DUBAI (Reuters) - Richard Branson is quitting as chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One, saying the company, that plans to build a supersonic transport system in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, needs a more actively involved leader, the firm said on Monday. Richard Branson is interviewed after unveiling his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California, U.S., October 16, 2018. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni The Financial Times reported last week that Saudi Arabia had terminated a planned deal with Virgin Hyperloop One after Branson halted investment talks with Riyadh over the Jamal Khashoggi affair. The company made no reference to that in its statement on Monday. “At this stage in the company’s evolution, I feel it needs a more hands-on Chair, who can focus on the business and these opportunities,” the statement quoted Branson as saying. “It will be difficult for me to fulfil that commitment as I already devote significant time to my … [Read more...] about Branson steps down from role as chairman of Virgin Hyperloop
Ford sees higher metal costs, hopes China and U.S. can settle trade…
WAYNE, Mich. (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co (F.N) has seen higher steel and aluminum costs driven by trade tariffs bite into profit, but is hopeful the United States and China can avoid further tensions that could make things more costly, a top Ford executive said on Monday. FILE PHOTO: Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice president and president of global operations, speaks during the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., Jan. 9, 2017. REUTERS/Rebecca Cook/File Photo The United States said in March it would impose a 25 percent tariff on imported steel and a 10 percent tariff on imported aluminum from most countries. The tariffs have allowed U.S. steel producers to raise their prices. The Chinese national flag flies on the roof of a Ford car dealership in Beijing, China October 11, 2018. REUTERS/Thomas Peter “They’re certainly up year over year and they’re up versus what we were expecting,” Joe Hinrichs, Ford executive vice … [Read more...] about Ford sees higher metal costs, hopes China and U.S. can settle trade…
Uxbridge mum searching for hit-and-run driver who broke daughter’s shoulder
An Uxbridge mum is searching for the driver that struck her daughter in a hit-and-run. Ellie McCarthy, 15, was at Pield Heath Road bus stop with four friends on Wednesday evening (October 10) when a van drove past and hit her hard enough to break her shoulder and snap off the wing mirror. Mum Hayleigh White has started a social media campaign to find the culprit as she feels the police are not doing enough. She said: "It's absolutely shocking, my daughter walked her friend to the bus stop and they were waiting there with three other children when someone drove by so fast that they bumped up the curb and hit my daughter. "He hit her so hard that his wing mirror snapped off and I still have it at my home. I just cannot understand how someone could hit a child with that much force and not stop to see if they are all right. "My daughter has a broken shoulder and tissue damage in her neck and arm and obviously is extremely distressed too. The hospital gave her painkillers but she hasn't … [Read more...] about Uxbridge mum searching for hit-and-run driver who broke daughter’s shoulder
Water authority worker freed from manhole
James David Dickson The Detroit News Published 1:42 PM EDT Oct 22, 2018 Detroit — Firefighters on Detroit's east side have freed a Great Lakes Water Authority worker after he fell into a manhole Monday morning. The 62-year-old man was pulled from the manhole, which was described as “three feet by three feet, 40 feet down," at about noon, according to Gene Biondo, deputy chief of the Detroit Fire Department. Reports of the fall came in shortly after 10 a.m. and officials responded to the 17100 block of Mack, on the Grosse Pointe border. The man who fell in was a “spotter” working near the top while two others were deeper into the hole. “Somehow he slipped” and fell in, Biondo said. The two others were able to climb out, but the spotter himself was rendered immobile by the fall. “There was no way he could come out” without being pulled, Biondo said. The rescue effort was the result of elbow grease, skill, and some … [Read more...] about Water authority worker freed from manhole
Detroit Red Wings’ Anthony Mantha trying to remedy season-opening funk
Ted Kulfan The Detroit News Published 1:55 PM EDT Oct 22, 2018 Detroit — This hasn’t been the start to the season Anthony Mantha wanted. In fact, it’s been pretty miserable. Heading into Monday’s game, Mantha only had three points (one goal, two assists) in the first eight games, with a team-worst minus-11 plus-minus rating. It’s gotten so bad, Mantha is now on the fourth line and has been bumped off the power play. “I need to win his confidence back,” Mantha said of coach Jeff Blashill. “That’s the main thing I’m trying to do right now.” Mantha, 24, has had bouts of inconsistency throughout his NHL and minor league career, and not playing with the passion or work ethic required for success. There is a tendency to stand around too much, and not skate. Much of the current problem is linked to that, with Blashill having a brief meeting Saturday with Mantha to discuss his demotion in the … [Read more...] about Detroit Red Wings’ Anthony Mantha trying to remedy season-opening funk