California Politics

Business

Disney Board Nears CEO Decision, Parks Chief Josh D’Amaro Emerges as Front-Runner

The Walt Disney Company's board is reportedly finalizing its choice for the next chief executive, with Josh D’Amaro, the chairman of its highly profitable parks and experiences division, poised to take the helm. The decision would conclude a lengthy succession search and mark a pivotal leadership transition for the global entertainment giant.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Oil Prices Slide 3% as U.S.-Iran Tensions Show Signs of Thaw

Crude futures retreated sharply on Monday after weekend comments from U.S. President Donald Trump suggested diplomatic engagement with Iran, easing fears of a military confrontation that had recently buoyed markets.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Japan's Manufacturing Sector Roars Back: PMI Hits 3.5-Year High on Surging Demand

Japan's manufacturing activity expanded at its fastest pace since mid-2022 in January, a key private survey shows, driven by robust domestic and international orders. While the sector's revival is clear, rising input costs and inflation concerns temper the optimism.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Arbor Realty Trust's Tax Break for 2025 Dividends Fails to Ease Deepening Analyst Pessimism

While Arbor Realty Trust offers shareholders clarity on favorable tax treatment for 2025 dividends, analysts remain focused on a deteriorating earnings outlook and a 'Strong Sell' rating, casting doubt on the stock's near-term prospects.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Labour's 'Prince of Darkness' Steps Down Amid Renewed Epstein Scandal

Peter Mandelson, a pivotal figure in the Blair-era Labour Party, has resigned his membership following fresh allegations concerning his ties to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, marking another blow to the party's establishment.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Musk's Weekend Focus: Tesla's Future Hinges on AI Chip Breakthrough, Not Cars

In a revealing moment during Tesla's earnings call, Elon Musk disclosed that his Saturdays are dedicated to the company's next-generation AI5 chip project, signaling a fundamental strategic shift from automaker to vertically integrated AI hardware powerhouse.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Chevron Eyes Major Expansion of Venezuelan Oil Imports Following U.S. License Shift

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth signals the energy giant could significantly ramp up processing of Venezuelan crude at its U.S. refineries, following a pivotal Treasury Department license that eases trade restrictions with Caracas.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

A $750,000 Secret: Tennessee Woman Discovers Husband's Hidden Real Estate Purchase Via Text

A Memphis couple's financial foundation is shaken after the husband secretly buys a high-value investment property, sparking a fierce debate on trust, communication, and 'financial infidelity' in marriage.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Anthropic Secures Major San Francisco Tower in $111M Deal, Signaling AI Sector's Enduring Urban Footprint

The high-flying AI firm, now valued at $183 billion, has leased a 25-story tower in SoMa for a massive expansion, underscoring San Francisco's continued pull as a tech epicenter despite market shifts.

Jan 31, 2026

World

Nationwide Protests Erupt as Federal Immigration Crackdown Sparks Civil Unrest

A wave of protests and student walkouts swept across the United States on Friday, demanding the withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota following fatal shootings, as political tensions threaten a government shutdown.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh for Central Bank's Top Job, Drawing Corporate Applause

Former Federal Reserve Governor Kevin Warsh has been nominated by former President Donald Trump to chair the central bank, a move lauded by business leaders who cite his crisis-era experience and market savvy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bessent Defends 'Trump Accounts' as 'Rainy Day' Savings, Dismisses Wealth Gap Critics as Major Banks Join Initiative

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent champions the new 'Trump Accounts' as a crucial savings tool for future generations, brushing aside concerns they may exacerbate inequality. The program gains momentum with backing from JPMorgan, Bank of America, and high-profile philanthropists.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fed Holds Steady, Mortgage Rates Follow Suit: Housing Market Finds Footing Amid Economic Confidence

The Federal Reserve's decision to maintain its benchmark rate signals underlying economic strength, leaving mortgage rates largely unmoved. While affordability challenges persist, a gradual rebalancing of the market offers cautious optimism for buyers and sellers.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Silicon Valley's AI Giants Pour $51 Million Into Midterm War Chest, Seeking Regulatory Shield

Venture capital titans Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz lead a massive $50.8 million fundraising effort for a new super PAC, 'Leading the Future,' aiming to shape AI-friendly policies in the 2026 elections.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump Declares National Emergency Over Cuba, Threatens Tariffs on Oil Suppliers; Strikes New Trade Deal with Guatemala

The Trump administration has escalated pressure on Cuba by declaring a national emergency and threatening punitive tariffs on countries supplying it with oil, while simultaneously finalizing a reciprocal trade agreement with Guatemala aimed at bolstering Western Hemisphere supply chains.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Altria: A High-Yield Dividend Play Defying Headwinds in a Shifting Market

As interest rates retreat, income investors are revisiting blue-chip dividend stocks. Altria (MO), with its 7.1% yield and decades of payout growth, presents a compelling, if controversial, case for capital preservation and income generation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Pizza Hut Ends a Super Bowl Tradition: No More Pre-Game Ads After Decade-Long Run

In a significant shift from its long-standing marketing playbook, Pizza Hut will not advertise during NBC's Super Bowl pre-game coverage this year, ending a tradition that spanned over a decade. The move comes as the chain undergoes a strategic review and reallocates its ad budget toward other sports and partnerships.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Navigating Market Volatility: One Defensive Stock to Consider, Two to Approach with Caution

In uncertain markets, low-volatility stocks offer comfort but may cap upside potential. We analyze one steady performer and two stocks where stability may signal stagnation, helping investors balance risk and reward.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Amazon Axes Over 500 Jobs in Sacramento as It Shutters Fresh and Go Stores Nationwide

Amazon is closing its cashier-less Fresh and Go grocery stores across the U.S., resulting in more than 500 layoffs in the Sacramento region alone. The tech giant says it will now concentrate its grocery efforts on expanding its Whole Foods Market chain.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Clear Street Boosts Critical Metals Target to $20 on Saudi Rare Earth Venture

Analyst firm Clear Street has raised its price target for Critical Metals Corp. (CRML) to $20, citing a strategic joint venture with a Saudi industrial group to build a rare earth processing facility. The move aims to diversify supply chains away from China and support Western defense needs.

Jan 30, 2026