet Activities Yokosuka, Japan as the United States’ only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, Nov. 22.
This marks the second time George Washington has served as the forward-deployed naval forces-Japan (FDNF-J) aircraft carrier. In 2008, it became the first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to be forward-deployed to Japan before being relieved by USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) in 2015.
“A US carrier represents the most advanced maritime capability we have, and it’s the most advanced investment we can make in the security of Japan and of the Western Pacific,” said Vice Adm. Fred Kacher, Commander, U.S. 7th Fleet. “The George Washington returns with modernized, cutting-edge technology that represents our investment in deterrence and security in this region.”
During George Washington’s transit from Norfolk, Virginia to Japan, the crew completed Exercise Southern Seas in U.S. 4th Fleet and a seven-week transit from San Diego.
“Arriving here in Yokosuka has been a milestone for this crew for many months, and for some the journey started in April when we departed from Virginia,” said Capt. Tim Waits, commanding officer of George Washington. “I could not be more proud of this team. Not only have we arrived safely…
PUBLIC
INTEREST
U.S. Department of Defense Consults With Interagency Partners on Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Roles
Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a ceasefire which could lead to a cessation of Hezbollah attacks on Israel and the phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, according to news reports.
The U.S. Defense Department will play a role in the ceasefire, but there are few details, said…
U.S. Sanctions Five Gulf Cartel Associates for Involvement in IUU Fishing and Criminal Activities
The Department of the Treasury today imposed sanctions on five Mexican individuals associated with the Gulf Cartel, one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations, for involvement in criminal activities associated with illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, human smuggling, and narcotics trafficking in the Gulf of Mexico.
Under the Maritime…
CULTURE
NEWS
Ana Franco’s Non-Profit Children’s Book Brings the Hidden World of Data Centers to Life for Kids
By Ryan OffmanGoodyear Partners With U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for 14th Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drives Across the Country
By Eva SemelRH
FINANCIAL
New-Vehicle Sales Projected to Hold Steady at 16.0 Million SAAR in November Amid Improved Inventory and Consumer Confidence
New-vehicle sales for November are expected to maintain a steady seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR)Massachusetts Faces Significant Wealth and Resident Exodus as Cost of Living Soars, New Study Reveals
A Pioneer Institute study released on Tuesday shows that Massachusetts lost $10.6 billion in adjustedTHIS WEEK'S HEADLINES
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III engages with troops worldwide in heartfelt holiday calls
This week, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III reached across the globe to connect with service members stationed stateside and deployed abroad. Through video conference and phone calls, he expressed gratitude, shared stories and offered encouragement to troops and their families who have sacrificed the comforts of home while serving their country.
Austin’s 41 years in the Army give him a unique perspective on serving during the holidays, but he noted these tours will create lifelong bonds. He opened each call by inviting service members to introduce themselves, what role they serve in and where they are from.
In every discussion, Austin emphasized that teammates look out for one another, a theme that resonated whether he was speaking with soldiers in Poland, sailors aboard a Navy destroyer or airmen in Qatar.
Austin treated the calls as an opportunity to thank service members for their dedication, delivering a heartfelt message of appreciation on behalf of the nation. “What you’re doing is deeply appreciated,” he told them. ” we can enjoy Thanksgiving in peace and security.”
He also reflected on…
CURRENT EDITION
Alaska National Guardsmen deliver 14,000 pounds of meat to Toksook Bay amid recovery from Typhoon Merbok
By Sandy Di Angelis / Associate WriterAlaska National Guardsmen delivered nearly 14,000 pounds of frozen beef, chicken and pork this month to Toksook Bay, Alaska, helping residents still recovering from losses sustained when Typhoon Merbok flooded thousands of communities in September 2022.
The storm’s impact and ensuing power outages caused vital meat stores to spoil. After Typhoon Merbok, Federal Emergency Management Agency representatives and the rural Alaska community action program worked closely with the Nunakauyarmiut Tribe in Toksook Bay to secure funding to aid the recovery process.
That collaborative effort led to the delivery of thousands of pounds of meat.
The delivery is part of the Defense Department’s innovative readiness training program, which connects U.S. communities in need with military units that can provide services and apply training to real-world situations.
The Alaska Air National Guard transported the frozen meat from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to Bethel, Alaska, via an HC-130J Combat King II, the same aircraft that routinely conducts civil search and rescue missions across the state.
“The Alaska National Guard is well suited to provide assistance of this kind,” Army Maj. James Goddard, the innovative readiness training program manager, said. “We’re the only ones in the state that have fixed-wing aircraft and rotary aircraft that can deliver in a timely manner for a need like this.”
This was not the only successful delivery in Alaska by DOD’s innovative readiness training program. National Guardsmen also have provided aid in the form of medical services, construction, cybersecurity and transportation.
The new-vehicle sales pace in November is expected to finish near 16.0 million, equal to last month, and up 0.5 million from last November's 15.5 million pace
New-vehicle sales for November are expected to maintain a steady seasonally adjusted annual rate (SAAR) of 16.0 million, consistent with the sales pace observed in October, according to the Cox Automotive forecast released today. This represents an increase from last November’s SAAR of 15.5 million.
However, the sales volume is expected to reach 1.32 million, a decline of 1.3% from October but a 6.6% increase from one year ago, reflecting the differences in the number of selling days compared to last month and a year ago. There are 26 selling days this month, one less than last month and one more than last year.
According to Charlie Chesbrough, senior economist at Cox Automotive: “With the U.S. election now in the rearview mirror, we may see vehicle sales finish the year in a strong position. With less uncertainty in the market, consumer confidence is moving higher, which will likely increase consumer willingness to buy a new vehicle. Additionally, vehicle affordability is improving, thanks to higher incentives and falling auto loan rates, which increase consumers’ ability to buy.”
Sales Pace Continues to Reflect Improved New-Vehicle Inventory Levels and Higher Incentives
New-vehicle inventory volume topped 3.0 million units at the start of November for the first time since the pandemic, which is higher by more than 677,000 units compared to one year ago. Days’ supply climbed to 85 at the start of November, up two days…
CURRENT EDITION
Massachusetts Faces Significant Wealth and Resident Exodus as Cost of Living Soars, New Study Reveals
A Pioneer Institute study released on Tuesday shows that MassachusettsAndrew Sobko, BATCH, Spotlighted on New York Stock Exchange TV
New York Stock Exchange TV recently spotlighted the technology-enabled logisticsCalifornia Home Affordability Gains Ground in Q3 2024 as Prices Stabilize and Interest Rates Shift
Slower home price growth and more favorable interest rates inS&P Global Commodity Insights Launches Daily Platts Pork Price Assessments for EU Exports and North Asia Imports
Platts, part of S&P Global Commodity Insights, will enhance transparencyNew Index Reveals Middle-Class Financial Resilience Shows Gradual Improvement Amid Ongoing Economic Challenges
The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) released a new- Loading stock data...