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New Orleans City Council panel signs off on Steve Nelson as Public Works director
The New Orleans City Council’s Governmental Affairs Committee gave its seal of approval to Mayor Helena Moreno’s appointment of Steve Nelson as the director of the city’s Department of Public Works. The full council will still need to vote to confirm Nelson’s appointment.
LSU ousts Chancellor Steve Nelson from post atop New Orleans medical school
“We have reached a point where a change in direction is appropriate,” said LSU President Wade Rousse and the system’s chancellor, Jim Dalton, in an email to faculty and staff.
Apple Is Scaling Back Plans for New AI-Based Health Coach Service
Apple Inc. is scaling back plans for a virtual health coach, according to people with knowledge of the matter, part of an effort to rethink how the company approaches the burgeoning market for wellness services.
Lawmakers approve $10M for western Wisconsin mental health and treatment facility
Wisconsin lawmakers have released $10 million to help construct a new mental health and substance abuse treatment center in western Wisconsin.
Rams take interesting contract approach with Matthew Stafford
Is this the right approach?
Potential Impacts of Trump Administration H-1B Visa Policies on the Health Care and Social Assistance Industries
This issue brief provides an overview of the H-1B visa program, analyzes trends in H-1B visa approvals for the health care and social assistance industries using data from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, and discusses potential implications of recent policies impacting the H-1B program on the U.S. health care workforce.
Culture Council: Regulated Businesses: Approach Responsibility and Ethical Practices as a Revenue Strategy
There are ways for regulated companies to operate today that create a strong, future-proof infrastructure.
Mamdani health dept. 'global oppression working group' should be...
N.Y. assemblyman's bill would reform appointments to Public Service Commission
The Public Service Commission has been scrutinized lately over approving National Grid rate hikes last summer.
Los Gatos approves entertainment zones for Super Bowl
Residents ask council for assurances that the town won’t work with ICE during the game.
Massachusetts Considers a Healthcare Preceptor Tax Credit | Insights
Proposed legislation in Massachusetts creates a tax credit for healthcare providers who work as a preceptor in a an approved preceptorship program.
Assessing Kraft Heinz (KHC) Valuation As Earnings, Options Activity And Planned Business Split Attract Fresh Attention
Kraft Heinz stock in focus as earnings, options activity and corporate split converge Kraft Heinz (KHC) is drawing fresh attention as its February 11 earnings date approaches. Analysts expect declines in earnings per share and revenue, there is heavier call option activity, and the company has announced a planned sauces and grocery split later this year. See our latest analysis for Kraft Heinz. At a share price of US$24.48, Kraft Heinz has seen short term momentum pick up, with a 7 day share...
‘Everything is quagga mussel now’: can invasive species be stopped?
While ecologists believe invasive species play a major role in more than 60% of plant and animal extinctions, stopping them in their tracks is almost impossible. Biodiversity reporter Phoebe Weston tells Madeleine Finlay how invasive species spread, how conservationists are trying combat them and why some think a radical new approach is needed.
Christian Barmore on Milton Williams connection: ‘We come to hunt’
Christian Barmore says his goal along with Milton Williams is to dominate every week — an approach that they will take into the Super Bowl on Sunday.
Forest Health Work Resumes at Pescadero Creek Park
As of late January 2026, crews have returned to Pescadero Creek Park to continue a multi-year project to ecologically restore forest health and reduce fire fuels over approximately 541 acres strategically located throughout the park.
Floyd Mayweather sues Showtime Sports for $340 million amid explosive claims of misappropriation
Mayweather is seeking $340 million in misappropriated funds and punitive damages in a stunning lawsuit against Showtime Sports and former Showtime Sports president Stephen Espinoza.
'Becoming' media moguls? Michelle Obama, Melania Trump pursue Hollywood
"Melania," the first lady's documentary offers a differing approach to the Obamas' turn in Hollywood after they exited the White House.
Supreme Court allows new California congressional districts that favor Democrats
The Supreme Court has allowed California to use a new voter-approved congressional map that is favorable to Democrats in this year’s elections, rejecting a last-ditch plea from state Republicans and the Trump administration
Supreme Court allows California to use new congressional map, giving Democrats a boost
The map, which voters approved last year, could allow Democrats to gain up to five House seats in this year’s midterm elections.
National Girls & Women in Sports Day: Jacy Weisbrod
MARQUETTE, Mich. – From the moment she first picked up a basketball, Jacy Weisbrod has approached the game with endless energy, confidence, and a drive to compete. She quickly realized that sports would play a central role in her life — not just for the thrill of winning, but for the lessons, friendships, and opportunities they provide.
The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics take shape, in photos
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are fast approaching. As the torch relay nears completion, athletes are arriving, with some already making headlines. There are 16 sports in total, including some never before seen, with 116 gold medals to be awarded.
CA Democrats blast spending plan without health insurance subsidies as Trump pushes alternative
The spending package approved this week keeps the federal government funded, but it does not address the expiration of key Affordable Care Act health care subsidies.
Horry Co. approves controversial mental health facility despite community backlash
Horry County Council approved the Asha Vista Behavioral Institute's plan to open a new psychiatric hospital along Highway 707.
Entertainment lineup, schedule announced for 2026 Double Decker Arts Festival
The 29th annual Double Decker Arts Festival is rapidly approaching, and officials have provided a closer look at the entertainment lineup and schedule of
Children’s Minnesota to pause some pediatric gender health services
Gender-affirming care for transgender youth remains legal in Minnesota, but the hospital says it will pause prescribing puberty-suppressing medications and pubertal hormones to patients under the age of 18.
US carrier shoots down Iranian drone and armed boats threaten US tanker as tensions in with Iran escalate
A US aircraft carrier shot down an Iranian drone that “aggressively approached” the ship in the Arabian Sea on Tuesday hours before two gunboats operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps approached a US-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to board and seize the ship, according to a US military spokesman.
AI will supercharge sports team valuations, says Arctos Partners’ Charles
Arctos is the only private equity firm approved to own equity in teams across all five major North American professional leagues: the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS.
Radiology among the 5 highest paid professions, US News & World Report says
Members of the specialty earned a median salary of approximately $239,200 last year, based on survey data gathered by the media company last fall.
Decision over 35 Castle Donington business units pushed back
Councillors have deferred whether to approve 35 new commercial units at Hill Top Farm in Castle Donington.
Joint statement on the renewed Quadripartite Memorandum of Understanding regarding cooperation on One Health until 2030
Through the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on One Health, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing the implementation of the One Health approach.
Democrats' diverging shutdown approaches: From the Politics Desk
Plus, the 2020 election looms over a key race this year in Georgia.
Opinion | How a Conservative Texas District Rejected the Politics of Division
Many Americans are growing both exhausted and frightened by Trump’s scorched-earth, hyperpartisan, fire-ready-aim approach to the presidency.
Country music star explains why he didn’t talk politics at Grammys
He appreciated the chance to explain why he doesn't talk politics.
Comcast Resets Connectivity Business As Legal And Sports Stakes Rise
Comcast (NasdaqGS:CMCSA) is overhauling its connectivity business, appointing Steve Croney as CEO of Connectivity & Platforms. The company is shifting its broadband and wireless approach, including simplified pricing and new partnership models. A recent patent ruling resulted in a US$240 million judgment against Comcast. Comcast is rolling out RealTime4K streaming and other products ahead of major sports broadcasts such as the Olympics and the Super Bowl. For you as an investor, the story...
Vanderbilt Health acquires Tennova’s Clarksville hospital and related physician clinics from Community Health Systems
Leaders with Vanderbilt Health announced today completion of the acquisition of Tennova Healthcare-Clarksville Hospital and freestanding emergency room Tennova ER-Sango, along with the hospital’s related businesses, including physician clinics and outpatient services, from Community Health Systems Inc. (CHS). Vanderbilt Health has held a 20% minority interest in these operations since 2021. Under Vanderbilt Health’s ownership, the 270-bed hospital will be named Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital (VCH) while the freestanding Sango ER will be named Vanderbilt Emergency Sango. Also joining the Vanderbilt Health system through the acquisition are physician practice locations in Clarksville, Dover, Pleasant View and Tiny Town offering, depending on location, orthopaedics, primary care, wound care, digestive health, urology and surgical services. Acquisition of the hospital and its related physician practices expands Vanderbilt Health’s ability to serve patients across the region, supporting its ability to provide high-quality care in more convenient, community settings that are also more cost-effective. “We are thrilled to welcome Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital into our health system. Providing exceptional care close to home is invaluable, and we are eager to serve the citizens of Clarksville and Montgomery County by expanding the hospital’s programs and services,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of Vanderbilt Health and Dean of Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. This acquisition marks Vanderbilt Health’s fourth regional hospital expansion, further strengthening its presence across Middle Tennessee beyond its already extensive inpatient and ambulatory services in Nashville. VCH joins Vanderbilt Health’s network of regional medical centers that now include Vanderbilt Wilson County Hospital in Lebanon, Vanderbilt Tullahoma-Harton Hospital in Coffee County, and Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital in Shelbyville. With a strong record of growth and investment in people, programs and services for its regional hospitals, residents of Clarksville, Montgomery County and the surrounding region can expect that Vanderbilt Health will bring a host of adult and pediatric services to the area. Initial plans for VCH over the upcoming year include increased staffing for the hospital’s emergency services, including the addition of pediatric emergency medicine specialists with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, along with increased surgical specialty offerings. Longer term, physicians and staff will be recruited to bring a broader array of adult and pediatric specialty services to the community. “I am delighted to welcome the physicians, nurses and staff of Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital into the Vanderbilt Health family and look forward to working closely with the hospital’s medical staff and members of the local health care community to ensure we excel at meeting their needs as caregivers as we pursue the goal of improving the health and wellbeing of the patients we serve,” said Jane Freedman, MD, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Health System Officer for Vanderbilt Health. Currently, VCH employs approximately 1,100 staff and more than 30 physicians. Through this acquisition Vanderbilt Health has committed to hire substantially all current employees who are in good standing. Services already established by Vanderbilt Health at VCH include an OB-GYN hospitalist program, an array of oncology services provided by a multidisciplinary team with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, and neonatal care in the hospital’s Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit provided by specialists with Monroe Carell. VCH has been designated as an Accredited Chest Pain Center and a Wound Care Center of Distinction and has earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission. More information about Vanderbilt Clarksville Hospital is available at: vanderbilthealth.com/hospital/vanderbilt-clarksville-hospital
Toy Association Advocates for Science-Based Approach to California Microplastics Review
On January 30, The Toy Association™ submitted comments to the California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) in response to the agency’s request for information regarding consumer products that contain or generate microplastics, including c
The New Science of Craving
We often view our cravings—whether for drugs, alcohol, food, or approval—as indictments of our character. Yet neuroscience and psychology say otherwise; here's why.
The Wonder Drug That’s Plaguing Sports
Ostarine held the promise of profound medical treatments. Something unexpected happened on the way to F.D.A. approval.
Media Recap: Rural Health Transformation Project Fund Distribution
The Detroit News published a story Jan. 29 on two recent House Appropriations Committee hearings on the distribution of Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) funds.
DiffSyn: a generative diffusion approach to materials synthesis planning
Nature Computational Science - A generative AI approach is developed for predicting materials synthesis recipes—a complex challenge in materials science. Using this approach, the authors...
A tiny light trap could unlock million qubit quantum computers
A new light-based breakthrough could help quantum computers finally scale up. Stanford researchers created miniature optical cavities that efficiently collect light from individual atoms, allowing many qubits to be read at once. The team has already demonstrated working arrays with dozens and even hundreds of cavities. The approach could eventually support massive quantum networks with millions of qubits.
Kennedy Center to cease entertainment operations for two years, Trump says
Feb 1 (Reuters) - The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Performing Arts should not host any events for two years, starting on July 4, President Donald Trump posted on Sunday. "Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, I have ...
Kennedy Center to Cease Entertainment Operations for Two Years, Trump Says
Feb 1 (Reuters) - The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Performing Arts should not host any events for two years, starting on July 4, President Donald Trump posted on Sunday. "Based on these findings, and totally subject to Board approval, I have determined that the fastest way to ...
Why Puerto Rico is considering withdrawing from 2026 World Baseball Classic
Francisco Lindor and other notable Puerto Rican players have not been approved for insurance for the WBC
House Speaker Johnson says he has votes to end partial shutdown by Tuesday
The deal approved by the Senate would separate the Department of Homeland Security from the broader spending package.
Todd Monken Continues Ravens Pipeline With Ian Kolste Hire
Former Ravens offensive analyst Ian Kolste is joining Todd Monken’s Browns staff, continuing Cleveland’s Ravens-influenced approach.
Texas Republicans shift messaging around ICE tactics amid election-year risks
With midterm elections approaching, Texas Republicans are publicly questioning ICE's tactics following deadly and controversial enforcement actions. Analysts say the rhetoric reflects growing political vulnerability rather than a true break from the party's tough stance on immigration.
Is this the rebuild year for the Brewers?
Is this the year the “bites of the apple” approach finally turns rotten?
Tenacia Biopharmaceuticals and Golden Age Health Partner to Commercialize ZTALMY® for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder in Mainland China
SHANGHAI, February 01, 2026--GAH and Tenacia announce a China commercialization partnership for ZTALMY, the first approved therapy for CDKL5 deficiency disorder.
Central Nebraska to host Ag Health and Safety Day Feb. 3
An agricultural health and safety event will take place Feb. 3 at the Dayspring Bank Event Center in Gothenburg, offering farmers and ranchers a comprehensive look at industry safety beyond traditional approaches.
Opinion | Flirting is trickier than ever. Here’s how to approach it.
Dating and politics, in readers’ eyes.
M Health Fairview brand to end with newly approved agreement
Patients are expected to continue to have access to the same doctors as the health system changes branding under new agreement between U, Fairview.
Deadline Approaching for MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy - MHA | Michigan Health & Hospital Association
The enrollment deadline for the MHA Healthcare Leadership Academy (HCLA) is Feb. 6. The cohort meets Feb. 25-27 and May 7-8 at the MHA headquarters in Okemos.
Dr. Michael Greger’s Bias Is Food for Thought
How can we distinguish between a sufficiently objective science communicator and an advocate? Communicating science to the public means choosing scientific papers, reading them, and appraising their
Santa Monica's Downtown Drinking Zone Could Triple in Size
Santa Monica's downtown Entertainment Zone could expand from its current 3-block area to include Fourth Street to Ocean Avenue and from Wilshire to Colorado, following DTSM approval.
F.B.I. Search in Georgia Shows Trump’s Willingness to Pursue 2020 Grievances
The search might also be a harbinger of things to come, signaling the president’s disposition to use the powers of law enforcement to intervene in election matters as the 2026 midterms approach.
Rep. Morelle calls for lawmakers to extend ACA tax credits
The House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would extend those tax credits for three years. It has yet to be voted on in the Senate.
Senate Democrats and White House strike deal to avert shutdown, continue ICE debate
The deal could be approved by the Senate as early as Thursday night, but would still need House approval before midnight Friday to avert another government shutdown.
Brad Treliving defends Maple Leafs’ approach to sports science
The GM responded to criticism over the vacant director of performance role, saying the Leafs have more staff working hands-on with players.
NASA considering alternatives for Gateway logistics
NASA is at a “crossroads” in deciding how to handle logistics for the lunar Gateway as it considers alternative approaches.
Record $1.76B expected to be bet on Super Bowl
Approximately $1.76 billion is expected to be bet on Super Bowl LX with U.S. sportsbooks, a nearly 27% year-over-year increase, according to the AGA.
The race to avoid another shutdown: From the Politics Desk
Plus, Tom Homan's new approach in Minneapolis.
Mavericks put their hope in health as the 1-year anniversary of the Luka Doncic trade approaches
Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving didn't play in that 118-105 loss to Minnesota — and might not be in a Mavericks uniform on the same night again — while it was a temporary injury absence for four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg, the rookie No. 1 pick who landed in Dallas by crazy luck and is seen as the next face of the franchise after Doncic. Days shy of a year since the Mavs shipped their global superstar to the Los Angeles Lakers for Davis and rocked the core of a team that was just nine months removed from playing in the NBA Finals, Washington's hope for a return to contention rests with those four teammates being healthy alongside him.
Mavericks put their hope in health as the 1-year anniversary of the Luka Doncic trade approaches
2026 Grammy Awards performers: Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Addison Rae and Olivia Dean among star-studded lineup
Music's biggest night is fast approaching — and the roster of scheduled Grammy performances continues to grow.
Jason Kelce lauds Patriots' underappreciated defense before Super Bowl
As Eagles great Jason Kelce sees it, the Patriots' defense deserves more credit for their work in the 2025 NFL playoffs.
War Department Boards Merge to Form New Science, Technology and Innova
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth approved a major overhaul of the War Department's legacy advisory boards, directing the merger of the Defense Innovation Board and the Defense Science Board into the new
Melania Trump reveals advice she gives President Trump — and why she doesn’t watch him on TV all day
Melania Trump opens up in rare interview about her private approach to advising President Donald Trump and her selective media appearances strategy.
A new approach to challenging state abortion bans
And more health news from the Morning Rounds newsletter
Hampton Town Meeting preview: Voters to weigh ICE pact, business trash
Should the town budget and proposed money articles gain approval, a homeowner with a $600,000 property will see a $301.24 increase in their tax bill.
CAA Fast Break
As the league approaches the midway point of the conference slate, CAA men’s basketball insider Dr. John Giannini and host Griffin Della Penna broke down the league and its incredible performances, as well as the CAA's upcoming matchups on CBS Sports Network in the fifth edition of the CAA Fast Break.
Trump’s National Guard deployments have cost taxpayers nearly $500 million dollars
President Donald Trump’s sweeping deployment of National Guard troops to several major cities across the United States cost taxpayers approximately $496 million from June through December last year, according to an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office.
Alibaba to merge with China's Zelos on $2 billion robovan business, WSJ reports
Alibaba's logistics arm plans to merge its autonomous-driving unit Cainiao with China's Zelos Technology, forming a new entity valued at approximately $2 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing sources familiar with the matter.
Citrus Heights approves mandatory registry for vacant businesses
ACU Sports Podcast: Wildcat Annual Fund Director Anthony Egbo
Anthony Egbo, former ACU football player and current director of the Wildcat Annual Fund, talks about ACU Athletics' unique approach to philanthropy, what to expect for ACU Gives, and shares stories of how ACU has impacted student-athletes' lives even if they are only a Wildcat for a year or two.
State approves tax credits for 6 business projects, including 2 in Cuyahoga County
CSA America Testing & Certification and Rupes USA are expanding in Cuyahoga County with tax credits from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority.
Winners of 2026 Southwest Wyoming Regional Science Fair Announced
ROCK SPRINGS — Western Wyoming Community College hosted 68 students from five different schools participating in the Southwest Wyoming Regional Science Fair Jan. 22. “The science fair gives students statewide a chance to showcase their scientific creativity and ingenuity. We deeply appreciate the participating students and the teachers and families who support them,” David Tanner,
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.
Our Darwinian Approach to Health Care Costs
In his latest column, President and CEO Dr. Drew Altman presents his Venn diagram of health care cost problems and shows how, in our fragmented health system, reducing one health cost problem often makes another worse.
Investment and Statecraft: The International Politics of Sovereign Wealth Funds - Georgetown Journal of International Affairs
In 1953, Kuwait established the world’s first sovereign wealth fund to invest the country’s oil revenues and generate returns that would reduce its reliance on a single resource. Since then, over 100 separate funds have been created to preserve national wealth and ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. Today, they manage over $10 trillion in global assets. In this discussion with GJIA, political economist Kathryn Lavelle explains the increasingly novel dynamics that surround fund behavior and what the world can come to expect from their growing presence in international financial markets. GJIA: When it comes to the roles sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) play in global markets and politics, what would you say makes them unique? Kathryn Lavelle: Sovereign wealth funds (SWFs) operate on behalf of governments as investors. That in itself is a strange relationship. Within them, a core contest takes place between the state’s interests (or sovereign) part of the dynamic, and the money interests (or wealth) part of it, and these two aspects are frequently in contradiction, serving fundamentally different goals. SWFs are also quite fascinating because when you talk to the people who manage these funds, they have an interest in convincing you that the decisions are made almost exclusively on a financial basis—they really will go to great lengths to differentiate their government owners and those who make the management decisions. At the same time, these people ultimately answer to someone in power. Therefore, for most SWFs, it remains deeply unclear who is actually making the investment decisions and for what purposes. Of course, it is not always clear how other vehicles, such as hedge funds and private equity make the decisions they do, but I think what a lot of people find particularly disconcerting about SWFs is that they seem to act on behalf of people who have a different identity from their own. People who could be trying to manipulate politics and markets in a way that would have a long-term effect on their own populations. Regular investors come and go at will, and they only share an interest in profit as far as most of us understand. However, SWFs have that extra “sovereign” part right behind them that obscures their true interest. GJIA: These funds can be found in countries all across the globe, in both authoritarian states and democracies. Would you say SWFs differ in their goals and structures between regime-type? KL: It is not necessarily regime type that makes the goals and structures of SWFs different. It has to do with their economies. Let’s look at a country like China. There’s going to be a debate about exactly how to characterize the regime, but it is a country with many different kinds of sovereign wealth funds, and a particularly opaque state connection to each. At one time, some of the state-owned Chinese oil companies created specialized investment vehicles listed outside Chinese markets that excluded parts of the firms that were more associated with human rights violations. At the same time, the China Investment Corporation (CIC)—China’s largest SWF—draws a lot of concern, not necessarily because of its investment activities, but because of the dynamics of global politics. So, I wouldn’t really tie differences to regime types themselves in a wholesale way, but rather to how such funds are perceived and how they are structured. Saudi Arabia’s SWF is getting all kinds of attention for its involvement in Hollywood, and this takes me right back to when I was a student in the 1980s, when people were concerned about Japanese investment entities buying assets in Hollywood. They aren’t quite the same in financial terms, but it’s the same kind of concern about foreign investment that drives people to be suspicious, and the whole idea that “foreigners are influencing Hollywood.” This holds true across industries, and it reflects where politics are in places like the United States right now. One metric we can try to look at is transparency, where all the funds will tell you, “we are transparent.” The problem you’ll keep running into with this approach is how you value things. When trying to do comparative studies of equity markets, you’ll find that every country doesn’t use Generally Accepted Accounting Principles like we do in the United States. A fund may appear opaque politically and not want people to show what they’re invested in or what their intent with that investment is, but they could also just not be able to report it because of the way it was purchased, or the kinds of shares they purchased. There are some assets out there that really are difficult to put a monetary value on. GJIA: To what extent do domestic politics shape SWF behavior in both the investing “home” country and the recipient “host” country? KL: This depends on the type of fund present and also on the extent to which voters’ political views are able to influence the fund. For example, in a democratic home state like Norway, the SWF doesn’t invest in nuclear weapons or tobacco because of social concerns, but there is a continuing debate over whether it should invest in oil, even though that’s where most of the money comes from. The degree to which Norway will continue to make those investments, and whether they contradict the government’s overall climate goals, is an open question in Norwegian politics. Because of the way the fund’s governance is structured, it may not be easy to resolve. On the other hand, some people consider pension funds, like the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) in Ohio, to be quasi-SWF. They have a very strict separation between the people who make up the management division and the fund owners. No teacher or professor would want to invest in things that may harm the future of their students. At the same time, a fund manager might see an opportunity in a diversified multinational corporation that offers a good return, despite it deriving part of its revenue from e-cigarettes. These contests are very apparent. Domestic politics can work in host countries too. A good example is Singapore’s SWF, Temasek, investing in Thailand’s telecommunications sector. If you study political economy, you already know that countries everywhere are uncomfortable with foreign ownership of their telecom sectors because a foreign entity could monitor or manipulate our communications with each other. In the case of Temasek, there was significant pushback from Thai citizens surrounding the deal, which went on to influence national political sentiment toward Singapore as a whole, underscoring the risks some SWFs may face with their investment choices. In this case, fund behavior led to the dissolution of the entire Thai government in 2006 and a subsequent coup d’état. GJIA: To address some of this unease, the Santiago Principles were established in 2009 to ostensibly promote trust and transparency. From your perspective, have these mechanisms actually changed fund behavior? KL: In international relations theory, we always like to have a clear set of norms and best practices—the orientation we want the proverbial ship to be going in. In that regard, the Santiago Principles at least got the discussion going about which direction SWFs should take at a time when people were very skittish about the growing size of these funds. Nobody wanted them to be out there and potentially destabilizing economies, so talks about disclosure, conditions for withdrawal, and the independence of managers were helpful when initiated. The biggest stumbling block was that there wasn’t exactly a good way to measure compliance with the Principles, let alone how to hold funds to them. If you read the Principles, they’re overall quite vague. In general, a fund doesn’t want to reveal how and why they make certain investment decisions because that information is proprietary—a fund makes money off of how and why it makes decisions—so how do you reconcile that with loosely-defined ideas of openness? Some decisions might have a political purpose. The bottom line is that trying to figure out and assign a score to compliance is not easy, and it is therefore the reason why the Santiago Principles never really got off the ground to the point where they could truly direct fund behavior. GJIA: Many emerging markets are looking to build their own SWFs from mineral and oil revenues. Historically, have funds shaped development trajectories in these countries? KL: I think the big story in international emerging markets investment is that the investment is increasingly no longer unidirectional. In the past multinational corporations of primarily Western background were the main form of foreign direct investment in a country. That has changed dramatically, to the point where you have companies from so-called “developing countries” taking over companies in the United States. Therefore, the landscape of international investment has changed, and I think SWFs are certainly a possibility to be the next step in the game. Historically, you didn’t need an entire financial vehicle to reinvest commodity revenues in your country, but as emerging markets get more financially sophisticated, their capacity to operate such funds has increased. SWFs would allow treasuries to move from relying on holding foreign exchange assets like cash or government bonds to having broader financial markets and targeted growth areas, while easing pressure on welfare expenditures. GJIA: With their increasing financial weight, do you see the presence of SWFs being a factor in the political choices leaders will have to make with regard to domestic and foreign policy? KL: It will depend on just how big the funds get. One of the reasons people are already apprehensive is because of their scale, and if certain SWFs in certain countries achieve a large-enough size, the presence will absolutely be cause for concern. The other factor political leaders will have to consider are their objectives. It’s not always clear how to define a SWF, or even where its activity is concentrated, but it is certainly a worry from the perspective of national security of opaque external investment. More than that, I think one of the most interesting questions going forward is whether the United States, the home to the world’s largest financial markets, will develop its own fund, for which the Trump administration announced a plan. There have also been several proposals in Congress. Were it to come into being, it would have tremendous weight. At the same time, one of the hallmarks of U.S. capitalism is a lack of government ownership of shares, so it would not be clear how such a fund would be received in domestic politics, or which direction it would take. Given how politically fragmented the country is, a Democratic administration would likely be concerned about different sectors of the economy, such as healthcare, and want investment there, rather than a Republican administration, which might prefer defense industries. No investment vehicle could thrive under conditions of such instability. Moreover, it remains unclear where the money to fund a theoretical U.S. SWF would come from. It would be a fundamentally different entity depending on whether it is financed with debt, economic surplus, commodities, or the sale of state companies, as in the case of Singapore. If it is debt, or government borrowing of some form, then the fund would have to outperform whatever the cost of that debt is, which is not an easy thing to do. I think our political leaders have enough on their plate. Our system has worked well keeping political and investment functions generally separate. We have seen different forms of business rise and fall, and even the perception of different countries, all of which funds are tied to. Unless a major SWF either starts—like in the case of the United States—or collapses—an issue that concerns the Saudis, I don’t see any political tsunamis on the horizon. . . . Kathryn Lavelle is the Ellen and Dixon Long Professor of World Affairs at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. Her research explores the exchange between domestic and international and political institutions with a particular emphasis on political economy and multilateralism. Dr. Lavelle’s first book, The Politics of Equity Finance in Emerging Markets, explored the political circumstances that surround large issues of stock in the developing world. After being granted tenure at Case Western, she was awarded an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellowship and named the William A. Steiger fellow, a designation given to the most promising political scientist in her class of fellows. While in Washington during 2006-2007, she worked on the staff of the House Committee on Financial Services on issues related to domestic and international monetary policy. Dr. Lavelle holds a PhD in political science from Northwestern University; an M.A. in government and foreign affairs from the University of Virginia; and a bachelor’s degree in international economics from Georgetown University. She is a permanent member of the New York Council on Foreign Relations. This transcript has been lightly edited for clarity and length. Interview conducted by Sid Mehrotra. Image Credit: Jason Leung, Unsplash Content Licenses, via Unsplash
TARC to sell West End business center to community group
With approval from the TARC board, a purchase agreement for the Nia Center is expected to be signed by the end of the week.
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.
Gossip: Brighton reject Dunk approach
Brighton have turned down an approach from Nottingham Forest for 34-year-old ex-England defender Lewis Dunk. Sky Sports) Brighton could see loan Brazilian defender Igor Julio coming back to the club in order for West Ham to follow through with deals on deals for Tottenham's Czech keeper Antonin Kinsky, 22, and Chelsea's French defender Axel Disasi. (Guardian)
N.J. approves $12.5M to boost med-tech, maternal health startups
The state will invest in two innovation centers aimed at advancing maternal health entrepreneurship.
City council approves $15.5M to support Asheville small businesses
Asheville City Council approved $15.5 million to support the city’s Small Business Support Program (SBSP).
Michigan High School Athletic Association approves athlete NIL deals
The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) approved new bylaws allowing athletes to profit off their name, image and likeness immediately.
AI made marketing faster but brands struggle to keep up
New research shows AI boosted content speed, but slow approvals and burnout keep marketing teams from seizing cultural moments.
Asheville City Council approves $15.5M in funding for Small Business Support Program - The City of Asheville
In an important next step for small business recovery following Tropical Storm Helene, the Asheville City Council approved a $15.5 million funding recommendation on Tuesday, January 27, to support the City’s Small Business Support Program (SBSP), funded through the Community Development Block Grant–Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program.
Who voted to split public and private high school school sports? What to know about AHSAA’s Central Board
The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board voted 13-2 to approve a landmark decision that will split public and private schools in championship play.
Misty Copeland on her approach to wellness post-retirement, motherhood and the Met Gala
Misty Copeland shares what's next for her health, and why she doesn't love the word "retirement."
This discovery could let bones benefit from exercise without moving
Researchers have discovered a biological switch that explains why movement keeps bones strong. The protein senses physical activity and pushes bone marrow stem cells to build bone instead of storing fat, slowing age-related bone loss. By targeting this “exercise sensor,” scientists believe they could create drugs that mimic exercise at the molecular level. The approach could protect fragile bones in people who are unable to stay active.
A Century of Service: How Jackson County Public Health in Missouri is Leading a New Approach to a Healthy Community
Explore how Jackson County Public Health in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, marks 100 years by leading innovation for lasting public health change.
Report: In Some Urban Districts, Science of Reading Limits ‘Robust Comprehension’
Rather than promoting deeper literacy skills, the phonics-based approach 'may unintentionally encourage teachers to focus on surface-level goals.'
NOCD acquires Rebound Health
The move signals virtual behavioral health companies are starting to adopt the platform approach that has become popular in other digital health segments.
NOCD acquires Rebound Health
The move signals virtual behavioral health companies are starting to adopt the platform approach that has become popular in other digital health segments.
Tesla FSD test reveals glaring problem with camera-only approach
My front camera had problems with condensation, especially in direct, low sunlight. Tesla cleaned it, but this could be a challenge for full autonomy.
Richmond wedding planning business changes hands in sale to employee
It’s a match made in heaven between the founder of The Hive Wedding Collective Richmond and one of its employees-turned-owner.
Fiscal Policy Institute: BET tax cut would fail to spur business growth
A cut in the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) that recently won approval in the Republican-led House of Representatives would cost the state treasury $26 million a year and do little
A digital twin for real-time biodiversity forecasting with citizen science data
Nature Ecology & Evolution - Citizen science data are increasingly used in biodiversity monitoring. This study applies a digital twin approach to biodiversity monitoring using a large citizen...