Benefit Payments

Business

Uber's Autonomous Ambitions Face Reality Check as New Jersey Ruling Reclassifies Drivers

Uber Technologies is aggressively expanding its autonomous vehicle ecosystem through new partnerships and its AV Labs division, even as a landmark New Jersey court decision threatens to upend its core gig-economy labor model, setting the stage for a pivotal clash between its future vision and present-day regulatory challenges.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

CBO Report: Domestic Troop Deployments in 2025 Nearing $500 Million, With Ongoing Costs Looming

A new Congressional Budget Office analysis reveals the substantial financial burden of deploying National Guard and active-duty troops to several U.S. cities last year, with monthly costs for continued operations running into the tens of millions.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Hunter Biden Seeks Dismissal of Contempt Motion, Argues No Legal Duty to Maintain Ties with Young Daughter

In a new court filing, Hunter Biden's legal team moves to dismiss a contempt motion brought by the mother of his 7-year-old daughter, arguing his relationship with the child is legally irrelevant and denying violations of their 2023 support agreement.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Newcastle's Castle Leazes Secures £274m Revamp, Doubling Student Capacity

A major redevelopment of Newcastle University's Castle Leazes student village is moving forward, with contractor Bowmer + Kirkland appointed to deliver over 2,000 new affordable rooms, replacing 1960s-era facilities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Taiwan's Economy Soars to 15-Year High, Fueled by AI Exports and U.S. Trade Pact

Taiwan's economy surged 8.6% in 2025, its fastest growth since 2010, driven by a global AI boom and a landmark trade agreement with the United States. While analysts project a moderation in 2026, the island's pivotal role in the tech supply chain has delivered record profits for its leading firms.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond HCAHPS: How Real-Time Patient Feedback is Shaping Hospital Performance and Revenue

New analysis from NRC Health reveals that integrating real-time patient sentiment tools like Net Promoter Score with traditional HCAHPS surveys can accelerate improvements in care quality and directly impact Medicare reimbursements under value-based programs.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Pennsylvania Sees Dip in New Jobless Claims as National Labor Market Holds Steady

Initial unemployment filings in Pennsylvania fell last week, contributing to a stable national picture, though sharp swings in other states highlight ongoing regional volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Levi's Beats Earnings Forecasts, But Is Its DTC Push Enough to Justify a Higher Valuation?

Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) posted stronger-than-expected full-year 2025 results, driven by organic growth and a strategic shift towards direct-to-consumer sales. Yet, with a muted stock performance year-to-date, investors are questioning if the iconic denim maker's transformation story is fully priced in.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Axos Financial's Strategic Leap: Verdant Acquisition and AI Drive Fuel Loan Growth and Investor Confidence

Axos Financial's recent acquisition of Verdant Commercial Capital and its deepening investment in artificial intelligence are translating into tangible financial gains, with robust loan growth and surging share prices highlighting the digital bank's evolving strategy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

El Salvador Doubles Down on Gold, Acquires $50 Million in Bullion Amid Global Rush

The Central American nation makes its second major gold purchase in months, fortifying reserves as it balances pioneering Bitcoin bets with traditional safe-haven assets during a period of market volatility.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Real Matters Posts Strong Q1 Growth, Returns to Profitability in Sluggish Mortgage Market

Real Matters Inc. (TSE: REAL) kicked off its 2026 fiscal year with robust double-digit revenue growth and a return to profitability, defying typical seasonal headwinds. The company's performance was fueled by market share gains, new client launches, and improved operational efficiency across its U.S. and Canadian segments.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Whirlpool Navigates a 'Difficult Year,' Eyes Margin Recovery in 2026

Facing headwinds from tariffs, a soft housing market, and intense promotions, Whirlpool reported flat organic revenue for 2025. Executives outlined a plan to improve margins and cash flow in the coming year, banking on pricing normalization and new product launches.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

A £25m Question: Why Is the UK Government Investing in Octopus's 'Powerhouse' Tech Firm?

The UK government's £25m investment in Octopus Energy's Kraken Technologies through the British Business Bank raises critical questions about the use of taxpayer funds to back an already scaled, global, and recently loss-making platform.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

AI Infrastructure Showdown: Can IREN and APLD Sustain Their Meteoric Rise?

Once crypto miners, IREN and Applied Digital have pivoted to AI infrastructure, delivering staggering returns. But as valuations soar, investors face a critical choice between predictable cash flow and high-growth optionality.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Southern Company Extends 78-Year Dividend Streak, Defying Market Volatility

The utility giant Southern Company has declared its latest quarterly dividend, preserving one of corporate America's most remarkable records of shareholder returns. As markets fluctuate, the company's steady income stream and undervalued stock price are drawing renewed attention from long-term investors.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Microsoft's AI Ambitions Fuel Record Cloud Revenue, But Heavy Spending Weighs on Shares

Microsoft posts record cloud and AI-driven revenue for Q2, fueled by new partnerships and its custom AI chip. However, a significant surge in capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and a slight deceleration in Azure growth triggered the stock's worst single-day drop since 2020, testing investor resolve on the long-term payoff.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Unity Integrates Coda for Direct Web Stores, Aiming to Reshape Developer Monetization

Unity Software's new in-app web store integration with Coda could empower developers to bypass traditional marketplace fees, potentially altering the company's revenue streams and addressing its persistent valuation gap amid volatile stock performance.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the FTSE Gloom: Three UK Penny Stocks Poised for Growth in 2026

Amidst broader market volatility, a closer look reveals compelling opportunities in the UK's penny stock arena. We analyze three companies—Accesso Technology, ActiveOps, and Zotefoams—that combine niche market strength with evolving financial narratives for the discerning investor.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SL Green Executives Bullish on NYC Office Rebound, Detail $9.5B Capital Strategy

In its Q4 2025 earnings call, SL Green Realty projected strong fundamentals for Manhattan's office market, citing robust leasing and AI-driven demand. Management reiterated ambitious 2026 financing and asset sale targets while reporting quarterly results that beat expectations.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Private Equity and Sovereign Wealth Funds Profit from UK's Special Educational Needs Crisis

As demand for specialist education soars, private investors—from Abu Dhabi to private equity firms—are capitalizing on a strained system, drawing criticism for extracting profits from vulnerable children and cash-strapped councils.

Jan 30, 2026