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MacBook Neo Components Required A ‘Rethink’ From Apple To Get Down To That $599 Price, New Report Says A Touchscreen In Newer Models Isn’t ‘Plausible’
A touchscreen isn’t making its way to a successive MacBook Neo model, as Apple found it very difficult to bring the notebook down to that low $599 price
‘Everything is going up’: Americans struggle with affordability despite Trump’s claims
US workers are finding it difficult to afford basic necessities as the president claims ‘the economy is roaring back’
Rattlesnake bites spiking in Arizona as health officials warn of ‘blind spot’ danger
Banner Health’s toxicology team said the leading bite scenario this year involves areas that are difficult to see clearly.
'One of Us' is a British political drama based on the Boris Johnson era
In today’s episode, Elizabeth Day describes the protagonist in her new novel One of Us as the “quintessential outsider.” Martin Gilmour came from a difficult background, but won a scholarship to an elite boarding school in England. There, he befriends an aristocratic boy named Ben who will later ask Martin to keep an important secret. One of Us follows the implosion of their friendship – and Martin’s discretion – as Ben strives for political power. In today’s episode, Day and NPR’s Scott Simon discuss the novel’s central rivalry and Day’s interest in the Boris Johnson era of British politics.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookoftheday
Paying cash for healthcare could help cut your medical bills
With discounts of up to 80% on medical costs, it's becoming increasingly difficult not to consider cash-pay healthcare.
Can Trump run a war and a midterm campaign at the same time?
The push-and-pull between the Iran conflict and the November elections is contributing to mixed messages now and difficult choices ahead.
A particle accelerator helped scientists create stunning 3D ants
Researchers have developed a high-tech system that rapidly scans ants and converts them into detailed 3D models. Using a synchrotron accelerator, X-ray imaging, robotics, and AI, the team scanned 2,000 specimens in just a week and produced models of 800 species. The images reveal microscopic anatomy that was previously difficult to study. The growing Antscan database could become a powerful digital library of biodiversity.
Scientists discover molecule that stops aggressive breast cancer in its tracks
Scientists at Oregon Health & Science University have developed a new molecule that could open the door to treating triple-negative breast cancer, one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat forms of the disease. The compound, called SU212, targets and disables a key enzyme that cancer cells rely on to fuel their growth. In tests using humanized mouse models, the molecule caused tumors to shrink and slowed the spread of cancer by forcing the enzyme to break down.
Pens Points: A tough road trip begins
Here are your Pens Points for this Tuesday morning… The Pittsburgh Penguins begin a difficult stretch of games on Tuesday, with a five-game road trip against several likely playoff teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes, Vegas Golden Knights, and Utah Mammoth. Pittsburgh recently earned some important points despite Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin’s absences. Is it […]
Champions League burning questions: Six English teams in the quarterfinals? Can Man City, Chelsea Spurs win?
While Arsenal and Liverpool are heavy favorites to advance, the rest of England's sides have difficult fights on their hands
Dallas Cowboys acquire Green Bay Packers Pro Bowl pass rusher
The NFL’s new league year will unofficially begin this afternoon. Teams will attempt to finalize trades, sign free agents, and make difficult roster cuts before Wednesday’s official start of the league year. The Green Bay Packers had planned to release…
Difficult people in your life might make you age faster, study suggests
New research suggests that difficult people, aka hasslers, contribute to chronic stress and elevate epigenetic biomarkers associated with aging.
A Grip on Sports: There is something special about watching the joy that comes with reaching a goal, no matter how difficult the journey was
A GRIP ON SPORTS • If there is any way to turn back the clock, how many of us would do it? This morning, when Daylight Saving Time kicks in, pretty much everyone. But when faced with the metaphorical, looking back on our past successes and failures, the question is a lot harder to answer, isn’t it?
AI discovers the hidden signal of liquid-like ion flow in solid-state batteries
Solid-state batteries could be safer and more energy-dense than today’s lithium-ion technology, but finding materials that allow ions to move quickly through solid electrolytes has been difficult. Researchers developed a machine learning pipeline that predicts Raman spectra and identifies a distinctive low-frequency signal linked to liquid-like ion motion inside crystals. This signal appears when rapid ion movement temporarily disrupts a crystal’s symmetry. The approach could dramatically speed up the discovery of superionic materials for advanced batteries.
Controversial top vaccine regulator to depart FDA
Vinay Prasad, the top regulator overseeing vaccines and complex treatments for difficult diseases, had previously lost his job in July before getting it back less than two weeks later.
Tijuana truckers say English requirement is putting them out of business
Mexican truck drivers, including some with decades of experience, say they are facing difficulties when tested for English proficiency.
The best new popular science books of March 2026
A new book from Rebecca Solnit, promising to bring us hope in these “difficult times”, is among our pick of popular science titles out this month – along with a guide on how to talk to AI, and a look at modern warfare
LSU sports is barely in the black financially, with uncertain financial times ahead
As LSU sports barely breaks even financially, difficult times potentially lie ahead for both its athletic teams and academic programs.
Clinton County teen dies from flu, health district announces
In a release, the Clinton County Health District provided no immediate details, only saying that 'our thoughts are with the family during this incredibly difficult time.'
Pressure points: Balancing clinical and financial priorities in health care | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
As financial pressures intensify across health care, leaders face difficult choices that test their ability to protect clinical excellence while sustaining their organizations. Join leading experts for a candid conversation about navigating the tensions between clinical and financial priorities—and the skills, strategies, and innovations needed to lead effectively through these competing demands.
Is regime change really possible in Iran?
Inbuilt structural power makes Tehran authorities difficult to overthrow, as Ayatollah’s son tipped to succeed him
Target finishes difficult year with sales decline
Target reported a 1.7% decline in total sales for its fiscal year, but said it expects net sales growth in every quarter of 2026.
Trump presses ahead with Iran war despite warnings of political risk for midterms
U.S. President Donald Trump pressed ahead with military strikes against Iran despite private warnings from senior aides that the escalation could be difficult to contain and carry political risks for Republicans in November's midterm elections, according to two senior White House officials and a Republican close to the administration.
Winners and losers from MotoGP’s season-opening Thailand Grand Prix
The 2026 MotoGP season kicked off in Thailand with KTM and Aprilia sharing the spoils and Ducati suffering an unusually difficult weekend
Mystic & Aurora Ticket easily obtainable in Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen on Switch
Two things which were notoriously difficult to get in the original versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen were the Mystic and Aurora Tickets which could only be obtained via limited items that were…
Battered clubs battle as Warriors hobble into Memphis
The Memphis Grizzlies are going through a difficult stretch because of the abundance of injuries, particularly at one key position.
‘Difficult decision’: These 18 business locations across Pa. are closing
The businesses on the list are in 14 counties.
The ACA health coverage subsidy lapse hit 22 million people. Here are some of their stories
The lapse of enhanced subsidies for Affordable Care Act marketplace insurance has forced families to make difficult financial choices.
AMD Seemingly Stops Driver Updates for Ryzen Z1 Extreme Processor
AMD has reportedly stopped driver updates for its Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU solution for handheld consoles, according to the latest Lenovo Korea update. This means that only after 2 and a half years, AMD is pulling support for its SoC, leaving many enthusiasts in a difficult spot. Confirmation from multi...
Supreme Court tariff decision sparks hope among Orange County businesses
Business owners in downtown Santa Ana say tariffs have translated to higher prices and difficult conversations with customers.
Business Lookahead: Nvidia earnings take center stage
STORY: As global markets react to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on President Trump's tariffs, Nvidia earnings head for center stage. These are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week. :: Nvidia's momentMarkets will be watching for Nvidia's quarterly results Wednesday...as investors worry about returns on AI spending and industry disruptions caused by the emerging tech.Nvidia shares have soared following the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022.But shares of the company and others in the "Magnificent Seven" have stalled so far in 2026.:: Anniversary angstTuesday marks the four-year anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.While the push for a ceasefire continues, getting one over the line remains difficult.Ukraine has faced sustained pressure to agree to a deal that could mean painful concessions, as Russian forces pound its power grid and slowly advance on the battlefield.The International Monetary Fund looks set to rubberstamp extended support, meaning Kyiv's bonds are flying high.:: Key Australia dataAustralia's consumer price reading Wednesday will be closely watched by investors, who are betting the central bank will hike rates at least once more this year.Earlier this month, Australia's central bank became the only one in the G10 outside Japan to tighten policy, as it struggles to bring inflation under control in a supply-constrained economy.:: British uneaseBritish Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces a reckoning Thursday in a Manchester special election.Investors will be watching the results closely. Friday could be another volatile day for British markets and Westminster.British gilts and the pound wobbled earlier this month as a crisis engulfed Starmer over what he knew of Peter Mandelson's links to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein when he appointed the former as U.S. ambassador.
Scientists just mapped mysterious earthquakes deep inside Earth
Scientists at Stanford have unveiled the first-ever global map of rare earthquakes that rumble deep within Earth’s mantle rather than its crust. Long debated and notoriously difficult to confirm, these elusive quakes turn out to cluster in regions like the Himalayas and near the Bering Strait. By developing a breakthrough method that distinguishes mantle quakes using subtle differences in seismic waves, researchers identified hundreds of these hidden tremors worldwide.
On an Ambitious Antarctic Quest, One Nation Is on the Sidelines
None of the main research on the voyage of the Araon was funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation, a sign of the difficult times for American science.
Johnson County small businesses shared tariff concerns with Rep. Sharice Davids
Small business owners in Johnson County are facing mounting financial pressures as tariffs drive up costs for essential supplies, forcing them to make difficult business decisions.
DAV announces new partnership with Solace Health supporting veterans’ care
ERLANGER, Ky. – DAV (Disabled American Veterans) is proud to announce a new partnership with Solace Health as its first new partner in 2026. The partnership is supported by a donation from Solace Health to advance DAV’s mission of empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives. The collaboration brings together two organizations focused on helping veterans receive timely, coordinated, high-quality care, regardless of where they receive it. While many veterans receive care through the VA, which offers an integrated and coordinated whole-health model, others receive some or all of their care through private health systems using Medicare or other insurance benefits. These veterans often need help to understand health insurance rules, manage their treatment, and navigate between multiple health care systems. “Disabled veterans often have complex health challenges, and DAV’s advocacy work strives to minimize barriers to timely, high-quality care, primarily within VA., but increasingly between VA and private providers,” said DAV CEO and National Adjutant Barry Jesinoski. “Our partnership with Solace Health can offer support for veterans who are eligible for VA care and Medicare, particularly those who split their care between the VA and private health systems. Veterans who don’t use VA at all can also benefit from the care coordination services that Solace Health provides, usually with little or no out-of-pocket cost to them.” Solace Health provides professional health care advocacy services, connecting patients with experienced advocates who help schedule appointments, explain benefits, coordinate care among providers, and manage administrative burdens with private health care systems, thereby allowing veterans and their families to focus on health and recovery. “For many veterans, the fight doesn’t end when service does,” said Jeremy Gurewitz, CEO and co-founder of Solace Health. “Veterans living with serious medical conditions often encounter a private health care system outside of the VA that is fragmented and difficult to navigate. Through this partnership with DAV, Solace Health advocates can help cut through red tape, improve care coordination, and simplify scheduling of medical appointments. We’re proud to support DAV in helping veterans to successfully navigate health care systems so that veterans, particularly disabled veterans, receive the care they have earned.” DAV provides a lifetime of support for veterans of all generations, their families, caregivers, and survivors. Each year, DAV’s no-cost programs and services help more than 1 million veterans access the benefits and health care they have earned, connect with meaningful employment, and ensure their voices are heard on Capitol Hill. About DAV DAV is dedicated to ensuring our promise is kept to America’s veterans. DAV does this by helping veterans and their families access the full range of benefits available to them, fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill, providing employment resources to veterans and their families, offering programs and services to empower them, and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. A nonprofit organization with nearly 1 million members, DAV was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1932. About Solace Health Veterans face complex health challenges, and the path to care is far harder than it should be. They deal with fragmented services and providers, each with unique requirements and paperwork. Solace Health advocates—healthcare experts with 16 years’ experience on average—help veterans navigate this landscape when they need it most. Advocates schedule appointments, explain benefits and keep doctors aligned. They take the lead on calls and documentation, and their no-homework ethos eases burdens on veterans and their families. Solace Health is covered by Medicare and Medicare Advantage, and most veterans pay little or nothing out of pocket. We’re honored to support DAV members.
Russia says Ukraine peace talks in Geneva were difficult, but business-like
Russia's chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky said on Wednesday that U.S.-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva had been difficult but business-like, and that a new round of talks would be held soon.
House Republican Faces Backlash to Islamophobic Post Suggesting He Prefers Dogs to Muslims
Representative Randy Fine had responded to a Palestinian organizer by saying that “the choice between dogs and Muslims is not a difficult one.”
Nithya Raman stunned the L.A. political world in 2020. Now, she wants to do it again
Raman's late entry will make it more difficult for her to get endorsements and raise money. She will have to work at double speed to build a campaign infrastructure and tap into bases that have helped her win before.
Why some kids struggle with math even when they try hard
A new Stanford study suggests math struggles may be about more than numbers. Children who had difficulty with math were less likely to adjust their thinking after making mistakes during number comparison tasks. Brain imaging showed weaker activity in regions that help monitor errors and guide behavioral changes. These brain patterns could predict which children were more likely to struggle.
Xavier, Marquette seek responses from road setbacks
Teams coming off difficult road losses meet Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati as Xavier takes on Marquette in a Big East rematch.
Advancing AI for science: extracting and fusing cross-disciplinary expert knowledge with data to accelerate alloy discovery
High-entropy alloys are promising advanced materials for demanding applications, but discovering useful compositions is difficult and expensive due to the vast number of possible element combinations. Now, researchers have developed a novel AI-driven framework that integrates experimental data, computational modeling, and cross-disciplinary expert knowledge extracted from scientific literature. By combining these sources in a way that accounts for uncertainty, their approach can make reliable predictions even for poorly studied alloy compositions, outperforming conventional data-driven machine learning methods that rely on training data alone.
Lindsey Vonn injury footage: How do sports broadcasters cover serious accidents?
When competitors suffer horrific, or even life-threatening, injuries, broadcasters are faced with making difficult ethical choices
‘The Pitt’ Star Opens Up About ‘Really Difficult Situation’ That Helped Her Land Role Of Dr. McKay
“It's a crazy experience to play something that feels like it reflects my own life as much as it does,” the actor said of playing the empathetic Dr. Cassie McKay.
The Nick Castellanos era in Philadelphia comes to an end
The Phillies are moving on from the outfielder after a difficult 2025 season.
Local restaurants craft unique ways to brew up business in winter season
TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10)– As restaurants across the region are faced with their most difficult season, they’re finding unique ways to brew up business. Places like Cafe Euphoria in Troy, are…
New Kraft Heinz CEO's difficult choice: Split or double down
Kraft Heinz's new CEO Steve Cahillane was faced with a difficult choice. Either continue the time-consuming process of separating into two companies or revive the company's struggling brands during a time of weak consumer sentiment. He couldn't do both.
Science funding needs fixing — but not through chaotic reforms
Nature - The changes announced by a major UK science funder are putting scientists — and the future of research — in a difficult position.
Oscar Health Q4 Earnings Call Highlights
Oscar Health (NYSE:OSCR) outlined a sharp pivot from a difficult 2025 to what management described as a return to profitability in 2026, driven by membership growth, rate actions, and continued administrative cost leverage supported by technology and AI. 2025 results: revenue growth offset by risk
Chelsea Women in crisis: A critical exit, player confusion and the role of the men’s sporting directors
The departure of Paul Green as head of women's football is a major moment for the club, who have endured an unusually difficult season
Super Bowl ads try to overcome tough times with health, caring and the usual laughs
At a difficult time for America, Super Bowl advertisers ask viewers to take care of themselves and others — and maybe even crack a smile.
Social media companies are being sued for harming their users’ mental health – but are the platforms addictive?
Experts say the term ‘addiction’ is be overused and, for social media use, could be difficult to prove
Super Bowl ads try to overcome tough times with health, caring and the usual laughs
At a difficult time for America, Super Bowl advertisers are asking viewers to take care of themselves and others — and maybe even crack a smile.
Super Bowl Ads Try to Overcome Tough Times With Health, Caring and the Usual Laughs
At a difficult time for America, Super Bowl advertisers ask viewers to take care of themselves and others — and maybe even crack a smile. Ring shows how neighbors can use their doorbell cameras to find lost pets. A Budweiser Clydesdale protects a bald eagle chick from the rain. Novartis touts a ...
IBX’s commitment to getting health care right
Health care costs are weighing heavily on everyday Americans and their families. Across the country, more people are seeking health care and prices for medical care and prescriptions continue to rise. As a result, health insurers are increasing premiums to keep up. At the same time, employer provided health coverage is eating into paychecks. All of this is making it more difficult for hardworking Americans to afford the coverage and care they deserve.
Fujifilm Fixed Its Biggest Pre-2024 Mistake: The Beauty of an Open X-Mount Lens Roundup
Full List of Third Party AF Fujifilm X mount lenses available on Amazon When I wrote the FujiRumors 14-year anniversary article, I mentioned that our journey wasn’t without difficult moments—and that Fujifilm, at times, made some serious mistakes. The biggest one in recent memory was the 2024 firmware debacle, which severely degraded autofocus performance. It…
Gavin Newsom Memoir Describes Difficult Childhood, Contrary to Image
Mr. Newsom, the California governor and a potential presidential candidate, writes that the privileged caricature of his background is mistaken.
A “spiritual entertainment” inspired by faith, international intrigue, and Cardinal Zen
Crafting an interesting story is more difficult than simply pulling something from today’s headlines. However, in the hands of a gifted storyteller, current events can be an inspiration for profoundly interesting and edifying stories. David […]
3 Detroit Lions Who Could Become Cap Casualties
The Detroit Lions could make difficult cap decisions this offseason. Graham Glasgow, Taylor Decker, and David Montgomery are names to watch.
The ICE surge has disrupted business. Minnesota’s top economic official is ‘very concerned.’
In an interview, DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek spoke at length about how ICE is affecting businesses and making the job of growing the state’s economy more difficult.
Lindsey Vonn airlifted from course after crash in final downhill before the Olympics
Vonn lost control when landing a jump in a World Cup race held in difficult conditions with low visibility and ended up tangled in the safety nets on the upper portion of the course.
Indy business owners say winter storm is freezing profits
Beloved Central Indiana shops and restaurants say the recent snowfall has made a difficult month of business even harder.
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.
Why it’s so hard to uncover the truth about a president’s health
Bruises on Trump’s hands and other apparent ailments have invited speculation. But secrecy, politics, and the vagaries of aging make drawing conclusions difficult.
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
Vern Buchanan says opportunity for fresh leaders, not difficult political environment, drove choice to retire
The Longboat Key Republican hasn't endorsed a successor, but says the region has plenty of talent.
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.
Business school teaching case study: The promise and pitfalls of biodiversity offsets
Environmental impact is difficult to quantify, while offset plans can lead to accusations of ‘greenwashing’
Menopause linked to loss of gray matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance
Menopause is linked to reductions in gray matter volume in key brain regions as well as increased levels of anxiety and depression and difficulties with sleep, according to new research from the University ...
Former astronaut on lunar spacesuits: "I don't think they're great right now"
These are just the difficulties of designing a spacesuit for the lunar environment."
Ranking the Xenoblade Chronicles games, from best to worst
Today, we're taking on the difficult task of ranking every single game in the Xenoblade Chronicles series from best to "least best".
Opinion | To Beat White Identity Politics, End Democratic Racial Politics
The way Democrats invoke race in politics is making it difficult to face off with an increasingly white nationalist G.O.P.
Kyle Shanahan’s postgame message reveals mindset after Seahawks blowout
Kyle Shanahan reflects on a difficult playoff exit as the San Francisco 49ers are outmatched by the Seattle Seahawks, revealing a perspective beyond the final score.
Building the data infrastructure for next-generation materials science
Materials research generates vast amounts of data, but the information often exists in manufacturer-specific formats and the terminology is inconsistent, making it difficult to aggregate, compare, and ...
Maryland Is 2026’s 2nd Worst State to Start a Business, Per Study
With over 20% of new businesses failing within one year and inflation making entrepreneurship even more difficult, the personal-finance company WalletHub today released its report on 2026’s Best & Worst […]
How scientists are turning thyme into precision medicine
Thyme extract is packed with health-promoting compounds, but it is difficult to control and easy to waste. Researchers created a new technique that traps tiny amounts of the extract inside microscopic capsules, preventing evaporation and irritation. The method delivers consistent nanodoses and could eventually be used in medicines or food products. It may also work for many other natural extracts.
Trump pushes for emergency electricity auction, underlining the difficult politics of rising utility prices and AI
The White House is reportedly set to announce a new action today that will attempt to make Big Tech companies "pay their own way" — as President Trump put it earlier this week — when it comes to energy consumption in the years ahead.
The Business of Butterworths, the Hottest New Restaurant in Washington DC
When the Odd Lots team was down in Washington DC earlier this year, we had a phenomenal meal at a restaurant called Butterworths. As it turns out, the restaurant is one of the hottest hangouts for the MAGA crowd, with Steve Bannon and others frequently seen in its dining room. Of course, restaurants are difficult businesses in normal conditions, but in DC, you have the added factor that political cycles are changing all the time, and different bars and restaurants become associated with specific parties who go in and out of power. On this episode, we speak with Bart Hutchins, the chef-owner at the restaurant. We talk about everything from sourcing ingredients from small Amish farms, to acquiring beef tallow, and dining room logistics. We also talk about food costs, labor availability, and how the intense worker shortages and price inflation of the post-2020 period still affects how the restaurant is run today. Originally aired 1/2/26. (Source: Bloomberg)
Stay 'Blessed': Chicago's Success Becoming 'Difficult to Quantify'
The NFC is wide open, and it appears Chicago is the postseason's 'blessed' team. Sammy P reports.
Stephen Ross Says It's Difficult to Do Business in California
CEO and Chairman of Related Ross, Founder of Related Companies and Owner of the Miami Dolphins Stephen Ross says it costs too much to do business in California. He speaks to Bloomberg's Caroline Gage. (Source: Bloomberg)
Daniel Perez warns of tough choices in 2026 as House braces for tax, insurance, drug-cost battles
‘But difficult doesn’t mean impossible, and hard isn’t an excuse for cowardice.’
Mary Peltola Runs for Senate in Alaska, Lifting Democrats’ Hopes
The former congresswoman is the latest top-tier recruit for Democrats, who face a difficult Senate map this year as they try to retake control of the chamber.
The Pros And Cons Of The Chevy Corvette's Carbon Fiber Wheels
Carbon fiber wheels are lighter and can change the driving experience, but they're also much more expensive, and difficult to repair if they're damaged.
Julie Blakstad: Tottenham's new signing on unfinished business in WSL
Tottenham's new signing Julie Blakstad is aiming to make her mark on the Women's Super League second time around after a difficult spell with Manchester City.
List of Twin Cities events canceled and businesses closed in response to ongoing ICE presence
Twin Cities businesses have been put in a difficult position by the massive federal presence.
Greenlanders ‘don’t want to be Americans’, say political leaders amid Trump threats
Five parties issue joint statement after US president warned it would occupy island ‘the nice way or the more difficult way’
‘We are dealing with criminals": Former imprisoned oil executive on difficulty of doing business in Venezuela
Upcoming live events across Central Coast: Hannibal Buress, Nick Offerman and more
Figuring out plans with friends and/or partners can be difficult. If you’re looking for live music and entertainment, here is a list of upcoming events across the Central Coast.
Rochester Hispanic business owner asks for support during difficult times
Wilber de la Rosa, who owns Tortillas La Mayzteca, wrote an open letter to the Rochester business community asking for support and understanding for local Hispanic residents and businesses.
Tailwind cuts 3 of its 4 engineers, cites 'brutal impact' of AI
Tailwind's CEO said that while AI made the web tool more popular, it also led to cratering revenue and difficulty converting paid users.
The Supreme Court confronts the trans rights movement’s toughest legal battle
Trans advocates would face a difficult road in the sports cases, even if the Court weren’t dominated by Republicans.
Commanders fire coordinators Kliff Kingsbury, Joe Whitt Jr. in sweeping move
The Commanders followed up a breakthrough 2024 with a difficult 2025
Michigan loophole makes it difficult to track utilities’ donations to politicians
Revelation comes as a first-in-the-nation citizen’s ballot initiative to ban donations by utilities picks up steam
A Grip on Sports: The changes battering college football hit too hard, too fast, making it difficult to embrace reforms that should have occurred gradually
A GRIP ON SPORTS • A headline caught my eye this morning. Something about college football. Whether it can be saved. And it hit me. The answer depends on how the person asking the question sees history.
Why Trae Young and flawed stars like him are so difficult to build around
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz won't run for a third term
Walz, Democrats' 2024 candidate for vice president, said in a statement Monday that he believes he would have won another term but decided “that I can’t give a political campaign my all” after what he described as an “extraordinarily difficult year for our state.”
‘This is business as usual’: boss of bombed Ukrainian vodka maker seeks to expand exports
Nemiroff says products still reaching UK chains such as Sainsbury’s and Tesco despite production difficulties
Opinion | Can We Really Afford to Let Health Care Get Any Worse?
With Trump’s health care cuts, I traveled to Ohio, Mississippi and Alabama — and encountered devastated families bracing for even more difficult challenges.
A NATO-Russia war would be bloodier than Ukraine, where 'golden hour' is already gone, officer says
Drones have turned the front line into a kill zone, and made casualty evacuation extremely difficult and dangerous.
Network of presidential business deals
Stating the obvious, the U.S. president has made lucrative business deals while in office. The scale of these deals is more difficult to figure out. For the New York Times, Lazaro Gamio and Amy Sch…
‘A state of crisis’: record number of Americans are pessimistic about US healthcare system
Costs, insurance delays and difficult-to-obtain mental health treatment plague the US health system