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EPA ends credits for automatic start-stop vehicle ignition feature

DETROIT (AP) — The Environmental Protection Agency announced an end Thursday to credits to automakers that install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles, a device intended to reduce emissions that EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said “everyone hates.” In remarks with President Donald Trump on Thursday at the White House, Zeldin called start-stop technology the “Obama switch” and said it makes vehicles “die” at every red light and stop sign. He said the credits, which also applied to options like improved air conditioning systems, are now “over, done, ...

Cafaro names new marketing chief

Staff report The Cafaro Company on Wednesday announced the appointment of Esther Buschau as the organization’s chief marketing officer effective immediately. In a news release, the company said the move underscores Cafaro’s commitment to driving growth and innovation as it continues to strengthen its middle market dominance nationwide. In her role as CMO, Buschau will lead the organization’s strategic marketing initiatives, including the enhancement of the legacy Cafaro brand. She will oversee the evolution of the firm’s marketing function to align brand strategy with the ...

FanDuel to stop accepting credit card deposits starting March 2

The Associated Press FanDuel Sportsbook will no longer accept deposits by credit cards beginning March 2, the same step DraftKings Sportsbook took in August. FanDuel issued a statement saying this decision has been in the works. “Over the last few months, FanDuel has been evaluating the payment methods that we offer to customers and made the decision to remove credit cards as an option for our Sportsbook, casino and racing product in the United States,” the sportsbook said. “This change was made to improve the deposit experience for our customers.” Many sports bettors ...

Retail sales slow in December as 2025 closes on a lackluster tone

NEW YORK (AP) — Shoppers unexpectedly paused their spending in December from November, closing out the holiday shopping season and the year on a lackluster tone. The report, issued by the Commerce Department on Tuesday, surprised economists who were looking for growth despite mounting concerns about slowing job growth, uncertainty about President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other economic headwinds. And it raised questions about shoppers’ ability to spend after they have remained resilient for months despite souring consumer confidence, economists said. Retail sales were flat in ...

Cleveland-Cliffs reports fourth quarter earnings snapshot

CLEVELAND (AP) — Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. on Monday reported a loss of $243 million in its fourth quarter. On a per-share basis, the Cleveland-based company, which operates a coke plant in Warren, said it had a loss of 44 cents. Losses, adjusted for nonrecurring costs and to account for discontinued operations, came to 43 cents per share. The results topped Wall Street expectations. The average estimate of six analysts surveyed by Zacks Investment Research was for a loss of 62 cents per share. The mining company posted revenue of $4.31 billion in the period, which fell short of ...

Valley dealers shake off January chill

Staff report January’s snow-covered deep freeze stifled sales in the Greater Cleveland Automobile Dealers’ Association’s 21-county area. Despite the conditions, the Mahoning Valley plowed through with positive gains. The association reported last week that new vehicle sales for the month fell 10.6% compared to January 2025. A total of 19,442 new vehicle registrations were recorded in the first month of 2025, compared to 17,370 last month. Used vehicle sales in the region totaled 16,441 in January, a decrease of 4.77% from the same month last year. Dealers in Mahoning, ...