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Kevin O'Leary Warns '80% Of Businesses Fail In The First 36 Months' As High Customer Acquisition Costs Drain Startups
Investor Kevin O'Leary highlighted that excessive spending to acquire customers is the leading cause of early-stage startup failures and a critical factor for growth potential. High Customer Acquisition Costs Top Reason Startups Fail On Tuesday, O'Leary posted on X, sharing a clip from one of his recent talks, emphasizing the role of customer acquisition costs, or CAC, in startup survival. "Why do 80% of businesses fail in the first 36 months? Customer acquisition cost," O'Leary wrote. He added,
The human exposome could change everything we know about disease
Scientists are launching an ambitious global effort to map the “human exposome” — the lifelong mix of environmental and chemical exposures that drive most diseases. Backed by new partnerships with governments, UNESCO, and international science advisory bodies, the initiative is rapidly expanding across continents. Powered by AI and advanced data tools, the movement seeks to shift medicine beyond genetics and toward the real-world factors shaping human health.
Alabama football great resigns as president of family business
His father will continue serving as senior advisor of manufacturing.
DOJ sues Harvard for data as it investigates how race factors into admissions
In the lawsuit, the Justice Department said Harvard has "thwarted" efforts to investigate potential discrimination
Sex, health, child abuse scandals threaten Orban re-election
Abuse in a juvenile facility, hazardous dust from a battery factory and an alleged sex video involving the opposition leader — the run-up to Hungary's election has so far been dominated by one scandal after another.
China mulls US manufacturing fund ahead of Xi-Trump summit, business leader says
Leaders to secure ‘very positive’ outcomes but no ‘grand bargain’ during talks in Beijing, AmCham China chair predicts.
Labour factions vie for influence over Starmer’s reset after McSweeney exit
Groups sensing chance to redefine party’s direction push for progressive pivot, cabinet reshuffle and new economic tack
Mass. fun factory offers Boston-themed laser tag, the biggest pretzel you’ll ever see
Apex in Marlborough is way more than just another entertainment center. I mean, have you seen this pretzel?
PFAS Chaos and the Politics of Liability
The latest version of the legislature's PFAS legislation exempts certain local governmental entities while leaving manufacturers and other private businesses fully subject to strict liability, raising serious equal protection concerns.
Inside Iowa Politics: Whether EV makers can sell vehicles in Iowa
Iowa legislators face an upcoming deadline if they want to change the law to allow electric vehicle manufacturers to sell directly to consumers in the state.
Credibly Business Loans Review 2026
Credibly offers accessible small-business loans for borrowers with fair credit, but its factor rate can result in higher borrowing costs.
Starting a Business in Texas is Easier, Faster and Better than Ever
When small business owners and entrepreneurs look for a place to start and build their dream business, Texas is always a prime location. In fact, according to a recent analysis from WalletHub, Texas is ranked as the top business environment in the nation, thanks to a “low corporate tax rate, strong economies, an abundance of…
Minnesota creates fraud ‘fact check’ amid national political scrutiny
The state Department of Human Services’ webpage rebuts allegations and describes its “fight against fraud” in social services programs.
It's business as usual as UConn freshman Braylon Mullins prepares to return home to Indiana
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — The World’s Most Famous Arena was the site of the first game action for Braylon Mullins. Less than a week later, Mullins played a starring role in the Huskies’ first win against Kansas. The fact that it took place at storied Allen Fieldhouse made it ever sweeter.
Wilmington events and entertainment for Valentine's Day weekend
Whether you're looking for somewhere to take a date, or for something to do to distract yourself from the fact that you don't have one, we got you.
Freight rail is Pueblo County’s competitive advantage
By Miles Lucero Pueblo County is helping drive Colorado’s next era of economic expansion. From clean energy to steel production to advanced manufacturing, our region is earning recognition for the kind of long-term industrial investment that creates durable, future-ready communities. Rail access is central to that momentum. I spent many years in the freight rail industry, including at one of […]
Fact check: What Trump got wrong and left out while threatening to block the new US-Canada bridge
President Donald Trump threatened in a Monday social media post to block the opening of a major new US-Canada bridge over the Detroit River.
A forgotten battery design from Thomas Edison—how scientists helped reimagine it
A little-known fact: In the year 1900, electric cars outnumbered gas-powered ones on the American road. The lead-acid auto battery of the time, courtesy of Thomas Edison, was expensive and had a range ...
How Tesla can turn energy into a nearly $200 billion business
Morgan Stanley predicts it could cost as much as $70 billion for Elon Musk to reach his goal of 100 gigawatts of solar manufacturing capacity.
Innovation District hosts industry-informed life science skills course to support Virginia’s growing workforce needs
Throughout Virginia, the life sciences sector is gaining momentum as major pharmaceutical companies invest billions in new facilities and operations. As a result, employers need to find people who can step into laboratory and manufacturing roles right away. George Mason University's Innovation District is meeting the demand.
Young Americans express deep dissatisfaction with how the political system works
Johns Hopkins research examining generational divides in democratic institutions finds younger respondents have the least amount of trust in political parties and elected officials to reflect their views
Relooted: New video game sees Africans fantasise about taking back treasures from Europe's museums
Imagine it is 2099 and a historic treaty to return African artefacts is falling apart.
WHO Didn’t Recommend Lockdowns, Contrary to Health Officials' Suggestions
As the U.S. formally exited from the World Health Organization last month, Trump administration officials misleadingly claimed that the WHO “pushed” or “promoted” lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic. The group did not explicitly recommend lockdowns, although it also did not advise countries not to implement them. It said it recognized that the measures might be needed in some cases.
Expert explains how hormonal changes affect women's heart health
During Heart Health Month, it's good to know how a lesser-known factor risk factor can impact your health: Hormonal changes.
Trump T1 Phone: Specs and price proved inaccurate as manufacturer reveals final design
The Trump T1 Phone has been available for preorder since last June, but early buyers who’ve already paid a deposit may end up with a device that not only looks vastly different but also features altered specs compared with what was originally advertised. Trump Mobile has finally revealed the phone’s current design.
Chinese robot makers ready for Lunar New Year entertainment spotlight
In China, humanoid robots are serving as Lunar New Year entertainment, with their manufacturers pitching their song-and-dance skills to the general public as well as potential customers, investors and government officials.
Business school alumni survey verdict: good but could do better
Graduates show strong satisfaction but some want an overhaul of content and format
The Chinese Factory That Opened in the U.S. and Clobbered Its Rivals
President Trump has pressured trading partners for investment in U.S. manufacturing plants. What if local industries can’t compete?
North Kansas City coffee shops serve heart health awareness with your morning brew
When you visit any of the four coffee shops, your coffee sleeve is pink with ‘Love your heart’ on one side and on the other a QR code with facts about heart disease and stroke, as well as how to get screened.
Tier list that predicts how characters will be adjusted in the upcoming balance patch for Street Fighter 6 released by Broski
Alex will be joining Street Fighter 6 as the next character of the Season 3 Pass on March 17, 2025. A major balance patch featuring changes for every fighter will also be released on that date.The community's dissatisfaction ...
A century of hair shows how lead exposure collapsed
For decades, Americans were surrounded by lead from car exhaust, factories, paint, and even drinking water, often without realizing the damage it caused. By analyzing hair samples preserved across generations, scientists uncovered a striking record of how exposure soared before environmental rules and then collapsed after leaded gasoline and other sources were phased out.
Bowling manufacturer plans $9M expansion, 90 new jobs in Muskegon
Motiv Bowling plans to acquire a 96,000-square-foot facility in Roosevelt Park. The facility will be used for bowling ball manufacturing.
Mamdani's NYC health department staffers reportedly studying effects of 'global oppression' on health
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's Department of Health reportedly created a "Global Oppression Working Group" that references Gaza "genocide" as a factor.
Fact check: The Trump lies an NBC anchor let slide
When President Donald Trump claimed to NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas in a Wednesday interview that “I’m getting – starting to get great polls on the economy,” Llamas quickly pushed back by noting that Trump’s polling on the economy is “not great.”
Greenway Health® Named Most Improved Physician Practice Solution 2026 by KLAS Research
Greenway Health, a modern leader in healthcare technology, today announced it has been recognized by KLAS Research as the Most Improved Physician Practice Solution 2026, reflecting significant year-over-year gains in customer experience and satisfaction based on provider feedback.
Aqua-Tots Swim School Named a 2026 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review
Independent Franchisee Survey Confirms Strong Satisfaction with Support, Leadership and Overall Performance Aqua-Tots Named a 2026 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review Aqua-Tots ranks number one in Recreational and number fourteen in the Top Large Franchises, according to the 2026 Top Franchise list. Mesa, Arizona, Feb. 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Aqua-Tots Swim School has been named a 2026 Top Franchise by Franchise Business Review, an honor based entirely on feedback from the people who
How college sports juiced Olympic development : The Indicator from Planet Money
How did the U.S. become the Olympic powerhouse it is today? Cold War competition. The Soviet Union sponsored their athletes. But America wanted its athletes to pull themselves up by their bootstraps. It birthed an unexpected accelerator of Olympic development: College football. Stay with us now.On today’s show, how college football became an Olympic development engine. And how that engine might not be running as smoothly as it once did.Related episodes: Why the Olympics cost so muchYou can't spell Olympics without IPA huge EU-India deal, Heated Rivalry, and a hefty $200k to OlympiansWhy Host The Olympics?The monetization of college sportsFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Fact-checking by Sierra Juarez. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
Small Business Focus: The State of Black Entrepreneurial Enterprises
This article is written and sponsored by Arlington Economic Development. February is Black History Month, and this year the Small Business Coordinating Council will spotlight the State of Black Entrepreneurship with three dynamic speakers: Eric Alston and William Mitchell of WACIF, and Darin Cox, owner of The Peach Cobbler Factory in Washington, D.C. Over the
USG taps next CEO with current chief set to retire
Chicago-based USG will have a new chief executive come spring as outgoing CEO Christopher Griffin is set to retire from leading the buildings material manufacturer at the end of June.
Nioh 3 review: "Brutal samurai and ninja clashes across wide maps avoid retreading Elden Ring – this Soulslike is all demon killer, no filler"
Nioh 3 demands care, planning, and patience – and gives immense satisfaction in the form of a brutal but engrossing adventure in return
The 10 races that will decide control of the US Senate
In the fight for control of the US Senate, the majority may come down to which factor carries more weight: the map or the environment.
GTA 6 Marketing Will Kick Off This Summer, as Take-Two Confidently Reaffirms November Release Date
Grand Theft Auto VI's November 19, 2026 release date is drawing nearer, and Take-Two Interactive is starting to sound more confident than ever that this time, it's really happening. So confident, in fact, it's announced that Rockstar will be spinning up its marketing beats this summer.
Pioneer heart surgeon Vinay Badhwar elected STS president
Badhwar is a longtime STS member and world leader in robotic technologies. In fact, he and his team recently launched a 40-part educational video series to help educate other clinicians about robotic-assisted cardiac surgery.
Metal detectorist finds medieval pendant with a Roman ‘secret’
The discovery is an artifact within an artifact.
Autism: myth-busting and what scientists still don't know : Short Wave
Autism has a long history of misinformation that continues to today. The Trump administration has perpetuated some of this misinformation in the last year. Among other things, officials have claimed certain groups of people don’t get the condition and that taking Tylenol while pregnant causes autism to later develop in children. Today, NPR Science Correspondent Jon Hamilton sets the record straight with host Emily Kwong on what scientists do and don’t know about autism. If you liked this episode, check out our episodes on an Autism researcher’s take on Trump’s claims about Tylenol and a Fragile X treatment that may be on the horizon.Interested in more science in the news? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org.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 Berly McCoy. It was edited by Rebecca Ramirez. Tyler Jones checked the facts. The audio engineer was Damian Herring.
Factbox-Jeffrey Epstein's Ties to Politicians, Business Titans and Other Figures
Feb 2 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department's release of millions of internal documents related to Jeffrey Epstein has revealed the late financier and sex offender's ties to many prominent people in politics, finance, academia and business - both before and after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to ...
Regal Ware revives historic West Bend Co. name for cookware factory
West Bend Co., which operates a manufacturing facility in West Bend, also serves as a contract manufacturer for other cookware companies.
Letters: Claims using data about environment and health should be viewed skeptically
A website called Louisiana Health Facts has been circulating recently, presenting parish-level health statistics to argue that concerns about Louisiana’s industrial corridor are overstated. The site relies on broad indicators
Muscle mass as a resilence factor for endothelial health in obesity
npj Metabolic Health and Disease - Muscle mass as a resilence factor for endothelial health in obesity
Report: Apple 'exploring' clamshell foldable iPhone as potential follow-up model
In today’s Power On newsletter from Mark Gurman, an interesting new possibility was shared for the iPhone lineup: a smaller,...
NFL salary cap expected to significantly jump for 2026 season
The increase is especially good news for NFL teams like the Buffalo Bills, where cap overages will be a key factor in 2026.
Howie Carr: Just another chip from Massachusetts’ anti-business block
Most of the production had long since been transferred to free American states, but Cape Cod Potato Chips left a footprint behind, in Hyannis. The little factory used to be a decent-sized tourist a…
India hands Apple a win by letting foreign firms fund equipment for manufacturers
India's government on Sunday handed a major win to Apple by allowing foreign companies to freely provide machines to their contract manufacturers set up in certain areas for five years, without fearing any tax risk.
The Reason Why OLED TVs Are So Expensive
OLED TVs are more expensive due to how they are manufactured, the materials used, and the size they are made in. Additional tech features can also raise costs.
Scientists discover how to turn gut bacteria into anti-aging factories
Researchers found that small doses of an antibiotic can coax gut bacteria into producing a life-extending compound. In worms, this led to longer lifespans, while mice showed healthier cholesterol and insulin changes. Because the drug stays in the gut, it avoids toxic side effects. The study points to a new way of promoting health by targeting microbes rather than the body itself.
Mental Health Distress in Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer Largely Driven by Sociodemographic, Comorbid Factors
These findings suggest the mental health burden in nonmelanoma skin cancer reflects broader social and clinical factors rather than disease-specific effects.
Scientists Discover Living Bacteria Hidden Inside the #1 Type of Kidney Stone
Scientists have uncovered an unexpected biological factor hidden within the most common type of kidney stone.
'ChatGPT saved my life.' How patients, and doctors, are using AI to make a diagnosis
Hundreds of millions of people are turning to chatbots to help figure out what's wrong with them. Doctors say that's not always a bad thing. In fact, many are using it themselves.
Gavin Newsom says he's 'burdened by the facts' as he criticizes California billionaire wealth tax proposal
California Gov. Gavin Newsom doubled down on his criticism of the proposed billionaire wealth tax, warning it could cut school and safety funding rather than solve budget issues.
Here is What to Know Beyond Why AMC Entertainment Holdings, Inc. (AMC) is a Trending Stock
Zacks.com users have recently been watching AMC Entertainment (AMC) quite a bit. Thus, it is worth knowing the facts that could determine the stock's prospects.
Santa Fe businesses to close Friday as part of nationwide anti-ICE protest
The Santa Fe closures are part of a national effort to convey dissatisfaction with recent actions of ICE officers in Minneapolis.
ICE Will Play a Big Factor in the Maine Senate Race
Seems like Republican senator Susan Collins is trying to take credit for the agency’s removal from the state. Governor Janet Mills, who’s challenging for her seat, had a rebuttal.
Genes may shape how long we live more than once thought
New research challenges the view that human life span depends mostly on lifestyle. Genes may account for half the factors that determine longevity.
Samsung’s confusing Galaxy S26 pricing raises base model cost, but makes Ultra cheaper
New reports reveal that Samsung is, in fact, planning to raise the price of the Galaxy S26 series, but only...
Tanzania eyes East Africa’s pharmaceutical hub crown {Business Africa}
Tanzania is betting on local drug manufacturing to reduce imports and become East Africa’s pharmaceutical hub and we find out how Africa's private sector is fixing the supply chain to minimise the billions lost in post-harvest logistics.View on euronews
Innovators removing barriers to health care, accelerating impact on communities in need
DALLAS, Jan. 29, 2026 — Driven by an older, more diverse population and a significant increase in risk factors, at least 6 in 10 U.S. adults are projected to have some form of cardiovascular disease, causing related health care costs to triple.[1] That’s...
Science at risk: Massachusetts must lead the fight for facts
Rejecting evidence threatens lives and innovation. Massachusetts must defend the scientific method.
At World’s Busiest Port, China’s Unbalanced Economy Comes Into View
The shipping traffic and factories never stop in China’s port city of Ningbo, but the local housing market has crashed and nearby restaurants sit empty.
The President Sees Iran as a Gas Station with a Flag
Get ready—Trump is going to be talking about the country for a while to cover for the fact that he’s backed down on Greenland and Minneapolis.
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.
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.
PE-backed CT masonry business acquires New England manufacturer
US Masonry and Building Products said it purchased York Flashings LLC, which manufactures products designed to seal joints and channel moisture out of building walls to help prevent water damage.
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.
Opinion | When Conservative Politics Hit Cash-Starved Universities
If college education is merely a transaction, educators — and facts — are vulnerable.
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
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.
Chinese-made teething toys sold on Amazon recalled over fatal choking risk
Federal regulators announced the recall of Yetonamr pull-string teething toys manufactured in China after 32 reported choking incidents, urging parents to immediately destroy products.
Scientists recover the oldest wooden tools from a site in Greece
Scientists say two artifacts found at a lake shore in Greece are the oldest wooden tools uncovered so far.
Veolia Expands US Hazardous Waste Business
French environmental services giant Veolia is expanding aggressively in the US, agreeing to buy Enviri’s hazardous waste unit for $3 billion and doubling its footprint here. As demand surges for clean water, PFAS cleanup, and sustainable solutions for AI data centers and manufacturing, Veolia CEO Estelle Brachlianoff joined Bloomberg Open Interest to talk about company's future. (Source: Bloomberg)
A rich social environment is associated with better cognitive health outcomes for older adults, study finds
Research by an interdisciplinary team from McGill University and Université Laval provides new insights into the links between social factors and cognitive health among aging adults.
First Las Vegas, now Maryland. What is driving the Sphere expansion?
Northeastern University professor Andrew Mall said much of the Sphere’s success has to do with the novelty factor.
Emails show Bank of America struggles with Nvidia AI Factory adoption
Internal emails show Bank of America having difficulties with Nvidia's AI Factory, showing the challenges of integrating AI in regulated industries.
Scientists say quantum tech has reached its transistor moment
Quantum technology has reached a turning point, echoing the early days of modern computing. Researchers say functional quantum systems now exist, but scaling them into truly powerful machines will require major advances in engineering and manufacturing. By comparing different quantum platforms, the study reveals both impressive progress and steep challenges ahead. History suggests the payoff could be enormous—but not immediate.
MediaTek Estimated To Be Hit The Hardest Out Of All Chipset Manufacturers Thanks To The Memory Crisis, As More Than 50% Of Its Revenue Comes From SoC Shipments
Qualcomm has largely been able to diversify its business, but a new report states that the DRAM shortage will strike MediaTek the hardest
Scientists recover the oldest wooden tools from a site in Greece
Scientists say two artifacts found at a lake shore in Greece are the oldest wooden tools uncovered so far
Scientists recover the oldest wooden tools from a site in Greece
Scientists say two artifacts found at a lake shore in Greece are the oldest wooden tools uncovered so far.
David McClelland Appointed Head of the Santander US Auto Business
BOSTON & DALLAS, January 26, 2026--Santander Holdings USA, Inc. ("Santander US") announced that David McClelland has been named Head of the Santander US Auto business, effective today. McClelland will be responsible for executing on the company’s Auto growth strategy, enhancing dealer and customer experiences, and managing manufacturer (OEM) relationships. In this capacity, he succeeds Bruce Jackson, who announced his retirement from the company.
Takeaways From the 2025 IADMS Conference on Occupational Health Hazards
The 35th annual IADMS conference, in Las Vegas in September, hosted more than 650 dance medicine providers, researchers, and educators representing 28 countries. Dr. David Hinkamp’s keynote on occupational health encouraged the dance community to consider the environmental factors that contribute to the industry’s injury rates—things like moving sets, dangerous props, lighting, sound, dry ice, improper flooring, or inadequate breaks between performances or rehearsals.
The Electric: Idle Chinese Plants Are Inviting Business With U.S. Battery Startups
A free-for-all of factory expansion among China’s battery manufacturers has left more than 40% of the country’s battery plants idle. That has presented a prime opportunity for a nascent wave of Western startups to capitalize on the Chinese battery makers’ misery.
One Cure for Our Sour Politics: Local Patriotism
How people feel about where they live is an overlooked factor in engaging them in civic life. There are ways to boost those feelings.
Small Business Technology News: AI Use Cases From PepsiCo, Wells Fargo, Capital One, Tesla And Others
From safety to customer service to the manufacturing floor, large companies are rolling out internal AI systems to improve their operations and help - not replace- their employees.
Basketball point shaving scandal’s ties to Louisiana come as sports gambling thrives
Eight of the 20 athletes implicated in an NCAA point shaving scandal played for Louisiana colleges. Did the state’s legal sports gambling play a factor?
TOTO (TSE:5332) Is Up 8.8% After Goldman Highlights AI-Focused Electrostatic Chuck Business
Earlier this week, Goldman Sachs upgraded Toto Ltd. to a buy rating, highlighting the company’s electrostatic chucks used in NAND chipmaking and AI-related data centers as a potential profit driver. This spotlight on Toto’s lesser-known semiconductor equipment business underlines how a traditional bathroom-fixture manufacturer is increasingly tied to AI infrastructure spending. Next, we’ll examine how Toto’s growing role in electrostatic chucks for AI data centers shapes its investment...
Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL) Limited Set Review: Artifacts & Lands
Lorwyn Eclipsed (ECL) Limited Artifacts & Lands Card Review, Icky goes all in with the ECL spoiler review Artifacts & Lands edition!
Tesla plans to train its Optimus robot at Austin factory
The Austin push is planned for February, insiders told Business Insider. Tesla has been training Optimus in its Fremont factory for more than a year.
FACT FOCUS: As cold hits, Trump asks, where's global warming? Scientists say it's still here
In social media, President Trump is questioning global warming because of a chilly severe winter storm hitting the U.S. On Friday, he called the weather nearly unprecedented and labeled scientists “environmental insurrectionists.” More than a dozen scientists tell The Associated Press that Trump’...
The Coors Family Is Building a Massive New Entertainment District in Golden—and Uncovering Its History Along the Way
Construction on the Clayworks district has unearthed artifacts from the late 1800s and Prohibition, when Coors pivoted industries to turn a profit.
Euro zone business activity expands more slowly than expected in January
Euro zone business activity expanded more slowly than expected this month as weaker growth in the dominant services industry offset milder factory contraction, according to a survey, while price pressures picked up.
MPH student takes an interdisciplinary approach to climate-related health inequities
Sanchita Gera, MPH ’26, is exploring how social and environmental factors outside the hospital walls affect some patients’ health more than others.