Public Benefits Fraud

Business

The Hartford Posts Record 2025 Earnings, Driven by Robust Insurance Margins and AI-Powered Growth

The Hartford Financial Services Group reported stellar full-year 2025 results, with core earnings reaching $3.8 billion and a return on equity of 19.4%. Strong performance across Business, Personal, and Employee Benefits insurance segments, coupled with strategic investments in AI and digital capabilities, positions the insurer for sustained market leadership.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

American Express Caps Strong 2025 with Record Revenues, Eyes Sustained Premium Growth in 2026

American Express reported record full-year revenues of $72 billion for 2025, driven by robust card member spending and a strategic shift towards premium products. The company forecasts continued momentum for 2026, targeting 9-10% revenue growth and a significant dividend hike, while navigating a competitive landscape and macroeconomic uncertainties.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Minnesota Timberwolves Urge Unity Amidst Outcry Over ICE-Involved Fatal Shootings

The NBA's Minnesota Timberwolves have released a public statement calling for community solidarity following two separate fatal shootings involving federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, which have sparked protests and renewed debate over immigration enforcement.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Salesforce Secures Major Army AI Contract, Launches Wildfire Tech Venture in Strategic Pivot

Salesforce expands beyond its CRM roots with a landmark $5.6 billion U.S. Army deal and a new joint venture, EMBERPOINT LLC, aiming to apply its AI and cloud platforms to national defense and wildfire response, signaling a major shift into mission-critical public sector infrastructure.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

TD Cowen Initiates Coverage on Constellation Energy with Buy Rating, Sees Upside to $440 on Calpine Synergies

TD Cowen has launched coverage of Constellation Energy (CEG) with an optimistic Buy rating and a $440 price target, highlighting strategic benefits from its recent Calpine acquisition and a favorable outlook for power market dynamics through 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Syrians Protest 'Impossible' Power Bills as Tariffs Soar Amid Economic Collapse

Damascus residents face electricity bills exceeding their monthly incomes after a massive government price hike, sparking rare public protests and deepening the crisis for a war-weary population.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Trump Taps Former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh to Replace Powell, Signaling Push for Aggressive Rate Cuts

President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh, a former Federal Reserve governor and advocate for central bank reform, to chair the Fed, following his sustained public criticism of Jerome Powell's interest rate policy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Where Retirement Dollars Go Further: The Top 10 States for Social Security Payouts

A new analysis reveals significant geographic disparities in Social Security benefits, highlighting how state-level policies and living costs determine the real value of monthly checks for millions of retirees.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Beyond the Hype: Wall Street Eyes Crypto's Infrastructure Winners as Analyst Picks MSTR, COIN, and HOOD

While fintech has streamlined user interfaces, the backbone of finance remains slow. Cryptocurrency's native digital settlement presents a structural shift. Amid regulatory uncertainty, Cantor Fitzgerald identifies three public companies positioned to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the blockchain ecosystem.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Starbucks Shakes Up U.S. Loyalty Landscape with New Three-Tier Rewards Program

Starbucks is overhauling its popular Rewards program for over 35 million U.S. members, introducing a tiered structure (Green, Gold, Reserve) designed to offer faster, more personalized benefits and deeper integration with travel partners.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Afternoon Brief: Measles Outbreak Surges, Ancient Tomb Unearthed, and the Politics of a Caffeine Fix

From a record-breaking public health crisis in South Carolina to a stunning archaeological find in Mexico, here are the major developments you need to know this afternoon, alongside a look at how global politics is reshaping daily life from Havana to your local coffee shop.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Minneapolis Mayor Urges National Coalition Against Federal Immigration Tactics, Warns of Civil Rights Erosion

In a fiery address to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey called on local leaders nationwide to resist what he described as aggressive federal immigration enforcement, arguing such operations undermine public safety and constitutional rights.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Fox News Poll: Democrats Hold Early 6-Point Lead in 2026 Generic Ballot, Fueled by Cost-of-Living Concerns

A new Fox News survey reveals Democrats leading Republicans 52% to 46% in a generic congressional ballot for the 2026 midterms, the highest level of support recorded for either party in this poll series. Voter priorities and sharp partisan divides on key issues shape the early political landscape.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Shein Forced to Revamp Climate Pledges Following German NGO's Legal Challenge

Fast-fashion giant Shein has been compelled to alter its public climate commitments after a German environmental watchdog issued a formal warning over 'misleading' claims. The move highlights growing scrutiny of the industry's environmental footprint.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Sherwin-Williams Navigates 'Softer for Longer' Market to Post Strong Q4, Eyes Modest 2026 Growth

Despite a persistently muted demand environment, Sherwin-Williams reported robust fourth-quarter earnings, driven by cost discipline and strategic acquisitions. The paint giant forecasts low-to-mid single-digit sales growth for 2026 while reinstating employee benefits, signaling cautious optimism amid ongoing economic headwinds.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

The £100k Tax Cliff Edge: How Britain's Stealth Tax Hits High Earners and What They Can Do

A quirk in the UK tax system means those earning between £100,000 and £125,140 face an effective 60% marginal tax rate, while also losing crucial childcare benefits. We examine the growing trap and the financial planning strategies to navigate it.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

L3Harris Declares "Best Year Ever," Charts Course with Missile Unit IPO and Strategic Portfolio Shift

Defense contractor L3Harris Technologies capped off a record 2025 with surging orders and a strategic pivot, announcing plans to take its high-growth Missile Solutions unit public in 2026 while securing a novel $1 billion investment from the Department of War to accelerate production.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Musk's Empire Consolidation: SpaceX Eyes Mergers with Tesla or xAI Ahead of Anticipated IPO

Elon Musk is reportedly exploring a major consolidation of his business empire, with SpaceX considering mergers either with electric vehicle giant Tesla or his artificial intelligence startup xAI, as the space company prepares for a landmark public offering.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

MicroStrategy Doubles Down on Bitcoin Bet, Raising Investor Concerns Over Share Dilution

MicroStrategy has added nearly 3,000 Bitcoins to its corporate treasury, solidifying its lead as the largest public holder of the cryptocurrency. The purchase, funded by new stock sales, intensifies the debate over the company's valuation and the risks of its aggressive Bitcoin accumulation strategy.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

SpaceX Eyes June 2026 for Historic IPO, Potentially Aligning with Celestial Event and Musk's Milestone

SpaceX is reportedly targeting June 2026 for its long-awaited public market debut, with sources suggesting the timing could be synchronized with a rare planetary alignment and CEO Elon Musk's 55th birthday, as the company seeks capital for its ambitious Mars missions.

Jan 30, 2026