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Seattle restaurants raise funds for Minneapolis businesses amid fallout from ICE operations
Inside Iowa Politics: Calls for leadership changes after ICE fatal shooting of protester
Iowa members of Congress are not calling for President Donald Trump to remove some of his top leaders involved in immigration enforcement.
USA women’s hockey player Britta Curl-Salemme partners with group against trans women in sports
Curl-Salemme's latest collaboration with FIERCE Athlete has been liked by teammates on the U.S. national team and PWHL's Minnesota Frost.
California Democrats help lead counter-offensive against Trump immigration crackdown
Democrats seized on a growing sense, shared by some Republicans, that the campaign has gotten so out of hand that the political winds have shifted heavily in their favor.
The Observatory and WHO Ukraine reflect on productive partnership and continued collaboration
Why have some health systems coped better than others during the COVID-19 pandemic? Some answers might become clear if we could assess how resilient health systems are in response to crises or shocks, such as the current pandemic and other emergencies, including financial ones, or how well health systems were prepared for such events in the first place. The European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies has just published a new policy brief, “Strengthening health systems resilience”, which includes a framework to help policy-makers understand health system resilience and how to strengthen it. This policy brief highlights the key features of resilience and provides examples of strategies which have been applied in different countries.
Which Portland businesses are participating in the Jan. 30 general strike?
Some Portland restaurants, bookstores and cafes are shuttering for the day as part of a nationwide protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement following recent shooting deaths by federal agents.
The Madison businesses closing Friday for anti-ICE ‘national shutdown’
Rallies are also scheduled at UW-Madison and the Wisconsin Capitol during a nationwide protest to federal immigration enforcement.
Rochester businesses join Friday’s national strike against ICE
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – In response to the immigration crackdown taking place in Minnesota, businesses across the country and close to home are planning to go on strike this Friday. It’…
Will Cain: Celebrities pushing politics seems like a ‘relic of the past’
Fox News host Will Cain rails against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for his comparisons of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operation in his state to the Battle of Gettysburg and the story of Anne Frank on ‘The Will Cain Show.’
Gainesville businesses to join nationwide shutdown to protest ICE
Several Gainesville businesses will close Jan. 30 in solidarity with a nationwide protest against ICE, with demonstrations planned locally Jan. 30–31.
UND Nistler College of Business & Public Administration announces newly named Fransen Department of Real Estate, Economics & Finance
UND alum Bob Fransen's gift establishes real estate major, renames department
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.
Austin businesses shutting down Friday in nationwide ICE protest
Local businesses will close Friday to join a nationwide protest against ICE operations, part of a growing wave of actions happening this weekend.
Google disrupts IPIDEA residential proxy networks fueled by malware
IPIDEA, one of the largest residential proxy networks used by threat actors, was disrupted earlier this week by Google Threat Intelligence Group (GTIG) in collaboration with industry partners.
Trump is scared of the politics of ICE. And it’s showing.
Even after a press conference Thursday morning from the new leader of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis, Tom Homan, it’s still not clear exactly how much the mission will change in the aftermath of Alex Pretti’s killing.
Groups Back Larson Challenger, Calling for Generational Change
Three outside political groups are backing Luke Bronin in his primary challenge to Representative John Larson, the 77-year-old Connecticut Democrat.
Barron Trump 'understands politics,' first lady says. Who is he?
Barron Trump, the youngest son of President Donald Trump, will be featured in the upcoming documentary 'Melania.' Who is he, and how tall is he?
Multiple Upstate NY businesses to close Friday for national anti-ICE shutdown
Multiple cafes, restaurants and shops across Upstate New York will close their doors Friday in protest of recent federal immigration enforcement.
I built marshmallow castles in Google’s new AI world generator
Starting Thursday, Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S. can play around with Project Genie, which is powered by a combination of Google’s latest world model Genie 3, its image generation model Nano Banana Pro, and Gemini.
Democrats Block Spending Package as D.H.S. Talks Continue
With about 36 hours to go before a shutdown deadline, the funding legislation stalled while Democrats sought a deal with President Trump to rein in his immigration crackdown.
Democratic Governors Promise Accountability After Alex Pretti Killing
The chin-out rhetoric of Democratic governors about holding Trump administration officials responsible for violence in their cities may be more political than practicable.
AirTag 1 vs. AirTag 2 Buyer's Guide: All 15+ Differences Compared
Apple's new AirTag introduces a series of small improvements, so how does it compare to the original model from 2021? The second-generation...
Michigan State business school to host ‘Rails to the Future' conference
TROY, Mich. — Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business will host “Rails to the Future: 200 Year of Progress, Building What’s Next,” a conference featuring key rail industry officials May 11-13 at the MSU Management Education Center in Troy. Keynote speakers will include Federal Railroad Adminstration Administrator David Fink; Surface Transportation Board [...] Read More...
The Next Era of Sports and Entertainment Technology: Info-Tech Research Group Partners With SEAT to Advance Innovation and Digital Excellence Across Industry
Rapid advances in AI, analytics, and immersive technology are redefining fan experience and operational excellence across sports and entertainment...
The Next Era of Sports and Entertainment Technology: Info-Tech Research Group Partners With SEAT to Advance Innovation and Digital Excellence Across Industry
Info-Tech Research Group, a global leader in IT research and advisory, has announced a new partnership with SEAT, the Sports & Entertainment Alliance in Technology, to empower technology, marketing, and operations executives across the global sports and entertainment industry. The collaboration will bring Info-Tech's expertise to SEAT's influential community of North American entertainment venues, sports teams, and league leaders who are driving innovation in fan engagement, digital experience,
House Republicans propose stricter voting requirements as Trump administration eyes the midterms
House Republicans are proposing sweeping changes to the nation’s voting laws
Jordan Chiles appeal granted, CAS must re-hear case of bronze medal
Swiss Federal Tribunal grants Jordan Chiles appeal for bronze medal, sends case back to Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Santa Rosa council endorses downtown zone that would permit to-go alcohol consumption
Consuming a beer or wine bought from a nearby establishment would be allowed in two public areas Friday through Sunday, with details still to be worked out.
Health care and academic workers share concerns over halt to H-1B visas in Texas
Since Houston is home to the world's largest medical center, ABC13 wanted to know how Gov. Greg Abbott's directive could affect operations.
35 undocumented immigrants arrested in Zipps Sports Grill operation
Federal agents executed search warrants at 15 Zipps locations across metro Phoenix.
Newport News creates a new vibe: City forms nonprofit to support entertainment events
Newport News will create a nonprofit called NNVibes to help coordinate large-scale entertainment events. This comes after Mayor Phillip Jones announced the city will host a major music festival lat…
Amy Klobuchar announces run for Minnesota governor
Sen. Amy Klobuchar's announcement comes amid high tensions in Minnesota during a surge of federal immigration enforcement and protests.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar launches her bid for Minnesota governor
Sen. Amy Klobuchar launched a Democratic bid for governor on Thursday, pledging to unify her state and move beyond a deadly battle with the federal government over immigration.
Rice Business launches new graduate healthcare certificate program to advance leadership in dynamic industry
Rice’s Jesse H. Jones Graduate School of Business today announced the launch of its Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management program, a 10-month, credit-bearing professional credential designed for current and aspiring leaders seeking deep expertise in the business of healthcare. Situated at the crossroads of Houston’s renowned Texas Medical Center and global healthcare innovation, the program blends rigorous business fundamentals with healthcare-specific strategy, operations and management.
‘What if I told you this school had no teachers?’: Is AI schooling the future of education — or a risky bet?
Alpha School, which purports to teach children academics using AI for two hours a day, has got the support of the Trump administration, but leaves some education experts and parents unimpressed.
The Memo: Minneapolis trauma shifts the politics of immigration
Public outrage over the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis is scrambling the politics of immigration. The Trump administration’s initial reaction to the Pretti killing, in partic…
Small businesses in Portland, Maine, navigate ICE protest challenges
Some small-business owners in Portland, Maine, are debating how best to support staff and customers amid a federal immigration crackdown.
James Perkins named interim executive director of Auxiliary and Business Services
Perkins ’92 will provide functional oversight to Auxiliary and Business Services, leading the unit’s operations that support and enhance campus life for students, faculty and staff, alumni, and visitors.
SBA programs for native businesses face scrutiny
The Native Hawaiian Organizations Association is urging President Donald Trump’s administration to distinguish between “isolated allegations” about the Small Business Administration’s program aimed at developing native-run businesses and its success expanding economic opportunity, as U.S. Rep. Ed Case calls for a formal review.
How Stephen Miller micromanages Trump’s immigration policies
Stephen Miller has sought this week to distance himself from the recent fatal shootings in Minneapolis and the administration’s miscalculated response. But more than anyone, Miller has been the overall architect of Trump’s aggressive deportation push, encouraging heavy-handed operations in blue cities, and urging agencies to cast a wide net to meet hefty arrest quotas.
TPS Expiration Under Trump Hits Haitian Workers in Critical Health Care Roles
Haitians are a vital source of employees for health care providers in many communities. The Trump administration is removing legal status next month for 330,000 of them.
AirTag 2 vs. AirTag 1: Comparing Apple's Upgraded Tracker
Two AirTag generations enter the ring, only one leaves (but don't worry, both are easily found later).
Medicare Advantage Insurers Face New Curbs on Overcharges in Trump Plan That Reins in Payments
Proposed Trump administration changes to federal Medicare Advantage payments would stop health insurers from mining patient data for extra medical diagnoses that generate more bills to taxpayers even without treatment.
KFF Health Tracking Poll: Health Care Costs, Expiring ACA Tax Credits, and the 2026 Midterms
Looking ahead to the midterm elections, health care costs are the public’s top economic concern, and many voters say the issue will have a major impact on their vote. On health care issues, including the cost of health care, voters currently trust Democrats more than Republicans, though neither party has an advantage on addressing the overall cost of living. Following the expiration of the ACA enhanced tax credits, two-thirds of the public say Congress did the “wrong thing” by not extending them.
Analysis: Trump 2.0 sees terrorism all over the place
The Trump administration is living in a state of perpetual terror, both foreign and domestic.
Justice Department bracing for more resignations in Minnesota
The Justice Department is bracing for a new wave of resignations in the Minnesota federal prosecutors’ office over recent immigration enforcement efforts in the state, sources familiar with the matter said.
International Business Machines Q4 Earnings Call Highlights
International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM) executives highlighted a year of accelerating growth and record cash generation during the company’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, pointing to strong performance across Software and Infrastructure and outlining expectations to sustain momentum into 202
Takeaways from CNN’s Minnesota town hall
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, in a CNN town hall Wednesday night, stood by the city’s sanctuary policies and repeated his demand that federal immigration agents leave the city.
Brit Hume: Minnesota immigration operations have hit ‘political limits’
Fox News chief political analyst Brit Hume assesses new polling that suggests Americans believe I.C.E. operations are aggressive on ‘Special Report.’
Hochul downplays Mamdani's ask for tax hikes
She argued the state has enough cash to pay for current operations.
VA reorganization aims to shift health care workforce to hubs with growing veteran population
Congress directed the VA to make similar changes under the first Trump administration, but blocked it from implementing them under the Biden administration.
Case of measles confirmed in Arizona ICE facility
The US Department of Homeland Security says a person in detention at an Arizona Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has measles, a highly contagious virus that can cause high fevers and a distinctive rash.
Democrats demand major overhaul to ICE, as government shutdown risk skyrockets
Democrats in Congress are digging in against any funding deal with President Donald Trump this week that doesn’t include major changes to federal immigration enforcement – dramatically increasing the odds of a shutdown at week’s end.
Minn. companies pool funds to help small businesses amidst immigration enforcement surge
A couple dozen Minnesota companies have contributed about $4 million to a grant fund to support small businesses in the state as they navigate the challenges of meeting payroll and paying rent amidst the immigration enforcement surge.
Brown & Root shifts engineering hub to Metairie
Brown & Root Industrial Services has relocated its engineering and construction operations from Baton Rouge to Three Lakeway Place in Metairie, marking a strategic investment in the Greater Ne… Already an INSIDER? Sign in. Already an INSIDER? Sign in
Trump's response to Pretti killing upends Second Amendment politics : Here & Now Anytime
Alex Pretti was legally carrying a gun when a federal agent shot and killed him in Minneapolis last weekend. President Trump and other federal officials blamed his death on the fact that he had a gun, but Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus chair Bryan Strawser explains why he disagrees.And, after leading immigration operations in Minneapolis, Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino has returned to his previous job in California. CalMatters investigative reporter Sergio Olmos talks about Bovino’s record in California.
Internal review contradicts Trump administration on Alex Pretti shooting : The NPR Politics Podcast
An initial internal review into federal immigration officers’ fatal shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis last weekend contradicts the description of the incident by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. We discuss President Trump’s shifting messages on immigration policy and how his administration’s efforts to restrict legal immigration pathways are changing the political environment. This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, immigration policy correspondent Ximena Bustillo, and senior political editor and correspondent Domenico Montanaro.This podcast was produced by Bria Suggs and Lexie Schapitl, 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.
Trump’s immigration approach is gumming up the courts, frustrating his DOJ and judges
The Justice Department and federal courts are struggling to keep up with the exponential increase in federal court cases of immigrants in custody who are challenging their detentions, another result of the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement policies across the country.
Black History Celebration to feature special concession offerings, in-arena entertainment
The Sabres will celebrate Black excellence in WNY during their game against the Kings on Jan. 29.
Healthy Returns: Botox, Trulicity among 15 drugs added to Medicare price negotiations
The Trump administration kicked off another round of Medicare drug price negotiations, while Kaiser Permanente agrees to pay a historic settlement.
Footy Fix: Catch Champions League action only on Paramount+
All eyes will be on Napoli where Chelsea chase top 8 and the hosts look to sneak into the top 24
Learner Tien shuts down Trump question at Australian Open amid political grilling of American players
American tennis players at the Australian Open continue to face political questions about the Trump administration, with rising star Learner Tien becoming the latest to decline comment.
As the Trump administration targets NCAR, scientists rally to defend the ‘mothership’ of atmospheric research
A letter published by the National Science Foundation asks for ideas to dismantle the research hub. Scientists are responding en masse.
WATCH: Coons, Rubio disagree on whether Congress should’ve been consulted before Maduro ouster
Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., said the Trump administration failed to properly consult with Congress in the months leading up to the dramatic U.S. military raid that ousted President Nicolás Maduro. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it was "a trigger-based operation."
Manu Ginobili among backers of new planned sports performance project in South Florida
Manu Ginobili is investing in South Florida’s potential with a new venture. The former San Antonio Spurs star is part of a group building the Sports Performance Hub in Homestead, Florida. It’ll be a next-generation sports, education and community development project. It will feature a 10,000-seat stadium for Miami FC, sports training facilities, a basketball facility, a boarding school and more. Groundbreaking is set for March, with plans to open in 2028. Ginobili, along with partners like Riccardo Silva and Juan Sebastian Veron, aims to connect sports training with academics. They believe Miami’s multicultural environment makes it an ideal location.
Owners of Twin Peaks restaurant file for bankruptcy
Officials with TWNP said in a news release that they will use the filings to strengthen their capital structure through reducing their debt to keep the corporation successful for years to come.
Minnesota Wild Announces Partnership with Priority Commerce Sports
Wild selects Priority to streamline ticket payments and drive new revenue
Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation among those supporting C.H. Robinson in the brief.
Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight
U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Retail Federation among those supporting C.H. Robinson in the brief. The post Business groups back freight brokers in Supreme Court trucking liability fight appeared first on FreightWaves.
Here's what to know about the $50 billion states are getting for rural health
To satisfy Republicans opposed to last summer's cuts to health care, the Trump administration launched an ambitious 5-year initiative known as the Rural Health Transformation Program.
Arctic scientists 'feel pretty uncomfortable' on Greenland
Science in the Arctic — and Greenland — is on the frontline of pressing challenges facing humanity, like climate change and genetics. Some researchers worry international collaboration is at risk.
Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Pride Auction Raises $30,485
Proceeds benefit the Wanda Alston Foundation, with a portion of funds allocated for MSE Foundation
Shadowing program inspires future health care professionals
ECU Health’s shadowing program is shaping the next generation of caregivers.
AEYE Health Expands Epic Integration for Portable Fully-Autonomous AI Eye Screening Across the US Healthcare System
/PRNewswire/ -- AEYE Health, the leading company in retinal diagnostics and developer of AEYE-DS, the fastest growing solution for diabetic eye exams in the...
Gemini details AI Plus limits, rolls out NotebookLM integration on iOS
Google brought the AI Plus subscription to the US yesterday, and here’s how it upgrades usage limits in the Gemini app.
After D.C. clears homeless encampments, health workers warn of growing risks
While Trump administration officials say that sweeps of homeless encampments make public spaces safer, health workers say they are disrupting care for people with serious medical needs and increasing the risk of illness and death.
The White House’s shocking lies about Minneapolis
Never forget how this administration misled you.
The Two Big Decisions Facing Democrats Ahead of a Shutdown
Plus, senators work on a last-minute budget deal on immigration enforcement, and Tom Homan presented his list of demands to Minnesota leaders.
Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Event Colleagues Enjoy Special Celebration at Little Caesars Arena
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Artemis II and III: The science that brings us back to the Moon
This week on Planetary Radio, Sarah Al-Ahmed is joined by Kelsey Young, Artemis Science Flight Operations Lead and lead of the Artemis II Lunar…
This week in Santa Cruz County business: Scotts Valley solar cell company goes dark; passing the torch at Alta Organic Coffee
In her weekly look at Santa Cruz County business, Jessica M. Pasko reports on the demise of Ambient Photonics, notes a generational shift at a local coffee roaster and delivers names, numbers and events to know.
Analysis: Trump’s team almost never backs down from its false claims. This past week has been different
From the start, this has been a say-anything presidential administration.
Expiration of federal health insurance subsidies: What to know in California
Thousands in California who rely on the state-run health insurance marketplace face premiums that are thousands of dollars higher as federal subsidies expire.
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
A CT health care system achieved a first-of-a-kind status in nation. What it is and why it matters.
This “will have significant impact on patients and their families throughout Connecticut,” a hospital president said.
Where is the Supreme Court’s decision on Trump’s tariffs?
When the Supreme Court agreed last September to hear a dispute over President Donald Trump’s billion-dollar tariffs on foreign goods, it heeded the administration’s plea that time was of the essence.
How scientists predict big winter storms : Short Wave
This past weekend, Winter Storm Fern struck the States. Sleet, snow and ice battered Americans all the way from New Mexico to New York. Scientists predicted its arrival in mid-January, and in anticipation of the storm, more than 20 state governors issued emergency declarations. But how did scientists know so much, so early, about the approaching storm? NPR climate reporter Rebecca Hersher says it has to do with our weather models… and the data we put into them. Which begs the question: Will we continue to invest in them?Interested in more science behind the weather? Check out our episodes on better storm prediction in the tropics and how the Santa Ana winds impact the fire season this time of year. Have a question we haven’t covered? Email us at shortwave@npr.org. We’d love to consider it for a future episode! Listen to every episode of Short Wave sponsor-free and support our work at NPR by signing up for Short Wave+ at plus.npr.org/shortwave.This episode was produced by Hannah Chinn. It was edited by our showrunner Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones and Rebecca Hersher checked the facts. The audio engineer was Robert Rodriguez. News clips were from CBS Boston, Fox Weather, Fox 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, and PBS Newshour.
After town hall attack, Ilhan Omar condemns ‘terrorizing’ immigration push and criticism from GOP
Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar ignored staffers’ pleas to end a town hall early and get a medical check Tuesday after a man rushed the podium and sprayed a substance at the Democratic congresswoman.
Trump Administration declares pristine Alaskan seafloor “open for business,” mocks environmental safeguards - Greenpeace
At a time of accelerating ocean, climate, and biodiversity crisis, the priority should be on protecting these ecosystems, not opening new frontiers of extraction.
‘Phoenix heat melts ICE’: Zipps Sports Grill Bar raids raise questions
Although the Department of Justice said it was not an official immigration action, Raul Piña, who serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Melendres v. MCSO case about racial profiling, disagreed. Piña said this technique of detaining undocumented immigrants was pioneered by former Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio.
WA hospital to close gender clinic, citing Trump administration threats
Hospital leaders write that "recent developments at the federal level" threaten to halt Medicaid and Medicare payments to the entire MultiCare Health System.
Top White House aide Stephen Miller acknowledges possible breach of protocol before Alex Pretti’s shooting
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller said Tuesday that officials were evaluating why Customs and Border Protection agents in Minneapolis “may not have been following” proper protocol before the fatal shooting of VA nurse Alex Pretti – a remarkable acknowledgment of possible wrongdoing from one of the Trump administration’s most influential and hardline operators on immigration enforcement.
Tea can improve your health and longevity, but how you drink it matters
Drinking tea, particularly green tea, is linked to better heart health, improved metabolism, and lower risks of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. It may also help protect the brain and preserve muscle strength as people age. However, processed teas—such as bottled and bubble varieties—often contain sugars and additives that may cancel out these benefits. Moderation and choosing freshly brewed tea appear key.
Powering India’s Next Generation with the Science of Learning
A recent survey with Ipsos revealed something remarkable: for the first time; the top motivation for using AI globally is learning. This is especially true in India, whe…
Photographers rally to help brides after Raleigh wedding photographer suddenly closes
Dozens of brides were left feeling jilted after their wedding photographer, Holly Christina Photography, announced it ceased operations.
Gun-rights groups decried the administration’s rhetoric on Alex Pretti’s gun. Then Trump went even further.
The Trump administration didn’t have a whole lot to work with after a federal officer shot and killed someone again this weekend in Minneapolis.
How the midterms are shaping up: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the latest immigration enforcement news from Minneapolis, Washington and beyond.
Live at 8 p.m.: What federal immigration enforcement in Minnesota means for law, politics and history
How Trump transformed ICE, in two charts
The money behind Trump’s immigration crackdown, briefly explained.