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The Alliance for Primary Health Care in the Americas marks two years and formally welcomes Bolivia and Uruguay as members
PAHO, the World Bank, and the IDB initiative has driven health system transformation and aligned more than one billion dollars in investments across five countries. Brazil expressed its support, signing a letter of intent.Rio de Janeiro, 28 January 2026 — The Alliance for Primary Health Care (PHC) in the Americas, a joint initiative of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the World Bank (WB), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), is celebrating its second anniversary with achievements in transforming health systems across the region.
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.
Tesla
Telsa’s revenue and profits tumbled in the fourth quarter, capping off the most difficult year for the electric automaker since it became profitable six years ago.
Pa. county commissioners call for $40M increase to support mental health services
HARRISBURG — County leaders from across Pennsylvania on Wednesday called on legislators and Gov. Josh Shapiro to provide an additional $40 million in funding for county mental health services in
Madina Ismail joins Essentia Health-Fargo to provide hospitalist care
Essentia Health-Fargo is proud to welcome Madina Ismail, an advanced practice registered nurse and certified nurse practitioner who will provide hospitalist care.
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.
Hearing on Veterans Affairs Health Care System
The Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee will hear testimony from Secretary Doug Collins on proposed changes to the department's health care system.
Tom Brady, Robert Kraft respond on Bill Belichick's reported HOF snub: 'If he's not a first-ballot Hall of Famer, there's really no coach that should ever be'
Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment unveils new logo for Sportsplex
Pulaski County Sports and Entertainment unveiled a new logo on Wednesday for the Pulaski County Sportsplex, a transformative new indoor sports complex that will serve as a premier destination for athletic competition.
Where Congress stands on the DHS funding fight
The killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti in Minneapolis has sparked anger and dominated political thought since it happened Saturday.
Kansas basketball joins CBS Sports Classic event through 2029
Kansas basketball is still in the midst of its 2025-26 season, but the team’s schedule for 2026-27 — and the future — is taking shape. Here’s more.
US Federal Reserve holds interest rates steady despite political pressure
The central bank will maintain rates at 3.5 to 3.75 percent and warned of 'elevated' economic uncertainty.
Henry Cavill suits up for eternal battle in first look at long-gestating 'Highlander' reboot
After a long wait, Henry Cavill shares the first look at his turn as Connor MacLeod in Chad Stahelski's upcoming 'Highlander' reboot: 'This has been quite the journey for me.'
Sacramento Bee adds political reporting firepower at California Capitol
Ben Paviour will join The Bee next month as California Political Power Reporter, delivering exclusive storytelling on Statehouse politics.
Geauga County’s largest behavioral health provider to merge with Ashtabula agency
Ravenwood Health will merge with Ashtabula County’s Community Counseling Center as longtime CEO Vicki Clark retires, expanding behavioral health services.
Pulaski County Sports & Entertainment Unveils Official Sportsplex Logo
New Facility Designed to Serve the Community and Welcome the World Pulaski County, Virginia – Pulaski County Sports & Entertainment is proud to unveil the official logo for the Pulaski County Sportsplex, a transformative new indoor sports complex that will serve as a premier destination for athletic competition while providing a year-round recreational asset for […]
Some of ‘Star Search’s’ biggest losers became megastars. Can the revival live up to its past?
Aaliyah, Britney and Beyoncé famously lost when they appeared on “Star Search” back in the day. Those who bested them look back as a new reboot takes off.
Accelerating Science: A Blueprint for a Renewed National Quantum Initiative
Sustained U.S. leadership in quantum information science is critical to ensuring that breakthroughs in computing, sensing, networking and materials translate into secure technologies and industries, a skilled domestic workforce and long-term strategic advantage. To secure this future, Congress must act and reauthorize the National Quantum Initiative (NQI).
Windows 11 will support resuming Spotify, web browsing, and other apps from Android
Microsoft might’ve ditched Android apps in Windows 11 a couple of years ago, but that doesn’t mean it’s abandoned cross-platform...
Fact check: Trump says Democrats don’t talk about affordability anymore (they do) because inflation is over (it isn’t)
President Donald Trump tried Tuesday to concoct an alternative reality on the subject of “affordability” – piling lie on top of lie to try to convince Americans that the issue has vanished.
1st Zipps Sports Grill location reopens following Homeland Security raids
Zipps Sports Grill in Tempe, located near McClintock Drive and Warner Road, reopened on Jan. 28, the company announced.
Wheeling police to host crime watch meetings for businesses
For the first time, the Wheeling Police Department will host crime watch meetings specifically for local businesses, starting Feb. 4.Business owners from downt
Roadkill is a surprising and untapped source for scientists
Millions of animals unfortunately die on roads each year, but the casualties hold important data.
Disney Entertainment Television Unveils 2026 Directing & Writing Program Participants
EXCLUSIVE: Disney Entertainment Television has chosen its participants for the 2025-26 Directing and Writing Programs, talent development initiatives which connect emerging writers and directors with opportunities across DET’s scripted and unscripted television slate. “This year’s cohorts reflect the bold, original voices that will help shape the next era of television,” said Tim McNeal, senior vice …
The Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold's Nearly $3,000 Price Might Unfold Your Whole Wallet
This double-folding phone will be the most expensive mainstream handset released in the US.
Google brings its Nano Banana image generator to Chrome
Following its recent AI makeover of Gmail, Google is bringing more Gemini-powered tools to Chrome. Starting today, a host of new features are rolling for the browser, with more to come over the next few months.
Patriots Rival Reportedly Loses Defensive Coordinator, Longtime Coach To Packers
The New England Patriots are gearing up for the Super Bowl, but two of their division rivals are in the middle of coaching changes. The Miami Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel to hire Jeff Hafley, the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator for the last two years. The Buffalo Bills promoted Joe Brady to head coach from […]
Tom Brady slams snub of Bill Belichick for Pro Football Hall of Fame
Tom Brady came to Bill Belichick's defense after the Pro Football Hall of Fame snubbed the iconic Patriots coach
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.
Brillstein Entertainment Partners Signs Comedian, Actor & Writer Paul Chowdhry
Paul Chowdhry, the comedian, actor, and writer, has inked with Brillstein for global management in all areas, Deadline can report exclusively.
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors: Bucks listening on deals for star
Giannis Antetokounmpo has indicated he's ready to move on from the Bucks, and Milwaukee is reportedly willing to listen to offers. Here's the latest.
NFL Hall of Fame snubs Bill Belichick and sports world is gagged: 'I can't be reading this right'
Sports figures from Patrick Mahomes to LeBron James expressed shock and outrage after news broke that Bill Belichick failed to gain Hall of Fame election on his first ballot.
Community invited to Terry Schools Science Fair Feb. 3
Terry Schools will host a 7th–12th grade Science Fair on Monday, Feb. 3, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the study hall at Terry High School.
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.
Snap is Spinning Out Its Specs AR Glasses Business
The subsidiary, Specs Inc., will keep focusing on products that build on the company's Spectacles, which create mixed-reality experiences for wearers.
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.
Patrick Reed leaving LIV Golf, will return to PGA Tour this year
The 2018 Masters champion follows Brooks Koepka back to the PGA Tour.
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.
iOS 26.2.1—Update Now Warning Issued To Millions Of iPhone Users
Apple has released iOS 26.2.1, an important update that all iPhone users should apply now. Here's what you need to know.
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.
PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for February 2026 announced
Sony Interactive Entertainment has announced the February 2026 Monthly Games lineup for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers. All titles will be available from February 3, 2026 until March 2, 202…
Read the email Amazon is sending to laid-off employees
The notifications state that employees will receive full pay and benefits for 90 days.
Record-breaking South Carolina measles outbreak nearing 800 cases
The record-breaking measles outbreak in South Carolina has reached nearly 800 cases, making it the largest spread of the disease in the U.S. since it was first declared eliminated at the start of t…
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.
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.
Premise Health and Crossover Health sign an agreement to create one unified company
/PRNewswire/ -- Premise Health and Crossover Health today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge. The unified organization will...
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.
Galaxy S26 Qi2 25W wireless charger is a MagSafe puck, hints you’ll still need a case
It’s no secret that the Galaxy S26 series is rumored to add Qi2 magnets to the device itself, but if...
Beyond testosterone: The real crisis in men’s health
Increasing testosterone in men ignores deeply rooted cultural and social factors at the center of this health emergency.
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon retiring as retailer gains more wealthy shoppers amid inflation
Walmart CEO Doug McMillon retires after 40 years, leaving behind a transformed retail giant that attracts higher-income shoppers through convenience.
The Odds: Is DHS Secy. Noem becoming an unavoidable political problem for President Trump?
Scott Pilgrim EX launches March 3
Retro-style side-scrolling adventure brawlerScott Pilgrim EX will launch digitally for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC via Steam on March 3 for $28.99, developer Tribute G…
AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D Review - The Best Just Got Better
The AMD Ryzen 9850X3D builds on the already excellent 9800X3D without trying to shake up the market. Instead, it focuses on refining what already works. AMD delivers modest improvements with smarter tuning, and the same cache magic that gamers love. Thanks to a reasonable price increase, this processor will be a no-brainer pick for future high-end gaming rigs.
Samsung teases new privacy feature to hide your Galaxy phone screen from onlookers
Samsung said that the upcoming feature will let you protect selected parts of the screen like notification popup area.
As More Founders Aim To Build Billion-Dollar, One-Person Businesses, New Research Points To High-Potential Niches
A new report points to areas where it is possible for solo founders to grow to $1 billion in revenue using AI, blockchain and a global team of freelancers.
Patriots LT Will Campbell trending up ahead of Super Bowl
The Patriots’ left tackle had his best game of the postseason in the AFC Championship Game.
Sword Health plans to acquire Kaia Health for $285M
Sword aims to raise about $500 million to fund more deals in the U.S. and Europe.
Snap is spinning off its AR glasses into a separate business
Snap’s augmented reality glasses business will now be its own entity, with the company establishing Specs Inc. as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Live updates: Trump issues warning to Iran as Rubio testifies before Senate on Venezuela
4 Incredible Techniques Combine to Advance Dark Energy Science
Big, recent investments are paying off as the world's dark energy observatories continue to produce results.
China’s latest war game uses hospital and science ships for espionage
It is self-evident that Beijing is not promoting peace, health or scientific research.
Claire Danes says she freaked out when she found she was pregnant at 44
Claire Danes has said she went into “meltdown” when she discovered she was pregnant with her third child at age 44.
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 unique sports collectibles that landed The Realest a $12 million investment round
The sports world is taking notice of The Realest's efforts to expand the definition of collectibles.
Getting yelled at comes with the job. Why Sacramento youth sports officials still show up
Youth sports officials in the Sacramento region face unsportsmanlike fans that make them sometimes question the work.
A Go-Kart Track Is Just the Start at This Arizona Home Built Like a Sports-and-Entertainment Complex
Over-the-top amenities at the $20 million listing include a batting cage, a basketball court, a shooting range, a day spa, a dance studio and a gaming lounge
‘I don’t let bullies win’ Ilhan Omar says after attack, as Trump says he will ‘de-escalate’ in Minneapolis
President had mocked congresswoman hours before she was sprayed with unknown substance during a town hall event
Bank of America to match $1,000 government deposits for Trump accounts
Bank of America said it will match the federal government’s $1,000 contribution to Trump accounts for eligible U.S. employees with qualifying children.
Barry Keoghan Is Nearly Unrecognizable with Long Hair in London, Plus Halle Berry, King Charles, Queen Camilla and More
Barry Keoghan is nearly unrecognizable with long hair in London, plus Halle Berry, King Charles, Queen Camilla and more. From London to Los Angeles, and everywhere in between, see what your favorite stars are up to.
Dispatch available now for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 systems
Shop now on Nintendo.com or Nintendo eShop. Manage a group of ex-supervillains who are given one last shot at redemption!
Scientists turn tumor immune cells into cancer killers
Scientists at KAIST have found a way to turn a tumor’s own immune cells into powerful cancer fighters—right inside the body. Tumors are packed with macrophages, immune cells that should attack cancer but are usually silenced by the tumor environment. By injecting a specially designed drug directly into tumors, researchers were able to “reprogram” these dormant cells to recognize and destroy cancer.
Teamsters California endorses proposed billionaires tax
Teamsters California, with 250,000 members statewide, becomes the largest union to back the proposed November ballot measure to enact a onetime billionaires tax.
5 things to know for Jan. 28: Minnesota ICE crackdown, Political violence, Severe weather, Social media trial, Epstein files
CNN’s 5 Things AM brings you the news you need to know every morning.
Who was Ajit Pawar, the Indian politician killed in plane crash?
Pawar was a key political figure and served as second-highest elected official in Maharashtra, India's wealthiest state.
David Lammy to face Andrew Griffith at deputy Prime Minister's Questions
The pair will fill in for PM Keir Starmer and Tory party leader Kemi Badenoch in the Commons from midday.
Dave Chappelle, Jon Stewart to pair up for Ohio show
The two outspoken comedians will talk about independent journalism and other topics during an event benefiting Yellow Springs radio station WYSO.
ZZ Top frontman to play solo, 3 plays to open, other things to do
Onstage events include plays and concerts, or if you prefer on-screen entertainment, there's a horror movie marathon. See what else is coming up!
Who will win next year's Super Bowl? 2026 NFL power rankings using Super Bowl 2027 odds
The 2026 Super Bowl is just over one week away, but who are the early favorites to win a title next season? Here are the latest odds.
New Jacksonville health center to bring expanded services, welcome patients regardless of insurance
A Jacksonville health center is expanding its reach to treat more people, especially those who do not have insurance.
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.
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
Thousands of Californians move to Idaho every year. Who are they?
They’ve faced, at times, a chilly welcome from Idahoans. What the data tell us about the state’s largest group of newcomers.
Scientists say these two viruses may become the next public health threats
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Two emerging pathogens with animal origins — influenza D virus and canine coronavirus — have so far been quietly flying under the radar,…
Bengals player shoots down silly Joe Burrow narratives
A Bengals player had something to say about all the Joe Burrow rumors.
More 'No Kings' protests planned for March 28 as outrage spreads over Minneapolis deaths
Organizers are planning what they anticipate will be the largest “No Kings” protests yet, targeting what they call authoritarianism under President Donald Trump
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.
Scene Calendar: Local theater, Taiwanese sensation Feng E, fashion show
A comprehensive list of Gainesville-area entertainment events.
Limy raises $10M to help brands boost AI agent visibility: pitch deck
Limy raised $10 million from investors including Flybridge and a16z to help brands boost their visibility to AI agents.
Doctors, veterans fear near-total abortion ban at VA will put women’s health at risk
The VA’s new rules prevent abortions even in the case of rape or incest. VA Sec Doug Collins is expected to be questioned about it when he testifies Wednesday.
Doctors, veterans fear near-total abortion ban at VA will put women’s health at risk
The VA’s new rules prevent abortions even in the case of rape or incest. VA Sec Doug Collins is expected to be questioned about it when he testifies Wednesday.
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.
The Gen Z gender divide in politics
As Gen Z becomes older, a college student fears there will be less social cohesion and greater risks to democratic consensus.
Another Threat to VA Health Care
A VA privatization pilot in Congress could weaken veterans’ care, degrade quality, and cost taxpayers over $100 billion a year, experts warn.
Tear gas causes health concerns for Twin Cities residents
Federal agents are regularly using chemical irritants like tear gas in attempts to disperse protesters and observers in the Twin Cities. Medical experts say there’s a lot of uncertainty about the health impacts of those chemicals.