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Category: 3. Business

  • Westmont Police Raise Over $60K For Special Olympics • Westmont, IL

    Westmont Police Raise Over $60K For Special Olympics • Westmont, IL

    Westmont, Illinois – Date Issued: January 9, 2026

    It’s been another record-breaking year for Special Olympics Illinois fundraising by the Westmont Police Department (WPD). Through their various fundraising efforts, the WPD raised $60,768.

    “We want to thank the entire community for joining in and supporting this effort to raise funds for such a great organization,” said Deputy Police Chief Mike Weibler, who oversees the coordination of these fundraising events. “We’re proud to partner with our community to support the incredible mission of Special Olympics Illinois.”

    Over the past year, the Westmont Police Department held numerous Special Olympics fundraising events including their annual golf outing, Dunkin Cop on a Rooftop event, paper shred events, donation collection at Cruisin’ Night events, National Night Out, fundraising events with Uncle Bub’s and Chipotle, and more.

    Congratulations to the Westmont Police Department for their continued support of Special Olympics Illinois.

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  • Global economy survives tariff shock: UN

    Global economy survives tariff shock: UN

    Australian growth to pick up

    “Australia and the Republic of Korea are projected to see a pickup in growth in 2026, underpinned by stronger domestic demand,” the report said. 

    “In Australia, real GDP growth is estimated at 1.8 per cent for 2025, compared with 1.1 per cent in 2024. The economy is projected to expand by 2.2 per cent in 2026 and 2.4 per cent in 2027,” it said. 

    “Strong wage growth has supported a recovery in private consumption, while private investment has remained relatively weak even in the wake of monetary easing by the Reserve Bank of Australia starting in February 2025.”

    “We are more optimistic about the US economy in 2026 because of tech spending.”
    – Joseph Capurso, CBA Head of Foreign Exchange, International & Geoeconomics

    US economy set to slow

    The report said economic growth in the United States slowed to 1.9 per cent in 2025 – from 2.8 per cent in 2024 – and was forecast to edge up to 2.0 per cent in 2026 and 2.2 per cent in 2027, aided by expansionary fiscal and monetary policies.

    It said inflation would likely remain above the two per cent target in 2026, “though it should gradually moderate as tariff effects wane and housing costs stabilise”.

    Commonwealth Bank Head of Foreign Exchange, International & Geoeconomics Joseph Capurso said there could be more growth in US than the UN is predicting. “We are more optimistic about the US economy in 2026 because of tech spending,” he said.  “We forecast US economic growth to pick up to 2.4% in 2026 compared to the UN’s forecast of 2.0%.

    In China, the economy was projected to grow by 4.6 per cent in 2026 and 4.5 per cent in 2027, down from an estimated 4.9 per cent expansion in 2025.

    “A temporary easing of trade tensions with the United States – including targeted tariff reductions and a one-year trade truce – has helped stabilise confidence, while policy support is expected to sustain domestic demand,” the report said.

    Reuters

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  • Honda Announces New Lines of Models that Represent “Honda Sports DNA” at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026

    Honda Announces New Lines of Models that Represent “Honda Sports DNA” at Tokyo Auto Salon 2026

    At last year’s Japan Mobility Show, Honda presented the world premiere of the Super-ONE Prototype, a compact EV designed to turn everyday driving into an exciting and uplifting experience. For the first time, Honda is showcasing the Super-ONE Prototype in one of the colors to be adopted for the production model.   

    The Super-ONE Prototype features “Boost Mode,” developed exclusively for this model, which increases power output, while synchronizing the simulated 7-speed transmission and Active Sound Control system to generate a powerful engine sound and sharp gearshift feel, as if driving an engine-powered vehicle with a traditional multi-gear transmission. By combining such engine sound and gearshift feel with acceleration unique to EVs, the Super-ONE Prototype enables the “joy of driving at the will of the driver” and offers customers a new and uplifting driving experience in the electrified era.

    Moreover, the Super-ONE Prototype became the first Honda compact model to adopt the Bose Premium Sound System, featuring exclusive acoustic tuning jointly developed with Bose.

    The production model based on the Super-ONE Prototype is scheduled to go on sale in Japan before the end of 2026, as a fun EV unique to Honda, which will enable customers to enjoy both driving and the in-cabin experience.

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  • Johnson & Johnson Reaches Agreement with U.S. Government to Improve Access to Medicines and Lower Costs for Millions of Americans; Delivers on U.S. Manufacturing and Innovation Investments

    New Brunswick, N.J. – JANUARY 8, 2026 – Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) (the “Company”), healthcare’s leading, most comprehensive innovation powerhouse, today announced a voluntary agreement with the Trump Administration to improve access to medicines and lower costs for millions of American patients. The joint agreement meets the requests laid out by President Trump to the industry and provides the Company’s pharmaceutical products an exemption from tariffs1.

    “Today’s agreement shows that when the public and private sectors work together towards shared goals, we can deliver real results for patients and the U.S. economy,” said Joaquin Duato, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Johnson & Johnson. “I’m proud that Johnson & Johnson is answering President Trump’s call to lower drug prices for everyday Americans while maintaining our role in improving and saving lives and ensuring that the United States continues to lead the world in healthcare innovation.”

    Improving Access and Lowering Costs for U.S. Patients
    Johnson & Johnson is working with the Trump Administration to improve access to medicines and lower costs for millions of American patients. The Company is:

    • Participating in TrumpRx.gov, a direct to patient platform, which will allow millions of American patients to purchase medicines from Johnson & Johnson at significantly discounted rates.
    • Enabling American patients to access medicines at comparable prices to other developed countries.
    • Providing Medicaid program access at comparable prices to other developed countries.
    • Continuing to support the Administration’s efforts to ensure better recognition of the value of health care across developed markets globally.

    Delivering On Our $55B U.S. Investment
    Johnson & Johnson also continues to deliver on our previously announced $55 billion investment to support U.S. manufacturing, research and development, and technology investments by early 2029. In just the last 10 months, the Company has initiated billions of dollars in investment in U.S. manufacturing, which will support the Company’s goal of manufacturing the vast majority of its advanced medicines in the U.S. to meet the needs of U.S. patients.

    Today, as part of the $55 billion investment, the Company is announcing two new U.S. manufacturing facilities, including a next generation cell therapy manufacturing site in Pennsylvania and a state-of-the-art drug product manufacturing facility in North Carolina.

    Additionally, construction is progressing on our $2 billion state-of-the-art biologics manufacturing facility in Wilson, North Carolina, which the Company broke ground on last year. That project will create approximately 5,000 skilled manufacturing and construction jobs in the state. Johnson & Johnson is already ramping up the hiring of advanced manufacturing employees to work at the facility.

    In September, the Company also secured a new 160,000+ square foot dedicated biopharmaceutical manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina. The $2 billion commitment over the next 10 years will create approximately 120 new jobs in North Carolina.

    Johnson & Johnson expects to announce additional U.S. investments later this year.

    About Johnson & Johnson:
    At Johnson & Johnson, we believe health is everything. Our strength in healthcare innovation empowers us to build a world where complex diseases are prevented, treated, and cured, where treatments are smarter and less invasive, and solutions are personal. Through our expertise in Innovative Medicine and MedTech, we are uniquely positioned to innovate across the full spectrum of healthcare solutions today to deliver the breakthroughs of tomorrow and profoundly impact health for humanity. Learn more at www.jnj.com.

    Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Johnson & Johnson. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: challenges and uncertainties inherent in product research and development, including the uncertainty of clinical success and of obtaining regulatory approvals; uncertainty of commercial success; manufacturing difficulties and delays; competition, including technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges to patents; product efficacy or safety concerns resulting in product recalls or regulatory actions; changes in behavior and spending patterns of purchasers of health care products and services; changes to applicable laws and regulations, including global health care reforms; and trends toward health care cost containment. A further list and descriptions of these risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Johnson & Johnson’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including in the sections captioned “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” and in Johnson & Johnson’s subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of these filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.jnj.com, www.investor.jnj.com or on request from Johnson & Johnson. Johnson & Johnson does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments.

    Footnotes
    1 Specific terms of the agreement remain confidential.


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  • Bears return to PSX after record run – Dawn

    1. Bears return to PSX after record run  Dawn
    2. Buying frenzy fuels record-setting spree at PSX  Dawn
    3. Stocks open in positive, KSE-100 gains over 400 points in early trade  Business Recorder
    4. PSX bull run ends as investors turn to profit-taking  The Express Tribune
    5. Pakistan equity market hits two-decade high with record Rs85 billion in daily turnover  Pakistan Today

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  • IT ministry sets dollar rate, terms for spectrum auction – Dawn

    1. IT ministry sets dollar rate, terms for spectrum auction  Dawn
    2. Govt warned against hasty 5G rollout  Dawn
    3. 5G Auction Moves Closer in Pakistan as Government Issues Policy Directive  8171ip.com.pk
    4. Will 5G actually improve internet access for ordinary Pakistanis?  Business Recorder
    5. Spectrum auction directive, a recipe for reform or revenue grab?  Pakistan Today

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  • New North Huntsville shopping district moving forward

    New North Huntsville shopping district moving forward

    Published on January 8, 2026

    Huntsville’s latest new retail district continues to expand and progresses towards construction later this year.

    The City approved a contract with Schoel Engineering Company for engineering design and construction administration services for public infrastructure improvements related to the North Village Town Center project at Memorial Parkway and State Route 255 (Northern Bypass). The scope of work includes design and engineering services for general mass grading, utilities, and additional roadway improvements for the area.

    The City last month announced the $240 million development, which will be anchored by Target and Home Depot. Upon completion, the project will consist of over 600,000 sq. ft. of new retail shops and restaurants.

    On the northern side of State Route 255 directly across from North Village Town Center, the City also agreed to sell 15.23 acres of land to Hank Holdings LLC. The property will be developed to deliver additional retail and restaurant tenants to the North Huntsville retail district.

    The City of Huntsville approved the land sale to Hank Holdings LLC on the north side of State Route 255 for retail and restaurant development.


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  • Fujitsu develops digital learning platform for JAL to support self-directed learning and training management

    Fujitsu develops digital learning platform for JAL to support self-directed learning and training management

    Fujitsu Limited today announced that it has jointly developed a new digital learning platform with Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) to support educational training improvements at JAL’s airport sites. The platform, which leverages Fujitsu’s digital learning solution Advanced Teaming Experience Service powered by UMU, began full-scale operation in April 2025.

    Since the initial roll-out, approximately 15,000 employees across roughly 100 locations across the JAL Group have adopted this platform which enables staff to conduct preparatory and review work on their assigned tablet devices. Furthermore, it has significantly reduced the workload associated with managing training participation and certifications, thereby contributing to enhanced productivity among frontline staff.

    Fujitsu will continue to contribute to the JAL Group’s educational improvements through this platform. Furthermore, by applying the knowledge gained from this project, Fujitsu will continuously enhance Advanced Teaming Experience Service powered by UMU and actively promote its deployment not only in the aviation industry but also in other sectors requiring high safety standards and specialized expertise, such as manufacturing. Fujitsu remains committed to supporting organizations in maximizing the effectiveness of their educational improvements and human resource development initiatives by empowering their workforce through learning.

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  • Visa discusses digitising govt payments

    Visa discusses digitising govt payments


    ISLAMABAD:

    Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Thursday held a meeting with a Visa delegation led by Tareq Muhmood, Regional President for Central Europe, Middle East and Africa, to discuss advancing digital payments, financial inclusion and ongoing economic reforms in Pakistan.

    Aurangzeb appreciated Visa’s continued engagement with Pakistan’s financial sector. The discussion focused on improving macroeconomic indicators, ongoing economic stabilisation efforts and the government’s priorities for achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, according to a news release.

    Aurangzeb briefed the delegation on progress under the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-supported programme, external validation from international credit rating agencies and the government’s reform agenda. He outlined reforms covering taxation, the energy sector, state-owned enterprises, public debt management and privatisation, including recent steps taken to accelerate the privatisation process.

    Both sides exchanged views on accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation, with particular emphasis on strengthening digital infrastructure, payment systems and the digitisation of government payments. Aurangzeb said digitalisation is being led at the highest level by the prime minister to ensure coordinated and cross-government implementation.

    He highlighted initiatives including the establishment of the Pakistan Digital Authority, reforms in payment rails under the State Bank of Pakistan and efforts to digitise government receipts and expenditures.

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  • OGRA moves to scrap fixed returns in gas pricing

    OGRA moves to scrap fixed returns in gas pricing

    SSGC, SNGPL resist shift as regulator begins stakeholder consultations; public hearing set for Friday

    Gas utilities. Photo: file


    ISLAMABAD:

    Following the government’s plan to restructure gas utilities, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (OGRA) has decided to review the existing gas pricing formula based on return on fixed assets, keeping in view current gas sector dynamics and market liberalisation.

    The government had tasked the OGRA with restructuring the two public gas utilities by doing away with the fixed asset-based return. According to officials, the regulator hired consultancy firm KPMG to review the formula, and it has submitted its report.

    The regulator has started consultations with stakeholders to change the gas pricing formula and has scheduled a public hearing here on Friday to consider the views of stakeholders.

    Since 2018, OGRA has been allowing a market-based rate of return to the gas utilities, namely Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), on the value of their average net fixed assets in operation for each financial year.

    OGRA said that, considering the latest gas sector dynamics, including demand and supply conditions, price volatility, market liberalisation and international benchmarking undertaken across the world, it has decided to review the existing gas pricing formula based on the rate of return (ROR) through an independent consultant, in line with the approved terms of reference.

    “OGRA, after receipt of the first draft report as furnished by M/s KPMG, has decided to call a public consultation with all stakeholders as per its ToRs and the relevant legal provisions to ensure transparency and inclusive stakeholder engagement,” the regulator said.

    The gas utilities are opposing the proposal to shelve the guaranteed asset-based return formula and have asked the government to continue with the current pricing regime.

    The gas pipeline network continues to expand, resulting in higher gas prices and increased profits for the utilities, but this expansion has also led to gas shortages across the country. SNGPL’s operating cost surged from Rs66 billion in the financial year 2019-20 to Rs94 billion in 2023-24. At the same time, its earnings swelled from Rs19 billion to Rs38.9 billion, despite a drop in gas supply.

    The utilities, SNGPL and SSGC, are of the view that the current asset-based return cannot be abandoned. They argue that several benchmarks, including unaccounted-for-gas (UFG), are linked to the asset-based return regime.

    However, a number of industries have repeatedly criticised the fixed rate of return, arguing that the profits of the utilities are rising while gas supplies are shrinking due to continued expansion of the pipeline network.

    At present, gas companies are facing a circular debt of Rs2.6 trillion, which has choked the entire energy chain. Liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been a major factor behind the accumulation of circular debt, as SNGPL has to pay billions of rupees for LNG supplies procured through Pakistan State Oil (PSO).

    The present government has also opened the gas market by allowing gas utilities to allocate 35% of their gas to third parties. As a result, the regulator has received several applications from private parties seeking licences to market gas.

    Oil and gas exploration companies had welcomed the government’s decision to increase gas allocation to private parties from 10% to 35%, saying it would help improve their cash flows by enabling them to secure better prices from private buyers.

    The exploration companies are also facing cash flow constraints due to the circular debt issue and are of the view that the mounting debt has slowed the pace of their development projects.

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