SCROLL NEWS / DISCOVERY
Search headlines
Find the stories shaping the conversation.
Results for " Concerns " 2,269 found 🔀 AI-powered Shuffle
Water agencies voice continued concerns about health of Stagecoach Reservoir
Upper Yampa Water Conservancy District, which owns and operates Stagecoach Reservoir, continues to address two major issues regarding the reservoir’s future related to the proposed 6,100-acre Stagecoach Mountain Ranch development — water supply and water...
UAE president met U.S. senator Lindsay Graham in Abu Dhabi after health concerns
Graham, writing on X, said he met the UAE president for an hour and a half and dismissed those “perpetuating false narratives against the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed.”
Boston 25 News
The Foxborough Select Board has yet to approve the entertainment license for this summer’s World Cup games at Gillette Stadium, citing financial concerns.
Blight, affordability, and entertainment topics of conversation for Westside residents at mayor’s town hall
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan met with Westside residents for the second town hall in her ongoing series to hear directly from the community about their concerns. The meeting at Westside High School focused on pressing issues such as trash, homelessness, affordability, and the need for more family-friendly activities.
Parents demand transparency as Benton Elementary health violations raise funding questions
Concerns continue about conditions inside an elementary school in Polk County after a state health inspection uncovered multiple violations, including sewage od
Health concerns after massive raw sewage spill into Potomac River
President Donald Trump comments on the Potomac River sewage leak, and Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel details public health risks on ‘America Reports.’
You can now read Douglas County’s 2025-2028 Community Health Needs Assessment and Public Health Improvement Plan
Over the past year, the Douglas County Health Department (DCHD) engaged residents across the county to better understand their top public health concerns. Your input has now shaped action. The…
2-month-old held at Dilley detention center taken to hospital amid health concerns
A 2-month-old held at an immigration detention center in Dilley was taken to the hospital on Monday night after falling ill, according to the Frio County Sheriff’s Office.
Rising employer-sponsored health insurance rates
Premiums for employer-sponsored insurance are rising faster than inflation, while deductibles are increasing even more rapidly. Because employer-sponsored insurance remains the primary source of health coverage in the U.S., these trends raise serious concerns about affordability and the growing financial strain on both workers and employers.
North Bay business owner says storms now bring constant flood concerns
Indian Health Service to phase out use of mercury dental fillings by 2027
Growing environmental and health concerns about mercury exposure prompted the change announced this month.
Potomac River sewage spill prompts health warnings
Dr. Marc Siegel discusses severe health concerns near the Potomac River in Maryland after a burst pipe released over 240 million gallons of raw sewage.
ByteDance says it's cracking down on AI copyright misuse after Seedance videos go viral
ByteDance is facing scrutiny over Seedance 2.0, an AI video tool creating Hollywood star deepfakes and sparking copyright concerns.
Farm use of PFAS-laden sludge raises health concerns. But, some ask, where else can it go?
A resourceful solution to repurpose waste and nourish farmland, or a poisonous and permanent mistake? Depending on whom you ask, the practice of spreading treated sewage, or sludge, on New Hampshire farmland might be either.
Ban on social media for under-16s is not inevitable, signals technology secretary
Liz Kendall says several organisations have concerns about ban on social media for under-16s before conclusion of government consultation
Concerns over autocracy in the U.S. continue to grow
Is America still a democracy? Scholars tell NPR that after the last year under President Trump, the country has slid closer to autocracy or may already be there.
Roob's Eagles Observations: What everyone is getting wrong about Aaron Moorehead
Why Aaron Moorehead is the least of concerns and more here in Roob’s latest random Eagles observations.
BrewDog could be broken up as craft beer business put up for sale
Brewer last month said it was closing its distilling brands, prompting concerns for jobs at its Scottish facility
Imran Khan to be moved to hospital amid rising health concerns
Reports have emerged that the former Pakistan captain and Prime Minister has lost most of the vision in his right eye | ESPN.com
San Francisco Teachers Win Fully Funded Health Care, Wage Increases After 4-Day Strike
San Francisco’s first teachers strike in nearly 50 years concluded early Friday with a tentative agreement addressing the union’s concerns over health care, salaries and other key issues.
Business Lookahead: Giddy Up
STORY: From bellwether Walmart reporting earnings... to new economic data out of the UK... these are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week.:: The trillion dollar clubFresh off hitting $1 trillion in market value, Walmart posts quarterly results on Thursday.Walmart's report offers a glimpse into consumer spending after recent data showed December U.S. retail sales were unexpectedly flat.A surprisingly strong employment report for January eased some concerns about economic weakening.Economic reports in the coming week include the advance reading of fourth-quarter GDP, a monthly consumer sentiment survey, and the personal consumption expenditures price index, a key inflation measure.:: Heavy metalsEurope's four largest mining companies report earnings in the coming week.Copper, gold, silver and other precious metals all recently hit records - but the January rally has given way to a sharp February sell-off.Last month's rally boosted the market values of Rio Tinto, Glencore, Anglo American and Antofagasta.Their earnings will test whether the momentum can be sustained.:: UK economic data UK labor market data and inflation readings will provide fresh fodder for markets, even though investors are still digesting the fallout from the recent government instability.Labor market numbers due on Tuesday will show if a gradual cooling of wage growth has continued.Then, January inflation data comes Wednesday.The political turmoil has set a tense backdrop, leaving markets highly sensitive to data swings. Fitch is also due to review its UK rating on Friday.
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.
Asia shares mostly lower after sharp Wall Street losses on AI-related worries
Asian markets are mostly lower after a tech sell-off on Wall Street over investor concerns on AI disruptions.
ABC Board grants permanent liquor license for Plank Road business despite community concerns
A months-long debate over a new liquor license on Plank Road has come to an end, but not everyone agrees with the decision.
Grays Ferry fire prompts air quality warning, health officials urge precautions
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health is investigating air quality concerns following a large smoke-producing fire in the Gray’s Ferry area and is advising residents to take precautions.
Crypto Super PAC Targets Al Green, a Texas Democrat Who Voiced Concerns
A crypto-backed super PAC plans to spend $1.5 million against Mr. Green, a member of the House Financial Services Committee who has expressed concerns about cryptocurrency.
Trump, 79, Sparks Health Concerns With Bizarre Slurring
The president went off script in a strange moment caught on camera.
US FDA declines Moderna flu vaccine review amid vaccine guidance rollback
CEO Stephane Bancel said the letter refusing review did not cite 'any safety or efficacy concerns'.
Activist investor Elliott builds up stake in London Stock Exchange Group
US firm held talks with LSEG to push performance at time of reduced listings and AI concerns
CVS Health Q4 Earnings Call Highlights
CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) highlighted what executives described as a year of operational and financial progress during the company’s fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, while also addressing industry cost pressures, Medicare Advantage funding concerns, and the evolving regulatory backdrop for pharmacy be
Residents raise health concerns at Northeast Houston apartment complex
Residents at Houston’s Drysdale Village Apartments are calling for urgent repairs and health inspections following reports of severe rodent infestations, mold, and raw sewage leaks at the complex.
Rock The Country festival defends patriotic message after artists exit, 'loving America isn't political'
Kid Rock's Rock The Country festival canceled Anderson stop after Shinedown and multiple other artists withdrew over political division concerns.
Private credit worries resurface in $3 trillion market as AI pressures software firms
Artificial intelligence is adding a new layer of uncertainty to the private credit industry, raising concerns that some lenders may face rising defaults.
Concerns grow over Nancy Guthrie’s health as search nears 9th day
Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel discusses the search for Nancy Guthrie and how data from her pacemaker provided key timeline clues on ‘Sunday Night in America.’
Oil drops more than 1% as concerns about possible US-Iran conflict ease
Oil prices dropped more than 1% at Monday's open as concerns about a possible conflict in the Middle East between the U.S. and Iran eased after both countries finished a round of talks on Friday.
NASA's Artemis II Spacesuits Still Have One Big Problem, According To Former Astronauts
Space exploration experts have expressed concerns over the Artemis II spacesuits that will be worn by astronauts for NASA's missions, particularly its heft.
Minnesota physician groups call for health care protections as condition of DHS funding
Minnesota physician advocacy groups are raising concerns over reports of unsanitary conditions and a lack of medical care for detainees at ICE facilities.
On Harvey Elliott, the Business of Sport, and Loyalty
Liverpool are a club that, for the big spending that took place over the summer, look a bit light given a string of injuries across different departments of the first team. While the biggest concerns are on the defensive end, with right-back and center-back being particularly light with injuries to Conor Bradley, Jeremie Frimpong, and […]
Are peptides the fountain of youth? Doctors warn hype may outpace science
Peptide therapy gains popularity as an alleged anti-aging solution, but health experts warn of significant limitations and serious safety concerns.
Super Bowl Sunday drives record sports betting, sparks concerns among lawmakers
Experts project more than $1.7 billion in legal wagers as lawmakers push for stronger regulations.
Are sports cards in another ‘junk wax era’? What the numbers tell us
There are growing concerns among collectors around rising print runs, but how do they compare to the most overprinted era?
Kelly Osbourne's Weight Loss Raises Health Concerns As Photos Of Her 'Giant' Hands Go Viral
Twisted Sister cancels reunion as Dee Snider announces health issues
"I'd rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self," says Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider as he acknowledged health concerns.
Twisted Sister cancels reunion as Dee Snider announces health issues
"I'd rather walk away than be a shadow of my former self," says Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider as he acknowledged health concerns.
Business Lookahead: Near, far, wherever markets are
STORY: From Japan's snap election to key U.S. data, these are the stories to watch in business and finance in the coming week. :: Japan votesJapan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is hoping for a stronger mandate as voters head to the polls on Sunday.The closely-watched lower house election is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years.A strong showing by Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party would allow her to expand stimulus.That could heighten concerns about Japan's finances and push up government bond yields further in a selloff that could ripple out overseas.:: AI winners and losersCisco Systems and Germany's Siemens Energy report earnings on Wednesday.They've benefited from the AI boom in different ways, but now Barclays says that trade is "seeing extreme dispersion."That’s been evident in sliding software and data analytics stocks, which have plunged as traders focus on the existential threat posed by increasingly powerful AI models.AI enablers, companies contributing to the global AI data center build-out, meanwhile, have fared better. :: Delayed data dumpA double dose of major U.S. economic reports should give investors a critical view of the economy, following a delay by the recently ended three-day government shutdown.The January non-farm payrolls report, now due on Wednesday, is expected to show an increase of 70,000 jobs, according to a Reuters poll. Then, on Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics is set to release the January consumer price index, one of the most closely watched measures of inflation.
States’ mistrust of Trump’s fraud crusade could hinder fight against foreign influence in elections, federal officials fear
State and local election administrators’ growing suspicion of the Trump administration’s motives has triggered concerns among some federal officials that distrust of even routine moves by the FBI could hinder cooperation with states and give an opening for US adversaries trying to influence elections.
Bondi dismisses concerns over Gabbard's role in FBI search of Georgia election hub
Attorney General Pam Bondi says she’s not worried about the involvement of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard in an FBI search of a Georgia election office
Saudi Pro League issues firm response to Cristiano Ronaldo
Saudi Pro League issues firm response to Cristiano RonaldoThe Saudi Pro League has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo's concerns regarding the management of the PIF fund and its impact on Al Nassr. The Po...
Concerns about health care costs after Affordable Care Act tax credits expire
Game Over: How NIL could reshape Mississippi high school sports
Some coaches and the MHSAA raise their concerns regarding an introduced bill allowing NIL in Mississippi high schools.
International science cooperation must go on, say research leaders
Science leaders in Europe and Canada say international cooperation must go on amid geopolitical turmoil. At the same time, Europe and like-minded countries should continue to enhance and diversify international partnerships, a Science|Business conference hears. Hugh Brady, president of Imperial College London, told delegates that Europe’s response to the current geopolitical climate should be to “diversify in terms of research partnerships and build resilience and scale into our own system.”A first priority should be for the EU to sort out the scope of the upcoming European Competitiveness Fund and ensure that, together with the next iteration of Horizon Europe, it can drive the development and scale up of new technologies. The EU and the countries associated to the Horizon Europe programme represent “the world's most successful research innovation ecosystem,” Brady said. In order to mitigate the negative effects of shifting geopolitics, the EU together with the UK, Switzerland, Canada, South Korea and others should talk about “building resilience” and address their own “regional needs,” he added. Responding to TrumpUnder Donald Trump’s leadership, the US government has slashed science budgets and shut down international research programmes. Nearly 8,000 grants at the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation have been frozen or terminated. Courts have overturned most of these cancellations, but the disruption caused remains significant. While Europe may persuade a few thousand disgruntled scientists to move across the ocean to work on topics that have been de-funded in the US, it’s unclear what should happen next with transatlantic scientific cooperation more broadly.“Now is the time for us to show [US researchers] our support as much as we can,” Brady said.The European Research Council (ERC), the EU’s basic science funder, has seen a surge in applicants from the US. According its latest data, US-based researchers submitted 347 proposals to the last three big funding rounds, up from 158 in the previous set of calls. The European Commission has also launched a €22.5 million pilot call in 2025 for the Marie Skłodowska Curie Actions, the EU’s researcher training scheme. It plans to extend this support with a €51.25 million call in 2027 as part of the Choose Europe initiative, which is intended to make the continent a more attractive place to pursue a career in research. Related articlesData corner: US researchers are choosing EuropeEU-India deal highlights growing alignment on technology policyMeanwhile, in the private non-profit sector, the Volkswagen Foundation is experimenting with a new type of grant that would allow US researchers to split their time between the US and Germany. While these schemes are useful, Europe should not bet on an exodus of scientists from the US. “The idea that we might all see them flocking over to Europe is naïve and counterproductive,” said Maria Leptin, president of the ERC, also speaking at the Science|Business conference on February 5. “We need research in the US to be as healthy as possible. I really admire those who are staying there with a will to fight and an optimism that the world will turn into a better place again,” Leptin said. Preserving dataDespite political disruption, academics have found ways to continue cooperating and sharing research data. Leslie Weir, president of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions and Canada’s national librarian, said the US cuts have raised concerns about research data security, after ideologically sensitive databases were limited or deleted by the Trump administration. But international organisations teamed up to ensure that the data is not lost. “It's interesting to see that researchers and libraries across North America are collaborating to make sure that data at risk is duplicated elsewhere outside [the US],” Weir said.
Decatur schools launch new security measures and mental health support for students
In response to rising concerns over school safety, Decatur City Schools is rolling out a new 24/7 reporting system and expanding mental health services for students.
How Americans' top concerns compare to over 100 other countries, according to Gallup
New international polling from Gallup shows that Americans are exceptionally anxious about their political system
Dickens touts World Cup business help, addresses ICE concerns
Atlanta launches “Showcase Atlanta” to help small businesses prep for World Cup. Mayor Dickens responds to question about ICE presence.
How the Trump Administration’s Embrace of Oil, Gas, and Chemical Industry Interests Will Endanger Children’s Health
The Trump administration’s actions to eliminate lifesaving environmental protections would allow corporate polluters to emit more toxins and chemicals, exposing more than 2 million kids to pollutants that increase the likelihood of lifelong health concerns—such as asthma, autism, ADHD, and cancer—while undercutting the administration’s own “Make America Healthy Again” agenda.
These Central Florida restaurants were closed down last week over health concerns
Last week, five more eateries across Central Florida were forced to close after a visit from a health inspector, according to state records.
Trillion-dollar question for AI business models
Investments in AI companies have surged, but profitability remains out of reach for many, prompting concerns about future business models.
Nintendo shares sink 10% as gaming giant faces memory shortage concerns
Nintendo fell over 10% in Asia trade as the gaming giant faces headwinds from an unprecedented memory shortage.
Nintendo Shares Plunge 10% After Weak Profit Spurs Margin Fears
Nintendo Co.’s shares slid their most in 18 months after the company reported disappointing earnings, revealing a big hit to margins while concerns grow about the impact of soaring memory chip prices in 2026.
Exposure to low-credibility online health content is limited and is concentrated among older adults
Nature Aging - Concerns over health misinformation online are becoming increasingly important. Here the authors show that older adults are more likely than younger people to encounter...
Measles outbreak at Texas detention center raises health concerns
DILLEY, Texas - Serious concerns have emerged about public health at the South Texas Residential Center in Dilley, where families are still being transferred de
Amazon's Ring Wants to Wash Away Your Surveillance Concerns With Lost Puppies
Every technology has positives and negatives.
AHCCCS Director steps down citing personal health concerns
The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) Director, Virginia “Ginny" Rountree, has resigned after just months of being appointed to her position by Gov. Katie Hobbs.
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
Legendary Musician ‘Thinking Twice’ About Touring In Trump’s America: ‘Too Dangerous’
The guitarist expressed his concerns about performing on U.S. concert stages in a new interview.
Portland businesses closing Friday for 'National Shutdown' strike amid federal immigration concerns
Multiple businesses and restaurants across Portland are expected to close Friday, Jan. 30, in solidarity with a “National Shutdown” strike responding to growing concerns over federal immigration enforcement nationwide. The […]
Health care and academic workers share concerns over halt to H-1B visas in Texas
Since Houston is home to the world's largest medical center, ABC13 wanted to know how Gov. Greg Abbott's directive could affect operations.
I have 5 major concerns about Google's Android desktop OS
A leaked screen recording showed off what Google's Android desktop OS (Aluminium OS) will look like, and it's very concerning for any Chrome OS user.
U.S. health officials monitor deadly virus
Authorities in India have confirmed two cases of nipah virus, often carried by fruit bats. The CDC says it is monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist as needed. NBC News’ Raf Sanchez has more.
Floods push crocodiles into Mozambican towns as health concerns rise
Floods in Mozambique have led to a new threat. Crocodiles are appearing in submerged towns and have killed at least three people. Torrential rains and severe flooding over the past month have killed more than 100 people in Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Thousands of homes have been destr...
Meta Says Revenue to Beat Estimates, Supporting AI Spending
Meta Platforms Inc.’s better-than-expected sales outlook helped ease Wall Street concerns about plans for unprecedented spending on artificial intelligence this year.
Viral Moltbot AI assistant raises concerns over data security
Security researchers are warning of insecure deployments in enterprise environments of the Moltbot (formerly Clawdbot) AI assistant, which can lead to leaking API keys, OAuth tokens, conversation history, and credentials.
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
Tear gas causes health concerns for Twin Cities residents
Federal agents are regularly using chemical irritants like tear gas in attempts to disperse protesters and observers in the Twin Cities. Medical experts say there’s a lot of uncertainty about the health impacts of those chemicals.
Max Scherzer Predicted To Surprisingly Land With New AL Team
Max Scherzer’s free agency could extend into the season, per reports, as teams weigh his veteran presence against durability concerns. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer pointed to the Kansas City Royals as a compelling surprise option. “According to Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, the latest on Max Scherzer is that he could […]
Noah Donohoe Inquest: No reason for mental health concerns
Charlie Rocks described Noah as a "best friend" who was "the smartest kid".
Immigration enforcement drives health concerns in CT
CT residents who fear they or a loved one could be deported say they are facing mounting mental and physical health problems.
For Britain, China remains a ‘threat’ – but one worth doing business with
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is the first British leader to travel to China in eight years, on a trip dominated by questions over global trade and security concerns.
Clay Yarborough's 'medical freedom' bill clears first Senate hurdle, despite concerns
Vaccines and ivermectin were hot topics ahead of the vote.
Why Is the Trump Administration Demanding Minnesota’s Voter Rolls?
The Justice Department has urged Minnesota to hand over voters’ private data. It is part of a national push that has raised concerns about the Trump administration’s motives.
Support strong for Stacy Garrity in Bradford County, but national economic concerns loom
BRADFORD COUNTY, Pa. — Dick Harris, chairman of the Bradford County Republican Party, met Stacy Garrity about five years ago during her first run...
Denver mother fed up over health and safety concerns at luxury apartment complex
Outrage at European science center as director fired after study on glyphosate
A leading European chemical safety institute has fired the director of its cancer research center after the director launched an extensive testing program into the safety of the pesticide glyphosate, sparking concerns about chemical industry influence into what has been an independent research institution.
A Look At Flutter Entertainment’s Valuation As Downgrades And UK Regulatory Shifts Weigh On Sentiment
Why Flutter Entertainment’s boardroom and regulatory news matters for shareholders Flutter Entertainment (FLUT) has been under pressure recently, with the stock down about 20% over the past month and roughly 28% over the past 3 months, against a backdrop of changing analyst sentiment. Several banks and brokers have reassessed their views, with a string of downgrades and lower price targets highlighting concerns around short term headwinds. At the same time, UK regulatory developments and a...
Trump privately frustrated that he risks losing control of immigration message amid Minnesota chaos
The ongoing protests and images coming out of Minnesota have prompted concerns from some Trump administration officials over the optics of the immigration crackdown as Americans grow alarmed by the chaotic scenes unfolding in the state.
Floods push crocodiles into Mozambican towns as health concerns rise
Authorities in the Mozambican town of Xai-Xai are warning of crocodile risks as floodwaters spread.
Vaccine Panel Chair Says Polio and Other Shots Should Be Optional, Rejecting Decades of Science
Dr. Kirk Milhoan, a pediatric cardiologist who leads the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, said a person’s right to refuse a vaccine outweighed concerns about illness or death from infectious diseases.
Floods push crocodiles into Mozambican towns as health concerns rise
Floods in Mozambique have led to a new threat.
Floods Push Crocodiles Into Mozambican Towns as Health Concerns Rise
HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — As floods ravage Mozambique, crocodiles are appearing in submerged towns and responsible for at least three deaths. In the town of Xai-Xai, the provincial capital of Gaza province and one of the worst-affected areas in the country’s south, authorities have warned residents of ...
US business activity stable in January; price pressures persist
U.S. business activity was steady in January as an improvement in new orders was offset by a lackluster labor market and lingering concerns among firms over higher costs because of import tariffs, a survey showed on Friday.
Health system size impacts AI privacy and security concerns
Administrators at larger health systems are more concerned about data and privacy violations, according to a new survey on shadow AI in healthcare.
Advocacy group urges immigration policy overhaul to protect Texas children's mental health
An advocacy group, Children at Risk, raised concerns on Wednesday about a mental health crisis among Texas children, attributing it to immigration enforcement p
Jackson residents, business owners raise concerns over grocery access at special council meeting
Residents, advocates and owners warn closures are worsening food deserts and health outcomes
U.S. Finalizes Deal With TikTok For Control Of App’s American Business
The deal avoids the threat of the popular app being banned in the U.S. over national security concerns.
U.S. severs ties with WHO, raising concerns about flu epidemics
Health officials haven't committed to an upcoming meeting with the World Health Organization that will select flu strains for next season's shots.
Will PENN Entertainment's (PENN) Leadership and Tech Shake-Up Redefine Its Integrated Gaming Narrative?
PENN Entertainment recently announced an overhaul of its corporate leadership and technology structure, aiming to cut overheads, streamline decision-making, and more tightly integrate its digital wagering and brick‑and‑mortar casino operations. The company’s focus on eliminating duplicative executive roles and tightening cost controls highlights management’s attempt to address efficiency concerns amid mixed earnings expectations and industry views. Next, we’ll examine how PENN...
Why changing transfer portal window won't stop agents from tampering
The transfer portal window for college basketball is moving and shrinking. But coaches like Jeff Walz and Carly Thibault-DuDonis still have concerns.