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U.S. Bank Business Shield™ Visa® Card Offers Intro 0% APR for up to 18 Billing Cycles
New business credit card offers rewards and access to Spend Management platform to monitor, track, and control spending U.S. Bank, a leading provider of payment services and solutions, today announced a new business credit card designed to help small business owners navigate fluctuations in finances and resources: the U.S. Bank Business Shield™ Visa® Card . The U.S. Bank Business Shield™ Visa® Card offers small business owners a new solution for navigating expected and unexpected expenses. This new business credit card offers a 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for 18 billing cycles when applying at any U.S. Bank branch and 12 billing cycles when applying in digital channels – all with no annual fee. Plus, cardholders can enjoy a suite of benefits to help navigate the foreseen - and the unforeseen - needs of their small business. “The Business Shield Visa card is designed to help business owners navigate the unpredictable financial and resource challenges that
Pop music and politics
Anti-ICE at the Grammy Awards. Plus: It's Groundhog Day.
Rust Coreutils Continues Working Toward 100% GNU Compatibility, Proving Trolls Wrong
Sylvestre Ledru who serves as the lead developer of the uutils project for the Rust Coreutils implementation presented at FOSDEM 2026 this weekend on this initiative
AT&T Completes Acquisition of Lumen’s Mass Markets Fiber Business
Deal extends AT&T’s industry-leading, award-winning fiber home internet service to 32 states, bringing millions of Americans the simple, seamless and trusted experience they can depend on, with the best Internet technology available today.
In Houston, the thorny politics of succession are on display in the primary for this redrawn congressional seat
Fresh off of a special election victory, Rep.-elect Christian Menefee now faces a primary with longtime Rep. Al Green and his runoff foe, Amanda Edwards, for a redrawn version of the district.
MENALAC Awards 2026 to celebrate excellence across the MENA leisure, entertainment & attractions industry
DUBAI, U.A.E. — On 1 April 2026, the 8th MENALAC Awards Gala will bring together the region’s leisure, entertainment, and attractions industry for a landmark celebration of excellence. Taking place…
Most Baltimore County teachers are ready to teach science of reading. What about yours?
The phonics-forward method backed by brain science is what education leaders hope will bring Maryland back to its heyday.
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.
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.
Watch: Titans' Xavier Restrepo put in offseason work
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Xavier Restrepo hasn't taken much time off and is already working toward 2026.
Pittsburgh's Kamin Science Center up for Best Science Museum in USA Today's 10Best awards
Jelly Roll Is Changing His Tune About Talking Current Events: ‘Everybody’s Going to Hear Exactly What I Have to Say in the Most Loud and Clear Way’
Jelly Roll is about to speak out on politics, he vows at the Grammy Awards.
The 2026 Virginia Black Business Leaders Awards
From rebuilding communities in the post–Jim Crow era to leading Fortune 500 companies and public institutions today, Black business leaders have played a central role in shaping Virginia’s modern economy. Today, they are driving growth, innovation and opportunity across the commonwealth — leading major corporations, expanding small businesses, strengthening public institutions and driving progress across […]
List of Grammy Awards winners
Bad Bunny wins album of the year at the 68th annual Grammy Awards. Kendrick Lamar and SZA took home record of the year for “luther” during Sunday's ceremony. Olivia Dean
See photos of music's biggest stars at the Grammy Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Music royalty has gathered for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, which are being presented Sunday in Los Angeles.
Olivia Dean wins Grammy award for best new artist
Olivia Dean won the Grammy award for best new artist. The Grammy is designed for artists who achieve “a breakthrough into the public consciousness.” Eligible artists must have released at
See photos of music's biggest stars arriving for the Grammy Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stars are arriving for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, which are being presented Sunday in Los Angeles. Kendrick Lamar is the night's leading nominee. Justin Bieber,
See photos of music's biggest stars arriving for the Grammy Awards
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Stars are arriving for the 68th annual Grammy Awards, which are being presented Sunday in Los Angeles. Kendrick Lamar is the night's leading nominee. Justin Bieber,
The Grammys bring more celebrity pushback to the Trump administration's immigration crackdown
Artists this awards season are having to decide whether and how to join the growing cultural revolt against the Trump administration’s immigration crackdowns
Grammy Awards winners list: See which nominees are taking home a win (Updating live)
It’s music’s biggest night, and we’re waiting to see who will take home those golden gramophones.
How to watch the Grammy Awards and what to know before the show starts
Before music's biggest night commences with performances from Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga, most of the Grammy Awards will be given out on Sunday afternoon in L.A. Follow along for our live updates throughout the day.
Dodgers will play baseball this month
It’s February now, which means the Dodgers will play baseball games this very month. Sure, those games won’t count, but they will be televised nonetheless, and we will get to watch as the team gradually builds up toward the season. This will be more of a normal spring training for the Dodgers, at least in […]
Black women’s health-care experiences remain marked by structural racism — here’s how institutions should move forward
Research reveals that the enduring legacy of racism in medicine contributes to suboptimal communication and poor quality care for women.
New Guide Aims to Improve UTI Care as Telehealth Use Grows
By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterSUNDAY, Feb. 1, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, send millions of Americans to urgent care every year. But today, many people no longer see a doctor in person. Instead, they message their clinic, use video visits or fill out online forms to get antibiotics, sometimes ...
Dallas ramps up World Cup logistics, focusing on transit, Fair Park and local businesses
City staff outlines next steps as FIFA planning moves forward before summer matches.
Forward Theater’s darkly funny ‘Ironbound’ has grace and grit
Set in bus stop limbo, Matryna Majok’s play tells the story of Polish-born Darja over 20-plus years. It runs through Feb. 15 at Overture Center in Madison.
Labour party chair says Zack Polanski ‘cowardly’ for not fighting Gorton by-election
The party is trying to shift conversation after the NEC blocked Andy Burnham from fighting the seat
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…
Watsonville’s Guillen records five goals in trounce over King City
Watsonville senior forward Diego Guillen notched five goals in the Wildcatz's 7-2 thumping win over King City in Pacific Coast Athletic League Mission Division boys soccer action Friday evening.
Jeannot ‘all business’ facing Lightning at Stadium Series with Bruins
Forward played parts of 2 seasons for Tampa Bay, also went up against former team outdoors with Predators
At Washington Mardi Gras, Gov. Jeff Landry and Howard Lutnick see bright future for Louisiana
U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the pieces are in place for Louisiana to become the next generation’s economic powerhouse.
Mariah Carey's secret grunge album part of tribute at MusiCares event
Mariah Carey has been honored as MusiCares Person of the Year for her musical achievements and philanthropy. Two days before the Grammy Awards, Carey enjoyed hearing performances of her hit
Democrats Menefee and Edwards compete for a House seat that will narrow GOP's slim majority
Democrats Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards are competing for a vacant U.S. House seat from Houston
Oklahoma State, Utah look inward for more respectable defense
Both Oklahoma State and Utah have had a full week to consider what they need to improve to save their seasons.
WMG’s Paul Robinson Accepts Entertainment Law Initiative Award: ‘Absolutely Thrilled’
WMG general counsel Paul Robinson received the Recording Academy’s 2026 Entertainment Law Initiative (ELI) Service Award. Here's a recap of the event.
Edward Teach Brewing to close permanently after 8 years of business
The brewery announced February 15 will be a celebration with specials and encouraged customers to “come raise a glass with us one last time.”
New triple-drug treatment stops pancreatic cancer in its tracks, a mouse study finds
By targeting three key growth pathways at once, researchers eliminated pancreatic tumors in multiple mouse models and prevented the cancer from returning, a promising step toward overcoming treatment resistance.
Notre Dame women’s basketball officially on March Madness bubble watch
After losing at Cal on Thursday night, Notre Dame is on bubble watch for the NCAA Tournament. Hannah Hidalgo's awards aren't guaranteed either.
Tuch sets Sabres' sights on Stanley Cup
The forward is not content with just making the playoffs.
Jordyn Bugg Nominated for Seattle Sports Commission Sports Star of the Year, Women's Sports
Seattle Reign FC defender Jordyn Bugg has been nominated for Seattle Sports Commission’s Sports Star of the Year award, in the Women’s Sports category. This award acknowledges and celebrates the vast array of powerful athletes throughout women's sports in the state of Washington. Bugg is up for the
Pokémon GO February 2026 Events
The Pokémon GO February 2026 events schedule is here! In February, featured Pokémon are Solgaleo, Lunala and Growlithe. A variety of different Pokémon will be featured throughout the month, and there is a whole host of in-game events to look forward to! Here are all the major events happening in February 2026 in Pokémon GO, as […]
Vaulted Deep Named Honoree for the Wichita Business Journal Innovation Awards
Vaulted Deep, a waste management and carbon removal company, has been selected as an honoree for the 2026 Wichita Business Journal Innovation Awards. The award recognizes Vaulted's work modernizing waste management infrastructure while delivering tangible economic and environmental benefits for Kansas communities.
Pace(R) Earns Environmental Business Journal Award for Adding Respirable Crystalline Silica Testing
Company awarded Business Achievement Award for New Practice in 2025 MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA / ACCESS Newswire / January 30, 2026 / Pace® Analytical Services, the preferred provider of regulatory testing and analytical laboratory services, and a Division ...
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.
The best new science fiction books of February 2026
We pick the sci-fi novels we’re most looking forward to reading this month, from a new Brandon Sanderson to the latest from Makana Yamamoto
Champions League's best playoff matches: Mourinho returns to Madrid
The UEFA Champions League playoff draw took place on Friday, here's what to look forward to
Here’s how Baton Rouge’s casinos fared in December
After two strong months in October and November, Baton Rouge’s casinos continued their upward trajectory in December. Collectively, the casinos posted $25.7 million in revenue for December, u… Already an INSIDER? Sign in. Already an INSIDER? Sign in
Clay gets a $1 million boost to revive its waterfront, a step toward becoming entertainment destination
The grants will help pay for a boat launch and shoreline improvements at Three Rivers Point.
Pens Points: Winning ways continue
Here are your Pens Points for this Friday morning… Forwards Anthony Mantha and Egor Chinakhov scored in a 31-second span in what was a dominant second period, as the Pittsburgh Penguins breezed by the Chicago Blackhawks 6-2 on Thursday night for their fifth straight victory. [Recap] As seen during the game, the Penguins officially recalled […]
Dallas County grapples with mixed signals on federal mental health funding
The White House administration notified mental health and substance abuse and addiction provider organizations nationwide that by executive order, $2 billion in already awarded federal funding would be taken back.
Strand Larsen future to dominate talk again
Rob Edwards' news conference on Friday is likely to be the latest instalment of the mini Strand Larsen saga, with his move to Crystal Palace in serious doubt. Nothing was ever officially agreed for the Norwegian, even if a £50m deal was struck in principle, and there remains a chance he will stay beyond the deadline - something Wolves would still be happy and comfortable with. Wolves host Bournemouth on Saturday as Edwards tries to maintain momentum, despite last week's defeat by Manchester City, and he will be quizzed about Strand Larsen's future at Compton later.
Medium says employees can join Friday's strike against ICE
The company's CEO wrote to employees that "sometimes it feels awkward to navigate being both on-mission and on-money."
Getty Images Photographers Recognized at 2026 World Sports Photography Awards
Getty Images Photographers Recognized at 2026 World Sports Photography Awards
Scaling innovations in public health systems: guidance and toolkit
This guidance is a strategic instrument to position governments as drivers of health systems transformation. By embracing the roles, processes and strategies outlined herein, public sector leaders can move beyond short-term initiatives and isolated successes toward lasting, large-scale improvements in health outcomes.
Three months after Hurricane Melissa: PAHO continues supporting health system recovery across the Caribbean
Washington, DC, 28 January 2026 (PAHO)- Ninety days after Hurricane Melissa swept across parts of the Caribbean, countries are transitioning from emergency response toward recovery—while continuing to confront public health risks linked to damaged infrastructure, disrupted services, and heightened vulnerability to disease. The Category 5 storm made landfall first in Jamaica on 28 October 2025, causing widespread damage in several Caribbean nations, mainly across Jamaica, Cuba and Haiti, and placing sustained pressure on national health systems.
Judge to weigh political motives in ICE surge
A federal judge has asked the Trump administration to respond to allegations from the state’s leaders that Operation Metro Surge is motivated by animosity toward Minnesota.
Minnesota shooting blurs political lines around guns : The NPR Politics Podcast
Alex Pretti was carrying a permitted gun when he had a confrontation with federal agents who ultimately shot and killed him. While the Trump administration pointed to his gun as a reason for agents to fear for their safety, pro-gun groups argued Pretti had a right to carry. We discuss the rhetoric around guns and how marginalized communities in Minneapolis have been increasingly turning toward gun ownership.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, domestic extremism correspondent Odette Yousef, and senior political editor and correspondent Mara Liasson.This podcast was produced and edited by Lexie Schapitl and Bria Suggs.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
Ruben Östlund on Seating Keanu Reeves Next to a Corpse in ‘The Entertainment System Is Down’ and Cannes Rumors
Ruben Östlund discusses why Keanu Reeves is perfect for the comedy of 'The Entertainment System Is Down' while addressing Cannes rumours.
2026 Grammy Awards performers: Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Addison Rae and Olivia Dean among star-studded lineup
Music's biggest night is fast approaching — and the roster of scheduled Grammy performances continues to grow.
Browns Myles Garrett takes home yet another award
Garrett is the first player in NFL history to be The Sporting News’ DPOY for 3 consecutive years.
How to watch the 2026 Grammy Awards: TV channel, start time, where to stream, nominations list and more
What to know about tuning into the 2026 Grammy Awards this weekend.
Beyond Entertainment: When Theatre Makes You Think
Three plays performed as stage readings February 6-8, features an audience talk back afterwards, with complimentary desert and coffee. A fundraiser as well for the Bear Theatre ($25 tickets, $50 for all three shows), located inside Community High...
Business Insider wins first duPont-Columbia Award
Columbia Journalism School has named Business Insider a 2026 duPont-Columbia Silver Baton winner.
Panthers season in review: The run defense
The Carolina Panthers run defense took a huge step forward, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement.
Elora Cordier’s passion for unified sports shines on and off the court
Elora Cordier's dedication to unified sports shines as she wins the Falcon Award for basketball. Her passion and efforts have made a difference.
Civic Science Media: Reimagining How We Communicate Science
A 2022 award winner of the National Academies’ Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications, J.D. Allen discusses his civic science media framework, his nuclear energy broadcast initiative, and how incorporating community engagement and solutions-focused journalism improves science storytelling.
The Jeff Boals Show Returns Tonight at The Gem Sports Bar
ATHENS, Ohio — The Jeff Boals Show returns this Thursday, January 29, on the Ohio Sports Network from Learfield, presented by Holzer Health System. This week, the live broadcast will take place from 6pm-7pm at The Gem Sports Bar. The event is open to the public and free to attend. Join the "Voice of Bobcat Basketball," Jason Toy, and the seventh year head coach of the Ohio Bobcats, Jeff Boals, for a weekly recap and a look ahead at upcoming matchups. This week's special guests include sophomore forward Ayden Evans (Radcliff, Ky.) and freshman forward Jordan Fisher (Pickerington, Ohio)
Yvonne Ejim Nominated for Sports Star of the Year
SEATTLE, Wash. -- Gonzaga's Yvonne Ejim was nominated for the Sports Star of the Year by the Seattle Sports Commission. She is one of six athletes nominated for the award.
Bank of America supporting weVENTURE Women’s Business Center
As a Neighborhood Builder, the Florida Tech-based weVENTURE Women’s Business Center is awarded a $50,000 grant over two years.
The accidental climate scientist who uncovered an unexpected force of global warming
The Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences has awarded the Crafoord Prize to climate scientist Veerabhadran Ramanathan. He discovered a powerful force of global warming.
Yuba City eyes $8.5 million state grant for new regional sports complex
A new regional youth sports complex could be coming to Yuba City. The city's public works department is planning to apply for a state grant that could award up to $8.5 million through a revitalization program.
8 Santa Monica Businesses Win Green Certification Awards
8 Santa Monica businesses received Green Business Certification on January 16th at the YMCA, recognizing their sustainable practices and environmental leadership.
WSOC-TV & KFF Health News Win Prestigious duPont-Columbia Award
The SSA's practice left millions of Americans, including some in the Carolinas, facing unexpected financial hardship and prompted sweeping policy changes in the nation’s capital.
Rise to the Occasion with Mega Evolution—Ascended Heroes in Pokémon TCG Live
Look forward to newly discovered Mega Evolution Pokémon, beautiful new artwork for fan-favorite cards, and more.
Sergey Brin Spends $20 Million on California Political Effort Amid Wealth Tax Debate
Sergey Brin, the co-founder of Google, is donating toward campaigns to solve California’s housing crisis, spurring other billionaires to pitch in. Their efforts may also help ward off a wealth tax.
Justin Bieber to perform at 2026 Grammys
Justin Bieber will sing at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
Justin Bieber Performance Locked In for Music’s Biggest Night at the 2026 Grammys
Justin Bieber has announced that he will be performing at the 2026 Grammy Awards, which will take place on Sunday, Feb. 1. Bieber is a two-time Grammy winner and also… The post Justin Bieber Performance Locked In for Music’s Biggest Night at the 2026 Grammys appeared first on Where Is The Buzz | Breaking News, Entertainment, Exclusive Interviews & More.
Sterling agrees Chelsea exit after troubled spell
Raheem Sterling left Chelsea by mutual consent on Wednesday as the former England forward finally ended his nightmare spell at Stamford Bridge."Raheem Sterling has today departed Chelsea Football Club by mutual agreement, bringing to an end three-and-a-half seasons as our player," a Chelsea statement said.
With AlphaGenome, Researchers Are Using A.I. to Decode the Human Blueprint
AlphaGenome is a leap forward in the ability to study the human blueprint. But the fine workings of our DNA are still largely a mystery.
Sergi López on 'Sirāt': A journey that makes you look inward
The movie “Sirāt” follows Luis as he treks through the North African desert with his son and dog to find his missing daughter.
Centrist ideas no longer wanted in Conservative party, says Kemi Badenoch
Party leader tells MPs that one-nation Tories doubting her rightward direction ‘need to get out of the way’
UCA to launch Innovation Campus - Talk Business & Politics
The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees voted Tuesday (Jan. 27) to move forward with the development of a new “Innovation Campus,” an interdisciplinary initiative designed to strengthen workforce...
UCA to launch Innovation Campus - Talk Business & Politics
The University of Central Arkansas Board of Trustees voted Tuesday (Jan. 27) to move forward with the development of a new “Innovation Campus,” an interdisciplinary initiative designed to strengthen workforce...
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
Business owners moving forward as probe ongoing in Millcreek fire
As the investigation continues into a large fire that leveled a multi-tenant business building in Millcreek, firms seek new homes.
The Pressure Just Ramped Up for Three Vikings
It was the big decision of the Minnesota Vikings’ 2025 offseason. How would the Vikings move forward at quarterback? There […]
Trump’s Choice to Be Alabama’s Next Senator Finds an Odd Political Target: the Modern Gas Can
ENTERPRISE, Ala.—U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, a longtime political figure in this rural Alabama community, has his priorities. Among them? A reform effort aimed at the modern gas can. A congressman since 2021, the Republican may be headed toward one of the most powerful positions in Yellowhammer State politics, a seat in the U.S. Senate, given […]
Senate Dems demand immigration enforcement reforms before funding DHS : The NPR Politics Podcast
Congress may be headed toward a partial government shutdown. After a federal immigration officer fatally shot Alex Pretti last weekend in Minneapolis, Senate Democrats say they won’t vote to fund the Department of Homeland Security without changes to how the federal government enforces immigration laws. We discuss what Democrats want, what Republicans are offering, and the political risks of another government shutdown. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.
WATCH LIVE: Rubio testifies at Senate hearing on U.S. policy toward Venezuela
China is purging its military leaders. Is this a step toward war?
Xi Jinping is eliminating the people who might be willing to say no to him.
Employer Health Insurance Isn't Fitting the Bill. We Need a New Way Forward.
America has a health insurance problem – and it’s only getting worse. These days, most Americans get their health insurance through employer-sponsored health plans. However, that system is becoming increasingly costly, with premiums up 25% in the last five years. And it’s not just individual ...
The Sicilian Tenors bring new live show to Frederick
Inspired by their award-winning PBS special, The Sicilian Tenors bring their new live show, “Journey to Highclere Castle,” to the stage at 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at the Weinberg Center
Data Science as Engineering: Foundations, Education, and Professional Identity
Recognize data science as an engineering practice and structure education accordingly.
Burning Wood Indoors May Be a Bigger Health Risk Than You Think
By I. Edwards HealthDay ReporterTUESDAY, Jan. 27, 2026 (HealthDay News) — Lighting a fire on a cold winter night can feel cozy. But a new study suggests it may also harm your health, even if you don’t burn the wood yourself. Researchers at Northwestern University found that home wood burning is responsible for about 22% of outdoor ...
2 small business credit card perks to help you save money this year, and the cards that offer them
Look for statement credits and targeted rewards designed specifically for your business needs.
Leaders warn AI demands cultural and leadership overhaul
AI rewards bold cultures and punishes hesitation
Fight over US healthcare subsides stuck on familiar snag: abortion
Republicans refuse to move forward without further restrictions on abortion coverage – Democrats say that’s a non-starter
Report: In Some Urban Districts, Science of Reading Limits ‘Robust Comprehension’
Four school districts in major urban areas using the science of reading found while students are grasping basic literacy skills, limitations toward deeper comprehension still exist, according to a new study. The “Robust Reading Comprehension” report, conducted by nonprofit research organization SRI, examined literacy instruction in districts in Texas, Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia that […]