SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " west " 6,033 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Chicago's quantum park lands another global player
Israel-based Quantum Machines will open a lab at Chicago’s South Works site, adding momentum to Illinois’ $500 million push to become a global hub for quantum computing.
New England-based tire and service company acquires CT business. ‘An important market’
A West Hartford auto business has been sold to VIP Tires & Service, according to a statement.
Son of Libya’s late dictator Gadhafi shot dead by gunmen, political team says
Saif al-Islam Gadhafi, the son of former Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, has been killed in an apparent assassination at his home in the city of Zintan in northwestern Libya, the head of his political team said on Tuesday. He was 53.
West Suburban Health and Wellness Expo Wednesday in Aurora
The West Suburban Health and Wellness Expo kicks off at 5 p.m.
Baylor aims to halt home woes, meets Colorado
By winning 63-53 Saturday at West Virginia, Baylor snapped a four-game losing streak.
Relay Resources Adds Vice Presidents of Employee Experience, Business Transformation
PORTLAND, Ore., February 04, 2026--Relay Resources, the Pacific Northwest’s leading social enterprise nonprofit committed to advancing disability inclusion in the workplace, has added two senior leaders to its executive team: Oscar Rico-Cazares was named Vice President, Employee Experience and Talent Management, while Paulien van Uden was promoted to Vice President of Business Transformation.
ICE in Maine is bad for business
Operations in the state may have ended, but not without leaving a lasting mark on local retailers.
Mountain West reveals multiplatform media deals
The Mountain West Conference announced multi-year media deals with CBS Sports, Fox Sports, The CW Network and streaming platform Kiswe. The deals begin in 2026-27 and will include football, men's and women's basketball and Olympic sports.
Mountain West extends CBS Sports partnership as part of new media rights package
The new-look Mountain West will continue to be featured across CBS Sports platforms through 2032
Mountain West Announces New Media Rights Package in Collaboration with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and Kiswe
Mountain West Announces New Media Rights Package in Collaboration with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and Kiswe
'System in flux': Scientists reveal what happened when wolves and cougars returned to Yellowstone
Large carnivores are both clashing and coexisting in the western United States. Although wolves dominate cougars and steal their prey, cougars' shift from elk- to deer-heavy diets, paired with a rugged landscape for escape, might help cougars avoid violent wolf encounters.
MOUNTAIN WEST ANNOUNCES NEW MEDIA RIGHTS PACKAGE IN COLLABORATION WITH CBS SPORTS, FOX SPORTS, THE CW NETWORK, AND KISWE
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The Mountain West Conference announced today a new media rights package featuring CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and Kiswe. The agreements with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe run for six years (2026-27 through 2031-32), while the CW Network has committed to a five-year partnership through the 2030-31 season. These strategic collaborations provide extensive visibility and coverage across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms for Mountain West Football and Men's and Women's Basketball, along with a broad array of Olympic Sports.
Mountain West Announces New Media Rights Package In Collaboration With CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network And KISWE
The Mountain West Conference announced today a new media rights package featuring CBS Sports, FOX Sports, The CW Network, and Kiswe. The agreements with CBS Sports, FOX Sports, and Kiswe run for six years (2026-27 through 2031-32), while the CW Network has committed to a five-year partnership through the 2030-31 season. These strategic collaborations provide extensive visibility and coverage across broadcast, cable, and streaming platforms for Mountain West Football and Men's and Women's Basketball, along with a broad array of Olympic Sports.
Talking Points: Burnley Bopped As Sunderland Bounce Back
Phil West looks at the main stories as the Lads got their top ten push back on track with a win over the Clarets!
Top consulting firms test boundaries with China workarounds
Faced with a fraught geopolitical environment, global consultancies are turning to riskier ways to do business in China that some industry and legal experts say test the boundaries of Western sanctions and Beijing's drive to curb foreign involvement in sensitive sectors.
From 'Wolverine' healing claims to health warnings: The unregulated rise of peptides
Peptides are one of the newest trends in the beauty industry. But how do they work and are they safe?
Magic: The Gathering's Newest Product Says the Quiet Part Out Loud
The latest Secret Lair sold the same drop at different prices, drawing anger from the community.
Western North Carolina plants new STEM educator research community
Society for Science is expanding access to STEM education in Western North Carolina through a new initiative. Sponsored by Appalachian…
Regal Ware revives historic West Bend Co. name for cookware factory
West Bend Co., which operates a manufacturing facility in West Bend, also serves as a contract manufacturer for other cookware companies.
Scholars application open to health professions students
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health and the West Virginia Area Health Education Centers are accepting applications for the WV AHEC Rural Community Health Scholars program. The deadline to apply for early admission is March 31.
Message from the Director—Oregon Water Science Center, Winter 2026 Newsletter
A message from the Center Director, Joanna Thamke.
A Cure For Sour Feelings About Politics? Get People To Love Their Hometowns
The positive feelings people have toward their community translate directly into civic engagement.
Help scientists document Midwest light pollution by looking at Orion
More people participating in the citizen science project Globe At Night could help fill gaps in what astronomers know about the extent of skyglow.
VASVIK's Annual Industrial Research Awards: Celebrating Indian scientists for their innovation and achievements
VIVIDHLAXI AUDYOGIK SAMSHODHAN VIKAS KENDRA (VASVIK) hosted its 51st Annual Industrial Research Awards on January 31, 2026, at B. J. Hall, Vile Parle (West), Mumbai. BK Radhika Didi, Brahma Kumari, and Lord Dr Frank Mentrup, Mayor of Karlsruhe, Germany, honoured the event as Chief Guests.
West Hartford Business Buzz: February 2, 2026 - We-Ha
A round-up of openings, closings, and other news about West Hartford businesses. Business Buzz is sponsored by NBT Bank, and we are very thankful for their support! By Ronni Newton Today is Groundhog Day, and although it already seems (to me) like winter has lasted way too long, I'm sure that Punxsutawney
Chicago police issue alert for string of business burglaries, armed robbery on Northwest Side
Chicago police issued an alert on Sunday about a string of business burglaries and an armed robbery on the city's Northwest Side.
Are western New Yorkers spending more on digital entertainment as winter sets in?
As winter settles across Genesee County, colder evenings and shorter days are reshaping how households in Batavia and nearby communities spend their discretionary dollars. With outdoor options limited and heating
Meningitis cases rise in major Midwestern city, prompting public health alert
Chicago health officials issue urgent alert after seven meningococcal disease cases, including two deaths. Know the symptoms and warning signs.
Thieves target ATMs at businesses on Chicago's Northwest Side
The EV Business Is Slowing in China. What That Means for Tesla Stock.
Combined, NIO, Li, and XPeng sold 74,861 in January, up 1% from a year ago but the slowest growth since January 2023.
Previewing Mountain West Softball: UNLV Rebels
Time to travel to Sin City to look at the UNLV Lady Rebels. Can the Rebels rebound after a disappointing 2025?
St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates Welcomes Candice Stahl
St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates is excited to welcome Candice Stahl, FNP-BC, to its newest practice, St. Peter’s Family Medicine in Latham.
Armed robber on the run after holding up southwest Colorado Springs business
The armed robbery was reported at an unnamed business on Cheyenne Meadows Road, just east of Highway 115.
UND Nistler College of Business of Public Administration to introduce new real estate major
Also, Department of Economics and Finance has been renamed the Fransen Department of Real Estate, Economics and Finance in honor of Robert "Bob" Fransen, who helped the real estate major come to be.
Business leaders gear up for Washington Street project
A website is planned to focus on positive, customer-friendly messaging during the project, letting consumers know about detours, promotions and anything else that will help get to businesses.
Zoning change sought to turn southeast Rochester hotel into behavioral health facility
A zoning change will be considered Monday for a 25-year-old southeast Rochester hotel eyed for conversion into a 94-bed substance-abuse treatment facility.
A locally-produced health podcast returns with a spin-off show
After a monthslong hiatus, a local women's health podcast is back — and expanding.
750-year-old Indian poems reveal a landscape scientists got wrong
Old Indian poems and folk songs are revealing a surprising truth about the land. Scientists found that descriptions of thorny trees and open grasslands in texts written as far back as the 1200s closely match today’s savannas in western India. This suggests these landscapes are ancient and natural—not ruined forests. The discovery could reshape how conservation and tree-planting efforts are planned.
A “spiritual entertainment” inspired by faith, international intrigue, and Cardinal Zen
Crafting an interesting story is more difficult than simply pulling something from today’s headlines. However, in the hands of a gifted storyteller, current events can be an inspiration for profoundly interesting and edifying stories. David […]
Dog Show 101: What to know about the 150th Westminster show
It’s go time for thousands of America’s most dogged competitors. Big or small, sleek or shaggy, they’re all trying for the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show
Westry scores 18, UAB defeats North Texas 72-68
DENTON, Texas (AP) Chance Westry had 18 points in UAB's 72-68 victory over North Texas on Saturday.
Iowa aims to take advantage of beaten-up Oregon
Iowa looks to run its winning streak to four games when the Hawkeyes open a two-game road trip in the Pacific Northwest against Oregon in Big Ten action on Sunday night in Eugene, Ore.
SPORTS: Chief Sealth IHS flag-football team headed to state
Congratulations to the Chief Sealth International High School flag-football team, for earning a trip to the state tournament. Head coach Melvin Estes-Glaspie's Seahawks finished third in the district tournament with a 28-14 win this afternoon over, and at, Renton. When the state matchups are set, they'll be on this page; quarterfinals are at ...
Luis Arraez joins Giants on reported 1-year, $12 million deal
The three-time batting champion is staying in the NL West.
CORRECTION Westminster Dog Show
Corrests dogs breed and name - A handler stands with his dog, Gerard, a Standard Poodle, after competing in the Masters Agility Championship Finals at the 150th Westminster Kennel Club
Lake Shore Bank awards Small Business Recovery grant to WMH
WESTFIELD – Lake Shore Bank has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Westfield Memorial Hospital Foundation through the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York Small Business Recovery Grant Program, an initiative designed to support local organizations and economic resilience. The grant will help fund vital equipment, services and resources that benefit patients, families and…
Davis' 24 help Hofstra knock off Monmouth 73-57
WEST LONG BRANCH, N.J. (AP) Cruz Davis had 24 points in Hofstra's 73-57 victory against Monmouth on Saturday.
Transfer Portal: Most portal departures by school
With the transfer portal window officially closed, it’s time to look back and see which programs were hit with attrition. In most cases, coaching turnover led to a mass exodus, but there were other reasons, too. Oklahoma State surpassed Colorado’s record 56 departures from 2023 with 64 players leaving the program. Iowa (eight) had the fewest transfer portal […]
Fraud followed by ICE has upheaved election-year politics in Minnesota
Republicans appeared poised for a political resurgence, then January happened.
The people’s choice against West Ham: Almost unchanged
Chelsea vs. West Ham, Premier League: Preferred lineup
It’s not too late to vaccinate, Grand Forks Public Health officials say
Vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory illness can prevent disease, reduce symptoms and reduce risk of virus transmission, says GFPH's Ashley Krone.
Florida Panthers players partner with Museum of Discovery and Science for ‘Hockey: Faster than Ever’ exhibit - WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports
FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Several Florida Panthers players showed up to unveil the newest exhibit at the Museum of Discovery and Science in FortRead More
‘Food is medicine’ and the $800M shortfall: How WV hopes to change rural health care
With West Virginia now poised to lose hundreds of millions of dollars annually in federal health care funding, Gov. Patrick Morrisey plans to embrace a “food-is-medicine” movement to bridge the gap and make the state’s residents healthier so they’re less reliant on the health care system.
Student scientists share findings at 25th High School Science & Engineering Fair
Three hundred students from Westfield HIgh School and Westfield Technical Academy presented their science and engineering projects in the WHS auditorium to over 100 judges; scientists, industry professionals and educators with backgrounds in science and engineering at the 25th annual High School Science and Engineering Fair on Jan. 29.
Northwestern-Washington tale of teams walking down similar paths
The men's basketball seasons for Washington and Northwestern have been nearly mirror images of each other.
The video games industry is killing itself and no one seems to care
After a week of bad news for games companies, a reader worries that Western publishers are too far gone for any kind of recovery to be possible.
Treysen Eaglestaff, West Virginia take aim at sinking Baylor
Treysen Eaglestaff was struggling to score all night in West Virginia's 59-54 win over Kansas State Tuesday, but coach Ross Hodge said the senior guard didn't let it weigh down the rest of his game.
Body found behind northwest suburban business, police say
A death investigation was underway in northwest suburban Bartlett after a person was found dead outside a business on Friday, authorities said.
Denver’s First Asian Market to Pass Business to a Fourth Generation
The founder's great-granddaughter is taking the reins of the store's community legacy.
Plain Talk: 'Our business climate in North Dakota is eroded'
On this Plain Talk, Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, talks about the tough economic environment for the state's oil and gas developers.
Local Small Business Owner Opens Pak Mail Inside of His Existing Accounting Business in Springville, Alabama--Offering Shipping and Office Services
Annex Brands, Inc., one of the leading franchisors in the packing, shipping and office services industries, is excited to announce the opening of its newest Pak Mail location inside of Chapman Accounting Solutions in Springville, AL to new owner, Edward Chapman. This new Pak Mail is set to offer a wide range of essential shipping and office services to the local community, making it easier to provide more service to more people in more places.
These Utah businesses will close — or donate from their sales — Friday to protest Minnesota immigration crackdown
One Salt Lake City bookstore will be closed Friday, but will reopen in the evening so people can gather to write letters or make safety kits. Another will stay open and donate a portion of its sales to a west-side school.
High school sports top performers on Thursday delivered in the clutch
Whether on the mat, mountain or court, these four high school athletes couldn't be stopped Thursday. See which top performers made the cut.
A World Safe for Autocracy: How Chinese Domestic Politics Shapes
China studies expert Jessica Chen Weiss of the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies reveals how the Chinese Communist Partyʼs pursuit of domestic survival, which balances sovereignty, security, and development, drives
Midwestern University Appoints One Health Initiative Coordinators
Dr. Karen Gruszynski and Dr. Tiffany Hughes chosen to educate the MWU community on the benefits of One Health
UT Martin visits Western Illinois following Nicastro's 27-point game
UT Martin Skyhawks (11-8, 7-3 OVC) at Western Illinois Leathernecks (17-3, 9-2 OVC) Macomb, Illinois; Saturday, 2 p.m. EST BOTTOM LINE: Western Illinois takes on UT Martin after Mia Nicastro scored 27 points in Western Illinois' 69-55 win over the Southeast Missouri State Redhawks. The Leathernecks are 10-0 on their home court.
Getty Images Photographers Recognized at 2026 World Sports Photography Awards
Getty Images Photographers Recognized at 2026 World Sports Photography Awards
Fire sparks at business in Hyde Park Village: Crews
A fire sparked at a business in Hyde Park Village on West Snow Avenue Thursday afternoon, according to Tampa Fire Rescue.
Testing the system: regional simulation exercises advance global health security
These exercises – South-East Asia Regional Practice of All-Hazard IHR Event Communications (SAPHIRE), Joint Assessment and Detection of Events (JADE) in the European Region, and IHR Exercise Crystal in the Western Pacific Region – bring together National Focal points (NFPs), who play a critical role under the IHR in safeguarding global health security. These annual exercises stress-test IHR event communication procedures and contingency plans, demonstrating a sustained commitment by countries to strengthening preparedness and learning.
Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute launches new website
The Northwestern Mutual Data Science Institute has launched a new website designed to serve as a central hub for news, events and opportunities.
Out West Midland launches as new live entertainment promoter in West Texas
A new chapter in West Texas live entertainment is underway as Out West Midland, led by partners Sean Elphick, Ariel Herrera, Aidan Acosta, and Logan Acosta, launches with a commitment to continue the growth of live events in the Permian Basin. The 2026 Out West Midland concert season will feature a limited run of live [...]
Out West Midland launches as new live entertainment promoter
Out West Midland has officially launched as a live entertainment promoter, with plans to bring concerts and large-scale events to the Midland County Horseshoe throughout 2026.
Women’s Sports Bar From Northwestern Alumna Opening Near Wrigley Field
After years in Chicago’s nightlife scene, Flores is launching Level Sporting Club to put women’s sports front and center.
New study shows WVU, WVU Health System have huge impact on West Virginia
President Michael T. Benson and Albert L. Wright, Jr. share details from the Tripp Umbach Economic Impact Report.
More naming opportunities planned for Altru Sports Complex; first part of Phase 2 expected to bid in April
The Grand Forks Park District is looking at options for other naming rights in the facility to help fundraise for the project.
Mia Bonta pleads for ‘pandemic-level’ response to Feds’ gutting of Medi-Cal
Up to two million of the state’s lowest-income people may lose health insurance due to federal changes. Bonta wants to lead the charge to stop that.
Women's sports fans will have a new place to hang out with opening of Level Sporting Club
Founded by former Northwestern basketball player Clarissa Flores, the bar will be near the heart of sports bars crowding around Wrigley Field.
Army wins 67-64 over Lehigh
WEST POINT, N.Y. (AP) Tate Laczkowski scored 17 points as Army beat Lehigh 67-64 on Wednesday.
Winners of 2026 Southwest Wyoming Regional Science Fair Announced
ROCK SPRINGS — Western Wyoming Community College hosted 68 students from five different schools participating in the Southwest Wyoming Regional Science Fair Jan. 22. “The science fair gives students statewide a chance to showcase their scientific creativity and ingenuity. We deeply appreciate the participating students and the teachers and families who support them,” David Tanner,
Plain Talk: 'Politics is noise'
On this Plain Talk, we were joined by outgoing North Dakota House Majority Leader Mike Lefor and Democratic-NPL U.S. House candidate Trygve Hammer.
Betly expands online casino offering through new partnership with Inspired Entertainment
Delaware North’s Betly iCasino in West Virginia today announced a new partnership with Inspired Entertainment, a leading provider of innovative online casino content.
CBS Sports Classic adds Kansas to field including Kentucky, UNC, Ohio State
KU is the newest addition to the four-team field signed through 2029 to participate in the annual CBS Sports Classic
How Oprah Winfrey has turned her weight-loss journey into a business
Oprah Winfrey's newest book, "Enough," is about her relationship with weight-loss drugs. Since the '90s, she has been combining her health with business.
Firefighters respond to business fire in West Jordan
In and out of the buildling.Fans and a hose going into the building.Several firefighters and engines responded to the scene.Rocky Mountain Power responded
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
TARC to sell West End business center to community group
With approval from the TARC board, a purchase agreement for the Nia Center is expected to be signed by the end of the week.
When Pittsburgh sports fans look at Baltimore, we see our reflection
I grew up in Western Pennsylvania, specifically Beaver County, where most young boys dream of becoming star athletes. But now I find myself residing in...
Feinberg Prof. Jessica Schleider’s mental health platform to partner with University of Notre Dame wellness project
Feinberg Prof. Jessica Schleider is bringing her digital mental health platform Project YES to St. Joseph County, home to the University of Notre Dame, through a three-year program aimed at promoting youth mental health and bridging gaps in healthcare service. The St. Joseph County Universal Wellness Project, funded by a grant from the Valinhos Foundation,...
India reports two Nipah virus infections as Thai, Malaysia step up screening
India is monitoring Nipah virus infections, with two reported from its eastern state of West Bengal since December, the health ministry said, as some Southeast Asia nations step up scrutiny of air travellers.
NFL: Fewest points scored to reach the Super Bowl
We usually measure championship runs by highlight reels and scoreboard-breaking offense, but sometimes the path to Sunday is paved with something grittier. There is a special kind of beauty in the teams that survived the winter gauntlet not by outscoring…
Gossip: Brighton reject Dunk approach
Brighton have turned down an approach from Nottingham Forest for 34-year-old ex-England defender Lewis Dunk. Sky Sports) Brighton could see loan Brazilian defender Igor Julio coming back to the club in order for West Ham to follow through with deals on deals for Tottenham's Czech keeper Antonin Kinsky, 22, and Chelsea's French defender Axel Disasi. (Guardian)
India says it has contained Nipah virus outbreak as some Asian countries ramp up health screenings
NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian authorities said they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India.
India says it has contained Nipah virus outbreak as some Asian countries ramp up health screenings
Indian authorities have contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in eastern West Bengal state
India Says It Has Contained Nipah Virus Outbreak as Some Asian Countries Ramp up Health Screenings
NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian authorities said they had contained a Nipah virus outbreak after confirming two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, as several Asian countries tightened health screenings and airport surveillance for travelers arriving from India. India’s Health Ministry said Tuesday ...
Reds' newest LHP acquisition admits that he sleepwalks
This is quite the honesty from the southpaw.
Faith leaders form 'human wall' at Westbrook business to help protect workers from ICE
A local business in Westbrook says it's facing a challenge it has never seen before: workplace fear.
Vacant Houston properties burn four times, threatening established business next door
Four fires in two years. 50% of customers gone. And the city-cited buildings just burned again. This Westheimer restaurant owner says enough is enough.
Politics and Agriculture - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST
Washington Post Columnist, Megan McCardle wonders what ever happened to trying to understand what the problems are and coming up with a compromise.
In Wyoming, campus politics sparks a push for deep budget cuts
It’s a familiar scenario: Republican legislators in a cash-rich Western state are looking to slash higher education funding. In this case, though, Idaho is not the battleground.
A Business Case For Looking Beyond The Usual Suspects Of Content Creators
Social Setting founder Christina Westley delivers under-the-radar content creators with quantifiable ROI to CMOs tired of overpaying for reach that doesn’t convert.