HOUSTON (AP) — An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort to resurrect Enron, the Houston-based energy company that exemplified the worst in American corporate fraud and greed after it went bankrupt in 2001. If its return is comedic, some former employees who lost everything in Enron’s collapse aren’t laughing. “It’s a pretty sick joke and it disparages the people that did work there. And why would you want to even bring it back up again?” said former Enron employee Diana Peters, who represented workers in the company’s bankruptcy proceedings. Here’s what to know about the history of Enron and the purported effort to bring it back. Once the nation’s seventh-largest company, Enron filed for bankruptcy protection on Dec. 2, 2001, after years of accounting tricks could no longer hide billions of dollars in debt or make failing ventures appear profitable. The energy company's collapse put more than 5,000 people out of work and wiped out more than $2 billion in employee pensions. Its aftershocks were felt throughout the energy sector. Twenty-four Enron executives , including former CEO Jeffrey Skilling , were convicted for their roles in the fraud. Enron founder Ken Lay’s convictions were vacated after he died of heart disease following his 2006 trial. On Monday — the 23rd anniversary of the bankruptcy filing — a company representing itself as Enron announced in a news release it was relaunching as a “company dedicated to solving the global energy crisis.” It also posted a video on social media, advertised on at least one Houston billboard and a took out a full-page ad in the Houston Chronicle In the minute-long video full of generic corporate jargon, the company talks about “growth” and “rebirth.” It ends with the words, “We’re back. Can we talk?” In an email, company spokesperson Will Chabot said the new Enron was not doing any interviews yet, but "We’ll have more to share soon.” Signs point to the comeback being a joke. In the “terms of use and conditions of sale” on the company's website, it says “the information on the website about Enron is First Amendment protected parody, represents performance art, and is for entertainment purposes only.” Documents filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office show College Company, an Arkansas-based LLC, owns the Enron trademark. The co-founder of College Company is Connor Gaydos, who helped create a joke conspiracy theory claiming all birds are actually government surveillance drones. Peters said she and some other former employees are upset and think the relaunch was “in poor taste.” “If it’s a joke, it’s rude, extremely rude. And I hope that they realize it and apologize to all of the Enron employees,” Peters said. Peters, 74, said she is still working in information technology because “I lost everything in Enron, and so my Social Security doesn’t always take care of things I need done.” “Enron’s downfall taught us critical lessons about corporate ethics, accountability, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Enron’s legacy was the employees in the trenches. Leave Enron buried,” she said. But Sherron Watkins, Enron’s former vice president of corporate development and the main whistleblower who helped uncover the scandal, said she didn’t have a problem with the joke because comedy “usually helps us focus on an uncomfortable historical event that we’d rather ignore.” “I think we use prior scandals to try to teach new generations what can go wrong with big companies,” said Watkins, who still speaks at colleges and conferences about the Enron scandal. This story was corrected to fix the spelling of Ken Lay’s first name, which had been misspelled “Key.” Follow Juan A. Lozano on X at https://x.com/juanlozano70

Oil prices climbed about 1% to a two-week high on Friday as the intensifying war in Ukraine this week boosted the market’s geopolitical risk premium. Brent futures rose $1.05, or 1.4%, to $75.28 a barrel by 1:15 p.m. EST (1815 GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose $1.22, or 1.7%, to $71.32. That put both crude benchmarks up about 6% for the week and on track for their highest closes since Nov. 7 as Moscow steps up its Ukraine offensive after Britain and the U.S. allowed Kyiv to strike deeper into Russia with their missiles. “The Russia-Ukraine escalation has raised geopolitical tensions beyond levels seen during the year-long conflict between Israel,” said Saxo Bank analyst Ole Hansen. President Vladimir Putin said Russia would keep testing its new Oreshnik hypersonic missile in combat and had a stock ready for use. Russia fired the missile into Ukraine, prompted by Ukraine’s use of U.S. ballistic missiles and British cruise missiles to hit Russia. “What the market fears is accidental destruction in any part of oil, gas and refining that not only causes long-term damage but accelerates a war spiral,” said PVM analyst John Evans. Oil prices firm The U.S., meanwhile, imposed new sanctions on Russia’s Gazprombank as President Joe Biden steps up actions to punish Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine before he leaves office on Jan. 20. The Kremlin said the new U.S. sanctions were an attempt by Washington to hinder the export of Russian gas, but noted that asolution would be found. The U.S. also banned food, metals and other imports from about 30 more Chinese companies over alleged forced labor involving the Uyghurs. China, the world’s biggest oil importer, announced policy measures this week to boost trade, including support for energy product imports, amid worries over U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s threats to impose tariffs. China’s crude oil imports were set to rebound in November, according to analysts, traders and ship tracking data. Oil imports also increased in India, the world’s third biggest oil importer, as domestic consumption increased, according to government data. Capping price gains Pressuring prices on Friday, euro zone business activity took a surprisingly sharp turn for the worse this month as the bloc’s dominant services industry contracted and manufacturing sank deeper into recession. In contrast, S&P Global said its flash U.S. Composite PMI Output Index, which tracks the manufacturing and services sectors, increased to the highest level since April 2022, with the services sector providing the bulk of the increase. But with those business activity gauges moving in opposite directions in the U.S. and Europe, the U.S. dollar jumped to a two-year high versus a basket of other currencies. A stronger greenback makes oil more expensive in other countries, which can reduce demand. In Germany, the biggest economy in Europe, the economy grew less than previously estimated in the third quarter, the statistics office reported on Friday.

Accenture ( ACN -2.45% ) was in the news Tuesday for yet another of the acquisitive company's asset buys. Investors weren't particularly impressed with this one, as they generally traded out of the stock following its announcement. Accenture's share price eroded by more than 2% on a day when the S&P 500 index basically traded flat. Another asset buy Before market open that morning, the frequently acquisitive Accenture announced that it has agreed to purchase privately held AOX. The company's asset-to-be is a Germany-based business that concentrates on software for vehicle manufacturers and the companies that supply them. In revealing its news, Accenture did not disclose the price nor the terms of the deal. It did quote Christina Raab, its market unit lead in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, as saying that "In combining AOX's and Accenture's capabilities we will form a strong player that develops software from the chip to the cloud, covering the complete life cycle from architecture design to maintenance." The latter company said that AOX's employees, which number around 50, will be folded into Accenture's Industry X division. A lack of detail From a strategic standpoint, the AOX acquisition appears to make sense. The auto industry these days is very dynamic, with technological change coming at a rapid pace. Assuming it integrates AOX effectively into its portfolio, Accenture can strengthen its offerings in this ever-evolving and busy field. That said, investors dislike when they're not provided much information about a deal touted as being important. That's because it can be tough, or even impossible, to gauge whether the buyer is being opportunistic and acquiring an asset relatively cheaply, or is overpaying for a business that might not produce a sufficient return. Accenture might be better served providing more details of this buy.

You’re in challenging part of your career — Civil service boss warns new directors

Chubb Ltd. stock falls Tuesday, underperforms market

Global stocks end mostly up with DAX crossing 20,000 for 1st time

KBC Group NV raised its stake in John Bean Technologies Co. ( NYSE:JBT – Free Report ) by 31.5% during the 3rd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 1,014 shares of the industrial products company’s stock after acquiring an additional 243 shares during the period. KBC Group NV’s holdings in John Bean Technologies were worth $100,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of John Bean Technologies by 0.9% in the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 3,524,626 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $369,698,000 after purchasing an additional 31,798 shares during the last quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in John Bean Technologies by 57.5% in the second quarter. Kayne Anderson Rudnick Investment Management LLC now owns 1,279,425 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $121,507,000 after buying an additional 466,846 shares during the last quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of John Bean Technologies by 2.7% in the second quarter. Conestoga Capital Advisors LLC now owns 951,534 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $90,367,000 after acquiring an additional 24,981 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP grew its position in shares of John Bean Technologies by 2.6% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 778,178 shares of the industrial products company’s stock worth $73,908,000 after acquiring an additional 19,549 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel Inc. increased its holdings in shares of John Bean Technologies by 0.7% in the 3rd quarter. Deroy & Devereaux Private Investment Counsel Inc. now owns 242,648 shares of the industrial products company’s stock valued at $23,903,000 after acquiring an additional 1,783 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 98.92% of the company’s stock. John Bean Technologies Stock Up 1.3 % Shares of NYSE:JBT opened at $120.69 on Friday. John Bean Technologies Co. has a 1-year low of $82.64 and a 1-year high of $122.90. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 2.55 and a quick ratio of 2.00. The stock has a market cap of $3.84 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.31, a P/E/G ratio of 1.64 and a beta of 1.22. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $105.07 and a 200 day moving average price of $97.45. John Bean Technologies Company Profile ( Free Report ) John Bean Technologies Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for John Bean Technologies Co. ( NYSE:JBT – Free Report ). Receive News & Ratings for John Bean Technologies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Bean Technologies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .Hezbollah fires about 250 rockets and other projectiles into Israel in heaviest barrage in weeks

On 24 October 2024, the Biden Administration issued a National Security Memorandum on Advancing the United States’ Leadership in Artificial Intelligence; Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Fulfill National Security Objectives; and Fostering the Safety, Security, and Trustworthiness of Artificial Intelligence (NSM), underscoring the United States’ commitment to leading globally in the responsible development, application, and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). The Administration’s 30 October 2023 Executive Order on the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence led to the creation of the NSM, which was a key deliverable. Key Objectives in AI Advancement The NSM identifies three objectives: (1) fostering safe and secure development of AI technologies, (2) advancing national security interests through the strategic deployment of AI, and (3) promoting a global AI governance framework rooted in transparency, human rights, and trustworthiness. CFIUS and the Role in AI Investment Security Of particular note to non-US companies, the NSM directs the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to scrutinize foreign investments, acquisitions, or transactions that involve sensitive AI intellectual property or other AI-driven technologies with national security relevance. This heightened scrutiny aligns with the broader goal of safeguarding critical AI advancements from external threats while supporting the integrity of US technological leadership. Implications for Stakeholders Understanding the scope of the AI NSM’s directives will enable companies to better shape their approaches to AI in areas that touch on national security. Companies developing AI for national security, healthcare, finance, and other sensitive fields will need to align their efforts with these regulatory priorities, ensuring their innovations meet emerging safety, security, and ethical standards. Additionally, stakeholders engaged in international AI collaborations must be mindful of the evolving CFIUS guidelines, particularly regarding the handling of intellectual property and sensitive AI assets in cross-border transactions.

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) — Tayshawn Comer scored 18 points as Evansville beat Campbell 66-53 on Sunday night. Comer had six rebounds and six assists for the Purple Aces (3-4). Cameron Haffner scored 16 points and added six rebounds. Gabriel Pozzato shot 3 for 5, including 2 for 3 from beyond the arc to finish with 10 points. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekNone

What happens next with Alex Jones' Infowars? No certainty yet after sale to The Onion is rejectedKUALA LUMPUR: Google has lauded Malaysia's strategy for constructing artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership, with the tech giant investing US$2bil (RM8.93bil) in the country. Google's vice-president of government affairs and public policy, Karan Bhatia, said at the recent APEC Summit in Peru that this approach to infrastructure development led to Google's US$2bil investment in a Malaysian data centre. In May 2024, Google announced a US$2bil investment in Malaysia. This includes the establishment of its first data centre in the country and a Google Cloud region to meet the growing global and local demand for cloud services, as well as AI literacy programmes for students and educators. This investment is projected to create an economic impact of over US$3.2bil (RM14.29bil) and generate 26,500 jobs by 2030. Meanwhile, Microsoft's vice-president of data and AI, Zia Mansoor, commended Malaysia's National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap. "It's very comprehensive. It's examining the AI infrastructure and upskilling. How are you training all Malaysians in AI technology?" he asked at the APEC CEO Summit Peru 2024. Mansoor also noted the roadmap's establishment of a government AI centre of excellence where the government utilises AI technology. "To me, these are such crucial conditions," he added. On Nov 15, Anwar held discussions with Google in Peru's capital, focusing on data centres and AI. He emphasised the need for proper attention to strengthening the AI and data centre ecosystems, especially regarding preventing data leakage and exploitation with malicious intent. Anwar also said that Malaysia is prepared to align its policies to meet new demands and ever-evolving industries as part of a multi-pronged approach to continually attract high-value investments. – Bernama