Side Hustles

World

New Epstein Document Dump Reveals Commerce Secretary Lutnick's Island Lunch, Contradicting Past Claims

A massive release of Jeffrey Epstein-related documents by the Justice Department includes emails showing Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick planned a 2012 lunch on the financier's private island, despite previous assertions he had severed ties. The files also contain communications involving Donald Trump and Elon Musk, fueling ongoing political and legal scrutiny.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Sector: Exxon, Chevron Signal Cautious Interest Amid Political Shifts

U.S. oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron hinted at a potential future role in Venezuela's energy revival during earnings calls, emphasizing the need for legal stability and clearer political outcomes before any major commitments. While sanctions ease and new legislation emerges, the path to significant investment remains long and fraught with uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Markets Slip as Trump's Fed Chair Pick Stokes Policy Uncertainty

U.S. stocks extended losses into a third session as investors weighed the potential implications of Kevin Warsh's nomination to lead the Federal Reserve, capping a volatile week of trading.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Scarcity and Sunsets: How Key West Defies Market Trends to Become a Perennial Luxury Stronghold

Realtor.com ranks the Florida Keys among the nation's top luxury markets, where strict development limits and finite land create a high-stakes arena for elite buyers seeking a unique legacy, not just a second home.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Apple's Earnings Spotlight Memory Crunch, Fueling Optimism for Chipmaker Micron

Apple's record-breaking quarter highlighted a persistent memory chip shortage, driven by AI demand. This dynamic is creating a powerful tailwind for U.S.-based memory leader Micron Technology, with industry commentary suggesting the upcycle has further to run.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Pinnacle Financial Partners: A Post-Merger Rebound Story Taking Shape for 2026

Despite a 20% slide following its merger with Synovus, Pinnacle Financial Partners (PNFP) now trades at a valuation that may fully price in the risks. With significant cost and revenue synergies on the horizon, analysts see a clear path for earnings growth and a potential re-rating of the stock by 2026.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Tesla Discloses 1.1 Million Active FSD Subscribers as It Pivots to Subscription-Only Model

In a landmark disclosure during its Q4 earnings call, Tesla has revealed it now has 1.1 million active Full Self-Driving (FSD) subscribers worldwide. The announcement comes as the company prepares to shift exclusively to a monthly subscription model, a strategic move tied to Elon Musk's ambitious goal of reaching 10 million active users.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela Opens Oil Sector to U.S. Investment After Sanctions Ease and Legal Overhaul

A dual shift in U.S. sanctions and Venezuelan oil law is unlocking the country's vast reserves for American companies, marking a potential turning point after decades of nationalization and economic isolation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Houston Giants Diverge on Venezuela as Profits Slump: Chevron Bets Big, Exxon Stays Out

Amid a sharp drop in annual profits, Chevron and Exxon Mobil chart starkly different courses on Venezuela's oil potential, highlighting the industry's split response to geopolitical risk and economic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Bitwise CIO Projects Bitcoin Could Reach $6.5 Million in Two Decades, Citing Institutionalization and Monetary Shifts

Following a turbulent 2025, Bitwise Chief Investment Officer Matt Hougan anticipates a period of consolidation for Bitcoin, driven by growing institutional adoption and nascent central bank interest, which he believes lays the groundwork for an unprecedented long-term valuation.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

GameStop's $100 Billion Gamble: CEO Ryan Cohen Bets Big on Transformative Acquisition

Five years after its meme-stock frenzy, GameStop is aiming for a colossal acquisition to transform its business. CEO Ryan Cohen could earn a $35 billion payday if he succeeds in reaching a $100 billion market cap—a goal experts call wildly ambitious.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Powell's Parting Advice: Navigating Politics and Policy as Warsh Prepares to Steer the Fed

As Jerome Powell prepares to hand over the reins, his public counsel to a successor underscores the delicate balance between central bank independence and democratic accountability. With Kevin Warsh named as his replacement, the Fed may be poised for a significant shift in philosophy and approach.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Panera, Krispy Kreme Face Legal Fallout Amid Surging Wave of Data Breaches

Panera Bread confirms a second major data security incident in two years, while Krispy Kreme agrees to a $1.6 million settlement over a 2024 breach, as the foodservice industry grapples with escalating cyber threats and consumer lawsuits.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Grid Under Pressure: PJM Charts New Path to Power Data Center Boom Amid Supply Chain Woes

As a surge in data center demand strains the PJM Interconnection grid, planners unveil a strategy to fast-track connections while wrestling with supply chain delays that threaten to outpace new power generation. Experts warn of a looming mismatch between market promises and construction realities.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Earnings Season Showdown: How Tech Giants Are Funding the AI Arms Race

This week's Big Tech earnings revealed a stark divide: companies using existing cash cows to fund AI ambitions versus those betting the farm on a future payoff. The market's patience for visionary spending is wearing thin, demanding concrete timelines and a path to profit.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Leadership Reshuffle: Sustainability and Branding Experts Take Key Roles Across Apparel Sector

The U.S. Cotton Trust Protocol strengthens its executive team with two co-directors, while Arc'teryx creates a chief brand officer role, highlighting a strategic focus on traceability and consumer experience in a competitive market.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Australis Oil & Gas Valuation: Is the ASX-Listed Explorer Trading at Fair Value?

A discounted cash flow analysis suggests Australis Oil & Gas (ASX:ATS) shares may be trading close to their intrinsic value. We examine the model's assumptions and the broader context for the energy junior.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Precious Metals Plunge: Gold Tumbles Below $4,900, Silver Crashes 25% in Historic Sell-Off

Gold and silver futures suffered a dramatic reversal Friday, erasing significant gains from a massive rally. The sharp decline coincided with broader market jitters and a key Federal Reserve nomination.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Stock Yards Bank Signals Confidence with $25 Million Share Buyback

The Louisville-based regional bank's significant purchase of its own stock highlights internal optimism amid a shifting interest rate landscape, even as it trimmed holdings in tech giants.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Texas Energy Jobs Bounce Back in December, Fueling State's Record Employment Surge

After a November dip, Texas's upstream oil and gas sector added 2,000 jobs in December, contributing to the state's record-breaking employment figures and underscoring the industry's pivotal role in the Texan economy and tax base.

Jan 30, 2026